Chain rotating device for stacking machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a chain rotating device for a stacking machine, which mainly comprises a chain, and the chain rotates through meshing transmission with a chain wheel. Particularly, the chain wheel in the device is not used for driving the chain, but is used as an auxiliary part for fixing the position of the chain, so that stable operation of the chain is ensured. Therefore, a supporting roller is arranged on the inner side of the chain, a supporting piece and a fixing piece are arranged on the outer side of the supporting roller in a sleeving mode, and it is worthy of noting that the left end and the right end of the lower side of the supporting piece are each provided with a limiting mechanism I, and the two limiting mechanisms I make contact with the two outer side ends of the chain respectively and tend to move oppositely through an elastic mechanism; therefore, the chain is tightened through the limiting mechanism I, and impact noise caused by the fact that the length allowance of the chain is too large is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of chain rotation devices, and in particular to a chain rotation device for a stacker crane. Background Technology

[0002] A chain slewing device, serving as a horizontal redirection mechanism to guide the chain and carriage to smoothly turn along the track, is typically installed on horizontally turning sections of a railway line. Depending on their structure, slewing devices can be further classified into three types: sprocket slewing, smooth wheel slewing, and roller train slewing. Among these, the sprocket slewing device uses a sprocket as its core component.

[0003] In practical applications, since chains are composed of multiple links, the distance between the links gradually increases over time. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable when the chain is under heavy loads. Furthermore, when the chain length exceeds expectations, irregular collisions and friction between the chain and sprockets can generate significant noise during chain rotation.

[0004] Stacker cranes, as a new type of warehouse storage equipment, typically consist of forks and a lifting device used in conjunction with them. Currently, most stacker cranes on the market use chain-type lifting devices, which can effectively reduce costs and are widely used in warehouses where precision requirements are not high and the factory environment is harsh.

[0005] In actual operation, the forks are fixedly connected to the chain links via corresponding connectors, thereby enabling the forks to rise or fall. Therefore, the verticality of the chain is crucial for the connecting components. The higher the verticality of the chain, the lower its structural complexity, and consequently, the fewer requirements are placed on the connecting components.

[0006] In view of this, in order to reduce noise and maintain the verticality of the chain during use, this study proposes a chain rotation device for stacker cranes. This device can help tighten the chain and avoid affecting its performance due to the chain length increase caused by long-term use. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes a chain rotation device for stacker cranes. This device has an auxiliary chain tightening function, effectively reducing noise and lowering the stress on connecting components. It solves the problems of increased noise and poor compatibility between connecting components and the chain caused by the increased chain length during long-term operation of existing devices.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] A chain rotation device for a stacker crane includes a chain with sprockets meshing and drivingly connected to its inner side in both directions. It also includes a support member with a support roller at its upper end, the support roller being movably connected to the support member. A fixing member is provided at each of the two axial ends of the support roller. A limiting mechanism I is provided at each of the left and right ends of the lower side of the support roller. The limiting mechanism I includes a U-shaped frame, and a front-to-back axial roller is embedded in the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped frame. The roller is rotatably connected to the U-shaped frame and abuts against the outer end of the chain. Chain links are embedded in the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped frame. Each U-shaped frame is slidably connected to the support member, and the U-shaped frame moves linearly left and right relative to the support member. An elastic mechanism is provided between two U-shaped frames in the same vertical plane, causing them to tend to move towards each other through the elastic mechanism.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic mechanism includes a limiting member located on the side of the chain near the support member, and a tension spring is respectively provided between the limiting member and two U-shaped frames in the same vertical plane, with the two axial ends of the tension spring being movably connected to the limiting member and the corresponding U-shaped frame, respectively.

[0011] Preferably, the limiting member is rotatably connected to an adjusting shaft on the side near the support member, and the adjusting shaft is screwed to the support member.

[0012] Preferably, each of the limiting mechanisms I is provided with a limiting mechanism II on its lower side. The limiting mechanism II has the same structure as the limiting mechanism I. Furthermore, the U-shaped frame in the limiting mechanism II is fixedly connected to the support member, and the roller in the limiting mechanism II protrudes from the side corresponding to the U-shaped frame and abuts against the chain link.

[0013] Preferably, the U-shaped frame in the limiting mechanism I is rotatably connected to the corresponding roller via a pin, and a slide rail is fixedly connected to the upper end of the limiting mechanism II. Furthermore, the pin is embedded in the slide rail and slidably connected to the limiting mechanism II.

