Truss unstacker
By designing a truss destacking machine, utilizing a PLC control system and a reasonable conveyor line layout, the problems of complex structure and difficult maintenance of existing equipment were solved, achieving efficient and low-cost automated destacking operation, and improving production efficiency and equipment applicability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing automated depalletizing equipment has a complex structure and low system integration, resulting in unstable operation, high equipment cost and complex maintenance, making it difficult to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.
A truss destacking machine was designed, including an input device, a lifting device, a suction device, and an output device. It achieves full automation through a PLC control system, and adopts a reasonable conveyor layout and flexible suction device operation to reduce equipment complexity and maintenance difficulty.
It achieves a high degree of automation and precise control, improves the accuracy and stability of destacking operations, reduces equipment procurement and maintenance costs, and enhances production efficiency and equipment applicability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224076597U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an automatic destacking device, specifically a truss destacking machine. Background Technology
[0002] In modern industrial production, stacked bagged products require depalletizing before being shipped out or transferred. Conventional methods rely on manual labor, which is not only labor-intensive but also extremely inefficient. Prolonged, strenuous depalletizing work easily leads to fatigue, operational errors, and disruptions to the continuity and accuracy of the production process, severely hindering efficiency improvements and capacity expansion. Alternatively, products can be directly pushed onto conveyors, resulting in low efficiency and high labor costs. Automated depalletizing devices are also used, but their high purchase cost and complex maintenance also impact efficiency.
[0003] With the continuous advancement of technology, automatic depalletizing technology has gradually emerged, and some equipment for depalletizing bagged materials has appeared on the market. However, existing automatic depalletizing equipment generally suffers from complex structures and low system integration. Insufficient coordination between multiple functional modules leads to overall instability and frequent malfunctions. Moreover, the complex structure results in high manufacturing costs, and subsequent maintenance requires professional technicians and incurs substantial expenses, which is undoubtedly a heavy burden for many small and medium-sized enterprises. Therefore, developing a simple, fast, low-cost, and easy-to-maintain automatic depalletizing device for bagged materials has become an urgent problem to be solved in the field of automatic depalletizing technology. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to address this issue. This device utilizes multiple modules working together to achieve automatic unpacking of bagged products. The overall system is simple, fast, low-cost, and easy to maintain.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a truss destacking machine, comprising a truss, wherein an input device, a lifting device, a suction device, and an output device are provided on the truss;
[0006] The input device includes a heavy-duty conveyor line for conveying pallets before destacking and empty pallets after destacking, wherein bagged materials are placed on the pallets before destacking.
[0007] The lifting device includes a lifting frame, which is located below the conveying surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line. When the lifting frame is raised, it lifts the material pallet.
[0008] The suction device includes a truss suction device, which is used to suction bagged materials. The truss suction device can move longitudinally or laterally and transfer the bagged materials to the output device.
[0009] The output device includes a light-load conveyor line for conveying bagged materials after depalletizing.
[0010] To further optimize this utility model, the following technical solutions may be preferred:
[0011] Preferably, the input device, lifting device, suction device, and output device are all connected to the PLC control system through control elements.
[0012] Preferably, the lifting frame includes a base frame and a lifting platform. The base frame is mounted on a truss, and the lifting platform is connected to the base frame via a lifting scissor device. When the lifting platform is at a low position, the supporting surface of the lifting platform is lower than the conveying surface of the input device. When the lifting platform is at a high position, the supporting surface of the lifting platform is higher than the conveying surface of the input device.
[0013] Preferably, the truss is further provided with a longitudinal running device and a transverse running device at the position corresponding to the truss suction device, and the longitudinal running device and the transverse running device respectively drive the truss suction device to perform longitudinal running and transverse running.
[0014] Preferably, the truss suction device includes a suction frame mounted on a truss, a suction cup mounted on the suction frame, and a lifting cylinder positioned between the suction frame and the suction cup. The lifting cylinder drives the suction cup to suck up the bagged material downwards and lift it up.
[0015] Preferably, the heavy-duty conveyor line and the light-duty conveyor line are arranged side by side, and the conveying surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line is lower than that of the light-duty conveyor line.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0017] (1) High degree of automation and precise control: The input device, lifting device, suction device and output device are all connected to the PLC control system through control elements, so that the entire destacking process is highly automated. The PLC control system can precisely control the operation of each device, which greatly improves the accuracy and stability of the destacking operation, reduces manual intervention, reduces human error, and thus significantly improves production efficiency.
