Conveying mechanism and control method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a conveying mechanism and a control method thereof, the conveying mechanism comprising a support and a conveying track used for slidingly matching with rollers of a carrier to convey the carrier, the conveying track being arranged on the support and comprising, along a conveying direction of the carrier, a warehouse-entering track, a temporary storage track and a warehouse-leaving track in sequence, the warehouse-entering track being located above the warehouse-leaving track in the vertical direction, and the temporary storage track being horizontally arranged, and the support being provided with a driving assembly used for driving the rollers to move along the temporary storage track, the driving assembly being located above the temporary storage track. Compared with the track composed of a longer and downwardly inclined inclined section and a lifting section provided with a lifting device in the prior art, the application does not have the lifting section, the length of the temporary storage track is significantly increased, the effective cache space on the temporary storage track is significantly increased, and the horizontally arranged temporary storage track can also avoid extrusion between the carriers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of suspended production lines, and in particular to a conveying mechanism and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] The garment hanging system utilizes fabric pieces to prepare garments in stages. The system includes tracks for transporting fabric pieces, bridging transport, storing empty hangers, storing fabric pieces, storing semi-finished products, and storing finished products. Several sewing stations are spaced along the tracks. Hangers carrying fabric pieces enter the corresponding sewing station to complete the sewing process for that fabric piece. The tracks include pipe sections at different heights and inclined and lifting sections connecting these sections. The inclined sections are mostly downward-sloping, allowing hangers to move downwards under gravity; however, this can lead to hangers being squeezed together. The lifting sections are equipped with lifting devices that transport the hangers upwards. The addition of these lifting devices results in a small effective buffer space on the track, leading to low space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a conveying mechanism and its control method that can increase the effective buffer space.

[0004] A conveying mechanism includes a support and a conveying track for slidingly engaging with rollers of a vehicle to convey the vehicle. The conveying track is disposed on the support along the conveying direction of the vehicle. The conveying track includes an inlet track, a temporary storage track, and an outlet track connected in sequence. In the vertical direction, the inlet track is located above the outlet track. The temporary storage track is horizontally disposed. The support is also provided with a drive assembly for driving the rollers to move along the temporary storage track. The drive assembly is located above the temporary storage track.

[0005] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inbound track is located above the temporary storage track, which is located above at least a portion of the outbound track, and both the inbound and outbound tracks include inclined sections that gradually slope downwards along the transport direction of the vehicle.

[0006] In one embodiment, the inclined section of the loading track is defined as the first inclined section, and the support is provided with a blocking member located above the first inclined section and / or the temporary storage track. When the roller moves to the position corresponding to the blocking member, the blocking member is located to the side of the roller to prevent the roller from laterally disengaging from the conveying track.

[0007] In one embodiment, the inclined section of the loading track is defined as the first inclined section, and the support is provided with a speed reducer for limiting the movement speed of the roller. The speed reducer is correspondingly provided above the first inclined section and / or the temporary storage track.

[0008] In one embodiment, along the transport direction of the vehicle, the loading track further includes a loading section located upstream of the first inclined section. The loading section is provided with a limiting member, which has a limiting state that restricts the roller from passing and a releasing state that releases the roller from the limiting state. When the limiting member is in the releasing state, the roller can move along the loading section to the first inclined section.

[0009] In one embodiment, the drive assembly includes a transport component, a hook, a connector that can selectively link the transport component, and a drive component for driving the transport component to move along the temporary track. A first end of the hook is rotatably connected to the connector, and a second end of the hook is provided with a notch into which the axle of the roller can slide. When the axle of the roller is located in the notch, the hook is linked to the roller.

[0010] In one embodiment, the inclined section of the exit track is defined as the second inclined section, and the support is provided with a pusher that pushes the tow hook to rotate upward so that the notch is disengaged from the wheel axle. The pusher is located at a position corresponding to the second inclined section and is located on the movement path of the tow hook.

[0011] In one embodiment, the conveying mechanism further includes a blocking mechanism, which includes a movable member and a driver for driving the movable member to move up and down. The driver is disposed below the temporary storage track, and the temporary storage track has an opening for the movable member to pass through.

[0012] The movable component has a raised state and a lowered state. When the movable component is in the raised state, at least part of the movable component is located above the temporary storage track and the movable component is located on the movement path of the roller. When the roller abuts against the movable component, the movement of the tow hook is restricted so that the connecting component and the transport component are disengaged and in a non-linkage state.

