Automatic sorting, grabbing, stacking and continuous conveying device for steel arch connecting plate

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of material sorting and conveying, in particular to a steel arch connecting plate automatic sorting, grabbing, stacking and continuous conveying device, which comprises a cutting device, a stacking placement area, a stacking device and a conveying device; the cutting device cuts an integral plate into required connecting plates; the stacking device shifts and stacks the connecting plates; the conveying device is composed of a first conveying line and a second conveying line which are sequentially butt-jointed and perpendicular to the conveying direction, and forms a waiting loading station at the corner and the end. The application achieves the technical effects of realizing automatic sorting, grabbing, stacking and continuous conveying of the steel arch connecting plates, and improving the production efficiency and the automation degree.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material sorting and conveying technology, and in particular to an automatic sorting, grabbing, palletizing and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of tunnel engineering, the production of pre-reinforced structures at the top of the surrounding rock is crucial, and steel arches, as a key component, directly affect the progress and safety of tunnel construction through their production quality and efficiency. With the continuous development of tunnel engineering, the demand for steel arches is increasing, and the automation and efficiency of their production have become industry goals. The proper application of steel arches can form a rigid support system with shotcrete lining, providing strong support for underground engineering projects under complex geological conditions such as shallow tunnels, fractured surrounding rock, and expansive soil and rock, ensuring the smooth progress of tunnel construction.

[0003] In the past, specific methods were often used in the processing of steel arch frames to achieve automated continuous processing. For example, steel arch frames for tunnel construction are typically made by welding or cold bending steel sections into an arched structure, with connecting plates welded to both ends. To continuously supply material to the welding robot, the conventional practice is to use a conveyor line to transport the connecting plates to one side of the robot for easy gripping. This method improves the continuity of processing to some extent, but it still involves manual operation, such as manually placing new connecting plates after use. In addition, there are other auxiliary methods, but most rely on manual intervention at appropriate times to ensure the continuous operation of the process.

[0004] However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks. During the conveyor belt transport of connecting plates, the plates on the belt will eventually run out. Manually placing the connecting plates is not only inefficient but also consumes a large amount of manpower. This severely impacts the automated processing efficiency of steel arch frames, failing to meet the growing demand for efficient steel arch frame production in tunnel construction. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides an automatic sorting, grabbing, stacking and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates. The device uses a cutting device to make plates, a stacking device to stack the plates and transfer the process, and a conveying device to form a loading station with vertically connected conveyor lines. Ultimately, the device achieves automated processing of connecting plates, improves efficiency, and the station is close to both ends of the steel arch frame, making it suitable for subsequent processes.

[0006] This application is achieved through the following technical solution: An automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates includes: A cutting device for cutting a whole plate into the required connecting plate; A stacking area for stacking cut connecting plates; A palletizing device for transferring connecting plates and stacking connecting plates in the palletizing area, and the palletizing device is capable of transferring the connecting plates in the palletizing area to the next process. The conveying device includes a first conveyor line and a second conveyor line, which are connected sequentially and used to convey a single connecting plate sequentially. The conveying directions of the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line are perpendicular to each other, so as to form a loading station at the corner of the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line and at the end of the second conveyor line. The loading station is located near both ends of the steel arch frame.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, a fully automated production line was constructed from raw materials (whole plates) to the processing stations (both ends of the steel arch frame), greatly reducing manual intervention and improving production efficiency and continuity. The process flow of "cutting-stacking-loading-conveying" was clearly defined, making the entire production process orderly. The unique "L"-shaped double conveyor line design is the key to this invention. It cleverly solves the problem of how to efficiently supply materials to both ends of a large workpiece (steel arch frame) simultaneously or sequentially. Compared to traditional single linear conveyor lines, its layout is more compact and targeted, significantly improving the efficiency of subsequent processes (such as welding).

[0008] Optionally, a pushing mechanism is provided at the corner of the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line. The pushing mechanism is used to push the connecting plate laterally to the second conveyor line after it reaches the loading station of the first conveyor line.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the problem of how to automatically and smoothly transition the connecting plate between two vertical conveyor lines is solved. Without this mechanism, the connecting plate would stop at the end of the first conveyor line. Compared to using complex robotic arms or other rotating mechanisms, the pushing mechanism (usually a cylinder or electric actuator) is a low-cost, simple, stable, and reliable solution, making it ideal for repetitive operations on assembly lines.

