Flexible storage and delivery system

Abstract

This invention discloses a flexible storage and conveying system, including a roller bed, a power unit, a trolley group, and skids. Multiple skids are provided and run on the roller bed. The power unit includes a drive unit and a track. The track is laid along the skid running direction. The drive unit drives the trolley group to reciprocate along the track. The trolley group is mounted on the track and has several pusher assemblies. Each pusher assembly includes a base, a pressing block, a pusher, and a pulling mechanism. The pressing block and pusher are rotatably connected to the base. The pressing block is in a first state when not in contact with the previous skid. When the pressing block contacts the previous skid, it is pressed down and rotated by the skid, entering a second state. The pulling mechanism is connected between the pressing block and the pusher. When the pressing block is in the first state, the pusher can push the next skid. When the pressing block changes from the first state to the second state, the pressing block drives the pulling mechanism to pull the pusher, causing it to disengage from the next skid. This invention achieves single-drive transport of multiple skids, with low failure rate and low energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mechanical conveying technology, and in particular relates to a flexible storage and conveying system. Background Technology

[0002] Conveying systems, widely used in automated automotive production lines, are an essential part of these lines. Current skid-type conveyors are mostly single-unit systems, meaning each skid requires a separate drive unit. This not only results in high manufacturing and maintenance costs, but also prevents production from continuing when one drive unit experiences a major malfunction requiring repair. The large number of drives significantly increases the probability of failure, impacting production output and reducing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this invention provides a flexible storage and conveying system that solves the problem of empty skids by mechanical means, enabling a single unit to drive and convey multiple skids, thereby reducing the failure rate.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention is as follows: A flexible storage and conveying system includes a roller bed, a power unit, a trolley group, and skids. Multiple skids are provided and run on the roller bed. The power unit includes a drive unit and a track. The track is laid along the running direction of the skids. The drive unit drives the trolley group to reciprocate along the track. The trolley group is disposed on the track and has several pusher assemblies. Each pusher assembly includes a base, a pressing block, a pusher head, and a pulling mechanism. The pressing block is rotatably connected to the base. When the block is not in contact with the preceding sled, it is in a first state. When the block contacts the preceding sled, it is pressed down and rotated by the preceding sled, thus entering a second state. The pusher is rotatably connected to the base. The pulling mechanism is connected between the block and the pusher. When the block is in the first state, the pusher is in a first position where it can push the following sled. When the block changes from the first state to the second state, the block drives the pulling mechanism to pull the pusher, so that the pusher is in a second position where it can disengage from the following sled.

[0005] Furthermore, the pusher head has a first end, which has an arc surface centered on the pivot connecting the pusher head and the base. This arc surface is used to push the skid. During the rotation of the pusher head, the relative position between the skid and the base remains unchanged. Therefore, the process of the pusher head disengaging from the skid does not cause the skid to accelerate or decelerate, thus achieving smooth skid operation.

[0006] Furthermore, the pusher head has a first end and a second end. The first end is used to push the skid, and the second end is a counterweight end. The first end and the second end are located on both sides of the connecting shaft between the pusher head and the base.

[0007] Furthermore, a first elastic element is provided between the pusher head and the base, and the first elastic element generates elastic force when the pusher head leaves the first position.

[0008] Furthermore, the pulling mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. The middle part of the second link is hinged to the base. The first link is connected between the head end of the second link and the pressing block. The third link is connected between the tail end of the second link and the pusher.

[0009] Furthermore, the drive device includes a drive frame, a motor, gears, and a backrest wheel. The trolley assembly is equipped with a rack extending along the track. The motor is fixed to the drive frame and used to drive the gear connection. The gear meshes with the rack. The backrest wheel is connected to the drive frame and abuts against the back side of the rack. The gear and rack meshing drive, in conjunction with the backrest wheel, ensures smooth force distribution on the rack, preventing swaying and providing stable power to the trolley and pusher assembly.

[0010] Furthermore, the roller bed is provided with several openable and closable limiting devices, which are used to limit the position of the skid on the roller bed. When the pusher pushes the skid, the limiting device is in an open state, allowing the skid to move forward.

[0011] Furthermore, the limiting device includes a rotatable pair of jaws, the pair of jaws including a front jaw and a rear jaw. The front jaw rotates from an upright state to a flattened state and from a flattened state to an upright state. The rear jaw rotates from an upright state to a flattened state and from a flattened state to an upright state. When both the front and rear jaws are in an upright state, the movement of the skid is restricted. The trolley assembly is provided with a jaw lever. When the trolley assembly moves backward, the jaw lever moves the front jaw to rotate backward.

