Material conveying mechanism and control method

Abstract

The invention provides a material transportation mechanism and a control method, and relates to the technical field of material transportation. Each lifting assembly is provided with a first working position and a second working position which are sequentially arranged in the height direction of the frame assembly, and when the lifting assemblies are located at the second working positions, part of the lifting assemblies are rotationally arranged; the descending assembly is movably arranged in the height direction of the frame assembly. The horizontal conveying assembly is arranged between the ascending assembly and the descending assembly, one end of the horizontal conveying assembly is close to the ascending assembly, and the other end of the horizontal conveying assembly is close to the descending assembly; when the ascending assembly is located at the first working position, materials are placed on the ascending assembly, are conveyed to one end of the horizontal conveying assembly after being moved to the second working position through the ascending assembly, and are conveyed to the descending assembly to be conveyed after being conveyed to the other end of the horizontal conveying assembly through the horizontal conveying assembly. The problem that materials are prone to being blocked during automatic lifting transportation is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material transportation technology, and more specifically, to a material transportation mechanism and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technologies in the field of automated material lifting and transportation mainly employ unidirectional lifting mechanisms, such as the automated cargo lifting device for logistics transportation (patent number 201811003908.2). This device can only achieve vertical lifting and cannot perform long-distance horizontal transportation or spatial turning after lifting. Another patent, the automated lifting and transportation device for packaging boxes (patent number 201821511287.4), while designed for horizontal transportation after material lifting, suffers from jamming during the switch to horizontal transportation and lacks the ability to perform a 90-degree turn during horizontal transportation before continuing horizontal transport. This limits its application in complex production environments. Furthermore, these existing technologies require high parallelism of the equipment during material lifting and switching and lack intelligent control, failing to ensure smooth and automated control throughout the process, posing a potential threat to the quality and safety of the transport system.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies are insufficient in terms of flexibility, stability and safety in the automatic lifting and transportation of materials, especially in scenarios that require crossing obstacles, spatial turning and ensuring full automation of the transportation process, where the limitations of existing equipment are particularly evident. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a material transport mechanism and control method to solve the problem of material jamming during automatic lifting and transport in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this application, a material transport mechanism is provided, comprising: a frame assembly; a lifting assembly connected to the frame assembly, the lifting assembly being movably disposed along the height direction of the frame assembly, the lifting assembly having a first working position and a second working position sequentially disposed along the height direction, wherein when the lifting assembly is in the second working position, a portion of the lifting assembly is rotatably disposed, and the lifting assembly is used to place and transport materials; a lowering assembly connected to the frame assembly, the lowering assembly being movably disposed along the height direction of the frame assembly, and the lowering assembly being used to place and transport materials; and a horizontal conveying assembly connected to the frame assembly, the horizontal conveying assembly being disposed between the lifting assembly and the lowering assembly, one end of the horizontal conveying assembly being disposed near the lifting assembly, and the other end of the horizontal conveying assembly being disposed near the lowering assembly, and the horizontal conveying assembly being used to place and transport materials; wherein, when the lifting assembly is in the first working position, materials are placed on the lifting assembly, transported to the second working position by the lifting assembly, then transported to one end of the horizontal conveying assembly, and then transported to the other end of the horizontal conveying assembly, and finally transported to the lowering assembly for further transport.

[0006] Further, the frame assembly includes a first frame, and the lifting assembly includes: a lifting platform connected to the first frame, the lifting platform being movably disposed along the height direction of the first frame, the lifting platform having a first working position and a second working position; a stop bar connected to the first frame; a rotating plate connected to the lifting platform, the rotating plate being rotatably disposed relative to the lifting platform, the rotating plate contacting the stop bar when the lifting platform is in the second working position to cause the rotating plate to rotate, the rotating plate being used for placing and conveying materials; and a first drive assembly, the output end of the first drive assembly being connected to the lifting platform; wherein, the first drive assembly drives the lifting assembly to reciprocate in the first working position and the second working position, the rotating plate contacting the stop bar when the lifting assembly is in the second working position to cause the rotating plate to rotate.

[0007] Furthermore, the first drive assembly includes: a motor connected to the first frame; a gear disk connected to the output end of the motor; a tension rope connected to the gear disk at one end; and a pulley block connected to the lifting platform, with the other end of the tension rope connected to the pulley block. The motor drives the gear disk to rotate, thereby causing the lifting platform to reciprocate along the height direction of the first frame via the tension rope.

[0008] Further, the frame assembly includes a second frame and a third frame, the descending assembly is connected to the third frame, and the horizontal conveying assembly includes: a first horizontal conveying assembly, the first end of which is connected to the first frame, the second end of which is connected to the second frame, the length direction of which is set along a first direction, and the first horizontal conveying assembly is used to place and convey materials; a second horizontal conveying assembly, the first end of which is connected to the second frame, the second end of which is connected to the third frame, the length direction of which is set along a second direction, wherein the projection of the first direction along the vertical direction is at an angle to the projection of the second direction along the vertical direction, and the second horizontal conveying assembly is used to place and convey materials; and a turning assembly, which is disposed between the first horizontal conveying assembly and the second horizontal conveying assembly, is connected to the second frame, and is rotatably set relative to the second frame, and is used to place and convey materials; wherein, after the material is conveyed from the first end of the first horizontal conveying assembly to the second end of the first horizontal conveying assembly, it is conveyed to the turning assembly, turned by the turning assembly, conveyed to the first end of the second horizontal conveying assembly, and then conveyed to the descending assembly for conveying.

