Conveying device

Abstract

The application relates to a transfer device. The transfer device comprises an automatic guided vehicle, the automatic guided vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a fork arm, the fork arm is slidably connected with the vehicle body in the direction of gravity; and a storage mechanism, the storage mechanism comprises a material tank and a tray, the material tank is connected with the tray and is used for containing spices, and the tray can be carried on the fork arm. Since the storage mechanism is carried by the automatic guided vehicle, the work efficiency of the transfer device is improved, the stability and reliability of carrying are improved, the storage mechanism is prevented from being tilted and causing safety hazards during carrying, and the safety of the transfer device is improved. Meanwhile, the automatic guided vehicle can automatically navigate and automatically avoid obstacles, so that manual operation of the automatic guided vehicle is saved, carrying cost is reduced on one hand, and the work efficiency of carrying is improved on the other hand, so that the requirements of high efficiency, precision and safety are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of transfer technology, and in particular to a transfer device. Background Technology

[0002] In the tobacco processing industry, the transport and storage of flavorings and sugars are crucial steps. Currently, most material transfer methods rely on manual handling, which is inefficient and labor-intensive. Furthermore, manual handling poses safety hazards, such as potential injuries from lifting heavy objects or tipping over due to operator error. Therefore, it fails to meet the demands of modern tobacco production for high efficiency, precision, and safety. Utility Model Content

[0003] One of the technical problems addressed by this application is how to improve the working efficiency and safety of transfer devices.

[0004] A transfer device, comprising:

[0005] Automated guided transport vehicle, the automated guided transport vehicle including a vehicle body and forks, the forks being slidably connected to the vehicle body along the direction of gravity; and

[0006] A storage mechanism comprising a container and a tray, the container being connected to the tray and used to hold spices, the tray being capable of being supported on the fork arm.

[0007] In one embodiment, the storage mechanism further includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the inlet pipe being disposed at the end of the tank away from the tray, and the outlet pipe being disposed at the end of the tank closer to the tray.

[0008] In one embodiment, both the feed pipe and the discharge pipe are detachably connected to the material tank.

[0009] In one embodiment, the material tank includes a conical portion and a cylindrical portion, the conical portion being connected to the tray, and along a direction from the conical portion to the cylindrical portion, the cross-sectional dimension of the cylindrical portion is constant, the cross-sectional dimension of the conical portion is increased, and the discharge pipe is connected to the apex of the conical portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the storage mechanism further includes a switching valve disposed on the feed pipe, the switching valve being used to block or open the lumen of the feed pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, the storage mechanism further includes an end cap that is movably connected to the tank. The tank has an observation port that connects to the outside and the inner cavity of the tank. The end cap can block or open the observation port.

[0012] In one embodiment, the storage mechanism further includes a stirring unit connected to the tank and located within the tank's interior.

[0013] In one embodiment, a groove is formed on the surface of the pallet facing away from the tank, and the groove engages with the fork arm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vehicle body includes a navigation system and a distance sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the transfer device has a charging station, a buffer station, a feeding station, a weighing station, a transfer station, and a recycling station. The automated guided vehicle is charged at the charging station. The automated guided vehicle carries the clean and empty storage unit at the buffer station. The empty storage unit is given fragrance at the feeding station. The storage unit with added fragrance is weighed at the weighing station. The weighed storage unit is placed at the transfer station. The recycling station is used to receive the used and empty storage unit from the transfer station. The buffer area is used to receive the cleaned storage unit from the recycling station.

[0016] One technical advantage of one embodiment of this application is that, by using an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to transport the storage mechanism, the efficiency of the transfer device is improved, as well as the stability and reliability of the transport. This prevents the storage mechanism from tipping over during transport, thus enhancing the safety of the transfer device. Simultaneously, the AGV can automatically navigate and avoid obstacles, eliminating the need for manual operation. This reduces transport costs and increases efficiency, thereby meeting the requirements of high efficiency, precision, and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of a transfer device provided in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the transfer device shown.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of the transfer device.

