Automatic transportation device for sterilization cage
By introducing technologies such as electromagnetic brakes and hydraulic lifting devices into the rail-guided trolley system, the problems of insufficient braking accuracy and poor track adaptability have been solved, achieving high-precision positioning and flexible switching between multiple tracks, thereby improving the environmental adaptability and maintenance cycle of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI TIANAI BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing rail-guided trolley systems are inadequate in terms of braking accuracy, track adaptability, and maintenance costs, and cannot achieve multi-directional transportation or rapid track changing.
It adopts a dual braking system combining electromagnetic brakes and gear sets, along with a hydraulic lifting device and elastic buffer pads to ensure precise stopping. The drive unit is encapsulated in a waterproof and dustproof box, and the ground wheels are designed with V-shaped grooves to prevent derailment. Precise control is achieved through laser positioning sensors.
It improves braking reliability and positioning accuracy, enhances the environmental adaptability of the rail system, reduces maintenance costs, and supports flexible switching between multiple rails and complex production line layouts.
Smart Images

Figure CN224211786U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of food processing and production machinery and equipment, specifically relating to an automatic transport device for sterilization cages. Background Technology
[0002] A rail-guided trolley is an automated device specifically designed for transporting sterilization cages. By moving between the trolley and automatic stackers, sterilization autoclaves, and automatic unstacking equipment, it reduces the labor intensity of manual handling and enables the continuous transport of sterilization cages for extended periods.
[0003] The existing rail-guided trolley system transports sterilization cages via rails, primarily employing a gear-rack drive system. Ground wheels act as passive sliding wheels, and the conveyor platform moves through gear meshing with the rack. This system has the following drawbacks: 1. Limited braking accuracy: Although gear-rack transmission has no braking distance, it is prone to wear over long-term use, leading to increased transmission clearance and affecting positioning accuracy; 2. Poor track adaptability: The existing frame connections are rigidly fixed, making it unsuitable for uneven ground or scenarios with multiple intersecting tracks; 3. High maintenance costs: The drive unit and gears are directly exposed to high temperatures and humidity, making them susceptible to corrosion and damage; 4. Insufficient flexibility: It cannot achieve multi-directional transport or rapid track changes.
[0004] Therefore, this utility model provides an automatic transport device for sterilization cages, which improves braking reliability and positioning accuracy, enhances the environmental adaptability of the track system, optimizes the protective structure of the drive device, and supports flexible switching between multiple tracks. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the problems mentioned in the background technology above, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic transport device for sterilization cages, which solves the problems of insufficient braking accuracy, poor track adaptability and high maintenance cost in the prior art, and has high-precision braking, modular track connection and sealed drive structure.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0007] An automated transport device for sterilization cages includes a conveying platform, sterilization cages, rails, a drive unit, ground wheels, a connecting part, and a frame.
[0008] The conveying platform has a quadrilateral structure with a flat upper surface. Its top is used to place the sterilization cage. The side of the conveying platform is fixed to one end of the connecting part, and the other end of the connecting part is fixed to the frame. The drive device is placed on the frame. The drive device includes a gear set, an electromagnetic brake, and a transmission rack. The gear set meshes with the transmission rack. The electromagnetic brake is installed at the output shaft end of the gear set. The ground wheel is set on the rail. The drive device is used to drive the gear set to rotate and drive the ground wheel to slide along the rail.
[0009] Further, it also includes a frame connection point, which is located in the middle of the frame, and a hydraulic lifting device is provided on the inner side of the frame connection point. The hydraulic lifting device is used to switch the rails at different heights.
[0010] Furthermore, the top of the connecting part is provided with an elastic buffer pad and an adjustable bolt. This structural design can be used to compensate for track installation errors.
[0011] Furthermore, the surface of the ground wheel is provided with a V-shaped groove, and the track is provided with a corresponding flange structure.
[0012] Furthermore, the drive device is externally encapsulated in a waterproof and dustproof box, and a cooling fan is installed inside the waterproof and dustproof box.
[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the conveying platform is equipped with a laser positioning sensor, which is used to detect the distance to the target position in real time.