[0012] Furthermore, the roller bed is equipped with several positioning sensors, which are used to detect the positioning status of the skids. The trolley group reciprocates when there are skids that are not in position.

[0013] Furthermore, the roller bed is a non-powered roller bed, which is provided with a plurality of rollers, and a guide plate is provided on the outer side of the rollers.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are that it realizes the function of a single unit driving and conveying multiple skids. The number of skids that can be conveyed depends on the length of the trolley group and the number of pusher components. It can also realize the functions of accumulation and emptying, achieving flexible skid transport. Only the start and stop of the trolley group need to be controlled. The reliable mechanical structure can push the skid forward when there is space in front, and the skid waits at a stationary position when there is no space. This greatly simplifies the electrical operation procedure, improves stability, reduces cost, and facilitates maintenance by maintenance personnel, reducing the frequency of failures and thus improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top view of the flexible storage and delivery system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of a non-powered roller bed.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a non-powered roller bed.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a side view of the unpowered roller bed.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of a non-powered roller bed, including a single free roller.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the track.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a top view of the track's structure.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the end structure of the track.

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the structure for limiting the load-bearing wheels of the trolley group using a limit mechanism.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a top view of the drive unit.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the drive unit.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a top-view structural diagram of the trolley assembly.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the trolley assembly.

[0028] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point B.

[0029] Figure 15 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point C.

[0030] Figure 16 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at point A.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram showing the pusher assembly in its first state when the pressing block is in the first position and the pusher is in the first position.

[0032] Figure 18 This is a structural diagram showing the pusher assembly in its second state when the pressing block is in the second state and the pusher is in its second position.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the pusher and the skid when the pusher is in the second position.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the pusher and the skid when the pusher is in the first position.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the arc surface of the first end of the pusher and the skid.

[0036] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the arc surface of the first end of the pusher and the detachment of the skid.

[0037] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of a roller bed with a position sensor.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting device.

[0039] Figure 25 This is a front view diagram of the pawl before the pawl lever is pressed and turned.

[0040] Figure 26 This is a side view of the pawl before the pawl lever is pressed and turned. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to examples, but these examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0042] Please combine Figure 1 As shown, this example illustrates a flexible storage and conveying system primarily used in automotive production lines, where automotive parts are transported by skids. This flexible storage and conveying system includes a roller bed 1, a power unit, a trolley group 2, and skids 3, with multiple skids 3 operating on the roller bed 1.

[0043] Please combine Figures 2 to 5As shown, the roller bed 1 is a non-powered roller bed, which provides support for the skid 3 and reduces its travel resistance. The non-powered roller bed consists of a support frame 101, guide free rollers 102, and a height adjustment mechanism 103. The support frame 101 is mainly constructed of channel steel and is fixed to the ground via the height adjustment mechanism 103. This ensures both load-bearing strength and economic efficiency. A continuous Z-shaped bending plate is fixed to the support frame 101. The guide free rollers 102, mounted on the Z-shaped bending plate, are both strong and reliable, as well as safe and aesthetically pleasing. The free rollers 102 can rotate freely, and the skid 3 runs on the free rollers 102, with friction reduced by the rotation of the free rollers 102. A guide plate 104 is provided on the outer side of the free rollers 102. The guide plate 104 guides the skid 3, preventing it from deviating from its intended path. The height adjustment mechanism 103 is a bolt-lift adjustable type, used to ensure that the roller bed 1 is level. After adjustment, it is fixed by side welding to make it sturdy and reliable, and to prevent the skid 3 from shaking when it travels.

[0044] The power unit includes drive unit 4 and track 5. Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, track 5 is composed of H-beam profiles and track connectors 501. Track 5 is laid along the traveling direction of the skids 3 and can be fixed to the support frame 101 of the roller bed 1. The length of track 5 is determined by the number of skids 3 to be transported and the length of each skid 3. When track 5 is long, it can be made into multiple tracks and connected by track connectors 501, which facilitates manufacturing and transportation and ensures better straightness accuracy. Please refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, since track 5 provides running support and guidance for the trolley group 2, a trolley 200 limiting mechanism is provided at the end of track 5 to prevent the trolley group 2 from running off track 5 during operation and causing a safety accident. In this embodiment, the bearing wheels 201 of the trolley group 2 are set in the grooves on both sides of track 5 for operation. The trolley 200 limiting mechanism can limit the movement of the bearing wheels 201 to achieve the purpose of limiting the trolley group 2. Therefore, baffles 502 that cover the groove cross-sections on both sides of track 5 are used as the trolley 200 limiting mechanism.