[0018] (2) Highly efficient lifting structure design: The lifting frame adopts a structure in which the base frame and the lifting platform are connected by a lifting scissor device. When the lifting platform is at a low position, its supporting surface is lower than the conveying surface of the input device, which does not hinder the normal conveying of pallets before and after destacking by the heavy-duty conveyor line; while when the lifting platform is raised to a high position, the supporting surface is higher than the conveying surface of the input device, which can stably lift the material pallet, making it convenient for the suction device to operate. This design ensures the stability and efficiency of the lifting process, and the structure is compact and occupies little space.
[0019] (3) Flexible suction device operation: The longitudinal and transverse running devices installed on the truss drive the truss suction device to move longitudinally and laterally, respectively, enabling it to flexibly suck up and transfer bagged materials at different positions. The truss suction device itself uses a lifting cylinder to drive the suction cup to suck up the bagged materials downwards and lift them up, further improving the flexibility and accuracy of the suction operation. It can adapt to the destacking needs of bagged materials at different stacking heights and positions, greatly enhancing the applicability of the equipment.
[0020] (4) Rational conveyor layout: Heavy-duty and light-duty conveyor lines are arranged side by side, with the conveying surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line lower than that of the light-duty conveyor line. This layout design facilitates the efficient flow of pallets before depalletizing, empty pallets after depalletizing, and bagged materials after depalletizing on different conveyor lines. The heavy-duty conveyor line is responsible for carrying heavier pallets, and the lower conveying surface facilitates the loading and unloading of materials and the operation of the lifting frame; the light-duty conveyor line is used to transport lighter bagged materials, and the higher conveying surface facilitates connection with other subsequent equipment, optimizing the overall process flow and improving the continuity of production.
[0021] (5) Equipment Cost and Maintenance Advantages: The overall structure of this utility model is reasonably designed, and the various devices work together efficiently and smoothly. While achieving automated depalletizing, it avoids complex and expensive equipment construction. Compared with some automated depalletizing equipment on the market with similar functions but complex structures, it reduces equipment procurement costs. At the same time, because the structure of each device is clear and the connection is simple, technicians can quickly locate and solve problems during later maintenance, greatly reducing maintenance difficulty and costs, and providing a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the enterprise. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the truss destacking machine;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting device in this truss destacking machine;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the stacking status of bagged materials.
[0025] Figure 4This is a front view structural diagram of the truss destacking machine;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the truss destacking machine.
[0027] The components include: 1. Bagged materials; 2. Heavy-duty conveyor line; 3. Lifting frame; 4. Truss suction device; 5. Light-duty conveyor line; 6. Pallets;
[0028] 401. Longitudinal running device; 402. Lateral running device; 403. Suction device; 404. Lifting cylinder.
[0029] 301. Base frame; 302. Lifting scissor device; 303. Hydraulic cylinder; 304. Lifting platform. Detailed Implementation
[0030] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] Example 1:
[0033] like Figure 1-5 As shown, a truss depalletizer includes a truss on which an input device, a lifting device, a suction device, and an output device are mounted. The input device includes a heavy-duty conveyor line 2 for conveying pallets before depalletizing and empty pallets after depalletizing. The pallets before depalletizing are loaded with bagged materials 1. The lifting device includes a lifting frame 3 installed below the conveying surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line. When the lifting frame is raised, it lifts the material pallet. The suction device includes a truss suction device 4 for suctioning the bagged materials. The truss suction device 4 can move longitudinally or laterally and transfer the bagged materials to the output device. The output device includes a light-duty conveyor line 5 for conveying the bagged materials 1 after depalletizing.
