AGV and automatic loading and unloading system

Abstract

This application discloses an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and an automated loading / unloading system for material transfer. The AGV includes a first support, a first transmission unit, and sensors. The first transmission unit is mounted on the first support and is used to support materials. The sensors are used to detect the position of the materials to be transferred. When the AGV moves to a preset position along a preset route, the first transmission unit conveys or receives the materials in a preset direction. Using the AGV and automated loading / unloading system provided in this application, mechanical automation can replace manual operation, shortening the material changeover cycle compared to traditional methods and effectively improving material transfer efficiency. It also effectively reduces manual heavy-duty work and alleviates the problem of heavy physical labor. Simultaneously, it lowers labor costs and improves equipment utilization and overall operational efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material transportation technology, and in particular to an AGV trolley and an automated loading and unloading system. Background Technology

[0002] In industries such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, 200L DRUM containers are widely used for storing and transporting liquids, powders, and other materials. However, the current DRUM container transfer process requires a significant amount of manual intervention, resulting in low transfer efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the efficiency of material transfer has become a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and an automated loading and unloading system to improve material handling efficiency.

[0005] In one aspect, this application provides an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) for transporting materials. The AGV includes a first support, a first transmission unit, and a sensor. The first transmission unit is disposed on the first support, wherein the first transmission unit is used to support materials; the sensor is used to detect the position of the materials to be transported; when the AGV moves to a preset position along a preset route, the first transmission unit is used to convey or receive materials in a preset direction.

[0006] By using the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) provided in this application, and by installing a transmission unit and sensors on the AGV, mechanical automation can replace manual operation, shortening the material changeover cycle compared to traditional methods and effectively improving material handling efficiency. It also effectively reduces manual labor and heavy physical labor, while lowering labor costs and improving equipment utilization and overall operational efficiency.

[0007] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV trolley further includes a lifting mechanism, and the first transmission unit is connected to the first support via the lifting mechanism; the lifting mechanism is used to drive the first transmission unit to rise or fall in a first direction.

[0008] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV trolley further includes a first linear guide rail and a slider. The first linear guide rail is disposed on a first bracket and extends along a first direction; the slider is fixedly connected to the first transmission part and slidably connected to the first linear guide rail.

[0009] In one possible implementation of this application, the lifting mechanism includes a drive unit, a gear mechanism, a lead screw, and a connecting structure. The axis of the lead screw extends along a first direction, and at least one end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to a first bracket. The connecting structure is connected to the first transmission unit and threadedly connected to the lead screw. The output end of the drive unit is driven by the lead screw via the gear mechanism.

[0010] In one possible implementation of this application, the first transmission section includes a first annular belt conveyor or a first array rolling support, both of which are used to support materials and to convey or receive materials.

[0011] In one possible implementation of this application, the first transmission unit further includes a first mounting frame; the first array rolling support includes a plurality of first rollers, which are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the first rollers and are rotatably connected to the first mounting frame; the cross-sections of the plurality of first rollers are used to form a material support surface for supporting the material.

[0012] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV trolley further includes a drive unit, a first synchronous belt, and a second synchronous belt. The output end of the drive unit is connected to the input end of any first roller via the first synchronous belt. The output end of the first roller connected to the drive unit is connected to at least one of the remaining first rollers via the second synchronous belt.

[0013] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV includes multiple second synchronous belts, with at least partially adjacent first rollers connected by corresponding second synchronous belt drives.

[0014] In one possible implementation of this application, the first transmission unit further includes a plurality of auxiliary rollers. Along the axial direction of the first roller, the plurality of auxiliary rollers are disposed on at least one side of the first roller and are rotatably connected to the first mounting frame. The plurality of auxiliary rollers located on the same side of the first roller are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the first roller. The cross-sections of the auxiliary rollers and the cross-sections of the first roller are used to form a material support surface for supporting the material.

[0015] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV trolley further includes a first clamping part, which is connected to a first support via a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the first clamping part to rise or fall in a first direction. When the material is placed in the first transmission part, the first clamping part can be used to clamp the material.

[0016] In one possible implementation of this application, the first clamping part and the first transmission part are spaced apart along a first direction; the first clamping part includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, and along a second direction, the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are used to move closer to or further away from each other; the first direction intersects the second direction.

