Overhead crane transport system and transport method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an overhead crane transport system and a transport method thereof, wherein the overhead crane transport system includes a cross-track section, an auxiliary track is provided above the cross-track section, and the auxiliary track is connected to a switching mechanism that drives its horizontal rotation and switching position. When in the first position, the auxiliary track extends along the first direction, and when in the second position, the auxiliary track extends along the second direction. The overhead crane is provided with front auxiliary wheels and rear auxiliary wheels that can move on the auxiliary track. When the front running wheels of the overhead crane moving in the first direction or the second direction move through the cross-gap of the cross-track section, the front auxiliary wheels are located on the auxiliary track in the first position or the second position. When the rear running wheels of the overhead crane moving in the first direction or the second direction are located at the cross-gap, the rear auxiliary wheels are located on the auxiliary track in the first position or the second position. The present invention does not require a structure that drives the auxiliary track to rise and fall, and has lower equipment costs and usage costs, and higher switching efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automatic material handling, in particular to an overhead crane handling system and a handling method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Overhead handling systems (OHT systems) are essential equipment for material handling in automated processing plants. As described in patent application publication number CN114388411A, they utilize an overhead crane with functions such as material grabbing, lifting, and traveling, which moves on tracks suspended from the ceiling to transport materials between locations.

[0003] Tracks are essential components of overhead crane handling systems, and their layout must be tailored to the distribution of equipment within a factory. In some track layouts, there is at least one cross-shaped track segment with a gap in the middle. Therefore, when the overhead crane's running wheels reach the gap between the cross-track segments, they can fall into it, preventing further movement.

[0004] To solve this problem, patent application publication number CN116280946A discloses a cross-track segment structure for an OHT system, in which auxiliary tracks are provided to selectively dock with tracks in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0005] Although this structure can effectively ensure the passage of the overhead crane at the cross-track section, it still has certain problems, such as:

[0006] The auxiliary track has a complex structure. Because it must seamlessly dock with both the X- and Y-axis tracks, it must not only rotate but also be raised and lowered for smooth switching. This requires a complex piston structure to drive the auxiliary track, increasing both equipment and operating costs while also requiring a larger height space. Furthermore, each switch requires three actions: rising, rotating, and descending, requiring a longer timeframe. This significantly impacts efficiency in crossing track sections. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems existing in the prior art and to provide an overhead crane transport system and a transport method thereof.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0009] An overhead crane transport system includes a track suspended in the air and an overhead crane operating on the track, the track including a cross-track segment, an auxiliary track disposed above the cross-track segment, the auxiliary track connected to a switching mechanism that drives the auxiliary track to rotate horizontally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the auxiliary track extends in a first direction, and in the second position, the auxiliary track extends in a second direction; the first direction is the direction in which the first track of the cross-track segment extends, and the second direction is the direction in which the second track of the cross-track segment extends;

[0010] The overhead crane is provided with front auxiliary wheels and rear auxiliary wheels which can move on the auxiliary track;

[0011] When the front running wheels of the overhead crane moving in the first direction move through the intersecting gap of the intersecting track segment, the front auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the first position; when the rear running wheels of the overhead crane move through the intersecting gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the first position;

[0012] When the front running wheels of the overhead crane moving in the second direction move through the intersecting gap of the intersecting track segment, the front auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the second position; when the rear running wheels of the overhead crane move through the intersecting gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the second position.

[0013] Preferably, the length of the auxiliary track satisfies that before the front running wheel moves to the intersection gap, the front auxiliary wheel has moved to the auxiliary track, and before the rear running wheel moves to the intersection gap, the rear auxiliary wheel has moved to the auxiliary track.

[0014] Preferably, the top of the overhead crane is provided with at least one front guide wheel and at least one rear guide wheel adapted to the auxiliary rail, and when the front guide wheel on the overhead crane moves through the cross gap, the front guide wheel rolls and sticks to the side of the auxiliary rail deviating from the front auxiliary wheel; when the rear guide wheel on the overhead crane moves through the cross gap, the rear guide wheel rolls and sticks to the side of the auxiliary rail deviating from the rear auxiliary wheel.

[0015] Preferably, a mounting plate is provided above the cross track section, and a support rail adapted to the positions of the front auxiliary wheel and the rear auxiliary wheel is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate. When the front running wheels of a crane move through the cross gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the crane are attached to the bottom of the upstream support rail; when the rear running wheels of the crane move through the cross gap, the front auxiliary wheels of the crane are attached to the bottom of the downstream support rail.

[0016] Preferably, a first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the first track and the second track on each side, the second sensor is closer to the cross gap than the first sensor, and the distance between the second sensor and the cross gap satisfies that when the rear traveling wheel of the overhead crane triggers the second sensor, the front auxiliary wheel on the overhead crane is located on the outside of the entrance end of the auxiliary track that is switched into place.

