A bale shaper

Abstract

A stacking and shaping device relates to the fields of conveying, logistics machinery, and loading technology. The invention includes a frame, a cargo lifting unit, and a cargo-blocking and shaping unit. The cargo lifting unit is mounted on the frame and is used to lift the cargo to the required height for shaping and blocking. Two cargo-blocking and shaping units are located on opposite sides of the frame. Each cargo-blocking and shaping unit includes a shaping clamping plate vertically arranged inside the frame. The cylinder body of a main cylinder is fixed to the frame, and its output end is connected to the shaping clamping plate. A linkage constraint mechanism is connected between the frame and the shaping clamping plate, constraining the shaping clamping plate to reciprocate along an arc-shaped trajectory under the drive of the main cylinder. A cargo-blocking plate is rotatably connected to the shaping clamping plate and connected to the frame via a cargo-blocking plate swing arm. When the shaping clamping plate moves, the cargo-blocking plate extends or retracts at the bottom of the cargo under the constraint of the cargo-blocking plate swing arm. This invention aims to reduce the number of power sources for the equipment and utilize the mechanical linkage principle to achieve a combination of shaping and blocking actions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of conveying, logistics machinery and loading technology, and specifically to a stacking and shaping device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of conveying and logistics, it is often necessary to stack goods, pallets, and other items. To ensure stable subsequent transport, the stacked goods often need to be compressed and shaped to prevent tipping over during transport. Currently, common equipment of this type mainly has two functions: a goods lifting mechanism and a lifting and backing mechanism. Some equipment also includes a goods shaping mechanism, or the goods are shaped in the next processing step using a shaping machine. The power for these devices is primarily provided by electric motors or cylinders.

[0003] The aforementioned common pallet stacking equipment suffers from two main drawbacks: First, each action requires an independent power source, resulting in a large overall footprint and high cost. Second, the built-in shaping mechanism is often limited by internal space, leading to a weaker frame and power unit, resulting in ineffective shaping. Alternatively, relying on rollers on both sides of the conveyor line to force goods through predetermined openings and compress them while blocking, often results in misaligned or tipped goods, requiring repeated adjustments and causing significant inconvenience. Furthermore, configuring a dedicated shaping machine further increases the user's equipment procurement and maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a stacking and shaping device. This device aims to reduce the number of power sources for the equipment and utilizes the mechanical linkage principle to achieve a combination of shaping and blocking actions. During shaping, the goods remain stationary, preventing them from being squeezed out of place or knocked over.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above problems is as follows: This invention provides a stacking and shaping device, including a frame, a cargo lifting unit, and a cargo-blocking and shaping unit. The cargo lifting unit is mounted on the frame and is used to lift the cargo to the height required for shaping and blocking. There are two cargo-blocking and shaping units, located on opposite sides of the frame. Each cargo-blocking and shaping unit includes: The shaping clamp is vertically installed on the inside of the frame; The main cylinder has its cylinder body fixed to the frame and its output end connected to the shaping clamping plate; the connecting rod constraint mechanism is connected between the frame and the shaping clamping plate, constraining the shaping clamping plate to reciprocate along an arc trajectory under the drive of the main cylinder; The baffle plate is rotatably connected to the shaping clamping plate and connected to the frame via the baffle plate swing arm. When the shaping clamping plate moves, the baffle plate extends or retracts at the bottom of the goods under the constraint of the baffle plate swing arm.

[0006] Furthermore, the cargo lifting unit includes a lifting cylinder, a lifting frame, and forks. The cylinder body of the lifting cylinder is fixed to the frame, and its output end is connected to the lifting frame. The forks are fixedly connected to the lifting frame.

[0007] Furthermore, guide wheels are provided at both ends of the lifting frame, and track plates that cooperate with the guide wheels are provided on both sides of the frame. The guide wheels roll along the track plates, and the lifting frame is driven by the lifting cylinder to drive the forks to make vertical lifting and lowering movements.

[0008] Furthermore, the linkage constraint mechanism includes an upper swing arm and a lower swing arm, which are respectively installed on the upper and lower parts of the shaping clamping plate. One end of each of the upper and lower swing arms is hinged to the frame, and the other end is hinged to the shaping clamping plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the shaping clamp is a rectangular plate with an outwardly bent extension at its lower end, and the bottom of the symmetrically arranged shaping clamps on both sides has an open "eight" shaped structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower part of the shaping clamp is provided with a strip-shaped hole that cooperates with the baffle plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the baffle plate is an L-shaped plate body, with its upper vertical part rotatably connected to the shaping clamping plate, and its horizontal part engaging with the strip hole of the shaping clamping plate. One end of the baffle plate swing arm is hinged to the frame, and the other end is hinged to the baffle plate. The horizontal part of the baffle plate extends or retracts from the strip hole through the baffle plate swing arm.