[0045] The drive unit 4 is used to drive the trolley assembly 2 to reciprocate along the track 5. In this embodiment, the drive unit 4 adopts a gear and rack meshing drive method. Specifically, as shown... Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, the drive unit 4 includes a drive frame 401, a motor 402, a gear 403, and a backrest wheel 404. The drive frame 401 is fixedly mounted on the support frame 101 of the roller bed 1. The motor 402 is mounted on the drive frame 401, and the gear 403 and the backrest wheel 404 are also mounted on the drive frame 401. Two backrest wheels 404 are located on opposite sides of the gear 403. The motor 402 drives the gear 403 to rotate. A rack 202 is mounted on the trolley assembly 2, extending along the track 5. The tooth surface of the rack 202 is located on one side of the rack 202, between the gear 403 and the backrest wheel 404. The tooth surface of the rack 202 meshes with the gear 403, while the backrest wheel 404 is attached to the back side (back side of the tooth surface) of the rack 202. During operation, the gear 403 rotates to drive the rack 202 to move. The back wheel 404 provides lateral support to the rack 202 from the back side, so that the rack 202 is subjected to force smoothly and avoids swaying. The gear 403 drive has the characteristics of smooth conveying, high stability, long service life, low noise and convenient maintenance.

[0046] Please combine Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the trolley group 2 runs on track 5. Trolley group 2 mainly consists of multiple trolleys 200 and connecting rods 203 connecting the trolleys 200. The front and rear ends of the connecting rods 203 are hinged to the trolleys 200. Each trolley 200 runs on grooves on both sides of track 5 via four load-bearing wheels 201, ensuring stable load bearing. Each trolley 200 also has two pairs of guide wheels 204 that clamp the web of track 5 for guidance, ensuring that trolley group 2 travels along track 5. The wheel sets on one side can be removed individually, eliminating the need to remove the entire trolley 200 from track 5 for maintenance, making maintenance very convenient. Please refer to... Figure 16 As shown, the aforementioned rack 202 is installed between the two trolleys 200. An oil collection tray 206 is installed below the rack 202 to prevent lubricating oil from the gears 403 from dripping onto the ground and polluting the environment. In addition, a switch trigger 205 is also installed on the side of the trolley 200 to cooperate with the control device to detect the position of the trolley group 2 to determine whether the trolley group 2 is moving forward or backward.

[0047] The reciprocating motion of the trolley assembly 2 on track 5 propels the skid 3 forward. Specifically, when the trolley assembly 2 moves forward, it pushes the skid 3 forward; when the trolley assembly 2 moves backward, it does not move the skid 3. This function is achieved by the pusher assembly A on the trolley 200 of the trolley assembly 2. The pusher assembly A is mounted on the trolley 200 of the trolley assembly 2 and cooperates with the structural components of the skid 3. Please refer to... Figures 17 to 22As shown, the pusher assembly A includes a base 6, a pressing block 7, a pusher 8, and a pulling mechanism. The base 6 is fixed on the trolley 200. The pressing block 7 is rotatably connected to the base 6, and the pusher 8 is also rotatably connected to the base 6. The pressing block 7 is located at the front of the base 6, and the pusher 8 is located at the rear of the base 6. The pressing block 7 and the pusher 8 are connected by the pulling mechanism. Specifically, the pressing block 7 is a lever structure. In this embodiment, the first end 701 of the pressing block 7 is provided with a guide wheel 9 for contacting the structural component of the skid 3 (in this embodiment, the longitudinal beam of the skid 3). The second end 702 of the pressing block 7 is provided with a counterweight and connected to the base 6 with a second elastic element 14, which is generally a spring. When the pressing block 7 is not in contact with the skid 3, under the action of its counterweight and the second elastic element 14, the pressing block 7 is in an upright state, which is the first state. As the trolley 200 moves forward, when the sled 3 contacts the first end 701 of the pressing block 7, that is, when it contacts the guide wheel 9 in this embodiment, the sled 3 pushes the pressing block 7 backward and downward to make the pressing block 7 rotate. The pressing block 7 is in a near-horizontal state, which is the second state. At this time, the second elastic element 14 is stretched and generates elastic force.