[0017] Preferably, when the front traveling wheel of the overhead crane triggers the second sensor at the upstream first track or the second track, the overhead crane decelerates.

[0018] Preferably, the control system blocks the cross track section when it determines that an overhead crane is allowed to pass through the cross track section; and releases the blockade of the cross track section when it determines that the rear traveling wheel of the overhead crane triggers the second sensor at the downstream first track or second track.

[0019] Preferably, a wheel groove and a card slot located above the wheel groove are formed on the auxiliary rail. When the auxiliary rail is in the first position, the first support block is embedded in the card slot to provide support for the auxiliary rail. When the auxiliary rail is in the second position, the second support block is embedded in the card slot to provide support for the auxiliary rail.

[0020] Preferably, the slots are distributed on both sides of the auxiliary rail. When the auxiliary rail is in the first position, first support blocks are embedded in the slots on both sides respectively; when the auxiliary rail is in the second position, second support blocks are embedded in the slots on both sides respectively.

[0021] The present invention also discloses a handling method based on any of the overhead crane handling systems described above. When the control system determines that an overhead crane is allowed to pass through a cross-track section, it determines whether the auxiliary track is in the correct position. If so, the auxiliary track is not adjusted. If not, the auxiliary track is driven to rotate by a switching mechanism to switch to the correct position.

[0022] The advantages of the technical solution of the present invention are mainly reflected in:

[0023] The present invention only needs to set up a simple auxiliary track and provide matching front auxiliary wheels and rear auxiliary wheels on the overhead crane to ensure that the overhead crane can smoothly pass through the intersecting track section. The structure of the auxiliary track of the present invention is greatly simplified compared with the structure of the auxiliary track of the prior art and is easier to implement. At the same time, the structure of the present invention only needs to make the auxiliary track rotate horizontally without making the auxiliary track rise and fall. Therefore, there is no need to drive the auxiliary track to rise and fall. The structure is simpler, the equipment cost and the use cost are lower, the required height space is less, and the switching efficiency is higher, which is conducive to improving the traffic efficiency at the intersecting track section.

[0024] The present invention provides front and rear guide wheels on the overhead crane, and when the front guide wheels and the rear guide wheels of the overhead crane move through the intersection gap, the front and rear ends of the traveling mechanism of the overhead crane can be guided and limited by the front guide wheels, thereby reducing the shaking of the two ends of the traveling mechanism and effectively ensuring the stability and safety of the overhead crane in the operation of the intersection track section.

[0025] The present invention provides a mounting plate above the cross track section, which not only facilitates the installation of the switching mechanism, but also provides a support rail at the bottom of the mounting plate, which can effectively cooperate with the front auxiliary wheel and the rear auxiliary wheel to limit the tilt of the overhead crane. Even in the case that the auxiliary rail cannot fully support the front auxiliary wheel and the rear auxiliary wheel, the tilt of the overhead crane can be effectively avoided, thereby ensuring that the front running wheels and the rear running wheels of the overhead crane can pass through the cross gap smoothly, which can provide double assurance and better safety. Such a structure can also effectively reduce the load borne by the auxiliary rail and the switching mechanism, which is beneficial to protecting the auxiliary rail and the switching mechanism.

[0026] The present invention provides a first sensor and a second sensor on both the first track and the second track of the cross track section, which can effectively identify the position and status of the overhead crane at the cross track section, thereby accurately and precisely controlling and preventing the occurrence of collision accidents. In addition, the operating speed of the overhead crane can be controlled according to the position of the overhead crane and the switching status of the auxiliary track, thereby reducing the number of starts and stops of the overhead crane while ensuring the movement efficiency of the overhead crane.

[0027] The present invention, through the structural design of the auxiliary rail and the use of matching first and second support blocks to support the auxiliary rail, can effectively ensure that the auxiliary rail provides sufficient support for the overhead travelling vehicle, while also preventing the switching mechanism from bearing heavy loads, thereby ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the entire mechanism. Furthermore, by providing support on both sides of the auxiliary rail with support blocks on both sides, the support and balance of the auxiliary rail can be effectively guaranteed, thereby better protecting the switching mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a first-perspective perspective view of an auxiliary track driven by a switching mechanism and an overhead travelling crane adapted therewith provided at a cross track section of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the front traveling wheel of the overhead travelling crane moving in the first direction moving to the cross gap and the front auxiliary wheel moving to the auxiliary track in the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a force analysis diagram of the present invention when the front traveling wheel of the overhead crane moves to the cross gap and the front auxiliary wheel moves to the auxiliary track;

[0031] Figure 4This is a force analysis diagram of the present invention when the rear traveling wheels of the overhead crane move to the cross gap and the rear auxiliary wheels move to the auxiliary track;

