A crown block support device

Abstract

The application discloses a crown block supporting device, which comprises a main frame adjacent to a branch track in a crown block track, and a supporting mechanism movably connected to the main frame and used for abutting against and moving synchronously with a crown block when the crown block is transversely moved to transplant materials to a preset position, so as to support the crown block and keep the crown block balanced. The crown block supporting device can support the crown block to transplant at the branch track and improve space utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material handling equipment technology, and more specifically to a crane support device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, overhead hoist transport (OHT) machines typically cannot perform lateral material transfer (such as wafer cassettes) at branch tracks because one wheel of the crane is suspended in the air at these points, and there are no tracks below to maintain the crane's posture. During lateral transfer, the crane loses balance due to a shift in its center of gravity and may tip over. Consequently, it is difficult to install machines near branch tracks, resulting in low space utilization in the factory.

[0003] Therefore, improvements are needed to at least partially address the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a crane support device is provided, comprising:

[0006] The main frame is adjacent to the branching track in the overhead crane track;

[0007] The support mechanism, movably connected to the main frame, is used to abut against and move laterally synchronously with the overhead crane when the crane on the branch track laterally transfers materials to a preset position, so as to support the overhead crane and keep the overhead crane balanced.

[0008] For example, the overhead crane includes a lateral transfer unit, which is used to move the material horizontally to transfer the material laterally to the preset position;

[0009] The support mechanism includes a support component and a first actuating device;

[0010] The support member is slidably connected to the main frame;

[0011] The first actuating device is disposed on the main frame and / or the support member, and is used to drive the support member to abut against the horizontal transfer unit and move synchronously in the horizontal direction when the horizontal transfer unit drives the material to move in the horizontal direction, so as to support the overhead crane.

[0012] For example, the first actuating device includes a first motor and a first transmission assembly. The first motor is disposed on the main frame, and the output shaft of the first motor is connected to the support member through the first transmission assembly.

[0013] For example, the overhead crane support device further includes a load-bearing mechanism and a transplanting mechanism;

[0014] The supporting mechanism is movably connected to the main frame and configured to switch between a supporting position and a transplanting position. The supporting mechanism has a horizontal supporting surface, which is used to support the material when the supporting mechanism is in the supporting position. The preset position is the supporting surface.

[0015] The transplanting mechanism is connected to the main frame and is used to grab materials from the bearing surface and transplant the materials to the machine platform located below the crane support device;

[0016] When the transfer mechanism transfers the material it has grabbed onto the machine platform, the carrying mechanism is positioned at the transfer location, which is outside the transfer path of the material.

[0017] For example, the support mechanism includes a support plate and a second actuating device;

[0018] The bearing plate is slidably connected to the main frame and has the bearing surface;

[0019] The second actuating device is disposed on the support plate and / or the main frame. The second actuating device is connected to the support plate for driving the support plate to move in the horizontal direction so that the support mechanism switches between the support position and the transplanting position.

[0020] For example, the second actuating device includes a second motor and a second transmission assembly. The second motor is disposed on the main frame, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to the support plate through the second transmission assembly.

[0021] For example, a plurality of guide limiting blocks are provided on the bearing surface. The guide limiting blocks are used to guide the material from the overhead crane to the bearing surface and to limit the material located on the bearing surface.

[0022] For example, the transplanting mechanism includes a third actuating device and a clamping member;

[0023] The third actuating device is disposed on the main frame and is connected to the clamping member for driving the clamping member to move in the vertical direction;

[0024] The clamping member is used to grip material from the bearing mechanism in the bearing position and place the material on the machine platform located below the crane support device.

[0025] For example, the third actuation device includes a third motor and a belt;

[0026] The output shaft of the third motor is connected to the clamping member via the belt.

[0027] For example, the crane support device further includes a bearing plate, which is fixedly connected to the main frame and has a horizontal bearing surface;

[0028] The preset position is the bearing surface.