[0010] Optionally, the pushing mechanism includes a telescopic component, which is installed on the first conveyor line, and the telescopic end of the telescopic component can abut against the side of the connecting plate away from the second conveyor line.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when the connecting plate reaches the loading station of the first conveyor line, the telescopic component extends, and its telescopic end abuts against the connecting plate, pushing the connecting plate laterally to the second conveyor line. This design achieves efficient transfer of the connecting plate between two vertical conveyor lines, avoiding manual operation and improving conveying efficiency. At the same time, the telescopic component's extension and retraction movements are precise and controllable, ensuring that the connecting plate accurately reaches the second conveyor line, providing a guarantee for the smooth progress of subsequent processes, and making the operation of the entire steel arch frame connecting plate automatic sorting, grabbing, palletizing, and continuous conveying device smoother and more stable.

[0012] Optionally, a first baffle is provided at the end of the first conveyor line; the surface of the first baffle is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor line.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, when the connecting plate moves along the first conveyor line, it will collide with the first baffle and stop. This ensures that each connecting plate can accurately stop at the preset pushing position (i.e., the loading station at the corner), providing precise initial conditions for subsequent pushing actions. It avoids the connecting plate from rushing through the corner area due to inertia or inaccurate conveyor belt speed control, ensuring the stability and reliability of the system.

[0014] Optionally, a transfer port is provided on the side of the first conveyor line near the second conveyor line. The transfer port is provided with an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the transfer port. The opening and closing mechanism includes a first driving member and a second baffle. The output end of the first driving member is connected to the second baffle to drive the second baffle away from or near the transfer port. The first baffle and the second baffle can form a right-angle space for positioning the connecting plate.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, after the connecting plate arrives, it is first stopped by the first baffle (Y-axis positioning), and then the second baffle on the side closes, gently squeezing or bringing it closer (X-axis positioning). In this way, the connecting plate is precisely fixed in a right-angle space, completely eliminating its positional and angular deviations during the conveying process. After precise positioning is completed, the first drive component drives the second baffle ("door") to open, making way for the connecting plate to be pushed onto the second conveyor line. This "positioning first, then opening the door" sequence greatly improves the accuracy of the turning conveyor.

[0016] Optionally, the opening and closing mechanism further includes a mounting frame, the first driving component is a second telescopic component, the second telescopic component is mounted on the mounting frame, the telescopic end of the second telescopic component is fixedly connected to the second baffle, and a guide rod is also mounted on the second baffle, the guide rod sliding through the mounting frame.

[0017] The introduction of the guide rod is crucial in employing the above technical solution. It ensures that the second baffle, driven by the telescopic component, can only perform smooth linear motion, preventing the baffle from swaying, tilting, or jamming during movement. This is essential for guaranteeing positioning accuracy and the long-term reliability of the mechanism. The defined mounting bracket provides a stable foundation for the entire opening and closing mechanism, reflecting a complete mechanical design.

[0018] Optionally, the second baffle plate surface is provided with weight reduction holes.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the weight of the second baffle is reduced, thereby decreasing its inertia during movement. This allows the first driving component to drive the baffle opening and closing with less force and at a faster speed, improving the overall response speed and working efficiency of the mechanism. While ensuring structural strength, the opening saves material and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0020] Optionally, the cutting device includes a cutting bed and a movable frame spanning above the cutting bed. The movable frame is provided with a crossbeam that moves along its length direction. A cutting head is provided on the crossbeam and can move along the length direction of the crossbeam. A preset cutting path for the entire board is achieved through the movement path of the crossbeam and the cutting head.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the cutting bed of the cutting device provides stable support for the cutting operation. The movable frame spanning above it allows the crossbeam to move along its length, and the cutting head on the crossbeam can also move along the length of the crossbeam. This multi-directional movable design allows for flexible adjustment of the cutting head position, accurately realizing the preset cutting path for the entire board, cutting the entire board into the required connecting plates, effectively improving cutting accuracy and efficiency, and meeting the cutting needs of connecting plates of different specifications.