[0032] Figure 5 is an end view of the auxiliary track of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is an end view of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a second perspective view of the auxiliary track driven by the switching mechanism and the overhead travelling crane adapted therewith provided at the cross track section of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the auxiliary rail in the first position and its positional relationship with the first support block and the second support block in the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the auxiliary rail in the second position and its positional relationship with the first support block and the second support block in the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a force analysis diagram of the present invention in which the front traveling wheel of the overhead crane moves to the cross gap, the front auxiliary wheel moves to the auxiliary rail, and the rear auxiliary wheel is attached to the bottom of the upstream support rail;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a force analysis diagram of the present invention in which the rear traveling wheels of the overhead crane move to the cross gap, the rear auxiliary wheels move to the auxiliary rail, and the front auxiliary wheels are attached to the bottom of the downstream support rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The objects, advantages, and features of the present invention are illustrated and explained through the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments. These embodiments are merely typical examples of the application of the technical solutions of the present invention, and any technical solutions formed by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0040] In the description of the scheme, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplification. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] The overhead crane transport system disclosed by the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a track suspended in the air and an overhead crane 100 running on the track, the track includes a cross track segment 200, and the structure of the cross track segment 200 is the same as the prior art cited in the background technology, which includes a first track 201 and a second track 202 distributed in a cross shape, the first track 201 extends horizontally along a first direction X, and the second track 202 extends horizontally along a second direction Y. A square cross gap 203 is formed in the central area of ​​the cross track segment 200, two pairs of first tracks 201 are distributed on opposite sides of the cross gap, and two pairs of second tracks 202 are distributed on the other two sides of the cross gap.

[0043] As with the prior art, Figure 1 As shown, the overhead crane 100 includes a traveling mechanism 110 located on the upper part of the overhead crane 100, and the traveling mechanism 110 includes two pairs of traveling wheels and at least one pair of guide wheels located below each pair of traveling wheels. For the convenience of explanation, when the overhead crane 100 moves forward, the front pair of traveling wheels is defined as the front traveling wheels 111, the rear pair of traveling wheels is defined as the rear traveling wheels 112, the guide wheels close to the front traveling wheels 111 are defined as the front guide wheels 113, and the guide wheels close to the rear traveling wheels 112 are defined as the rear guide wheels 114.

[0044] In order to avoid the problem that the front and rear running wheels of the overhead crane 100 cannot smoothly pass through the intersecting gap 203 due to falling due to gravity when moving to the intersecting gap 203, the creative improvement of the present invention is:

[0045] As attached Figure 1 , Attachment Figure 2 As shown, an auxiliary track 300 is provided above the cross track segment 200. The auxiliary track 300 is connected to a switching mechanism 400 that drives its horizontal rotation to switch between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the auxiliary track 300 extends along a first direction X, and in the second position, the auxiliary track 300 extends along a second direction Y.

[0046] At the same time, in order to cooperate with the auxiliary track 300, the traveling mechanism of the overhead travelling vehicle 100 is provided with a front auxiliary wheel 115 and a rear auxiliary wheel 116 that can move on the auxiliary track 300;

[0047] When the front running wheels 111 of the overhead crane 100 moving in the first direction move through the intersection gap 203 of the cross-track segment 200, the front auxiliary wheels 115 of the overhead crane 100 move on the auxiliary track 300 at the first position; when the rear running wheels 112 of the overhead crane 100 move through the intersection gap 203, the rear auxiliary wheels 116 of the overhead crane 100 move on the auxiliary track 300 at the first position.

[0048] When the front running wheels 111 of the overhead crane 100 moving in the second direction move through the intersection gap 203 of the cross-track segment 200, the front auxiliary wheels 115 of the overhead crane 100 move on the auxiliary track 300 at the second position; when the rear running wheels 112 of the overhead crane 100 move through the intersection gap 203, the rear auxiliary wheels 116 of the overhead crane 100 move on the auxiliary track 300 at the second position.

[0049] So, as attached Figure 3 As shown, when the front running wheel 111 moves through the cross gap 203, the front running wheel 111 is subjected to the downward first gravity G1, and the front auxiliary wheel 115 of the overhead crane 100 is located on the auxiliary rail 300. Therefore, the front auxiliary wheel 115 is subjected to the upward first supporting force F2 applied to it by the auxiliary rail. At this time, since the rear running wheel 112 of the overhead crane 100 is still located on the first rail 201 or the second rail 202 on one side, that is, the rear running wheel 112 is subjected to the upward second supporting force F1 applied to it by the first rail or the second rail, the front and rear of the traveling mechanism 110 are supported, so that the front side of the traveling mechanism 110 will not fall downward due to gravity. Therefore, the front running wheel 111 can smoothly pass through the cross gap 203 without falling.

