Crawler-type loading system and docking method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to a tracked loading system and its docking method, comprising a docking workstation and a loading mechanism. The docking workstation is used to dock with and accommodate the loading mechanism. The docking workstation includes a housing with an opening. Guide lifting rails are respectively provided on both sides of the opening inside the housing. A ramp is provided on the outer side of the opening, and the ramp is composed of several ramp segments. The loading mechanism includes a chassis with a transport platform at the upper end and a track assembly at the lower end. Rotating outriggers are provided at the corners of the chassis. When the rotating outriggers rotate to the lateral position or maintain a certain angle with the lateral position, during the process of the track assembly driving the loading mechanism to dock into the docking workstation, the guide lifting rails are adjusted to the height and angle for docking with the rotating outriggers. The corresponding rotating outriggers are supported and lifted along the guide lifting rails, and the ramp driving device is used to drive one or more ramp segments to extend under the track assembly for support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of loading systems, specifically to a tracked loading system and its docking method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional loading methods involve manually handling goods or using machinery to move them into containers for loading onto trucks. This is not only inefficient but also cumbersome in terms of stacking. To improve loading efficiency, current technologies are beginning to utilize loading systems.

[0003] In field environments, loading systems face more complex conditions. Field surfaces are often uneven, soft (such as mud or sand), sloping, or contain obstacles. For example, the loading system may be difficult to transport to the designated location and requires hoisting or other methods to be transported and lowered to the appropriate ground. Furthermore, once the loading system arrives at its destination, if the field surface is soft (such as mud or sand) or sloping, the loading system may be difficult to lower onto the ground and operate normally.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to design a tracked loading system and its docking method to address the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a tracked loading system and its docking method, which can effectively solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0007] A tracked loading system includes a docking workstation and a loading mechanism, wherein the docking workstation is used to receive and load the loading mechanism;

[0008] The docking workstation includes a housing with an opening. Inside the housing, guide lifting rails are provided on both sides corresponding to the opening. A ramp is provided on the outside of the opening. The ramp is composed of several ramp segments. A ramp driving device is provided at the bottom of the housing. The ramp driving device is used to drive one or more ramp segments to extend forward of the opening.

[0009] The loading mechanism includes a chassis, with a transport plate on the upper part of the chassis and a track assembly on the lower part of the chassis. The track assembly is used to drive the transport plate to move, and swivel outriggers are provided at the corners of the chassis.

[0010] When the swivel outrigger rotates to the longitudinal position, it extends to support the transport platform and lift it to the corresponding height. When the swivel outrigger rotates to the lateral position or at a certain angle to the lateral position, during the process of the track assembly driving the loading mechanism to dock into the docking workstation, the guide lifting rail is adjusted to the height and angle of docking with the swivel outrigger. The corresponding swivel outrigger is supported and lifted along the guide lifting rail, and the ramp drive device is used to drive one or more ramp segments to extend under the track assembly for support.

[0011] Furthermore, the box body is equipped with lifting legs at its outer corners. The outer shell of the lifting legs is connected to the box body through a rotating component. The lifting legs are flipped outward to support the lifting of the box body.

[0012] Furthermore, the guide lifting track includes:

[0013] At least two longitudinally arranged lifting cylinders support a guide rail together. The telescopic ends of the lifting cylinders are hinged to the guide rail. The guide rail has a U-shaped groove structure, and several load-bearing rollers are arranged on the bottom surface of the guide rail along its length.

[0014] The outer shell of the rotating outrigger is a cylindrical structure that mates with the guide rail.

[0015] Furthermore, one or more of the ramp segments are provided with several transverse through holes, and one end of the ramp drive device passes through one or more of the through holes to connect to the corresponding ramp segment.