[0022] Optionally, the palletizing device includes a gantry spanning above the palletizing area, the gantry having a gantry crane movable on a track at the top of the gantry, and a gripper connected below the gantry crane for gripping and placing connecting plates in the palletizing area and gripping connecting plates in the palletizing area and placing them on a first conveyor line.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the cut connecting plates can be grasped and placed in the palletizing area for stacking, achieving orderly stacking of the connecting plates. At the same time, the connecting plates in the palletizing area can also be grasped and placed on the first conveyor line, preparing for subsequent conveying processes, improving the connection efficiency from cutting to conveying of the connecting plates, and ensuring the continuous operation of the entire device.

[0024] Optionally, both the first conveyor line and the second conveyor line include mutually parallel limiting plates, a conveyor chain installed in the limiting plates, and a second driving component for driving the conveyor chain to convey. The inner sides of the two limiting plates slide against the opposite sides of the connecting plate, and the top of the conveyor chain supports the connecting plate.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting plates on both sides play a guiding and constraining role, preventing the connecting plate from shifting laterally or deviating during the conveying process, and ensuring its stable forward movement along the set straight path. The conveyor chain, as the main body for supporting and conveying, has a robust structure and high load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for conveying metal plates. Furthermore, precise speed control can be achieved through chain drive. This structure is very mature and reliable in industrial automation.

[0026] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. This application achieves full automation of the connecting plate process, from cutting the entire plate to stacking and transferring it, and then to precise conveying, through three core modules: cutting, stacking, and conveying. The vertically connected conveyor line forms a material loading station near both ends of the steel arch frame, which not only improves processing efficiency but also provides precise material supply for subsequent processes, reduces manual intervention, and adapts to the production needs of steel arch frames.

[0027] 2. This application solves the problem of turning and conveying connecting plates between vertical conveyor lines by adding a pushing mechanism at the corner of the conveyor line. After the connecting plate arrives at the first conveyor line station, it can be accurately pushed laterally to the second conveyor line, avoiding conveying jams, ensuring the smooth continuous conveying of a single connecting plate, and further improving the automated conveying process.

[0028] 3. This application forms a right-angled space for the positioning connecting plate through the cooperation of the transfer port, the opening and closing mechanism, and the first baffle. This design can accurately fix the position of the connecting plate, ensuring that the connecting plate does not deviate when the pushing mechanism pushes it. At the same time, the opening and closing of the transfer port can control the conveying rhythm and improve the accuracy and stability of the connecting plate's turning conveying. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device described in Embodiment 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mobile frame described in Embodiment 1; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the palletizing device described in Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pushing mechanism described in Embodiment 1; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the diagram; Figure 6 yes Figure 4A magnified view of part B in the diagram.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Cutting device; 11. Cutting bed; 12. Moving frame; 121. Crossbeam; 1211. Cutting head; 2. Whole board; 3. Connecting plate; 4. Stacking area; 5. Stacking device; 51. Gantry crane; 52. Overhead crane; 521. Gripper; 6. Conveying device; 61. First conveyor line; 611. Limiting plate; 6111. Conveyor chain; 612. Second driving component; 62. Second conveyor line; 63. Loading station; 64. First baffle; 65. Transfer port; 7. Pushing mechanism; 71. Telescopic component; 8. Opening and closing mechanism; 81. First driving component; 811. Second telescopic component; 82. Second baffle; 821. Guide rod; 822. Weight reduction hole; 83. Right angle space; 84. Mounting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 1-6 The technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application have been clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] Reference Figures 1-2 This application discloses an automatic sorting, gripping, stacking, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates, including a cutting device 1, a stacking area 4, a stacking device 5, and a conveying device 6. The cutting device 1 is used to cut a whole plate 2 into the required connecting plate 3; the stacking area 4 is used to stack the cut connecting plates 3; the stacking device 5 is used to transfer the connecting plates 3 and can stack the connecting plates 3 in the stacking area 4, and the stacking device 5 can transfer the connecting plates 3 in the stacking area 4 to the next process; the conveying device 6 includes a first conveying line 61 and a second conveying line 62, which are sequentially connected and used to sequentially convey individual connecting plates 3. The conveying directions of the first conveying line 61 and the second conveying line 62 are perpendicular to each other, so as to form a loading station 63 at the corner of the first conveying line 61 and the second conveying line 62 and at the end of the second conveying line 62. The loading station 63 is close to both ends of the steel arch frame.

