An automatic unloading and box withdrawing method suitable for AGV

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of automatic material dumping and box withdrawing method suitable for AGV car, which adopts the material dumping and box withdrawing structure including material box dumping mechanism, empty box conveying belt being arranged below material box dumping mechanism, material box transfer mechanism capable of transferring material box between material box dumping mechanism and empty box conveying belt, and comprising the following steps: S1, dumping material;S2, exit empty box.The present application realizes AGV car automatic turnover material box to dump bar material on one hand, turnover is stable, ensures that bar material is all fallen on feeding platform, reduces labor intensity and manpower cost;On the other hand, it realizes automatic empty box withdrawal, to facilitate AGV car to carry out next feeding action in time, effectively improves production efficiency;At the same time, opening direction is unchanged when empty box is withdrawn, to facilitate next material preparation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202111353140.3, filed on November 16, 2021, entitled "An Automatic Feeding Method Applicable to AGV Carts". Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of material feeding technology, specifically relating to an automatic material unloading and box return method suitable for AGV trolleys. Background Technology

[0003] Centerless grinding, also known as centerless milling, is a type of grinding process. Existing centerless grinding machines generally have two grinding wheels: a guide wheel and a grinding wheel. The guide wheel drives the cylindrical workpiece to rotate on a shim, while the grinding wheel performs the grinding action on the workpiece.

[0004] Currently, in order to ensure stable and continuous production, it is necessary to ensure that the feeding platform of the centerless grinder has sufficient bar stock. In other words, workers need to pay attention to the remaining bar stock on the feeding platform in a timely manner. If there is a shortage, the bar stock needs to be replenished in time. Moreover, since the material box filled with bar stock is very heavy, it is obviously impractical to carry it from the preparation area to the grinder manually. Therefore, companies generally use AGV carts to transport the material box between the preparation area and the grinder.

[0005] However, existing AGVs are prone to the following technical problems:

[0006] 1. It can only transport the material box to the centerless grinder. In the actual production process, workers still need to take the heavy material box off the AGV trolley and pour the bar stock onto the feeding platform of the centerless grinder. This is labor-intensive and has high labor costs.

[0007] 2. In order for the AGV to perform the next feeding action, workers need to pay attention to the feeding status of the AGV and remove empty boxes in time. This not only increases labor costs, but also reduces feeding efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a brand-new automatic unloading and box return method suitable for AGV trolleys.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] An automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys, comprising a frame, a box unloading mechanism, an empty box conveyor belt located below the box unloading mechanism, and a box transfer mechanism capable of transferring boxes between the box unloading mechanism and the empty box conveyor belt, and including the following steps:

[0011] S1, Pouring Material

[0012] First, the AGV moves the hopper to above the feeding platform of the centerless grinder. Then, it closes the opening of the hopper and flips it so that the opening faces down. Finally, it opens the opening of the hopper so that the bar stock rolls from the opening onto the feeding platform.

[0013] S2, Exit empty container

[0014] After emptying the bar stock, the empty box is flipped over so that the opening of the empty box faces the same direction as before flipping, and then the empty box is transferred out.

[0015] According to a specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the present invention, the unloading and box-returning structure includes a frame, a box unloading mechanism, an empty box conveyor belt disposed below the box unloading mechanism, and a box transfer mechanism capable of transferring boxes between the box unloading mechanism and the empty box conveyor belt. The box unloading mechanism includes a box moving unit and a box tilting unit. The box moving unit includes a movable seat movably disposed on the frame and a first drive assembly connected to the movable seat. A tilting area for tilting the box is formed on the movable seat. The box tilting unit includes a tilting seat, a second drive assembly, and a gate assembly. The components include a tilting seat rotatably connected within the tilting area and forming a positioning cavity for positioning the material box, and a discharge port on the tilting seat that is opposite to the opening of the material box in the positioning cavity. A second drive assembly is connected to the tilting seat and drives the tilting seat to tilt. A gate assembly is adjustablely positioned at the discharge port. When the material box is tilted to the unloading state, the gate assembly opens the discharge port, the material box resets, and the gate assembly closes the discharge port. The material box transfer mechanism includes a transfer seat, a transfer conveyor belt mounted on the transfer seat, and a third drive assembly, wherein the third drive assembly drives the transfer seat to move up and down.