[0017] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV trolley further includes a second mounting bracket, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder. Along a second direction, a portion of the second mounting bracket is located between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The cylinder push rods of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both connected to a portion of the second mounting bracket. The cylinder body of the first cylinder is connected to the first clamping arm, and the cylinder body of the second cylinder is connected to the second clamping arm.

[0018] In one possible implementation of this application, the second mounting bracket includes a mounting portion and a connecting portion. Along the first direction, at least a portion of the mounting portion is located on one side of the connecting portion and is connected to the connecting portion. Along the second direction, the connecting portion is located between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the cylinder push rods of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both connected to the connecting portion. Along the second direction, the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are both slidably connected to the mounting portion.

[0019] In one possible implementation of this application, the AGV trolley further includes an elastic part and a wheel set. The elastic part is located between the wheel set and the first bracket, with one end of the elastic part connected to the wheel set and the other end connected to the first bracket.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides an automated loading and unloading system, including a production line and the AGV trolley described in the first aspect. The production line includes a second transmission unit for supporting materials. When the AGV trolley moves to a preset position along a preset route, the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit are opposite each other. The first transmission unit is used to transfer materials to the second transmission unit, or the first transmission unit is used to receive materials transferred by the second transmission unit. When materials are transferred between the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit, the transfer direction of the first transmission unit for transferring materials is the same as the transfer direction of the second transmission unit for transferring materials.

[0021] Using the automated loading and unloading system provided in this application, when the liquid or powder in the material bins of the production line is used up or about to be used up, the AGV trolley arrives at the preset position according to the preset route. The sensors of the AGV trolley detect the position of the material, and the first and second transmission sections are opposite each other. By making the transmission direction of the first transmission section for transporting materials the same as that of the second transmission section for transporting materials, the rapid transfer of materials between the first and second transmission sections can be realized, thereby effectively improving the material transfer efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and lowering costs.

[0022] In one possible implementation of this application, the second transmission section includes a second annular belt conveyor or a second array rolling support, both of which are used to support materials and to convey or receive materials.

[0023] In one possible implementation of this application, the automated loading and unloading system further includes a second support and a second clamping part, the second clamping part being disposed on the second support and used to clamp materials. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automated loading and unloading system provided in this application; Figure 2A schematic diagram of the structure of the AGV vehicle provided in this application; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit of the provided AGV trolley; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is provided. Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is provided. Figure 6 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is provided.

[0025] Reference numerals: 01-Production line; 011-Second transmission unit; 012-Second clamping unit; 02-AGV trolley; 1-First bracket; 2-First transmission unit; 21-First roller; 22-First mounting frame; 221-Base plate; 222-Side plate; 23-Drive unit; 24-First synchronous belt; 25-Second synchronous belt; 26-Auxiliary roller; 3-Sensor; 4-Lifting mechanism; 41-Drive unit; 42-Gear mechanism; 43-Lead screw; 44-Connecting structure; 5-First linear guide rail; 6-Slider; 7-Mounting plate; 8-First clamping unit; 81-First clamping arm; 82-Second clamping arm; 9-Second mounting frame; 91-Mounting unit; 92-Connecting part; 93-Second linear guide rail; 10-First cylinder; 101-Second cylinder; 102-Elastic part; 103-Wheel set; 104-Charging port. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The terms expressing position and direction described in the embodiments of this application are illustrative based on the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this application. The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application are only for illustrating relative positional relationships and do not represent actual scale.

[0027] It should be noted that specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] In many industries such as chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, 200L DRUM containers are widely used for storing and transporting liquids, powders, and other materials. However, during the transfer of DRUM containers, manual loading and unloading is usually required after the containers are transported to their designated locations. This leads to problems such as low efficiency, complex operation, and difficult maintenance in systems using DRUM containers.

[0029] In addition, DRUM buckets may also be at risk of sliding, tilting, or even being damaged.

[0030] In view of this, the AGV provided in this application, by setting up a transmission unit, realizes automatic material transfer, reduces manual intervention, and is conducive to improving material transfer efficiency. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated loading and unloading system provided in this application. The automated loading and unloading system includes a production line 01 and an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) trolley. The AGV trolley can be used to carry materials and can also be used to move along a preset route to transport new materials to production line 01 or transfer the remaining materials on production line 01 to a preset location.