[0012] Furthermore, the frame is provided with a limit stop to limit the travel limit of the shaping clamp along the arc trajectory.

[0013] Furthermore, the shaping clamp is equipped with a baffle plate position sensor, and the baffle plate is equipped with a baffle plate detection piece.

[0014] Furthermore, the frame is equipped with multiple position sensors, and the lifting frame is equipped with detection plates that cooperate with the position sensors to detect the lifting position of the cargo lifting unit.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention achieves both shaping and blocking actions using only one set of main cylinders. A purely mechanical linkage structure (upper and lower swing arms and blocking plate swing arms) synchronously drives the clamping and shaping action of the shaping clamp and the extending and blocking action of the blocking plate. Compared to traditional equipment where each action requires an independent motor or cylinder, this invention reduces the number of power sources, lowers equipment manufacturing costs, and also saves internal space.

[0016] 2. This invention uses two shaping clamps to simultaneously move and clamp the goods from both sides toward the center of the equipment, aligning the goods in the center of the equipment. The goods are subjected to uniform force, preventing them from being squeezed out of shape or overturned, resulting in a more stable and reliable shaping effect.

[0017] 3. The structure of this equipment can be modified to achieve stacking and shaping of pallets, cartons, compressed cotton bales and other regularly shaped goods. It can meet the stacking needs of different industries and different specifications of goods, and has good versatility and market promotion value. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the stacking and shaping device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cargo lifting unit of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the stacking and shaping device of the present invention, wherein (1) shows a schematic diagram of the blocking and shaping state; (2) A schematic diagram showing the blocking and relaxation state was displayed; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of the working mechanism of the present invention.

[0019] In the picture: 1-Cargo lifting unit; 101-Cylinder; 102-Guide wheel; 103-Lifting frame; 104-Forks; 105-Detection plate; 106-Position sensor; 107-Frame track plate; 2-Guide and shaping unit; 201-Upper swing arm; 202-Lower swing arm; 203-Shaping clamp; 204-Main cylinder; 205-Stack height sensor; 206-Guide plate swing arm; 207-Guide plate; 208-Guide plate detection plate; 209-Guide plate position sensor; 210-Clamping plate position sensor.

[0020] 3-Rack; 4-Limit stop. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment describes a stacking and shaping device, which includes a cargo lifting unit 1, a cargo shaping unit 2, a frame 3, and a limit stop 4.

[0022] The frame 3 is a rectangular frame with a certain height. For example... Figure 3As shown, the cargo lifting unit 1 is installed on the bottom inner side of the frame 3, and is used to lift the cargo from the conveyor to the height required for shaping and blocking. The cargo lifting unit 1 includes a lifting cylinder 101, a guide wheel 102, a lifting frame 103, a fork 104, a detection plate 105, a position sensor 106, and a frame track plate 107.

[0023] The lifting frame 3 has guide wheels 102 at both ends, and a track plate 107 along its height direction to engage with the guide wheels 102. The guide wheels 102 roll along the track plate 107. Two sets of lifting cylinders 101 are located on either side of the lifting frame 103, one end of which is fixed to the frame 3, and the other end (piston rod) is connected to the lifting frame 103. The forks 104 are located at the lower part of the lifting frame 103 and are fixedly connected to it. The lifting cylinders 101 drive the lifting frame 3, which in turn drives the forks 104 to perform vertical lifting and lowering movements.

[0024] Preferably, the track plate 107 is provided with multiple position sensors 106 along its length, and the lifting frame 103 is provided with a detection plate 105 that cooperates with the position sensors 106 to detect the lifting position of the cargo lifting unit. During the lifting process of the lifting frame, the detection plate 105 sequentially triggers different height sensors 106, and the sensors 106 transmit position electrical signals to the workshop PLC. As an alternative, a lifting cylinder with a magnetic ring can also be directly selected, relying on the signal from the cylinder magnetic ring to feedback the lifting position of the forks, simplifying the arrangement of external sensors.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, there are two goods-blocking and shaping units 2, located on both sides of the frame 3. The goods-blocking and shaping units 2 are responsible for shaping the lifted goods using the shaping clamp 203 and keeping the goods at a high position by relying on the goods-blocking plate 207. Each goods-blocking and shaping unit includes: a linkage constraint mechanism, a shaping clamp 203, a main cylinder 204, a stack height sensor 205, a goods-blocking plate swing arm 206, a goods-blocking plate 207, a goods-blocking plate detection plate 208, a goods-blocking plate position sensor 209, and a clamping plate position sensor 210.