[0016] Preferably, the unloading and box-returning structure also includes a box conveyor belt, and the box transfer mechanism can transfer the box between the box conveyor belt, the box unloading mechanism, and the empty box conveyor belt.

[0017] Preferably, the material box conveyor belt and the empty box conveyor belt are arranged parallel to each other vertically, and the output end of the material box conveyor belt and the receiving end of the empty box conveyor belt are located on the same side.

[0018] Specifically, the material box conveyor belt and the empty box conveyor belt have the same structure. The material box conveyor belt includes a horizontally arranged conveyor roller and two first guide plates respectively arranged on both sides of the conveyor roller. The material box passes through the two first guide plates along the conveyor roller.

[0019] According to another specific embodiment and preferred aspect of the present invention, the frame includes two side supports located on both sides, a horizontal support arranged between the two side supports, and a first guide rail fixedly arranged at the bottom of the horizontal support. The first guide rail is arranged parallel to the material box conveyor belt. A movable seat is slidably connected to the first guide rail, and a first drive assembly drives the movable seat to reciprocate along the first guide rail. This ensures stable movement of the movable seat and improves transmission reliability.

[0020] Preferably, the tilting seat includes two side plates rotatably connected to a movable seat via a rotating shaft, a top plate and a bottom plate horizontally disposed between the two side plates, a limiting plate connected between the two side plates and perpendicular to the top and bottom plates, and a second guide plate disposed on the limiting plate. A positioning cavity is formed between the two side plates, the top plate, the bottom plate, and the limiting plate. The positioning cavity is open on the side away from the limiting plate, forming an inlet. The material box moves laterally from the material box conveyor belt through the inlet and enters the positioning cavity. A discharge port is formed between the top plate and the limiting plate, spaced apart. The second guide plate extends outward from the discharge port side. This facilitates the material box entering the positioning cavity; simultaneously, the limiting plate prevents the material box from falling during tilting, improving equipment safety.

[0021] Preferably, the gate assembly includes a gate, a second guide rail fixedly mounted on the top plate, and a drive component connected to the gate. The gate is slidably mounted on the second guide rail. The drive component drives the gate to conform to the inner side of the second guide plate along the second guide rail, closing the discharge port. The drive component also drives the gate to move away from the second guide plate along the second guide rail, opening the discharge port.

[0022] Preferably, the hopper tilting unit further includes a sensing component mounted on the rotating shaft and connected to the gate assembly. The sensing component includes a connecting plate fixedly mounted on the movable base, two sensors fixedly connected to the connecting plate and spaced apart around the corresponding center line of the rotating shaft, and a sensor fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft. During tilting, the sensor rotates from one of the two sensors to the other. This allows for real-time monitoring of the hopper's tilting position, enabling the gate assembly to open and close the discharge port promptly.

[0023] Preferably, there are two base plates, which are respectively connected to the bottom of the two side plates. As the transfer seat moves upward, the transfer conveyor belt can extend between the two base plates and connect with the material box conveyor belt. As the transfer seat moves downward, the transfer conveyor belt can connect with the empty box conveyor belt.

[0024] Due to the implementation of the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0025] This invention enables AGV trolleys to automatically tilt the material box to dump bar stock, ensuring stable tilting and guaranteeing that all bar stock falls onto the feeding platform, thus reducing labor intensity and labor costs. On the other hand, it enables automatic exit of empty boxes, allowing AGV trolleys to promptly perform the next feeding action, effectively improving production efficiency. At the same time, the opening orientation remains unchanged when the empty box exits, facilitating the next material preparation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AGV vehicle of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the AGV vehicle of the present invention (from another perspective);

[0028] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the AGV vehicle of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Right view schematic diagram (the transfer conveyor belt connects to the material box conveyor belt);

