A transport box automatic positioning device and method suitable for small space

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of transport box automatic positioning device and method suitable for small space, the device includes positioning device main body, transmission pipe, receiving pipe and transport box;Transmission pipe is communicated with positioning device main body;One end of positioning device main body is provided with positioning seat;The other end of positioning device main body is communicated with receiving pipe;Electromagnet mounting seat is arranged in positioning device main body, electromagnet mounting seat is fixedly connected with the output shaft of motor, motor is connected with positioning device main body;Electromagnet is arranged on electromagnet mounting seat;Two metal contact points are arranged on the end surface of positioning seat towards electromagnet mounting seat;Transport box can be attracted by electromagnet after entering positioning device main body from transmission pipe;Two convex balls are arranged on transport box;When two convex balls contact with two metal contact points, motor and electromagnet are powered off, transport box is separated from electromagnet, and enters receiving pipe.The automatic positioning of the pose of transport box is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pneumatic transmission technology, and in particular to an automatic positioning device and method for transport boxes suitable for small spaces. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Pneumatic conveying is a logistics technology widely used in the field of material handling. Traditional pneumatic conveying generally only requires transporting samples or materials from the starting point to the destination, with no requirements on their motion posture, and in most cases, it requires personnel to be present for loading and unloading. However, for the transportation of toxic, radioactive, or other materials harmful to human health, direct contact with personnel should be avoided, and they should be placed in transport boxes for transport. However, in order to control costs, pneumatic conveying pipelines generally use standard diameter circular pipes, and the transport boxes are generally also cylindrical. This causes the transport boxes to rotate freely during pipeline transport, resulting in a non-ideal posture when the transport box arrives at the receiving point, which is not conducive to the unloading of materials inside the transport box. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an automatic positioning device and method for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, which enables automatic positioning of the transport boxes and ensures that the position of the transport boxes when they arrive at the receiving platform conforms to the ideal position.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, an automatic positioning device for a transport box suitable for small spaces is proposed, comprising a positioning device body, a transmission tube, a receiving tube, and a transport box;

[0007] The transmission tube is connected to the main body of the positioning device; a positioning seat is provided at one end of the main body of the positioning device; the other end of the main body of the positioning device is connected to the receiving tube.

[0008] An electromagnet mounting base is provided inside the main body of the positioning device. The electromagnet mounting base is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the motor is connected to the main body of the positioning device. An electromagnet is installed on the electromagnet mounting base. Two metal contact points are provided on the end face of the positioning base facing the electromagnet mounting base.

[0009] After the transport box enters the main body of the positioning device from the transmission tube, it can be attracted by the electromagnet; the transport box is equipped with two protruding balls; when the two protruding balls contact the two metal contact points, the motor and electromagnet are de-energized, the transport box separates from the electromagnet, and enters the receiving tube.

[0010] Furthermore, the motor's output shaft is connected to the electromagnet mounting base via a coupling; a limit ring is provided on the coupling, and the limit ring can rotate with the coupling; a limit ball is provided on the limit ring; the limit ball is in contact with the positioning seat.

[0011] Furthermore, a positioning bead is provided on the electromagnet mounting base; a positioning groove that mates with the positioning bead is provided on the end face of the transport box facing the electromagnet.

[0012] Furthermore, a sample storage slot is provided on the transport box;

[0013] One end of the receiving tube is connected to the main body of the positioning device, and the other end of the receiving tube is equipped with a receiving platform and a sampling port. After the transport box enters the receiving tube, it finally reaches the receiving platform. After the transport box reaches the receiving platform, the sample storage slot faces the sampling port.

[0014] Furthermore, a spiral channel is provided on the outside of the transport box, and a spiral guide shaft that cooperates with the spiral channel is provided inside the main body of the positioning device and the receiving tube.

[0015] Furthermore, a first end cap is provided on one end face of the transport box, and two protruding ball bearings are provided on the first end cap;

[0016] A second end cap is provided on the other end face of the transport box; a chamfer is provided on the end face of the transport box where the second end face is provided.

[0017] Furthermore, the main body of the positioning device is cylindrical.