[0034] In a preferred implementation, the input device, lifting device, suction device, and output device are all connected to the PLC control system via control elements; each device is connected to the PLC control system through control elements, achieving full automation. The PLC system can precisely control the operation of each device according to a preset program, from the heavy-duty conveyor line conveying pallets, to the lifting frame lifting the material pallets, and then to the suction device transferring the material to the light-duty conveyor line, without much manual intervention throughout the process. This greatly reduces human error, ensures the accuracy and stability of depalletizing operations, and significantly improves production efficiency. For example, in large-scale depalletizing of bagged materials, it can operate continuously and efficiently according to a set rhythm, avoiding efficiency fluctuations caused by fatigue and other factors during manual depalletizing.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the lifting frame includes a base frame 301 and a lifting platform 304. The base frame is mounted on a truss, and the lifting platform is connected to the base frame via a lifting scissor device 302. The driving source for the lifting scissor device is a hydraulic cylinder 303. When the lifting platform 304 is at its low position, its support surface is lower than the conveying surface of the input device; when the lifting platform is at its high position, its support surface is higher than the conveying surface of the input device. The lifting frame adopts a structure in which the base frame and the lifting platform are connected via the lifting scissor device. At the low position, the lifting platform does not obstruct the normal conveying of pallets by the heavy-duty conveyor line, ensuring smooth input. At the high position, it can stably lift the material pallet, providing good operating conditions for the suction device. The design of the lifting scissor device makes the lifting process smooth and the power transmission efficient, adaptable to the lifting needs of material pallets of different weights, and has a compact structure, occupying little space, allowing for flexible operation even in limited work areas.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, a longitudinal running device 401 and a transverse running device 402 are also installed on the truss corresponding to the truss suction device 4. The longitudinal running device 401 and the transverse running device 402 drive the truss suction device to move longitudinally and laterally, respectively. The longitudinal and transverse running devices on the truss give the truss suction device flexible positioning capabilities. It can accurately locate bagged materials at different positions, and in conjunction with the lifting cylinder on the suction frame to drive the suction cups, the suction action can be flexibly adjusted according to the height of the material. Whether the bagged materials are at the bottom or top, they can be accurately sucked up and transferred to the light-load conveyor line, greatly enhancing the equipment's adaptability to bagged materials with different stacking layouts and improving the versatility of destacking operations.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the truss suction device 4 includes a suction frame installed on a truss, a suction cup installed on the suction frame, and a lifting cylinder 403 installed between the suction frame and the suction cup. The lifting cylinder drives the suction cup to suck up the bagged material downward and lift it up.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment, heavy-duty and light-duty conveyor lines are arranged side-by-side, with the conveying surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line lower than that of the light-duty conveyor line. The side-by-side arrangement of the heavy-duty and light-duty conveyor lines with a reasonable height difference design facilitates forklift loading and unloading of pallets and operation of lifting racks; the higher conveying surface of the light-duty conveyor line facilitates connection with subsequent equipment, simplifying the material flow process. This layout clearly defines the conveying paths for pallets before depalletizing, empty pallets after depalletizing, and bagged materials, reducing detours and waiting time during material transport and improving the overall continuity and smoothness of production.
[0039] The operating principle of this device is as follows:
[0040] ① Equipment Installation and Commissioning: Securely install the truss according to the pre-planned work site layout, ensuring its installation position meets the collaborative operation requirements of the heavy-duty conveyor line, light-duty conveyor line, and lifting frame, and that the truss can withstand various forces generated during the entire equipment operation. Precisely install the longitudinal and lateral running devices at the corresponding positions on the truss. During installation, the running track must be strictly calibrated to ensure that the straightness and levelness errors of the track are controlled within a minimal range, ensuring that the subsequent suction device runs smoothly on the track without jamming or offset. Use high-precision measuring instruments to test the track installation accuracy, and fix it in place after passing the test.
[0041] To install the lifting frame, first securely fix the base frame to the designated position at the bottom of the truss using high-strength bolts. Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench to the specified torque value to ensure a secure and reliable connection. Next, install the lifting scissor device and the lifting platform. During installation, clean and lubricate all moving joints of the lifting scissor device, applying an appropriate amount of high-performance grease to ensure smooth joint movement. When debugging the lifting frame, control the hydraulic cylinders using the PLC control system, repeatedly running the lifting platform between low and high positions to check for smoothness, abnormal noise, or jamming. Simultaneously, check that the support surface of the lifting platform is accurately lower than the conveyor surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line at the low position and higher than the conveyor surface at the high position, ensuring the height meets design requirements.