[0013] When the movable part is in the fallen state, the roller can move along the extension direction of the temporary track.

[0014] In one embodiment, the blocking mechanism further includes an origin sensor for sensing the position signal of the roller. The origin sensor is mounted on the bracket and is located upstream of the movable component along the conveying direction of the carrier. The driver switches the raised and lowered states of the movable component based on the position signal detected by the origin sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support is equipped with an inbound sensor, a full-load sensor, and an outbound sensor. The inbound sensor is used to detect whether a roller enters the inbound track; the full-load sensor is located at the corresponding entry end of the temporary storage track and is used to detect whether there is storage space on the temporary storage track; the outbound sensor is used to detect whether the roller located on the outbound track stops.

[0016] This application also provides a control method for a conveying mechanism, which controls the drive component of the conveying mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments, thereby controlling the roller to move on the conveying track. The support is further provided with a movable component, an infeed sensor for detecting whether a roller enters the infeed track, a full-load sensor for detecting whether there is storage space on the temporary storage track, and an outfeed sensor for detecting whether a roller located on the outfeed track has stopped. The control method includes:

[0017] The system detects whether the discharge sensor has a signal indicating that the rollers on the discharge track have stopped. If there is no signal, the drive assembly continues to operate. Otherwise, the movable part is raised, and the system detects whether the full-load sensor has a signal indicating that there is no storage space on the temporary storage track.

[0018] If the full load sensor has a signal, the drive assembly stops operating; otherwise, the loading sensor detects whether the roller has entered the loading track.

[0019] If the inlet sensor has a signal, the drive component continues to operate; otherwise, the drive component stops operating.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bracket is further provided with an origin sensor and a driver for driving the movable component to move up and down. The origin sensor and the movable component are spaced apart sequentially along the conveying direction of the roller. The origin sensor is communicatively connected to a host computer. The control method further includes:

[0021] When the drive component is running, the host computer controls the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part based on the signal detected by the origin sensor that the roller passes through the origin sensor.

[0022] When the drive component stops running, the host computer determines the position of the roller based on the detection signal of the origin sensor, and then controls the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the conveying mechanism provided in this application sets its conveying track as an inbound track, a temporary storage track and an outbound track connected in sequence. The temporary storage track is set horizontally. Compared with the track set in the prior art, which consists of a long and downward inclined section and a lifting section with a lifting device, this application has no lifting section, which significantly increases the length of the temporary storage track. This significantly increases the effective buffer space on the temporary storage track, and the horizontal temporary storage track can also prevent the compression between the carrier hangers. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conveying mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the warehouse entry track and the temporary storage track in one embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the warehouse entry track in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the temporary storage track and the outbound track in one embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Conveying mechanism; 11. Support frame; 12. Conveying track; 121. Inbound track; 1211. First inclined section; 1212. Inbound section; 122. Temporary storage track; 123. Outbound track; 1231. Second inclined section; 1232. Outbound section; 13. Drive assembly; 131. Hook; 1311. First end; 1312. Second end; 1310. Notch; 132. Connector; 1 33. Driving component; 14. Blocking component; 15. Reducing component; 151. First reducing component; 152. Second reducing component; 16. Pushing component; 17. Blocking mechanism; 171. Moving component; 172. Origin sensor; 181. In-pack sensor; 182. Full-pack sensor; 183. Out-pack sensor; 19. Limiting component; 191. Connecting rod; 192. Power component; 2. Carrier; 21. Roller; 211. Axle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0033] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This application provides a conveying mechanism 1, including a support 11 and a conveying track 12 for slidingly engaging with the rollers 21 of a carrier 2 to convey the carrier 2. The conveying track 12 is disposed on the support 11. Along the conveying direction of the carrier 2, the conveying track 12 includes an inbound track 121, a temporary storage track 122 and an outbound track 123 connected in sequence. In the vertical direction, the inbound track 121 is located above the outbound track 123, and the temporary storage track 122 is horizontally disposed. The support 11 is provided with a drive assembly 13 for driving the rollers 21 to move along the temporary storage track 122, and the drive assembly 13 is located above the temporary storage track 122.

