An automatic loading system suitable for boxed products

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic loading system suitable for boxed products, and relates to the technical field of automatic loading. It includes a column-beam assembly, a loading and unloading platform, and a stacking assembly. The loading and unloading platform includes an X-direction track unit, a conveyor, and a tidying unit. The X-direction track unit and the stacking assembly are both movably connected to the column-beam assembly and can move along the Y direction. The conveyor and the tidying unit are both connected to the X-direction track unit. The conveyor can transport the boxed materials to the tidying unit. The tidying unit can dock with the stacking assembly and transport the boxed materials to the stacking assembly after tidying. The stacking assembly can place the boxed materials at the corresponding position of the vehicle. The automatic loading system only needs one loading and unloading platform, which effectively reduces the number of loading and unloading platforms, and can also reduce the use of forklifts and buffer inventory. The automatic loading system does not need to set up an additional mobile mechanical arm to enter the interior of the vehicle body, so as to avoid occupying space and greatly improve space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic loading, and in particular to an automatic loading system suitable for boxed products. Background Art

[0002] As we gradually enter an aging society, the labor force is increasingly scarce, labor costs are rising, and there is a shortage of logistics and warehousing space in large cities. This has prompted companies to pay more and more attention to improving the level of automation in warehousing and logistics systems. This means shortening the waiting and retention time of transport vehicles in logistics centers within the limited delivery and receiving space, achieving more loading and unloading traffic, and improving loading efficiency.

[0003] At present, the fastest loading efficiency of bagged products can reach 3,000 bags per hour, and the adaptability of vehicles is getting higher and higher. However, automatic loading products for boxed products are relatively rare and the efficiency is also very low. At the same time, the size deviations of domestic transport trucks are large, and the sizes of boxed products vary. Although the efficiency of loading and unloading by whole stack is higher, it will lose the volume of the container.

[0004] Most of the existing boxed material loading systems are divided into mobile robot / robot loading systems and suction cup batch loading systems. In the mobile robot / robot loading system, the robot is installed and fixed on the conveyor and needs to enter the carriage to stack the goods. When stacking, the space position of the robot and a certain safety space must be reserved, and the carriage size must be larger than the critical size of the robot. In the suction cup batch loading system, the boxed goods are eliminated through the material regularization device on the conveyor belt to eliminate the gaps between adjacent boxes and regularize into material units suitable for suction by the suction device.

[0005] The applicant has found that there are at least the following technical problems in the prior art: For the loading system of mobile manipulators / robots, the manipulators need to enter the interior of the carriage, and the space for the manipulators needs to be reserved when loading and unloading goods, which makes the space utilization rate of the carriage low. At the same time, it can only load and unload one box at a time, and the equipment structure is complex and the working accuracy is low. In addition, the loading is affected by factors such as the length of the manipulators and the loading and unloading range of the equipment, so the loading efficiency is extremely low in actual use. For the suction cup batch loading system, more loading and unloading platforms are required, and there are more loading and unloading operation points, which reduces the loading and unloading efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic loading system for boxed products to solve the technical problems of low space utilization and low loading and unloading efficiency in the prior art. The preferred technical solutions among the many technical solutions provided by the present invention can produce many technical effects as described below.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0008] An automatic loading system suitable for boxed products, comprising a column and crossbeam assembly, a loading and unloading platform and a palletizing assembly, the loading and unloading platform comprising an X-direction track unit, a conveyor and a tidying unit, the X-direction track unit and the palletizing assembly are both movably connected to the column and crossbeam assembly and can move along the Y direction, the conveyor and the tidying unit are both connected to the X-direction track unit, the conveyor can transport the boxed materials to the tidying unit, the tidying unit can dock with the palletizing assembly and transport the boxed materials to the palletizing assembly after tidying them, and the palletizing assembly can place the boxed materials at corresponding positions on a vehicle.

[0009] Preferably, the column-beam assembly comprises a Y-track and a supporting column, the two Y-tracks are arranged in parallel and are connected to a plurality of the supporting columns, and the X-track unit and the palletizing assembly are both slidably connected to the two Y-tracks.

[0010] Preferably, the column crossbeam assembly further comprises a laser scanner, which is connected to the Y-track or the supporting column, and the laser scanner can measure the docking angle and length of the vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, the conveyor is a belt conveyor.

[0012] Preferably, the tidying unit includes a buffer platform and a tidying mechanism, both of which are connected to the X-axis track unit, the conveyor can convey the boxed materials to the buffer platform, the tidying mechanism can tidy the boxed materials on the buffer platform, the buffer platform can move relatively in the Y and Z directions, dock with the palletizing assembly and convey the boxed materials to the palletizing assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the tidying mechanism comprises a push plate and a clamping plate, the two clamping plates are respectively connected to the two ends of the buffer platform, and the push plate can push the boxed materials alternately to the two clamping plates.

