Multi-layer plate centering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a bidirectional centering device for multiple layers of plates, which is used for solving the problems of dislocation and accumulation, low efficiency and surface damage caused by position deviation when the plates are hoisted and put in storage in a traditional warehousing system. The device comprises a clamping arm system driven by a transverse single-set gear rack and a longitudinal double-set gear rack, and X / Y-axis two-way precise positioning is achieved through synchronous driving of a motor. The chain plate guide structure reduces the sliding friction coefficient of the plate, and effectively prevents the surface from being scratched. The electric control system integrates the number of turns of rotation and current feedback to form closed-loop control, and is matched with the lifting roller way to directly transport the centering plates, so that full-automatic adaptation of the plates with various sizes and specifications is realized, the efficiency is improved, and the occupied equipment space is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of plate storage and logistics, and more specifically, to a device for centering the centroid of plates when they enter and leave a warehouse. Background Art

[0002] Existing plate storage systems generally face issues with plate centering accuracy and efficiency during the warehousing process. In traditional warehousing and logistics, plates must be manually adjusted to ensure centroid alignment when hoisted into the warehouse, resulting in low efficiency and safety risks. Especially in multi-layer stacking scenarios, accumulated misalignment can lead to a positioning error rate of up to 15%. Existing one-way centering devices use a linear structure driven by a push rod to achieve single-axis adjustment, but have the following drawbacks: (1) It can only solve the problem of single-direction offset and cannot take into account the need for bidirectional centroid alignment of the plate in the XY axis, resulting in residual misalignment of small and medium-sized plates; (2) The push rod mechanism is prone to displacement hysteresis under heavy loads (such as 5-ton plates), resulting in large centering errors, and the surface of the push rod is prone to scratches when it contacts the plate; (3) It cannot adapt to the needs of rapid adaptation of plates of different sizes. It requires manual adjustment of the mechanical limit structure, and the single alignment takes a long time, which significantly reduces the storage throughput efficiency.

[0003] Furthermore, existing systems generally lack closed-loop control mechanisms, relying on mechanical limits or fixed travel modes. These systems are unable to dynamically adjust alignment parameters based on the actual plate size, further exacerbating positioning errors and wasting equipment resources. These technical bottlenecks have forced the industry to urgently demand a high-precision, fully automated, and comprehensive alignment solution suitable for a wide range of plate sizes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the technical problems raised above, the present invention provides a bidirectional centering device for multi-layer plates, which realizes precise bidirectional positioning of the plates in the X / Y axis by adopting a single set of horizontal clamping arms and a double set of longitudinal clamping arms structure driven by gear racks; reduces the sliding friction coefficient through a chain plate guide system to effectively prevent surface damage; and at the same time, utilizes a closed-loop control electronic control system combined with a roller lifting and jacking mechanism to dynamically adjust the spacing of the clamping arms in real time according to the size of the plates, thereby realizing automated centering, small positioning error, reducing equipment space occupancy, and greatly improving efficiency.

[0005] The technical means adopted in the present invention are as follows: A multi-layer plate centering device, comprising: Horizontal clamping arm, longitudinal clamping arm, chain plate mechanism, roller system, frame and electronic control system; The transverse clamping arm and the longitudinal clamping arm are respectively fixed to the frame base, and the distance between the clamping arms is adjusted by a rack and pinion drive mechanism; The driving mechanism of the longitudinal clamping arm includes at least two sets of the gear rack driving mechanisms; The chain plate mechanism is installed on the sprockets of the transverse clamping arm and the longitudinal clamping arm, and guides the transverse and longitudinal displacement alignment of the plate when it is lowered through the inclined guide surface.

[0006] The above technical solution solves the automation requirements for bidirectional centroid alignment of multi-layer plates and reduces storage positioning errors. The plates are aligned in the X / Y axis direction through the coordinated movement of the transverse and longitudinal clamping arms. The rack and pinion drive and chain guide ensure positioning accuracy, and the equipment occupies less space than traditional solutions.

[0007] Furthermore, the rack and pinion drive mechanism includes: a driving motor, a gear connected to the motor output shaft, and two racks respectively connected to the ends of the clamping arms. The gear is engaged with the two racks, and the two racks are driven to move toward or away synchronously through the rotation of the motor.

[0008] This technical solution replaces the existing push-rod-type single-sided drive, improving synchronization and driving force in heavy-load scenarios. The double rack and pinion meshing design ensures precise clamping arm movement.

[0009] Furthermore, the sprocket is fixedly connected to the ends of the transverse clamping arm and the longitudinal clamping arm, the chain plate is wrapped around the surface of the sprocket to form a rolling guide surface, and the inclination angle of the chain plate mechanism is consistent with the lowering direction of the plate.

[0010] This technical solution eliminates plate positional deviation during lowering, minimizing surface damage. The chain plate tilts at an angle of 5-15°, and combined with the universal ball matrix anti-friction layer, the plate's sliding friction coefficient is reduced, eliminating surface scratches.