[0038] It is understood that in this embodiment, the conveying track 12 is configured as an inbound track 121, a temporary storage track 122, and an outbound track 123 connected in sequence. The temporary storage track 122 is horizontally set. Compared with the track in the prior art, which consists of a long, downward-sloping inclined section and a lifting section with a lifting device, this embodiment has no lifting section, which can significantly increase the length of the temporary storage track 122. This also significantly increases the effective buffer space on the temporary storage track 122. Moreover, the horizontally set temporary storage track 122 can also avoid squeezing between the carriers 2 compared to the downward-sloping inclined section.

[0039] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inbound track 121 is located above the temporary storage track 122, and the temporary storage track 122 is located above at least a portion of the outbound track 123. Both the inbound track 121 and the outbound track 123 include inclined sections that gradually slope downwards along the conveying direction of the carrier 2. It is understood that, in the vertical direction, at least the inlet portion of one inclined section is located above the temporary storage track 122, and at least the outlet portion of the other inclined section is located below the temporary storage track 122. Because the inbound track 121 is located above the outbound track 123, the carrier 2 can use gravity to slide from the higher inbound track 121 into the horizontally positioned temporary storage track 122, and can also use gravity to slide from the temporary storage track 122 to the lower outbound track 123. The temporary storage track 122, combined with the inclined section design of the inbound track 121 and the outbound track 123, forms a natural spatial flow layout, making full use of vertical space, so that the inbound point in the inbound track 121, the buffer area in the temporary storage track 122, and the outbound point in the outbound track 123 can be arranged compactly and efficiently.

[0040] It should be explained that, since there is a vertical height difference between part of the inbound track 121 and the temporary storage track 122, and between the temporary storage track 122 and part of the outbound track 123, the design of the inclined section eliminates the height difference between the temporary storage track 122 and part of the outbound track 123, and the inclined section itself does not occupy the effective buffer space in the temporary storage track 122.

[0041] Furthermore, the inclined section of the inbound track 121 is defined as the first inclined section 1211, and the inclined section of the outbound track 123 is defined as the second inclined section 1231. Along the conveying direction of the carrier 2, the first inclined section 1211, the temporary storage track 122, and the second inclined section 1231 are connected in sequence. In this way, the layout of the conveying track 12 is more compact, and the movement of the rollers 21 of the carrier 2 on the conveying track 12 is smoother.

[0042] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The support 11 is equipped with a blocking member 14 located above the first inclined section 1211 and / or the temporary storage track 122. When the roller 21 moves to the position corresponding to the blocking member 14, the blocking member 14 is located to the side of the roller 21 to prevent the roller 21 from laterally disengaging from the conveying track 12. It is understood that at least part of the conveying track 12 is located above the ground and there is a gap between it and the ground. In this embodiment, the blocking member 14 effectively constrains the running trajectory of the roller 21 by physically blocking it, preventing the roller 21 from laterally deviating or accidentally disengaging from the conveying track 12 and falling during operation (especially when turning, starting and stopping, or when subjected to slight external forces), thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the conveying process and thus avoiding the possibility of the carrier 2 falling from the air.

[0043] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support 11 is equipped with a speed reducer 15 to limit the movement speed of the roller 21. A corresponding speed reducer 15 is positioned above the first inclined section 1211 and / or the temporary storage track 122. The speed reducer located above the first inclined section 1211 is defined as the first speed reducer 151, and the speed reducer located above the temporary storage track 122 is defined as the second speed reducer 152. It is understood that because the first inclined section 1211 gradually tilts downwards along the conveying direction of the carrier 2, and the roller 21 of the carrier 2 can slide from the first inclined section 1211 to the temporary storage track 122 under the action of gravity, the roller 21 undergoes uniform acceleration with a certain initial velocity when moving on the first inclined section 1211. Therefore, the movement speed of the roller 21 on the first inclined section 1211 gradually increases, which also leads to excessive speed of the roller 21 when it enters the temporary storage track 122 from the first inclined section 1211. Thus, the first decelerator 151 can control the speed of the roller 21 on the first inclined section 1211, and / or the second decelerator 152 can control the speed of the roller 21 on the temporary track 122.

[0044] Schematic, the first speed reducer 151 is a chain tensioning structure. The chain in the chain tensioning structure contacts the surface of the roller 21 with adjustable pressure, generating a frictional force opposite to the direction of movement of the roller 21, thereby reducing the speed of the roller 21 when it moves on the first inclined section 1211. In other embodiments, the first speed reducer 151 may also use other structures, such as a paddle, or a high-friction speed bump may be provided on the first inclined section 1211; this embodiment does not limit this.