[0026] The shaping clamp 203 is vertically installed on the inner side of the frame 3; the shaping clamp 203 is a rectangular plate with an outwardly bent extension at its lower end, and the bottom of the symmetrically arranged shaping clamps on both sides has an "eight" shaped open structure; the lower part of the shaping clamp 203 is provided with a strip hole that cooperates with the baffle plate 207.

[0027] The cylinder body of the main cylinder 204 is fixed to the frame 3, and the output end is connected to the shaping clamping plate 203. The linkage constraint mechanism is connected between the frame 3 and the shaping clamping plate 203, constraining the shaping clamping plate 203 to reciprocate along an arc trajectory under the drive of the main cylinder 204. Specifically, the linkage constraint mechanism includes an upper swing arm 201 and a lower swing arm 202, which are respectively installed on the upper and lower parts of the shaping clamping plate 203. One end of the upper swing arm 201 and the lower swing arm 202 are hinged to the frame 3, and the other end is hinged to the shaping clamping plate 203.

[0028] The baffle plate 207 is an L-shaped plate located on the outside of the shaping clamp plate 203. It is rotatably connected to the two side frames of the shaping clamp plate 203 via a pivot. The horizontal section is engaged with the strip hole of the shaping clamp plate 203. One end of the baffle plate swing arm 206 is hinged to the side wall of the frame, and the other end is hinged to the vertical section of the baffle plate 207. The baffle plate swing arm 206 causes the horizontal part of the baffle plate 207 to extend or retract from the strip hole, so as to realize that the baffle plate 207 extends or retracts at the bottom of the goods.

[0029] The frame 3 is equipped with multiple position sensors 106, and the lifting frame 103 is equipped with a detection plate 105 that cooperates with the position sensors 106. The detection plate 105 and the position sensors 106 can detect the position of the lifting forks 104, or the position of the forks can be detected by using a magnetic ring matched with a cylinder.

[0030] Each shaping unit is powered by a cylinder that is responsible for the shaping action of the shaping clamp. The action of the main cylinder 204 directly drives the shaping clamp 203 to translate along the arc trajectory formed by the upper and lower swing arms, thereby driving the blocking plate 207, which is hinged to the shaping clamp, to move. However, since the movement of the blocking plate 207 is pulled by the blocking plate swing arm 206 (the other end of the swing arm is connected to the frame 3), an L-shaped blocking plate will extend to block goods or retract the shaping clamp 203.

[0031] Preferably, in order to more accurately determine the position of the baffle 207, a baffle detection plate 208 and a baffle position sensor 209 are set at the baffle position of the baffle 207 so that the program can make comparisons and make the execution of the action more reliable.

[0032] Preferably, in order to know the action of the shaping clamp 203, a clamp position sensor 210 can be added to detect the position of the lower swing arm 202.

[0033] Preferably, in order to control the number of stacked packages in the equipment, a stacking height sensor 205 is added at the height position that the maximum number of goods can reach. When the sensor feeds back a signal, the stacking will stop, and the forks 104 will be raised to open the blocking and shaping unit 2, so that the goods can be smoothly put down onto the conveyor and then transported to the subsequent process.

[0034] Preferably, in order to prevent the shaping clamp 203 from moving too far downward and reaching the "dead point" of the mechanism, making it impossible to return to its original state, or the baffle plate 207 from moving excessively and damaging the shaping clamp 203, an adjustable limit stop 4 is provided on the frame 3; the lowest point of the shaping clamp 203 and the length and angle of the baffle plate 207 can be adjusted within a small range.

[0035] The working process of this invention is as follows: Step 1: The external conveyor located below the equipment transports the goods to be stacked to a suitable position directly below the equipment. At this time, the equipment receives a stacking signal and starts the goods lifting unit. The lifting cylinders 101 located on both sides of the frame retract synchronously, pulling the lifting frame 103 and the forks 104 to move vertically upward, rising from below the conveying surface and dragging the goods upward until the top of the goods is close to the baffle plate 207.

[0036] Step 2: The cargo shaping unit 2 starts working. The main cylinder 204 located above the equipment retracts, driving the shaping clamp 203 to move upward. Due to the restriction of the upper swing arm 201 and the lower swing arm 202, the shaping clamp 203 can only move along an arc with the fixed point of the swing arm as the center and the length of the swing arm as the radius. According to the position of the shaping clamp 203 at this time, the upward movement can only be in the opposite direction to the center of the equipment. At this time, the distance between the two clamps gradually increases, leaving enough upward space for the goods to facilitate stacking. At the same time, the upper part of the baffle plate 207, which is connected to the shaping clamp plate 203, will move in the same direction as the shaping clamp plate 203. However, the baffle plate swing arm 206, which is fixed to the frame on one side and connected to it on the other side, will prevent the baffle plate 207 from moving upward. Under its "pulling", the baffle plate 207 is pulled out from the gap on the shaping clamp plate 203. At this time, the baffle plate 207 loses its blocking function. If there is any goods on the baffle plate 207, it will fall slightly and land on the goods on the fork 104. When the main cylinder 204 reaches the limit position, the opening action of the baffle shaping unit 2 is completed.

