Multi-material distribution system for storage rack

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-material distribution system for a storage rack, which is used for distributing materials at an upstream end to a downstream end, the upstream end is provided with a plurality of brackets, and the plurality of brackets carry the materials through at least one feeding point at the upstream end and then are distributed to the downstream end. And the materials are driven by the two parallel chains to move and pass through a multi-zone storage frame to be supplied to a plurality of discharging points at the downstream end. The multi-zone storage rack comprises a plurality of equipment spaces, each equipment space comprises a material carrying bracket zone, and a plurality of brackets carrying materials pass through the material carrying bracket zone under the driving of a chain; the plurality of brackets passing through the plurality of discharging points are driven by the chain to pass through the empty material bracket area; and the location counterweight mechanism is configured between the material bracket area and the empty bracket area, and the location counterweight mechanism adjusts the lengths of the chains of the material bracket area and the empty bracket area according to the number of the brackets in the material bracket area and the number of the brackets in the empty bracket area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a material distribution system, and more particularly to a storage rack multi-material distribution system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing material distribution systems, the sequential transport of upstream and downstream processes is often carried out using belt conveyor systems.

[0003] When the quantities of materials input and output are balanced between upstream and downstream, material transportation is usually not a problem. However, if the quantities of materials input and output are unbalanced, when upstream supply exceeds downstream demand, materials will overflow the conveying system. Conversely, when upstream supply is less than downstream demand, downstream equipment will experience material shortages and idle operation, making it difficult to control the quantity and timing of materials input and output from both upstream and downstream equipment.

[0004] To solve the above problems, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a storage rack 3 (or buffer device, buffer) is typically configured between the upstream end 1 and the downstream end 2. This storage rack 3 allows for the intake and output of materials transported between the upstream and downstream ends during material transport, balancing the material input and output per unit time to achieve stable supply and demand. The upstream end 1 is equipped with multiple trays D, each tray D hooked at fixed intervals to two corresponding parallel chains Y. Materials from the upstream process are introduced via the conveyor belt V and pushed into the trays D at the inlet point A. The trays D carrying the materials are moved by the chain Y, allowing the next tray to carry continuously fed materials from the upstream.

[0005] Each bracket D, driven by the chain Y, passes through the storage rack 3 and finally reaches the ejection point B. It is then ejected by the ejection mechanism to the discharge point C and finally sent to the downstream process.

[0006] The storage rack 3 can be divided into a material tray area R and an empty material tray area S, with a counterweight mechanism F configured between the two. Figure 2A show Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the counterweight mechanism F.

[0007] When the entire material distribution system only has a feeding action, the counterweight mechanism F and the material support area R will move downward accordingly (e.g., Figure 2B As shown), this allows the storage rack 3 to accommodate a larger number of trays D. When the entire material distribution system only has a discharging action, the counterweight mechanism F and the material tray area R will move upward accordingly (as shown). Figure 2C (As shown). Through the configuration of the counterweight mechanism F, the storage rack 3 is able to absorb and address the issues of inconsistent feeding and discharging times and differences in quantities between the upstream and downstream trays.

[0008] like Figure 2CAs shown, with increased space capacity in the material tray area R and the empty material tray area S, the upstream and downstream processes can tolerate situations where only the upstream end 1 or the downstream end 2 is operating for a certain period of time. Thus, when upstream and downstream processes require replenishment of materials or are interrupted due to individual malfunctions, the upstream and downstream operations will not interact and reduce production efficiency. Production speed control also becomes more relaxed, facilitating production line control and reducing the cost of establishing a control system.

[0009] like Figure 3 As shown, through the configuration of the storage rack 3, the system of this utility model can be planned to include a material distribution system with multiple infeed points A1, A2; multiple ejection points B1, B2; and multiple discharge points C1, C2, thus constructing a system architecture with multiple input and output terminals to achieve the functions of summarization and distribution. Utility Model Content

[0010] Therefore, the main purpose of this utility model is to provide a distribution and transportation system with multiple outlets at irregular intervals using a flexible chain hanger storage rack, in order to solve the problems of accumulated error and timing control difficulties of outlet chains with long intervals on the same chain, thereby reducing wear and extending chain life.