[0045] Indicatively, one end of the second decelerator 152 is rotatably connected to the bracket 11, and the other end of the second decelerator 152 is located on the movement path of the roller 21. When the roller 21 moves to the second decelerator 152 on the temporary track 122, the roller 21 will collide with the second decelerator 152. Part of the kinetic energy in the roller 21 is converted into the kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of the second decelerator 152. At the same time, the second decelerator 152 applies a reaction force to the roller 21 to slow down the movement speed of the roller 21 on the temporary track 122, prevent the speed of the roller 21 from being too high, and avoid collisions between the rollers 21.

[0046] In one embodiment, along the conveying direction of the carrier 2, the loading track 121 further includes a loading section 1212 located upstream of the first inclined section 1211. The loading section 1212 is provided with a limiting member 19, which has a limiting state that restricts the passage of the roller 21 and a releasing state that releases the restriction on the roller 21. When the limiting member 19 is in the releasing state, the roller 21 can move along the loading section 1212 to the first inclined section 1211. It is understood that when the storage space in the temporary storage track 122 is full, the rollers 21 entering from the loading section 1212 will accumulate in the first inclined section 1211. Since the first inclined section 1211 is inclined, the rollers 21 of the carrier 2 will collide and be squeezed on the first inclined section 1211. In this embodiment, by setting a limiting member 19 in the loading section 1212, when the storage space in the temporary storage track 122 is full, the limiting member 19 can prevent the carrier 2 from entering the first inclined section 1211 and the temporary storage track 122, thereby preventing the carrier 2 from colliding and being squeezed on the first inclined section 1211.

[0047] Schematic, the limiting member 19 includes a telescopic link 191 and a power member 192 that drives the link to extend or retract. The extension or retraction direction of the link 191 intersects the extension direction of the inlet section 1212, and references... Figure 3 When the connecting rod 191 is in the extended state, it is located on the movement path of the roller 21. At this time, the connecting rod 191 is in a restrictive state that limits the passage of the roller 21, thus preventing the roller 21 from entering the first inclined section 1211. In other embodiments, the connecting rod can also rotate to switch the limiting member 19 between the restrictive state and the release state. This application does not limit this, as long as the connecting rod can switch between the restrictive state that limits the passage of the roller 21 and the release state that releases the restriction of the roller 21.

[0048] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The drive assembly 13 includes a transport component (not shown), a hook 131, a connector 132 that can selectively link the transport component, and a drive component 133 for driving the transport component to move along the temporary track 122. The first end 1311 of the hook 131 is rotatably connected to the connector 132, and the second end 1312 of the hook 131 has a notch 1310 into which the axle 211 of the roller 21 can slide. When the axle 211 of the roller 21 is located within the notch 1310, the hook 131 is linked to the roller 21. This provides driving force to the roller 21, allowing precise control of the roller 21's speed on the temporary track 122.

[0049] Furthermore, when the axle 211 of the roller 21 slides into the notch 1310 of the hook 131, the roller 21 has a motion state relative to the temporary track 122 and a temporary storage state relative to the temporary track 122. When the connector 132 and the transport component remain relatively stationary (i.e., the transport component can drive the connector 132 to move), since the hook 131 is connected to the connector 132, the roller 21 will move along with the hook 131 on the temporary storage track 122 with the transport component. At this time, the roller 21 is in motion. When there is relative movement between the connector 132 and the transport component (i.e., the connector 132 does not move with the transport component, that is, the connector 132 is in a non-linkage state that is disconnected from the transport component), the hook 131 and the connector 132 remain stationary. Then, the roller 21 will also remain stationary on the temporary storage track 122. In this way, during the transport process, the roller 21 can be temporarily stored on the temporary storage track 122. That is to say, the temporary storage track 122 can play the role of a temporary storage vehicle 2.

[0050] Schematic, the connecting part of the connector 132 is linked to the transport component. When the connector 132 is not subjected to any external force other than the transport component, the connector 132 can move with the movement of the transport component, thereby driving the hook 131 and the roller 21 to move. When the hook 131 or the roller 21 is subjected to an external force and remains stationary relative to the temporary track 122, that is, when the movement of the hook 131 or the roller 21 is prevented, since the transport component is in the process of transport, there is relative movement between the hook 131 / roller 21 and the transport component. Under the obstruction of the external force, the hook 131 / roller 21 does not move with the movement of the transport component. Since the hook 131 is connected to the connector 132, the connector 132 will also not move with the movement of the transport component, that is, relative sliding will occur between the connector 132 and the transport component.