[0029] According to the crane support device of the present invention, when the crane located on the branch track laterally transfers materials to a preset position, it can support the crane and keep the crane balanced. Thus, the crane can safely transfer materials laterally at the branch track. Furthermore, a machine can be set up near the branch track to improve the space utilization of the factory. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The following figures are included as part of this application for understanding the application. The figures illustrate embodiments of the application and their descriptions, serving to explain the apparatus and principles of the application. In the figures,

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the diverging tracks and the overhead cranes on the diverging tracks;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a crane performing lateral relocation at a branching track.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the crane support device according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overhead crane support device according to the first embodiment of this application supporting the overhead crane for lateral transplantation;

[0035] Figure 5-6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the crane support device according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a top view of the load-bearing plate in the load-bearing mechanism;

[0037] Figure 8-14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of transferring materials to the machine platform using the overhead crane support device according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 15This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the crane support device according to the third embodiment of this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 10-Heavy crane, 11-Wheel, 12-Transverse transfer unit, 20-Branching track, 30-Material, 40-Machine platform;

[0041] 100-Main frame, 200-Supporting mechanism, 300-Connecting rod, 400-Bearing mechanism, 410-Bearing plate, 411-Bearing surface, 412-Guide limiting block, 500-Transplanting mechanism, 510-Third motor, 520-Belt, 530-Clamping component. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0043] It should be understood that this application can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, providing these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this application to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the dimensions and relative dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout.

[0044] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or part from another element, component, area, layer, or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this application, the first element, component, area, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or part.

[0045] Spatial relation terms such as "below," "under," "below," "under," "above," and "above" are used here for convenience to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms are intended to also include different orientations of devices in use and operation.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0047] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that serve as schematic diagrams of preferred embodiments (and intermediate structures) of this application. Thus, variations in the shown shape are contemplated due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, embodiments of this application should not be limited to the specific shapes shown herein, but include shape deviations due to, for example, manufacturing processes. Consequently, the figures are substantially schematic, and their shapes are not intended to show the actual shape of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0048] See attached document Figure 1 , 2 The overhead crane 10 and the branching track 20 in the related technology are illustrated by example.

[0049] The overhead hoist transport (OHT) 10, also known as a suspended conveyor crane, is an automated material handling device widely used in industrial production and logistics. The overhead hoist 10 includes a traveling mechanism that moves the hoist 10 along a hoist track. The traveling mechanism includes a drive motor, a transmission device (such as gears, chains, or belts), and wheels 11 (usually four). The drive motor provides power, which drives the wheels 11 to run along the hoist track, thus moving the hoist 10. The overhead hoist 10 also includes a lateral transfer unit 12, which moves the material 30 horizontally to a specific location. Specifically, the lateral transfer unit 12 may include a lateral movement mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The lateral movement mechanism moves the lifting and clamping mechanisms together horizontally, the lifting mechanism moves the clamping mechanism vertically, and the clamping mechanism can clamp or release the material 30. It should be noted that the specific structure of the overhead hoist 10 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0050] Material 30 can be a wafer cassette or a photomask cassette. For example, the wafer cassette can be a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) or a FOSB (Front Opening Shipping Box). FOUP is mainly used for wafer transport during the production process, FOSB is mainly used for bare wafer transport, and photomask cassette is used for transporting photomasks (also known as photomasks) used in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

[0051] The branch track 20 is the track where the flow splits or merges in the crane track. When the crane 10 is at the branch track 20, one of its wheels 11 is suspended in the air.

[0052] See appendix Figure 2 When the crane 10 is at the branch track 20 and the lateral transfer unit 12 laterally transfers the material 30 (that is, when the lateral transfer mechanism drives the lifting mechanism, the clamping mechanism and the material 30 held by the clamping mechanism to move laterally), the center of gravity of the crane 10 will shift. Since one wheel 11 of the crane 10 is suspended in the air and there is no track 20 below, the crane 10 cannot be stably kept on the branch track 20 and is prone to losing balance and overturning.

[0053] Therefore, the overhead crane 10 is usually configured to not allow the lateral transfer of materials 30 at the branch track 20. That is, the machine 40 is usually not set up near the branch track 20, resulting in a reduction in the utilization rate of factory space.

[0054] See attached document Figure 3 , 4 An exemplary description of a crane support device according to a first embodiment of this application will be provided. The crane support device includes a main frame 100 and a support mechanism 200.

[0055] The main frame 100 is adjacent to the branch track 20 in the overhead crane track, and the main frame 100 is used to support the support mechanism 200. In this embodiment, the main frame 100 is fixedly connected to the factory ceiling via connecting rods 300. In some embodiments, the main frame 100 can be directly fixedly connected to the ceiling or other suitable locations. This application does not specifically limit the fixing method of the main frame 100, but depends on the specific circumstances. For example, the main frame 100 can be a metal frame structure.