[0014] Preferably, the support roller is rotatably connected to the support member and the fixing member, and the support roller is keyed to the sprocket.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] The design concept of this utility model lies in ensuring that the support component remains in a predetermined stable position through the mutual cooperation and coordinated work of the support roller and the support component, as well as its combination with the fixing component. This design ensures the precise fixation of the relative position of the sprocket and the chain, thereby guaranteeing the stability and accuracy of the entire transmission system. Furthermore, at the lower left and right ends of the support component, this utility model cleverly configures limit mechanisms I, which are in close contact with the two ends of the chain. This design allows the limit mechanisms I to precisely control the range of movement of the chain, ensuring that it remains within the predetermined limits during operation. In addition, the two limit mechanisms I are connected by an elastic mechanism, forming a dynamic balance that approaches each other. This design not only effectively tightens the chain using the limit mechanisms I to prevent it from loosening during operation, but also reduces the impact noise caused by excessive chain length, improving overall performance. This impact noise is usually caused by the chain becoming excessively loose during operation, resulting in irregular collisions and friction between the chain and the sprocket. Through the design of this utility model, this noise can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the operating efficiency and service life of the entire transmission system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the support component and the support roller of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between limiting mechanism I and limiting mechanism II of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the limiting mechanism I of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the limiting component and the U-shaped frame of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Fixing component; 2. Support component; 3. Chain; 4. Sprocket; 5. Limiting mechanism I; 501. Roller; 502. Frame; 503. Pin; 6. Limiting mechanism II; 7. Support roller; 8. Adjusting shaft; 9. Limiting component; 10. Slide rail; 11. Tension spring. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described herein are only a part of the many embodiments of the present utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, any other embodiments developed by those skilled in the art without creative effort are considered to fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 1 A chain rotation device for a stacker crane is disclosed. Its structure is consistent with existing technology, mainly consisting of a chain 3. The inner side of the chain 3 is connected to sprockets 4 on the left and right axes via meshing transmission. This chain rotation device is ingeniously designed; through the meshing transmission between the sprockets 4 and the chain 3, the rotational movement of the chain 3 is achieved, thus ensuring efficient handling and precise stacking of goods during stacker crane operations.

[0026] It must be pointed out that the sprocket 4 involved in this application is not the drive wheel of the chain 3. In practical applications, the chain 3, which moves up and down with the forks, is equipped with a drive wheel on its lower side. However, the innovative sprocket 4 design of this application is located on the upper side of the chain 3, mainly serving to assist in fixing the position of the chain 3 and ensuring smooth operation of the chain 3. This design allows the chain 3 to remain stable during operation, even under heavy loads, preventing slippage or misalignment of the chain 3, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the stacker crane.

[0027] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 Unlike existing devices, this application includes a support member 2, with a support roller 7 mounted on its upper end. The support member 2 and the support roller 7 are rotatably connected, and the support roller 7 is connected to the sprocket 4 via a connecting key. This connecting key fixes the position of the sprocket 4, ensuring smooth rotation of the sprocket 4 and chain 3 and preventing damage from impacts. This design not only enhances the stability and durability of the chain 3 rotation device but also significantly improves its working efficiency.

[0028] Therefore, to ensure the stability and durability of the support roller 7 and prevent its position from changing during actual application, a fixing element 1 is added to both axial ends of the support roller 7. This design enables the support roller 7 to remain stable during operation, even under heavy loads, preventing slippage or misalignment, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the chain 3 rotation device.

[0029] In practice, the fixing component 1 is connected to the support roller 7 via a rotary connection, and the fixing component 1 is equipped with corresponding fastening bolts. These bolts tightly connect the stacker crane housing to the support component 2 and the sprocket 4, ensuring their positional stability. This design not only enhances the stability and durability of the chain 3 rotation device but also improves its working efficiency.

[0030] Specifically, to prevent the chain 3 from elongating under prolonged load, which could lead to increased excess length and consequently greater impact noise, a limiting mechanism I5 is installed at each end of the lower side of the support roller 7. Through the action of the limiting mechanism I5, the two outer ends of the chain 3 tend to move towards each other. This design increases the horizontal projection length of the chain 3 while maintaining its vertical projection length, thereby tightening the chain 3 and effectively preventing the technical challenge of excessive excess length in the chain 3.