[0032] It should be noted that "materials" can refer only to empty containers that do not contain liquids or powders, while "containers" can refer to containers containing liquids or powders, etc. The liquids and powders are used for production purposes, while the containers are for turnover.

[0033] When the AGV is used in conjunction with production line 01, it runs along a preset route to production line 01 or the material storage area. When the AGV is used in conjunction with other equipment, its preset route can be changed to meet material transfer needs. Understandably, the preset route can be set according to actual needs and relevant programs; this application does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0034] In addition, the AGV has a built-in PLC control system that exchanges data in real time with other equipment on production line 01 via a wireless network. The control system automatically adjusts the AGV's speed, direction, and operating status to achieve seamless integration with production line 01.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AGV provided in this application. In a specific configuration, the AGV includes a first support 1, a first transmission unit 2, and a sensor 3. The first transmission unit 2 is mounted on the first support 1 and is used to support materials. The sensor 3 is used to detect the position of the materials to be transferred. When the AGV moves along a preset route to a preset position, the first transmission unit 2 can be used to convey or receive materials in a preset direction, which helps improve the efficiency of material transfer.

[0036] It should be noted that this application does not specifically limit the model and installation location of the sensor 3. For example, it can be installed on the first bracket 1, as long as it meets the requirements for signal transmission and reception, thereby realizing the requirement for material position detection.

[0037] When specifically configuring the first transmission unit 2, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 For display Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first transmission unit 2 of the provided AGV trolley. Optionally, the first transmission unit 2 may include a first array of rolling supports, wherein the first array of rolling supports is used to support materials and to convey or receive materials. Specifically, the first array of rolling supports may include a plurality of first rollers 21, the plurality of first rollers 21 being arranged radially (e.g., along the first rollers 21) Figure 3 The first transmission unit 2 includes a first mounting frame 22, and the first roller 21 is rotatably connected to the first mounting frame 22. Optionally, the first mounting frame 22 may include a base plate 221 and multiple side plates 222, wherein the multiple side plates 222 are arranged along a first direction (e.g., along the X-axis direction). Figure 3 The Z-axis direction shown protrudes from the surface of the base plate 221, and the surfaces of the multiple side plates 222 extend along the second direction (where the first and second directions intersect; for example, the second direction could be as follows). Figure 3 The first rollers 21 are spaced apart along the Y-axis direction (as shown), and can be positioned between two adjacent side plates 222. Along the axial direction of the first rollers 21, a rotating shaft can be inserted into the first rollers 21, coaxially, with both ends of the shaft inserted into the corresponding side plates 222. This simplifies the structure of the first transmission unit 2 while fulfilling the rotation requirement of the first rollers 21 relative to the first mounting frame 22. Simultaneously, the cross-sections of the multiple first rollers 21 can form a material support surface, allowing materials to be placed directly on it. After the AGV trolley moves along a preset route to a preset position, the multiple first rollers 21 rotate in the same direction, causing the material to move radially along the rollers. This achieves material transfer or reception while simplifying the trolley structure.

[0038] It should be noted that when the AGV is in motion, the first roller 21 and the first mounting frame 22 can be kept relatively stationary to reduce the risk of material slippage. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first transmission unit 2 may further include a drive unit 23, a first synchronous belt 24, and a second synchronous belt 25. For example, the drive unit 23 may be a servo motor, and the output shaft of the servo motor is connected to the input end of any one of the first rollers 21 (hereinafter referred to as the active roller) via the first synchronous belt 24. Specifically, a synchronous pulley may be provided on the active roller, and the first synchronous belt 24 is sleeved with the synchronous pulley to meet the requirements of the servo motor driving the active roller to rotate and stop. In addition, a synchronous pulley may also be provided at the output end of the active roller, and while the second synchronous belt 25 is sleeved with the synchronous pulley at the output end of the active roller, it is also connected to at least one of the remaining first rollers 21 (hereinafter referred to as the driven roller) to achieve synchronous rotation and stopping of multiple first rollers 21, which is beneficial for improving the stability of material transmission.