[0014] Preferably, the palletizing assembly includes an X-direction track mechanism, a rotating shaft, a Z-direction moving mechanism and a loading and unloading robot. The X-direction track mechanism is movably connected to the column and beam assembly and can move along the Y direction. The top of the rotating shaft is connected to the X-direction track mechanism. The X-direction track mechanism can drive the rotating shaft to move along the X direction. The rotating shaft can drive the loading and unloading robot to rotate an angle. The Z-direction moving mechanism is arranged on the rotating shaft. The Z-direction moving mechanism can drive the loading and unloading robot to move along the Z direction.

[0015] Preferably, the loading and unloading robot comprises a slide rail and a robot body, and the robot body is slidably connected to the slide rail.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the automatic loading system can realize automatic transportation, automatic sorting and automatic palletizing of boxed materials, with a high degree of automation, greatly liberating labor, and making the working environment safer;

[0017] The automatic loading system only requires one loading and unloading platform, which effectively reduces the number of loading and unloading platforms, and can also reduce the use of forklifts and reduce buffer inventory;

[0018] The automatic loading system does not require the additional setting of a mobile robotic arm to enter the interior of the vehicle, avoiding occupying space and greatly improving space utilization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the loading and unloading platform of the present invention when it is docked with the stacking assembly;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the loading and unloading robot of the present invention rotated 180°;

[0023] Figure 4 A structural diagram of the loading and unloading robot of the present invention placing boxed materials on a vehicle;

[0024] Figure 5 It is a detailed structural diagram of the regular unit of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a detailed structural diagram of the loading and unloading robot of the present invention;

[0026] In the figure, 1, column and beam assembly; 11, Y-axis track; 12, supporting column;

[0027] 2. Loading and unloading platform; 21. X-direction track unit; 22. Conveyor; 23. Sorting unit; 231. Buffer platform; 232. Sorting mechanism; 2321. Push plate; 2322. Clamp;

[0028] 3. Palletizing assembly; 31. X-axis track mechanism; 32. Rotating axis; 33. Loading and unloading robot; 331. Slide rail; 332. Robot body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] To make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementation methods obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "length", "width", "height", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "side" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the attached Figure 1 The orientation or positional relationship shown is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it is also necessary to explain that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 6 , the present invention provides an automatic loading system suitable for boxed products, including a column and crossbeam assembly 1, a loading and unloading platform 2 and a palletizing assembly 3;

[0033] The column and crossbeam assembly 1 is the main support frame, which can support and fix the loading and unloading platform 2 and the stacking assembly 3;

[0034] The loading and unloading platform 2 includes an X-direction track unit 21, a conveyor 22 and a tidying unit 23. The X-direction track unit 21 and the palletizing assembly 3 are both movably connected to the column and beam assembly 1. The X-direction track unit 21 and the palletizing assembly 3 can move along the Y direction.

[0035] The conveyor 22 and the tidying unit 23 are both connected to the X-direction track unit 21, and the X-direction track unit 21 can drive the conveyor 22 and the tidying unit 23 to move along the X-direction, thereby effectively enriching the movement mode;

[0036] The conveyor 22 can convey the boxed materials to the tidying unit 23, and the tidying unit 23 can dock with the palletizing assembly 3 and convey the boxed materials to the palletizing assembly 3 after tidying them;

[0037] The palletizing assembly 3 can place the boxed materials at corresponding positions on the vehicle.

[0038] The automatic loading system can realize the automatic transportation, automatic sorting and automatic palletizing of boxed materials. It has a high degree of automation, greatly liberates labor, and makes the working environment safer.

[0039] The automatic loading system only requires one loading and unloading platform, which effectively reduces the number of loading and unloading platforms, while also reducing the use of forklifts and reducing buffer inventory.

[0040] The vehicles mentioned in this embodiment are mainly flatbed trucks. There is no carriage on the top of the flatbed truck, so there is sufficient working space. The automatic loading system does not need to set up an additional mobile robotic arm to enter the interior of the vehicle body, avoiding occupying space, thereby greatly improving space utilization.

[0041] In this embodiment, a controller and a control console are preferably provided. The controller can be connected in communication with the loading and unloading platform 2 and the stacking assembly 3. The controller can control the loading and unloading platform 2 and the stacking assembly 3 to perform corresponding operations. The control console is connected in communication with the controller. Corresponding function buttons are provided on the control console. The operator can actually control the loading and unloading platform 2 and the stacking assembly 3 by operating the control console.

