A skid relay system for automotive painting workshops

Abstract

This invention discloses a skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop, comprising two parallel skid lines, two skid conveyor vehicles, and a skid relay lifting mechanism located in the middle. The central relay buffer halves the conveyor vehicle travel distance, significantly reducing the line changeover cycle time. The skid relay lifting mechanism includes a first frame, a first lifting frame, a second frame, and a second lifting frame. A first reduction motor drives a motor wheel. One end of a first chain is fixed to the motor wheel, passes downwards around the first pulley at the lower end of the first lifting frame, and is then fixed at a high position on the first frame, forming a movable pulley lifting structure. One end of a second chain is fixed to the first lifting frame, passes sequentially around the lower part of the second pulley, the lower part of the third pulley, and the upper part of the fourth pulley, and connects to the lower position of the second lifting frame. The two lifting frames are mechanically and synchronously lifted under a single motor drive through the reversing of the fixed pulley group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive painting production line technology, and more specifically to a skid relay system for automotive painting workshops. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive painting workshops, multiple skid conveyor lines are often arranged in parallel to meet the demands of high-cycle production, such as pretreatment, electrophoresis, and drying. In actual process flow, skids need to be switched and transferred between two parallel skid lines. Currently, the commonly used method is to place a traverse car or transfer car at the end of the line. Skids on the first skid line are transported to the end of the line by the skid conveyor car, handed over to the traverse car, and then moved to the end of the second skid line, where they are picked up by the conveyor car on the second skid line. During this process, the skid conveyor car needs to travel the entire distance across both lines, resulting in a long round trip and significant downtime. This leads to prolonged waiting and downtime during skid changeovers, severely restricting the overall line's operating cycle time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem solved by this invention is that the long waiting time during the skid changeover in the prior art severely restricts the operating cycle of the entire line. This invention provides a skid relay system for automotive painting workshops.

[0004] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop, comprising a first skid line and a second skid line running side by side. A section of the first skid line is a movable first skid transport vehicle, and a section of the second skid line is a movable second skid transport vehicle. The first and second skid transport vehicles move via the same set of ground rails. A skid relay lifting mechanism is provided at the midpoint of the travel distance of the first and second skid transport vehicles. The skid relay lifting mechanism includes:

[0005] The first frame is fixed to the ground and has a strip opening at the top;

[0006] The first lifting frame is slidably installed inside the first frame via a linear guide rail assembly and can extend upward from the strip-shaped opening of the first frame;

[0007] The second frame is fixed to the ground and located opposite the first frame, with a strip opening at the top;

[0008] The second lifting frame is slidably installed inside the second frame via a linear guide rail assembly and can extend upward from the strip-shaped opening of the second frame;

[0009] The first geared motor is installed on one side of the first frame;

[0010] The motor wheel is installed at the output end of the first geared motor;

[0011] The first pulley is rotatably installed at the lower end of the first lifting frame;

[0012] The second pulley is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the first frame and is located on the side away from the first geared motor;

[0013] The third pulley is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the second frame and is located on the side away from the first geared motor, with the same height as the first pulley;

[0014] The fourth pulley is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the second frame and is located on the side away from the first geared motor;

[0015] The first chain has one end fixed to the motor wheel, winds downward around the first pulley, and the other end is connected to the high position of the first frame;

[0016] The second chain has one end fixed to the first lifting frame, and is wound downwards around the lower part of the second pulley, the lower part of the third pulley, and the upper part of the fourth pulley. The other end is connected downwards to the lower part of the second lifting frame.

[0017] Furthermore, a chain mounting box and a cover plate are also provided. The chain mounting box is installed on the ground to accommodate the second chain, and the cover plate is detachably installed on the chain mounting box.

[0018] Furthermore, both the first and second chains are configured as two chains, and the first, second, third, and fourth pulleys are each equipped with corresponding double-groove pulleys.

[0019] Furthermore, the second chain is fixed to the first lifting frame at one end with a chain end and a screw. The first frame is provided with a mounting plate with a through hole. The screw extends from the bottom to the top of the through hole and is fastened by two adjusting nuts.

[0020] Furthermore, displacement sensors are installed between the first frame and the first lifting frame, and between the second frame and the second lifting frame.

[0021] Furthermore, a second geared motor is mounted on the mounting plate, and a worm gear is connected to the output end of the second geared motor. The adjusting nut is shaped like a worm wheel, and the worm gear and the worm wheel mesh.

[0022] Furthermore, the first frame includes two C-shaped steel columns on both sides, a top plate at the top of the columns, an upper beam and a lower beam for connecting the two columns, and multiple adjusting feet installed on the lower beam.