[0031] Furthermore, this device adds a limiting mechanism II6 to the lower side of each limiting mechanism I5. The two limiting mechanisms II6 support the two inner ends of the chain 3, ensuring that the chain 3 below the limiting mechanism II6 remains vertical. This design effectively prevents travel conflicts between the chain 3 and the forks, ensuring the safe operation of the stacker crane. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing mechanism but also increases its working efficiency.

[0032] Specifically, the limiting mechanism I5 and the limiting mechanism II6 have the same structure. The limiting mechanism I5 is composed of a U-shaped frame 502, in which a roller 501 is embedded and installed. This design ensures that the chain 3 can still operate stably under heavy load conditions, effectively preventing slippage and misalignment, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the stacker crane.

[0033] Therefore, within the same vertical plane, the rollers 501 in the two limiting mechanisms I5 approach the chain 3 at their near ends. At this time, the links of the chain 3 synchronously embed into the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped frame 502 of the limiting mechanism I5. This design enables the chain 3 to remain stable during operation, even under heavy loads, preventing slippage or misalignment of the chain 3, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the stacker crane.

[0034] Correspondingly, in the same vertical plane, the rollers in the two limiting mechanisms II6 have their furthest ends in contact with the chain 3. At this time, the links of the chain 3 are located outside the U-shaped frame of the limiting mechanism II6. This design enables the chain 3 to remain stable during operation, even under heavy loads, preventing slippage or misalignment of the chain 3, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the stacker crane.

[0035] Furthermore, the roller 501 and the U-shaped frame 502 are connected by a rotating mechanism, replacing sliding friction with rolling friction, which reduces long-term wear between the roller 501 and the chain 3 and extends the service life of the device. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 rotation device, but also increases its working efficiency.

[0036] Furthermore, roller 501 can be made of PE material in practice. This utilizes its own structural characteristics to avoid long-term hard contact between roller 501 and chain 3, which would reduce the lifespan of roller 501 and chain 3. This design significantly enhances the stability and durability of the chain 3 rotation device and effectively improves its working efficiency.

[0037] It must be pointed out that, such as Figure 3 As shown, the U-shaped frames of the two limiting mechanisms II6 located in the same vertical plane are fixed in position by corresponding connecting plates. The connecting plates are detachably and securely connected to the corresponding U-shaped frames by screws. In practical applications, by replacing the connecting plates and adjusting their length, the distance between the two limiting mechanisms II6 can be changed, thus enabling this device to adapt to stacker cranes of different sizes. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing device but also increases its working efficiency.

[0038] It is worth noting that an elastic mechanism is configured between the two limiting mechanisms I5, that is, an elastic mechanism is configured between the two U-shaped frames 502 of the limiting mechanisms I5 located in the same vertical plane. This design gives the two U-shaped frames 502 the motion characteristic of moving closer to each other, ensuring that the device can automatically adapt to the tightening of the chain 3 and guaranteeing the smooth and stable operation of the stacker crane. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing device, but also improves the working efficiency of the chain 3 slewing device.

[0039] Specifically, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the elastic mechanism includes a limiting member 9 movably connected to the support member 2. A tension spring 11 is respectively disposed between the limiting member 9 and two U-shaped frames 502 located in the same vertical plane. The two ends of the tension spring 11 are movably connected to the limiting member 9 and the corresponding U-shaped frame 502, thereby ensuring that the elastic force of the tension spring 11 can effectively act on the U-shaped frame 502. This design significantly enhances the stability and durability of the chain 3 rotation device and improves its working efficiency.

[0040] By using a single limiting component 9 in conjunction with two tension springs 11 to apply tension to the U-shaped frame 502, the design not only accommodates the limited space of the chain 3 but also ensures sufficient tension for the tension springs 11. Simultaneously, it avoids the stacker crane becoming too large due to the springs, making it unsuitable for narrow aisles. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing mechanism but also enhances its working efficiency.

[0041] In practice, the elastic mechanism requires the limiting mechanism I5 to slide with the support 2 and to only move in a straight line left and right. This achieves both adaptive tightening of the chain 3 and ensures the normal function of the tension spring 11. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 rotation device but also increases its working efficiency.

[0042] Therefore, please refer to Figure 4 In the limiting mechanism I5, the U-shaped frame 502 and the corresponding roller 501 are rotatably connected via a pin 503. Simultaneously, a slide rail 10 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the limiting mechanism II6. At this time, the constraint pin 503 is embedded in the slide rail 10 and slidably connected to the limiting mechanism II6, allowing the limiting mechanism I5 to only perform left and right linear movements relative to the support member 2. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing device but also increases its working efficiency.

