Intelligent access roller mechanism

Abstract

The application relates to an intelligent access roller mechanism and belongs to the technical field of roller storage. The mechanism comprises a rack, a driving component and an electric control component arranged on the rack, further comprises: a chain wheel set arranged on both sides of the rack, the chain wheel set being in transmission connection with the driving component; a conveying chain arranged around the chain wheel set; a plurality of interval arranged hanging mechanisms arranged between the conveying chains on both sides, the length direction of the hanging mechanisms being the same as the width direction of the rack, the hanging mechanisms being used for hanging rollers; and a roller taking platform arranged on one side of the conveying chain; the roller taking platform comprises a transfer platform arranged on the rack and a roller taking frame in sliding connection with the transfer platform through a slide rail, the length direction of the slide rail being the same as the length direction of the rack. Through the arrangement of the roller taking platform, the handover process of the rollers does not need to rely on manual operation of external equipment for alignment, the safety risk is reduced, and the automation degree and operation efficiency of the chain type storage library at the access end are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of roller storage, and more particularly to an intelligent storage roller mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial sectors such as coating and printing, production lines require the use and storage of large quantities of rollers of various specifications. Currently, the mainstream storage methods are mainly divided into two types: one is traditional manual shelving storage, which is inefficient and inconvenient to manage; the other is a more advanced automated chain storage system.

[0003] Existing automated chain storage systems, such as the technical solution disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN117184731A, operate on the following principle: A sprocket assembly consisting of a driving sprocket and multiple driven sprockets is installed on both sides of the frame, along with a drive chain that rotates around it. A mounting mechanism for suspending rollers is installed between the drive chains on both sides. By driving the drive chain through a drive system, the suspended rollers can be moved to a predetermined position, thereby achieving dense storage and automatic circulation of rollers in three-dimensional space.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned technical solutions, the inventors believe that the existing automated chain storage system has a bottleneck in its automation process: during inbound storage, even if the drive system has moved the empty mounting mechanism to the designated position, operators still need to use external equipment such as forklifts to transport the rollers and manually perform precise alignment before the rollers can be mounted on the hooks; the same applies during outbound storage, requiring manual operation of the equipment for retrieval. This reliance on manual judgment and operation leads to a bottleneck in storage and retrieval efficiency, and poses problems such as insufficient docking accuracy and high safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to improve the problems of low automation and safety risks at the access end, and to improve the access efficiency of the rollers, this application provides an intelligent access roller mechanism.

[0006] This application provides an intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism, which adopts the following technical solution: An intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism includes a frame, a drive component and an electrical control component mounted on the frame, and further includes: A sprocket assembly is located on both sides of the frame, and the sprocket assembly is connected to the drive component for transmission. A conveyor chain arranged around the sprocket assembly; Multiple mounting mechanisms are provided at intervals between the conveyor chains on both sides. The length direction of each mounting mechanism is the same as the width direction on the frame, and it is used to suspend the rollers; and, A roller-picking platform located on one side of the conveyor chain; The roller picking platform includes a transfer platform mounted on the frame and a roller picking frame slidably connected to the transfer platform via a slide rail, wherein the length direction of the slide rail is the same as the length direction of the frame. The roller picker is slidably connected to a roller base, and is provided with a screw module that drives the roller base to slide along the width direction of the frame. The screw module is signal-connected to the electrical control components.

[0007] Optionally, the transfer platform is slidably connected to the frame in a vertical direction, and the frame is provided with a lifting drive for driving the transfer platform to rise and fall.

[0008] Optionally, the roller picker has two stations that move along the slide rail. When the roller picker moves to one end of the transfer platform near the conveyor chain, it is a storage and retrieval station; when the roller picker moves to one end of the transfer platform away from the conveyor chain, it is a connection station. Laser sensors are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the storage and retrieval station on the frame. The two laser sensors are respectively connected to the electronic control components and are used to measure the distance between the two ends of the roller located at the storage and retrieval station and the corresponding laser sensor.