[0011] Furthermore, the roller system is arranged below the transverse clamping arm and the longitudinal clamping arm, and has a liftable jacking mechanism, which lifts up the aligned plate and drives the roller to rotate and transport it.

[0012] The above technical solution enables seamless transportation after centering, eliminating the need for secondary positioning. The roller jacking mechanism directly lifts the plate after centering and drives it out, improving transportation efficiency.

[0013] Furthermore, the electronic control system is integrated with a stroke limit sensor and a current feedback module. The stroke limit sensor is linked with the clamping arm to calculate the displacement distance of the clamping arm. The current feedback module monitors the gear rack drive resistance in real time, and controls the stop point position of the clamping arm in combination with the plate size parameters preset by the warehouse management system to form a closed-loop control.

[0014] This technical solution addresses the issues of insufficient manual centering accuracy and adaptability to multiple operating conditions. Dual positioning based on motor rotations and current feedback allows for compatibility with plates of varying sizes, improving centering accuracy.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface of the chain plate is covered with a friction-reducing layer, such as a universal ball matrix structure, to reduce surface damage when the plate slides.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the universal ball matrix can disperse the contact pressure and reduce the surface damage rate.

[0017] The method for using the multi-layer plate centering device includes the following steps: a. Place the plate above the transverse clamping arm and the longitudinal clamping arm through the spreader; b. The electronic control system synchronously controls the horizontal / vertical rack and pinion drive mechanism to adjust the clamping arm spacing based on the plate size parameters provided by the warehouse management system; c. During the lowering process, the plate is guided by the inclined chain plate mechanism and falls to the preset position in the center of the clamping arm, achieving bidirectional centroid alignment; d. After the roller system lifts up the centered plate, it drives the roller to rotate and transport the plate out of the warehouse.

[0018] The above technical solution uses the four steps of hoisting-driving-guiding-transporting to reduce the centering time of each plate to ≤30 seconds and reduce manual intervention by 100%.

[0019] The entire device in this application has a wide operating range and can align the centroid of plates of varying lengths and widths. Its rack-and-pinion drive structure provides stable operation. Its simple structure allows for the simultaneous centering of multiple plates, resulting in high efficiency. Automated operation is also possible. This device utilizes high-speed positioning equipment and closed-loop control, enabling both horizontal and vertical centering, including centroid alignment. This allows for the centering of plates prior to storage, thus improving positioning accuracy in automated warehouses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the overall structural layout of this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the overall structural layout of this application.

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the single clamping mechanism structure of this application.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the chain plate assembly structure for this application.

[0025] In the picture: 1. Horizontal clamping arm; 2. Longitudinal clamping arm; 3. Frame; 4. Roller system; 5. Chain mechanism; 6. Electronic control system; 7. Sprocket; 3.1. Chain plate; 3.2. Clamping arm; 3.3. Gear; 3.4. Drive motor; 3.5. Rack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other. The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. At the same time, it should be clear that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application: the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0031] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above," "above," "on the upper surface of," and "above" may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" another device or structure would then be positioned as "below" or "below" the other device or structure. Thus, the exemplary term "above" may include both the orientations of "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] A multi-layer plate centering device, comprising: Transverse clamping arm 1, longitudinal clamping arm 2, chain plate mechanism 5, roller system 4, frame 3 and electronic control system 6; The transverse clamping arm 1 and the longitudinal clamping arm 2 are respectively fixed to the base of the frame 3, and the distance between the clamping arms is adjusted by a rack and pinion drive mechanism; The driving mechanism of the longitudinal clamping arm 2 includes at least two sets of the gear rack driving mechanisms; The chain plate mechanism 5 is installed on the sprockets 7 of the transverse clamping arm 1 and the longitudinal clamping arm 2, and guides the transverse and longitudinal displacement alignment of the plate when it is lowered through the inclined guide surface.

[0034] The above technical solution solves the automation requirements for bidirectional centroid alignment of multi-layer plates and reduces storage positioning errors. The plates are aligned in the X / Y axis direction through the coordinated movement of the transverse and longitudinal clamping arms. The rack and pinion drive and chain guide ensure positioning accuracy, and the equipment occupies less space than traditional solutions.

[0035] Furthermore, the rack and pinion drive mechanism includes: a driving motor 3.4, a gear 3.3 connected to the motor output shaft, and two racks 3.5 respectively connected to the ends of the clamping arms 3.2. The gear 3.3 is engaged with the two racks 3.5, and the two racks 3.5 are driven to move toward or away synchronously through the rotation of the motor.

[0036] This technical solution replaces the existing push-rod-type single-sided drive, improving synchronization and driving force in heavy-load scenarios. The double rack and pinion meshing design ensures precise clamping arm movement.

[0037] Furthermore, the sprocket 7 is fixedly connected to the ends of the transverse clamping arm 1 and the longitudinal clamping arm 2, and the chain plate 3.1 is wrapped around the surface of the sprocket 7 to form a rolling guide surface, and the inclination angle of the chain plate 3.1 is consistent with the lowering direction of the plate.