[0009] Furthermore, the height of the first end of the first horizontal transmission component is H1, the height of the second end of the first horizontal transmission component is H2, the height of the first end of the second horizontal transmission component is H3, and the height of the second end of the second horizontal transmission component is H4, wherein H1>H2>H3>H4.

[0010] Furthermore, the steering assembly includes: a steering plate, which is rotatably configured for placing and conveying materials; and a rotator connected to the second frame, with the steering plate connected to the output end of the rotator.

[0011] Furthermore, the steering assembly includes: a limiting block having a limiting position for restricting the rotation of the steering plate and a yielding position for avoiding the rotation of the steering plate; and a counterweight block connected to the steering plate.

[0012] Further, the first horizontal conveying assembly includes: a first slide rail, with a first end connected to a first frame and a second end connected to a second frame; a first slide rail connected to the first slide rail, the length direction of the first slide rail being arranged along a first direction; the second horizontal conveying assembly includes: a second slide rail, with a first end connected to the second frame and a second end connected to a third frame; a second slide rail connected to the second slide rail, the length direction of the second slide rail being arranged along a second direction; the lowering assembly includes: a lowering platform connected to the third frame, the lowering platform being movably arranged along the height direction of the third frame, the lowering platform being sequentially arranged in a third working position and a fourth working position along the height direction of the third frame; a second drive assembly, the output end of the second drive assembly being connected to the lowering platform, the second drive assembly driving the lowering platform to reciprocate between the third working position and the fourth working position; a cylinder, the cylinder having a locking state for locking the lowering platform and a releasing state for releasing the lowering platform; the material conveying mechanism includes a worktable connected to the third frame, the worktable being used for placing and conveying materials.

[0013] Furthermore, the material transport mechanism includes a sensor assembly, which includes: a first sensor connected to a first frame, used to detect whether the lifting platform is located in a second working position; a second sensor connected to a first slide rail, used to detect whether there is material on the first slide rail; a third sensor connected to a second frame, used to detect whether there is material on the steering plate; a fourth sensor connected to a third frame, used to detect whether the lowering platform is located in a fourth working position; a fifth sensor connected to a third frame, used to detect whether there is material on the lowering platform; and a sixth sensor connected to a third frame, used to detect whether there is material on the worktable.

[0014] According to another aspect of this application, a control method for a material transport mechanism is provided for controlling the aforementioned material transport mechanism, comprising the following steps: acquiring position information and load information of a target component, wherein the target component includes: a lifting component and a lowering component; the position information includes a first working position and a second working position of the lifting component sequentially arranged along the height direction, and a third working position and a fourth working position of the lowering component sequentially arranged along the height direction, wherein the height of the first working position is less than the height of the second working position, and the height of the third working position is less than the height of the fourth working position; the load information includes load information and unload information; responding to the load information of the lowering component being unloaded, controlling the lowering component to move to the fourth working position; responding to the position information of the lifting component being the first working position and the load information of the lifting component being load information, controlling the lifting component to move to the second working position; responding to the position information of the lifting component being the second working position and the load information of the lifting component being unloaded, controlling the lifting component to move to the first working position; responding to the position information of the lowering component being the third working position and the load information of the lowering component being load information, controlling the lowering component to move to the fourth working position.

[0015] By applying the technical solution of this application, after the lifting component reaches the second working position, some components are rotatably set, and the material can be smoothly transferred to the horizontal conveying component, and then transferred to the lowering component by the horizontal conveying component. This design makes full use of three-dimensional space, especially in environments with limited vertical space, and can effectively avoid obstacles and achieve efficient material transmission, solving the problem of easy jamming of materials during automatic lifting and transportation in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the material transport mechanism according to this application is shown.

[0018] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0019] 10. Rising component;

[0020] 11. A rising platform;

[0021] 12. Rotating plate;

[0022] 13. Gear lever;

[0023] 14. First drive component;

[0024] 141. Electric motor;

[0025] 142. Gear disk;

[0026] 143. Tension rope;

[0027] 144. Pulley system;

[0028] 20. Horizontal transport component;

[0029] 21. First-level transmission component;

[0030] 211. First Slide;

[0031] 212. First slide rail;

[0032] 22. Second-level transmission component;

[0033] 221. Second slide;

[0034] 222. Second slide rail;

[0035] 23. Steering components;

[0036] 231. Steering wheel;

[0037] 232. Rotator;

[0038] 233. Limit block;

[0039] 234. Counterweight;

[0040] 30. Descent component;

[0041] 31. Descending platform;

[0042] 32. Second drive component;

[0043] 33. Cylinder;

[0044] 40. Framework components;

[0045] 41. First framework;

[0046] 42. Second framework;

[0047] 43. The Third Framework;

[0048] 50. Sensor assembly;

[0049] 51. First sensor;

[0050] 52. Second sensor;

[0051] 53. The third sensor;

[0052] 54. The fourth sensor;

[0053] 55. The fifth sensor;

[0054] 56. The sixth sensor;

[0055] 60. Workbench;

[0056] 70. Control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0057] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0058] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0059] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0060] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same devices, and therefore their description will be omitted.