[0043] It is worth noting that the pin 503 is bolt-shaped, and an elastic pad is fitted on the outside of the pin 503. This design ensures the stability of the position between the slide rail 10 and the pin 503, and effectively prevents the pin 503 from failing to move relative to the slide rail 10 due to excessive clamping force. This design not only improves the stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing device, but also improves the working efficiency of the chain 3 slewing device.

[0044] Furthermore, the limiting member 9 is rotatably connected to the side of the support member 2, and the adjusting shaft 8 is screwed to the support member 2. Thus, by rotating the adjusting shaft 8, the distance between the limiting member 9 and the support member 2 can be changed, thereby adjusting the tension of the tension spring 11.

[0045] In practical use, this utility model:

[0046] By configuring limiting mechanisms I5 and II6 at the lower left and right ends of the support roller 7 respectively, we can effectively tighten the chain 3 and ensure that the chain 3 will not generate unnecessary excess due to excessive length. This not only helps to prevent the chain 3 from conflicting with the fork stroke, but also improves the overall stability and durability of the chain 3 slewing device.

[0047] To further optimize the tightening and adjustment capability of chain 3, we set an elastic mechanism between the two limiting mechanisms I5. This mechanism consists of a limiting component 9 and a tension spring 11, which can automatically adjust the distance between the U-shaped frames 502 to adapt to the tightening and compression changes of chain 3 during operation and ensure the smooth operation of the stacker crane.

[0048] Finally, by designing the rollers in the limiting mechanism I5 and the limiting mechanism II6 to be rotatably connected to the corresponding U-shaped frame 502, we successfully reduced the sliding friction between the device and the roller 501. This not only improved the operating efficiency of the chain 3 slewing device, but also significantly extended the service life of the device.

[0049] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A chain rotation device for a stacker crane, comprising a chain (3), wherein sprockets (4) are meshed and driven on the inner side of the chain (3) and connected to it in the left and right axial directions, characterized in that: It also includes a support member (2), a support roller (7) is provided on the upper end of the support member (2), and the support roller (7) is movably connected to the support member (2), and a fixing member (1) is provided on each of the two axial ends of the support roller (7); The support roller (7) is provided with a limiting mechanism I (5) at its lower left and right ends respectively. The limiting mechanism I (5) includes a U-shaped frame (502). A front-to-back axial roller (501) is embedded in the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped frame (502). The roller (501) is rotatably connected to the U-shaped frame (502). The roller (501) abuts against the outer end of the chain (3), and the chain link of the chain (3) is embedded in the U-shaped opening of the U-shaped frame (502); Each of the U-shaped frames (502) is slidably connected to the support member (2). The U-shaped frames (502) move left and right in a straight line relative to the support member (2). Furthermore, an elastic mechanism is provided between two U-shaped frames (502) in the same vertical plane. The two U-shaped frames (502) in the same vertical plane have a tendency to move towards each other through the elastic mechanism.

2. The chain rotation device for a stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic mechanism includes a limiting member (9), which is located on the side of the chain (3) near the support member (2). Furthermore, a tension spring (11) is provided between the limiting member (9) and two U-shaped frames (502) in the same vertical plane. The two axial ends of the tension spring (11) are movably connected to the limiting member (9) and the corresponding U-shaped frame (502), respectively.

3. The chain rotation device for a stacker crane according to claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting member (9) is rotatably connected to the adjusting shaft (8) on the side near the support member (2), and the adjusting shaft (8) is screwed to the support member (2).

4. A chain rotary device for a stacker crane according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the limiting mechanisms I (5) is provided with a limiting mechanism II (6) on its lower side. The limiting mechanism II (6) has the same structure as the limiting mechanism I (5). Furthermore, the U-shaped frame in the limiting mechanism II (6) is fixedly connected to the support member (2). The roller in the limiting mechanism II (6) protrudes from the side corresponding to the U-shaped frame (502) and abuts against the chain link of the chain (3).

5. A chain rotary device for a stacker crane according to claim 4, characterized in that: The U-shaped frame (502) in the limiting mechanism I (5) is rotatably connected to the corresponding roller (501) by a pin (503). The upper end of the limiting mechanism II (6) is fixedly connected to a slide rail (10), and the pin (503) is embedded in the slide rail (10) and slidably connected to the limiting mechanism II (6).

6. The chain rotary device for a stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support roller (7) is rotatably connected to the support member (2) and the fixing member (1), and the support roller (7) is keyed to the sprocket (4).

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