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Right view schematic diagram (the transfer conveyor belt connects to the empty container conveyor belt);

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the material unloading mechanism of the middle hopper;

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the material feeding mechanism in the middle hopper (another perspective);

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Enlarged right view of the material unloading mechanism of the middle hopper;

[0034] Where: X, material bin;

[0035] 1. Walking mechanism; 10. Support rod; 11. Roller; 12. Housing;

[0036] 2. Working platform; q1. Material box transfer area; q2. Material box unloading area; q3. Empty box exit area;

[0037] 3. Frame; 30. Support frame; 300. Upper bracket; a0. Upper support platform; a1. Upper mounting base; 301. Lower bracket; b0. Lower support platform; b1. Lower mounting base; 31. Side bracket; 32. Horizontal bracket; g1. First guide rail;

[0038] 4. Material box conveyor belt; 40. Conveyor roller conveyor; 400. Conveyor roller; 41. Power unit; 410. Sprocket; 411. Circular transmission chain; 42. First guide plate;

[0039] 5. Material bin unloading mechanism; 50. Material bin moving unit; 500. Moving seat; c0. Seat body; h1. First slider; c1. Split body; q4. Tilting area; 501. First drive assembly; d0. Lead screw; d1. First mating part; d2. First motor; 51. Material bin tilting unit; 510. Tilting seat; q5. Positioning cavity; k1. Discharge port; k2. Inlet; e0. Side plate; s. Rotating shaft; e1. Top plate; e2. 0. Slide; e2. Base plate; e3. Limiting plate; e4. Second guide plate; 511. Second drive assembly; f1. Motor bracket; f2. Second motor; 512. Gate assembly; m0. Gate; g2. Second guide rail; m1. Drive component; m11. Rack; m12. Gear; m13. Third motor; m14. Support base; 513. Sensing assembly; n0. Connecting plate; n1. Sensor; n2. Sensor;

[0040] 6. Empty box conveyor belt;

[0041] 7. Material box transfer mechanism; 70. Transfer seat; h2. Second slider; 71. Transfer conveyor belt; 72. Third drive assembly; 720. Fixing frame; 721. Third guide rail; 722. Power unit; p0. Lead screw; p1. Fourth motor; 73. Synchronous shaft;

[0042] 8. Touchscreen;

[0043] 9. Three-color lamp post. Implementation

[0044] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0045] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" a second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" a second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "above," "below," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible embodiments.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the AGV trolley in this embodiment includes a walking mechanism 1, a working platform 2, a frame 3, a material box conveyor belt 4, a material box unloading mechanism 5, an empty box conveyor belt 6, and a material box transfer mechanism 7.

[0050] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the walking mechanism 1 is used for the AGV trolley to move between the material preparation platform and the centerless grinder. It includes four support rods 10, rollers 11 correspondingly arranged at the bottom of each support rod 10, and a housing 12 covering the outer periphery of the four support rods 10.

[0051] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the working platform 2 is horizontally positioned on top of the traveling mechanism 1, and the working platform 2 has a material box conveying area q1, a material box unloading area q2, and an empty box exit area q3. The material box conveying area q1 and the material box unloading area q2 are aligned, and the material box X moves laterally from the material box conveying area q1 to the material box unloading area q2. The empty box exit area q3 is correspondingly positioned below the material box conveying area q1, and the material box X is conveyed from the material box unloading area q2 to the empty box exit area q3. The opening orientation of the material box X located in the empty box exit area q3 is the same as the opening orientation of the material box X located in the material box conveying area q1.

[0052] In this example, the frame 3 is mounted on the work platform 2 and includes a support frame 30, two side supports 31, and a horizontal support 32 positioned between the tops of the two side supports 31.

[0053] Specifically, the support frame 30 includes an upper support 300 and a lower support 301, wherein the material box conveying area q1 is located on the upper support 300 and the empty box exit area q3 is located on the lower support 301.

[0054] The upper bracket 300 includes an upper support platform a0 and two upper mounting seats a1 fixedly connected to both sides of the upper support platform a0; the lower bracket 301 includes a lower support platform b0 and two lower mounting seats b1 fixedly connected to both sides of the lower support platform b0.