[0061] Combination Figure 1 In a specific embodiment of this application, a material transport mechanism is provided.

[0062] Specifically, the material transport mechanism includes a frame assembly 40, a lifting assembly 10, a horizontal conveying assembly 20, and a lowering assembly 30. The lifting assembly 10 is connected to the frame assembly 40 and is movably arranged along the height direction of the frame assembly 40. The lifting assembly 10 has a first working position and a second working position sequentially arranged along the height direction of the frame assembly. When the lifting assembly 10 is in the second working position, a portion of the lifting assembly 10 is rotatably arranged. The lifting assembly 10 is used for placing and conveying materials. The lowering assembly 30 is connected to the frame assembly 40 and is movably arranged along the height direction of the frame assembly 40. The lowering assembly 30 is used for placing and conveying materials. Material conveying: The horizontal conveying component 20 is connected to the frame component 40 and is positioned between the rising component 10 and the falling component 30. One end of the horizontal conveying component 20 is positioned close to the rising component 10, and the other end is positioned close to the falling component 30. The horizontal conveying component 20 is used to place and convey materials. When the rising component 10 is in the first working position, the material is placed on the rising component 10, conveyed to the second working position by the rising component 10, and then conveyed to one end of the horizontal conveying component 20. After being conveyed to the other end of the horizontal conveying component 20, the material is conveyed to the falling component 30 for further conveying.

[0063] In this embodiment, the vertical lifting (via the lifting component 10), horizontal transport (via the horizontal conveying component 20), and subsequent vertical descent (via the descent component 30) of materials are integrated into a single system. This allows materials to automatically and seamlessly flow from one process to another, improving the continuity and automation level of the production process. By rotatably configuring some components after the lifting component 10 reaches the second working position, the material can smoothly transition to the horizontal conveying component 20, and then be conveyed by the horizontal conveying component 20 to the descent component 30. This design makes full use of three-dimensional space, especially in environments with limited vertical space, effectively avoiding obstacles and achieving efficient material transport, thus solving the problem of material jamming during automatic lifting and transport in the prior art.

[0064] Further, the frame assembly 40 includes a first frame 41, and the lifting assembly 10 includes a lifting platform 11, a stop bar 13, a rotating plate 12, and a first drive assembly 14. The lifting platform 11 is connected to the first frame 41 and is movably arranged along the height direction of the first frame 41. The lifting platform 11 has a first working position and a second working position. The stop bar 13 is connected to the first frame 41. The rotating plate 12 is connected to the lifting platform 11 and is rotatably arranged relative to the lifting platform 11. When the lifting platform 11 is in the second working position, the rotating plate 12 contacts the stop bar 13 to make the rotating plate 12 rotate. The rotating plate 12 is used to place and convey materials. The output end of the first drive assembly 14 is connected to the lifting platform 11. The first drive assembly 14 drives the lifting assembly 10 to reciprocate in the first working position and the second working position. When the lifting assembly 10 is in the second working position, the rotating plate 12 contacts the stop bar 13 to make the rotating plate 12 rotate.

[0065] Combination Figure 1 As shown, when the lifting platform 11 reaches its second working position, the stop lever 13 contacts the rotating plate 12, causing the rotating plate 12 to tilt. This feature ensures that the material can smoothly switch from the vertical lifting mode to the horizontal conveying mode under the action of gravity, effectively avoiding stagnation or jumping of the material during the transition process and maintaining the continuity and smoothness of the transportation process. Combining the vertical movement of the lifting platform 11 and the automatic tilting function of the rotating plate 12, the material can be automatically lifted from the first working position to the second working position, and smoothly transition to the horizontal conveying component 20 under the action of gravity, and then return to the lower working position through the descending component 30, realizing the continuous flow of materials in three-dimensional space and effectively improving logistics efficiency.

[0066] The automated control of the first drive assembly 14, coupled with the tilting mechanism of the rotating plate 12 triggered by the lever 13, means that the entire material lifting and horizontal transport process requires almost no manual intervention, reducing labor intensity, minimizing human error, and improving the level of production automation. Furthermore, the layout of the first frame 41 and the horizontal conveyor assembly allows the equipment to flexibly adapt to different production spaces and layout requirements, such as crossing obstacles or connecting production lines at different heights, thus improving the system's spatial adaptability and layout flexibility.