[0037] Step 3: Cargo lifting unit 1 continues to lift the cargo, along with both the old and new cargo, upwards until it stops at the highest point. At this point, the lowest point of the cargo is higher than the baffle plate 207. Then, wait for the next action of the baffle shaping unit 2.

[0038] Step 4: The upper main cylinder 204 extends the cylinder rod, and the shaping clamping plate 203 moves towards the center of the equipment along the arc. The left and right clamping plates simultaneously clamp the two sides of the goods, correcting the skewed goods to the center of the equipment, completing the shaping. At the same time, the baffle plate swing arm 206 releases the baffle plate 207, which extends from the bottom gap of the clamping plate and forms a support plate at the bottom of the goods. After the baffle plate is fully extended, the baffle plate detection plate 208 triggers the baffle plate position sensor 209, sending a signal to the PLC that the baffle plate is in position.

[0039] Step 5: After receiving the signal that the goods have reached the designated position, the lifting cylinder 101 on the goods lifting unit 1 pushes outward, causing the lifting frame 103 and the forks 104 to fall downward. During the fall, the forks 104 will encounter the height of the baffle plate 207. At this time, the goods will be blocked by the baffle plate 207 and cannot fall with it. The forks 104 will fall below the conveying plane on their own, waiting for the next stacking action cycle.

[0040] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, based on the technical essence of the present invention and within the spirit and principles of the present invention, shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stacking and shaping device, comprising a frame (3), characterized in that, It also includes a cargo lifting unit (1) and a cargo shaping and blocking unit (2), wherein the cargo lifting unit (1) is mounted on the frame (3) and is used to lift the cargo to the height required for shaping and blocking; There are two goods-blocking and shaping units (2), located on both sides of the frame (3), and each goods-blocking and shaping unit (2) includes: The shaping clamp (203) is vertically installed on the inner side of the frame (3); The main cylinder (204) has its cylinder body fixed to the frame (3) and its output end connected to the shaping clamp (203); A linkage constraint mechanism is connected between the frame (3) and the shaping clamp (203); The baffle plate (207) is rotatably connected to the shaping clamp plate (203) and connected to the frame (3) through the baffle plate swing arm (206). When the shaping clamp plate (203) moves, the baffle plate (207) extends or retracts at the bottom of the goods under the constraint of the baffle plate swing arm (206).

2. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cargo lifting unit (1) includes a lifting cylinder (101), a lifting frame (103), and a fork (104). The cylinder body of the lifting cylinder (101) is fixed on the frame (3), and its output end is connected to the lifting frame (103). The fork (104) is fixedly connected to the lifting frame (103).

3. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting frame (3) is provided with guide wheels (102) at both ends. The frame (3) is provided with track plates (107) on both sides that cooperate with the guide wheels (102). The guide wheels (102) roll along the track plates (107). The lifting frame (3) is driven by the lifting cylinder (101) to drive the forks (104) to make vertical lifting and lowering movements.

4. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linkage constraint mechanism includes an upper swing arm (201) and a lower swing arm (202). The upper swing arm (201) and the lower swing arm (202) are respectively installed on the upper and lower parts of the shaping clamp (203). One end of the upper swing arm (201) and the lower swing arm (202) are hinged to the frame (3), and the other end is hinged to the shaping clamp (203).

5. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shaping clamp (203) is a rectangular plate with an outwardly bent extension at its lower end. The bottom of the shaping clamps arranged symmetrically on both sides has an open "eight" shaped structure.

6. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower part of the shaping clamp (203) is provided with a strip hole that cooperates with the baffle plate (207).

7. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The baffle plate (207) is an L-shaped plate. Its vertical part is rotatably connected to the shaping clamp plate (203) at its upper end, and its horizontal part is engaged with the strip hole of the shaping clamp plate (203). One end of the baffle plate swing arm (206) is hinged to the frame (3), and the other end is hinged to the baffle plate (207). The horizontal part of the baffle plate (207) can be extended or retracted from the strip hole through the baffle plate swing arm (206).

8. The stacking and shaping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The frame (3) is provided with a limit stop (4) to limit the travel limit of the shaping clamp (203) along the arc trajectory.

9. A stacking and shaping device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The shaping clamp 203 is provided with a baffle plate position sensor (209), and the baffle plate (207) is provided with a baffle plate detection piece (208).

10. A stacking and shaping device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The frame (3) is equipped with multiple position sensors (106), and the lifting frame (103) is equipped with a detection plate (105) that cooperates with the position sensors (106) for detecting the lifting position of the cargo lifting unit.

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