Precision positioning mechanism for transport trolley

Abstract

This utility model relates to a precision positioning mechanism for a transport trolley, comprising a transport trolley and a precision positioning mechanism. The precision positioning mechanism is fixed to the ground and used to guide and lock the transport trolley. The bottom of the transport trolley is provided with symmetrically arranged steel plate tracks connected to the bottom of the trolley. The precision positioning mechanism includes a guide component and a locking component. The guide component cooperates with the steel plate tracks to achieve automatic alignment and guide the transport trolley into a designated position. The locking component locks the transport trolley after it enters the designated position, achieving precision positioning. This utility model achieves automatic guidance and locking of the transport trolley through the ingenious combination of the transport trolley and the precision positioning mechanism. The core of this mechanism lies in the cooperation between the steel plate tracks at the bottom of the transport trolley and the horizontal guide wheels and roller bearings of the precision positioning mechanism. These guide components are symmetrically arranged on the wheel assembly mounting base, forming a stable guide path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a transport trolley, and more particularly to a precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley. Background Technology

[0002] In modern manufacturing, some production bases manufacture parts with significant weight. Manually handling such parts is extremely difficult, labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to accidents due to improper operation. Therefore, transport carts are typically used to move these parts. After the parts are moved to a designated area, robots are used to pick them up and assemble them to meet the demands of automated production. However, most current robots have significant limitations in picking up parts, only able to perform operations in fixed positions. This places extremely strict requirements on the placement of parts; each part must be precisely positioned in a specific location to ensure successful robot gripping.

[0003] However, in reality, the placement of parts is closely related to the parking position of the transport trolley. Currently, the transport trolley mainly relies on manual pushing for transport. Due to the lack of unified route planning and a precise positioning system, the transport route is highly arbitrary and uncertain. This leads to significant positional deviations when the transport trolley reaches the final parking position of the parts, possibly due to differences in human operation and environmental factors.

[0004] This positional deviation prevents parts from being accurately placed in the robot's required fixed positions, leading to problems such as failed or inaccurate gripping when the robot picks up parts, severely impacting production efficiency. Furthermore, abnormal gripping conditions may cause malfunctions, posing a potential threat to the safety of nearby operators and creating significant safety hazards in the production process. Therefore, it is urgent to solve these problems to improve production efficiency and ensure personnel safety. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a precision positioning mechanism for a transport trolley, which uses the steel plate track of the transport trolley and the horizontal guide wheel of the precision positioning mechanism to cooperate with each other to guide the trolley forward, and locks the transport trolley with the trolley positioning pin when the transport trolley reaches the designated position, thereby achieving precise positioning of the transport trolley.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A precision positioning mechanism for a transport trolley includes a transport trolley and a precision positioning mechanism, wherein the precision positioning mechanism is fixed to the ground and is used to guide and lock the transport trolley.

[0008] The bottom of the transport trolley is provided with steel plate rails connected to the bottom of the transport trolley and arranged symmetrically. The precision positioning mechanism is provided with a guide component and a locking component. The guide component cooperates with the steel plate rails to realize the automatic alignment of the transport trolley and guide it into the designated position.

[0009] The locking assembly locks the transport trolley after it enters the designated position, achieving precise positioning.

[0010] Furthermore, the guiding assembly includes multiple horizontal guide wheels and roller bearings. The horizontal guide wheels are laterally engaged with the steel plate track to guide the forward direction of the transport trolley and automatically correct deviations.

[0011] Furthermore, the precision positioning mechanism includes a lower mounting plate, the bottom of which is fixed to the ground by anchor bolts and leveled, and the top of which is provided with a base structure for supporting the guide assembly and the locking assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the base structure includes symmetrically arranged wheel assembly mounting bases, on which guide wheel mounting seats are mounted, and the guide wheel mounting seats are used to mount the horizontal guide wheel and the roller bearing.

[0013] Furthermore, the guide wheel mounting base is divided into a front guide wheel mounting base and a rear guide wheel mounting base. The front guide wheel mounting base is located at the front end of the wheel assembly mounting base and is used for initial guidance.

