Aluminum ingot carrying device
By improving the design of the gripper assembly, and utilizing the combination of eccentric shaft, anti-slip protrusions and spring top column, the problem of unstable clamping during aluminum ingot handling was solved, achieving safe and stable handling of aluminum ingots and improving production efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing aluminum ingot handling equipment suffers from problems such as size mismatch, unstable friction, and unstable clamping due to vibration, which affect production efficiency and safety.
The design employs a gripper assembly, including an eccentric shaft and anti-slip protrusions, combined with a linear drive mechanism and spring-loaded top column, to achieve adaptive clamping adjustment, ensuring the stability and safety of aluminum ingots during handling.
It improves the stability and safety of aluminum ingot clamping, reduces the risk of falling, and enhances production efficiency and safety.
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Figure CN223973380U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aluminum ingot production technology, and specifically to an aluminum ingot handling device. Background Technology
[0002] As a basic raw material, the handling of aluminum ingots is a crucial step in the production process, directly impacting production efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. With the continuous development of the aluminum industry, the demand for aluminum ingot handling is increasing, and traditional handling methods are gradually revealing many drawbacks.
[0003] With the gradual promotion of automation technology, some companies have begun to introduce semi-automatic handling equipment. However, these existing semi-automatic devices still have serious shortcomings in aluminum ingot clamping. On the one hand, conventional gripper structures are simply designed, often relying on a single opening and closing action to grasp aluminum ingots, which cannot adapt to subtle changes in the size of the ingots. Due to differences in processes during production, the dimensions of aluminum ingots may have a certain tolerance range. When the gripper and the size of the ingot do not match, the clamping is prone to failure, causing the ingot to fall during handling.
[0004] On the other hand, during handling, the surface condition of the aluminum ingot itself and the vibration of the handling equipment can also affect the stability of the clamping. The surface of the aluminum ingot may have oil stains, oxide layers, etc., making its surface friction unstable, and traditional grippers are difficult to adjust accordingly. Furthermore, once the handling equipment vibrates during operation, conventional grippers cannot effectively cushion the impact, and the aluminum ingot is very likely to slip out of the gripper's control, further increasing the handling risks. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model discloses an aluminum ingot handling device.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses an aluminum ingot handling device, comprising: a gantry frame; and a gripper assembly mounted on the gantry frame. The gripper assembly includes two opposing gripping blocks, with slots formed on opposite sides of the two gripping blocks. The two gripping blocks are respectively connected to a linear drive mechanism mounted on a crossbeam, allowing the two gripping blocks to move closer or further apart under the drive of the linear drive mechanism. An eccentric shaft is rotatably mounted on the lower outer end of the slot, and the rotation of the eccentric shaft can assist in adjusting the gripping state of the aluminum ingot.
[0007] An upper roller is rotatably mounted on the upper side of the slot corresponding to the eccentric shaft. The upper roller is used to reduce the friction between the aluminum ingot and the upper side of the slot when clamping the aluminum ingot, so as to facilitate the aluminum ingot entering and exiting the slot.
[0008] Multiple upper rollers are provided, and the multiple upper rollers are evenly arranged along the inner side of the slot to further ensure the smooth movement of the aluminum ingot in the slot and evenly distribute the friction between the aluminum ingot and the slot.
[0009] Multiple anti-slip protrusions are provided at both ends of the eccentric shaft. The anti-slip protrusions are used to increase the friction between the eccentric shaft and the aluminum ingot when they come into contact, so as to prevent the aluminum ingot from slipping during transportation.
[0010] Top columns are respectively provided on both sides of the clamping block on the crossbeam. The top columns are slidably disposed in the crossbeam in the vertical direction, and springs are provided on the bottom side of the top columns and the crossbeam. The springs act on the top columns. During the handling of aluminum ingots, when there is slight shaking or unevenness of the aluminum ingots, the top columns can adaptively adjust their positions under the action of the springs to help stabilize the aluminum ingots and ensure the stability of the handling.
[0011] In this embodiment of the aluminum ingot handling device, the two gripping blocks in the gripper assembly can quickly move closer or further apart under the precise drive of the linear drive mechanism, achieving rapid gripping and release of aluminum ingots. The center of gravity of the eccentric shaft in the gripper assembly is set downwards, and the top of the eccentric shaft contacts the aluminum ingot. As the gripping blocks move closer together, the eccentric shaft rotates on the lower surface of the aluminum ingot, further clamping the ingot and improving gripping stability. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the aluminum ingot handling device in the embodiments of this application;
[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the eccentric shaft in an embodiment of this application;
[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the eccentric shaft in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0015] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" used in the following description refer to the directions in the accompanying drawings, and the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.