[0023] Furthermore, the second rack has the same structure as the first rack.

[0024] Furthermore, nylon pads are provided on the top of the first and second lifting frames.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0026] 1. The skid relay system of the present invention shortens the round-trip travel of the first and second skid conveyors to their respective half-zones by using a skid relay lifting mechanism deployed in the common central position. The skids are quickly handed over by the lifting and lowering action of the lifting frame, avoiding the long distance that the conveyor vehicles have to travel to the other side of the line, greatly reducing the line change cycle and effectively improving the continuous production rhythm of the painting workshop.

[0027] 2. This invention uses only one first reduction motor for driving, and lifts the first lifting frame through a moving pulley lifting system formed by the first chain and the first pulley. At the same time, the second chain transmits motion through a fixed pulley reversing system formed by the second, third, and fourth pulleys, directly mechanically pulling the second lifting frame to lift synchronously. Pure mechanical synchronization eliminates the need for a synchronous shaft and independent motor control, thus eliminating the risk of skewing and jamming caused by electrical synchronization deviations in principle. The configuration of double chains and double groove pulleys ensures balanced force on the left and right sides of the lifting frame, the linear guide rail ensures guiding accuracy, and the closed-loop detection of the displacement sensor further guarantees stability and safety under heavy loads.

[0028] 3. The screw and nut structure at the chain end of this invention, as well as the optional electric adjustment scheme of worm gear, enable precise fine-tuning or even automatic compensation of the chain tension, ensuring long-term synchronization accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the installation location of a skid relay system in an automotive painting workshop according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 The image in the middle is a top view of a skid relay lifting mechanism for an automotive painting workshop according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Middle AA section view (direction turned to normal);

[0032] Figure 4 This is a front view of a skid relay lifting mechanism for an automotive painting workshop according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (with a first skid conveyor and a skid).

[0033] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a skid relay lifting mechanism for an automotive painting workshop according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first frame described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a perspective view (first frame portion) of a skid relay lifting mechanism for an automotive painting workshop according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 100. Relay lifting mechanism;

[0040] 200. First sliding bar line;

[0041] 300. Second sliding rail line;

[0042] 400. First skid-mounted conveyor;

[0043] 500. Second skid conveyor;

[0044] 1. First frame; 101. Column; 102. Top plate; 103. Upper beam; 104. Lower beam; 105. Adjustable foot; 2. First lifting frame; 3. Second frame; 4. Second lifting frame; 5. First geared motor; 6. Motor wheel; 7. First pulley; 8. Second pulley; 9. Third pulley; 10. Fourth pulley; 11. First chain; 12. Second chain; 13. Chain mounting box; 14. Cover plate; 15. Chain end; 16. Screw; 17. Mounting plate; 18. Adjusting nut; 20. Second geared motor; 21. Worm gear; 22. Nylon pad. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, a skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop is arranged between parallel first skid lines 200 and second skid lines 300. A section of the first skid line 200 is a movable first skid conveyor 400, and a section of the second skid line 300 is a movable second skid conveyor 500. The first skid conveyor 400 and the second skid conveyor 500 move along the same set of ground rails. The skid relay lifting mechanism 100 is located at the middle of the stroke of the first skid conveyor 400 and the second skid conveyor 500. The parallel first skid line 200 and the second skid line 300 each include a movable first skid conveyor 400 and a movable second skid conveyor 500, which share the same set of ground rails and can move back and forth along the ground rails. The skid relay lifting mechanism 100 is positioned precisely in the middle of the travel distance between the two conveyor vehicles, serving as an intermediate buffer station. This eliminates the need for the conveyor vehicles to travel to the end of the other line, significantly shortening the single conveying journey and effectively reducing the cycle time of skid line changes, thereby improving the overall production efficiency.

[0048] like Figure 2-5 As shown, the skid relay lifting mechanism 100 includes:

[0049] The first frame 1 is fixed to the ground and has a strip opening at the top;

[0050] The first lifting frame 2 is slidably disposed inside the first frame 1 via a linear guide rail assembly and can extend upward from the strip-shaped opening of the first frame 1;

[0051] The second frame 3 is fixed to the ground and located opposite the first frame 1, with a strip opening at the top;

[0052] The second lifting frame 4 is slidably installed inside the second frame 3 via a linear guide rail assembly and can extend upward from the strip-shaped opening of the second frame 3;

[0053] The first geared motor 5 is installed on one side of the first frame 1;

[0054] Motor wheel 6 is installed at the output end of the first reduction motor 5;

[0055] The first pulley 7 is rotatably installed at the lower end of the first lifting frame 2;

[0056] The second pulley 8 is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the first frame 1 and is located on the side away from the first geared motor 5;

[0057] The third pulley 9 is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the second frame 3 and is located on the side away from the first geared motor 5. Its height is the same as that of the first pulley 7.