[0020] Reference numerals: Transfer device 10, Automatic guided transport vehicle 100, Vehicle body 110, Fork arm 120, Storage mechanism 200, Material tank 210, Conical part 211, Cylindrical part 212, Observation port 213, Pallet 220, Groove 221, Feed pipe 231, Discharge pipe 232, Switch valve 240, End cap 250, Mixing unit 260. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0023] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0026] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0027] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of this application provides a transfer device 10 including an automated guided vehicle 100 and a storage mechanism 200. The automated guided vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 110 and a fork arm 120. The fork arm 120 is slidably connected to the vehicle body 110 along the direction of gravity, which can be understood as the vertical direction, meaning the fork arm 120 can move vertically relative to the vehicle body 110. The storage mechanism 200 includes a container 210 and a tray 220. The container 210 is connected to the tray 220. The container 210 is used to hold spices, and the tray 220 can be supported on the fork arm 120. During operation, the fork arm 120 can move downward relative to the vehicle body 110, then extend under the tray 220, and then move upward a certain distance relative to the vehicle body 110, causing the fork arm 120 carrying the tray 220 and the entire storage mechanism 200 to fall to the ground, thus realizing the transfer of the storage mechanism 200 by the automated guided vehicle 100. The automated guided vehicle 100 can navigate and avoid obstacles automatically, so it can automatically move the storage unit 200 from one location to another.

[0028] If the storage unit 200 is moved manually, it will significantly reduce the efficiency of the handling process and increase the risk of the storage unit 200 tipping over during transport, potentially causing injury to the storage unit 200 or the operators, thus compromising the safety of the handling. Conversely, if a traditional forklift is used, the forklift requires manual operation, which is physically demanding and also reduces the efficiency of the handling process.

[0029] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Regarding the transfer device 10 in the above embodiments, since the storage mechanism 200 is transported by the automated guided vehicle 100, the efficiency, stability, and reliability of the transport are improved, and the safety of the transport is enhanced by preventing the storage mechanism 200 from tipping over during transport. Simultaneously, the automated guided vehicle 100 can automatically navigate and avoid obstacles, thus eliminating the need for manual operation. This reduces transport costs and increases efficiency, thereby meeting the requirements of high efficiency, precision, and safety.

[0030] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the vehicle body 110 includes a navigation system and a distance sensor. The navigation system can automatically navigate the vehicle body 110 and the entire automated guided vehicle 100's travel path, ensuring that the automated guided vehicle 100 travels along a preset path, improving the intelligence and automation level of the automated guided vehicle 100, thereby achieving accurate and rapid handling of the storage mechanism 200, reducing handling costs and improving handling efficiency. Simultaneously, the distance sensor can detect the distance between the automated guided vehicle 100 and surrounding obstacles during its travel, preventing accidents caused by collisions between the automated guided vehicle 100 and surrounding obstacles, thereby improving the safety of the transfer device 10 during operation.

[0031] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the storage mechanism 200 further includes an inlet pipe 231 and an inlet / outlet pipe 232. The inlet pipe 231 is located at the end of the tank 210 away from the tray 220, and the inlet / outlet pipe 232 is located at the end of the tank 210 closer to the tray 220. In simpler terms, the inlet pipe 231 is located at the upper end of the tank 210, and the inlet / outlet pipe 232 is located at the lower end of the tank 210. The inlet pipe 231 can add fragrance to an empty tank 210. After the fragrance is used up, cleaning fluid can be injected into the tank 210 through the inlet pipe 231. The cleaning fluid can clean the stains in the tank 210, and the waste liquid formed after cleaning will be discharged through the inlet / outlet pipe 232, thus achieving the cleaning of the tank 210. The feed pipe 231 and the inlet / outlet pipe 232 can be detachably connected to the material tank 210. For example, the feed pipe 231 and the inlet / outlet pipe 232 can be detachably connected to the material tank 210 through different quick connectors.