[0055] For ease of implementation, the upper support platform a0 and the lower support platform b0 are integrally molded. This design facilitates the positioning and installation of the upper and lower support platforms when assembling the AGV.

[0056] Specifically, the two side supports 31 are respectively set on both sides of the material box pouring area q2.

[0057] Specifically, there are two horizontal supports 32, which are arranged side by side at intervals along the lateral movement direction of the material box X.

[0058] In this example, the hopper conveyor belt 4 is located in the hopper conveying area q1 and is installed between the two upper mounting seats a1, and the empty hopper conveyor belt 6 is located in the empty hopper exit area q3 and is installed between the two lower mounting seats b1.

[0059] In other words, the material box conveyor belt 4 and the empty box conveyor belt 6 are distributed vertically at intervals, with the material box conveyor belt 4 and the empty box conveyor belt 6 arranged parallel to each other. The output end of the material box conveyor belt 4 and the receiving end of the empty box conveyor belt 6 are located on the same side and aligned vertically. This arrangement results in a reasonable and compact structure, which helps to reduce the size of the AGV and save space.

[0060] Specifically, the material box conveyor belt 4 and the empty box conveyor belt 6 have the same structure but opposite conveying directions. The material box conveyor belt 4 includes a horizontally arranged conveyor roller 40, a power component 41 for driving the conveyor roller 40, and two first guide plates 42 respectively arranged on both sides of the conveyor roller 40.

[0061] The conveyor roller conveyor 40 includes multiple conveyor rollers 400 arranged side by side. The power unit 41 includes a sprocket 410 disposed at one end of each conveyor roller 400 and an annular transmission chain 411 mounted on the upper support platform a0 and matching the sprocket 410. The material box X passes through the two first guide plates 42 along the conveyor roller conveyor 40. This arrangement ensures that the material box is transported smoothly along the conveyor roller conveyor and prevents it from falling.

[0062] Meanwhile, the ends of the two first guide plates 42 are bent to both sides. This arrangement facilitates the entry of the material box into the conveyor roller conveyor.

[0063] In this example, the hopper pouring mechanism 5 is located in the hopper pouring area q2 and installed on the horizontal support 32, and the hopper pouring mechanism 5 includes a hopper moving unit 50 and a hopper flipping unit 51.

[0064] Specifically, the hopper moving unit 50 includes a moving base 500 and a first drive assembly 501.

[0065] Specifically, the movable seat 500 is movably mounted on the horizontal support 32, and the movable seat 500 includes a seat body c0 parallel to the horizontal support 32 and two split bodies c1 connected to both ends of the seat body c0. The two split bodies c1 correspond one-to-one with the two side supports 31, and a flipping area q4 is formed between the seat body c0 and the two split bodies c1.

[0066] For ease of implementation, two first guide rails g1 are connected side-by-side at the bottom of the horizontal support 32. Each first guide rail g1 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the two horizontal supports 32 from both ends and is arranged parallel to the material box conveyor belt 4. Two first sliders h1 are fixedly connected to the seat body c0 and are slidably connected to the corresponding first guide rail g1 through the two first sliders h1. This arrangement ensures stable movement of the moving seat and improves transmission reliability.

[0067] Specifically, the first drive assembly 501 includes a lead screw d0 arranged in parallel between two first guide rails g1, a first mating part d1 sleeved on the lead screw d0, and a first motor d2 connected to the lead screw d0.

[0068] The first motor d2 is fixedly connected to a horizontal support 32, and the output end of the first motor d2 is connected to one end of the lead screw d0 through a belt, driving the lead screw d0 to rotate around its own axis.

[0069] The first mating part d1 is fixedly connected to the seat body c0, and the inner wall of the first mating part d1 is formed with a thread that matches the lead screw d0. As the lead screw d0 rotates, the first mating part d1 drives the seat body c0 to reciprocate along the lead screw d0. With this configuration, the lead screw drive provides stable and reliable transmission.