[0039] It is worth mentioning that, please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first transmission unit 2 can be equipped with multiple second synchronous belts 25, wherein at least some adjacent first rollers 21 are connected by transmission via corresponding second synchronous belts 25. For example, when six first rollers 21 are arranged sequentially along the X-axis, the first roller 21 closest to the first support 1 can be the driving roller, and the servo motor can be mounted on the first mounting bracket 22. Along the positive X-axis, the second to fifth first rollers 21 are driven rollers, which are connected by transmission via corresponding second synchronous belts 25, while the sixth first roller 21 can rotate freely, that is, it is not constrained by the servo motor and the synchronous belt. It can be used to form a buffer space to reduce the risk of material slippage due to motor failure.

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first transmission unit 2 may further include a plurality of auxiliary rollers 26. Along the axial direction of the first roller 21, the plurality of auxiliary rollers 26 are disposed on at least one side of the first roller 21 and rotatably connected to the first mounting frame 22. The plurality of auxiliary rollers 26 located on the same side of the first roller 21 are sequentially arranged radially along the first roller 21. Specifically, the connection method between the auxiliary rollers 26 and the first mounting frame 22 can be referenced to the connection method between the first roller 21 and the first mounting frame 22, and will not be repeated here. It should be noted that all auxiliary rollers 26 can rotate freely relative to the first mounting frame 22 around their own axis, i.e., they are not limited by the servo motor. For example, the axis of the auxiliary roller 26 can be parallel to the axis of the first roller 21, and their diameters can be set according to actual needs. For example, their diameters can be equal or have manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, the cross-sections of the auxiliary roller 26 and the first roller 21 are used to form a material support surface to support the material, so that the auxiliary roller 26 can share the weight of the material, thereby further improving the stability of material transfer and thus improving the efficiency of material transfer.

[0041] The first annular belt conveyor can be a structure such as a conveyor belt to meet the material transfer requirements.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 In a specific configuration of production line 01, production line 01 may include a second transmission section 011. The second transmission section 011 is used to support materials. Specifically, the second transmission section 011 includes a second annular belt conveyor or a second array rolling support. Both the second annular belt conveyor and the second array rolling support are used to support materials and to convey or receive materials for material transfer. In some embodiments, the second array rolling support may refer to the first array rolling support, and the second annular belt conveyor may refer to the first annular belt conveyor; further details are omitted here.

[0043] When the AGV is used to move along a preset route to the vicinity of production line 01, the first transmission unit 2 needs to be aligned with the second transmission unit 011 so that the AGV reaches the preset position.

[0044] To ensure the accuracy of the AGV reaching the preset position, in some embodiments, reference is made to... Figure 4 , Figure 4 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the provided AGV cart is shown. The AGV cart may also include a lifting mechanism 4. The first transmission section 2 is connected to the first support 1 via the lifting mechanism 4. The lifting mechanism 4 is used to drive the first transmission section 2 to rise or fall along a first direction. When the AGV cart approaches the second transmission section 011 of the production line 01 along a preset route, since there may be a height difference between the first transmission section 2 and the second transmission section 011 along the first direction, the lifting mechanism 4 can drive the first transmission section 2 to rise or fall so that the first transmission section 2 and the second transmission section 011 are opposite each other, that is, the height difference between their material carrying surfaces is infinitely close to 0. This enables the material on the first transmission section 2 to be transferred to the second transmission section 011, or the first transmission section 2 to receive the material transferred by the second transmission section 011, thereby effectively reducing the degree of manual intervention, improving the automation level of the system, and also effectively improving the material transfer efficiency.

[0045] In addition, when materials are transferred between the first transfer section 2 and the second transfer section 011, the transfer direction of the first transfer section 2 for transferring materials is the same as that of the second transfer section 011. Specifically, when both the first transfer section 2 and the second transfer section 011 adopt roller structures, the rotation direction of the rollers of the two is the same to meet the material transfer requirements.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 4In the specific configuration of the lifting mechanism 4, optionally, the lifting mechanism 4 may include a drive unit 41, a gear mechanism 42, a lead screw 43, and a connecting structure 44. The connecting structure 44 is connected to the first transmission unit 2. For example, the connecting structure 44 can be a block structure, which can be connected to the first mounting bracket 22 via fasteners (such as bolts). The axis of the lead screw 43 extends along a first direction, and at least one end of the lead screw 43 is rotatably connected to the first bracket 1. Simultaneously, the connecting structure 44 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 43. Thus, when the lead screw 43 rotates relative to the first bracket 1 in a forward or reverse direction around its own axis, the connecting structure 44 drives the first transmission unit 2 to rise or fall along the first direction, thereby fulfilling the requirement of the first transmission unit 2 being opposite to the second transmission unit 011 or the first transmission unit 2 being opposite to the materials in the material storage area.