[0032] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the storage mechanism 200 further includes a switching valve 240, which is disposed on the feed pipe 231 and is used to block or open the cavity of the feed pipe 231. When it is necessary to inject fragrance into the storage tank 210, the feed pipe 231 can first be installed on the storage tank 210, and then the switching valve 240 can be opened to open the cavity of the feed pipe 231. At this time, the fragrance can be injected into the storage tank 210 through the open cavity, thus adding fragrance to the storage tank 210. It can be understood that after the fragrance is added, the switching valve 240 can be closed to block the cavity of the feed pipe 231, effectively preventing the fragrance in the storage tank 210 from leaking out of the storage tank 210 from the feed pipe 231.

[0033] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the material tank 210 includes a conical portion 211 and a cylindrical portion 212. The conical portion 211 is connected to the tray 220 and is located below the cylindrical portion 212. The feed pipe 231 can be connected to the cylindrical portion 212, and the feed pipe 232 can be connected to the conical portion 211. Along the direction from the conical portion 211 to the cylindrical portion 212, the cross-sectional dimension of the cylindrical portion 212 is constant, while the cross-sectional dimension of the conical portion 211 increases. The feed pipe 232 is connected to the apex of the conical portion 211. By setting a conical part 211 and connecting the inlet / outlet pipe 232 to the apex of the conical part 211, the liquid in the tank 210 can be concentrated at the apex of the conical part 211. This ensures that all waste liquid generated during the cleaning process of the tank 210 flows out through the inlet / outlet pipe 232 through the converging effect of the conical part 211, avoiding residual waste liquid in the tank 210 and thus improving the cleaning effect of the tank 210.

[0034] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the storage mechanism 200 further includes an end cap 250, which is movably connected to the container 210. For example, the end cap 250 can be rotatably or slidably connected to the container 210. An observation port 213 may be provided at the upper end of the container 210, connecting the outside to the inner cavity of the container 210. When the end cap 250 moves relative to the container 210, it can seal or open the observation port 213. When the end cap 250 seals the observation port 213, it prevents the fragrance inside the container 210 from leaking through the observation port 213. When the end cap 250 opens the observation port 213, operators can observe the condition of the fragrance inside the container 210 through the observation port 213, such as the remaining amount of fragrance. This improves the ease of use of the storage mechanism 200.

[0035] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the storage mechanism 200 may further include a stirring unit 260, which is connected to the container 210 and located within the inner cavity of the container 210. For example, the stirring unit 260 may be rotatably connected to the container 210. When the stirring unit 260 rotates, the blades on the stirring unit 260 can stir the spices in the container 210, thereby enabling the spices to be effectively mixed within the container 210.

[0036] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the pallet 220 is provided with a groove 221, which is located on the surface of the pallet 220 facing away from the material tank 210. The groove 221 is formed by recessing a certain depth into the surface of the pallet 220 facing away from the material tank 210, and the groove 221 cooperates with the fork arm 120. During operation, the groove 221 can cooperate with the fork arm 120 to limit the fork arm 120, preventing the fork arm 120 from sliding relative to the pallet 220. This effectively prevents the pallet 220 from sliding relative to the fork arm 120 and falling off the fork arm 120, thereby improving the stability, reliability, and safety of the automated guided vehicle 100 in transporting the storage mechanism 200.

[0037] In some embodiments, the transfer device 10 has a charging station, a buffer station, a feeding station, a weighing station, a transfer station, and a recycling station. By setting up a charging station, the automated guided vehicle 100 can be charged at this station, thereby replenishing its power in a timely manner so that it can operate continuously. A clean and empty storage mechanism 200 is placed at the buffer station, where the material tank 210 is clean and empty. When the automated guided vehicle 100 moves from the charging station to the buffer station, the fork arm 120 moves downward and extends under the pallet 220, then moves upward and engages with the groove 221 on the pallet 220. After the fork arm 120 carries the pallet 220 and the entire storage mechanism 200 upward a certain distance, it stops moving, and the storage mechanism 200 is lifted off the ground, allowing the automated guided vehicle 100 to transport it.