[0018] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the transmission tube, the inner diameter of the positioning device body, and the inner diameter of the receiving tube are consistent.

[0019] Secondly, a positioning method for an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, as proposed in the first aspect, is presented, including:

[0020] After the transport box enters the main body of the positioning device through the transmission tube, it is attracted by the electromagnet.

[0021] The rotation of the motor drives the electromagnet mounting base and the transport box to rotate.

[0022] When the two protruding balls on the transport box come into contact with the two metal contact points on the positioning seat, the motor and electromagnet are de-energized.

[0023] After the transport box separates from the electromagnet, it falls into the receiving tube.

[0024] Furthermore, after the transport box separates from the electromagnet, the transport box spirals down to the receiving platform with the cooperation of the spiral channel and the spiral guide shaft, and after reaching the receiving platform, the sample storage slot of the transport box faces the sampling port.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0026] This invention discloses an automatic positioning device and method for transport boxes suitable for small spaces. The device includes a positioning seat and an electromagnet mounting seat 13 within the main body 8. An electromagnet is mounted on the electromagnet mounting seat 13, which is connected to the output shaft of a motor. Two metal contact points are provided on the positioning seat, and two protruding ball bearings are provided on the transport box. When the transport box 9 enters the main body 8 from the transmission tube 3, it is attracted by the electromagnet 12. The motor rotates, causing the electromagnet mounting seat and the transport box to rotate. When the transport box rotates to the point where the two protruding ball bearings and the two metal contact points contact, it indicates that the transport box 9 has reached the target position. At this time, the motor and electromagnet are de-energized, and the transport box, after disconnecting from the electromagnet, enters the transmission tube. Subsequently, the transport box spirals down to the receiving platform, ensuring that the sample storage slot of the transport box is aligned with the sampling port, and the position of the transport box conforms to the ideal position, thus achieving automatic positioning of the transport box.

[0027] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall external structure of an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, as disclosed in an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an overall cross-sectional view of an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, as disclosed in an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the positioning device disclosed in the embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a view of the end face of the positioning seat disclosed in the embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transport box structure disclosed in the embodiment;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transport box end cap and sample storage slot structure disclosed in the embodiment.

[0035] The components are as follows: 1. Motor, 3. Transmission pipe, 4. Sampling port, 5. Receiving platform, 6. Receiving pipe, 7. Spiral guide shaft, 8. Positioning device body, 9. Transport box, 10. Positioning seat, 11. Metal contact point, 12. Electromagnet, 13. Electromagnet mounting seat, 14. Limiting ring, 15. Limiting ball, 16. Coupling, 17. Positioning ball, 18. Metal contact point, 19. Spiral channel, 20. First end cover, 21. Positioning groove, 22. Protruding ball, 23. Protruding ball, 24. Second end cover, 25. Sample storage slot. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0037] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0038] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] In this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "side," and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used only to facilitate the description of the structural relationships of the various components or elements of this invention and do not specifically refer to any component or element in this invention. They should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0040] In this invention, terms such as "fixed connection," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, indicating a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances, and they should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] In this embodiment, an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces is disclosed, such as... Figures 1-6 As shown, it includes: a positioning device body 8, a transmission tube 3, a receiving tube 6, and a transport box 9;

[0043] The transmission tube 3 is connected to the main body 8 of the positioning device; a positioning seat 10 is provided at one end of the main body 8 of the positioning device; the other end of the main body 8 of the positioning device is connected to the receiving tube 6.

[0044] An electromagnet mounting base 13 is provided inside the main body 8 of the positioning device. The electromagnet mounting base 13 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 1. The motor 1 is connected to the main body 8 of the positioning device. An electromagnet 12 is provided on the electromagnet mounting base 13. Two metal contact points are provided on one end face of the positioning seat 10 facing the electromagnet mounting base 13.

[0045] After the transport box 9 enters the positioning device body 8 from the transmission tube 3, it can be attracted by the electromagnet 12. Two protruding balls are provided on the transport box 9. When the two protruding balls contact the two metal contact points, the motor and electromagnet are de-energized, the transport box 9 separates from the electromagnet 12, and enters the receiving tube 6.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the motor 1, transmission pipe 3, and receiving pipe 6 are all mounted on the main body 8 of the positioning device, forming a sealed space.