[0070] Combination Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the bin tilting unit 51 includes a tilting seat 510, a second drive assembly 511, and a gate assembly 512.

[0071] In this example, the tilting seat 510 has a positioning cavity q5 for positioning the material box X, and the tilting seat 510 also has a discharge port k1 that is opposite to the opening of the material box X in the positioning cavity q5. One side of the positioning cavity q5 is open and forms an inlet k2. The AGV trolley transports the material box X from the inlet k2 to the positioning cavity q5 in a horizontal direction. This configuration is simple and facilitates the AGV trolley to transfer the received material box into the positioning cavity.

[0072] Specifically, the tilting seat 510 includes two parallel side plates e0, a top plate e1 and a bottom plate e2 horizontally positioned between the two side plates e0, and a limiting plate e3 connected between the two side plates e0 and perpendicular to the top plate e1 and bottom plate e2. A positioning cavity q5 is formed between the two side plates e0, the top plate e1, the bottom plate e2, and the limiting plate e3, with the inlet k2 positioned opposite to the limiting plate e3. This design, through the obstruction of the limiting plate, prevents the material box from falling during tilting, thus improving equipment safety.

[0073] Specifically, the two side plates e0 are set one-to-one with the two split bodies c1, and each side plate e0 is rotatably connected to the corresponding split body c1 from the middle through the pivot s.

[0074] Specifically, the top plate e1 is fixedly connected to the top of the two side plates e0; there are two bottom plates e2, and the two bottom plates e2 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the two side plates e0 respectively. When the material box X enters the positioning cavity q5, the material box X is erected on the two bottom plates e2 from both sides of the bottom of the box; the limiting plate e3 is fixedly connected to the side of the two side plates e0 away from the entrance k2.

[0075] Meanwhile, a discharge port k1 is formed between the top plate e1 and the limiting plate e3, and the tilting seat 510 also includes a second guide plate e4 disposed on the limiting plate e3. When the material box X is tilted, the bar stock can roll down from the discharge port k1 along the second guide plate e4. This arrangement ensures that the bar stock can fall orderly onto the feeding platform of the centerless grinder.

[0076] Specifically, the second guide plate e4 extends obliquely to the upper left from the top of the limiting plate e3, and when the tilting seat 510 rotates clockwise around the center line of the rotating shaft s to the unloading state, the second guide plate e4 is set parallel to the feeding platform of the centerless grinder (not shown in the figure, but it is not difficult to imagine). This setting buffers the rolling bar stock and avoids damage caused by impact.

[0077] In this example, the second drive assembly 511 includes a motor bracket f1 and a second motor f2. The second motor f2 is located outside a split body c1, and the output shaft of the second motor f2 is fixedly connected to the corresponding rotating shaft s (not shown in the figure, but it is easy to imagine). The motor bracket f1 is fixedly connected to the corresponding split body c1 and sleeved on the output shaft of the second motor f2. This arrangement protects the output shaft.

[0078] In this example, the gate assembly 512 is adjustablely positioned at the discharge port k1, and when the material box X is flipped to the discharge state, the gate assembly 512 opens the discharge port k1. As the material box X is reset, the gate assembly closes the discharge port k1.

[0079] Specifically, the gate assembly 512 includes a gate m0 movably mounted on the top plate e1 and a drive component m1 connected to the gate m0. The drive component m1 drives the gate m0 to fit against the inner side of the second guide plate e4, closing the discharge port k1. Conversely, the drive component m1 drives the gate m0 away from the second guide plate e4, leaving the discharge port k1 open. This configuration effectively prevents the bar stock from falling during the hopper's tilting process, improving the reliability of the equipment.

[0080] The gate m0 is set horizontally, and the width of the gate m0 is greater than the width of the discharge port k1. When one side of the gate m0 abuts against the inner side of the second guide plate e4, the other side is located above the top plate e1.

[0081] For ease of implementation, a second guide rail g2 is fixedly connected to the gate m0. There are two second guide rails g2 arranged side by side along the length of the gate m0, and each second guide rail g2 is perpendicular to the gate m0.

