An automated storage device for sheet metal

Abstract

This application relates to the technical field of sheet material storage, and in particular to an automated sheet material storage device, including a sheet material storage unit, a lifting mechanism, a pallet trolley, and a working support. The lifting mechanism and the working support are located on opposite sides of the sheet material storage unit. A channel is provided inside the sheet material storage unit, with one end connected to the lifting mechanism and the other end connected to the working support. The pallet trolley is mounted on the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism, the channel, and the working support are all equipped with horizontal drive components for moving the pallet trolley. This application has the advantage of being able to store sheet materials while simultaneously performing operations on them, with the two modes operating independently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of sheet metal storage, and in particular to an automated sheet metal storage device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous upgrading of manufacturing production technology and the rising costs of warehousing land and labor, increasing warehousing density and promoting automation transformation have become key directions for modern enterprises to optimize their supply chains.

[0003] Taking the board industry as an example, most domestic enterprises still use the traditional flat-lay warehousing model. This storage method has obvious efficiency bottlenecks: it not only relies on manual labor for heavy board handling and stacking, resulting in low labor productivity, but also, due to the single-layer flat storage method, the warehouse space utilization rate is less than 40%, resulting in serious waste of space resources. More importantly, this traditional warehousing model also has systemic defects such as unreasonable storage and retrieval path planning and difficulties in inventory counting, making it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of efficient material flow in the era of intelligent manufacturing. At present, most storage systems adopt automated storage methods, but their storage mode and operation mode operate independently. This separate operation is obviously insufficient in large-scale board storage and operation scenarios. Switching between the two modes will lead to discontinuous operation processes; independent operation will significantly increase the overall operation time and reduce the overall efficiency of storage and operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the problem of storing boards while simultaneously performing operations on them, with the two modes not interfering with each other, the purpose of this application is to provide an automated board storage device.

[0005] The automated plate storage device provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: Includes a sheet material storage unit, lifting mechanism, pallet trolley, and work support; The lifting mechanism and the working support are located on both sides of the plate storage. The plate storage has a channel inside, one end of which is connected to the lifting mechanism and the other end of which is connected to the working support. The pallet trolley is mounted on the lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism, the channel, and the working support are all equipped with horizontal drive components for driving the pallet trolley to move.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, the automated flow of sheet metal is realized. The lifting mechanism and working support on both sides are connected by a channel. The horizontal drive component ensures that the pallet trolley moves seamlessly within the device. It can store sheet metal while performing operations on it. The two modes do not interfere with each other, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of sheet metal storage and retrieval. At the same time, it reduces the need for manual handling and lowers the error rate of operation, making it suitable for high-throughput industrial environments.

[0007] Optionally, the sheet metal storage room is provided with multiple storage compartments spaced vertically, and each storage compartment is provided with a pallet trolley. The pallet trolley can be moved horizontally into or out of the storage compartment. The sheet metal storage room is supported by multiple columns, and the columns are slidably engaged with the lifting mechanism.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the space utilization is optimized through the design of multi-layer storage compartments and independent pallet carts for each layer, allowing for the vertical storage of more boards within a limited area. The pallet carts can be moved horizontally into or out of the storage compartments, facilitating quick access to specific layers of boards; the sliding cooperation between the columns and the lifting mechanism enhances the stability of the overall structure, ensuring precise alignment of the lifting mechanism during lifting and lowering, reducing the risk of vibration and displacement, and improving the reliability and lifespan of the device.

[0009] Optionally, the pallet trolley includes a horizontally arranged support plate, multiple support rollers arranged on both sides of the support plate, and a sensing block fixed to the side of the support plate, the sensing block facing the channel extension direction.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solutions, the specific structure of the pallet trolley (including the support plate, support rollers, and sensor block) improves the movement efficiency and positioning accuracy. The support rollers reduce friction, making the trolley run more smoothly under horizontal drive; the sensor block faces the channel direction, facilitating real-time position detection in conjunction with sensors, ensuring that the trolley accurately stops or aligns within the channel, thereby reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing the response speed of automated control.

[0011] Optionally, the horizontal drive assembly includes a first drive motor, a positioning block fixedly mounted on a working bracket or lifting mechanism, a horizontally arranged output shaft, and a closed-loop chain wound around the output shaft; one end of the output shaft is fixedly connected to the output end of the first drive motor, and the bottom of the pallet trolley is provided with a rack structure that meshes with the closed-loop chain.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the details of the horizontal drive component (such as the first drive motor, positioning block, output shaft, and closed-loop chain) provide an efficient and reliable power transmission mechanism. The closed-loop chain meshes with the rack and pinion at the bottom of the pallet trolley to form a stable drive system, avoiding slippage or chain derailment. The positioning block fixes the component position, enhances overall rigidity, ensures smooth and energy-efficient trolley movement, and is suitable for frequent transport of heavy-duty plates.