[0056] The support mechanism 200 is movably connected to the main frame 100 and is used to abut against and move laterally synchronously with the overhead crane 10 when the crane 10 located on the branch track 20 laterally transfers material 30 to a preset position, so as to support the crane 10 (that is, to support the crane 10 in the direction in which it may tip over) and keep the crane 10 balanced. For example, the main frame 100 is located on the transfer side of the crane 10, and the support mechanism 200 can abut against the lateral transfer unit 12 of the crane 10 on the transfer side to provide support force. It is understood that the support force includes at least an upward force to prevent the crane 10 from tipping over due to a shift in its center of gravity when transferring material 30. In an embodiment not shown, the end of the support mechanism 200 near the crane 10 has a support platform to abut against and support the lateral transfer unit 12 from below. This application does not specifically limit the structure on the support mechanism 200 for abutting against the lateral transfer unit 12, and it may be determined according to the specific circumstances.

[0057] Thus, the overhead crane 10 can safely transfer materials 30 laterally at the branch track 20, and a machine 40 can be set up near the branch track 20 to improve the space utilization of the factory.

[0058] In this embodiment, the overhead crane 10 includes a lateral transfer unit 12, which is used to move the material 30 horizontally to transfer the material 30 to a preset position. For example, the lateral transfer unit 12 may include a lateral movement mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The lateral movement mechanism is used to move the lifting mechanism and the clamping mechanism together horizontally, the lifting mechanism is used to move the clamping mechanism vertically, and the clamping mechanism can clamp or release the material 30. The preset position can be a machine platform 40 adjacent to the branch track 20.

[0059] The support mechanism 200 includes a support member and a first actuating device.

[0060] The support member is slidably connected to the main frame 100. For example, the support member can be a support rod, support plate, or other object that can abut against the overhead crane 10 to support it. The support member can be slidably connected to the main frame 100 via a slide rail and slider structure. That is, one of the support member and the main frame 100 is provided with a slide rail extending in the horizontal direction, and the other is provided with a slider that matches the slide rail; the slide rail and the slider are slidably connected. For example, the end of the support member facing the overhead crane 10 is provided with a support platform to abut against and support the transverse transfer unit 12 from below and / or the side.

[0061] The first actuating device is disposed on the main frame 100 and / or the supporting member, and is used to drive the supporting member to abut against the transverse transfer unit 12 and move synchronously in the horizontal direction when the transverse transfer unit 12 drives the material 30 to move in the horizontal direction, thereby supporting the overhead crane 10. For example, when the transverse transfer mechanism drives the lifting mechanism, the clamping mechanism and the material 30 held by the clamping mechanism to move in the horizontal direction (i.e., transverse movement), the first actuating device can drive the supporting member to abut against the transverse transfer mechanism and move synchronously in the horizontal direction with the transverse transfer mechanism. That is, the supporting member is always in contact with the transverse transfer mechanism when the transverse transfer mechanism moves in the horizontal direction, thereby supporting the overhead crane 10 and enabling the overhead crane 10 to maintain balance when the center of gravity shifts.

[0062] For example, the first actuating device may include a first motor and a first transmission assembly. The first motor is mounted on the main frame 100, and its output shaft is connected to the support member via the first transmission assembly. For example, the first transmission assembly may be a rack and pinion drive assembly, which may include a gear mounted on the output shaft of the first motor and a rack mounted on the support member. The gear and rack mesh, so that when the first motor operates, it can drive the support member to move horizontally via the rack and pinion drive assembly. The first transmission assembly may also be other transmission assemblies, such as rack and pinion drives, capable of converting the rotational motion of the first motor's output shaft into linear motion of the support member.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first actuating device may be a linear actuating device such as a cylinder disposed on one of the main frame 100 and the support member, with its output end (e.g., the output shaft of the cylinder) abutting or connected to the other of the main frame 100 and the support member. Thus, when the linear actuating device is working, it can drive the support member to abut against the transverse transfer unit 12 and move synchronously in the horizontal direction to support the overhead crane 10.

[0064] See attached document Figure 5-7 An exemplary description of a crane support device according to a second embodiment of this application will be provided. The crane support device includes a main frame 100, a support mechanism 200, a load-bearing mechanism 400, and a transplanting mechanism 500.