[0009] Optionally, the idler base is provided with an arc-shaped placement groove for placing the roller, and the two ends of the idler base are provided with a buffer mechanism. The buffer mechanism includes a buffer frame that can slide vertically relative to the idler base, and an elastic element that provides elastic support to the buffer frame. Two rollers are rotatably connected to the buffer frame. The two rollers are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center line of the arc-shaped placement groove, and are used to support the roller surface of the roller located on the arc-shaped placement groove from both sides.

[0010] Optionally, a displacement sensor is also included, which is mounted on the roller base and is used to detect the descent height of the buffer frame before and after the roller is placed in the arc-shaped placement groove. The displacement sensor is connected to the electronic control components for signal transmission.

[0011] Optionally, the electronic control component is configured to calculate the actual length of the roller based on the fixed spacing between the two laser sensors and the distance values ​​measured by each sensor; and to control the lead screw module to drive the roller base to move along the width direction of the frame based on the distance difference measured by the two laser sensors, so as to adjust the axial position of the roller at the storage and retrieval station.

[0012] Optionally, the electronic control component is further configured to calculate the outer diameter of the roller located on the idler base based on the drop height of the buffer frame measured by the displacement sensor.

[0013] Optionally, the electronic control component is further configured to bind and store the calculated length and / or outer diameter data of the storage roller with a designated number of the mounting mechanism; when a retrieval command for a specific roller is received, the drive component is controlled to operate according to the bound number data, driving the mounting mechanism carrying the specific roller to move to the position corresponding to the storage / retrieval station.

[0014] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. By integrating a roller-picking platform onto the frame, this platform, which integrates a transfer platform, a sliding roller-picking frame, a roller base, and a screw module, constructs an intelligent handover station independent of the storage and circulation system. This enables flexible docking and precise positioning of the rollers between the storage and retrieval ends and the chain storage system. The roller-picking frame can move between the storage and retrieval stations and the transfer stations, separating and connecting the in-warehouse handling and out-of-warehouse handover processes, avoiding operational interference. The roller base, in conjunction with the screw module, allows the rollers to complete precise axial position adjustment on the roller-picking platform, facilitating rapid and accurate alignment and handover with the mounting mechanism that has moved into place on the conveyor chain. This eliminates the need for manual operation of external equipment for alignment and handling during the roller handover process, reducing safety risks and improving the automation level and operational efficiency of the chain storage system at the storage and retrieval end.

[0015] 2. By setting laser sensors on both sides of the storage and retrieval station, real-time and high-precision detection of the end face position of the roller at the storage and retrieval station is realized. This provides key data input for subsequent adjustment of the axial position of the roller at the storage and retrieval station and calculation of the roller length, thereby improving the handover accuracy and reliability.

[0016] 3. The arc-shaped placement groove and buffer mechanism provide a stable, self-centering bottom support for the roller. The symmetrically arranged support rollers and elastic elements on both sides work together to support the sides of the roller while effectively absorbing the impact energy during placement, providing excellent buffering protection. Furthermore, the support rollers and the bottom of the arc-shaped groove together form a defined three-point contact geometric constraint, which not only provides physical stability but also creates the necessary conditions for subsequent measurement of the roller's outer diameter, integrating the load-bearing function with the measurement condition generation function. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control principle of the electronic control component in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the conveyor chain and the mounting mechanism in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the roller base carrying the roller in Embodiment 1 of this application when it reaches the storage and retrieval station.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the buffer mechanism in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the geometric model used for calculating the outer diameter of the roller in Embodiment 1 of this application, specifically a cross-sectional view of the calculation principle when the idler base supports the roller.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the lifting drive component in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Frame; 2. Drive unit; 3. Electrical control unit; 4. Sprocket assembly; 41. Conveyor chain; 5. Mounting mechanism; 6. Roller picking platform; 61. Transfer platform; 62. Roller picking frame; 63. Idler roller base; 631. Arc-shaped placement groove; 64. Screw module; 65. Slide rail; 66. Lifting drive component; 7. Laser sensor; 8. Buffer mechanism; 81. Buffer frame; 82. Elastic component; 83. Support roller; 84. Displacement sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following combination Figures 1-7 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0026] Example 1:

[0027] Embodiment 1 of this application discloses an intelligent access roller mechanism. (Refer to...) Figures 1-3 An intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism includes a frame 1, a drive component 2, an electrical control component 3, and a sprocket assembly 4. The drive component 2 is mounted on one side of the frame 1, and the electrical control component 3 is signal-connected to the drive component 2. The sprocket assembly 4 is symmetrically arranged on the front and rear sides of the frame 1 and is drive-connected to the drive component 2. Conveyor chains 41 are respectively arranged around the sprocket assemblies 4 on the front and rear sides of the frame 1, and are driven by the drive component 2 to circulate. Multiple spaced-apart hanging mechanisms 5 are provided between the conveyor chains 41 on both sides of the frame 1. The hanging mechanisms 5 are used to suspend the rollers. The structure is prior art and can be designed with reference to the rubber roller support structure in publication number CN117446398A.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4In this embodiment 1, the right side of the frame 1 is the access end of the chain storage unit. To improve the automation level of the existing chain storage unit at the access end, a roller picking platform 6 is provided on the frame 1. The roller picking platform 6 is located on the right side of the conveyor chain 41. The roller picking platform 6 includes a transfer platform 61, a roller picking frame 62, a roller base 63, and a screw module 64. The transfer platform 61 is mounted on the frame 1, and the roller picking frame 62 is slidably connected to the transfer platform 61 via a slide rail 65. The length direction of the slide rail 65 is the same as the length direction of the frame 1, so that the roller picking frame 62 has an access station close to the conveyor chain 41 and a connection station away from the conveyor chain 41. The transfer platform 61 is also equipped with a transverse drive component for driving the roller picking frame 62 to move between the access station and the connection station. The transverse drive component is an electric screw assembly. The idler base 63 is slidably connected to the roller picker 62 along the width direction of the frame 1. The lead screw module 64 is installed on the roller picker 62, and its driving direction is the same as the width direction of the frame 1. Its slider is fixedly connected to the idler base 63 and is used to drive the idler base 63 to slide. The lead screw module 64 is signal-connected to the electrical control component 3. In this way, the roller picker 62 can move between the storage and retrieval station and the transfer station, separating and connecting the in-warehouse handling and out-of-warehouse handover processes, avoiding operational interference. The idler base 63, in conjunction with the lead screw module 64, allows the roller to complete precise axial position adjustment on the roller picker platform 6, facilitating quick and accurate alignment and handover with the mounting mechanism 5 that has moved into place on the conveyor chain 41.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism also includes two laser sensors 7 arranged opposite each other on both sides of the storage and retrieval station. The two laser sensors 7 are fixed on the frame 1 and the installation distance between them is fixed and known. Each laser sensor 7 is connected to the electrical control component 3 for signal measurement of the distance between the end faces of the rollers located at the storage and retrieval station and the corresponding laser sensor 7.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 The electrical control unit 3 is configured to perform roller length calculation and axial position alignment control, including the following steps: S1. Receive distance signals fed back from the two laser sensors 7; S2. Based on the fixed distance D0 between the two laser sensors 7 and the distance values ​​D1 and D2 measured by each sensor, calculate the actual length L of the roller using formula (1): ; Formula (1) S3. Based on the distance difference measured by the two laser sensors 7 The control screw module 64 drives the roller base 63 to move along the width direction of the frame 1 to adjust the axial position of the roller at the storage and retrieval station. Specifically, when the roller is placed on the roller base 63 at the connection station, its initial axial position may be deviated. In order to ensure that the hooks of the mounting mechanism 5 on the conveyor chain 41 can accurately engage with the shaft ends of the roller, axial alignment adjustment is required. If ΔD > 0, it indicates that the roller is close to the side of the laser sensor 7 that measures the D1 value, so the control screw module 64 drives the roller base 63 to move to the other side; if ΔD < 0, it moves to the opposite side. The movement continues until D1 = D2, at which point the center of the roller in the width direction of the frame 1 is aligned with the preset center position of the storage and retrieval station, achieving axial alignment and preparing for the precise and automated engagement of the subsequent mounting mechanism.