[0014] The rear guide wheel mounting base is located at the rear of the wheel assembly mounting base and is used for stable guidance; the horizontal guide wheels and roller bearings on the front guide wheel mounting base and the rear guide wheel mounting base are arranged in a line and cooperate with the steel plate track.

[0015] Furthermore, the horizontal guide wheel is coupled to the shaft via bearings, including deep groove ball bearings for rotating the horizontal guide wheel; the roller bearings are cylindrical bolt roller bearings for supporting and guiding the movement of the steel plate track.

[0016] Furthermore, the locking assembly includes a cylinder and a positioning pin, the cylinder being used to drive the positioning pin to extend or retract; the transport trolley is provided with a positioning pin sleeve that cooperates with the positioning pin, and the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning pin sleeve to achieve locking.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking assembly also includes a cylinder mounting seat and a buffer pad. The cylinder mounting seat is fixed to the tail end of the precision positioning mechanism, and the buffer pad is disposed on the contact surface between the cylinder mounting seat and the transport trolley to provide buffering and stopping effect when the transport trolley enters.

[0018] Furthermore, the transport trolley includes a panel and a wheel set. A directional wheel is installed at the bottom front end of the panel to fix the forward direction; a swivel wheel is installed at the bottom rear end to adjust the steering. The swivel wheel, in conjunction with the guide assembly, enables the transport trolley to enter flexibly.

[0019] Furthermore, the transport trolley is equipped with a push handle on its top for manual pushing;

[0020] After the transport trolley has fully entered, the precision positioning mechanism automatically locks itself through the locking assembly, replacing manual adjustment of the positioning and improving positioning accuracy and efficiency.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] 1. This utility model's precision positioning mechanism for a transport trolley achieves automatic guidance and locking of the trolley through a clever combination of the trolley and the precision positioning mechanism. The core of this mechanism lies in the cooperation between the steel plate track at the bottom of the trolley and the horizontal guide wheels and roller bearings of the precision positioning mechanism. These guiding components are symmetrically arranged on the wheel assembly mounting base, forming a stable guiding path. Simultaneously, the locking component uses a cylinder-driven positioning pin that precisely matches the positioning pin sleeve of the transport trolley, and a collision-resistant buffer pad is installed at the rear end to ensure safe stopping. This design is particularly suitable for handling heavy parts in production facilities, such as the rapid and precise positioning and docking of landing gear between manual assembly lines and automated testing lines. It replaces the traditional positioning method that relies on manual judgment, avoiding part placement deviations caused by unpredictable transport paths, thereby ensuring the accuracy of robot part picking and significantly improving the reliability and safety of the overall production process.

[0023] 2. The main benefit of this mechanism lies in the automation of precise positioning. When the transport trolley enters the precision positioning mechanism, the lateral alignment of the steel track and the horizontal guide wheels automatically corrects deviations. The front guide wheel mounting provides initial guidance, while the rear guide wheel mounting ensures stable forward movement until the trolley is fully in the designated position. Subsequently, a cylinder pushes the positioning pin into the pin sleeve, achieving a precise locking. This mechanism is more accurate than manual observation and adjustment, avoiding robot grasping failures caused by human error. Furthermore, it is easy to operate, requiring only manual pushing of the trolley, without complex training or additional tools, greatly improving efficiency. For example, in high-intensity production environments, this mechanism can reduce positioning time from minutes to seconds, lowering work difficulty and ensuring compatibility with different types of transport trolleys, enhancing the system's flexibility and versatility.

[0024] 3. Furthermore, this technical solution significantly reduces the labor intensity and time costs for employees. Operators simply need to push the transport trolley into the precision positioning mechanism by holding the trolley handle; the guide components automatically align, the buffer pad provides a gentle stop, and the positioning pin locks immediately after the trolley is in place. At this point, the operator can leave the site to handle other tasks without requiring prolonged monitoring or repeated adjustments. This not only improves work efficiency but also reduces potential safety hazards, such as positioning errors due to fatigue. Through this automated assistance, the mechanism fundamentally optimizes the production process, saves human resources, and provides reliable support for large-scale automated assembly, ultimately achieving a comprehensive improvement in production efficiency.