[0033] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 The cutting device 1 includes a cutting bed 11 and a movable frame 12 spanning above the cutting bed 11. The movable frame 12 is provided with a crossbeam 121 that moves along its length direction. The crossbeam 121 is provided with a cutting head 1211. The cutting head 1211 can move along the length direction of the crossbeam 121. The preset cutting path of the whole plate 2 is realized through the movement path of the crossbeam 121 and the cutting head 1211.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The palletizing device 5 includes a gantry 51 spanning above the palletizing area 4. The gantry 51 is equipped with a gantry crane 52 that can move on a track at the top of the gantry 51. A gripper 521 is connected below the gantry crane 52. The gripper 521 is used to grip the connecting plate 3 and place it in the palletizing area 4 and to grip the connecting plate 3 in the palletizing area 4 and place it on the first conveyor line 61.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 A pushing mechanism 7 is provided at the corner of the first conveyor line 61 and the second conveyor line 62. The pushing mechanism 7 is used to push the connecting plate 3 laterally onto the second conveyor line 62 after it reaches the loading station 63 of the first conveyor line 61.

[0036] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The pushing mechanism 7 includes a telescopic component 71, which is mounted on the first conveyor line 61. The telescopic end of the telescopic component 71 can abut against the side of the connecting plate 3 away from the second conveyor line 62. The telescopic component 71 can be a cylinder or an electric push rod. Cylinders have the advantages of fast response and large thrust, while electric push rods have the characteristics of high control precision. The telescopic component 71 is mounted on the first conveyor line 61 by bolts or welding, and its telescopic end can push the connecting plate 3 towards the second conveyor line 62 when it extends.

[0037] Reference Figure 5 The first conveyor line 61 has a first baffle 64 at its end; the surface of the first baffle 64 is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor line 62. The first baffle 64 is generally made of metal plate, and its function is to block the connecting plate 3 and make it stop accurately at the loading station 63. The first baffle 64 is fixed to the end of the first conveyor line 61 by welding or bolting.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 A transfer port 65 is provided on the side of the first conveyor line 61 near the second conveyor line 62. The transfer port 65 is equipped with an opening / closing mechanism 8, which includes a first driving member 81 and a second baffle 82. The output end of the first driving member 81 is connected to the second baffle 82 to move the second baffle 82 away from or towards the transfer port 65. The first baffle 81 and the second baffle 82 can form a right-angled space 83 for positioning the connecting plate 3. The first driving member 81 can be a cylinder or a motor, which drives the second baffle 82 to move via a transmission device. The second baffle 82 is generally a metal plate with a smooth surface to reduce friction with the connecting plate 3. A guide rod 821 is also installed on the second baffle 82, sliding through the mounting bracket 84. The guide rod 821 is generally a metal rod, and its function is to ensure the stability and accuracy of the movement of the second baffle 82.

[0039] Reference Figure 5 The opening and closing mechanism 8 also includes a mounting frame 84. The first driving component 81 is a second telescopic component 811. The second telescopic component 811 is mounted on the mounting frame 84. The telescopic end of the second telescopic component 811 is fixedly connected to the second baffle 82. A guide rod 821 is also mounted on the second baffle 82. The guide rod 821 slides through the mounting frame 84.

[0040] Reference Figure 5 The second baffle 82 has weight-reducing holes 822 on its surface. The weight-reducing holes 822 can reduce the weight of the second baffle 82 and reduce the load on the first drive component 81.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 Both the first conveyor line 61 and the second conveyor line 62 include parallel limiting plates 611, a conveyor chain 6111 installed within the limiting plates 611, and a second driving component 612 for driving the conveyor chain 6111. The inner sides of the two limiting plates 611 slide against the opposite sides of the connecting plate 3, and the top of the conveyor chain 6111 supports the connecting plate 3. The limiting plates 611 are usually made of metal plates, and their function is to limit the connection plate 3, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the connection plate 3 during the conveying process. The conveyor chain 6111 can be a chain-type conveyor chain 6111 or a belt-type conveyor chain 6111. The chain-type conveyor chain 6111 has a stronger load-bearing capacity and is suitable for conveying heavier connecting plates 3; the belt-type conveyor chain 6111 runs smoothly and has less noise. The second driving component 612 is generally a motor, which drives the conveyor chain 6111 to rotate through chain drive or gear drive.