[0050] When the overhead travelling vehicle 100 continues to move forward, the rear running wheel 112 of the overhead travelling vehicle 100 moves through the cross gap 203. Figure 4 As shown, the rear running wheel 112 is subjected to a downward second gravity force G2, and the rear auxiliary wheel 116 is on the auxiliary track 300. The auxiliary track 300 applies an upward third supporting force F4 to the rear auxiliary wheel 116. At this time, since the front running wheel 111 of the overhead crane 100 is located on the first track 201 or the second track 202 on the other side, the first track 201 or the second track 202 applies an upward fourth supporting force F3 to the front running wheel 111. Therefore, the front and rear sides of the running mechanism 110 are supported, and the rear side of the running mechanism 110 will not fall downward due to gravity. Therefore, the rear running wheel 112 can smoothly pass through the cross gap 203 without falling.

[0051] For details, see the attached Figure 2, Attachment Figure 5 , Attachment Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary track 300 is a straight track and includes a wheel groove, which can be a notch 310 extending a certain distance from one side of the auxiliary track 300 to the other. The ends of the notch 310 extend to the ends of the auxiliary track, resulting in a cross-section of the auxiliary track 300 that is approximately C-shaped. Furthermore, to limit the position of the front auxiliary wheels 115 and the rear auxiliary wheels 116, a limiting strip 320 is provided on the bottom surface of the notch 310, located outside the notch. The portion of the bottom surface between the limiting strip 320 and the inner side of the notch 310 forms a running surface 311 for the front and rear auxiliary wheels 115, 116. The width of the running surface 311 can be greater than the thickness of the front and rear auxiliary wheels 115, 116. This allows the front and rear auxiliary wheels 115, 116 to more easily align with the running surface 311 after the auxiliary track 300 rotates.

[0052] The length and position of the auxiliary track 300 can be designed as needed. Figure 2 As shown, the length of the auxiliary track 300 is greater than the side length of the intersecting gap 203, and both ends of the auxiliary track 300 extend outside the two opposite sides of the intersecting gap 203. Preferably, the length and position of the auxiliary track 300 ensure that the front auxiliary wheels 115 have already moved onto the auxiliary track 300 before the front running wheels 111 move to the intersecting gap 203, and that the rear auxiliary wheels 116 have already moved onto the auxiliary track 300 before the rear running wheels 112 move to the intersecting gap 203. Furthermore, the wheel running surface of the auxiliary track 300 is preferably located in the center of the intersecting track segment, although this is not required.

[0053] As attached Figure 1 As shown, in order to facilitate the installation of the switching mechanism 400, a mounting plate 500 is provided above the cross track section 200. The position of the mounting plate 500 is fixed, and the shape of the mounting plate 500 can be designed as needed. The switching mechanism 400 is installed on the mounting plate 500.

[0054] The specific structure of the switching mechanism 400 can be designed as needed. For example, in one embodiment, the switching mechanism 400 includes a motor 410, a reducer 420 connected to the motor 410 and fixed to the mounting plate 500. The power output shaft 421 of the reducer 420 extends in a vertical direction, passes through the mounting plate 500, and connects to the auxiliary rail 300. The power output shaft 421 can be connected to the auxiliary rail via an adapter block. The connection position of the power output shaft and the auxiliary rail 300 can be designed as needed. Preferably, the axis of the power output shaft passes through the center of the wheel running surface 311. In this case, the axis of the power output shaft coincides with the centerline of the intersecting track segment. However, this is not required. Having the axis of the power output shaft pass through the center of the wheel running surface 311 can more conveniently ensure that the auxiliary rail 300, after rotating 90 degrees, can align with the front auxiliary wheels 115 and rear auxiliary wheels 116 on the overhead travelling vehicle 100 moving in the first direction and the overhead travelling vehicle 100 moving in the second direction. This also lays the foundation for the design of other subsequent structures.

[0055] Of course, in another embodiment, the switching mechanism 400 may also include a rotating shaft (not shown in the figure) that is rotatably arranged on the mounting plate 500 through a bearing. The installation position of the rotating shaft is the position of the above-mentioned power output shaft. The rotating shaft is connected to the auxiliary track 300. At the same time, a driving mechanism (not shown in the figure) that drives the rotating shaft to rotate is provided on the mounting plate. The driving mechanism is, for example, a reduction motor or a structure composed of a motor and a gear transmission mechanism or a synchronous belt transmission mechanism, which is not limited here.