[0031] Reference Figure 5 The roller base 63 has an arc-shaped placement groove 631 at its top for placing the roller. Both ends of the roller base 63 are equipped with buffer mechanisms 8. The buffer mechanisms 8 include a buffer frame 81 that can slide vertically relative to the roller base 63, and an elastic element 82 that provides elastic support to the buffer frame 81. Two rollers 83 are rotatably connected to the buffer frame 81, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center line of the arc-shaped placement groove 631, to support the roller surface of the roller located on the arc-shaped placement groove 631 from both sides. Thus, when the roller is placed in, its bottom first contacts the arc-shaped placement groove 631, and under the action of gravity, slides down the arc surface to the lowest point, achieving initial radial self-centering. Simultaneously, the roller surfaces on both sides contact and press down the symmetrically arranged rollers 83. The rollers 83 are mounted on the vertically sliding buffer frame 81, which has floating capability under the support of the elastic element 82. Therefore, when the roller diameters are different or there is a slight deviation in placement, the buffer frames 81 on both sides can move downward independently and adaptively to compress the elastic element 82, so that the two support rollers 83 can always fit tightly and flexibly against the circumferential surface of the roller and continuously provide upward support force, which can effectively absorb the impact energy during placement and avoid damage to the roller surface or mechanical structure that may be caused by rigid collision.

[0032] After the roller is placed and stabilized, the lowest point of the roller contacts the bottom of the groove wall of the arc-shaped placement groove 631, while the two sides contact the two support rollers 83. These three points determine the only stable position of the roller on the horizontal plane, which enhances its ability to resist rolling and lateral displacement.

[0033] Reference Figure 5 A displacement sensor 84 is also installed on the roller base 63. The displacement sensor 84 is used to detect the descent height of the front and rear buffer frames 81 of the roller in the arc placement groove 631. The displacement sensor 84 is connected to the electronic control component 3.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6The electronic control unit 3 is also configured to perform roller outer diameter calculation, specifically including the following steps: Step 1: Establish a calculation model: Take the lowest point of the arc-shaped placement slot 631 as the origin O(0,0) and establish a plane rectangular coordinate system, where the length direction of the frame 1 is the X-axis and the vertical direction is the Y-axis; Step 2: Define known geometric parameters d, r, and h0 (pre-stored in the system of the electronic control component 3); where d is the fixed horizontal distance between the centers of the two rollers 83, r is the radius of the roller 83 itself, and h0 is the initial vertical coordinate of the center of the roller 83 relative to the origin O in the natural state of the buffer mechanism 8 (when the roller is not placed); Step 3: Receive the descending displacement x of the buffer frame 81 fed back by the displacement sensor 84, which is the amount of movement of the buffer frame 81 after it is pressed down from its natural state, x > 0; Step 4: Determine the coordinates of key points: Let the center of the roller be O. R (0,R), where R is the radius of the roller to be determined. Since it is in contact with the origin O, the ordinate of its center is the radius R; after placing the roller, the center coordinates of the right-side support roller 83 are O... W (d / 2, H0-x); Step 5: Establish equations based on geometric constraints: The outer circle of the roller is externally tangent to the outer circle of the right support roller 83. The geometric condition is that the distance between the centers of the two circles is equal to the sum of their radii. Substituting the coordinates, we obtain equation (1): Equation (1) Step 6: Derive the formula for calculating the outer diameter: Simplify and rearrange equation (1) to obtain the formula for calculating the outer diameter R of the roller as formula (2): ; Formula (2) Step 7: Calculate the outer diameter of the roller: The electrical control component 3 receives the real-time value x measured by the displacement sensor 84, and substitutes it together with the pre-stored parameters d, r, and h0 into formula (2) to calculate the outer diameter R of the roller currently located on the idler base 63 online.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The electronic control unit 3 is also configured to perform intelligent storage and retrieval management, including: binding and storing the calculated length and / or outer diameter data of the incoming rollers with the number of a designated mounting mechanism 5; when a retrieval instruction for a specific roller is received, the drive unit 2 is controlled to operate according to the bound number data, driving the mounting mechanism 5 carrying the specific roller to move to the position corresponding to the storage and retrieval station. In this way, the electronic control unit 3 binds and stores the roller size information (length, outer diameter) automatically measured during storage with the number of the specific mounting mechanism 5 storing it, effectively achieving a precise association between roller information and storage location. When a roller of a specific size needs to be retrieved, the electronic control unit 3 can control the drive unit 2 to work and transport the corresponding mounting mechanism 5 to the position corresponding to the storage and retrieval station according to the instruction or bound data, transforming the roller retrieval operation from traditional reliance on memory or ledgers to precise positioning based on data instructions, realizing intelligent selection and retrieval, and significantly improving scheduling accuracy and retrieval efficiency.