[0042] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: Through the coordinated operation of the cutting device 1, the stacking device 5, and the conveying device 6, the device achieves a fully automated process from cutting to conveying of the steel arch frame connecting plate 3. The cutting device 1 can accurately cut the entire plate 2 into the required connecting plate 3; the stacking device 5 can efficiently stack and transfer the connecting plate 3; and the conveying device 6 can accurately convey the connecting plate 3 to the loading station 63. The close cooperation between these devices avoids the various drawbacks of traditional manual operation, improves production efficiency and accuracy, reduces labor intensity and production costs, and ensures the quality and consistency of the connecting plate 3, thus playing a positive role in guaranteeing the overall performance and safety of the steel arch frame.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application 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 or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates, characterized in that, include: A cutting device (1) is used to cut a whole plate (2) into the required connecting plate (3). The stacking area (4) is used to stack the cut connecting plates (3). The palletizing device (5) is used to transfer the connecting plate (3) and can stack the connecting plate (3) in the palletizing area (4), and the palletizing device (5) can transfer the connecting plate (3) in the palletizing area (4) to the next process. The conveying device (6) includes a first conveying line (61) and a second conveying line (62). The first conveying line (61) and the second conveying line (62) are connected in sequence and used to convey a single connecting plate (3) in sequence. The conveying directions of the first conveying line (61) and the second conveying line (62) are perpendicular to each other, so as to form a loading station (63) at the corner of the first conveying line (61) and the second conveying line (62) and at the end of the second conveying line (62). The loading station (63) is close to both ends of the steel arch frame.

2. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pushing mechanism (7) is provided at the corner of the first conveyor line (61) and the second conveyor line (62). The pushing mechanism (7) is used to push the connecting plate (3) laterally onto the second conveyor line (62) after it reaches the loading station (63) of the first conveyor line (61).

3. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism (7) includes a telescopic member (71), which is installed on the first conveyor line (61). The telescopic end of the telescopic member (71) can abut against the side of the connecting plate (3) away from the second conveyor line (62).

4. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first conveyor line (61) is provided with a first baffle (64) at its end; the surface of the first baffle (64) is parallel to the conveying direction of the second conveyor line (62).

5. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first conveyor line (61) has a transfer port (65) on one side near the second conveyor line (62). The transfer port (65) is provided with an opening and closing mechanism (8) for opening and closing the transfer port (65). The opening and closing mechanism (8) includes a first driving member (81) and a second baffle (82). The output end of the first driving member (81) is connected to the second baffle (82) to drive the second baffle (82) away from or near the transfer port (65). The first baffle (64) and the second baffle (82) can form a right-angle space (83) for positioning the connecting plate (3).

6. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism (8) further includes a mounting frame (84). The first driving member (81) is a second telescopic member (811). The second telescopic member (811) is mounted on the mounting frame (84). The telescopic end of the second telescopic member (811) is fixedly connected to the second baffle (82). A guide rod (821) is also mounted on the second baffle (82). The guide rod (821) slides through the mounting frame (84).

7. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second baffle (82) has weight reduction holes (822) on its surface.

8. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting device (1) includes a cutting bed (11) and a moving frame (12) spanning above the cutting bed (11). The moving frame (12) is provided with a crossbeam (121) that moves along its length. The crossbeam (121) is provided with a cutting head (1211). The cutting head (1211) can move along the length of the crossbeam (121). The preset cutting path of the whole plate (2) is realized through the movement path of the crossbeam (121) and the cutting head (1211).

9. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, The palletizing device (5) includes a gantry (51) spanning above the palletizing area (4), and a gantry crane (52) that can move on a track at the top of the gantry (51) is provided on the gantry (51). A gripper (521) is connected below the gantry crane (52) and is used to grip the connecting plate (3) and place it in the palletizing area (4) and to grip the connecting plate (3) in the palletizing area (4) and place it on the first conveyor line (61).

10. The automatic sorting, gripping, palletizing, and continuous conveying device for steel arch frame connecting plates according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first conveyor line (61) and the second conveyor line (62) include mutually parallel limiting plates (611), a conveyor chain (6111) installed in the limiting plates (611), and a second driving member (612) that drives the conveyor chain (6111) to convey. The inner sides of the two limiting plates (611) slide against the opposite sides of the connecting plate (3), and the top of the conveyor chain (6111) supports the connecting plate (3).

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