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this utility model provides a multi-stage material distribution system for a storage rack, used to deliver materials from an upstream end to a downstream end. The upstream end is equipped with a plurality of trays. After the trays carry materials through at least one inlet point at the upstream end, they are moved by two parallel chains through a multi-zone storage rack to supply materials to a plurality of outlet points at the downstream end. The multi-zone storage rack includes a plurality of equipment spaces, and each equipment space includes: a loaded tray area, through which the plurality of trays carrying materials pass under the drive of two parallel chains; an empty tray area, through which the plurality of trays after passing the plurality of outlet points pass under the drive of two parallel chains; and a zone counterweight mechanism, disposed between the loaded tray area and the empty tray area, the zone counterweight mechanism adjusting the lengths of the two parallel chains in the loaded tray area and the empty tray area according to the number of trays in the loaded tray area and the number of trays in the empty tray area.

[0012] Among them, the majority of brackets are hooked to the two parallel chains at fixed intervals on both sides.

[0013] In this plurality of equipment spaces, the counterweight mechanism configured in each of the equipment spaces operates independently of each other.

[0014] The plurality of feeding points include a first feeding point and a second feeding point; the plurality of discharging points include a first discharging point, a second discharging point, a third discharging point, and a fourth discharging point; the multi-zone storage rack includes a first equipment space, a second equipment space, a third equipment space, and a fourth equipment space, wherein a first zone counterweight mechanism is configured in the first equipment space, a second zone counterweight mechanism is configured in the second equipment space, a third zone counterweight mechanism is configured in the third equipment space, and a fourth zone counterweight mechanism is configured in the fourth equipment space.

[0015] The first discharge point is located in the first equipment space, the second discharge point is located in the second equipment space, the third discharge point is located in the third equipment space, and the fourth discharge point is located in the fourth equipment space.

[0016] The first equipment space has an infeed-side drive point, which serves as the control point for the movement of the two parallel chains in the first equipment space. The second, third, and fourth equipment spaces each have an outfeed-side drive point, which serves as the control point for the movement of the two parallel chains in the second, third, and fourth equipment spaces, respectively.

[0017] The first discharge point is the first discharge point at the downstream end.

[0018] In terms of performance, this invention features independent buffering, while existing technologies lack this function. The initial discharge time is shorter in this invention, while the initial discharge operation time is longer in existing technologies. The chain under normal load is handled in this invention, while the chain in existing technologies extends rapidly. This invention features individual positioning control, ensuring accurate discharge point positioning, while existing technologies share control for discharge point stop positioning, leading to large cumulative errors. The discharge time point control is flexible and can be used freely, while existing technologies have interconnected discharge time points that cannot be controlled separately. The production efficiency intensity of each distribution point in this invention has less uniformity requirements, while existing technologies have high requirements for uniformity in production efficiency intensity at each distribution point.

[0019] This utility model of a chain storage rack has a centralized single or multiple inlet ports, but the outlet needs to be long, and it can discharge materials at unequal distances and at different times.

[0020] This invention addresses the need for storage racks to be set up over long distances when high-volume front-end process equipment is used to distribute materials to multiple downstream process settings, and the conveying system is difficult to turn during the conveying process.

[0021] Each discharge port has an independent segment chain, with independent infeed and discharge driving power, independent positioning control of each discharge port chain, and independent storage buffer space for each discharge port.

[0022] The specific technology used in this utility model will be further explained through the following embodiments and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 Display a configuration diagram of a material distribution system in the prior art;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a prior art material distribution system is shown;

[0025] Figure 2A show Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the counterweight mechanism;

[0026] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of the operation of a material distribution system in the prior art. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 2C A schematic diagram of the operation of a material distribution system in the prior art. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 3 This diagram shows a material distribution system with multiple infeed and discharge points in the prior art.