[0016] Example 1: As Figure 1-3As shown, an aluminum ingot handling device includes: a gantry frame 1; and a gripper assembly 2 mounted on the gantry frame 1. The gripper assembly 2 includes two opposing gripping blocks 21. The opposing sides of the two gripping blocks 21 are provided with slots 211. The two gripping blocks 21 are respectively connected to a linear drive mechanism 4 mounted on a crossbeam 3, so that the two gripping blocks 21 can move closer or further apart under the drive of the linear drive mechanism 4. An eccentric shaft 212 is rotatably mounted on the lower outer end of the slot 211. The rotation of the eccentric shaft 212 can help adjust the gripping state of the aluminum ingot.
[0017] The gripper assembly 2 is installed below the crossbeam 3 of the gantry frame 1. Two opposing grippers 21 achieve relative movement through connection with the linear drive mechanism 4. The linear drive mechanism 4 can be an electric push rod. The main body of the electric push rod is fixed to the crossbeam 3 by bolts, and its extension rod is rigidly connected to the corresponding gripper 21 to ensure that the driving force can be transmitted stably and efficiently. This allows the grippers 21 to move closer or further apart accurately under the extension and retraction of the electric push rod, meeting the gripping requirements of aluminum ingots of different sizes.
[0018] The slot 211 is located on the opposite side of the clamping block 21. The shape of the slot 211 is optimized based on the common outline of aluminum ingots, forming an arc-shaped groove. Its depth and width ensure that most of the aluminum ingot is embedded within it when clamped, providing initial positioning and clamping support, effectively preventing horizontal displacement of the aluminum ingot. The inner wall of the slot 211 is lined with rubber, which not only prevents scratching the surface of the aluminum ingot but also further increases the friction between the slot and the ingot, aiding in fixing the ingot.
[0019] The eccentric shaft 212 is rotatably mounted on the lower outer side of the slot 211 via bearings. There is a certain eccentricity between the axis of the eccentric shaft 212 and the bottom surface of the slot 211. This eccentricity is precisely set according to the adjustment requirements during the actual aluminum ingot handling process. After the gripper assembly 2 initially clamps the aluminum ingot, the center of gravity of the eccentric shaft 212 is set downwards, and the top of the eccentric shaft 212 contacts the aluminum ingot. As the clamping blocks 21 move closer together, the eccentric shaft 212 rotates on the lower surface of the aluminum ingot, further clamping the ingot to improve clamping stability.
[0020] Multiple anti-slip protrusions 2121 are provided at both ends of the eccentric shaft 212. These protrusions increase the friction between the eccentric shaft 212 and the aluminum ingot, preventing the ingot from slipping during handling. The anti-slip protrusions 2121 are evenly distributed at both ends of the eccentric shaft 212 and are made of rubber, possessing a certain degree of elastic deformation capability. When the eccentric shaft 212 contacts the aluminum ingot, the anti-slip protrusions 2121 can closely conform to the tiny uneven textures on the surface of the aluminum ingot, increasing the contact area and friction.
[0021] When aluminum ingots need to be moved, the control device drives the linear drive mechanism 4 to retract, the two clamping blocks 21 move closer to each other, and the slots 211 align with both sides of the aluminum ingot until the clamping blocks 21 contact the aluminum ingot and initially clamp it in the slots 211. After the aluminum ingot is reliably clamped, the aluminum ingot is transported to the designated position by the moving mechanism of the gantry 1 (such as rollers installed on the ground track, driven by a motor to move the gantry 1 forward, backward, left, and right). During the transport process, due to the stable clamping of the gripper assembly 2 and the anti-slip effect of the eccentric shaft 212 and the anti-slip protrusions 2121, the aluminum ingot can be transported safely and smoothly, avoiding the risk of falling. After reaching the designated unloading position, the control device extends the linear drive mechanism 4, the two clamping blocks 21 move away from each other, release the clamping of the aluminum ingot, and the eccentric shaft 212 returns to its initial angle, completing one aluminum ingot transport operation.
[0022] Example 2: As Figure 2 As shown, an upper roller 213 is rotatably mounted on the upper side of the slot 211 corresponding to the eccentric shaft 212. The upper roller 213 is used to reduce the friction between the aluminum ingot and the upper side of the slot 211 when clamping the aluminum ingot, facilitating the entry and exit of the aluminum ingot from the slot 211. When the aluminum ingot approaches the gripper assembly 2 and gradually enters the slot 211, the upper surface of the aluminum ingot first contacts the upper roller 213. Due to the rolling characteristics of the upper roller 213, the aluminum ingot can smoothly slide into the depth of the slot 211 with almost no additional resistance.
[0023] Multiple upper rollers 213 are provided, and the multiple upper rollers 213 are evenly arranged along the inner side of the slot 211 to further ensure the smooth movement of the aluminum ingot in the slot 211 and evenly distribute the friction between the aluminum ingot and the slot 211.
[0024] Example 3: As Figure 2As shown, top posts 31 are respectively provided on both sides of the crossbeam 3 corresponding to the clamping block 21. The top posts 31 are slidably disposed in the crossbeam 3 in the vertical direction, and springs 32 are provided on the bottom side of the top posts 31 and the crossbeam 3. The springs 32 act on the top posts 31. During the handling of aluminum ingots, when there is slight shaking or unevenness of the aluminum ingots, the top posts 31 can adaptively adjust their positions under the action of the springs 32 to help stabilize the aluminum ingots and ensure the stability of handling.