[0058] The fourth pulley 10 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the second frame 3 and is located on the side away from the first geared motor 5;

[0059] The first chain 11 has one end fixed to the motor wheel 6, and is wound downwards around the first pulley 7. The other end is connected to the high position of the first frame 1.

[0060] The second chain 12 has one end fixed to the first lifting frame 2, and is wound around the lower part of the second pulley 8, the lower part of the third pulley 9, and the upper part of the fourth pulley 10 in sequence. The other end is connected to the lower part of the second lifting frame 4.

[0061] The core drive and transmission path of the lifting action is as follows: The first reduction motor 5 outputs torque to drive the motor wheel 6 to rotate. One end of the first chain 11 is directly fixed to the motor wheel 6. When the motor wheel 6 rotates forward to wind up the first chain 11, the first chain 11 is tightened. The first chain 11 passes downwards around the first pulley 7, which is rotatably installed at the lower end of the first lifting frame 2, and finally the other end is fixed at a high stationary point on the first frame 1. The first pulley 7 here acts as a movable pulley. Under the action of tension, the first lifting frame 2, together with the first pulley 7, rises vertically along the linear guide rail assembly inside the first frame 1 and extends upwards from the strip-shaped opening at the top of the first frame 1. The linear guide rail assembly ensures high rigidity and precise guidance of the lifting frame's movement, avoiding swaying; the strip-shaped opening provides a clearance channel for the lifting frame.

[0062] Simultaneously, the second chain 12 system, which enables synchronous linkage between both sides, begins to operate: one end of the second chain 12 is directly fixed to the first lifting frame 2. When the first lifting frame 2 rises, this fixed end moves upward accordingly. Starting from this fixed end, the second chain 12 first moves downward past the second pulley 8, which is fixed to the lower end of the first frame 1 and away from the first reduction motor 5, completing the first reversal; then it extends horizontally to the lower end of the second frame 3, passing under the third pulley 9, which is also away from the first reduction motor 5, completing the second reversal; then it moves upward past the fourth pulley 10, which is installed on the upper end of the second frame 3 and away from the first reduction motor 5, completing the third reversal; finally, it connects downward to the low-position fixed point of the second lifting frame 4. Because the first lifting frame 2 pulls the fixed end of the second chain 12 upward when it rises, under the reversing action of the fixed pulley group composed of the second pulley 8, the third pulley 9, and the fourth pulley 10, the chain connecting the second lifting frame 4 is pulled upward, thereby driving the second lifting frame 4 to rise synchronously along the linear guide rail assembly inside the second frame 3 and extend out from its top strip opening. When the first reduction motor 5 reverses to release the first chain 11, the first lifting frame 2 descends under the influence of gravity and the release of the chain. The second chain 12 loosens accordingly, and the second lifting frame 4 also descends synchronously, achieving simultaneous lifting and lowering of the two lifting frames.

[0063] The first pulley 7 and the third pulley 9 are at the same height, and together with the overall layout of the second and fourth pulleys 10, the force flow of the mechanical transmission chains on both sides is balanced and the movement is synchronized. Only one first reduction motor 5 is used to achieve the complete mechanical synchronous lifting and lowering of the first lifting frame 2 and the second lifting frame 4, completely eliminating the need for traditional synchronous shafts, couplings or independent motor control. This not only simplifies the electrical control system and reduces costs, but also fundamentally eliminates the risk of lifting frame tilting and jamming caused by electrical synchronization errors. When the entire mechanism receives the skid: the first skid conveyor 400 delivers the skid to the top of the relay lifting mechanism 100, and the two lifting frames rise synchronously to lift the skid away from the conveyor, allowing the first conveyor to return empty to perform the next conveying; the second skid conveyor 500 then drives under the lifting mechanism, and the two lifting frames descend synchronously to place the skid smoothly onto the second conveyor, completing the efficient relay line change of the skid.

[0064] This solution also includes a chain mounting box 13 and a cover plate 14. The chain mounting box 13 is installed on the ground to accommodate the second chain 12, and the cover plate 14 is detachably mounted on the chain mounting box 13. The chain mounting box 13 isolates the second chain 12 from the external environment, preventing dust, paint mist, water stains, personnel trampling, and foreign objects from causing corrosion and mechanical damage to the chain. The detachable cover plate 14 design allows for routine inspections, lubrication, chain tension adjustment, and chain replacement without damaging the ground facilities; simply removing the cover plate 14 is sufficient for operation, significantly improving the convenience of equipment maintenance and extending the chain's lifespan, ensuring the reliability of long-term stable synchronous transmission.