[0038] When the automated guided vehicle 100 transfers the storage mechanism 200 to the feeding station, the feed pipe 231 and the inlet / outlet pipe 232 can be installed on the material tank 210. Then, the switch valve 240 is opened, and spices are injected into the material tank 210 through the feed pipe 231. After the material tank 210 is completely filled with spices, the switch valve 240 is closed, and the feed pipe 231 and the inlet / outlet pipe 232 are disassembled. Next, the automated guided vehicle 100 transfers the storage mechanism 200 from the feeding station to the weighing station. The weighing station weighs the material tank 210. When the weight of the spices in the material tank 210 meets the relevant requirements, the automated guided vehicle 100 can transfer the storage mechanism 200 from the weighing station to the transfer station so that the storage mechanism 200, now full of spices, can proceed to the next step of processing. At this time, the automated guided vehicle 100 can transfer the storage mechanism 200, which is now empty and has run out of spices, located at the transfer station, to the recycling station.

[0039] When the spice storage unit 200, now empty, is transferred to the recycling station, the feed pipe 231 and feed / discharge pipe 232 can be installed onto the material tank 210. Then, the switch valve 240 is opened, and cleaning fluid is injected into the material tank 210 through the feed pipe 231. The cleaning fluid cleans the stains in the material tank 210, and the resulting waste liquid is discharged through the feed / discharge pipe 232, thus cleaning the material tank 210. After cleaning, the feed pipe 231 and feed / discharge pipe 232 can be unloaded from the material tank 210. Next, the automated guided vehicle 100 transfers the cleaned storage unit 200 from the recycling station to the buffer station. After unloading the cleaned storage unit 200 at the buffer station, the automated guided vehicle 100 can return to the charging station for charging.

[0040] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0041] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A transfer device, characterized in that, include: An automated guided vehicle (AGV) includes a vehicle body and forks, wherein the forks are slidably connected to the vehicle body along the direction of gravity. and A storage mechanism comprising a container and a tray, the container being connected to the tray and used to hold spices, the tray being capable of being supported on the fork arm.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage mechanism further includes a feed pipe and a discharge pipe, the feed pipe being located at the end of the tank away from the tray, and the discharge pipe being located at the end of the tank closer to the tray.

3. The transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the feed pipe and the discharge pipe are detachably connected to the material tank.

4. The transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The material tank includes a conical part and a cylindrical part. The conical part is connected to the tray. Along the direction from the conical part to the cylindrical part, the cross-sectional dimension of the cylindrical part is constant, and the cross-sectional dimension of the conical part increases. The discharge pipe is connected to the apex of the conical part.

5. The transfer device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The storage mechanism also includes a switching valve, which is disposed on the feed pipe and is used to block or open the cavity of the feed pipe.

6. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage mechanism also includes an end cap, which is movably connected to the tank. The tank has an observation port that connects to the outside and the inner cavity of the tank. The end cap can block or open the observation port.

7. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage mechanism also includes a stirring unit, which is connected to the tank and located inside the tank.

8. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tray has a groove on its surface facing away from the material tank, and the groove engages with the fork arm.

9. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body includes a navigation system and a distance sensor.

10. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer device has a charging station, a buffer station, a feeding station, a weighing station, a transfer station, and a recycling station. The automated guided vehicle is charged at the charging station. The automated guided vehicle carries the clean and empty storage mechanism at the buffer station. The empty storage mechanism is given fragrance at the feeding station. The storage mechanism with added fragrance is weighed at the weighing station. The weighed storage mechanism is placed at the transfer station. The recycling station is used to receive the used and empty storage mechanism from the transfer station. The buffer area is used to receive the cleaned storage mechanism from the recycling station.

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