[0067] Combination Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the rotating plate 12 includes a rotating plate body and a rotating sleeve. When the lifting platform 11 carrying the material moves from the first working position to the second working position, the end of the rotating plate 12 near the horizontal conveying component 20 contacts the stop bar 13. Under the action of the rotating sleeve, the rotating plate body tilts (the end of the rotating plate body near the horizontal conveying component 20 is lower, and the end away from the horizontal conveying component 20 is higher), thereby allowing the material to smoothly transition to the horizontal conveying component 20 under the action of gravity, reducing the jamming situation when the material changes from vertical transport to horizontal transport, and improving transport efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, the first drive assembly 14 includes a motor 141, a gear disk 142, a tension rope 143, and a pulley block 144. The motor 141 is connected to the first frame 41; the gear disk 142 is connected to the output end of the motor 141; one end of the tension rope 143 is connected to the gear disk 142; the pulley block 144 is connected to the lifting platform 11, and the other end of the tension rope 143 is connected to the pulley block 144. The motor 141 drives the gear disk 142 to rotate, which in turn drives the lifting platform 11 to reciprocate along the height direction of the first frame 41 via the tension rope 143.

[0069] In this embodiment, the coordinated operation of the motor 141, gear disk 142, tension rope 143, and pulley block 144 in the first drive assembly 14 achieves precise control of the lifting platform 11, ensuring efficient and stable vertical transport of materials. The torque output of the motor 141 is converted into the tension of the tension rope 143 through the rotation of the gear disk 142, and then efficiently converted into the vertical movement of the lifting platform 11 by the pulley block 144. This drive mechanism not only ensures the stable operation of the lifting platform 11, but also reduces energy loss during power transmission and improves the energy efficiency ratio of the entire material transport mechanism through the cooperation of the tension rope 143 and the pulley block 144. At the same time, this design reduces reliance on large robotic arms or complex vertical lifting devices, simplifies the system structure, reduces costs, and facilitates system maintenance and upgrades.

[0070] Further, the frame assembly 40 includes a second frame 42 and a third frame 43, the descending assembly 30 is connected to the third frame 43, and the horizontal conveying assembly 20 includes a first horizontal conveying assembly 21 and a second horizontal conveying assembly 22. The first end of the first horizontal conveying assembly 21 is connected to the first frame 41, and the second end of the first horizontal conveying assembly 21 is connected to the second frame 42. The length direction of the first horizontal conveying assembly 21 is arranged along a first direction, and the first horizontal conveying assembly 21 is used for placing and conveying materials. The first end of the second horizontal conveying assembly 22 is connected to the second frame 42, and the second end of the second horizontal conveying assembly 22 is connected to the third frame 43. The length direction of the second horizontal conveying assembly 22 is arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction is vertical. The projection of the first horizontal conveyor 21 is set at an angle to the projection of the second horizontal conveyor 22 along the vertical direction. The second horizontal conveyor 22 is used to place and convey materials. The steering component 23 is set between the first horizontal conveyor 21 and the second horizontal conveyor 22. The steering component 23 is connected to the second frame 42 and is rotatably set relative to the second frame 42. The steering component 23 is used to place and convey materials. The materials are conveyed from the first end of the first horizontal conveyor 21 to the second end of the first horizontal conveyor 21, then to the steering component 23, and after being turned by the steering component 23, they are conveyed to the first end of the second horizontal conveyor 22, and then to the descending component 30 for conveying.

[0071] Combination Figure 1 As shown, through the support of the second frame 42 and the third frame 43, and the coordinated work of the first horizontal conveying component 21, the second horizontal conveying component 22, and the steering component 23, the automatic flow of materials at different heights and in different directions is achieved. The material is vertically lifted from the rising platform 11 of the first frame 41, smoothly transitions to the steering component 23 via the first horizontal conveying component 21, changes direction under the guidance of the steering component 23, and is then conveyed by the second horizontal conveying component 22 to the descending component 30 for descent. The entire process is highly automated, efficient, and safe. Simultaneously, this design avoids the use of complex devices such as large robotic arms or multi-joint robots, simplifies the system structure, reduces costs, and facilitates maintenance and upgrades. It is an efficient, flexible, and economical solution in the field of automatic material lifting and conveying, especially suitable for scenarios requiring material flow across obstacles or within limited spaces, improving the flexibility of the production process and space utilization.

[0072] Furthermore, the height of the first end of the first horizontal conveying component 21 is H1, the height of the second end of the first horizontal conveying component 21 is H2, the height of the first end of the second horizontal conveying component 22 is H3, and the height of the second end of the second horizontal conveying component 22 is H4, wherein H1>H2>H3>H4.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the material moves from the lifting platform 11 to the first horizontal conveying component 21, since H1 is higher than H2, the material will naturally slide down in the first horizontal conveying component 21 under the action of gravity, and then be conveyed to the turning component 23 to achieve turning. Similarly, when the material moves from the turning component 23 to the second horizontal conveying component 22, since H3 is higher than H4, the material will naturally slide down in the second horizontal conveying component 22 under the action of gravity, reducing the need for additional power and saving energy.

[0074] The height difference design between the first horizontal conveying component 21 and the second horizontal conveying component 22 makes full use of the natural phenomenon of gravity, which not only reduces the consumption of active power, but also improves the efficiency, smoothness, stability and safety of material transmission. At the same time, it simplifies the system design and reduces costs, which plays an important role in improving the performance of the entire material transport mechanism.

[0075] Furthermore, the steering assembly 23 includes a steering plate 231 and a rotary device 232. The steering plate 231 is rotatably disposed and is used to place and convey materials. The rotary device 232 is connected to the second frame 42, and the steering plate 231 is connected to the output end of the rotary device 232.