[0082] Meanwhile, a sliding block e10, matching each second guide rail g2, is fixedly connected to the top plate e1. This configuration ensures stable opening and closing of the gate and improves reliability.

[0083] Specifically, the drive component m1 includes a rack m11, a gear m12, and a third motor m13. The rack m11 is fixedly mounted on the top of the gate m0 and extends horizontally along the width direction of the top plate e1. The third motor m13 is fixedly mounted on the top plate e1. The gear m12 is fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the third motor m13 and meshes with the rack m11.

[0084] For ease of implementation, the drive component m1 also includes two support seats m14 fixedly mounted side-by-side on the top plate e1 along the length of the output shaft of the third motor m13. The output shaft of the third motor m13 passes through the two support seats m14 in sequence via bearings, and the gear m12 is located between the two support seats m14. This arrangement improves support and prevents deformation and damage to the output shaft of the third motor.

[0085] In this example, the embodiment also includes a sensing component 513 disposed on the rotating shaft s and connected to the gate assembly 512.

[0086] Specifically, the sensing component 513 includes a connecting plate n0 fixedly mounted on the split body c1 away from the second motor f2, two sensors n1 fixedly connected to the connecting plate n0 and spaced apart around the center line of the corresponding rotating shaft s, and a sensor n2 fixedly mounted on the outer end of the rotating shaft s. The rotating shaft s extends out of the connecting plate n0 from its outer end. When the shaft s rotates, the sensor n2 rotates from one of the two sensors n1 to the other. This configuration allows for real-time monitoring of the rotating position of the hopper, enabling the gate assembly to open and close the discharge port in a timely manner.

[0087] In this example, the hopper transfer mechanism 7 is vertically movable between the conveying end of the hopper conveyor belt 4 and the receiving end of the empty hopper conveyor belt 6. It includes a transfer seat 70, a transfer conveyor belt 71 mounted on the transfer seat 70, and a third drive assembly 72. The third drive assembly 72 drives the transfer seat 70 to move up and down. As the transfer seat 70 moves upward, the transfer conveyor belt 71 extends between the two base plates e2 and connects with the hopper conveyor belt 4. As the transfer seat 70 moves downward, the transfer conveyor belt 71 connects with the empty hopper conveyor belt 6. In other words, with the conveyor rollers and the transfer conveyor belt moving in the same direction, the hopper is transferred from the hopper conveyor belt to the transfer seat; similarly, the hopper can be output from the transfer seat to the empty hopper conveyor belt.

[0088] For ease of implementation, there are two sets of transfer conveyor belts 71 located on both sides, and the material box X is mounted on the two sets of transfer conveyor belts 71 from the bottom sides respectively.

[0089] Meanwhile, the material box transfer mechanism 7 also includes a synchronous shaft 73 connected between the two sets of transfer conveyor belts 71. This configuration allows the material box to be stably mounted on the two sets of transfer conveyor belts; at the same time, it enables synchronous transmission of the two sets of transfer conveyor belts, improving the stability when receiving or outputting the material box.

[0090] In this example, the third drive assembly 72 includes a fixed frame 720 fixedly mounted on the side of the transfer seat 70 away from the material box conveyor belt 4, two third guide rails 721 connected side by side on the fixed frame 720, and a power unit 722.

[0091] Specifically, the transfer seat 30 is slidably connected to the two third guide rails 721 via the second slider h2. This configuration is simple in structure and easy to install and implement.

[0092] Specifically, the power unit 722 includes a lead screw p0 arranged parallel between two third guide rails 721, a fourth motor p1 connected to one end of the lead screw p0, and a second mating component (not shown in the figure, but easily understood) sleeved on the lead screw p0. The fourth motor p1 drives the lead screw p0 to rotate around its own axis via a belt, and the mating component is also fixedly connected to the transfer seat 30 and drives the transfer seat 30 to move up and down. This configuration ensures reliable transmission and facilitates control of the movement of the transfer seat.