[0051] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the second end 1312 of the hook 131 is located below the first end 1311, so that the axle 211 of the roller 21 can be located within the notch 1310 of the second end 1312 of the hook 131. Also, along the conveying direction of the carrier 2, the second end 1312 of the hook 131 is located between the first end 1311 of the hook 131 and the loading track 121. The direction of movement of the hook 131 is the same as the direction of movement of the roller 21, and there is a speed difference between the speed of the roller 21 and the speed of the hook 131. Roller 21 enters temporary track 122 from the first inclined section 1211, and when the second end 1312 of hook 131 is above roller 21, the axle 211 of roller 21 can contact the second end 1312 of hook 131. At this time, the axle 211 of roller 21 can lift the second end 1312 of hook 131 and slide into the notch 1310 of the second end 1312, so that roller 21 can be driven by hook 131.

[0052] In a schematic representation, the transport component is a belt, the drive component 133 is a motor, the power output shaft of the motor is connected to the belt drive, and drives the belt to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, thereby driving the connecting component 132 and the tow hook 131 to move, and then driving the roller 21 to move on the temporary track 122.

[0053] Further, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 The support 11 is equipped with a pusher 16 that pushes the hook 131 upward to rotate it so that the notch 1310 disengages from the axle 211. The pusher 16 is located at a position corresponding to the second inclined section 1231 and is located on the movement path of the hook 131. In this way, the pusher 16 can separate the hook 131 from the axle 211 of the roller 21, and then the roller 21 can leave the conveying track 12 from the second inclined section 1231, and the hook 131 can also move with the movement of the transport component.

[0054] Understandably, along the conveying direction of the carrier 2, the first end 1311 of the hook 131 is located between the second end 1312 of the hook 131 and the discharge track 123. When the roller 21 moves from the temporary track 122 to the position corresponding to the pusher 16 on the second inclined section 1231, the second end 1312 of the hook 131 contacts the pusher 16 and is lifted by the pusher 16 as the hook 131 moves toward the pusher 16. At this time, under the action of its initial velocity and gravity, the roller 21 continues to move downstream on the second inclined section 1231, so the axle 211 of the roller 21 slides out from the notch 1310 of the second end 1312, and the axle 211 of the roller 21 separates from the hook 131.

[0055] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The conveying mechanism 1 also includes a blocking mechanism 17, which includes a movable member 171 and a driver (not shown) for driving the movable member 171 to move up and down. The driver is located below the temporary storage track 122, which has an opening for the movable member 171 to pass through. The movable member 171 has a raised state and a lowered state. When the movable member 171 is in the raised state, at least part of the movable member 171 is located above the temporary storage track 122 and is located on the movement path of the roller 21. When the roller 21 abuts against the movable member 171, the movement of the hook 131 is restricted so that the connecting member 132 is disengaged from the transport member and is in a non-linked state. When the movable member 171 is in the lowered state, the roller 21 can move along the extension direction of the temporary storage track 122. In this way, the blocking mechanism 17 can change the movement state and temporary storage state of the roller 21 on the temporary storage track 122.

[0056] Understandably, reference Figure 5 When the movable part 171 is in the raised state, since the movable part 171 is located on the movement path of the roller 21, when the roller 21 moves to the movable part 171, the movable part 171 restricts the roller 21 from moving downstream. Therefore, the roller 21 is in a temporary storage state that is stationary relative to the temporary storage track 122. At this time, the tow hook 131 and the connecting part 132 are both relatively stationary with respect to the temporary storage track 122. The connecting part 132 is disengaged from the transport part and is in a non-linkage state. That is, when the transport part moves, there is relative movement between the connecting part 132 and the transport part.

[0057] Furthermore, when it is necessary to convey the roller 21 to the second inclined section 1231 at a certain time or interval, that is, to convey the roller 21 to the downstream of the conveying track 12 at a certain time or interval, this embodiment can control and adjust the time interval or distance interval of conveying the roller 21 downstream by switching the raised state and the lowered state of the movable member 171.