[0047] The positioning device body 8 has a cylindrical interior and a cuboid exterior. The inner diameter of the transmission tube 3, the inner diameter of the positioning device body 8, and the inner diameter of the receiving tube 6 are the same.

[0048] The external dimensions of the positioning device body 8 are similar to the outer diameters of the transmission pipe 3 and the receiving pipe 6, which can greatly reduce the space required for installation.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the transmission tube 3 is connected to the main body 8 of the positioning device, and the receiving tube 6 is connected to the main body 8 of the positioning device. The receiving tube 6 has a sampling port 4. The robot can directly take out the items in the sample storage slot 25 of the transport box 9 from the sampling port 4. Therefore, the ideal position of the transport box 9 is that the sample storage slot 25 faces the sampling port 4. At this time, the items in the sample storage slot 25 are facing the sampling port 4. This is why there are requirements for the position of the transport box.

[0050] In this embodiment, motor 1 is mounted on the outer end face of the positioning device body 8. The output shaft of motor 1 is connected to electromagnet mounting base 13 through coupling 16, which can control the electromagnet mounting base 13 to rotate synchronously. When the transport box 9 is attracted by the electromagnet, the position of the transport box can be changed by controlling the rotation of the motor. A limit ring 14 is provided on the coupling 16, and the limit ring 14 can rotate with the coupling 16. A limit ball 15 is provided on the limit ring 14. The limit ball 15 is in contact with the positioning base 10. By setting the limit ball 15, it is ensured that the limit ring 14 and the coupling 16 rotate synchronously without interfering with the rotation. At the same time, when the transport box 9 hits the electromagnet mounting base 13, its impact force will be transmitted from the electromagnet mounting base 13 to the coupling 16, then to the limit ring 14, and finally to the positioning device body 8, thereby avoiding damage to the output shaft of motor 1.

[0051] Preferably, the limiting ring 14 is installed on the outer diameter of the coupling 16, and four circumferentially distributed limiting balls 15 are installed on the upper end face of the limiting ring 14.

[0052] In this embodiment, a positioning bead 17 is also provided on the electromagnet mounting base 13; a positioning groove 21 that cooperates with the positioning bead 17 is provided on the end face of the transport box 9 facing the electromagnet 12.

[0053] Preferably, the positioning bead 17 is installed at the center of the end face of the electromagnet mounting base 13 facing the receiving tube 6; a first end cover 20 is provided on one end face of the transport box 9, and the positioning groove 21 is located at the center of the first end cover 20. This allows the transport box 9 and the electromagnet mounting base 13 to remain concentric.

[0054] Electromagnet 12 is mounted on electromagnet mounting base 13; positioning base 10 is mounted inside positioning device body 8 and fits against the upper end face of positioning device body 8. The inner wall of positioning base 10 has a gap with electromagnet mounting base 13, so it will not interfere with the rotation of electromagnet mounting base 13. In addition, positioning base 10 is made of non-conductive material, and two metal contact points are installed on its lower end face. The two metal contact points are metal contact point 11 and metal contact point 18.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, power transmission wires are connected to metal contact points 11 and 18; the power transmission wires are connected to the power supply, and the power supply is connected to the motor 1 and the electromagnet 12 to supply power to the motor 1 and the electromagnet 12.

[0056] A first end cap 20 is provided on one end face of the transport box 9, and two protruding balls are provided on the first end cap 20; the two protruding balls are protruding ball 22 and protruding ball 23 respectively.

[0057] After the transport box 9 enters the positioning device body 8 from the transmission tube 3, it can be attracted by the electromagnet 12. At this time, the two protruding balls on the first end cover 20 face the positioning seat. When the motor drives the electromagnet mounting seat 13 and the transport box 9 to rotate, the two protruding balls on the transport box 9 can rotate to contact the two metal contact points. When the two protruding balls contact the two metal contact points, it indicates that the transport box 9 has rotated to the target position. At this time, the control power supply stops supplying power to the motor 1 and the electromagnet 12. The motor 1 and the electromagnet 12 are de-energized, the electromagnet 12 loses its magnetism and separates from the transport box 9. After that, the transport box 9 falls into the receiving tube 6.