[0056] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the switching mechanism 400 also includes a position detection mechanism for determining the position of the auxiliary track, the position detection mechanism includes a trigger member 430 and a first detection sensor 440 and a second detection sensor (not shown in the figure) cooperating with the trigger member 430, the trigger member 430 is arranged on the auxiliary track, the first detection sensor 440 and the second detection sensor are known proximity switches, which are arranged at the bottom of the mounting plate, when the auxiliary track is in the first position, the first detection sensor can detect the trigger member 430, and when the auxiliary track is in the second position, the second detection sensor can detect the trigger member 430.

[0057] As attached Figure 1As shown, the front auxiliary wheel 115 is mounted on the top of the traveling mechanism 110 via a mounting bracket 117 and is higher than the front traveling wheel 111. The axis of the front auxiliary wheel 115 is parallel to the axis of the front traveling wheel 111 and is located in front of the front traveling wheel 111. Of course, this is not required. For example, the front auxiliary wheel 115 can also be located directly above or inside the front traveling wheel 111. The rear auxiliary wheel 116 is located directly opposite the rear auxiliary wheel 116 in the direction of movement of the overhead crane 100 and is mounted on the top of the traveling mechanism 110 via another mounting bracket 117. The axis of the rear auxiliary wheel 116 is parallel to the axis of the front auxiliary wheel 115 and is at the same height. The front and rear auxiliary wheels have the same outer diameter. The rear auxiliary wheel 116 is located behind the rear traveling wheel 112. Of course, this is also not required. For example, the rear auxiliary wheel 116 can be located inside or directly above the rear traveling wheel 112.

[0058] The positions of the front auxiliary wheels 115 and the rear auxiliary wheels 116 in the width direction (the axial direction of the running wheels) of the overhead travelling vehicle 100 can be designed as needed. Preferably, the front auxiliary wheels 115 and the rear auxiliary wheels 116 are located in the middle of the width direction of the overhead travelling vehicle 100, but this is not required. The position of the auxiliary rails 300 can be adaptively designed based on the positions of the front auxiliary wheels and the rear auxiliary wheels.

[0059] Furthermore, when the front guide wheel 113 and the rear guide wheel 114 of the overhead crane 100 move to the cross gap 203, since there is no side surface that cooperates with the front guide wheel 113 and the rear guide wheel 114, the front guide wheel 113 and the rear guide wheel 114 will not be able to play the role of guiding and limiting the front and rear sides of the traveling mechanism 110. At this time, the front and rear sides of the traveling mechanism 110 are prone to shaking due to the lack of limitation.

[0060] Therefore, in order to avoid this situation, the Figure 1 , Attachment Figure 6 As shown, at least one front guide wheel 118 and at least one rear guide wheel 119 are mounted on top of the overhead travelling vehicle 100, adapted to the auxiliary rail 300. The axes of the front guide wheel 118 and rear guide wheel 119 are parallel to the axes of the front guide wheel 113 and rear guide wheel 114. There are two front guide wheels 118 and two rear guide wheels 119, each located along the direction of travel of the overhead travelling vehicle. When the front guide wheel 113 moves through the intersecting gap 203, the front guide wheel 118 rolls against the side of the auxiliary rail 300 that is offset from the front auxiliary wheel. When the rear guide wheel 119 moves through the intersecting gap 203, the rear guide wheel 114 rolls against the side of the auxiliary rail that is offset from the rear auxiliary wheel.

[0061] Since the switching mechanism 400 and the auxiliary track 300 need to bear a certain load when the front auxiliary wheels and the rear auxiliary wheels 116 move on the auxiliary track 300, thus affecting the safety and stability of the structure, in order to reduce the load on the switching mechanism 400, the inventors have found through research that additional support can be provided to the auxiliary track 300 at different positions. Figure 5 -Attached Figure 7 As shown, the auxiliary rail 300 is provided with a slot 330 located above the wheel groove and with the slot located on the side of the auxiliary rail 300. When the auxiliary rail 300 is in the first position, the first support block 600 is embedded in the slot 330 to provide support for the auxiliary rail 300. When the auxiliary rail 300 is in the second position, the second support block 700 is embedded in the slot 330 to provide support for the auxiliary rail 300.

[0062] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the slot 330 can be a through slot extending along the length of the auxiliary rail 300, or a short slot corresponding to the position of the first support block 600 and the second support block 700. The first support block 600 and the second support block 700 are fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate 500 and are both L-shaped. The first protrusion 610 of the first support block 600 faces the support rail 800 extending in the first direction described below, and the second protrusion 710 of the second support block 700 faces the support rail 800 extending in the second direction described below. The number and position of the first support blocks 600 and the second support blocks 700 can be designed as needed.

