An automatically centering tray

Abstract

This utility model relates to an automatically centering pallet, belonging to the field of pallet technology. The automatically centering pallet includes: a pallet with two legs fixedly installed at its bottom; and an automatic centering mechanism disposed on the outside of the pallet for automatically centering the material on top of the pallet. The automatic centering mechanism includes a guide plate fixedly installed at the bottom of the pallet, a centering component disposed on the outside of the guide plate, and a sensing component disposed on the top of the pallet. The sensing component utilizes the material's own weight to slide along an inclined plane, and in conjunction with the regular vibration of the centering component, effectively breaks the static friction between the material and the pallet, causing it to automatically slide towards the center, achieving rapid and stable automatic centering. The vibration parameters of the centering component are adjustable to adapt to materials of different specifications; simultaneously, the sensing component can also sense the weight at the top, enabling automatic activation of the centering component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pallet technology, and in particular to an automatically centering pallet. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production scenarios such as automated feeding, handling, or inspection, the precise placement of materials is a prerequisite for the smooth execution of subsequent mechanical actions. Especially in processes involving robotic arm gripping, automatic transmission, assembly positioning, and visual recognition and inspection, if the initial position of the workpiece on the pallet or carrier is offset, it will directly affect the gripping accuracy, conveying path, or recognition results, leading to operation failure, error accumulation, or even system anomalies, which seriously restricts the continuity and stability of the automated process.

[0003] Most existing pallet structures only have basic load-bearing functions and lack the ability to actively adjust the position of materials. After materials are placed on the pallet, they usually still need to rely on additional centering devices or manual methods to help straighten them to ensure that they are in the center area. This increases the complexity of the equipment and the cost of the system, and also significantly reduces the overall operating efficiency, especially in scenarios with high cycle time requirements or high-speed batch processing. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to address the issue that after materials are placed on a pallet, they usually still require additional centering devices or manual intervention to ensure they are centered, increasing equipment complexity and system costs, and significantly reducing overall operational efficiency, especially in scenarios with high cycle time requirements or high-speed batch processing. To address this, an automatically centering pallet is provided, comprising: a pallet with two legs fixedly mounted on its bottom; an automatic centering mechanism disposed on the outside of the pallet for automatically centering the material on top of the pallet; wherein the automatic centering mechanism includes a guide plate fixedly mounted on the bottom of the pallet, a centering component disposed on the outside of the guide plate, and a sensing component disposed on the top of the pallet.

[0005] The centering assembly includes an air pump fixedly installed at the bottom of the guide plate. Multiple guide tubes are fixedly installed on the outer side of the guide plate. The multiple guide tubes are connected to the air pump through the guide plate. A piston rod is slidably installed at one end of the guide tube, and a drive plate is fixedly installed at the other end of the piston rod. The drive plate is located on one side of the tray.

[0006] The sensing component includes a placement plate fixedly installed on the top of the tray. The top of the placement plate has a placement groove, and the four sides of the top of the placement groove are all beveled.

[0007] A sensing pressure plate is fixedly installed on the top of the tray, and the sensing pressure plate is located at the bottom of the placement plate.

[0008] The piston rod has a flow groove at one end inside the guide tube, and the guide tube has an exhaust hole on its surface.

[0009] The flow channel is configured in an L-shape and is flush with the exhaust port.

[0010] The same spring is fitted on the outer side of the guide tube and the piston rod, and the two ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the guide tube and the piston rod, respectively.

[0011] The same sealing telescopic sleeve is fitted on the outer side of the guide tube and the piston rod. The sealing telescopic sleeve is located outside the spring and at the connection between the guide tube and the piston rod.

[0012] The bottom of the placement plate is fixedly equipped with multiple guide blocks, and the top of the tray is provided with multiple guide grooves, all of which are aligned with the multiple guide blocks.

[0013] An impact plate is fixedly installed on the side of the drive plate near the tray, and the edges of the impact plate are all rounded.

[0014] Beneficial effects

[0015] 1. The sensing component utilizes the material's own weight to slide it along the inclined plane. Combined with the regular vibration of the centering component, this effectively breaks the static friction between the material and the pallet, causing it to automatically slide towards the center, achieving rapid and stable automatic centering. The vibration parameters of the centering component are adjustable to adapt to materials of different specifications; simultaneously, the sensing component can also detect the weight at the top, enabling the centering component to start automatically.