[0038] This technical solution eliminates positional deviation when lowering the plate, reducing surface damage. Chain plate 3.1 has an inclination angle of 5-15°, and combined with the anti-friction layer, the plate's sliding friction coefficient is reduced, eliminating surface scratches.

[0039] Furthermore, the roller system 4 is arranged below the transverse clamping arm 1 and the longitudinal clamping arm 2, and has a liftable jacking mechanism, which lifts up the centered plate and drives the roller to rotate and transport it.

[0040] The above technical solution enables seamless transportation after centering, eliminating the need for secondary positioning. The roller jacking mechanism directly lifts the plate after centering and drives it out, improving transportation efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, the electronic control system 6 is integrated with a stroke limit sensor and a current feedback module. The stroke limit sensor is linked with the clamping arm to calculate the displacement distance of the clamping arm. The current feedback module monitors the gear rack drive resistance in real time, and controls the stop point position of the clamping arm in combination with the plate size parameters preset by the warehouse management system to form a closed-loop control.

[0042] This technical solution addresses the issues of insufficient manual centering accuracy and adaptability to multiple operating conditions. Dual positioning based on motor rotations and current feedback allows for compatibility with plates of varying sizes, improving centering accuracy.

[0043] Furthermore, the surface of the chain plate is covered with a friction-reducing layer to reduce surface damage when the plate slides.

[0044] The method for using the multi-layer plate centering device includes the following steps: a. Place the plate above the transverse clamping arm 1 and the longitudinal clamping arm 2 through the spreader; b. The electronic control system 6 synchronously controls the horizontal / vertical rack and pinion drive mechanism to adjust the clamping arm spacing according to the plate size parameters provided by the warehouse management system; c. During the lowering process, the plate is guided by the inclined chain plate mechanism 5 and falls to the preset position in the center of the clamping arm, achieving bidirectional centroid alignment; d. After the roller system 4 lifts and jacks up the centered plate, it drives the roller to rotate and transport the plate out of the warehouse.

[0045] The above technical solution uses the four steps of hoisting-driving-guiding-transporting to reduce the centering time of each plate to ≤30 seconds and reduce manual intervention by 100%.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A multi-layer plate centering device, characterized in that: include: Transverse clamping arm (1), longitudinal clamping arm (2), chain plate (5), roller system (4), frame (3) and electric control system (6); The transverse clamping arm (1) and the longitudinal clamping arm (2) are respectively fixed to the base of the frame (3), and the distance between the clamping arms is adjusted by a rack and pinion drive mechanism; The driving mechanism of the longitudinal clamping arm (2) comprises at least two sets of the gear rack driving mechanisms; The chain plate (5) is mounted on the sprockets (7) of the transverse clamping arm (1) and the longitudinal clamping arm (2), and guides the transverse and longitudinal displacement alignment of the plate when it is lowered through the inclined guide surface.

2. The multi-layer plate centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack and pinion drive mechanism comprises: a driving motor (3.4), a gear (3.3) connected to the motor output shaft, and two racks (3.5) respectively connected to the ends of the clamping arms, wherein the gear is engaged with the two racks, and the motor rotates to drive the two racks to move synchronously toward or away from each other.

3. The multi-layer plate centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sprocket (7) is fixedly connected to the ends of the transverse clamping arm (1) and the longitudinal clamping arm (2); the chain plate (5) is wrapped around the surface of the sprocket (7) to form a rolling guide surface; and the inclination angle of the chain plate (5) is consistent with the lowering direction of the plate.

4. The multi-layer plate centering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roller system (4) is arranged below the transverse clamping arm (1) and the longitudinal clamping arm (2), and has a liftable jacking mechanism, which lifts up the centered plate and drives the roller to rotate and transport it.

5. The multi-layer plate centering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The electric control system (6) is integrated with a travel limit sensor and a current feedback module. The travel limit sensor is linked with the clamping arm to calculate the displacement distance of the clamping arm. The current feedback module monitors the gear rack driving resistance in real time and controls the stop point position of the clamping arm in combination with the plate size parameters preset by the warehouse management system, thereby forming a closed-loop control.

6. The multi-layer plate centering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The surface of the chain plate is covered with a friction-reducing layer to reduce surface damage when the plate slides.

7. The method for using the multi-layer plate centering device according to claim 1, wherein: The following steps are involved: a. Place the plate on top of the transverse clamping arm (1) and the longitudinal clamping arm (2) through the spreader; b. The electronic control system (6) synchronously controls the horizontal / vertical rack and pinion drive mechanism to adjust the clamping arm spacing according to the plate size parameters provided by the warehouse management system; c. During the lowering process, the plate is guided by the inclined chain plate (5) and falls to the preset position in the center of the clamping arm to achieve bidirectional centroid alignment; d. The roller system (4) lifts and jacks up the centered plate, then drives the roller to rotate and transport the plate out of the warehouse.

Images