[0063] In order to better provide support for the auxiliary rail 300, as shown in the attached Figure 5 As shown, the slots 330 are distributed on both sides of the auxiliary track 300. When the auxiliary track 300 is in the first position, the slots 330 on both sides are respectively embedded with first support blocks 600. Figure 8 When the auxiliary rail 300 is in the second position, the slots 330 on both sides are respectively embedded with second support blocks 700, as shown in the attached Figure 9As shown. For the convenience of explanation, the slot 330 located on the left side of the auxiliary rail 300 is defined as the first slot, and the slot 330 located on the right side of the auxiliary rail 300 is defined as the second slot. The first slot and the wheel slot are located on the same side of the auxiliary rail 300, and the first slot is the top area of ​​the notch 310. Therefore, the height of the notch 310 is greater than the outer diameter of the front auxiliary wheel 115 and the rear auxiliary wheel 116. At the same time, when the first protrusion of the first support block 600 and the second protrusion of the second support block 700 are embedded in the first slot, they do not interfere with the movement of the front auxiliary wheel 115 and the rear auxiliary wheel 116 on the auxiliary rail 300. At this time, the distribution of the first support block 600 and the second support block 700 can be as shown in the attached figure. Figure 8 , Attachment Figure 9 As shown, there are two first support blocks 600 and two second support blocks 700. The two first support blocks 600 are distributed on the left and right sides of the axis (power output shaft 421) around which the auxiliary track 300 rotates, and the two second support blocks 700 are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the axis (power output shaft 421) when the auxiliary track 300 rotates. When the auxiliary track 300 needs to rotate from the first position to the second position, the auxiliary track 300 rotates counterclockwise. When the auxiliary track 300 needs to switch from the second position to the first position, the auxiliary track 300 rotates clockwise.

[0064] In addition, in order to facilitate the smooth embedding of the first support block 600 and the second support block 700 into the slot 330 of the auxiliary rail 300, and at the same time avoid the wear of the first support block 600 and the second support block 700 affecting the environment in the clean room, the first support block 600 and the second support block 700 are plastic blocks, preferably nylon blocks or polytetrafluoroethylene blocks.

[0065] In order to better prevent the crane from tilting, as shown in the attached Figure 1 , Attachment Figure 6 As shown, the mounting plate 500 is a cross-shaped plate located directly above the cross track section, and a support rail 800 adapted to the position of the front auxiliary wheel and the rear auxiliary wheel is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate, and the support rail 800 is composed of four sections and is arranged in a cross shape. The four sections of the support rail 800 are divided into two pairs, the first pair extends along the first direction, and the two support rails 800 of the first pair are symmetrically distributed outside the two ends of the auxiliary track in the first position and correspond to the position of the auxiliary track in the first position; the second pair extends along the second direction and corresponds to the position of the front auxiliary wheel and the rear auxiliary wheel on the overhead crane moving along the second direction, and the two support rails 800 of the second pair are symmetrically distributed outside the two ends of the auxiliary track in the second position and correspond to the position of the auxiliary track in the second position.

[0066] Thus, no matter whether the overhead crane moves in the first direction or the second direction, when the front running wheels on the overhead crane move through the cross gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane are attached to the bottom of the upstream support rail; when the rear running wheels of the overhead crane move through the cross gap, the front auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane are attached to the bottom of the downstream support rail.

[0067] For the sake of convenience, the two support rails 800 extending in the first direction are defined as the upstream support rail 810 and the downstream support rail 820 in the order in which the overhead crane moves. When the front running wheel 111 of the overhead crane moving in the first direction moves through the cross gap, the rear auxiliary wheel rolls and sticks to the bottom of the upstream support rail 810. At this time, as shown in the attached figure, Figure 10 As shown, in addition to the auxiliary rail 300 applying an upward first supporting force F2 to the front auxiliary wheel 115, the upstream support rail 810 applies a downward first pressure F5 to the rear auxiliary wheel 116 to prevent the rear auxiliary wheel from tilting upward, thereby better preventing the overhead travelling crane from tilting and reducing the load borne by the auxiliary rail.

[0068] When the rear traveling wheel 112 of the overhead travelling vehicle moves through the cross gap, the front auxiliary wheel is attached to the bottom of the downstream supporting rail 820. Figure 11 As shown, at this time, in addition to the auxiliary rail 300 applying an upward third supporting force F4 to the rear auxiliary wheel 116, the downstream support rail 820 applies a downward second pressure F6 to the front auxiliary wheel to prevent the front auxiliary wheel from tilting upward, thereby better preventing the overhead crane from tilting and reducing the load borne by the auxiliary rail.

[0069] Since only one overhead crane 100 can pass through the cross track section 200 at a time, in order to effectively control the safety of the passage and the position switching of the auxiliary track 300, as shown in the attached figure, Figure 1 As shown, a first sensor 204 and a second sensor 205 are respectively provided at the first track 201 and the second track 202 on each side. The second sensor 205 is closer to the cross gap 203 than the first sensor 204. The first sensor 204 and the second sensor 205 can be designed as needed, for example, as a through-beam sensor, a proximity sensor or a self-reflective sensor and a reflector, etc., which is not limited here.