[0042] As an optional implementation, the column-beam assembly 1 includes a Y-axis rail 11 and a supporting column 12. The two Y-axis rails 11 are arranged in parallel and are connected to a plurality of supporting columns 12. The Y-axis rails 11 and the supporting columns 12 can form a frame structure in the vertical direction to ensure structural stability. The X-axis rail unit 21 and the stacking assembly 3 are both slidably connected to the two Y-axis rails 11.

[0043] As an optional embodiment, the column crossbeam assembly 1 further includes a laser scanner, which is connected to the Y-track 11 or the supporting column 12, and the laser scanner can measure the docking angle and length of the vehicle;

[0044] In this embodiment, the laser scanner is preferably connected to the column-beam assembly 1 through a lifting bracket, which can be raised when not in use and does not occupy space, and can be lowered when in use;

[0045] In actual use, after waiting for the loading flatbed to arrive at the designated location, two laser scanners fixed by lifting brackets automatically descend and begin to measure the docking angle and length of the loading flatbed;

[0046] Laser scanners can perform tasks such as vehicle identification, size acquisition and vehicle positioning, thereby enriching and improving the basic functions of the automatic loading system.

[0047] As an optional implementation, the conveyor 22 is a belt conveyor. The belt conveyor has a good conveying effect and can achieve stable conveying of boxed materials. The belt conveyor is connected to the X-direction track unit 21 and moves along the Y-direction synchronously with the X-direction track unit 21. The X-direction track unit 21 itself can drive the belt conveyor to move along the X-direction, thereby enriching the adjustment method.

[0048] As an optional implementation, the tidying unit 23 includes a buffer platform 231 and a tidying mechanism 232, both of which are connected to the X-direction track unit 21, and the X-direction track unit 21 itself can drive the buffer platform 231 and the tidying mechanism 232 to move along the X-direction, thereby enriching the adjustment mode;

[0049] The conveyor 22 can convey the boxed materials to the buffer platform 231. However, since the conveyor 22 conveys the same position each time, in order to better organize the boxed materials, a tidying mechanism 232 is provided. The tidying mechanism 232 can organize the boxed materials on the buffer platform 231 into a row.

[0050] In this embodiment, it is preferred to add a Y-axis moving mechanism and a Z-axis moving mechanism to the buffer platform 231, so that the buffer platform 231 can move relatively in the Y and Z directions. Such a configuration can more quickly and accurately dock with the palletizing assembly 3, and after the docking is completed, the boxed materials can be transported to the palletizing assembly 3. In this embodiment, the Y-axis moving mechanism and the Z-axis moving mechanism can both adopt commonly used moving mechanisms and can move relative to the corresponding connecting structures. This is a relatively conventional prior art, and therefore no further description is given.

[0051] As an optional implementation, the tidying mechanism 232 includes a push plate 2321 and a clamping plate 2322. The two clamping plates 2322 are respectively connected to the two ends of the buffer platform 231, so that a stacking space for stacking a number of boxed materials is formed between the two clamping plates 2322. The push plate 2321 has the ability to move, and can push the boxed materials alternately to the two clamping plates 2322, and finally organize the several boxed materials into a row, and then transport them together to the stacking assembly 3.

[0052] As an optional embodiment, the palletizing assembly 3 includes an X-direction track mechanism 31, a rotating shaft 32, a Z-direction moving mechanism and a loading and unloading manipulator 33. The X-direction track mechanism 31 is movably connected to the column and crossbeam assembly 1 and can move along the Y direction. The top of the rotating shaft 32 is connected to the X-direction track mechanism 31. The X-direction track mechanism 31 can drive the rotating shaft 32 to move along the X direction. The rotating shaft 32 can drive the loading and unloading manipulator 33 to rotate an angle. In this embodiment, the rotation angle can reach 360°. The Z-direction moving mechanism is arranged on the rotating shaft 32. The Z-direction moving mechanism can drive the loading and unloading manipulator 33 to move along the Z direction. With such an arrangement, the loading and unloading manipulator 33 can realize relative movement in the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction and a 360° rotation. The movement mode is richer and more flexible, and it is easier to dock with the regular unit 23, and it is easier to place the boxed materials at the corresponding position of the vehicle.

[0053] In this embodiment, both the X-axis track mechanism 31 and the Z-axis moving mechanism can adopt commonly used moving mechanisms, which can move relative to the track. This is a relatively conventional prior art, so no further description is given.