[0016] Furthermore, the chassis includes a chassis frame, with lateral support legs at the front and rear ends of the chassis frame, each lateral support leg including a fixed housing. The fixed housing is a hollow structure and is connected to the chassis frame. A movable support leg is fitted inside the fixed housing. A lateral telescopic cylinder is fixedly installed in the fixed housing. The lateral telescopic cylinder drives the movable support leg to move left and right. A rotary cylinder is installed at the end of the movable support leg and is connected to the rotary support leg.

[0017] Furthermore, a locking mechanism is provided between the movable outrigger and the rotating outrigger, which is used to lock the direction of the rotating outrigger.

[0018] Furthermore, the system includes a control system, a docking workstation equipped with a first angle sensor, and a loading mechanism equipped with a second angle sensor. The control system controls the orientation of the guide lifting rail and the extension length of each ramp segment based on the difference between the first and second angle sensors.

[0019] Furthermore, anti-slip plates are installed on the upper surface of the slope segments.

[0020] Furthermore, a docking method for a tracked loading system is provided. Based on a tracked loading system, the docking method includes:

[0021] When the loading mechanism enters the docking workstation, control the height and angle of the guide lifting rail to dock with the rotating outrigger.

[0022] The ramp drive unit extends, allowing the ramp segments to extend under the track assembly for support, thereby increasing friction.

[0023] Therefore, the present invention provides the following effects and / or advantages:

[0024] The loading system provided in this application is adaptable to harsh field environments. By using a docking workstation to house the loading mechanism, it can be easily transported to the corresponding work destination. Furthermore, by incorporating rotating outriggers in the loading mechanism and guide lifting rails in the docking workstation, the two work together to guide the loading system to move obliquely upwards. Additionally, by providing an extendable ramp in the docking workstation, the friction at the bottom of the track assembly is increased. These combined features enable the loading mechanism to climb when entering the docking workstation, ensuring smooth entry.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings.

[0026] It should be understood that the above summary and the following detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, in which the loading mechanism is docking into the docking workstation.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the docking workstation, where the ramp segments are in an extended state.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the docking workstation, where the ramp segments are in a concentrated state.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the loading mechanism, where the rotating outriggers are in a horizontal position.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the loading mechanism, where the rotating outriggers are in a longitudinal position.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the loading mechanism.

[0033] Figure 7This is a structural diagram of the rotating outrigger and the lateral outrigger.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Box body, 2. Guide lifting rail, 21. Lifting cylinder, 22. Guide rail, 3. Inclined section, 31. Inclined drive device, 32. Through hole, 4. Chassis, 41. Chassis frame, 42. Lateral outrigger, 42. Fixed housing, 421. Movable outrigger, 422. Lateral telescopic cylinder, 423. Transport plate, 5. Track assembly, 6. Rotary outrigger, 7. Locking mechanism, 71. Lifting outrigger, 8. Rotating component, 81. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the structure of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0037] refer to Figure 1-7 A tracked loading system includes a docking workstation and a loading mechanism, wherein the docking workstation is used to receive the loading mechanism;

[0038] The docking workstation includes a housing 1 with an opening. Inside the housing 1, guide lifting rails 2 are respectively provided on both sides corresponding to the opening. A ramp is provided on the outside of the opening, and the ramp is composed of several ramp segments 3. A ramp driving device 31 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1. The ramp driving device 31 is used to drive one or more of the ramp segments 3 to extend forward toward the opening.

[0039] The loading mechanism includes a chassis 4, a transport plate 5 is provided at the upper end of the chassis 4, a track assembly 6 is provided at the lower end of the chassis 4, the track assembly 6 is used to drive the transport plate 5 to move, and rotating outriggers 7 are provided at the corners of the chassis 4.

[0040] In this embodiment, the docking workstation can be a fixed or movable box 1 with an opening at one end. Liftable guide rails 2 are installed on both sides of the inner wall of the box 1. A ramp consisting of multiple sections is arranged on the ground outside the opening. The ramp is controlled by a ramp drive device 31 at the bottom of the box 1 and can selectively extend forward. Meanwhile, the loading mechanism is slightly smaller than the docking workstation, allowing it to dock and be stored within the docking workstation. During transportation, the docking workstation containing the loading mechanism can be transported to the corresponding location as a container. The docking workstation is then lowered to the ground, and the loading system climbs out of the docking workstation via tracks to reach the external environment for loading cargo.