[0065] The main frame 100 is adjacent to the branch track 20 in the overhead crane track, and the main frame 100 is used to support the support mechanism 200, the load-bearing mechanism 400, and the transfer mechanism 500. In this embodiment, the main frame 100 is fixedly connected to the factory ceiling via connecting rods 300. In some embodiments, the main frame 100 can be directly fixedly connected to the ceiling. Exemplarily, the main frame 100 can be a metal frame structure.

[0066] The specific structure and working method of the support mechanism 200 have been described in detail in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] The load-bearing mechanism 400 is movably connected to the main frame 100 and is configured to be able to support loads at locations such as... Figure 5 (as shown) and transplanting location (e.g.) Figure 6 Switching between (as shown), the carrying mechanism 400 has a horizontal carrying surface 411, which is used to carry material 30 when the carrying mechanism 400 is in the carrying position. The overhead crane 10 located on the branch track 20 can laterally transfer material 30 to the carrying surface 411 when the carrying mechanism 400 is in the carrying position. In some embodiments, the overhead crane 10 located on the branch track 20 can directly transfer material to the machine platform 40 when the carrying mechanism 400 is in the transfer position.

[0068] The transfer mechanism 500 is connected to the main frame 100 and is used to grab material 30 from the bearing surface 411 and transfer material 30 to the machine platform 40 located below the overhead crane support device. When the transfer mechanism 500 transfers the grabbed material 30 to the machine platform 40, the bearing mechanism 400 is in the transfer position, which is outside the transfer path of material 30. It should be noted that "outside the transfer path of material 30" means that when the bearing mechanism 400 is in the transfer position, it will not obstruct or interfere with the transfer of material 30 when the transfer mechanism 500 transfers material 30 to the machine platform 40 below the overhead crane support device. In other words, when the bearing mechanism 400 is in the transfer position, the transfer mechanism 500 can normally transfer material 30 to the machine platform 40 below the overhead crane support device without being obstructed or affected by the bearing mechanism 400.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the carrying mechanism 400 is in the carrying position, the overhead crane 10 located on the branch track 20 can laterally transfer the material 30 to the carrying surface 411. During this process, the support mechanism 200 can abut against the overhead crane 10 and move laterally synchronously to support the overhead crane 10 (that is, to support the overhead crane 10 in the direction in which it may tip over), so that the overhead crane 10 remains balanced. After the material 30 is transferred to the carrying surface 411, the transfer mechanism 500 can grab the material 30 from the carrying surface 411. At this time, the carrying mechanism 400 can switch to the transfer position, and then the transfer mechanism 500 transfers the material 30 to the machine platform 40 located below the overhead crane support device.

[0070] Thus, on the one hand, the overhead crane 10 can safely perform lateral transfer of material 30 at the branch track 20, thereby allowing the machine platform 40 to be set up near the branch track 20, improving the space utilization of the factory; on the other hand, after the overhead crane 10 transfers material 30 to the bearing surface 411 of the bearing mechanism 400 at the branch track 20, it can leave to perform the transport of other materials 30. The material 30 can be temporarily stored in the bearing mechanism 400 of the overhead crane support device, and can be subsequently transferred to the machine platform 40 by the transfer mechanism 500, without the overhead crane 10 needing to directly transfer material 30 to the machine platform 40 at the branch track 20. This effectively reduces the time for the overhead crane 10 to transfer material 30, improves the transport efficiency of the overhead crane 10, and simultaneously achieves buffering of material 30.

[0071] In this embodiment, the support mechanism 400 includes a support plate 410 and a second actuating device.

[0072] The support plate 410 is slidably connected to the main frame 100 and has a horizontal support surface 411. Exemplarily, the support plate 410 can be slidably connected to the main frame 100 via a slide rail-slider structure; that is, one of the support plate 410 and the main frame 100 is provided with a slide rail extending in the horizontal direction, and the other is provided with a slider matching the slide rail, with the slide rail and slider slidably connected. In some embodiments, the main frame 100 may be provided with two opposing horizontally extending grooves, with the opposite side edges of the support plate 410 respectively engaging in the two grooves, allowing the support plate 410 to slide horizontally within the grooves.