[0029] Figure 4 This diagram shows a multi-material distribution system for a storage rack according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4A This diagram illustrates the operation of the storage rack multi-material distribution system of this utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 4B This diagram illustrates the operation of the storage rack multi-material distribution system of this utility model. Figure 2 ; Figure 4C This diagram illustrates the operation of the storage rack multi-material distribution system of this utility model. Figure 3 ; Figure 4D This diagram illustrates the operation of the storage rack multi-material distribution system of this utility model. Figure 4 ; Figure 4E The fifth diagram shows the operation of the storage rack multi-material distribution system of this utility model.

[0031] [Explanation of Figure Markers]:

[0032] 1. Upstream end;

[0033] 2. Downstream end;

[0034] 3. Storage rack;

[0035] 4. Multi-zone storage racks;

[0036] 41. First equipment space;

[0037] 42. Second equipment space;

[0038] 43. Third equipment space;

[0039] 44. Fourth equipment space;

[0040] A. Feed point;

[0041] B. Push point;

[0042] C. Discharge point;

[0043] A1, First feed point;

[0044] A2, Second feed point;

[0045] C1, First discharge point;

[0046] C2, Second discharge point;

[0047] C3, Third discharge point;

[0048] C4, Fourth discharge point;

[0049] D. Bracket;

[0050] G. Configuration location;

[0051] R, Material rack area;

[0052] R1, First Material Support Area;

[0053] R2, Second Material Carrier Area;

[0054] R3, Third Material Support Area;

[0055] R4, Fourth Material Support Area;

[0056] S, Empty material tray area;

[0057] S1, First Empty Material Support Area;

[0058] S2, Second Empty Material Support Area;

[0059] S3, Third Empty Material Support Area;

[0060] S4, Fourth Empty Material Support Area;

[0061] F. Counterweight mechanism;

[0062] F1, First-position counterweight mechanism;

[0063] F2, Second-zone counterweight mechanism;

[0064] F3, Third-zone counterweight mechanism;

[0065] F4, Fourth Zone Counterweight Mechanism;

[0066] M, feed-side drive point;

[0067] N, N1, N2, N3, N4, discharge side drive point;

[0068] V. Conveyor belt;

[0069] Y, chain. Detailed Implementation

[0070] See Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic of the multi-material distribution system of the storage rack of this utility model, which includes multiple inlet points (first inlet point A1, second inlet point A2), a multi-zone storage rack 4, and multiple outlet points (first outlet point C1, second outlet point C2, third outlet point C3, and fourth outlet point C4). The multi-zone storage rack 4 includes multiple equipment spaces (first equipment space 41, second equipment space 42, third equipment space 43, and fourth equipment space 44), with the first outlet point C1 located in the first equipment space 41, the second outlet point C2 located in the second equipment space 42, the third outlet point C3 located in the third equipment space 43, and the fourth outlet point C4 located in the fourth equipment space 44.

[0071] A first-position counterweight mechanism F1 is configured between the first loaded material tray area R1 and the first empty material tray area S1 in the first equipment space 41. A second-position counterweight mechanism F2 is configured between the second loaded material tray area R2 and the second empty material tray area S2 in the second equipment space 42. A third-position counterweight mechanism F3 is configured between the third loaded material tray area R3 and the third empty material tray area S3 in the third equipment space 43. A fourth-position counterweight mechanism F4 is configured between the fourth loaded material tray area R4 and the fourth empty material tray area S4 in the fourth equipment space 44.