[0048] The pusher 8 is also a lever structure, with a first end 801 and a second end 802 on both sides of the connecting shaft between the pusher 8 and the base 6. The first end 801 of the pusher 8 is used to cooperate with the structural component of the slide 3 (the front crossbeam of the slide 3 in this embodiment) to push the slide 3. The second end 802 of the pusher 8 is equipped with a counterweight and is connected to the base 6 by a first elastic element 13, which is generally a spring. The second end 702 of the pressing block 7 is connected to the first end 801 of the pusher 8 through a pulling mechanism to link the pressing block 7 and the pusher 8. The pulling mechanism includes a first connecting rod 10, a second connecting rod 11, and a third connecting rod 12. The middle part of the second connecting rod 11 is hinged to the base 6. The first connecting rod 10 is connected between the head end of the second connecting rod 11 and the second end 702 of the pressing block 7. The third connecting rod 12 is connected between the tail end of the second connecting rod 11 and the first end 801 of the pusher 8. When the crushing block 7 is in the first state, the first end 801 of the pusher 8 is raised, and the second end 802 of the pusher 8 is lowered. The pusher 8 is in the first position, and the first end 801 of the pusher 8 interferes with the rear side of the front crossbeam of the skid 3. When the trolley group 2 moves forward, the pusher 8 can push the skid 3 forward, while the skid 3 can be blocked by the crushing block 7 in the first state, without losing control of the pusher assembly A. As the trolley group 2 moves forward, when another skid 3 appears in front, the previous skid 3 will start to press down on the crushing block 7. When the crushing block 7 is in the second state, the first end 801 of the pusher 8 is lowered, and the second end 802 of the pusher 8 is raised. At this time, the first elastic element 13 and the second elastic element 14 are stretched to generate elastic force, and the pusher 8 is in the second position. When the pusher head 8 is in its second position, it is approximately horizontal. The pusher head 8 disengages from the rear skid 3. Thus, when the front skid 3 completely presses down the crushing block 7 to its second state, the pusher head 8 disengages from the rear skid 3. Even if the trolley group 2 continues to move forward, it will no longer push the rear skid 3 forward, thereby pushing the rear skid 3 behind the front skid 3. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 801 of the pusher head 8 has an arc surface centered on the pivot connecting the pusher head 8 and the base 6. This arc surface is used to push the skid 3. During the rotation of the pusher head 8, the relative position between the skid 3 and the base 6 does not change. Therefore, it can continuously provide power during the disengagement of the pusher head 8 from the skid 3 without causing the skid 3 to accelerate or decelerate, achieving smooth operation of the skid 3, making the position of the skid 3 easier to control, and reducing the likelihood of skid slippage.During the reversing process of the trolley group 2, the crushing block 7 is constantly pressed down by the longitudinal beam of the continuously existing skids 3. When the trolley group 2 moves to a position without skids 3, or when the previous skid 3 is removed and a gap appears, the crushing block 7 loses its downward pressure. Under the combined action of the counterweight of the crushing block 7 and the pusher 8, the elastic force of the first elastic element 13 and the second elastic element 14, and the linkage action of the traction mechanism, the crushing block 7 changes from the second state to the first state. At the same time, the first end 801 of the pusher 8 is raised, and the second end 802 of the pusher 8 is lowered. The pusher 8 is in the first position. When the trolley group 2 moves forward, it can push the skid 3 forward. In this way, by using the action of the crushing block 7, the mechanical structure rather than electrical signals determines whether there is a skid 3 in front. As long as there is a skid 3 in front, the pusher 8 will be in the second position. When the trolley group 2 moves the pusher 8 forward, it will not push the skid 3 behind. When the skid 3 in front leaves and a gap appears, it can push the skid 3 behind forward. In other words, the reciprocating motion of the trolley group 2 can continuously push the sleds 3 behind the empty spaces forward one by one to fill the empty spaces.

[0049] As mentioned earlier, the reciprocating motion of the trolley group 2 is used to propel the skids 3 forward one by one. Therefore, when there are no empty spaces on the roller bed 1, the reciprocating motion of the trolley group 2 will not move any skids 3, and the continued operation of the trolley group 2 is unnecessary. To save energy, reduce emissions, and extend service life, such as... Figure 23 As shown, multiple position sensors 15 can be installed on the roller bed 1 according to the required number of slides 3. The position sensors 15 can be photoelectric switches or mechanical toggle switches. The position sensors 15 are connected to the control unit that controls the operation of the drive device 4 to send position signals. When a slide 3 is in position, the corresponding position sensor 15 sends a position signal to the control unit, indicating that the slide 3 is present at that position. When all position sensors 15 are triggered by the slides 3, and the control unit receives the position signals from all position sensors 15, the surface of the slides 3 is full. At this time, the control unit controls the motor 402 of the drive unit to stop running, and the trolley group 2 also stops its reciprocating motion.