[0058] Furthermore, the blocking mechanism 17 also includes an origin sensor 172 for sensing the position signal of the roller 21. The origin sensor 172 is mounted on the bracket 11 and is located upstream of the movable member 171 along the conveying direction of the carrier 2. The driver switches the raised and lowered states of the movable member 171 based on the position signal detected by the origin sensor 172. In this way, the conveying mechanism 1 can automatically and accurately determine the timing for the movable member 171 to switch between the raised and lowered states using the position signal of the roller 21 detected by the origin sensor 172. It can be explained that the movable member 171 switches from the lowered state to the raised state after the previous roller 21 leaves its corresponding position on the temporary track 122 or before the next roller 21 arrives at its corresponding position on the temporary track 122. This avoids the movable member 171 from hitting the pulley axle 211 when it is raised, and prevents the axle 211 from deviating from the conveying track 12.

[0059] Schematic, the origin sensor 172 detects that the roller 21 has moved to the position corresponding to the origin sensor 172 on the temporary track 122. Since the distance between the origin sensor 172 and the movable part 171 is known, the speed of the roller 21 is also known (it can be known from the speed of the transport component). Therefore, the time it takes for the roller 21 to reach the position corresponding to the movable part 171 on the temporary track 122 can be calculated. Keeping the movable part 171 in a raised state before this time point can prevent the movable part 171 from colliding with the pulley axle 211.

[0060] It is understood that the conveying mechanism 1 also includes a host computer (not shown in the figure) for signal connection with the origin sensor 172 and the driver, to process the position signal of the roller 21 detected by the origin sensor 172, and convert the position signal into a signal for controlling the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part 171, thereby switching the raised and lowered states of the movable part 171.

[0061] In one embodiment, reference Figure 1 The support 11 is equipped with an inbound sensor 181, a full-load sensor 182, and an outbound sensor 183. The inbound sensor 181 is located on the support 11 at a position corresponding to the inbound section 1212 of the inbound track 121, and is used to detect whether a roller 21 has entered the inbound track 121. The full-load sensor 182 is located on the support 11 at a position corresponding to the entry end of the temporary storage track 122, and is used to detect whether there is storage space on the temporary storage track 122. The outbound sensor 183 is located on the support 11 at a position corresponding to the outbound section 1232 of the outbound track 123, and is used to detect whether the roller 21 located on the outbound track 123 has stopped. In this way, the position of the roller 21 on the conveying track 12 can be accurately determined, and it can be accurately determined whether the roller 21 has entered the inbound track 121, whether there is storage space in the temporary storage track 122, and whether the outbound section 1232 of the outbound track 123 is fully loaded, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the drive component 13.

[0062] It should be noted that the outbound track 123 includes the inbound and outbound section 1232 located downstream of the second inclined section 1231. When the outbound sensor 183 detects that the roller 21 on the outbound section 1232 has stopped, it means that the outbound section 1232 is fully loaded and the roller 21 cannot continue to convey downstream, so it accumulates at the outbound sensor 183.

[0063] Furthermore, the full-load sensor 182 is positioned on the bracket 11 at the entrance end corresponding to the temporary storage track 122. It is understood that when the roller 21 reaches the temporary storage track 122, it can be driven by the hook 131 to move along the track 122, that is, from the entrance end to the exit end of the temporary storage track 122. At this time, the temporary storage track 122 serves as the storage space for the roller 21. By positioning the full-load sensor 182 at the entrance end of the temporary storage track 122, each roller 21 entering the track 122 will pass through the full-load sensor 182. Since the roller 21 has a certain speed, each roller 21 passing through the full-load sensor 182 will generate a momentary signal, for example, a 0.5-second signal. When roller 21 remains at the full-load sensor 182 for more than a preset time (e.g., 3 seconds), it indicates that the storage space is full. Roller 21 can no longer move towards the exit end of temporary storage track 122. Therefore, roller 21 accumulates at the position corresponding to the full-load sensor 182 and generates a signal indicating that the preset time has elapsed. In this way, the full-load sensor 182 can be used to determine whether there is storage space on temporary storage track 122, that is, whether temporary storage track 122 is full.