[0093] In addition, this embodiment also includes a touch screen 8 fixedly connected to the side bracket 31 for terminal operation, and a three-color light column 9 installed on the horizontal bracket 32 ​​for indicating the working status of the AGV trolley.

[0094] In summary, the implementation process of this embodiment is as follows:

[0095] S1, Material bin transport

[0096] The AGV moves to the material preparation platform, so that the material box conveyor belt 4 is connected to the conveyor track of the material preparation platform. The material box X is transferred from the conveyor track of the material preparation platform to the material box conveyor belt 4. Each time, the material box conveyor belt 4 receives two material boxes X from the material preparation platform. According to the system instructions, the AGV moves along the preset track on the ground to the side of the corresponding centerless grinder feeding platform.

[0097] S2, Transfer bin

[0098] The moving seat 500 is driven to move to the first guide rail g1 near one end of the material box conveyor belt 4, and the inlet k2 of the flipping seat 510 is driven to face the output end of the material box conveyor belt 4. The transfer seat 70 moves upward, and the transfer conveyor belt 71 extends between the two base plates e2 and connects with the material box conveyor belt 4. The material box conveyor belt 4 moves a material box X laterally onto the transfer conveyor belt 71. The material box X enters the positioning cavity q5 from the inlet k2. At this time, the sensor n2 is connected to a sensor n1, and the gate m0 is in contact with the inner side of the second guide plate e4 to keep the outlet k1 closed.

[0099] S3, Material bin emptying

[0100] The transfer seat 30 is driven to move downward, causing the transfer conveyor belt 71 to exit the flip seat 510. Then, the moving seat 500 is driven to move along the first guide rail g1 to above the feeding platform. At this time, the flip seat 510 is driven to flip, so that the sensor n2 is connected to another sensor n1. The gate m0 moves away from the second guide plate e4 and opens the discharge port k1. The bar material in the material box X rolls down along the second guide plate e4 to the feeding platform, and the material box X becomes an empty box.

[0101] S4. Exit empty container

[0102] The movable seat 500, the flipping seat 510, and the gate m0 are reset respectively. The transfer seat 30 moves upward and causes the transfer conveyor belt 71 to extend between the two base plates e2. The empty box is placed on the transfer conveyor belt 71 from the bottom. Then the movable seat 500 drives the flipping seat 510 to move along the first guide rail g1 again, so that the transfer conveyor belt 71 and the empty box are separated from the positioning cavity q5. At this time, the transfer seat 30 is driven to move downward, so that the transfer conveyor belt 71 is connected with the empty box conveyor belt 6. The empty box moves laterally from the transfer conveyor belt 71 to the empty box conveyor belt 6.

[0103] Therefore, this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0104] 1. Enables AGV trolleys to automatically tilt the material box to dump bar stock, ensuring stable tilting and guaranteeing that all bar stock falls onto the feeding platform, thereby reducing labor intensity and labor costs;

[0105] 2. Automatically eject empty boxes to facilitate the AGV's next feeding action, effectively improving production efficiency. The opening orientation remains unchanged when the empty box is ejected, making it convenient for the next material preparation.

[0106] 3. During the tipping process of the material box, the discharge port can be kept closed to prevent it from falling off midway and to ensure that all the bar stock falls on the feeding platform, resulting in high equipment reliability;

[0107] 4. The second guide plate acts as a buffer for the rolling bar stock, preventing damage caused by impact.

[0108] 5. By setting up the sensing components, the flipping position of the hopper can be monitored in real time, enabling the gate assembly to open and close the discharge port in a timely manner;

[0109] 6. The material box conveyor belt can pick up two material boxes at a time, effectively improving the feeding efficiency.