[0013] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a horizontally arranged lifting frame, a lifting drive assembly for driving the lifting frame to move up and down, and a lifting slot fixedly installed on the side of the lifting frame facing the passage, wherein the lifting slot slides in conjunction with the column of the plate storage.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the lifting mechanism's lifting frame, lifting drive assembly, and lifting slot design, combined with their sliding cooperation with the plate storage column, achieves precise vertical motion control. The lifting slot, acting as a guide structure, prevents the lifting frame from swaying during lifting, ensuring the plates carried by the pallet trolley remain horizontal and stable, thereby reducing the risk of plate damage and improving the safety and repeatability of the lifting process.

[0015] Optionally, the lifting slot is provided with multiple pulleys, and the rolling surface of the pulleys makes rolling contact with the side wall of the upright of the plate storage.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, pulleys are added to the lifting slot, allowing them to roll in contact with the uprights of the sheet metal storage unit, further reducing frictional resistance. This rolling design makes lifting operations smoother and less labor-intensive, reduces mechanical wear and energy consumption, and extends the service life of the device. In high-frequency lifting scenarios, it can also effectively reduce noise and improve the comfort of the operating environment.

[0017] Optionally, the lifting drive assembly includes a second drive motor, a drive shaft, and a drive chain wound around the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is coaxially connected to the output end of the second drive motor.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the specific implementation of the lifting drive component (including the second drive motor, drive shaft, and drive chain) simplifies the power transmission structure. The drive shaft is coaxially connected to the motor output, ensuring direct and efficient power transmission and reducing energy loss; the drive chain transmission method is reliable and easy to maintain, and can still maintain smooth lifting and lowering when the load changes, improving the overall operating efficiency and maintainability of the device.

[0019] Optionally, it also includes a plate support frame, which is fixedly installed directly below the lifting mechanism, and the bearing surface of the plate support frame is at the same horizontal height as the table surface of the working support.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, an additional plate support frame is added, and its bearing surface is kept at the same level as the work support table, providing additional support and a transition platform. This design facilitates the temporary placement or transfer of plates at the lifting mechanism location, ensures uniform stress on the plates during storage and handling, reduces the risk of deformation or slippage, simplifies the operation process, and improves the safety of human-machine collaboration.

[0021] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. It realizes the automated flow of sheet materials. The lifting mechanism and working support on both sides are connected by a channel. The horizontal drive component ensures that the pallet trolley moves seamlessly within the device. It can store sheet materials and perform operations on them at the same time. The two modes do not interfere with each other, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of sheet material storage and retrieval. At the same time, it reduces the need for manual handling and reduces the error rate of operation. It is suitable for high-throughput industrial environments. 2. The multi-layer storage design maximizes vertical space utilization, significantly increasing the storage capacity of sheet metal per unit area. The design allows pallet trolleys to move horizontally into and out of each storage layer, enabling a compact, three-dimensional storage structure and optimizing factory space layout. 3. The device ensures operational reliability and accuracy through multiple design features: the sliding / rolling cooperation between the column and the lifting mechanism provides stable lifting guidance, reducing swaying; the sensor block enables precise positioning control; the closed-loop chain and rack meshing provide stable and reliable power transmission, preventing slippage; and the horizontal support surface design ensures smooth transition of the sheet metal. These designs work together to reduce the risk of operational failures, minimize the possibility of sheet metal damage, improve positioning accuracy, and enhance overall operational safety. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the storage device; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the lifting mechanism; Figure 3 This is a bottom-view structural diagram of the storage device; Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the pallet cart; In the picture, 1. Sheet metal warehouse; 11. Storage bin; 12. Column; 13. Aisle; 2. Lifting mechanism; 21. Lifting frame; 22. Lifting drive assembly; 221. Second drive motor; 222. Drive shaft; 223. Drive chain; 23. Lifting slot; 231. Pulley. 3. Horizontal drive assembly; 31. First drive motor; 32. Positioning block; 33. Output shaft; 34. Closed-loop chain; 4. Pallet trolley; 41. Support plate; 42. Support rollers; 43. Sensor block; 5. Working support; 6. Sheet support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 4 This application will be described in further detail below.