[0041] The loading mechanism is a tracked mobile platform. Its upper part is a transport platform 5 for transferring goods, and its lower part is a track assembly 6 for providing mobility and off-road capability. At the four corners of the chassis 4, there are 360-degree rotating and retractable outriggers 7. When rotated longitudinally, the outriggers 7 can be used to lift the transport platform 5; when rotated laterally, the outriggers 7 can prevent collisions with the loading mechanism when it enters the docking station, forming a clearance structure.

[0042] When the rotating outrigger 7 rotates to the longitudinal direction, it extends to support the transport platform 5 and lift it to the corresponding height. When the rotating outrigger 7 rotates to the lateral direction or maintains a certain angle with the lateral direction, during the process of the track assembly 6 driving the loading mechanism to dock into the docking workstation, the guide lifting rail 2 is adjusted to the height and angle of docking with the rotating outrigger 7. The corresponding rotating outrigger 7 is supported and lifted along the guide lifting rail 2, and the ramp drive device 31 is used to drive one or more of the ramp segments 3 to extend under the track assembly 6 for support.

[0043] For muddy, wet, or icy surfaces with low friction, when the loading mechanism enters the docking station, if the ramp is not segmented and extends forward, and if the guide lifting rail 2 is not provided, one end of the track assembly 6 will first contact the ramp and lift. At this time, the track assembly 6 forms a certain angle with the ground, reducing the friction between the track assembly 6 and the bottom surface. On low-friction surfaces, the track assembly 6 may struggle to move the loading mechanism into the docking station. Therefore, this embodiment additionally provides ramp segments 3 and guide lifting rails 2. When the outriggers rotate to the lateral position or maintain a certain angle with the lateral position, the guide lifting rails 2 on both sides rise to a height matching the outriggers and lift the rotating outriggers 7. Under the forward movement of the tracks, these rails cooperate with the rotating outriggers 7 to guide them into the docking station. Simultaneously, part of the ramp segments 3 extends forward and inserts under the moving tracks, providing multi-segment friction support to the tracks and preventing track slippage that could cause the loading mechanism to lose control.

[0044] Furthermore, the box body 1 is provided with lifting support legs 8 at its outer corners. The outer shell of the lifting support leg 8 is connected to the box body 1 through a rotating part 81. The lifting support leg 8 is turned outward to support the lifting of the box body 1.

[0045] In this embodiment, outwardly rotatable lifting legs 8 are installed on the outer sides of the four corners of the container 1 via hinges or slewing bearings. When the docking workstation is used for transportation, the lifting legs 8 can rotate inward to rest against the outer surface of the container 1. When the docking workstation is lowered, the lifting legs 8 can rotate outward and extend, thereby supporting the docking workstation to detach from the transport vehicle and slowly descend to the ground. This allows the docking workstation to be stably deployed on uneven outdoor ground, ensuring that the opening of the container 1 is level, and creating a standard, level docking reference surface for the loading mechanism to enter.

[0046] Furthermore, the guide lifting rail 2 includes:

[0047] At least two longitudinally arranged lifting cylinders 21, the lifting cylinders 21 jointly support a guide rail 22, the telescopic end of the lifting cylinder 21 is hinged to the guide rail 22, the guide rail 22 has a U-shaped groove structure, and several load-bearing rollers are arranged on the bottom surface of the guide rail 22 along its length.