[0073] For example, see Appendix Figure 7 Multiple guide blocks 412 can be provided on the bearing surface 411. The guide blocks 412 are used to guide the material 30 from the overhead crane 10 to the bearing surface 411 and limit the material 30 located on the bearing surface 411. Specifically, the guide blocks 412 can be multiple L-shaped or straight protrusions located on the bearing surface 411. The multiple guide blocks 412 can define a rectangular area for placing the material 30. When the material 30 is located in this area on the bearing surface 411, the multiple guide blocks 412 can restrict the horizontal movement of the material 30 so that the material 30 remains stable on the bearing surface 411. The edge of the guide block 412 away from the bearing surface 411 is provided with a chamfer (e.g., bevel or rounded corner). The chamfer can guide the material 30 when it is transferred to the bearing surface 411, so that the material 30 moves into the rectangular area defined by the multiple guide blocks 412.

[0074] The second actuating device is disposed on the support plate 410 and / or the main frame 100. The second actuating device is drively connected to the support plate 410 and is used to drive the support plate 410 to move in the horizontal direction so that the support mechanism 400 switches between the carrying position and the transplanting position. That is, the second actuating device can drive the support plate 410 to switch between a first position and a second position in the horizontal direction. When the support plate 410 is in the first position, the support mechanism 400 is in the carrying position, and when the support plate 410 is in the second position, the support mechanism 400 is in the transplanting position.

[0075] For example, the second actuating device may include a second motor and a second transmission assembly. The second motor is mounted on the main frame 100, and its output shaft is connected to the support plate 410 via the second transmission assembly. For example, the second transmission assembly may be a rack and pinion drive assembly, which may include a gear mounted on the output shaft of the second motor and a rack mounted on the support plate 410. The gear and rack mesh, so that when the second motor operates, it can drive the support plate 410 to move horizontally via the rack and pinion drive assembly. The second transmission assembly may also be other transmission assemblies, such as rack and pinion drives, capable of converting the rotational motion of the second motor's output shaft into linear motion of the support plate 410.

[0076] In some embodiments, the second actuating device may be a linear actuating device such as a cylinder disposed on one of the main frame 100 and the support plate 410, with its output end (e.g., the output shaft of the cylinder) abutting or connected to the other of the main frame 100 and the support plate 410. Thus, when the linear actuating device is working, it can drive the support plate 410 to move horizontally to switch between a first position and a second position, that is, to switch the support mechanism 400 between a support position and a transplanting position.

[0077] In some embodiments not shown, the support mechanism 400 can be rotated to switch between a support position and a transplanting position, depending on the specific circumstances. For example, a support plate 410 is rotatably connected to the main frame 100, and a second actuating device is driven by the support plate 410 to rotate the support plate 410 about a rotation axis extending in a vertical direction, thereby switching the support mechanism 400 between the support position and the transplanting position. For example, the second actuating device may include a second motor and a second transmission assembly. The second motor is disposed on the main frame 100, and the output shaft of the second motor is driven by the second transmission assembly to the support plate 410. The second transmission assembly may be a transmission assembly such as a gear transmission assembly or a belt transmission assembly capable of converting the rotational motion of the output shaft of the second motor into the rotational motion of the support plate 410.

[0078] In this embodiment, the transplanting mechanism 500 includes a third actuating device and a clamping member 530.

[0079] The third actuating device is mounted on the main frame 100 and is connected to the clamping member 530 via a transmission connection, used to drive the clamping member 530 to move vertically. In this embodiment, the third actuating device includes a third motor 510 and a belt 520. The output shaft of the third motor 510 is connected to the clamping member 530 via the belt 520. When the output shaft of the third motor 510 rotates in both directions, it can cause the belt 520 to wind and unwind respectively, thereby driving the clamping member 530 to move vertically. In some other embodiments, the third actuator can also be a device such as an electric hoist that can drive the clamping member 530 to rise and fall. For example, an electric hoist mainly consists of a motor, a drum, a wire rope, and a reducer. The motor drives the drum to rotate via the reducer, the drum winds or unwinds the wire rope, and the wire rope is connected to the clamping member 530, thereby causing the clamping member 530 to rise and fall.

[0080] The clamping member 530 is used to grip material 30 from the bearing mechanism 400 in the bearing position and place material 30 on the machine platform 40 located below the overhead crane support device. For example, the clamping member 530 may include a jaw and a jaw drive structure for driving the jaw to move so that the jaw grips or releases the part to be clamped on the material 30.

[0081] Thus, after the overhead crane 10 transfers the material 30 to the bearing surface 411 of the bearing mechanism 400 at the branch track 20, the third actuator can drive the clamping member 530 to move vertically to the material 30, clamp the material 30 through the clamping member 530, and drive the material 30 to rise a short distance, so that the material 30 is separated from the bearing surface 411. Then, the bearing mechanism 400 can switch to the transfer position, and then the third actuator drives the clamping member 530 and the material 30 clamped by the clamping member 530 to move vertically downward, transferring the material 30 to the machine platform 40 located below the overhead crane support device.