[0024] An automated storage device for sheet metal, as described above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system comprises four key components: a sheet material storage unit 1, a lifting mechanism 2, a pallet trolley 4, and a working support 5. The lifting mechanism 2 and the working support 5 are fixedly installed on opposite sides of the sheet material storage unit 1 along its length. A continuous passageway 13 runs along the length of the sheet material storage unit 1. One end of this passageway 13 (near the lifting mechanism 2) directly connects to the internal space of the lifting mechanism 2, while the other end (near the working support 5) connects to the table surface area of ​​the working support 5, forming a continuous sheet material transfer path.

[0025] The pallet trolley 4 is mounted on the lifting mechanism 2. The pallet trolley 4 can transport the plates to the working area, i.e., the table of the working support 5, through the lifting mechanism 2.

[0026] The working support 5 is fixedly installed on the outside of the outlet end of the channel 13 of the board storage 1. Its platform height is flush with the outlet of the channel 13, which makes it easy for the pallet trolley 4 to carry the board from the channel 13 to move smoothly to the platform of the working support 5, so that the operator can pick up and put down the board or carry out subsequent processing. The working support 5 is also equipped with the aforementioned horizontal drive component 3, which is used to drive the pallet trolley 4 to move horizontally (in or out) on its platform.

[0027] The lifting mechanism 2 and the working support 5 on both sides are connected by the channel 13. The horizontal drive component 3 ensures that the pallet trolley 4 moves seamlessly within the device, which can store the board while also operating on the board. The two modes do not interfere with each other, thus significantly improving the efficiency of board storage and retrieval.

[0028] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The board storage 1 is supported on the ground or base by multiple sturdy columns 12. Inside the board storage 1, multiple storage compartments 11 are arranged vertically at intervals for storing boards in layers. Each storage compartment 11 contains an independent pallet trolley 4 for carrying one or more boards. The pallet trolley 4 is designed to move horizontally (into or out of the storage compartment 11) within its storage compartment 11 and on the connecting passage 13, lifting mechanism 2, and working support 5.

[0029] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3To enable the automatic horizontal movement of the pallet trolley 4 within the lifting mechanism 2, the through channel 13, and the working support 5, horizontal drive components 3 are installed on the lifting mechanism 2, the through channel 13, and the working support 5. The main components of the horizontal drive component 3 include a first drive motor 31, a positioning block 32, a horizontal output shaft 33, and a closed-loop chain 34. The first drive motor 31 provides the power source. The positioning block 32 is fixedly installed at a corresponding position on the working support 5 or the lifting mechanism 2 to determine the installation reference of the drive sprocket. The horizontal output shaft 33 is mounted on the positioning block 32 or the corresponding support via a bearing seat or other structure. The closed-loop chain 34 is wound around the horizontal output shaft 33 (usually tensioned and driven by a sprocket). The output end of the first drive motor 31 is fixedly connected to one end of the horizontal output shaft 33, driving the closed-loop chain 34 in cyclic motion.

[0030] Furthermore, refer to Figure 4 The pallet trolley 4 is a horizontally positioned support plate 41 that directly supports the plates. Multiple support rollers 42 are installed on both sides of the bottom edge of the support plate 41, allowing the trolley to roll smoothly on a track or plane. A sensor block 43 is fixedly installed on the side of the support plate 41 facing the direction of the channel 13. This sensor block 43 works in conjunction with a positioning sensor to achieve precise positioning of the trolley as it moves along the channel 13, the lifting mechanism 2, and the working support 5.

[0031] The bottom of the pallet trolley 4 is equipped with a rack structure, which meshes with the closed-loop chain 34. When the closed-loop chain 34 is driven by the drive motor to run in a cycle, it drives the pallet trolley 4 to move forward or backward horizontally along the preset track through the meshing action with the rack.

[0032] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The core of the lifting mechanism 2 is a horizontally positioned lifting frame 21, a lifting drive assembly 22, and a lifting slot 23. The lifting frame 21 is used to support the pallet trolley 4 to be lifted or lowered. The lifting drive assembly 22 is responsible for driving the lifting frame 21 to move up and down vertically.

[0033] The lifting drive assembly 22 mainly includes a second drive motor 221, a drive shaft 222, and a drive chain 223. The second drive motor 221 provides lifting power. The drive shaft 222 (usually vertically or inclined) is coaxially connected to the output end of the second drive motor 221 (via a coupling). The drive chain 223 is wound around the drive shaft 222 (usually in conjunction with a sprocket). One end of the drive chain 223 is fixedly connected to the lifting frame 21, and the other end is fixedly connected to the frame or counterweight. The motor drives the drive shaft 222 to rotate, which in turn drives the drive chain 223 to extend or retract via the sprocket, thereby raising or lowering the lifting frame 21.

