A multi-size heavy load stream tray automatic centering device
By using roller conveyor equipment and laser ranging control for automatic centering of multi-size wooden pallets, the problems of pallet damage and resource waste have been solved, achieving efficient and damage-free pallet centering and transportation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PENTANOVA AUTOMATION LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
In the current automobile production process, the mechanical and rigid centering of multi-size wooden pallets results in severe pallet damage, significant resource waste, and high equipment investment and maintenance costs.
By employing roller conveyor equipment, a rotary bearing and roller support frame rotation return structure, a low-friction linear guide and servo push rod centering mechanism, combined with laser ranging and PLC closed-loop control, non-destructive alignment and precise centering of multi-size wooden pallets can be achieved.
It enables the seamless and precise centering of wooden pallets of various sizes weighing over 3 tons, reducing power requirements, preventing pallet breakage, minimizing resource waste and maintenance costs, and improving the efficiency and reliability of logistics automation.
Smart Images

Figure CN224577419U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic centering and alignment of logistics pallets, and in particular to an automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets. Background Technology
[0002] In the entire automobile production process, there is a conveyor roller logistics line that accommodates wooden pallets of various sizes and is heavily loaded. If the pallets are directly and mechanically straightened and centered, it will cause serious damage to the wooden pallets, making them unable to be transported on the track. This also results in a large number of damaged wooden pallets and a significant waste of resources.
[0003] In the past, similar conveying methods involved classifying and transporting pallets, resulting in significant waste of equipment investment. Even when alignment was achieved, it was purely mechanical pushing. Because the bottom of the pallet is made of wood, the friction between it and the rollers is very high. The force required to push and align the pallet is close to the total weight of the goods and the pallet, making it extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. The equipment power is very high, and the wooden pallets are severely damaged. This necessitates the periodic replacement of batches of pallets; otherwise, they cannot be transported and operated on the roller conveyor line. Utility Model Content
[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose an automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets, which solves the key technology of automatic centering and alignment of multi-size heavy-duty pallets weighing more than 3 tons. The power components used have a small load and do not cause any damage to the pallets.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:
[0006] An automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets includes a roller conveyor, a ground support plate, a roller conveyor return mechanism, and a clamping and centering mechanism.
[0007] The roller conveyor is located above the ground support plate. Four guide rails are installed in parallel on the ground support plate. The four guide rails are divided into two groups. The first group of guide rails consists of two guide rails on the side away from the center of the roller conveyor, and the second group of guide rails consists of two guide rails on the side closer to the center of the roller conveyor. The movable parts of the clamping and straightening mechanism and the roller conveyor's return mechanism are slidably installed on the first group of guide rails and the second group of guide rails, respectively.
[0008] Furthermore, the return mechanism of the roller conveyor includes a slewing bearing, a roller support frame, a roller return push plate, a roller return push plate cylinder, and a mounting plate;
[0009] The roller return push plate cylinder is installed on the ground support plate and is located between the two guide rails of the second group. The power output end of the roller return push plate cylinder is connected to the roller return push plate.
[0010] The roller return push plate is slidably mounted on the second set of guide rails, and the mounting plate is slidably mounted on the second set of guide rails. The roller return push plate is located on the outside of the mounting plate along the length of the guide rails.
[0011] The slewing bearing is mounted on the mounting plate and connected to the roller conveyor support frame. The roller conveyor support frame is mounted on the bottom of the roller conveyor equipment, and the roller conveyor equipment is rotatably supported on the mounting plate through the roller conveyor support frame and the slewing bearing.
[0012] Furthermore, the clamping and aligning mechanism includes a pallet aligning and centering guide, a pneumatic push plate guide, a push plate cylinder, and a servo push rod;
[0013] The push plate cylinder and the servo push rod are mounted on the same guide rail in the first group and are located on the front and rear sides respectively along the length of the guide rail.
[0014] The pneumatic push plate is guided and slidably connected across the first set of guide rails and connected to the power output end of the push plate cylinder;
[0015] The tray is positioned and centered, guided and slidably connected to the first set of guide rails and connected to the power output end of the servo push rod.
[0016] The pneumatic push plate guide has a built-in laser ranging module. The built-in laser ranging module is connected to a PLC controller. The PLC controller controls the servo push rod to push the tray based on the offset value fed back by the laser ranging module.