[0070] The four first sensors 204 and the four second sensors 205 are all connected to a control system. When the control system determines that the overhead crane 100 is allowed to pass through an intersecting track section, it blocks the intersecting track section 200; when it determines that the rear traveling wheel 112 of the overhead crane 100 triggers the second sensor 205 at the downstream first track 201 or second track 202, the control system releases the blockade of the intersecting track section 200.

[0071] For example, when a No. 1 overhead crane moves in a first direction until its front running wheel 111 triggers a first sensor 204 on the upstream first track 201, if the control system determines that no other overhead cranes 100 are currently passing through the intersecting track segment 200 and no other overhead cranes 100 are waiting to pass through the intersecting track segment 200 before the No. 1 overhead crane, the control system allows the No. 1 overhead crane to pass through the intersecting track segment 200 and blocks the intersecting track segment 200, i.e., preventing other overhead cranes 100 from passing through the intersecting track segment 200. Simultaneously, the control system determines whether the auxiliary track 300 is in the correct position, i.e., in the first position. If the auxiliary track 300 is in the first position, no adjustment is required. If the auxiliary track 300 is not in the first position, the control system controls the switching mechanism 400 to rotate the auxiliary track 300 to switch to the first position. As the No. 1 overhead crane moves forward. At the same time, the control system detects in real time whether a No. 2 overhead crane moving in the second direction needs to pass through the intersecting track segment 200. When the No. 2 overhead crane triggers the first sensor 204 on the upstream second track 202, the control system sends a stop and wait instruction to the No. 2 overhead crane. When the No. 1 overhead crane moves onto the downstream first track 201 and the rear running wheel of the No. 1 overhead crane triggers the first sensor 204 on the downstream first track, the control system determines that the No. 1 overhead crane has passed through the intersecting track segment 200. At this time, the blockade of the intersecting track segment 200 is released, that is, the next overhead crane is allowed to pass through the intersecting track segment. When the control system determines that the No. 2 overhead crane is waiting to pass, it determines that the No. 2 overhead crane can pass through the cross-track segment 200, so that the control system sends a start signal to the No. 2 overhead crane, and blocks the cross-track segment 200 again and controls the switching mechanism 400 to drive the auxiliary track 300 to switch to the second position. When the No. 2 overhead crane moves to the second track 202 downstream and triggers the first sensor 204 thereon, it is determined that the No. 2 overhead crane has passed through one of the cross-track segments 200 and the blockade of the cross-track segment 200 is released. When it is determined that no other overhead crane 100 is waiting to pass through the cross-track segment 200, the control system waits for the next overhead crane 100 to trigger the signal of the first sensor 204.

[0072] Furthermore, after the overhead crane 100 triggers the first sensor 204, the control system needs to determine whether to switch the position of the auxiliary rail 300 and the switching mechanism needs to drive the auxiliary rail 300 to switch positions, which takes a certain amount of time. In order to prevent the overhead crane 100 from maintaining its original speed and the auxiliary rail 300 from not switching to its proper position, the front auxiliary wheel 115 of the overhead crane 100 is already located inside the entrance end of the switched auxiliary rail 300, thereby interfering with the rotation of the auxiliary rail 300 and preventing the front auxiliary wheel 115 from moving onto the auxiliary rail. Therefore, the distance between the second sensor 205 and the cross gap 203 is such that when the rear running wheel 112 of the overhead crane 100 triggers the second sensor 205, the front auxiliary wheel 115 of the overhead crane 100 is located outside the entrance end of the switched auxiliary rail 300. For example, the distance between the opposite sides of the front auxiliary wheel and the rear running wheel of the overhead crane is no greater than the distance from the second sensor 205 to the entrance end of the switched auxiliary rail. When the front running wheel 111 of the overhead crane 100 triggers the second sensor 205 at the upstream first or second track, if the control system has not yet received the signal that the auxiliary track 300 has switched to the position, the overhead crane 100 begins to decelerate. Of course, it is also possible to decelerate the overhead crane 100 as long as the front running wheel of the overhead crane triggers the second sensor at the upstream first or second track, regardless of whether the auxiliary track has switched to the position. This not only effectively ensures that the auxiliary track has sufficient switching time, but also enables the overhead crane to pass through the auxiliary track at a relatively slow speed, thereby ensuring the stability of the passage. Furthermore, when the rear running wheel 112 on the overhead crane 100 triggers the second sensor 205 at the upstream first or second track, if the control system has not yet received the signal that the auxiliary track 300 has switched to the position, the control system sends a stop command to the overhead crane 100. When the control system determines that the auxiliary track 300 has switched to the position, the control system sends a start and move forward command to the overhead crane 100. Further, when the overhead crane moves to the first or second track downstream and its front moving wheels or rear moving wheels trigger the second sensor on the first or second track downstream, the overhead crane is accelerated to a normal operating speed and continues to move.