[0076] Among them, the rotatable characteristics of the steering plate 231 and the precise control of the rotator 232 in the steering assembly 23 together constitute an efficient automatic steering mechanism, which not only optimizes the flow of materials in different directions and improves transportation efficiency and safety, but also reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.

[0077] Furthermore, when the material is on the steering plate 231, the steering plate 231 is tilted; when the material leaves the steering plate 231, the steering plate 231 is horizontal. The height of the first end of the first horizontal conveying component 21 is H1, the height of the second end of the first horizontal conveying component 21 is H2, the height of the first end of the second horizontal conveying component 22 is H3, and the height of the second end of the second horizontal conveying component 22 is H4, where H1>H2>H3>H4. When the steering plate 231 rotates, the end of the steering plate 231 closer to the second horizontal conveying component 22 is lower, and the end of the steering plate 231 farther from the second horizontal conveying component 22 is higher. This achieves the technical effect of conveying the material from the first horizontal conveying component 21 to the steering plate 231 for turning, and then to the second horizontal conveying component 22 for conveying. This not only optimizes the natural guidance during the material turning process and improves the efficiency and safety of material transmission, but also simplifies the control logic and system structure, and reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.

[0078] In one embodiment of this application, the rotator 232 is driven by a power source (including but not limited to a motor, cylinder, and hydraulic cylinder). The output end of the power source is connected to the rotator 232 to drive the rotator 232 to rotate the steering assembly 23, thereby realizing the steering function in the horizontal direction.

[0079] In another embodiment of this application, the rotator 232 is guided by the gravity of the material to achieve the steering function of the steering plate 231. Compared with the traditional motor-driven or hydraulic system-driven steering mechanism, this embodiment greatly reduces energy consumption during the steering process, reduces manufacturing costs and subsequent maintenance costs, and avoids material loss of control that may be caused by power system failure.

[0080] Furthermore, the steering assembly 23 includes a limiting block 233 and a counterweight block 234. The limiting block 233 has a limiting position that restricts the rotation of the steering plate 231, and a yielding position that avoids the rotation of the steering plate 231. The counterweight block 234 is connected to the steering plate 231. The weight of the material is much greater than the weight of the limiting block 233 and the counterweight block 234.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the turning plate 231 is in its initial position (i.e., the position where it connects with the first horizontal conveying component 21), the limiting block 233 is in its limiting position. Its function is to lock the turning plate 231, preventing it from rotating unexpectedly before there is any material or before the material has fully arrived. This ensures a smooth transition of material from the first horizontal conveying component 21 to the turning plate 231, and also avoids ineffective or unstable operation of the system under no-load conditions. Once the material has been fully conveyed onto the turning plate 231, the limiting block 233 moves to a clearance position, where it no longer obstructs the rotation of the turning plate 231, allowing the turning plate 231 to turn according to the weight of the material and the guidance of the rotator 232. This ensures that the material can turn at the appropriate time and under appropriate conditions, avoiding turning delays or material jamming caused by the limiting block's obstruction. After the turning is completed, the counterweight 234 on the turning plate 231 helps it automatically return to its initial position, while the limiting block 233 returns to its limiting position, locking the turning plate 231 and preparing for the next material flow. The entire process is highly automated and easy to operate, reducing the need for manual intervention and lowering the risk of operational errors.

[0082] In another embodiment of this application, another limiting block 233 can be provided. When the turning plate 231 is at a specific turning angle, the limiting block 233 can also be used to prevent it from continuing to rotate, ensuring that the turning plate 231 can accurately stop at the required position (i.e., the position where it connects with the second horizontal conveying component 22), thereby ensuring that the material can smoothly turn from one direction to another, avoiding the problems of over-turning or under-turning. When the turning plate 231 needs to return from a turning state to the starting position (i.e., the horizontal state), the limiting block 233 will move to the avoidance position, no longer obstructing the rotation of the turning plate 231. In this way, the turning plate 231 can quickly and smoothly return to its original state with the help of the counterweight 234 or other return mechanism, preparing for the next turn.

[0083] In one specific embodiment of this application, the limiting block 233 can be the piston rod of a cylinder. The piston rod is controlled by the cylinder to reciprocate between the limiting position and the avoidance position, without the cooperation of the sensor and control unit, to achieve more precise cooperation.

[0084] Furthermore, the first horizontal conveying assembly 21 includes a first slide rail 211 and a first slide rail 212. The first end of the first slide rail 211 is connected to the first frame 41, and the second end of the first slide rail 211 is connected to the second frame 42. The first slide rail 212 is connected to the first slide rail 211, and the length direction of the first slide rail 212 is arranged along a first direction. The second horizontal conveying assembly 22 includes a second slide rail 221 and a second slide rail 222. The first end of the second slide rail 221 is connected to the second frame 42, and the second end of the second slide rail 221 is connected to the third frame 43. The second slide rail 222 is connected to the second slide rail 221, and the length direction of the second slide rail 222 is arranged along a second direction.