[0064] This application also provides a control method for a conveying mechanism 1. This control method controls the drive assembly 13 of the conveying mechanism 1 as described in any of the previous embodiments, thereby controlling the roller 21 to move on the conveying track 12. The support 11 is further equipped with a movable component 171, an infeed sensor 181 for detecting whether a roller 21 has entered the infeed track 121, a full-load sensor 182 for detecting whether there is storage space on the temporary storage track 122, and an outfeed sensor 183 for detecting whether the roller 21 located on the outfeed section 1232 has stopped. The control method includes:

[0065] S1. Detect whether the discharge sensor 183 has a signal that the roller 21 on the discharge section 1232 has stopped. If there is no signal, the drive assembly 13 continues to run. Otherwise, the movable part 171 is raised and the full-load sensor 182 has a signal that there is no storage space on the temporary track 122.

[0066] S2. If the full-load sensor 182 has a signal, the drive assembly 13 stops running. Otherwise, it checks whether the inbound sensor 181 has a signal that the roller 21 has entered the inbound track 121. If the inbound sensor 181 has a signal (at this time, the outbound section 1232 of the outbound track 123 is in a full-load state, and there is storage space on the temporary storage track 122. The drive assembly 13 continues to run in order to buffer the roller 21 of the vehicle 2 on the temporary storage track 122), the drive assembly 13 continues to run. Otherwise, the drive assembly 13 stops running.

[0067] It should be explained that "no signal from exit sensor 183" means that the roller 21 of the carrier 2 can move normally downstream from the exit track 123; "signal from exit sensor 183" means that the roller 21 on the exit section 1232 has stopped, which means that the exit section 1232 is fully loaded and the roller 21 cannot continue to be transported downstream, so it accumulates at the exit sensor 183.

[0068] If the temporary storage track 122 has storage space available for storing the roller 21, then the drive assembly 13 can drive the roller 21 to move on the temporary storage track 122 to store the roller 21. It should also be noted that at this time, the movable part 171 is in a raised state to prevent the roller 21 from leaving the temporary storage track 122 and entering the discharge track 123. After the discharge sensor 183 loses its signal, the movable part 171 is switched to a lowered / raised state so that the roller 21 can move from the temporary storage track 122 to the discharge track 123.

[0069] In one embodiment, the bracket 11 is further provided with an origin sensor 172 and a driver for driving the movable part 171 to move up and down. The origin sensor 172 and the movable part 171 are spaced apart sequentially along the conveying direction of the roller 21. The origin sensor 172 is communicatively connected to a host computer. The control method further includes:

[0070] S21. When the drive component 13 is running, the host computer controls the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part 171 based on the signal detected by the origin sensor 172 that the roller 21 passes through the origin sensor 172.

[0071] S22. When the drive component 13 stops running, the host computer determines the position of the roller 21 based on the detection signal of the origin sensor 172, and then controls the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part 171.

[0072] Understandably, based on the above analysis, it takes a certain amount of time for the roller 21 to move from the origin sensor 172 to the movable part 171. The host computer can calculate this time and then calculate the time when the movable part 171 should be lifted to avoid the movable part 171 hitting the pulley axle 211.

[0073] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0074] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A conveying mechanism comprising a support (11) and a conveying track (12) for slidingly engaging with rollers (21) of a carrier (2) to convey the carrier (2), the conveying track (12) being disposed on the support (11), characterized in that, Along the conveying direction of the vehicle (2), the conveying track (12) includes an inbound track (121), a temporary storage track (122), and an outbound track (123) connected in sequence. In the vertical direction, the inbound track (121) is located above the outbound track (123), and the temporary storage track (122) is set horizontally. The bracket (11) is also provided with a drive assembly (13) for driving the roller (21) to move along the temporary track (122), and the drive assembly (13) is located above the temporary track (122); The drive assembly (13) includes a transport component, a tow hook (131), a connector (132) that can be selectively linked with the transport component, and a drive component (133) for driving the transport component to move along the temporary track (122). The first end (1311) of the tow hook (131) is rotatably connected to the connector (132), and the second end (1312) of the tow hook (131) is provided with a notch (1310) into which the axle (211) of the roller (21) can slide. When the axle (211) of the roller (21) is located in the notch (1310), the tow hook (131) is linked with the roller (21). The outbound track (123) includes an inclined section that gradually slopes downward along the conveying direction of the vehicle (2). The inclined section of the outbound track (123) is defined as the second inclined section (1231). The bracket (11) is provided with a pusher (16) that pushes the hook (131) to rotate upward so that the notch (1310) disengages from the axle (211). The pusher (16) is located at a position corresponding to the second inclined section (1231) and is located on the movement path of the hook (131). The conveying mechanism further includes a blocking mechanism (17), which includes a movable part (171) and a driver for driving the movable part (171) to move up and down. The driver is located below the temporary storage track (122), and the temporary storage track (122) has an opening for the movable part (171) to pass through. The movable part (171) has a raised state and a lowered state. When the movable part (171) is in the raised state, at least part of the movable part (171) is located above the temporary storage track (122), and the movable part (171) is located on the movement path of the roller (21). When the roller (21) abuts against the movable part (171), the movement of the hook (131) is restricted so that the connecting part (132) is disengaged from the transport part and is in a non-linkage state. When the movable part (171) is in the lowered state, the roller (21) can move along the extension direction of the temporary storage track (122).