[0065] In this design, both the first chain 11 and the second chain 12 are configured as two chains, and the first pulley 7, second pulley 8, third pulley 9, and fourth pulley 10 are all equipped with corresponding double-groove pulleys. The two first chains 11 synchronously wind and release the first pulley 7, and the two second chains 12 synchronously link the two sets of frames. This significantly improves the load-bearing capacity, operational stability, and safety margin of the mechanism, making it particularly suitable for lifting large workpieces such as vehicle body skids.

[0066] like Figure 7As shown, in this design, the second chain 12 has a chain end 15 fixed to the first lifting frame 2. The chain end 15 has a screw 16. A mounting plate 17 with a through hole is mounted on the first frame 1. The screw 16 extends upwards through the through hole and is secured by two adjusting nuts 18. The connection between the second chain 12 and the first lifting frame 2 is achieved through the chain end 15 and the screw 16. The screw 16 passes upwards through the through hole in the mounting plate 17 on the first frame 1 and is clamped and fixed by the two adjusting nuts 18. When it is necessary to adjust the pre-tension of the second chain 12 or to compensate for elongation caused by long-term chain use, simply rotate the adjusting nuts 18 to change the extension length of the screw 16 relative to the mounting plate 17. This precisely adjusts the initial height of the chain fixing point on the first lifting frame 2, thereby uniformly adjusting the tension of the second chain 12 and the synchronous initial position of the lifting frames on both sides. This adjustable connection structure eliminates the need to disassemble the chain or add or remove chain links. It is easy to adjust and precise to fine-tune, and can quickly correct the synchronization status, ensuring that the two lifting frames are always within the strictly synchronized working range.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, in this scheme, the first frame 1 includes C-shaped steel columns 101 on both sides, a top plate 102 at the top of the columns 101, an upper beam 103 and a lower beam 104 for connecting the two columns 101, and multiple adjusting feet 105 installed on the lower beam 104. The second frame 3 has the same structure as the first frame 1. The first frame 1 uses two C-shaped steel columns 101 as the main support. The open section of the C-shaped steel facilitates the installation and fixing of the linear guide rail assembly and provides good protection and guidance for the sliding of the lifting frame. The top plate 102 has a strip opening as a telescopic window for the lifting frame and connects to the top of the columns 101. The upper beam 103 and the lower beam 104 firmly connect the two columns 101 into a high-rigidity frame, effectively resisting the overturning moment and impact load during the lifting movement. The multiple adjusting feet 105 installed on the bottom surface of the lower beam 104 can be independently adjusted in height to eliminate the frame tilt caused by uneven ground and accurately calibrate the levelness and verticality of the first frame 1. With its high rigidity and convenient installation and leveling, the first lifting frame 2 can still move steadily and vertically under long-term heavy load conditions.

[0068] In this design, nylon pads 22 are provided on the top of the first lifting frame 2 and the second lifting frame 4. The nylon pads 22 have good shock absorption and energy absorption characteristics, which can buffer the impact and reduce noise during lifting and lowering, thereby improving the working environment in the workshop.

[0069] Example 2

[0070] like Figure 8-9 As shown, the difference between the skid relay system in an automotive painting workshop and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0071] Displacement sensors are installed between the first frame 1 and the first lifting frame 2, and between the second frame 3 and the second lifting frame 4. A second reduction motor 20 is installed on the mounting plate 17, and a worm gear 21 is connected to the output end of the second reduction motor 20. The adjusting nut 18 is shaped like a worm wheel, and the worm gear 21 meshes with the worm wheel.

[0072] In this design, displacement sensors are installed between the frame and the lifting frame on each side to detect and provide feedback on the actual lifting displacement of the first lifting frame 2 and the second lifting frame 4 in real time. The control system can precisely control the start and stop of the first reduction motor 5 based on the two displacement signals, so that the lifting frame can accurately stop at the set height required for the skid junction, while also monitoring the synchronization deviation of the two lifting frames in real time.