[0047] The output end of the drive unit 41 is connected to the lead screw 43 via the gear mechanism 42. Specifically, the drive unit 41 can be a servo motor, the gear mechanism 42 can include a drive gear that is inserted into the output shaft of the servo motor and a driven gear that meshes with the drive gear, and the lead screw 43 is inserted into the driven gear, and the driven gear can drive the lead screw 43 to rotate synchronously to improve the automation level of the system.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the AGV may further include a first linear guide rail 5 and a slider 6. The first linear guide rail 5 is disposed on the first bracket 1 and extends along a first direction. The slider 6 is fixedly connected to the first transmission unit 2. For example, the slider 6 may be an integral structure with the first mounting frame 22, or it may be connected to the first mounting frame 22 by fasteners. Optionally, the AGV may further include a mounting plate 7. The first mounting frame 22 is connected to the mounting plate 7 by fasteners, and the slider 6 is disposed on the side of the mounting plate 7 away from the first mounting frame 22. At the same time, the slider 6 is slidably connected to the first linear guide rail 5 so that when the lifting mechanism 4 drives the first transmission unit 2 to move, the first transmission unit 2 slides synchronously along the first linear guide rail 5. This is beneficial to improving the movement stability of the first transmission unit 2, thereby effectively improving the material transfer efficiency.

[0049] refer to Figure 2In some embodiments, the AGV trolley may further include a first clamping part 8, which is connected to the first support 1 via a lifting mechanism 4. The lifting mechanism 4 is used to drive the first clamping part 8 to rise or fall along a first direction. When materials are placed in the first transmission part 2, the first clamping part 8 can be used to clamp the materials to reduce the risk of slippage, tilting, and damage, thereby increasing the safety of material transportation and further improving the stability and efficiency of material transfer. In the specific configuration of the first clamping part 8, the first clamping part 8 and the first transmission part 2 can be spaced apart along the first direction. The first clamping part 8 can be mounted on the mounting plate 7, so that the lifting mechanism 4 can simultaneously drive the first clamping part 8 and the first transmission part 2 to move synchronously. The first clamping part 8 may include a first clamping arm 81 and a second clamping arm 82. Along the second direction, when the first clamping arm 81 and the second clamping arm 82 are close to each other, the material can be clamped. When the first clamping arm 81 and the second clamping arm 82 are far apart, the material can be released. This simplifies the structure of the first clamping part 8 while ensuring the stability of material transmission.

[0050] It should be noted that this application does not limit the shape of the clamping arm. For example, the clamping arm may include an arc-shaped surface. When the material to be transferred is a barrel, the arc-shaped surface can increase the contact area between the clamping arm and the side wall of the barrel, thereby effectively improving the stability and efficiency of material transfer.

[0051] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the provided AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is shown. The AGV may further include a second mounting frame 9, a first cylinder 10, and a second cylinder 101. Along the second direction, a portion of the second mounting frame 9 is located between the first cylinder 10 and the second cylinder 101. Optionally, the second mounting frame 9 may include a mounting portion 91 and a connecting portion 92. Along the first direction, at least a portion of the mounting portion 91 is located on one side of the connecting portion 92 and connected to it. For example, the second mounting frame 9 may be in the shape of an "I" or a "T". The connecting part 92 (the vertical part in the "I" or "T" shape) is located between the first cylinder 10 and the second cylinder 101. The cylinder push rod of the first cylinder 10 and the cylinder push rod of the second cylinder 101 are both partially connected to the second mounting bracket 9, such as both being connected to the connecting part 92. At the same time, the cylinder body of the first cylinder 10 is connected to the first clamping arm 81, and the cylinder body of the second cylinder 101 is connected to the second clamping arm 82. Furthermore, along the second direction, the first clamping arm 81 and the second clamping arm 82 are both slidably connected to the mounting part 91, so as to simplify the structure of the clamping part while meeting the functional requirements of the clamping part.