[0017] Furthermore, there are two roller return push plates and two roller return push plate cylinders. The two roller return push plate cylinders are installed back to back on the same straight line. The two roller return push plates are slidably connected across the second set of guide rails and are located on the front and rear sides of the second set of guide rails along the length direction. Each roller return push plate is connected to one roller return push plate cylinder.
[0018] Furthermore, there are two push plate cylinders and two servo push rods. The two push plate cylinders are respectively installed on the two guide rails of the first group, and the two servo push rods are respectively installed on the two guide rails of the first group.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages:
[0020] (1) The automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this utility model achieves non-destructive centering and precise alignment of multi-size wooden pallets weighing more than 3 tons on the rollers through the rotational return structure of the rotary bearing and roller support frame, the centering and pushing mechanism of the low-friction linear guide rail and servo push rod, as well as laser ranging and PLC closed-loop control. The symmetrical arrangement of double cylinders and double push rods reduces the power demand and avoids the pallet damage caused by traditional mechanical hard pushing, significantly reducing resource waste and maintenance costs.
[0021] Meanwhile, the four-rail design with partitioned sliding enables the roller conveyor equipment's return mechanism and clamping and aligning mechanism to achieve clear structural partitioning. Combined with the synchronous reset function of the double return push plate cylinder, the cycle time is significantly shortened. The whole system has strong versatility and can be compatible with various pallet specifications, laying the technological foundation for high-precision docking between heavy-duty conveyor lines and AGVs, and improving the overall efficiency and reliability of logistics automation. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Figure 4 As described in the embodiments of this utility model Figure 2 AA cross-section view;
[0027] Figure 5 As described in the embodiments of this utility model Figure 3 BB cross-section;
[0028] Figure 6 As described in the embodiments of this utility model Figure 2 CC cross-section;
[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 8This is an exploded view of the automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the roller conveyor equipment and roller support frame of the automatic centering and alignment equipment for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets described in this embodiment of the utility model.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0033] 1. Logistics pallet; 2. Roller conveyor equipment; 3. Pallet alignment and centering guide; 4. Pneumatic push plate guide; 5. Docking equipment requiring alignment and centering; 6. Guide rail; 7. Ground support plate; 8. Push plate cylinder; 9. Servo push rod; 10. Rotary bearing; 11. Roller conveyor support frame; 12. Roller conveyor return push plate; 13. Roller conveyor return push plate cylinder; 14. Mounting plate. Detailed Implementation
[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "back," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0037] This embodiment relates to an automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets, which can solve the key technology of automatic centering and alignment of multi-size heavy-duty pallets weighing more than 3 tons. The power components used have a small load and do not cause any damage to the pallets.
[0038] Based on the above design concept, an exemplary structure of the multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallet automatic alignment and centering device in this embodiment is as follows: Figures 1-9As shown, it mainly includes a roller conveyor 2, a ground support plate 7, a roller conveyor return mechanism, and a clamping and aligning mechanism. The roller conveyor 2 is located above the ground support plate 7, and four guide rails 6 are installed parallel to each other on the ground support plate 7. The four guide rails 6 are divided into two groups. The first group of guide rails 6 consists of two guide rails on the side away from the center of the roller conveyor, and the second group of guide rails 6 consists of two guide rails on the side closer to the center of the roller conveyor. The movable parts of the clamping and aligning mechanism and the roller conveyor return mechanism are slidably installed on the first group of guide rails 6 and the second group of guide rails 6, respectively.
[0039] By arranging four guide rails 6 into two groups, the first group is far from the center of the roller conveyor, and the second group is close to the center of the roller conveyor, so as to support the sliding movement of the clamping and straightening mechanism and the return mechanism of the roller conveyor equipment respectively, the structural zoning is clear, and the system stability and maintenance convenience are improved.
[0040] The return mechanism of the roller conveyor includes a slewing bearing 10, a roller support frame 11, a roller return push plate 12, a roller return push plate cylinder 13, and a mounting plate 14. The roller return push plate cylinder 13 is mounted on the ground support plate 7 and is located between the two guide rails 6 of the second group. The power output end of the roller return push plate cylinder 13 is connected to the roller return push plate 12. The roller return push plate 12 is slidably mounted on the second group of guide rails 6, and the mounting plate 14 is slidably mounted on the second group of guide rails 6. The roller return push plate 12 is located on the outer side of the mounting plate 14 along the length of the guide rails 6. The slewing bearing 10 is mounted on the mounting plate 14 and is connected to the roller support frame 11. The roller support frame 11 is mounted at the bottom of the roller conveyor 2. The roller conveyor 2 is rotatably supported on the mounting plate 14 through the roller support frame 11 and the slewing bearing 10.