[0072] like Figure 4A As shown, when only the first infeed point A1 and the second infeed point A2 are feeding in the material distribution system of this utility model, and none of the discharge points C1, C2, C3, and C4 are discharging, the number of brackets D in the first material-containing bracket area R1 increases, and the number of brackets in the first empty material-containing bracket area S1 decreases. Therefore, the first area counterweight mechanism F1 descends. At this time, the chain Y of the first material-containing bracket area R1 extends while the chain of the first empty material-containing bracket area S1 shortens, thereby adjusting and balancing the chain lengths of the first material-containing bracket area R1 and the first empty material-containing bracket area S1.

[0073] like Figure 4BAs shown, when there is no feeding action at the first feed point A1 and the second feed point A2 in the system, and only the first discharge point C1 has a discharge action, the chain Y in the first material-loaded bracket area R1 shortens while the chain in the second material-loaded bracket area R2 lengthens. This causes the chain in the second empty material-loaded bracket area S2 to shorten. The excess chain length generated by the shortening of the chain in the second empty material-loaded bracket area S2 flows to the first empty material-loaded bracket area S1, causing the first zone counterweight mechanism F1 to rise. The adjustment of the chain lengths in the first material-loaded bracket area R1, the second material-loaded bracket area R2, the second empty material-loaded bracket area S2, and the first empty material-loaded bracket area S1 reaches a balance.

[0074] like Figure 4C As shown, when only the second discharge point C2 in the system has a discharge action, the chain Y in the second material-loaded bracket area R2 flows to the third material-loaded bracket area R3. Therefore, the third-zone counterweight mechanism F3 descends, the chain in the third empty material bracket area S3 shortens, and the excess chain length flows to the second empty material bracket area S2, causing the second-zone counterweight mechanism F2 to rise accordingly. The adjustment of the chain lengths in the second material-loaded bracket area R2, the third material-loaded bracket area R3, the third empty material bracket area S3, and the second empty material bracket area S2 reaches a balance.

[0075] like Figure 4D As shown, when only the third discharge point C3 in the system has a discharge action, the chain Y of the third material-loaded bracket area R3 flows to the fourth material-loaded bracket area R4, the fourth zone counterweight mechanism F4 descends, the chain of the fourth empty material bracket area S4 shortens, and the chain length flows to the third empty material bracket area S3, causing the third zone counterweight mechanism F3 to rise accordingly. In this way, the adjustment of the chain lengths of the third material-loaded bracket area R3, the fourth material-loaded bracket area R4, the fourth empty material bracket area S4, and the third empty material bracket area S3 simultaneously reaches a balance.

[0076] Figure 4C and Figure 4D The actions shown are the same; that is, even if more discharge points are added, the chain discharge action will only repeat as shown. Figure 4C and Figure 4D The actions shown are the same; only partial actions are required.

[0077] like Figure 4E As shown, when only the last fourth discharge point C4 in the system has a discharge action, the chain of the fourth material support area R4 flows to the fourth discharge point C4. At this time, the chain of the fourth material support area R4 shortens, while the chain of the fourth empty material support area S4 extends, causing the fourth zone counterweight mechanism F4 to rise.

[0078] Figure 4DThe five nodes—infeed-side drive point M and discharge-side drive points N1, N2, N3, and N4—serve as control points for the chain movement in each zone. When a control point stops, the chain does not flow backward from that point. The remaining sprockets in the system are free idlers, allowing the chain to flow freely through the counterweight mechanisms F1, F2, F3, and F4 in each zone to maintain stable tension. The system will only stop the corresponding feeding or discharging action when the counterweight mechanisms F1, F2, F3, and F4 reach their vertical spatial limits.

[0079] With the addition of a counterweight mechanism for independent chain tension at each discharge end in this embodiment, the actions of each part are independent and unrestricted. That is, the feeding and discharging of each part can operate independently without linkage. During operation, only a short section of the chain moves, reducing chain pulling due to malfunctions and minimizing chain wear caused by accumulated load, thus extending service life.

[0080] At the same time, because each discharge station has its own independent counterweight mechanism to buffer the discharge station's push-out stop position, it can be independently detected and set, and the material rack stop height and the receiving conveyor belt height can be precisely coordinated and controlled.