[0016] 2. When the air pump stops supplying air or the flow channel releases air through the exhaust port, the spring can provide a reverse restoring force to cause the piston rod to return to its original position automatically, thereby achieving the continuity and stability of the vibration drive plate. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic centering mechanism of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the guide tube structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing telescopic sleeve structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing component structure of this utility model.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 100. Tray; 200. Support leg; 300. Automatic centering mechanism; 310. Guide plate; 320. Centering assembly; 321. Air pump; 322. Guide tube; 323. Piston rod; 324. Drive plate; 325. Impact plate; 326. Flow channel; 327. Exhaust port; 328. Sealing telescopic sleeve; 329. Spring; 330. Sensing assembly; 331. Placement plate; 332. Placement slot; 333. Sensing pressure plate; 334. Guide slot; 335. Guide block. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] The following is combined with Figures 1-5 This invention describes an automatically centering tray.

[0027] In one embodiment, an automatically centered pallet includes: a pallet 100, with two legs 200 fixedly mounted on the bottom of the pallet 100; an automatic centering mechanism 300, which is disposed on the outside of the pallet 100 for automatically centering the material on top of the pallet 100; wherein the automatic centering mechanism 300 includes a guide plate 310 fixedly mounted on the bottom of the pallet 100, a centering component 320 disposed on the outside of the guide plate 310, and a sensing component 330 disposed on the top of the pallet 100.

[0028] In this embodiment, the sensing component 330 allows the material placed on top of the tray 100 to slide naturally along the inclined plane under the action of gravity. After the centering component 320 performs regular vibration on the tray 100, the static friction between the material and the tray 100 can be broken, allowing the material to continuously move towards the center area until it reaches the lowest point, achieving a fast and stable automatic centering effect. The vibration frequency and intensity of the centering component 320 can be adjusted according to the type and quality of the material, thereby adapting to workpieces of various specifications and materials, improving the adaptability and versatility of the tray 100. The sensing component 330 can also sense the weight on top of the tray 100 and activate the centering component 320 when the weight is sensed.

[0029] It should be noted that the existing pallet 100 typically includes a pallet body for carrying materials, multiple support legs 200 for supporting the pallet, and several basic structures such as limiting frames or anti-slip protrusions for easy handling.

[0030] The centering component 320 and the sensing component 330 are located at the bottom and top of the pallet 100, respectively. Structurally, they do not cause any destructive changes to the original load-bearing surface of the pallet 100, nor do they hinder its normal pressure bearing or handling process. The centering component 320 is located on the outside of the bottom guide plate 310 of the pallet 100, avoiding occupying the top space of the pallet 100 and not affecting the normal placement of materials; while the sensing component 330 is located on the top of the pallet 100, and can be integrally formed with the pallet body or embedded therein, without interfering with the flat placement and transfer of materials.

[0031] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the centering assembly 320 includes an air pump 321 fixedly installed at the bottom of the guide plate 310. Multiple guide tubes 322 are fixedly installed on the outer side of the guide plate 310. The multiple guide tubes 322 are all connected to the air pump 321 through the guide plate 310. A piston rod 323 is slidably installed at one end of the guide tube 322. A drive plate 324 is fixedly installed at the other end of the piston rod 323. The drive plate 324 is located on one side of the tray 100.

[0032] In this embodiment, the intermittent inflation and deflation of the air pump 321 drives the piston rod 323 to achieve rhythmic reciprocating motion, thereby causing the drive plate 324 to periodically impact the outer side of the tray 100, forming continuous and regular micro-vibrations. This vibration effectively breaks the static friction between the material and the surface of the tray 100, while avoiding severe impact or displacement damage to the material. Under the combined action of gravity and the guide ramp, the material slides stably towards the center of the tray 100, ultimately achieving automatic centering.

[0033] The sensing component 330 includes a placement plate 331 fixedly installed on the top of the tray 100. The top of the placement plate 331 has a placement groove 332, and the four sides of the top of the placement groove 332 are all set as bevels.

[0034] In this embodiment, by providing a placement groove 332 with a four-sided inclined structure on the top of the placement plate 331, the material can automatically slide towards the center using its own gravity after being placed in. The four inclined sides form a natural guiding mechanism, enabling the material to achieve initial adaptive centering without being disturbed by external forces, providing a good starting state for the subsequent micro-vibration guidance of the centering component 320.