[0058] In this embodiment, a sample storage slot 25 is provided on the transport box 9;

[0059] One end of the receiving tube 6 is connected to the main body 8 of the positioning device, and the other end of the receiving tube 6 is provided with a receiving platform 5 and a sampling port 4. After the transport box 9 enters the receiving tube 6, it finally reaches the receiving platform 5. After the transport box 9 reaches the receiving platform 5, the sample storage tank 25 faces the sampling port 4.

[0060] In this embodiment, the transport box 9 is provided with a spiral channel 19 on the outside, and the positioning device body 8 and the receiving tube 6 are provided with a spiral guide shaft 7 that cooperates with the spiral channel 19.

[0061] After the transport box 9 separates from the electromagnet 12, the transport box 9 spirals down to the receiving platform 5 with the cooperation of the spiral channel 19 and the spiral guide shaft 7. At this time, the sample storage slot 25 of the transport box 9 is directly opposite the sampling port 4, and the position of the transport box 9 conforms to the ideal position, thus achieving accurate positioning of the transport box.

[0062] In this embodiment, in order to make it easier for the spiral groove 19 of the transport box 9 to fit with the spiral guide shaft 7, a second end cover 24 is provided on the other end face of the transport box 9; a chamfer is provided on the end face of the transport box 9 where the second end face 24 is provided.

[0063] The second end cap 24 and the first end cap 20 are located at both ends of the transport box 9.

[0064] This embodiment discloses an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces. In use, the transport box 9 enters the positioning device body 8 through the transmission pipe 3. After entering the positioning device body 8, the transport box 9 moves upward and impacts the electromagnet mounting base 13. The electromagnet 12 then attracts the transport box 9. Simultaneously, the positioning bead 17 and the positioning groove 21 work together to make the transport box 9 and the electromagnet 12 concentric. When the feedback circuit of the two metal contact points is not connected, it indicates that the transport box 9 is not in the target position. At this time, the motor 1 starts to rotate, and the two protruding rollers on the transport box 9... The ball rolls circumferentially on the end face of the positioning seat 10 with two metal contact points until the two protruding balls make contact with the corresponding metal contact points. Then the connection circuit of the two metal contact points is connected, and a feedback signal is sent to indicate that the transport box 9 has reached the target position and is in the target posture. The control motor 1 stops rotating, and the electromagnet 12 is de-energized and demagnetized. The transport box 9 loses its attraction and falls vertically, forming a spiral engagement with the spiral guide shaft 7. When the transport box 9 stops on the receiving platform 5, the sample storage slot 25 of the transport box 9 is directly opposite the sampling port 4, that is, the automatic positioning of the transport box 9 is completed.

[0065] This embodiment discloses an automatic positioning device for a transport box suitable for small spaces. A motor controls the rotation of the transport box, allowing it to adjust its posture. The on / off state of the metal contact circuit determines whether the transport box has reached the target position. When the transport box is in the target position, the motor rotates, de-energizing the electromagnet and causing the transport box to descend spirally along the guide shaft to the receiving platform. Because the fit between the spiral groove of the transport box and the spiral guide shaft is similar to that of a screw and a threaded hole, the positioning of the transport box is essentially stable, eliminating the need for secondary positioning. This avoids manual operation and eliminates the risk of harm to personnel from toxic or hazardous materials.

[0066] The method of determining whether the transport box is in the target position by checking whether the metal contact point is in contact with the protruding ball is more stable and reliable than general sensors that are susceptible to radiation and signal loss.

[0067] When transporting toxic or radioactive materials, it is essential to ensure safe and reliable transport and prevent damage to the materials. However, pneumatic transport often involves high speeds and significant impact upon reaching the receiving point, which can easily damage the transported materials. The positioning device of this invention ensures that the transport box stops when it reaches the electromagnet above the receiving platform. After the attitude adjustment is completed, it falls by gravity and rotates around the spiral guide shaft, which greatly reduces the descent speed and impact, thus preventing damage to the materials inside the transport box.