[0042] Install the suction frame on the truss, place the suction cups on the suction frame, and connect the lifting cylinder. After installation, perform no-load testing on the lifting cylinder to check if the piston movement is smooth, the sealing performance is good, and there is no air leakage. Then, perform load testing, using the PLC control system to control the lifting cylinder to drive the suction cups to suck up and lift simulated bagged materials. Adjust the cylinder's pressure and stroke parameters to ensure that the suction cups can stably suck up and lift bagged materials of different weights and sizes, and that the lifting process is smooth without shaking or falling. Install the heavy-duty conveyor line and the light-duty conveyor line according to the side-by-side layout requirements. During installation, precisely adjust the height difference between the two, using measuring tools such as a level to ensure that the conveying surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line is lower than that of the light-duty conveyor line, and that the height difference is controlled within the design specifications. At the same time, precisely align the heavy-duty and light-duty conveyor lines with the truss to ensure a smooth conveying process and prevent bagged materials from shifting or clogging during transport. The conveyor belt tension is adjusted using a tension measuring instrument to ensure it meets equipment operating requirements, preventing slippage due to excessive looseness or shortening of belt life due to excessive tightness. The input devices (heavy-duty conveyor line, lifting frame, suction gantry suction device, output devices (light-duty and heavy-duty conveyor lines)) are connected to the PLC control system via control elements. During wiring, each cable is labeled and organized to ensure correct connections and the absence of short circuits or open circuits. After connection, the PLC control system is programmed and debugged. Detailed control programs are written based on the equipment's operating flow and control requirements, including the start / stop sequence of each device, operating speed control, and action logic. The control program is repeatedly tested and optimized by simulating various operating conditions to ensure each device operates accurately and stably according to the preset program.
[0043] ② Operation process:
[0044] Input Phase: Bagged materials are placed on pallets and accurately placed at the starting end of the heavy-duty conveyor line by a forklift. Photoelectric sensors are installed on the conveyor surface of the heavy-duty conveyor line. When the photoelectric sensor detects that the pallet of bagged materials has been placed in place, it immediately transmits a signal to the PLC control system. Upon receiving the signal, the PLC control system starts the heavy-duty conveyor line, conveying the pallet of bagged materials to the designated position above the lifting frame at a set speed. During the conveying process, the PLC control system monitors the operating status of the heavy-duty conveyor line in real time, including parameters such as motor current and conveyor belt speed, to ensure stable and reliable conveying. When the pallet of bagged materials reaches the designated position, the photoelectric sensor sends a signal again, and the PLC control system stops the heavy-duty conveyor line. **Lifting Phase:** After receiving the signal that the pallet of bagged materials has been placed in place, the PLC control system immediately issues a command to activate the hydraulic cylinder of the lifting device. The hydraulic cylinder drives the lifting scissor device, and the lifting platform smoothly rises from the lowest point, slowly lifting the pallet of bagged materials. During the lifting process, the PLC control system monitors the lifting platform's height and speed in real time via sensors, ensuring that the top layer of bagged material remains at a preset height each time it is lifted, thus meeting the operational requirements of the suction device. Once the lifting platform reaches its highest point and the bagged material is positioned correctly, the PLC control system stops the hydraulic cylinder. At this point, the heavy-duty conveyor line returns to its starting point empty under the control of the PLC control system, ready to receive empty pallets after depalletizing.
[0045] Suction and Transfer Stage: The PLC control system, according to a preset program, controls the longitudinal and transverse running devices to move the gantry suction device above the bagged material. During the movement, encoders and other position detection devices monitor the position of the suction device in real time to ensure accurate movement to the target location. Once the suction device is in position, the PLC control system controls the lifting cylinder to move the suction cup downwards, accurately sucking up the bagged material. During suction, pressure sensors monitor the suction pressure of the suction cup to ensure a firm grip. After suction, the lifting cylinder lifts the suction cup to raise the bagged material. Then, the longitudinal and transverse running devices move again, moving the gantry suction device, now holding the bagged material, above the light-load conveyor line. During this movement, encoders and other position detection devices precisely control the trajectory and speed of the suction device. When the suction device reaches the designated position above the light-load conveyor line, the PLC control system controls the lifting cylinder to slowly place the bagged material onto the light-load conveyor line. After placement, the suction device returns to its initial position, driven by the longitudinal and transverse running devices, ready for the next suction operation.
[0046] Output Stage: Under the control of the PLC control system, the light-load conveyor line transports the depalletized bagged materials to the subsequent process position at a set speed. During the conveying process, the PLC control system monitors the operating status of the light-load conveyor line in real time to ensure smooth transport of bagged materials. Simultaneously, after all bagged materials are removed from the pallet, the PLC control system issues a command to activate the hydraulic cylinder of the lifting device, causing the lifting shear device and lifting platform to descend to their lowest position. At this time, the heavy-load conveyor line, under the control of the PLC control system, runs to the bottom of the lifting frame and transports the remaining pallets to the end of the heavy-load conveyor line. During pallet transport, the position and transport status of the pallets are also monitored in real time by photoelectric sensors and other detection devices. When the pallets reach the end of the heavy-load conveyor line, they are picked up by a forklift and transported to a designated storage location.