[0035] A sensing pressure plate 333 is fixedly installed on the top of the tray 100, and the sensing pressure plate 333 is located at the bottom of the placement plate 331.

[0036] In this embodiment, a sensing pressure plate 333 is provided at the bottom of the placement plate 331. When the material is placed in the placement trough 332, the sensing pressure plate 333 is triggered by gravity to generate a displacement or pressure signal, thereby activating the centering component 320. The sensing pressure plate 333, as a trigger signal source, has the characteristics of simple structure and sensitive response.

[0037] It should be noted that the sensing pressure plate 333 is a thin structural component with a certain degree of elasticity. It can generate measurable displacement or stress response in the vertical direction. In the unloaded state, it is in an initial suspended or slightly suspended position. When the material is placed in the placement groove 332, the material presses the placement plate 331 under the action of gravity and further pushes the sensing pressure plate 333 to move downward, thereby activating the internally set trigger mechanism (such as mechanical limit contact, piezoelectric element, Hall element, etc.) to realize real-time sensing of the presence or absence of the material.

[0038] The piston rod 323 has a flow groove 326 at one end inside the guide tube 322, and an exhaust hole 327 is provided on the surface of the guide tube 322.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the piston rod 323 moves forward to a certain position under the push of the air pump 321, the flow groove 326 will align with the exhaust hole 327 to form a through channel, so that the compressed air inside the guide tube 322 can be released, thereby forming a pressure difference to drive the piston rod 323 to move back to its original position and complete one reciprocating action. Automatic circulation can be achieved by relying on the pneumatic path design, which greatly simplifies the control logic.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the flow channel 326 is set in an L-shape, and the flow channel 326 is flush with the exhaust port 327.

[0041] In this embodiment, the flow groove 326 is set in an L-shape and is flush with the exhaust port 327, so that when the piston rod 323 moves to a specific position, the corner of the flow groove 326 forms a ventilation channel with the exhaust port 327, thereby achieving precise automatic exhaust control.

[0042] The same spring 329 is sleeved on the outside of the guide tube 322 and the piston rod 323, and the two ends of the spring 329 are fixedly connected to the guide tube 322 and the piston rod 323 respectively.

[0043] In this embodiment, when the air pump 321 stops supplying air or the flow channel 326 releases air through the exhaust port 327, the spring 329 can provide a reverse restoring force to cause the piston rod 323 to automatically return to its original position, thereby achieving the continuity and stability of the vibration drive plate 324.

[0044] The same sealing telescopic sleeve 328 is sleeved on the outside of the guide tube 322 and the piston rod 323. The sealing telescopic sleeve 328 is located outside the spring 329 and at the connection between the guide tube 322 and the piston rod 323.

[0045] In this embodiment, the sealing telescopic sleeve 328 is made of elastic dustproof material, which has good elasticity and sealing performance. It can expand and contract with the piston rod 323 during the reciprocating motion, always covering the connection, preventing external impurities such as dust, water vapor, and oil stains from entering the interior of the guide tube 322, and avoiding interference or wear on the movement of the spring 329 and the piston rod 323.

[0046] Multiple guide blocks 335 are fixedly installed on the bottom of the placement plate 331, and multiple guide grooves 334 are opened on the top of the tray 100. The guide grooves 334 are aligned with the multiple guide blocks 335.

[0047] In this embodiment, during the installation process, multiple guide blocks 335 can be precisely inserted into the corresponding guide grooves 334 to achieve quick alignment and stable connection between the placement plate 331 and the tray 100, avoiding the centering process of the material affected by misalignment, tilting or shaking.

[0048] An impact plate 325 is fixedly installed on the side of the drive plate 324 near the tray 100, and the edges of the impact plate 325 are all rounded.

[0049] In this embodiment, the impact plate 325 will make periodic contact directly with the side wall of the tray 100, thereby generating regular vibration. The edges of the impact plate 325 are set to a rounded shape, which can effectively buffer the contact stress during the impact process, avoid the sharp corners from causing local damage or deformation to the tray 100, and at the same time reduce the interference of noise and vibration impact on surrounding equipment.