[0041] By incorporating a slewing bearing 10 and a roller conveyor support frame 11, the roller conveyor equipment 2 can rotate around the center to return to its correct position when the pallet is tilted, avoiding damage to the wooden pallet caused by rigid collisions, and achieving damage-free alignment of heavy-duty logistics pallets 1 weighing more than 3 tons; by incorporating a roller conveyor return push plate 12 and a roller conveyor return push plate cylinder 13, the roller conveyor can be quickly reset to the center position after the logistics pallet 1 is conveyed, shortening the cycle time and improving the equipment cycle efficiency.
[0042] The clamping and centering mechanism includes a pallet centering guide 3, a pneumatic push plate guide 4, a push plate cylinder 8, and a servo push rod 9. The push plate cylinder 8 and the servo push rod 9 are mounted on the same first set of guide rails 6 and are located on the front and rear sides along the length of the guide rail 6, respectively. The pneumatic push plate guide 4 slides across the first set of guide rails 6 and is connected to the power output end of the push plate cylinder 8. The pallet centering guide 3 slides across the first set of guide rails 6 and is connected to the power output end of the servo push rod 9. The pneumatic push plate guide 4 has a built-in laser ranging module, which is connected to a PLC controller. The PLC controller controls the servo push rod 9 to push the pallet based on the offset value fed back by the laser ranging module. The pneumatic push plate guide 4 can push the tilted pallet centering guide 3 to move and close together through the push plate cylinder 8. The pallet centering guide 3, through the servo push rod 9, is used to center the aligned logistics pallet 1 via the guide rails 6 to obtain a low coefficient of friction, thereby easily moving goods weighing more than 3 tons and the pallet.
[0043] The pneumatic pusher guide 4 incorporates a built-in laser ranging module, whose signal is connected to the PLC controller to obtain the width and offset of the logistics pallet 1 in real time, achieving closed-loop control and ensuring that the servo pusher 9 accurately pushes the logistics pallet 1 to be centered and aligned with the AGV center. The servo pusher 9 and the ground support plate 7 are respectively arranged on the front and rear sides of the first set of guide rails 6 to form a bidirectional synchronous clamping and straightening action, reducing pushing resistance, accommodating pallets of various sizes, and preventing the logistics pallet 1 from shifting or being damaged due to unilateral force.
[0044] There are two roller return push plates 12 and two roller return push plate cylinders 13. The two roller return push plate cylinders 13 are installed back to back on the same straight line. The two roller return push plates 12 are slidably connected across the second set of guide rails 6 and are located on the front and rear sides of the second set of guide rails 6 along the length direction. Each roller return push plate 12 is connected to one roller return push plate cylinder 13.
[0045] By installing two roller conveyor return pusher cylinders 13 back to back and connecting them to two roller conveyor return pushers 12 respectively, the roller conveyor equipment 2 can achieve symmetrical reset after conveying, ensuring uniform return force and preventing jamming.
[0046] There are two push plate cylinders 8 and two servo push rods 9. The two push plate cylinders 8 are respectively installed on the two guide rails 6 of the first group, and the two servo push rods 9 are respectively installed on the two guide rails 6 of the first group.
[0047] By symmetrically installing two sets of push plate cylinders 8 and two sets of servo push rods 9 on the first set of guide rails 6, the synchronization and load-bearing capacity of the clamping and straightening mechanism can be improved, so as to achieve stable clamping and precise centering of heavy-duty pallets weighing more than 3 tons.
[0048] A slewing bearing 10 is installed below the roller conveyor equipment 2 to straighten the tilted logistics pallet 1. Two pusher cylinders 8 are connected to the pneumatic pusher guide 4 to push the tilted logistics pallet 1 towards the pallet straightening center guide 3 and bring it closer to the center. The width of the logistics pallet 1 is calculated by a laser rangefinder built into the pneumatic pusher guide 4.
[0049] The centering data is processed by the PLC through the data obtained by the laser rangefinder built into the pneumatic push plate guide 4. Given an offset value, the servo push rod 9 starts to push the logistics movement; the pneumatic push plate guide 4 is connected to two push plate cylinders 8 and starts to exhaust air; exhaust stops after reaching the position; the goods start to be transported; while transporting the goods, the pallet centering guide 3 and the pneumatic push plate guide 4 always maintain guidance; the roller conveyor equipment 2 performs lateral displacement transport.