[0014] Furthermore, the laser positioning sensor is communicatively connected to the drive device, and the data from the laser positioning sensor is fed back to the drive device. This structural design allows for precise control of the start and stop timing of the electromagnetic brake.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0016] This invention adds an electromagnetic brake to the gear-rack transmission system, providing double braking to ensure precise stopping. The connection part uses elastic buffer pads and adjustable bolts to adapt to uneven ground and multiple track intersections. The drive unit and gear set are encapsulated in a waterproof and dustproof box to extend their service life. The ground wheel guide groove is equipped with a V-shaped groove to match the flange design of the track and prevent derailment. A hydraulic lifting device is installed at the track connection to achieve rapid track switching.
[0017] The dual braking system further reduces positioning errors and improves the success rate of docking with automated equipment. The waterproof and dustproof box of the drive unit extends the maintenance cycle by at least twice that of existing technologies. It supports a variety of scenarios, including straight, curved and cross-track transportation, and is suitable for complex production line layouts. Attached Figure Description
[0018] This utility model can be further illustrated by the non-limiting embodiments given in the accompanying drawings;
[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of an automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of an embodiment of an automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to the present invention;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an embodiment of an automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to the present invention.
[0022] The symbols for the main components are explained as follows: 1. Conveying platform; 2. Sterilization cage; 3. Rail; 4. Drive unit; 5. Ground wheel; 6. Connecting part; 7. Frame connection; 8. Frame; 9. Waterproof and dustproof box; 10. Laser positioning sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" 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 utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0025] 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 described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, an automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to this utility model includes a conveying platform 1, a sterilization cage 2, a track 3, a drive device 4, ground wheels 5, a connecting part 6, and a frame 8.
[0027] The conveying platform 1 has a quadrilateral structure with a flat upper surface. Its top is used to place the sterilization cage 2. The side of the conveying platform 1 is fixed to one end of the connecting part 6, and the other end of the connecting part 6 is fixedly connected to the frame 8. The driving device 4 is placed on the frame 8. The driving device 4 includes a gear set, an electromagnetic brake, and a transmission rack. The gear set meshes with the transmission rack. The electromagnetic brake is installed at the output shaft end of the gear set. The ground wheel 5 is set on the track 3. The driving device 4 is used to drive the gear set to rotate and drive the ground wheel 5 to slide along the track 3.
[0028] In the practical application of this embodiment, a frame connection 7 is also included. The frame connection 7 is located in the middle of the frame 8. A hydraulic lifting device is provided on the inner side of the frame connection 7. The hydraulic lifting device is used to switch the rails 3 at different heights.
[0029] In the practical application of this embodiment, the top of the connecting part 6 is provided with an elastic buffer pad and an adjustable bolt. This structural design can be used to compensate for installation errors of the track 3.
[0030] In the practical application of this embodiment, the surface of the ground wheel 5 is provided with a V-shaped groove, and the track 3 is provided with a corresponding flange structure.
[0031] In the practical application of this embodiment, the driving device 4 is externally encapsulated in a waterproof and dustproof box 9, and a cooling fan is installed inside the waterproof and dustproof box 9.
[0032] In the practical application of this embodiment, a laser positioning sensor 10 is provided at the bottom of the conveying platform 1. The laser positioning sensor is used to detect the distance to the target position in real time.
[0033] In the practical application of this embodiment, the laser positioning sensor 10 is communicatively connected to the driving device 4, and the data from the laser positioning sensor 10 is fed back to the driving device 4. This structural design allows for precise control of the start and stop timing of the electromagnetic brake.
[0034] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0035] This device achieves precise transport of the sterilization cages through the coordinated operation of the following core components:
[0036] The motor inside the drive unit 4 drives the gear set to rotate. The gear meshes with the transmission rack fixed on the side of the track 3, pushing the conveyor platform 1 to move along the track. An electromagnetic brake is installed at the output shaft end of the gear set. When the laser positioning sensor detects that the conveyor platform 1 is close to the target position, the electromagnetic brake instantly locks the gear shaft. At the same time, the gear and rack mesh and self-lock, and the double braking eliminates inertial displacement, ensuring that the stopping error is ≤1mm.
[0037] Connection 6: An elastic buffer pad (made of polyurethane, compression rate 30%) absorbs vibration from the rail 3. An adjustable bolt finely adjusts the level of the rail 3 via threads (adjustment accuracy ±0.5mm) to compensate for uneven ground. The hydraulic lifting device (50mm stroke, response time ≤0.5s) at the frame connection 7 raises or lowers the rail 3 interface according to commands, enabling seamless switching between multiple rails 3. The V-shaped groove of the ground wheel 5 fits tightly with the flange (10mm height) of the rail 3 to prevent derailment.