[0052] Preferably, the second mounting bracket 9 can be configured as an "I" shape, and the second mounting bracket 9 is mounted on the mounting plate 7. The mounting part 91 is provided with a second linear guide rail 93, and the second linear guide rail 93 extends along the second direction. The clamping arm is provided with a slider 6, and the slider 6 is slidably connected to the guide rail to realize the opening and closing requirements of the clamping arm.

[0053] It is worth mentioning that the automated loading and unloading system may also include a second support and a second clamping part 012, wherein the second clamping part 012 is disposed on the second support and can be used to clamp materials. Specifically, when the material is located at the second transmission part 011, clamping the material by the second clamping part 012 can increase the safety of production and material transportation. The structures of the second support and the first support 1 can be set according to actual needs, such as a frame structure, as long as the support and connection requirements are met; this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0054] In some embodiments, reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the provided AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is shown. The AGV may further include an elastic part 102 and a wheel set 103. The elastic part 102 can be, for example, a spring. The elastic part 102 is located between the wheel set 103 and the first support 1, with one end connected to the wheel set 103 and the other end connected to the first support 1. Specifically, a chassis frame can be provided to meet the connection requirements between the spring and the wheel. The buffering capacity of the spring can reduce the vibration during the operation of the AGV. In addition, the wheel set 103 includes two tires, each of which is connected to a corresponding servo motor. The servo motors control the different speeds of the two tires to achieve the steering function of the AGV.

[0055] It is worth mentioning that the AGV also includes a charging port 104. Guided by LiDAR, the AGV can automatically return to the charging station after the work is completed, and the charging process does not require manual intervention, ensuring the continuous and stable working state of the AGV.

[0056] After a detailed understanding of the automatic loading and unloading system provided in this application, the following is a detailed description of the system's operation process in light of actual working conditions: When the liquid or powder in the material bucket of production line 01 is used up or about to be used up, an alarm is triggered, and the first AGV trolley reaches the preset position according to the preset route. The AGV's sensor 3 detects the material's position, and the servo motor drives the lifting mechanism 4 to move so that the first transmission section 2 and the second transmission section 011 are relative to each other. The second clamping part 012 opens, and the second transmission part 011 moves so that the material bucket after the material is used up moves toward the first transmission part 2. At this time, the first transmission part 2 can move synchronously, or the first transmission part 2 moves when the material bucket contacts the first transmission part 2 so that the material is transferred from the second transmission part 011 to the first transmission part 2. When the material arrives at the designated location, the first clamping part 8 clamps the material bucket, and then the AGV trolley returns to the material storage area.

[0057] After the first AGV trolley leaves the production line 01, the second AGV trolley carrying a material bucket filled with new material arrives at the preset position. The AGV trolley's sensor 3 detects the material position, and the servo motor drives the lifting mechanism 4 to move so that the first transmission section 2 and the second transmission section 011 are relative to each other. The first clamping part 8 opens, and the first transmission part 2 moves so that the material bucket filled with new material moves toward the second transmission part 011. At this time, the second transmission part 011 can move synchronously, or when the material bucket filled with new material contacts the second transmission part 011, the second transmission part 011 moves so that the material is transferred from the first transmission part 2 to the second transmission part 011. When the material bucket filled with new material arrives at the designated position, the second clamping part 012 clamps the material bucket.

[0058] In summary, the AGV cart and automated loading and unloading system provided in this application replace manual operation with mechanical automation, shortening the material change cycle compared to the traditional mode, directly reducing downtime losses caused by excessive material change time on production line 01, and increasing the effective operating time of the equipment.

[0059] Furthermore, by equipping AGVs with clamping and transport mechanisms, manual heavy-duty operations can be reduced, thus minimizing the need for heavy physical labor. This also lowers labor costs and improves equipment utilization and overall operational efficiency.

[0060] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) for transporting materials, characterized in that, The AGV includes a first support, a first transmission unit, and sensors, wherein the first transmission unit is disposed on the first support, wherein: The first transmission unit is used to support the material; The sensor is used to detect the location of the material to be transferred. After the AGV is moved to a preset position along a preset route, the first transmission unit is used to convey or receive the material in a preset direction.

2. The AGV trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AGV also includes a lifting mechanism, and the first transmission unit is connected to the first bracket via the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the first transmission unit to rise or fall in a first direction.