[0110] The present invention has been described in detail above, with the aim of enabling those skilled in the art to understand and implement the invention. However, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the invention should be included within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. An automatic unloading and box return method suitable for AGV trolleys, characterized in that: The material unloading and box retraction structure includes a frame, a box unloading mechanism, an empty box conveyor belt located below the box unloading mechanism, and a box transfer mechanism capable of transferring boxes between the box unloading mechanism and the empty box conveyor belt. The box unloading mechanism includes a box moving unit and a box tilting unit. The box moving unit includes a movable seat movably mounted on the frame and a first drive assembly connected to the movable seat, wherein a tilting area for tilting the box is formed on the movable seat. The box tilting unit includes a tilting seat, a second drive assembly, and a gate assembly, wherein the tilting seat rotates. A positioning cavity for positioning the material box is connected within the tilting area, and the tilting seat also has a discharge port opposite to the opening of the material box in the positioning cavity. A second drive assembly is connected to the tilting seat and drives the tilting seat to tilt. A gate assembly is adjustablely positioned at the discharge port. When the material box is tilted to the unloading state, the gate assembly opens the discharge port, the material box resets, and the gate assembly closes the discharge port. The material box transfer mechanism includes a transfer seat, a transfer conveyor belt mounted on the transfer seat, and a third drive assembly. The third drive assembly drives the transfer seat to move up and down, and includes the following steps: S1, Pouring Material First, the AGV moves the hopper to above the feeding platform of the centerless grinder. Then, it closes the opening of the hopper and flips it so that the opening faces down. Finally, it opens the opening of the hopper so that the bar stock rolls from the opening onto the feeding platform. S2, Exit empty container After emptying the bar stock, the empty box is flipped over so that the opening of the empty box faces the same direction as before flipping, and then the empty box is transferred out.

2. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material unloading and box retraction structure also includes a material box conveyor belt, and the material box transfer mechanism can transfer the material box between the material box conveyor belt, the material box unloading mechanism, and the empty box conveyor belt.

3. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 2, characterized in that: The material box conveyor belt and the empty box conveyor belt are arranged parallel to each other vertically, and the output end of the material box conveyor belt and the receiving end of the empty box conveyor belt are located on the same side.

4. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 3, characterized in that: The material box conveyor belt and the empty box conveyor belt have the same structure. The material box conveyor belt includes a horizontally arranged conveyor roller and two first guide plates respectively arranged on both sides of the conveyor roller. The material box passes through the two first guide plates along the conveyor roller.

5. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame includes two side supports on both sides, a horizontal support between the two side supports, and a first guide rail fixedly installed at the bottom of the horizontal support. The first guide rail is arranged parallel to the material box conveyor belt. The movable seat is slidably connected to the first guide rail, and the first drive assembly drives the movable seat to reciprocate along the first guide rail.

6. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flipping seat includes two side plates rotatably connected to the movable seat via a rotating shaft, a top plate and a bottom plate horizontally disposed between the two side plates, a limiting plate connected between the two side plates and perpendicular to the top plate and the bottom plate, and a second guide plate disposed on the limiting plate. The positioning cavity is formed between the two side plates, the top plate, the bottom plate, and the limiting plate, and the positioning cavity is open on the side away from the limiting plate to form an inlet. The material box moves laterally from the material box conveyor belt through the inlet and enters the positioning cavity. The top plate and the limiting plate are spaced apart to form the discharge port, and the second guide plate extends outward from the discharge port side.

7. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gate assembly includes a gate, a second guide rail fixedly mounted on the top plate, and a drive component connected to the gate. The gate is slidably mounted on the second guide rail. The drive component drives the gate to conform to the inner side of the second guide plate along the second guide rail, thus closing the discharge port. The drive component also drives the gate to move away from the second guide plate along the second guide rail, thus opening the discharge port.

8. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bin flipping unit also includes a sensing component disposed on the rotating shaft and connected to the gate assembly. The sensing component includes a connecting plate fixedly disposed on the movable seat, two sensors fixedly connected to the connecting plate and spaced apart around the center line of the rotating shaft, and a sensor fixedly disposed on the rotating shaft. When flipping, the sensor rotates from one of the two sensors to the other.

9. The automatic unloading and box return method for AGV trolleys according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base plate has two pieces and is respectively connected to the bottom of the two side plates. As the transfer seat moves upward, the transfer conveyor belt can extend between the two base plates and connect with the material box conveyor belt. As the transfer seat moves downward, the transfer conveyor belt can connect with the empty box conveyor belt.

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