[0036] The implementation principle of an intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism in Embodiment 1 of this application is as follows: During the warehousing operation, the roller is first placed at the docking station of the roller retrieval frame 62. During placement, the weight of the roller presses down on the buffer mechanisms 8 on both sides. By measuring the downward displacement of the buffer frame 81 and combining it with structural parameters such as the spacing and radius of the support rollers 83, the control system can calculate the outer diameter of the roller online. Subsequently, the roller retrieval platform 6 moves it to the storage and retrieval station and automatically triggers the measurement process: the laser sensors 7 located on both sides detect the positions of the two ends of the roller in real time. The electronic control component 3 automatically calculates the actual length of the roller based on these data and synchronously drives the lead screw module 64 to adjust the axial position of the roller, ensuring precise alignment for accurate docking with the mounting mechanism 5. Thus, the key physical dimensions of the roller (length and outer diameter) are automatically and synchronously acquired at the moment of warehousing.

[0037] After measurement, the control system binds the outer diameter and length dimensions of the roller to an available mounting mechanism 5 and stores it in the database. Next, the electrical control unit 3 drives the conveyor chain 41 to move the designated available mounting mechanism 5 to the position corresponding to the storage / retrieval station. By coordinating the horizontal movement of the roller picker 62, fully automatic and precise mounting of the roller from the roller picker platform 6 to the mounting mechanism 5 is achieved. The outbound process is the reverse: after receiving the instruction, the system retrieves the location of the required roller in the database based on its size specifications or storage number, and drives the corresponding mounting mechanism 5 to carry the roller to the position corresponding to the storage / retrieval station. The roller is then unloaded onto the roller picker platform 6 and finally transferred to the transfer station to complete the outbound handover.

[0038] Example 2:

[0039] This embodiment 2 also discloses an intelligent access roller mechanism. (Refer to...) Figure 7The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that, to further enhance the flexibility and adaptability of the roller storage unit at the storage and retrieval end, the roller picking platform 6 also includes a lifting drive component 66 mounted on the frame 1. The transfer platform 61 is slidably connected to the frame 1 in the vertical direction. The lifting drive component 66 is connected to the transfer platform 61 and is used to drive the transfer platform 61 to lift. In Embodiment 2, the lifting drive component 66 is one of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric cylinder, and is signal-connected to the electronic control component 3. Thus, the height of the transfer platform 61 can be adjusted by the lifting drive component 66, and the roller picking frame 62 and its roller base 63 can flexibly match rollers of different diameters and adapt to external conveying equipment or transport vehicles (such as forklifts and AGVs) of different heights, making the connection and transfer process of the rollers smoother and more efficient, and reducing the handling difficulties or collision risks caused by height differences.