[0085] The material flow between the first horizontal conveying component 21 and the second horizontal conveying component 22 is directionally changed by the steering component 23. After the material moves from the first slide rail 212 to the steering plate 231 of the steering component 23 and completes the turning, it smoothly transfers to the second slide rail 222 to continue its movement in the second direction. The design of the slide rails and chutes allows the material to move horizontally by gravity and inertia, reducing reliance on the drive device, reducing energy consumption, and achieving an economical and environmentally friendly material handling solution.

[0086] Furthermore, the lowering assembly 30 includes a lowering platform 31, a second drive assembly 32, and a cylinder 33. The lowering platform 31 is connected to the third frame 43 and is movably arranged along the height direction of the third frame 43. The lowering platform 31 is sequentially arranged in a third working position and a fourth working position along the height direction of the third frame 43. The output end of the second drive assembly 32 is connected to the lowering platform 31, and the second drive assembly 32 drives the lowering platform 31 to reciprocate between the third working position and the fourth working position. The cylinder 33 has a locking state for locking the lowering platform 31 and a releasing state for releasing the lowering platform 31. The second drive assembly 32 can be arranged with the same structure as the first drive assembly 14 or it can be arranged differently, as long as it can drive the lowering platform 31 to reciprocate between the third working position and the fourth working position.

[0087] The various components of the lowering assembly 30 work together to ensure the smooth and safe descent of materials throughout the process. The stable driving force provided by the second drive assembly 32, combined with the locking and releasing functions of the cylinder 33, constitutes a highly efficient material lowering and conveying system. The use of the cylinder 33 increases the safety performance of the system, especially at the moment of material receiving and unloading. By locking the lowering platform 31, material falling accidents caused by sudden failure of the drive assembly can be avoided.

[0088] Furthermore, the material transport mechanism includes a workbench 60, which is connected to the third frame 43. The workbench 60 is used for placing and transporting materials.

[0089] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the workbench 60 is directly connected to the third frame 43 and is located at the end of the descending assembly 30, below the fourth working position. This arrangement allows materials to be placed directly on the workbench after the descent process, facilitating subsequent processing or manual operation. The design of the workbench 60 is closely coordinated with the first horizontal conveying assembly 21, the second horizontal conveying assembly 22, and the descending assembly 30, forming a complete material flow closed loop. Materials move from a high position to the first horizontal conveying assembly via the ascending assembly, then enter the second horizontal conveying assembly after turning, and are subsequently lowered to a low position via the descending assembly, finally being placed smoothly on the workbench 60, ready for the next processing or assembly step.

[0090] Furthermore, the material transport mechanism includes a sensor assembly 50, which includes a first sensor 51, a second sensor 52, a third sensor 53, a fourth sensor 54, a fifth sensor 55, and a sixth sensor 56. The first sensor 51 is connected to the first frame 41 and is used to detect whether the lifting platform 11 is in the second working position. The second sensor 52 is connected to the first slide rail 211 and is used to detect whether there is material on the first slide rail 211. The third sensor 53 is connected to the second frame 42 and is used to detect whether there is material on the steering plate 231. The fourth sensor 54 is connected to the third frame 43 and is used to detect whether the lowering platform 31 is in the fourth working position. The fifth sensor 55 is connected to the third frame 43 and is used to detect whether there is material on the lowering platform 31. The sixth sensor 56 is connected to the third frame 43 and is used to detect whether there is material on the worktable 60.

[0091] The sensors in sensor assembly 50, through precise position and material detection, work in conjunction with the drive components, control unit 70 (PLC), and other actuators in the system to form a complete automated material handling system. This system can automatically adjust the workflow based on sensor feedback, ensuring a smooth transition of materials between different stages. Through real-time sensor monitoring, the system can prevent potential operational errors, such as starting the next action before material is fully transferred, or activating the drive components without material, thereby effectively avoiding system failures and production stoppages, improving production efficiency and extending equipment lifespan. The introduction of sensors also enhances system safety; by monitoring the status and position of materials, abnormalities such as jams and deviations can be detected and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of accidents caused by improper material handling.

[0092] In another embodiment of this application, a control method for a material transport mechanism is also provided, for controlling the material transport mechanism in the above embodiments, comprising the following steps:

[0093] Step S102: Obtain the position information and load information of the target component. The target component includes a lifting component and a lowering component. The position information includes the first working position and the second working position of the lifting component set sequentially along the height direction, and the third working position and the fourth working position of the lowering component set sequentially along the height direction. The height of the first working position is less than the height of the second working position, and the height of the third working position is less than the height of the fourth working position. The load information includes load information and no-load information.

[0094] Step S104: In response to the load information of the descent component being empty, control the descent component to move to the fourth working position;

[0095] Step S106: In response to the position information of the lifting component being the first working position and the load information of the lifting component being the load information, control the lifting component to move to the second working position.

[0096] Step S108: In response to the position information of the lifting component being the second working position and the load information of the lifting component being the unloaded information, control the lifting component to move to the first working position.

[0097] In step S110, in response to the position information of the descent component being the third working position and the load information of the descent component being the load information, the descent component is controlled to move to the fourth working position.