[0073] The adjusting nut 18 is shaped like a worm gear ring, meshing with the worm 21 driven by the second reduction motor 20, forming a worm gear 21 transmission pair. When it is necessary to eliminate the height difference between the two lifting frames, the second reduction motor 20 drives the worm 21 to rotate, which in turn drives the worm gear-shaped adjusting nut 18 to rotate. Since the screw 16 is constrained and cannot rotate, and the adjusting nut 18 is axially limited, the rotation of the nut is converted into the precise lifting and lowering of the screw 16, thereby automatically changing the height of the fixed end of the second chain 12. The worm gear 21 has a self-locking characteristic, and the position can be stably maintained even if the motor is powered off after adjustment. This invention can trigger automatic compensation based on displacement sensor data, greatly reducing the intensity of manual maintenance, ensuring stable mechanical synchronization accuracy of the two lifting frames throughout their entire life cycle, and overcoming the problem of uneven height of the two lifting frames caused by chain loosening and side length loss after long-term use.

[0074] In summary, this invention discloses a skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop. By setting up a first lifting frame 2 and a second lifting frame 4 in the middle of the travel of two skid conveyor cars sharing the same set of ground rails, which are driven by a single motor, a moving pulley, and a fixed pulley chain system, a middle skid relay lifting mechanism 100 is formed. This shortens the travel of the skid-changing conveyor car by half, thereby significantly reducing the cycle time and improving production efficiency. At the same time, it completely eliminates the risk of skewing and jamming caused by electrical synchronization deviation, ensuring stability and safety under heavy loads.

[0075] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and characteristics of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop, characterized in that: The system includes a first skid line (200) and a second skid line (300) running side by side. A section of the first skid line (200) is a movable first skid transport vehicle (400), and a section of the second skid line (300) is a movable second skid transport vehicle (500). The first skid transport vehicle (400) and the second skid transport vehicle (500) move via the same set of ground rails. A skid relay lifting mechanism (100) is located at the midpoint of the travel distance of the first skid transport vehicle (400) and the second skid transport vehicle (500). The skid relay lifting mechanism (100) includes: The first frame (1) is fixed to the ground and has a strip opening at the top; The first lifting frame (2) is slidably set inside the first frame (1) through the linear guide rail assembly and can extend upward from the strip opening of the first frame (1); The second frame (3) is fixed on the ground and located opposite the first frame (1), with a strip opening at the top; The second lifting frame (4) is slidably set inside the second frame (3) via a linear guide rail assembly and can extend upward from the strip opening of the second frame (3); The first geared motor (5) is installed on one side of the first frame (1); The motor wheel (6) is installed at the output end of the first geared motor (5); The first pulley (7) is rotatably installed at the lower end of the first lifting frame (2); The second pulley (8) is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the first frame (1) and is located on the side away from the first geared motor (5); The third pulley (9) is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the second frame (3) and located on the side away from the first geared motor (5), and its height is the same as that of the first pulley (7); The fourth pulley (10) is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the second frame (3) and located on the side away from the first geared motor (5); The first chain (11) has one end fixed to the motor wheel (6), and is wound downwards around the first pulley (7), while the other end is connected to the high position of the first frame (1); The second chain (12) has one end fixed on the first lifting frame (2), and is wound around the second pulley (8), the third pulley (9), and the fourth pulley (10) in sequence. The other end is connected to the lower part of the second lifting frame (4).

2. The skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 1, characterized in that: It is also provided with a chain mounting box (13) and a cover plate (14), the chain mounting box (13) being installed on the ground for accommodating the second chain (12), and the cover plate (14) being detachably mounted on the chain mounting box (13).

3. The skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first chain (11) and the second chain (12) are both set to two, and the first pulley (7), the second pulley (8), the third pulley (9) and the fourth pulley (10) are all equipped with corresponding double-groove pulleys.

4. The skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second chain (12) is fixed to the first lifting frame (2) at one end with a chain end (15), and the chain end (15) is provided with a screw (16). The first frame (1) is provided with a mounting plate (17), and the mounting plate (17) is provided with a through hole. The screw (16) extends from the bottom to the top of the through hole and is fastened by two adjusting nuts (18).

5. The skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 4, characterized in that: Displacement sensors are provided between the first frame (1) and the first lifting frame (2), and between the second frame (3) and the second lifting frame (4).

6. The skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting plate (17) is equipped with a second geared motor (20), the output end of which is connected to a worm (21). The adjusting nut (18) is configured as a worm wheel structure, and the worm (21) meshes with the worm wheel.

7. The skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frame (1) includes two C-shaped steel columns (101) on both sides, a top plate (102) on top of the columns (101), an upper beam (103) and a lower beam (104) for connecting the two columns (101), and multiple adjusting feet (105) installed on the lower beam (104).

8. A skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second frame (3) and the first frame (1) have the same structure.

9. A skid relay system for an automotive painting workshop according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first lifting frame (2) and the second lifting frame (4) are provided with nylon pads (22) on their tops.

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