[0025] Other advantages, objectives, and features of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following examination and study, or may be learned from practice of this invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained through the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the preferred embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a precision positioning mechanism for a transport trolley according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transport trolley in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the precision positioning mechanism in this utility model.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1-Precision positioning mechanism for transport trolley, 2-Transport trolley, 3-Precision positioning mechanism, 21-Trolley panel, 22-Directional wheel, 23-Universal wheel, 24-Steel plate track, 25-Trolley handle, 26-Positioning pin sleeve, 301-Lower mounting plate of precision positioning mechanism, 302-Wheel set mounting base, 303-Front guide wheel mounting seat, 304-Rear guide wheel mounting seat, 305-Horizontal guide wheel, 306-Horizontal guide wheel shaft, 307-Deep groove ball bearing, 308-Cylindrical bolt roller bearing, 309-Positioning cylinder mounting seat, 310-Cylinder mounting seat, 311-Trolley anti-collision buffer pad, 312-Cylinder, 313-Positioning pin. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this utility model. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0032] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual pictures. They should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0033] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a precision positioning mechanism 1 for a transport trolley, comprising a transport trolley 2 and a precision positioning mechanism 3. The precision positioning mechanism 3 is fixed to the ground and is used to guide the transport trolley 2 into a designated position and lock it in place, thereby achieving precise positioning of the transport trolley 2.

[0035] The precision positioning mechanism 3 includes a lower mounting plate 301, a wheel assembly mounting base 302, a front guide wheel mounting base 303, a rear guide wheel mounting base 304, a horizontal guide wheel 305, a horizontal guide wheel shaft 306, a deep groove ball bearing 307, a cylindrical bolt roller bearing 308, a positioning cylinder mounting base 309, a cylinder mounting base 310, a trolley anti-collision buffer pad 311, a cylinder 312, and a positioning pin 313. Specifically, the lower mounting plate 301 has a rectangular plate structure, and its bottom is fixed to the ground by four anchor bolts. The anchor bolts are adjusted to ensure the stability of the entire precision positioning mechanism 3. A set of wheel assembly mounting bases 302 is installed symmetrically on the left and right sides of the top of the lower mounting plate 301. Each set of wheel assembly mounting bases 302 is fixed to the lower mounting plate 301 by hexagonal bolts. Meanwhile, a positioning cylinder mounting seat 309 is installed at the top end of the precision positioning mechanism lower mounting plate 301 (i.e., the end away from the direction of entry of the transport trolley 2). The positioning cylinder mounting seat 309 is fixed to the precision positioning mechanism lower mounting plate 301 by an internal threaded cylindrical pin.

[0036] Each set of wheel assembly mounting bases 302 has a front guide wheel mounting seat 303 installed at its top front end, and two rear guide wheel mounting seats 304 installed sequentially behind it. The front guide wheel mounting seats 303 and the two rear guide wheel mounting seats 304 are arranged in a straight line and fixed to the wheel assembly mounting base 302 with hexagon socket head cap screws. The left and right sets of wheel assembly mounting bases 302 have the same configuration, forming a symmetrical structure, which is used to guide the transport trolley 2 from both sides.

[0037] On the top surface of the front guide wheel mounting base 303, a horizontal guide wheel shaft 306 is vertically mounted in sequence, and two cylindrical bolt roller bearings 308 are mounted horizontally. These three components (horizontal guide wheel shaft 306 and two cylindrical bolt roller bearings 308) are connected in a straight line. A horizontal guide wheel 305 is mounted on the horizontal guide wheel shaft 306. The horizontal guide wheel 305 cooperates with the horizontal guide wheel shaft 306 through a deep groove ball bearing 307, enabling the smooth rotation of the horizontal guide wheel 305. The front guide wheel mounting bases 303 on the left and right wheel assembly mounting bases 302 are configured identically, with one set on each side, used to automatically correct deviations when initially guiding the transport trolley 2 into the road.