[0098] The material handling mechanism control method proposed in this application achieves efficient and automated material flow between different working positions by precisely monitoring the position and load information of the target components (lifting and lowering components). The core steps of this control method are explained below:

[0099] In step S102, the target components are first identified: the lifting component and the lowering component. These two components are key parts of the material transport mechanism responsible for the vertical movement of materials. The system continuously acquires the position information of the lifting component to confirm whether it is currently in the first or second working position, and the position information of the lowering component to confirm whether it is in the third or fourth working position. The first and third working positions are relatively low, suitable for manual loading and unloading of materials; the second and fourth working positions are higher, designed to dock with the horizontal conveying component to achieve automatic material flow. The system monitors the load information of the lifting and lowering components to determine whether they are in a loaded state (i.e., carrying materials) or an unloaded state (i.e., not carrying materials) in order to determine when each component should move, the direction of movement, and the destination of movement.

[0100] In step S104, when the descending component is not carrying any material (i.e., in an empty state), the system instructs the descending component to move from the lower third working position to the higher fourth working position to prepare for receiving material later. This ensures that the descending component can accurately dock with the material when it is transferred from the rising component, reducing waiting time and operational errors in the material handling process.

[0101] In step S106, when the lifting component is in the lower first working position and is carrying material, the system controls the lifting component to move upward to the second working position so that the material can automatically flow from the manual processing area (first working position) to a higher position (second working position) to prepare for docking with the horizontal conveying component for long-distance horizontal transport across obstacles.

[0102] In step S108, after the material is unloaded from the second working position, the lifting component will return to the first working position for the next material loading. This setting improves the continuity and efficiency of material handling, reduces equipment idle time, and keeps the lifting component in optimal working condition at all times.

[0103] In step S110, when the lowering component is in the third working position and carrying material, the system controls the lowering component to rise from the third working position to the fourth working position. This action ensures that the material smoothly transitions from a high position to a low position (such as a workbench), facilitating subsequent material handling or manual operation.

[0104] By combining steps S102 to S110, and through precise monitoring of location and load information, the automated and coordinated operation of the lifting and lowering components in the material handling mechanism is achieved. This method not only improves the efficiency and safety of material handling but also reduces the frequency and complexity of manual operations, lowers production costs, and enhances the automation level of the entire logistics system.

[0105] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects:

[0106] 1) The coordinated design of the lifting component, horizontal conveying component, lowering component and worktable, combined with the intelligent monitoring and control of the sensor component, ensures the smooth and automated flow of materials between different heights and planes, significantly reduces the need for manual intervention, and improves the continuity and automation level of material handling on the production line.

[0107] 2) By deploying sensors at each key node, the embodiment can monitor the position and load status of materials in real time, ensuring that the lifting and lowering components start and stop at the correct time and position, avoiding safety risks such as material jamming or falling due to position deviation or sudden situations, and improving the stability and safety of the entire transportation system.

[0108] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0109] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this application.

[0110] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0111] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A material transport mechanism, characterized in that, include: Framework components (40); A lifting component (10) is connected to the frame component (40). The lifting component (10) is movably arranged along the height direction of the frame component (40). The lifting component (10) has a first working position and a second working position arranged sequentially along the height direction of the frame component (40). When the lifting component (10) is located in the second working position, a portion of the lifting component (10) is rotatably arranged. The lifting component (10) is used to place and convey materials. A descending component (30) is connected to the frame component (40). The descending component (30) is movably disposed along the height direction of the frame component (40). The descending component (30) is used to place and convey the material. A horizontal conveying assembly (20) is connected to the frame assembly (40). The horizontal conveying assembly (20) is disposed between the rising assembly (10) and the falling assembly (30). One end of the horizontal conveying assembly (20) is disposed close to the rising assembly (10), and the other end of the horizontal conveying assembly (20) is disposed close to the falling assembly (30). The horizontal conveying assembly (20) is used to place and convey the material. When the lifting component (10) is in the first working position, the material is placed on the lifting component (10). The material is then conveyed to one end of the horizontal conveying component (20) via the lifting component (10), and then conveyed to the other end of the horizontal conveying component (20) via the horizontal conveying component (20). Finally, the material is conveyed to the descending component (30) for further conveying.

2. The material transport mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame component (40) includes a first frame (41), and the rising component (10) includes: A lifting platform (11) is connected to the first frame (41). The lifting platform (11) is movably arranged along the height direction of the first frame (41). The lifting platform (11) has a first working position and a second working position. A stop lever (13) is connected to the first frame (41); A rotating plate (12) is connected to the lifting platform (11). The rotating plate (12) is rotatably arranged relative to the lifting platform (11). When the lifting platform (11) is in the second working position, the rotating plate (12) contacts the stop bar (13) to make the rotating plate (12) rotate. The rotating plate (12) is used to place and convey the material. The first drive component (14) is connected to the rising platform (11) at its output end. The first driving component (14) drives the lifting component (10) to reciprocate between the first working position and the second working position. When the lifting component (10) is in the second working position, the rotating plate (12) contacts the stop bar (13) to make the rotating plate (12) rotate.