[0047] ③ Daily Maintenance and Care: Before operating the equipment each day, conduct a visual inspection of the truss and the connection points of each device, checking for loose or missing bolts. Tighten or replace any bolts found to be faulty. Also, check the surfaces of each device for damage, deformation, or other abnormalities; repair or address any issues promptly. Clean the tracks of the longitudinal and transverse running devices weekly. Wipe away dust, oil, and other impurities with a clean cloth, then apply an appropriate amount of dedicated track grease to ensure smooth track operation and reduce wear. Check the track fixing bolts for looseness; tighten any loose bolts immediately. Simultaneously, inspect the motors, reducers, and other components of the running devices for abnormal noise or overheating. Check the motor belt tension; adjust or repair any abnormalities promptly.
[0048] Monthly inspections should be conducted on the hydraulic system of the lifting scissor unit. If hydraulically driven, check the hydraulic oil level to ensure it is within the normal range. If the oil level is too low, replenish with hydraulic oil of the correct specifications. Inspect the oil pipes, joints, and other parts of the hydraulic system for leaks. If leaks are found, repair or replace the seals promptly. Simultaneously, inspect the mechanical components of the lifting scissor unit, checking the wear of each moving joint. Replace any severely worn parts. Clean the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder and apply an appropriate amount of rust-preventive oil to prevent rusting.
[0049] Clean the suction cup surface weekly with a clean, soft cloth to remove dust and impurities, ensuring good suction performance. Also, check the seals of the lifting cylinder for signs of aging or damage; replace any seals immediately if abnormalities are found to prevent air leakage and maintain suction efficiency. Inspect the cylinder's air inlet and outlet, and clean any impurities from the filter to ensure smooth airflow.
[0050] Perform monthly software updates and data backups for the PLC control system. Promptly download and install the latest software patches for the PLC control system to fix potential software vulnerabilities and improve system stability and reliability. Regularly back up the operational data in the PLC control system to prevent data loss. Simultaneously, check the hardware connections of the PLC control system for proper functioning, and inspect components such as controllers and modules for overheating, malfunction indicator lights, or other abnormalities; address any issues promptly.
[0051] Weekly inspections should be conducted on the conveyor belts of both heavy-duty and light-duty conveyor lines to check for wear, scratches, cracks, or other damage. Minor wear can be repaired, while severe wear should be addressed by replacing the conveyor belt immediately. The tension of the conveyor belt should also be checked using a tension meter. If the tension is insufficient, the tensioning device should be adjusted. Simultaneously, the motors, reducers, rollers, and other components of the conveyor line should be inspected for abnormal noise or overheating. All connecting bolts should be checked for looseness, and any abnormalities should be repaired or adjusted promptly.
[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A truss de-stacker characterized by: The truss is provided with an input device, a lifting device, a suction device and an output device; The input device comprises a heavy-load conveying line for conveying pre-unstacked pallets and post-unstacked empty pallets, and the pre-unstacked pallets are provided with bagged materials; The lifting device comprises a lifting frame arranged below the conveying surface of the heavy-load conveying line, and the lifting frame lifts the material pallets when raised; The suction device comprises a truss suction device for sucking the bagged materials, and the truss suction device can run longitudinally or transversely and transfer the bagged materials to the output device; The output device comprises a light-load conveying line for conveying post-unstacked bagged materials.
2. A gantry unstacker according to claim 1 wherein: The input device, the lifting device, the suction device and the output device are connected to a PLC control system through a control element.
3. A gantry unstacker according to claim 1 wherein: The lifting frame comprises a base frame and a lifting platform, the base frame is arranged on the truss, the lifting platform is connected to the base frame through a lifting scissor device, the support surface of the lifting platform is lower than the conveying surface of the input device when the lifting platform is at a low point, and the support surface of the lifting platform is higher than the conveying surface of the input device when the lifting platform is at a high point.
4. A gantry unstacker according to claim 1 wherein: The truss is further provided with a longitudinal running device and a transverse running device corresponding to the position of the truss suction device, and the longitudinal running device and the transverse running device respectively drive the truss suction device to run longitudinally and transversely.
5. A gantry unstacker according to claim 1 wherein: The truss suction device comprises a suction frame arranged on the truss, the suction frame is provided with a suction disc, a lifting cylinder is arranged between the suction frame and the suction disc, and the lifting cylinder drives the suction disc to suck the bagged materials downward and lift them.
6. A gantry unstacker according to claim 1 wherein: The heavy-load conveying line and the light-load conveying line are arranged side by side, and the conveying surface of the heavy-load conveying line is lower than the conveying surface of the light-load conveying line.