[0048] The outer shell of the rotating support leg 7 is a cylindrical structure that mates with the guide rail 22.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the lifting heights of the longitudinally arranged lifting cylinders 21 are different, the guide rail 22 can generate a certain slope, thereby docking with the rotating outriggers 7 and guiding the rotating outriggers 7 to rise upwards. This allows for smoother operation as the track assembly 6 drives the loading mechanism into the vehicle. The guide rail 22 can not only rise and fall, but also slightly adjust its pitch angle to compensate for minor alignment deviations between the loading mechanism and the workstation. The load-bearing rollers transform sliding friction into rolling friction, greatly reducing the resistance to the forward movement of the rotating outriggers 7, preventing jamming, and protecting the outrigger surface.

[0050] Furthermore, one or more of the ramp segments 3 are provided with a plurality of transverse through holes 32, and one end of the ramp drive device 31 passes through one or more of the through holes 32 to connect to the corresponding ramp segment 3.

[0051] Furthermore, the chassis 4 includes a chassis frame 41, and the front and rear ends of the chassis frame 41 are respectively provided with transverse support legs 42 in the left and right directions. The transverse support legs 42 include a fixed housing 421, which is a hollow structure and is connected to the chassis frame 41. A movable support leg 422 is sleeved inside the fixed housing 421. A transverse telescopic cylinder 423 is fixedly installed in the fixed housing 421. The transverse telescopic cylinder 423 drives the movable support leg 422 to move left and right. A rotary cylinder is provided at the end of the movable support leg 422 and is connected to the rotary support leg 7.

[0052] In this embodiment, the lateral support leg 42 and the fixed housing 421 together support the chassis frame 41. The lateral telescopic cylinder 423 drives the movable support leg 422 to move left and right, thereby enabling the support frame and the transport plate 5 above it to move left and right together, facilitating the docking of the transport plate 5 with the corresponding container, etc. A rotary cylinder is installed at the end of the movable support leg 422, which can directly drive the rotary support leg 7 to rotate 360 ​​degrees.

[0053] Furthermore, a locking mechanism 71 is provided between the movable support leg 422 and the rotating support leg 7, the locking mechanism 71 being used to lock the direction of the rotating support leg 7.

[0054] In this embodiment, the locking structure can be a caliper-like structure, and one end of the transverse support leg 42 is provided with a friction disc that cooperates with the caliper, so that the direction of the rotating support leg 7 can be locked after the caliper clamps the friction disc; or the locking structure can be a pin and several holes provided in the transverse support leg 42, and the direction of the rotating support leg 7 can be locked by the alignment of the pin and the holes, preventing the rotating support leg 7 from deviating when it cooperates with the lifting guide rail 22, preventing it from rotating or shaking under heavy load, and ensuring operational safety.

[0055] Furthermore, the system includes a control system, wherein the docking workstation is equipped with a first angle sensor, the loading mechanism is equipped with a second angle sensor, and the control system controls the orientation of the guide lifting rail 2 and the extension length of each of the ramp segments 3 based on the difference between the first angle sensor and the second angle sensor.

[0056] In this embodiment, tilt sensors are installed on both the docking workstation and the loading mechanism. The control system reads data from the two sensors in real time and calculates the pitch angle difference between them. Based on this difference, the system dynamically adjusts the lifting height and tilt angle of the guide lifting rail 2 to actively match the front posture of the loading mechanism, and controls the extension length of each ramp segment 3 to construct a support surface under the tracks that best fits the current vehicle body posture.

[0057] Furthermore, the upper surface of the ramp segment 3 is provided with an anti-slip plate.

[0058] In this embodiment, the anti-slip plate can be a rubber pad with dense bumps and patterns, or a steel plate with a grid of steel bars welded to its surface, so as to cooperate with the track assembly 6 to achieve higher friction.

[0059] Furthermore, a docking method for a tracked loading system is provided. Based on the aforementioned tracked loading system, the docking method includes:

[0060] When the loading mechanism enters the docking workstation, the height and angle of the guide lifting rail 2 are controlled so that the guide lifting rail 2 docks with the rotating support leg 7;

[0061] The ramp drive device 31 is controlled to extend, so that the ramp segment 3 extends under the track assembly 6 for support to improve friction.