3. The material transport mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first driving component (14) includes: A motor (141) is connected to the first frame (41); A gear disk (142) is connected to the output end of the motor (141); A tension rope (143), one end of which is connected to the gear disk (142); A pulley block (144) is connected to the lifting platform (11), and the other end of the tension rope (143) is connected to the pulley block (144). The motor (141) drives the gear disk (142) to rotate, and then drives the lifting platform (11) to reciprocate along the height direction of the first frame (41) through the tension rope (143).

4. The material transport mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frame assembly (40) includes a second frame (42) and a third frame (43), the descending assembly (30) is connected to the third frame (43), and the horizontal conveying assembly (20) includes: A first horizontal conveying component (21) is provided, with its first end connected to the first frame (41) and its second end connected to the second frame (42). The length direction of the first horizontal conveying component (21) is set along a first direction. The first horizontal conveying component (21) is used to place and convey the material. The second horizontal conveying component (22) has a first end connected to the second frame (42) and a second end connected to the third frame (43). The length direction of the second horizontal conveying component (22) is set along the second direction, wherein the projection of the first direction along the vertical direction is set at an angle to the projection of the second direction along the vertical direction. The second horizontal conveying component (22) is used to place and convey the material. A steering assembly (23) is disposed between the first horizontal conveying assembly (21) and the second horizontal conveying assembly (22). The steering assembly (23) is connected to the second frame (42) and is rotatably disposed relative to the second frame (42). The steering assembly (23) is used to place and convey the material. The material is conveyed from the first end of the first horizontal conveying component (21) to the second end of the first horizontal conveying component (21), then to the turning component (23), and after being turned by the turning component (23), it is conveyed to the first end of the second horizontal conveying component (22), and then to the second end of the second horizontal conveying component (22), and finally to the descending component (30) for conveying.

5. The material transport mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The height of the first end of the first horizontal conveying component (21) is H1, the height of the second end of the first horizontal conveying component (21) is H2, the height of the first end of the second horizontal conveying component (22) is H3, and the height of the second end of the second horizontal conveying component (22) is H4, wherein H1>H2>H3>H4.

6. The material transport mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The steering assembly (23) includes: A steering plate (231) is rotatably disposed and is used for placing and conveying the material; Rotator (232), which is connected to the second frame (42), and steering plate (231) is connected to the output end of the rotary (232).

7. The material transport mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steering assembly (23) includes: The limiting block (233) has a limiting position that restricts the rotation of the steering plate (231) and a clearance position that avoids the rotation of the steering plate (231). A counterweight (234) is connected to the steering plate (231).

8. The material transport mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first horizontal transmission component (21) includes: The first slide (211) has a first end connected to the first frame (41) and a second end connected to the second frame (42). A first slide rail (212) is connected to a first slide rail (211), and the length direction of the first slide rail (212) is arranged along the first direction; the second horizontal conveying assembly (22) includes: The second slide rail (221) has its first end connected to the second frame (42) and its second end connected to the third frame (43); the second slide rail (222) is connected to the second slide rail (221) and its length direction is set along the second direction. The descent component (30) includes: A descending platform (31) is connected to the third frame (43). The descending platform (31) is movably arranged along the height direction of the third frame (43). The descending platform (31) is arranged in a third working position and a fourth working position in sequence along the height direction of the third frame (43). The second drive component (32) is connected to the lowering platform (31) at its output end. The second drive component (32) drives the lowering platform (31) to reciprocate between the third working position and the fourth working position. The cylinder (33) has a locked state for locking the lowering platform (31) and a released state for releasing the lowering platform (31); the material transport mechanism includes a workbench (60) connected to the third frame (43), the workbench (60) being used for placing and conveying the material.

9. The material transport mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that, The material transport mechanism includes a sensor assembly (50), which comprises: The first sensor (51) is connected to the first frame (41) and is used to detect whether the lifting platform (11) is located in the second working position. The second sensor (52) is connected to the first slide rail (211) and is used to detect whether the material is present on the first slide rail (211). The third sensor (53) is connected to the second frame (42) and is used to detect whether the material is on the steering plate (231); The fourth sensor (54) is connected to the third frame (43) and is used to detect whether the lowering platform (31) is located in the fourth working position. The fifth sensor (55) is connected to the third frame (43) and is used to detect whether the material is on the lowering platform (31); The sixth sensor (56) is connected to the third frame (43) and is used to detect whether the material is on the workbench (60).

10. A control method for a material transport mechanism, used to control the material transport mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The location information and load information of the target component are obtained. The target component includes a lifting component and a lowering component. The location information includes a first working position and a second working position of the lifting component arranged sequentially along the height direction, and a third working position and a fourth working position of the lowering component arranged sequentially along the height direction. The height of the first working position is less than the height of the second working position, and the height of the third working position is less than the height of the fourth working position. The load information includes load information and unload information. In response to the load information of the descent component being the empty load information, the descent component is controlled to move to the fourth working position; In response to the position information of the lifting component being the first working position and the load information of the lifting component being the load information, the lifting component is controlled to move to the second working position; in response to the position information of the lifting component being the second working position and the load information of the lifting component being the empty load information, the lifting component is controlled to move to the first working position; in response to the position information of the lowering component being the third working position and the load information of the lowering component being the load information, the lowering component is controlled to move to the fourth working position.

Images