[0050] Please combine further Figures 24 to 26As shown, the roller bed 1 is equipped with several openable and closable limiting devices. These limiting devices are positioned at predetermined locations on the skid 3 to restrict its position on the roller bed 1. Each limiting device is a pair of rotatable jaws, including a front jaw 16 and a rear jaw 17. The front jaw 16 rotates from an upright position to a flattened position and from a flattened position to an upright position. Similarly, the rear jaw 17 rotates from an upright position to a flattened position and from a flattened position to a upright position. When both the front jaw 16 and the rear jaw 17 are in an upright position, the movement of the skid 3 is restricted. At this time, the structural components of the skid 3 are positioned between the front jaw 16 and the rear jaw 17. The trolley assembly 2 is equipped with a claw lever. In this embodiment, the claw lever is connected to the base 6 and has a certain length in the front-rear direction. An inclined control plate can be set on the side of the front claw 16. When the trolley assembly 2 moves backward, the claw lever moves the front claw 16 to rotate it backward into a flat position. The length of the claw lever in the front-rear direction controls the front claw 16 to maintain the flat position for a certain distance the trolley assembly 2 moves backward. When the trolley assembly 2 moves forward, it can push the skid 3 forward to move out of the limiting device. When the skid 3 moves forward to the limiting device, the skid 3 will push the rear claw 17 to rotate forward into a flat position, so that the skid 3 can enter the limiting device. The front claw 16 and the rear claw 17 are also connected by a return spring or a counterweight to keep them in an upright position when they are not pressed by the claw lever or the skid 3.

Claims

1. A flexible storage and delivery system, characterized in that, The system includes a roller bed, a power unit, a trolley assembly, and skids. Multiple skids are provided and run on the roller bed. The power unit includes a drive unit and a track. The track is laid along the skid's running direction. The drive unit drives the trolley assembly to reciprocate along the track. The trolley assembly is mounted on the track and has several pusher assemblies. Each pusher assembly includes a base, a pressing block, a pusher, and a pulling mechanism. The pressing block is rotatably connected to the base. When the pressing block is not in contact with the preceding skid, it is in a first state. When the pressing block contacts the preceding skid, it is pressed down and rotated by the preceding skid, entering a second state. The pusher is rotatably connected to the base. The pulling mechanism is connected between the pressing block and the pusher. When the pressing block is in the first state, the pusher is in a first position where it can push the following skid. When the pressing block changes from the first state to the second state, the pressing block drives the pulling mechanism to pull the pusher, placing the pusher in a second position where it can disengage from the following skid.

2. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pusher head has a first end, and the first end has an arc surface with the connecting shaft between the pusher head and the base as the center. The arc surface is used to push the skid.

3. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pusher head has a first end and a second end. The first end is used to push the skid, and the second end is a counterweight end. The first end and the second end are located on both sides of the connecting shaft between the pusher head and the base.

4. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first elastic element is provided between the pusher head and the base, and the first elastic element generates elastic force when the pusher head leaves the first position.

5. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pulling mechanism includes a first link, a second link, and a third link. The middle part of the second link is hinged to the base. The first link is connected between the head end of the second link and the pressing block. The third link is connected between the tail end of the second link and the pusher.

6. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device includes a driving frame, a motor, gears, and backrest wheels. The trolley assembly is provided with a rack extending along the track. The motor is fixed to the driving frame and is used to drive the gear connection. The gear meshes with the rack. The backrest wheels are connected to the driving frame and fit against the back side of the rack.

7. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller bed is provided with several openable and closable limiting devices. The limiting devices are used to restrict the position of the skid on the roller bed. When the pusher pushes the skid, the limiting devices are in an open state, allowing the skid to move forward.

8. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The limiting device includes a rotatable pair of jaws, which includes a front jaw and a rear jaw. The front jaw rotates backward from an upright position to a flat position and from a flat position to an upright position. The rear jaw rotates forward from an upright position to a flat position and from a flat position to an upright position. When both the front and rear jaws are in an upright position, the movement of the skid is restricted. The trolley assembly is equipped with a jaw lever. When the trolley assembly moves backward, the jaw lever moves the front jaw to rotate backward.

9. The flexible storage and conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller bed is equipped with several positioning sensors, which are used to detect the positioning status of the skids. The trolley group reciprocates when there are skids that are not in position.

10. The flexible storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller bed is a non-powered roller bed, which is equipped with a number of rollers, and the outer side of the rollers is equipped with guide plates.

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