[0082] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 8-14 The process of transferring material 30 to machine platform 40 using the overhead crane support device of this embodiment will be described by way of example.

[0083] First, see appendix Figure 8 , 9After the overhead crane 10 moves to the branch track 20, the lateral transfer unit 12 on the overhead crane 10 transfers material 30 onto the bearing surface 411 of the bearing mechanism 400, which is in the bearing position. During this process, the support mechanism 200 abuts against the lateral transfer unit 12 of the overhead crane 10 and moves laterally synchronously to support the overhead crane 10 (that is, to support the overhead crane 10 in the direction in which it may tip over), so that the overhead crane 10 remains balanced. In some embodiments, the top surface (i.e., the bearing surface 411) of the bearing mechanism 400 is not higher than the bottom surface of the material 30 laterally transferred by the lateral transfer unit 12. Preferably, the top surface of the bearing mechanism 400 is lower than the bottom surface of the material 30 laterally transferred by the lateral transfer unit 12 to avoid friction or impact between the material 30 and the bearing mechanism 400 during the transfer process, which could cause damage or generate particulate contaminants. When the top surface of the bearing mechanism 400 is lower than the bottom surface of the material 30, after the horizontal transfer unit 12 of the overhead crane 10 moves above the bearing surface 411, the lifting mechanism of the overhead crane 10 can drive the material 30 down to place the material 30 on the bearing surface 411 of the bearing mechanism 400.

[0084] Then, see appendix. Figure 10 The lateral transfer unit 12 on the overhead crane 10 returns to its initial position, allowing the overhead crane 10 to leave from the branch track 20 and transport other materials 30. It should be noted that during the process of the lateral transfer unit 12 returning to its initial position, the support mechanism 200 can abut against the lateral transfer unit 12 and move laterally synchronously to support the overhead crane 10 and maintain its balance.

[0085] Then, see appendix. Figure 11 The third actuator (i.e., the third motor 510 and belt 520) drives the clamping member 530 to move vertically from the initial position to the material 30. The clamping member 530 clamps the material 30 and drives the material 30 to rise a short distance, so that the material 30 is separated from the bearing surface 411.

[0086] Then, see appendix. Figure 12 The carrying mechanism 400 switches from the carrying position to the transfer position, and the carrying mechanism 400 is located outside the transfer path of the material 30 to the machine platform 40.

[0087] Then, see appendix. Figure 13 The third actuator drives the clamping member 530 and the material 30 held by the clamping member 530 to move downward in the vertical direction, transferring the material 30 to the machine platform 40 located below the overhead crane support device.

[0088] Then, see appendix. Figure 14 The third actuator drives the clamping component 530 to move vertically upward to the initial position.

[0089] Then, the supporting mechanism 400 can switch from the transfer position to the carrying position, waiting for the overhead crane 10 to perform the next material transfer, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0090] See attached document Figure 15 An exemplary description will be given of a crane support device according to a third embodiment of this application. The crane support device includes a main frame 100, a support mechanism 200, and a load-bearing plate 410.

[0091] The main frame 100 is adjacent to the branch track 20 in the overhead crane track, and the main frame 100 is used to support the support mechanism 200 and the support plate 410. In this embodiment, the main frame 100 is fixedly connected to the factory ceiling via connecting rods 300. In some embodiments, the main frame 100 can be directly fixedly connected to the ceiling. Exemplarily, the main frame 100 can be a metal frame structure.

[0092] The specific structure and working method of the support mechanism 200 have been described in detail in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0093] The support plate 410 is fixedly connected to the main frame 100, and the support plate 410 has a horizontal support surface 411. For example, multiple guide and limiting blocks 412 can be provided on the support surface 411. The guide and limiting blocks 412 are used to guide the material 30 from the overhead crane 10 to the support surface 411 and to limit the material 30 located on the support surface 411. Specifically, the guide and limiting blocks 412 can be multiple L-shaped or straight protrusions located on the support surface 411. The multiple guide and limiting blocks 412 can define a rectangular area for placing the material 30. When the material 30 is located in this area on the support surface 411, the multiple guide and limiting blocks 412 can restrict the horizontal movement of the material 30, so that the material 30 remains stable on the support surface 411. The guide limit block 412 has a chamfer (e.g., bevel or rounded corner) on the side away from the bearing surface 411. The chamfer can guide the material 30 when it is transferred to the bearing surface 411, so that the material 30 moves into the rectangular area defined by the multiple guide limit blocks 412.