[0038] The drive unit 4 is enclosed in an IP67 waterproof and dustproof enclosure, and a centrifugal cooling fan (wind speed 2m) is installed inside the enclosure. 3 / min), and filled with high-temperature resistant silicone (temperature resistance -40℃~200℃).
[0039] Usage process
[0040] The operator inputs the target location (e.g., the inlet of the sterilization autoclave) through the control panel. The laser positioning sensor scans the marked points on the track 3 to generate the optimal path. The drive unit 4 starts, and the gear set drives the conveyor platform 1 to move at a constant speed (0.5 m / s) along the track 3 at the rated speed (20 r / min).
[0041] When a multi-track intersection (3) is detected ahead, the hydraulic lifting device raises the track connection point (7) by 15mm, and the conveyor platform (1) decelerates to 0.2m / s, smoothly transitioning to the new track (3). The laser positioning sensor (10) monitors the distance between the conveyor platform (1) and the target position in real time. When the distance reaches 10cm, the electromagnetic brake is triggered, the gear set stops rotating, and the conveyor platform (1) slides to a stop. The rollers above the conveyor platform (1) then start, moving the sterilization cage (2) horizontally to the sterilization autoclave or depalletizing equipment. After completion, it automatically returns to the starting point.
[0042] Example 1: Docking of a high-temperature sterilization autoclave
[0043] Scene: Sterilization autoclave outlet in a food processing workshop, ambient temperature 80℃.
[0044] The waterproof housing of the drive unit 4 is filled with high-temperature resistant silicone, and the cooling fan runs continuously, keeping the housing temperature below 50℃; the electromagnetic brake uses ceramic friction plates (temperature resistant to 300℃), and the braking response time is ≤0.1s; the laser sensor (accuracy ±0.1mm) provides real-time feedback of position data to ensure that the sterilization cage 2 is precisely aligned with the sterilization vessel flange.
[0045] Example 2: Multi-track 3-ring production line
[0046] Scenario: A large factory with a circular layout, including 3 intersecting tracks.
[0047] The similarities with Embodiment 1 will not be repeated here. The difference is that the hydraulic lifting device at the rail connection 7 has three preset height levels (10mm / 20mm / 30mm), corresponding to three different rail levels.
[0048] When the conveyor platform 1 approaches the intersection, its speed automatically drops to 0.1m / s, the hydraulic device lifts the interface of the rail 3, and the elastic buffer pad absorbs the switching impact force; the depth of the V-shaped groove of the ground wheel 5 is increased to 8mm to enhance the anti-derailment capability on curves.
[0049] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this utility model should still be covered by the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic transport device for sterilization cages, characterized in that: It includes a conveyor platform (1), a sterilization cage (2), a track (3), a drive unit (4), ground wheels (5), a connecting part (6), and a frame (8); The conveying platform (1) has a quadrilateral structure with a flat upper surface. Its top is used to place the sterilization cage (2). The side of the conveying platform (1) is fixed to one end of the connecting part (6), and the other end of the connecting part (6) is fixedly connected to the frame (8). The driving device (4) is placed on the frame (8). The driving device (4) includes a gear set, an electromagnetic brake, and a transmission rack. The gear set meshes with the transmission rack. The electromagnetic brake is installed at the output shaft end of the gear set. The ground wheel (5) is set on the track (3). The driving device (4) is used to drive the gear set to rotate and drive the ground wheel (5) to slide along the track (3).
2. The automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a frame connection (7), which is located in the middle of the frame (8). A hydraulic lifting device is provided on the inner side of the frame connection (7), which is used to switch the rails (3) at different heights.
3. The automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the connecting part (6) is provided with an elastic buffer pad and an adjustable bolt.
4. An automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the ground wheel (5) is provided with a V-shaped groove, and the track (3) is provided with a corresponding flange structure.
5. An automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive device (4) is externally encapsulated in a waterproof and dustproof box (9), and a cooling fan is installed inside the waterproof and dustproof box (9).
6. An automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the conveying platform (1) is equipped with a laser positioning sensor (10), which is used to detect the distance to the target position in real time.
7. An automatic transport device for sterilization cages according to claim 6, characterized in that: The laser positioning sensor (10) is communicatively connected to the driving device (4), and the data from the laser positioning sensor (10) is fed back to the driving device (4).