[0050] The pallet centering guide 3 connects to two servo push rods 9 to guide the centered logistics pallet 1 through the guide rail 6, achieving a low coefficient of friction and easily moving and centering goods weighing over 3 tons. The centering data is calculated by the PLC using data obtained from laser ranging built into the pneumatic push plate guide 4. Given an offset value, the servo push rods 9 begin to push the logistics pallet; the pneumatic push plate guide 4 connects to two push plate cylinders 8, which begin to exhaust air; exhaust stops upon reaching the desired position; goods begin to be transported; while transporting goods, the pallet centering guide 3 and the pneumatic push plate guide 4 maintain constant guidance; the roller conveyor 2 performs lateral displacement transport, conveying the goods to the docking equipment 5 that requires centering.
[0051] After the roller conveyor 2 finishes conveying, the inclined rollers are pushed by roller return push plate cylinders 13 connected to roller return push plates 12 to make the roller conveyor 2 centered and upright; waiting for the forklift to place the next batch of goods on the roller conveyor 2.
[0052] The automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets using the above-described implementation scheme effectively achieves automatic centering and alignment of multi-size heavy-duty pallets weighing over 3 tons, while using a power source with a relatively small load and causing no damage to the pallets.
[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets, comprising a roller conveyor (2), a ground support plate (7), a roller conveyor return mechanism, and a clamping and centering mechanism; wherein the roller conveyor (2) is located above the ground support plate (7), characterized in that: Four guide rails (6) are installed in parallel on the ground support plate (7). The four guide rails (6) are divided into two groups. The first group of guide rails (6) consists of two guide rails (6) on the side away from the center of the roller conveyor equipment. The second group of guide rails (6) consists of two guide rails (6) on the side closer to the center of the roller conveyor equipment. The movable parts of the clamping and straightening mechanism and the roller conveyor equipment return mechanism are slidably installed on the first group of guide rails (6) and the second group of guide rails (6), respectively.
2. The automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return mechanism of the roller conveyor includes a slewing bearing (10), a roller support frame (11), a roller return push plate (12), a roller return push plate cylinder (13), and a mounting plate (14). The roller return push plate cylinder (13) is installed on the ground support plate (7) and located between the two guide rails (6) of the second group. The power output end of the roller return push plate cylinder (13) is connected to the roller return push plate (12). The roller return push plate (12) is slidably mounted on the second set of guide rails (6), and the mounting plate (14) is slidably mounted on the second set of guide rails (6). The roller return push plate (12) is located on the outside of the mounting plate (14) along the length direction of the guide rail (6). The slewing bearing (10) is mounted on the mounting plate (14). The slewing bearing (10) is connected to the roller support frame (11). The roller support frame (11) is mounted at the bottom of the roller conveyor (2). The roller conveyor (2) is rotatably supported on the mounting plate (14) through the roller support frame (11) and the slewing bearing (10).
3. The automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping and aligning mechanism includes a pallet aligning and centering guide (3), a pneumatic push plate guide (4), a push plate cylinder (8), and a servo push rod (9). The push plate cylinder (8) and the servo push rod (9) are mounted on the same guide rail (6) in the first group and are located on the front and rear sides along the length of the guide rail (6), respectively. The pneumatic push plate guide (4) is slidably connected across the first set of guide rails (6) and connected to the power output end of the push plate cylinder (8); The tray centering guide (3) slides across the first set of guide rails (6) and is connected to the power output end of the servo push rod (9); The pneumatic push plate guide (4) has a built-in laser ranging module. The built-in laser ranging module is connected to a PLC controller. The PLC controller controls the servo push rod (9) to push the tray according to the offset value fed back by the laser ranging module.
4. The automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of roller return push plate (12) and roller return push plate cylinder (13) are both two. The two roller return push plate cylinders (13) are installed back to back on the same straight line. The two roller return push plates (12) are slidably connected across the second set of guide rails (6) and are located on the front and rear sides of the second set of guide rails (6) along the length direction. Each roller return push plate (12) is connected to one roller return push plate cylinder (13).
5. The automatic centering and alignment device for multi-size heavy-duty logistics pallets according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the push plate cylinder (8) and the number of the servo push rod (9) are two. The two push plate cylinders (8) are respectively installed on the two guide rails (6) of the first group, and the two servo push rods (9) are respectively installed on the two guide rails (6) of the first group.