[0034] The lifting slot 23 is fixedly installed on the side of the lifting frame 21 facing the channel 13 of the board storage 1. The inner contour of the lifting slot 23 matches the shape of the column 12 of the board storage 1 and forms a sliding fit with the column 12 of the board storage 1, ensuring that the lifting frame 21 moves smoothly and vertically up and down along the column 12.

[0035] Furthermore, to reduce friction, multiple pulleys 231 are installed on the lifting slot 23. The rolling surfaces of these pulleys 231 directly contact the side wall of the column 12 of the plate storage 1, converting sliding friction into rolling friction.

[0036] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Directly below the lifting mechanism 2, a plate support frame 6 is fixedly installed. The bearing surface (i.e., its top surface) of this support frame is at the same horizontal height as the platform of the working bracket 5. Its main function is to provide auxiliary support for the pallet trolley 4 placed on the lifting frame 21 (especially when carrying heavy plates) when the lifting frame 21 is in the lowest position (or close to the lowest position), to share the load, enhance the stability of the system, and at the same time provide a positioning effect for the lifting mechanism 2.

[0037] The implementation principle of this application embodiment is as follows: The lifting mechanism 2 returns to the top of the plate support frame 6, the pallet trolley 4 stays on the lifting mechanism 2, and the forklift places the plate on the pallet trolley 4. When the translation operation mode is selected, the lifting mechanism 2 moves the pallet trolley 4 on the first-level track through the horizontal drive component 3, and then moves it to the working bracket 5 in the work area for operation. When the storage mode is selected, the lifting drive component 22 will drive the lifting frame 21 to move up and down, thereby driving the pallet trolley 4 to move up and down. When the lifting frame 21 reaches the storage bin 11 at the specified height, the horizontal drive component 3 moves the pallet trolley 4 into the storage bin 11. Similarly, the pallet trolley 4 in the storage bin 11 moves to the lifting frame 21 and moves down to the first level position to complete the removal of the plate.

[0038] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Identical components are represented by the same reference numerals. Therefore, all equivalent changes made to the structure, shape, and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automated storage device for sheet metal, characterized in that, It includes a sheet material storage (1), a lifting mechanism (2), a pallet trolley (4), and a working support (5); The lifting mechanism (2) and the working support (5) are located on both sides of the plate storage (1). The plate storage (1) is provided with a channel (13). One end of the channel (13) is connected to the lifting mechanism (2), and the other end is connected to the working support (5). The pallet trolley (4) is mounted on the lifting mechanism (2), and the lifting mechanism (2), the channel (13) and the working support (5) are all equipped with horizontal drive components (3) for driving the pallet trolley (4) to move.

2. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The board storage (1) is provided with multiple storage compartments (11) spaced vertically, and each storage compartment (11) is provided with a pallet trolley (4). The pallet trolley (4) can be moved horizontally into or out of the storage compartment (11). The board storage (1) is supported by multiple columns (12), and the columns (12) are slidably engaged with the lifting mechanism (2).

3. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pallet trolley (4) includes a horizontally arranged support plate (41), multiple support rollers (42) arranged on both sides of the support plate (41), and a sensing block (43) fixed to the side of the support plate (41), the sensing block (43) extending towards the channel (13).

4. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal drive assembly (3) includes a first drive motor (31), a positioning block (32) fixedly mounted on the working bracket (5) or the lifting mechanism (2), a horizontally arranged output shaft (33), and a closed-loop chain (34) wound around the output shaft (33); one end of the output shaft (33) is fixedly connected to the output end of the first drive motor (31), and the bottom of the pallet trolley (4) is provided with a rack structure that meshes with the closed-loop chain (34).

5. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (2) includes a horizontally arranged lifting frame (21), a lifting drive assembly (22) that drives the lifting frame (21) to move up and down, and a lifting slot (23) fixedly installed on the side of the lifting frame (21) facing the channel (13). The lifting slot (23) slides with the column (12) of the plate storage (1).

6. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting slot (23) is provided with multiple pulleys (231), and the rolling surface of the pulleys (231) makes rolling contact with the side wall of the column (12) of the plate storage (1).

7. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lifting drive assembly (22) includes a second drive motor (221), a drive shaft (222), and a drive chain (223) wound around the drive shaft (222). The drive shaft (222) is coaxially connected to the output end of the second drive motor (221).

8. The automated storage device for sheet metal according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a plate support frame (6), which is fixedly installed directly below the lifting mechanism (2). The bearing surface of the plate support frame (6) is at the same horizontal height as the table surface of the working support (5).

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