[0094] The overhead crane 10 located on the branch track 20 can laterally transfer material 30 to the bearing surface 411. The support mechanism 200, when the overhead crane 10 on the branch track 20 laterally transfers material 30 to the bearing surface 411, abuts against the overhead crane 10 and moves laterally synchronously to support the overhead crane 10 (i.e., to support the overhead crane 10 in the direction it might tip over), thus maintaining the overhead crane 10's balance. After the material 30 is transferred to the bearing surface 411, it can be temporarily stored in the overhead crane support device and can be moved by workers from the bearing plate 410 to the machine platform 40 located near the branch track 20 using other factory conveying equipment. It is understood that the top surface of the bearing plate 410 and the guide limiting block 412 is not higher than the bottom surface of the material 30 laterally transferred by the lateral transfer unit 12, to avoid the material 20 colliding or rubbing against the overhead crane support device during the lateral transfer process.

[0095] Although exemplary embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this application as claimed in the appended claims.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0097] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0098] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0099] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline this application and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, features of this application may sometimes be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of this application. However, this approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed application requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with features fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of this application.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or elements of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0101] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any one of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0102] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of this application and not restrictive of this application, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A crane support device, characterized in that, include: The main frame is adjacent to the branching track in the overhead crane track; The support mechanism is movably connected to the main frame and is used to abut against the overhead crane and move laterally synchronously when the crane on the branch track laterally transfers materials to a preset position, so as to support the overhead crane and keep the overhead crane balanced. The overhead crane includes a lateral transfer unit, which is used to move the material horizontally to transfer the material laterally to the preset position. The support mechanism includes a support member and a first actuating device; The support member is slidably connected to the main frame; The first actuating device is disposed on the main frame and / or the support member, and is used to drive the support member to abut against the horizontal transfer unit and move synchronously in the horizontal direction when the horizontal transfer unit drives the material to move in the horizontal direction, so as to support the overhead crane.

2. The crane support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first actuating device includes a first motor and a first transmission assembly. The first motor is mounted on the main frame, and the output shaft of the first motor is connected to the support member via the first transmission assembly.

3. The crane support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overhead crane support device also includes a load-bearing mechanism and a transplanting mechanism; The supporting mechanism is movably connected to the main frame and configured to switch between a supporting position and a transplanting position. The supporting mechanism has a horizontal supporting surface, which is used to support the material when the supporting mechanism is in the supporting position. The preset position is the supporting surface. The transplanting mechanism is connected to the main frame and is used to grab materials from the bearing surface and transplant the materials to the machine platform located below the crane support device; When the transfer mechanism transfers the material it has grabbed onto the machine platform, the carrying mechanism is positioned at the transfer location, which is outside the transfer path of the material.

4. The crane support device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The supporting mechanism includes a supporting plate and a second actuator; The bearing plate is slidably connected to the main frame and has the bearing surface; The second actuating device is disposed on the support plate and / or the main frame. The second actuating device is connected to the support plate for driving the support plate to move in the horizontal direction so that the support mechanism switches between the support position and the transplanting position.

5. The crane support device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second actuating device includes a second motor and a second transmission assembly. The second motor is mounted on the main frame, and the output shaft of the second motor is connected to the support plate via the second transmission assembly.

6. The crane support device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Multiple guide and limiting blocks are provided on the bearing surface. The guide and limiting blocks are used to guide the material from the overhead crane to the bearing surface and limit the material located on the bearing surface.

7. The crane support device according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The transplanting mechanism includes a third actuating device and a clamping component; The third actuating device is disposed on the main frame and is connected to the clamping member for driving the clamping member to move in the vertical direction; The clamping member is used to grip material from the bearing mechanism in the bearing position and place the material on the machine platform located below the crane support device.

8. The crane support device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third actuating device includes a third motor and a belt; The output shaft of the third motor is connected to the clamping member via the belt.

9. The crane support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The overhead crane support device also includes a bearing plate, which is fixedly connected to the main frame and has a horizontal bearing surface; The preset position is the bearing surface.

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