[0025] In the specific design, the crossbeam 3 adopts a hollow structure, with vertical guide holes machined on both sides corresponding to the positions of the clamping blocks 21. The inner diameter of the guide holes is clearance-fitted with the outer diameter of the top column 31, ensuring that the top column 31 can slide smoothly up and down vertically within the guide holes without jamming. A circular limiting boss is designed at the top of the top column 31, with a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the guide hole, to prevent the top column 31 from detaching upwards from the guide hole. Simultaneously, a groove for installing the spring 32 is machined at the bottom of the top column 31. The depth and diameter of the groove are adapted to the specifications of the spring 32, ensuring that the spring 32 can be stably installed within it and in close contact with the top column 31, effectively transmitting elastic force.
[0026] When the gripper assembly 2 begins to grasp the aluminum ingot, the top post 31 is initially extended under the elastic force of the spring 32, slightly protruding downwards from the lower surface of the crossbeam 3. As the clamping block 21 gradually approaches and clamps the aluminum ingot, the upper surface of the ingot first contacts the top post 31. Since the top post 31 can slide freely in the vertical direction, the slight pressure of the aluminum ingot on the top post 31 will cause the top post 31 to overcome the elastic force of the spring 32 and retract upwards a short distance, and the spring 32 will be further compressed accordingly. During this process, the top post 31 will automatically adjust its position according to the actual shape and height of the aluminum ingot to ensure good contact with the upper surface of the aluminum ingot, laying the foundation for subsequent stabilization of the aluminum ingot.
[0027] The aluminum ingot is gripped by the gripper assembly 2 and transport begins. If the aluminum ingot experiences slight swaying or unevenness due to vibrations from the transport equipment, uneven road surfaces, or minor differences in the ingot's shape, the top post 31 can perform its crucial adaptive adjustment function. For example, when one side of the aluminum ingot tilts upward slightly, the pressure on the corresponding top post 31 decreases, and the spring 32 uses its elasticity to push the top post 31 downward, making it re-closely contact the upper surface of the aluminum ingot, applying a downward stabilizing force to prevent further swaying. Conversely, if one side of the aluminum ingot sinks, the pressure on the top post 31 increases, causing it to retract upward, and the spring 32 further compresses, similarly providing cushioning and stabilization. Through the coordinated work of the two top posts 31, the swaying and unevenness of the aluminum ingot can be continuously and dynamically adjusted, ensuring that the aluminum ingot remains relatively stable throughout the entire transport process.
[0028] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. An aluminum ingot handling device, characterized in that, Include: Gantry (1); installed on the gantry (1) jaw assembly (2), the jaw assembly (2) includes two oppositely arranged clamping blocks (21), two clamping blocks (21) are oppositely arranged on the clamping block (21), two clamping blocks (21) are respectively connected with the linear drive mechanism (4) installed on the crossbeam (3), so that two clamping blocks (21) can be driven by the linear drive mechanism (4) to approach or move away from each other, the outer side of the clamping block (21) is rotatably installed with an eccentric shaft (212), which can assist in adjusting the clamping state of the aluminum ingot by rotating the eccentric shaft (212).
2. The aluminum ingot handling device of claim 1, wherein The upper side of the clamping groove (211) is rotatably installed with an upper roller (213) corresponding to the eccentric shaft (212), which is used to reduce the friction between the aluminum ingot and the upper side of the clamping groove (211) when clamping the aluminum ingot, facilitating the aluminum ingot to enter and exit the clamping groove (211).
3. The aluminum ingot handling apparatus of claim 2, wherein The upper roller (213) is provided with a plurality of upper rollers (213), and the plurality of upper rollers (213) are uniformly arranged along the inner side of the clamping groove (211), so as to further ensure the smoothness of the aluminum ingot moving in the clamping groove (211), and evenly distribute the friction between the aluminum ingot and the clamping groove (211).
4. The aluminum ingot handling apparatus of claim 1, wherein The two ends of the eccentric shaft (212) are respectively provided with a plurality of anti-skid protrusions (2121), which are used to increase the friction when the eccentric shaft (212) contacts the aluminum ingot, and prevent the aluminum ingot from slipping during the handling process.
5. The aluminum ingot handling apparatus of claim 1 wherein, The crossbeam (3) is provided with a top column (31) corresponding to the two sides of the clamping block (21), the top column (31) is vertically arranged in the crossbeam (3), and the top column (31) and the lower side of the crossbeam (3) are provided with a spring (32), the spring (32) acts on the top column (31), when the aluminum ingot is slightly shaken or uneven during the handling process, the top column (31) can adaptively adjust the position under the action of the spring (32), assist in stabilizing the aluminum ingot, and ensure the stability of the handling.