2. The conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the inbound track (121) is located above the temporary storage track (122), which is located above at least a portion of the outbound track (123). The inbound track (121) includes an inclined section that gradually slopes downward along the conveying direction of the vehicle (2).

3. The conveying mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inclined section of the loading track (121) is defined as the first inclined section (1211). The support (11) is provided with a blocking member (14) located above the first inclined section (1211) and / or the temporary storage track (122). When the roller (21) moves to the position corresponding to the blocking member (14), the blocking member (14) is located to the side of the roller (21) to restrict the roller (21) from laterally disengaging from the conveying track (12).

4. The conveying mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inclined section of the loading track (121) is defined as the first inclined section (1211). The support (11) is provided with a speed reducer (15) for limiting the movement speed of the roller (21). The speed reducer (15) is correspondingly provided above the first inclined section (1211) and / or the temporary storage track (122).

5. The conveying mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, Along the conveying direction of the carrier (2), the loading track (121) also includes a loading section (1212) located upstream of the first inclined section (1211). The loading section (1212) is provided with a limiting member (19). The limiting member (19) has a limiting state that restricts the roller (21) from passing through and a releasing state that releases the roller (21) from the restriction. When the limiting member (19) is in the releasing state, the roller (21) can move along the loading section (1212) to the first inclined section (1211).

6. The conveying mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking mechanism (17) further includes an origin sensor (172) for sensing the position signal of the roller (21). The origin sensor (172) is located on the bracket (11) and along the conveying direction of the carrier (2). The origin sensor (172) is located upstream of the movable part (171). The driver switches the raised state and the lowered state of the movable part (171) according to the position signal detected by the origin sensor (172).

7. The conveying mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The support (11) is equipped with an inbound sensor (181), a full-load sensor (182), and an outbound sensor (183). The inbound sensor (181) is used to detect whether a roller (21) enters the inbound track (121). The full-load sensor (182) is located at the corresponding end of the temporary storage track (122) and is used to detect whether there is storage space on the temporary storage track (122). The outbound sensor (183) is used to detect whether the roller (21) located on the outbound track (123) stops.

8. A control method for a conveying mechanism, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism is the conveying mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 6. By controlling the drive assembly (13) of the conveying mechanism, the roller (21) is controlled to move on the conveying track (12). The bracket (11) is also provided with a movable part (171), an inlet sensor (181) for detecting whether a roller (21) has entered the inlet track (121), a full-load sensor (182) for detecting whether there is storage space on the temporary storage track (122), and an outlet sensor (183) for detecting whether the roller (21) located on the outlet track (123) has stopped. The control method includes: The system detects whether the discharge sensor (183) has a signal that the roller (21) on the discharge track (123) has stopped. If there is no signal, the drive assembly (13) continues to run. Otherwise, the movable part (171) is raised, and the system detects whether the full-load sensor (182) has a signal that there is no storage space on the temporary storage track (122). If the full load sensor (182) has a signal, the drive assembly (13) stops running; otherwise, the loading sensor (181) is checked to see if the roller (21) has entered the loading track (121). If the inbound sensor (181) has a signal, the drive assembly (13) continues to operate; otherwise, the drive assembly (13) stops operating.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bracket (11) is also equipped with an origin sensor (172) and a driver for driving the movable part (171) to move up and down. The origin sensor (172) and the movable part (171) are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the roller (21). The origin sensor (172) is connected to the host computer for communication. The control method further includes: When the drive component (13) is running, the host computer controls the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part (171) based on the signal detected by the origin sensor (172) that the roller (21) passes through the origin sensor (172). When the drive component (13) stops running, the host computer determines the position of the roller (21) based on the detection signal of the origin sensor (172), and then controls the driver to switch the raised and lowered states of the movable part (171).

Images