[0081] The feeding time of each discharge station does not need to be uniform. The discharge point of the first downstream process equipment (i.e., the first discharge point C1) and the first material tray area R1 are also shorter than the existing ones, reducing the initial start-up and operation waiting time.

[0082] This embodiment of the invention operates similarly to existing multi-station material distribution systems. When a material tray reaches the first discharge point, it is pushed out and supplied to downstream process equipment at the first station. During the process, excess material flows to subsequent stations for distribution. While the drive control of these downstream stations also needs to operate simultaneously, in this embodiment, the operation of each station does not need to be synchronized.

[0083] Existing systems lack buffer design and require synchronous operation, making control difficult. During discharge, the discharge-side chains must operate simultaneously, resulting in excessive chain length and heavy load. If supplemented with intermediate power drive, torque control becomes difficult, and chain wear is accelerated. Furthermore, in existing systems, the chains at each discharge station lack intermediate buffer and must move synchronously, requiring downstream processes to synchronize their timing, thus limiting operational flexibility.

[0084] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the structural design of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art may modify and vary the above embodiments based on the structural design and spirit of this utility model, provided that such modifications still fall within the spirit of this utility model and the patent scope defined above. Therefore, the scope of protection of this utility model should be as listed in the aforementioned patent application claims.

Claims

1. A storage rack multiple material distribution system for distributing materials from an upstream end to a downstream end, wherein the upstream end is provided with a plurality of carriers, the plurality of carriers carrying the materials through at least one feeding point of the upstream end and being moved by two parallel chains through a multi-zone storage rack to a plurality of discharging points of the downstream end; characterized in that: the multi-zone storage rack comprises a plurality of equipment spaces, which are located adjacent to each other at the upstream end, and each of the equipment spaces comprises: a carrier-with-material zone, through which the plurality of carriers carrying the materials are moved under the driving of the two parallel chains; a carrier-without-material zone, through which the plurality of carriers after the plurality of discharging points are moved under the driving of the two parallel chains; a zone counterweight mechanism, which is arranged between the carrier-with-material zone and the carrier-without-material zone, and adjusts the lengths of the two parallel chains of the carrier-with-material zone and the carrier-without-material zone according to the number of carriers in the carrier-with-material zone and the number of carriers in the carrier-without-material zone.

2. The storage rack multiple material dispensing system of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of carriers are respectively hooked on the two parallel chains in a fixed distance mode.

3. The storage rack multiple material dispensing system of claim 1, wherein, The zone counterweight mechanisms arranged in each of the plurality of equipment spaces act independently of each other.

4. The storage rack multiple material distribution system according to claim 1, wherein: the plurality of feeding points comprises a first feeding point and a second feeding point; the plurality of discharging points comprises a first discharging point, a second discharging point, a third discharging point and a fourth discharging point; the multi-zone storage rack comprises a first equipment space, a second equipment space, a third equipment space and a fourth equipment space, and a first zone counterweight mechanism is arranged in the first equipment space, a second zone counterweight mechanism is arranged in the second equipment space, a third zone counterweight mechanism is arranged in the third equipment space, and a fourth zone counterweight mechanism is arranged in the fourth equipment space.

5. The storage rack multiple material dispensing system of claim 4, wherein, The first discharging point is arranged in the first equipment space, the second discharging point is arranged in the second equipment space, the third discharging point is arranged in the third equipment space, and the fourth discharging point is arranged in the fourth equipment space.

6. The storage rack multiple material dispensing system of claim 4, wherein, The first equipment space has a feeding side driving point as a control point of the two parallel chains of the first equipment space, and the second equipment space, the third equipment space and the fourth equipment space each have a discharging side driving point as a control point of the two parallel chains of the second equipment space, the third equipment space and the fourth equipment space, respectively.

7. The storage rack multiple material dispensing system of claim 4, wherein, The first discharging point is the first discharging point of the downstream end.

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