[0038] On the top surface of each rear guide wheel mounting base 304, a horizontal guide wheel shaft 306 is vertically mounted in sequence, and a cylindrical bolt roller bearing 308 is mounted horizontally. These two components (horizontal guide wheel shaft 306 and cylindrical bolt roller bearing 308) are aligned in a straight line. A horizontal guide wheel 305 is mounted on the horizontal guide wheel shaft 306. The horizontal guide wheel 305 cooperates with the horizontal guide wheel shaft 306 through a deep groove ball bearing 307, enabling smooth rotation of the horizontal guide wheel 305. The rear guide wheel mounting bases 304 on the left and right wheel sets are configured identically, with two sets on each side, to provide stable guidance during the entry of the transport trolley 2. The aforementioned horizontal guide wheels 305 and cylindrical bolt roller bearings 308 together constitute a guide assembly, which is used to laterally cooperate with the steel plate track 24 at the bottom of the transport trolley 2 to guide the transport trolley 2 forward and automatically correct path deviations.

[0039] The positioning cylinder mounting base 309 has a cylinder mounting base 310 mounted on its top, secured by an internally threaded cylindrical pin. A trolley anti-collision buffer pad 311 is installed at the contact point between the front of the cylinder mounting base 310 (the side facing the direction of entry of the transport trolley 2) and the transport trolley 2. This buffer pad 311 is made of rubber or other elastic material and is used to cushion the impact when the transport trolley 2 enters and help it stop moving forward. A cylinder 312 is mounted on the top surface of the cylinder mounting base 310. This cylinder 312 is a standard cylinder, and its output shaft is connected to and controls the extension or retraction of the positioning pin 313. The cylinder 312, positioning pin 313, cylinder mounting base 310, and trolley anti-collision buffer pad 311 together constitute a locking assembly, used to lock the trolley 2 after it enters the designated position.

[0040] The transport trolley 2 includes a trolley panel 21, directional wheels 22, omnidirectional wheels 23, steel plate rails 24, trolley handles 25, and positioning pin sleeves 26. The trolley panel 21 has a rectangular plate structure, with a directional wheel 22 installed at each of the two front corners of its bottom to fix the forward direction of the transport trolley 2. An omnidirectional wheel 23 is installed at each of the two rear corners of the bottom of the trolley panel 21 to adjust the steering of the transport trolley 2, making it easier to enter the precision positioning mechanism 3. Two symmetrically arranged steel plate rails 24 are welded to the bottom of the trolley panel 21. These steel plate rails 24 are elongated steel plate structures welded to the middle of the bottom of the trolley panel 21, used to cooperate with the horizontal guide wheels 305 of the precision positioning mechanism 3 to achieve automatic alignment and guidance. A pair of trolley handles 25 are installed at the top rear end of the trolley panel 21. These trolley handles 25 have a piston rod structure, facilitating manual pushing of the transport trolley 2. A positioning pin sleeve 26 is installed at the middle of the top front end of the trolley panel 21. The positioning pin sleeve 26 is a cylindrical structure and is used to cooperate with the positioning pin 313 for insertion to achieve locking.

[0041] Preferably, in this embodiment, the two steel plate tracks 24 are located on the outer side of the horizontal guide wheels 305 on the two sets of wheel mounting bases 302 in the precision positioning mechanism 3;

[0042] In another embodiment, the two steel plate tracks 24 may also be located inside the horizontal guide wheels 305 on the two sets of wheel mounting bases 302 in the precision positioning mechanism 3.

[0043] The usage process of this utility model is as follows: A person manually pushes the transport trolley 2 towards the precision positioning mechanism 3 using the handle 25. When the transport trolley 2 enters the precision positioning mechanism 3, the two steel plate tracks 24 at the bottom of the trolley panel 21 cooperate laterally with the multiple horizontal guide wheels 305 on the precision positioning mechanism 3, while the cylindrical bolt roller bearings 308 provide support and rolling guidance. The casters 23 can flexibly change the forward direction of the transport trolley 2, helping it to automatically correct deviations and smoothly enter the guide path of the precision positioning mechanism 3. When the transport trolley 2 is fully inside the precision positioning mechanism 3, its front end contacts the anti-collision buffer pad 311, which absorbs the impact force and stops the transport trolley 2 from moving forward. At this time, the transport trolley 2 has reached the designated position. The operator or the automated system controls the cylinder 312 to act, and its output shaft pushes the positioning pin 313 to extend and insert into the positioning pin sleeve 26 on the transport trolley 2, thereby locking the transport trolley 2 and achieving precision positioning. After positioning is completed, the robot or other equipment can pick up parts from the transport trolley 2 for assembly. After use, control cylinder 312 retracts positioning pin 313, which will push the transport trolley 2 away from precision positioning mechanism 3.