[0054] As an optional implementation, the loading and unloading robot 33 includes a slide rail 331 and a robot body 332. The robot body 332 is preferably L-shaped with a horizontal bottom, and can be used to place boxed materials. The robot body 332 is slidably connected to the slide rail 331. In actual use, the robot body 332 can achieve movement in the Y direction through the sliding connection between the slide rail 331. In the process of docking with the regularization unit 23 and placing the boxed materials at the corresponding position of the vehicle, the actual transfer and transportation of the boxed materials can be completed through the movement of the robot body 332, which has a higher degree of automation and a faster overall process.

[0055] The working process of the automatic loading system is:

[0056] 1) Docking of the flatbed truck and the automatic loading system: After waiting for the flatbed truck to arrive, you can reverse into the platform docking position to dock the flatbed truck with the system. After the docking is completed, the position of the flatbed truck will be locked by the system.

[0057] 2) Measurement of the length of the flatbed truck: After the flatbed truck arrives at the designated location, two laser scanners fixed by lifting brackets automatically descend to start measuring the docking angle and length of the flatbed truck.

[0058] 3) Fully automatic loading: The operator must confirm that the position of the flatbed truck and the position of the boxed materials are accurate and complete the safety inspection before pressing the loading button on the console for automatic loading. The boxed materials are transported to the sorting unit 23 in sequence by the conveyor 22. The clamping plate 2322 and the push plate 2321 on the sorting unit 23 sort the multiple boxed materials into a single row. At the same time, the loading and unloading platform 2 and the palletizing component 3 move in the three directions of X, Y, and Z respectively and cooperate with each other to help the loading and unloading manipulator 33 on the palletizing component 3 pick up the sorted single-row boxed materials. After the picking is completed, the loading and unloading manipulator 33 rotates 180° to push the boxed materials to the corresponding position on the flatbed truck. After placing a row of materials, the loading and unloading platform 2 and the palletizing component 3 move together the distance of the single row of boxed materials to prepare for the loading and unloading of the next row of boxed materials.

[0059] 4) Loading completed: After loading is completed, unlock the vehicle position and the vehicle can leave the platform.

[0060] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic loading system suitable for boxed products, characterized in that: It includes a column-beam assembly, a loading and unloading platform and a stacking assembly, wherein the loading and unloading platform includes an X-direction track unit, a conveyor and a tidying unit, wherein the X-direction track unit and the stacking assembly are both movably connected to the column-beam assembly and can move along the Y direction, and the conveyor and the tidying unit are both connected to the X-direction track unit; The column-beam assembly comprises a Y-track and a supporting column, the two Y-tracks are arranged in parallel and are both connected to a plurality of the supporting columns, and the X-track unit and the stacking assembly are both slidably connected to the two Y-tracks; The column crossbeam assembly further includes a laser scanner, which is connected to the Y-track or the supporting column, and the laser scanner can measure the docking angle and length of the vehicle; The palletizing assembly includes an X-direction track mechanism, a rotating shaft, a Z-direction moving mechanism and a loading and unloading manipulator, wherein the X-direction track mechanism is movably connected to the column and beam assembly and can move along the Y direction, the top of the rotating shaft is connected to the X-direction track mechanism, and the Z-direction moving mechanism is arranged on the rotating shaft; The tidying unit comprises a buffer platform and a tidying mechanism, both of which are connected to the X-direction track unit, the conveyor can convey boxed materials to the buffer platform, the tidying mechanism can tidy the boxed materials on the buffer platform, the buffer platform can move relatively in the Y and Z directions, dock with the palletizing assembly and convey the boxed materials to the palletizing assembly; The tidying mechanism includes a push plate and a clamping plate, the two clamping plates are respectively connected to the two ends of the buffer platform, and the push plate can push the boxed materials alternately to the two clamping plates; The boxed materials are transported to the arranging unit in sequence by the conveyor, and the clamping plate and the pushing plate on the arranging unit arrange the multiple boxed materials into a single row. At the same time, the loading and unloading platform and the stacking assembly move in the X, Y, and Z directions respectively and cooperate with each other to help the loading and unloading robot on the stacking assembly to pick up the arranged single-row boxed materials. After picking up the goods, the loading and unloading robot rotates 180° to push the boxed materials to the corresponding positions on the flatbed truck. After placing one row of materials, the loading and unloading platform and the stacking assembly move together the distance of the single row of boxed materials to prepare for the loading and unloading of the next row of boxed materials.

2. The automatic loading system for boxed products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor is a belt conveyor.

3. The automatic loading system for boxed products according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading and unloading robot comprises a slide rail and a robot body, and the robot body is slidably connected to the slide rail.

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