Claims

1. An intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism, comprising a frame (1), a drive component (2) mounted on the frame (1), and an electrical control component (3), characterized in that, Also includes: The sprocket sets (4) are located on both sides of the frame (1), and the sprocket sets (4) are connected to the drive components (2) for transmission. A conveyor chain (41) is arranged around the sprocket assembly (4); Multiple hanging mechanisms (5) are provided at intervals between the conveyor chains (41) on both sides. The length direction of the hanging mechanism (5) is the same as the width direction on the frame (1), and it is used to suspend the rollers; and, A roller-picking platform (6) is provided on one side of the conveyor chain (41); The roller picking platform (6) includes a transfer platform (61) mounted on the frame (1) and a roller picking frame (62) slidably connected to the transfer platform (61) via a slide rail (65). The length direction of the slide rail (65) is the same as the length direction of the frame (1). A roller base (63) is slidably connected to the roller picking frame (62), and a screw module (64) is provided to drive the roller base (63) to slide along the width direction of the frame (1). The screw module (64) is signal connected to the electrical control component (3). The roller picker (62) has two stations that move along the slide rail (65). When the roller picker (62) moves to the transfer platform (61) near one end of the conveyor chain (41), it is a storage and retrieval station. When the roller picker (62) moves to the transfer platform (61) away from the conveyor chain (41), it is a connection station. Laser sensors (7) are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the storage and retrieval station on the frame (1). The two laser sensors (7) are respectively connected to the electronic control component (3) for measuring the distance between the two ends of the roller located at the storage and retrieval station and the corresponding laser sensor (7). The roller base (63) is provided with an arc-shaped placement groove (631) for placing the roller. The roller base (63) is provided with a buffer mechanism (8) at both ends. The buffer mechanism (8) includes a buffer frame (81) that can slide vertically relative to the roller base (63) and an elastic element (82) that provides elastic support to the buffer frame (81). Two rollers (83) are rotatably connected to the buffer frame (81). The two rollers (83) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center line of the arc-shaped placement groove (631) to support the roller surface of the roller located on the arc-shaped placement groove (631) from both sides.

2. The intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer platform (61) is slidably connected to the frame (1) in the vertical direction, and the frame (1) is provided with a lifting drive component (66) for driving the transfer platform (61) to rise and fall.

3. The intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a displacement sensor (84), which is mounted on the roller base (63) and is used to detect the descent height of the buffer frame (81) before and after the roller is placed in the arc-shaped placement groove (631). The displacement sensor (84) is connected to the electronic control component (3) via signal.

4. The intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The electronic control unit (3) is configured to calculate the actual length of the roller based on the fixed spacing between the two laser sensors (7) and the distance values ​​measured by each of them; and to control the lead screw module (64) to drive the roller base (63) to move along the width direction of the frame (1) based on the distance difference measured by the two laser sensors (7) in order to adjust the axial position of the roller at the storage and retrieval station.

5. The intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electronic control component (3) is also configured to calculate the outer diameter of the roller located on the roller base (63) based on the drop height of the buffer frame (81) measured by the displacement sensor (84).

6. The intelligent storage and retrieval roller mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electronic control component (3) is also configured to bind and store the calculated length and / or outer diameter data of the storage roller with a designated number of the mounting mechanism (5); when a take-out instruction for a specific roller is received, the drive component (2) is controlled to operate according to the bound number data, and the mounting mechanism (5) carrying the specific roller is driven to move to the position corresponding to the storage and retrieval station.

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