[0068] This embodiment discloses an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces. It has a simple structure and small size, making it suitable for installation in confined spaces. It is also equipped with a mechanism to protect the motor output shaft, enabling the device to operate stably for a long time.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] In this embodiment, a positioning method for an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, as disclosed in Embodiment 1, is disclosed, including:

[0071] After the transport box 9 enters the main body 8 of the positioning device through the transmission tube 3, it is attracted by the electromagnet 12.

[0072] The rotation of motor 1 drives the electromagnet mounting base 13 and the transport box 9 to rotate.

[0073] When the two protruding balls on the transport box 9 come into contact with the two metal contact points on the positioning seat 10, the motor and electromagnet are de-energized.

[0074] After the transport box 9 separates from the electromagnet, it falls into the receiving tube 6.

[0075] Furthermore, after the transport box 9 separates from the electromagnet, the transport box 9 spirals down onto the receiving platform 5 with the cooperation of the spiral channel 19 and the spiral guide shaft 7, and after reaching the receiving platform 5, the sample storage slot 25 of the transport box 9 faces the sampling port 4.

[0076] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, characterized in that, It includes the main body of the positioning device, the transmission tube, the receiving tube, and the transport box; The transmission tube is connected to the main body of the positioning device; a positioning seat is provided at one end of the main body of the positioning device; the other end of the main body of the positioning device is connected to the receiving tube. An electromagnet mounting base is installed inside the main body of the positioning device. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the electromagnet mounting base via a coupling. A limit ring is installed on the coupling, and the limit ring can rotate with the coupling. A limit ball is installed on the limit ring. The limit ball is in contact with the positioning seat, and the motor is connected to the main body of the positioning device. An electromagnet is installed on the electromagnet mounting base. Two metal contact points are provided on the end face of the positioning seat facing the electromagnet mounting base. The transport box is equipped with a sample storage slot; one end of the receiving tube is connected to the main body of the positioning device, and the other end of the receiving tube is equipped with a receiving platform and a sampling port. After the transport box enters the receiving tube, it eventually reaches the receiving platform; After the transport box arrives at the receiving platform, the sample storage slot faces the sampling port; The exterior of the transport box is provided with a spiral channel, and the main body of the positioning device and the receiving tube are provided with a spiral guide shaft that cooperates with the spiral channel; After the transport box enters the main body of the positioning device through the transmission tube, it can be attracted by the electromagnet; the transport box is equipped with two protruding balls; after the transport box enters the main body of the positioning device through the transmission tube, it is attracted by the electromagnet; the motor rotates, driving the electromagnet mounting base and the transport box to rotate; when the two protruding balls on the transport box contact the two metal contact points on the positioning base, the motor and the electromagnet are de-energized, the transport box separates from the electromagnet, and enters the receiving tube.

2. The automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A positioning bead is provided on the electromagnet mounting base; a positioning groove that mates with the positioning bead is provided on the end face of the transport box facing the electromagnet.

3. The automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first end cap is provided on one end face of the transport box, and two protruding ball bearings are provided on the first end cap; A second end cap is provided on the other end face of the transport box; a chamfer is provided on the end face of the transport box where the second end face is provided.

4. The automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the positioning device is cylindrical.

5. The automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the transmission tube, the inner diameter of the positioning device body, and the inner diameter of the receiving tube are the same.

6. A positioning method for an automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces, as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: After the transport box enters the main body of the positioning device through the transmission tube, it is attracted by the electromagnet. The rotation of the motor drives the electromagnet mounting base and the transport box to rotate. When the two protruding balls on the transport box come into contact with the two metal contact points on the positioning seat, the motor and electromagnet are de-energized. After the transport box separates from the electromagnet, it falls into the receiving tube.

7. The positioning method of the automatic positioning device for transport boxes suitable for small spaces as described in claim 6, characterized in that, After the transport box separates from the electromagnet, it spirals down to the receiving platform with the help of the spiral channel and the spiral guide shaft. Once on the receiving platform, the sample storage slot of the transport box faces the sampling port.

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