[0044] This invention achieves automatic alignment and guidance of the transport trolley 2 through the cooperation of the steel plate track 24 and the horizontal guide wheel 305, replacing the manual method of visual observation and adjustment of positioning. This solves the problems of low positioning accuracy and inconsistent paths leading to robot grasping failures in existing technologies. Furthermore, the mechanism has a simple structure, using standard components such as the cylinder 312 and bearings, reducing complexity and cost, and improving operational efficiency and safety. It offers advantages such as ease of operation, high precision, and high efficiency.

[0045] This utility model primarily targets assembly lines in the aerospace industry, such as those producing aircraft landing gear, using a multi-variety, small-batch, order-based production model. The equipment has already been successfully applied in projects such as those of an aircraft landing gear company. The precision positioning mechanism is estimated to cost approximately 40,000 RMB, and can replace about one assembly worker per shift. It enables rapid workstation transitions, achieves modular coordination, and yields significant economic benefits. The implementation of this utility model is of great significance in changing existing production models, promoting the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry, and improving the level of lean manufacturing.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of this technical solution, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A precision positioning mechanism for a transport trolley, characterized in that, It includes a transport trolley and a precision positioning mechanism, the precision positioning mechanism being fixed to the ground for guiding and locking the transport trolley; The bottom of the transport trolley is provided with steel plate rails connected to the bottom of the transport trolley and arranged symmetrically. The precision positioning mechanism is provided with a guide component and a locking component. The guide component cooperates with the steel plate rails to realize the automatic alignment of the transport trolley and guide it into the designated position. The locking assembly locks the transport trolley after it enters the designated position.

2. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding assembly includes multiple horizontal guide wheels and roller bearings. The horizontal guide wheels are laterally engaged with the steel plate track to guide the forward direction of the transport trolley and automatically correct deviations.

3. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 2, characterized in that, The precision positioning mechanism includes a lower mounting plate. The bottom of the lower mounting plate is fixed to the ground with anchor bolts and leveled. The top of the lower mounting plate has a base structure for supporting the guide assembly and locking assembly.

4. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base structure includes symmetrically arranged wheel assembly mounting bases, on which guide wheel mounting seats are mounted. The guide wheel mounting seats are used to mount the horizontal guide wheel and the roller bearing.

5. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 4, characterized in that, The guide wheel mounting base is divided into a front guide wheel mounting base and a rear guide wheel mounting base. The front guide wheel mounting base is located at the front end of the wheel assembly mounting base and is used for initial guidance. The rear guide wheel mounting base is located at the rear of the wheel assembly mounting base and is used for stable guidance; the horizontal guide wheels and roller bearings on the front guide wheel mounting base and the rear guide wheel mounting base are arranged in a line and cooperate with the steel plate track.

6. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 2, characterized in that, The horizontal guide wheel is coupled to the shaft via bearings, including deep groove ball bearings, for rotating the horizontal guide wheel; the roller bearings are cylindrical bolt roller bearings, for supporting and guiding the movement of the steel plate track.

7. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a cylinder and a positioning pin. The cylinder is used to drive the positioning pin to extend or retract. The transport trolley is provided with a positioning pin sleeve that cooperates with the positioning pin. The positioning pin is inserted into the positioning pin sleeve to achieve locking.

8. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking assembly also includes a cylinder mounting base and a buffer pad. The cylinder mounting base is fixed to the tail end of the precision positioning mechanism, and the buffer pad is disposed on the contact surface between the cylinder mounting base and the transport trolley to provide cushioning and stopping effect when the transport trolley enters.

9. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport trolley includes a panel and a wheel set. A directional wheel is installed at the bottom front end of the panel to fix the forward direction; a swivel wheel is installed at the bottom rear end to adjust the steering. The swivel wheel cooperates with the guide assembly.

10. The precision positioning mechanism for the transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport trolley is equipped with a push handle on top for manual pushing.

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