3. The AGV trolley according to claim 2, characterized in that, The AGV also includes a first linear guide rail and a slider. The first linear guide rail is disposed on the first bracket and extends along the first direction. The slider is fixedly connected to the first transmission unit and slidably connected to the first linear guide rail.

4. The AGV trolley according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a drive unit, a gear mechanism, a lead screw, and a connecting structure. The axis of the lead screw extends along the first direction, and at least one end of the lead screw is rotatably connected to the first bracket. The connection structure is connected to the first transmission unit and is threadedly connected to the lead screw; The output end of the drive unit is connected to the lead screw via the gear mechanism.

5. The AGV trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmission unit includes a first annular belt conveyor or a first array rolling support, both of which are used to support the material and to convey or receive the material.

6. The AGV trolley according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first transmission unit also includes a first mounting bracket; The first array rolling support includes a plurality of first rollers, which are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the first rollers and are rotatably connected to the first mounting frame; The cross-sections of the plurality of first rollers are used to form a material support surface for supporting the material.

7. The AGV trolley according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first transmission unit further includes a drive unit, a first synchronous belt, and a second synchronous belt. The output end of the drive unit is connected to the input end of any of the first rollers via the first synchronous belt. The output end of the first roller connected to the drive unit is connected to at least one of the remaining first rollers via the second synchronous belt.

8. The AGV trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first transmission unit includes multiple second synchronous belts, and at least some of the two adjacent first rollers are connected by corresponding second synchronous belt drives.

9. The AGV trolley according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first transmission unit further includes a plurality of auxiliary rollers. Along the axial direction of the first roller, the plurality of auxiliary rollers are disposed on at least one side of the first roller and are rotatably connected to the first mounting frame. The plurality of auxiliary rollers located on the same side of the first roller are arranged sequentially along the radial direction of the first roller. The cross-sections of the auxiliary roller and the first roller are used to form a material support surface that supports the material.

10. The AGV trolley according to claim 2, characterized in that, The AGV also includes a first clamping part, which is connected to the first bracket via the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is used to drive the first clamping part to rise or fall along the first direction. When the material is placed in the first conveying part, the first clamping part can be used to clamp the material.

11. The AGV trolley according to claim 10, characterized in that, Along the first direction, the first clamping part and the first transmission part are spaced apart; The first clamping part includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm, and along the second direction, the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are used to move closer to or further away from each other; The first direction intersects with the second direction.

12. The AGV trolley according to claim 11, characterized in that, The AGV also includes a second mounting bracket, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder, with a portion of the second mounting bracket located between the first cylinder and the second cylinder along the second direction; The cylinder push rods of the first cylinder and the second cylinder are both partially connected to the second mounting bracket; the cylinder body of the first cylinder is connected to the first clamping arm, and the cylinder body of the second cylinder is connected to the second clamping arm.

13. The AGV trolley according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second mounting bracket includes a mounting portion and a connecting portion. Along the first direction, at least a portion of the mounting portion is located on one side of the connecting portion and is connected to the connecting portion. Along the second direction, the connecting part is located between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, and the cylinder push rod of the first cylinder and the cylinder push rod of the second cylinder are both connected to the connecting part; Along the second direction, both the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are slidably connected to the mounting portion.

14. The AGV trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AGV also includes an elastic part and a wheel set. The elastic part is located between the wheel set and the first bracket, with one end connected to the wheel set and the other end connected to the first bracket.

15. An automated loading and unloading system, characterized in that, Includes a production line, and an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) as described in any one of claims 1-14, wherein: The production line includes a second conveying section, which is used to support the material. When the AGV is used to move to a preset position along a preset route, the first transmission unit is opposite to the second transmission unit. The first transmission unit is used to transfer the material to the second transmission unit, or the first transmission unit is used to receive the material transferred by the second transmission unit. When the material is transferred between the first transfer section and the second transfer section, the transfer direction of the first transfer section for transferring the material is the same as that of the second transfer section for transferring the material.

16. The automated loading and unloading system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second transmission section includes a second annular belt conveyor or a second array rolling support, both of which are used to support the material and to convey or receive the material.

17. The automated loading and unloading system according to claim 15, characterized in that, The automated loading and unloading system further includes a second bracket and a second clamping part, the second clamping part being disposed on the second bracket and used to clamp the material.

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