[0050] Working principle: During use, when material is placed in the placement slot 332 at the top of the tray 100, the material automatically slides towards the center area along the four inclined surfaces under the action of gravity, pressing the placement plate 331 and causing it to sink slightly, further triggering the sensing pressure plate 333 located at its bottom. After responding to the pressure signal, the sensing pressure plate 333 activates the control logic, causing the air pump 321 to start intermittently supplying air. The air pump 321 delivers compressed gas to the guide tube 322 through the guide plate 310, pushing the piston rod 323 to move forward along the guide tube 322, causing the drive plate 324 fixed at its front end to periodically strike the outside of the tray 100. The impact plate 325, located at the front end of the drive plate 324 and featuring rounded edges, generates regular and gentle vibrations during impact, breaking the static friction between the material and the placement surface. When the piston rod 323 moves to the set position, the exhaust hole 327 on the surface of the guide tube 322 aligns with the L-shaped flow groove 326 thereon, forming an automatic exhaust channel. The pressure inside the guide tube 322 is rapidly released, and the piston rod 323 returns to its original position under the elastic force of the spring 329, completing one full reciprocating motion. This cyclical action keeps the tray 100 in a slightly vibrating state, prompting the material to continuously slide towards the center under the dual guidance of the inclined surface and vibration. The sealing telescopic sleeve 328 fully covers the guide parts, ensuring the long-term cleanliness and stable operation of the air circuit and mechanical system.

[0051] It should be noted that the air pump and induction pressure plate mentioned above are all devices with relatively mature existing technology. The specific models can be selected according to actual needs. At the same time, the air pump and induction pressure plate can be powered by the built-in power supply or by the mains power. The specific power supply method should be selected according to the situation, which will not be elaborated here.

[0052] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic centering tray, characterized by, include: A tray (100), the bottom of which is fixedly mounted with two support legs (200); An automatic centering mechanism (300) for automatically centering the material on the top of the pallet (100) is provided on the outside of the pallet (100); The automatic centering mechanism (300) includes a guide plate (310) fixedly installed at the bottom of the tray (100), a centering component (320) is provided on the outer side of the guide plate (310), and a sensing component (330) is provided on the top of the tray (100).

2. The self-centering tray of claim 1, wherein, The centering assembly (320) includes an air pump (321) fixedly installed at the bottom of the guide plate (310). Multiple guide tubes (322) are fixedly installed on the outer side of the guide plate (310). The multiple guide tubes (322) are all connected to the air pump (321) through the guide plate (310). A piston rod (323) is slidably installed at one end of the guide tube (322), and a drive plate (324) is fixedly installed at the other end of the piston rod (323). The drive plate (324) is located on one side of the tray (100).

3. The self-centering tray of claim 1, wherein, The sensing component (330) includes a placement plate (331) fixedly installed on the top of the tray (100). The top of the placement plate (331) is provided with a placement groove (332), and the four sides of the top of the placement groove (332) are all set as bevels.

4. The self-centering tray of claim 3, wherein, A sensing pressure plate (333) is fixedly installed on the top of the tray (100), and the sensing pressure plate (333) is located at the bottom of the placement plate (331).

5. The self-centering tray of claim 2, wherein, The piston rod (323) has a flow groove (326) at one end inside the guide tube (322), and an exhaust hole (327) is provided on the surface of the guide tube (322).

6. The self-centering tray of claim 5, wherein, The flow channel (326) is configured in an L-shape, and the flow channel (326) is flush with the exhaust port (327).

7. The self-centering tray of claim 5, wherein, The same spring (329) is sleeved on the outside of the guide tube (322) and the piston rod (323), and the two ends of the spring (329) are fixedly connected to the guide tube (322) and the piston rod (323) respectively.

8. The self-centering tray of claim 7, wherein, The same sealing telescopic sleeve (328) is fitted on the outside of the guide tube (322) and the piston rod (323). The sealing telescopic sleeve (328) is located outside the spring (329) and at the connection between the guide tube (322) and the piston rod (323).

9. The self-centering tray of claim 3, wherein, The bottom of the placement plate (331) is fixedly equipped with multiple guide blocks (335), and the top of the tray (100) is provided with multiple guide grooves (334), all of which are aligned with the multiple guide blocks (335).

10. The self-centering tray of claim 2, wherein, An impact plate (325) is fixedly installed on the side of the drive plate (324) near the tray (100), and the edges of the impact plate (325) are all rounded.

Images