[0073] Example 2

[0074] This embodiment discloses a handling method based on any of the overhead crane handling systems described above. When the control system determines that an overhead crane 100 is allowed to pass through the cross-track section 200, it determines whether the auxiliary track 300 is in the correct position. If so, the auxiliary track 300 is not adjusted. If not, the auxiliary track 300 is switched to the correct position through the switching mechanism 400. When the overhead crane 100 moves in a first direction, the correct position of the auxiliary track 300 is the first position. When the overhead crane 100 moves in a second direction, the correct position of the auxiliary track 300 is the second position.

[0075] There are many implementation methods of the present invention, and all technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An overhead crane transport system comprising a track suspended in the air and an overhead crane running on the track, wherein the track includes cross-track sections, and is characterized by: An auxiliary track is provided above the cross track segment, and the auxiliary track is connected to a switching mechanism that drives the auxiliary track to rotate horizontally between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the auxiliary track extends along a first direction, and in the second position, the auxiliary track extends along a second direction. The first direction is the extension direction of the first track of the cross track segment, and the second direction is the extension direction of the second track of the cross track segment. The overhead crane is provided with front auxiliary wheels and rear auxiliary wheels which can move on the auxiliary track; When the front running wheels of the overhead crane moving in the first direction move through the intersecting gap of the intersecting track segment, the front auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the first position; when the rear running wheels of the overhead crane move through the intersecting gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the first position; When the front running wheels of the overhead crane moving in the second direction move through the intersecting gap of the intersecting track segment, the front auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the second position; when the rear running wheels of the overhead crane move through the intersecting gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane move on the auxiliary track at the second position.

2. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the auxiliary track satisfies that before the front running wheel moves to the intersection gap, the front auxiliary wheel has moved onto the auxiliary track, and before the rear running wheel moves to the intersection gap, the rear auxiliary wheel has moved onto the auxiliary track.

3. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The traveling mechanism of the overhead crane includes a front guide wheel close to the front traveling wheel and a rear guide wheel close to the rear traveling wheel. The top of the overhead crane is provided with at least one front guide wheel and at least one rear guide wheel adapted to the auxiliary rail. When the front guide wheel on the overhead crane moves through the cross gap, the front guide wheel rolls and sticks to the side of the auxiliary rail deviating from the front auxiliary wheel; when the rear guide wheel on the overhead crane moves through the cross gap, the rear guide wheel rolls and sticks to the side of the auxiliary rail deviating from the rear auxiliary wheel.

4. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A mounting plate is provided above the cross track section, and a support rail adapted to the positions of the front auxiliary wheel and the rear auxiliary wheel is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate. When the front running wheels of an overhead crane move through the cross gap, the rear auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane are attached to the bottom of the upstream support rail; when the rear running wheels of the overhead crane move through the cross gap, the front auxiliary wheels of the overhead crane are attached to the bottom of the downstream support rail.

5. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first sensor and a second sensor are provided at the first track and the second track on each side. The second sensor is closer to the cross gap than the first sensor. The distance between the second sensor and the cross gap satisfies that when the rear traveling wheel of the overhead crane triggers the second sensor, the front auxiliary wheel on the overhead crane is located on the outside of the entrance end of the auxiliary track that has been switched into place.

6. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the front traveling wheel of the overhead travelling crane triggers the second sensor at the upstream first track or the upstream second track, the overhead travelling crane decelerates.

7. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control system blocks the cross track section when determining that an overhead travelling vehicle is allowed to pass through the cross track section; and releases the blockade of the cross track section when determining that the rear running wheel of the overhead travelling vehicle triggers a second sensor at the downstream first track or second track.

8. The overhead crane handling system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A wheel groove and a clamping groove above the wheel groove are formed on the auxiliary rail. When the auxiliary rail is in the first position, the first support block is embedded in the clamping groove to provide support for the auxiliary rail. When the auxiliary rail is in the second position, the second support block is embedded in the clamping groove to provide support for the auxiliary rail.

9. The overhead crane handling system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The slots are distributed on both sides of the auxiliary rail. When the auxiliary rail is in the first position, first support blocks are embedded in the slots on both sides respectively. When the auxiliary rail is in the second position, second support blocks are embedded in the slots on both sides respectively.

10. The method for transporting an overhead crane transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: When the control system determines that a car is allowed to pass through a cross track section, it determines whether the auxiliary track is in the correct position. If so, the auxiliary track is not adjusted. If not, the auxiliary track is driven to rotate by the switching mechanism to switch to the correct position.

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