[0062] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0063] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A tracked loading system, characterized in that: It includes a docking workstation and a loading mechanism, wherein the docking workstation is used to receive the loading mechanism; The docking workstation includes a box (1), the box (1) is provided with an opening, and guide lifting rails (2) are respectively provided on both sides of the opening inside the box (1). A ramp is provided on the outside of the opening, and the ramp is composed of several ramp segments (3). A ramp driving device (31) is provided at the bottom of the box (1). The ramp driving device (31) is used to drive one or more of the ramp segments (3) to extend forward toward the opening. The loading mechanism includes a chassis (4), a transport plate (5) is provided at the upper end of the chassis (4), a track assembly (6) is provided at the lower end of the chassis (4), the track assembly (6) is used to drive the transport plate (5) to move, and rotating outriggers (7) are provided at the corners of the chassis (4). When the rotating outrigger (7) rotates to the longitudinal direction, the rotating outrigger (7) extends to support the transport plate (5) to be raised to the corresponding height; when the rotating outrigger (7) rotates to the lateral direction or maintains a certain angle with the lateral direction, during the process of the track assembly (6) driving the loading mechanism to dock into the docking workstation, the guide lifting rail (2) is adjusted to the height and angle of docking with the rotating outrigger (7), and the corresponding rotating outrigger (7) is supported and raised along the guide lifting rail (2), and the ramp drive device (31) is used to drive one or more of the ramp segments (3) to extend under the track assembly (6) for support; The guide lifting rail (2) includes: At least two longitudinally arranged lifting cylinders (21) are provided, and the lifting cylinders (21) together support a guide rail (22). The telescopic end of the lifting cylinder (21) is hinged to the guide rail (22). The guide rail (22) has a U-shaped groove structure, and several load-bearing rollers are arranged on the bottom surface of the guide rail (22) along its length. The outer shell of the rotating support leg (7) is a cylindrical structure that mates with the guide rail (22); The system includes a control system. The docking workstation is equipped with a first angle sensor, and the loading mechanism is equipped with a second angle sensor. The control system controls the lifting height and tilt angle of the guide lifting rail (2) based on the difference between the first angle sensor and the second angle sensor, and controls the extension length of each of the ramp segments (3).

2. The tracked loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box (1) is provided with lifting legs (8) at its outer corners. The outer shell of the lifting legs (8) is connected to the box (1) through a rotating part (81). The lifting legs (8) are turned outward to support the lifting of the box (1).

3. The tracked loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: One or more of the ramp segments (3) are provided with a number of transverse through holes (32), and one end of the ramp drive device (31) passes through one or more of the through holes (32) to connect to the corresponding ramp segment (3).

4. The tracked loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chassis (4) includes a chassis frame (41). The front and rear ends of the chassis frame (41) are respectively provided with transverse support legs (42) in the left and right directions. The transverse support legs (42) include a fixed housing (421). The fixed housing (421) is a hollow structure. The fixed housing (421) is connected to the chassis frame (41). The fixed housing (421) is fitted with a movable support leg (422). The fixed housing (421) is fixedly provided with a transverse telescopic cylinder (423). The transverse telescopic cylinder (423) drives the movable support leg (422) to move left and right. The end of the movable support leg (422) is provided with a rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder is connected to the rotating support leg (7).

5. A tracked loading system according to claim 4, characterized in that: A locking mechanism (71) is provided between the movable support leg (422) and the rotating support leg (7), the locking mechanism (71) being used to lock the direction of the rotating support leg (7).

6. The tracked loading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper surface of the slope segment (3) is provided with an anti-slip plate.

7. A docking method for a tracked loading system, characterized in that: Based on any one of claims 1-6, the tracked loading system, the docking method includes: When the loading mechanism enters the docking station, the height and angle of the guide lifting rail (2) are controlled so that the guide lifting rail (2) docks with the rotating support leg (7); The ramp drive device (31) is controlled to extend so that the ramp segment (3) extends under the track assembly (6) for support.

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