Container transport system and container production line

Abstract

The application provides a container conveying system and a container production line, and belongs to the technical field of containers. The container conveying system comprises a conveying track, a supporting assembly and a conveying vehicle. The supporting assembly comprises a supporting frame, which is arranged at a working area and has a supporting surface for placing a container. The conveying vehicle comprises a vehicle body and a lifting platform. The vehicle body is movably connected with the conveying track and can move into the working area. The lifting platform is movably connected with the vehicle body and has a carrying surface for placing a container. The lifting platform has a first state in which the carrying surface is higher than the supporting surface, and a second state in which the carrying surface is lower than the supporting surface. The container conveying system provided by the application realizes efficient and flexible conveying of containers, improves the production and assembly efficiency of containers, and reduces the cost and risk of manual carrying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of containers, and more specifically, relates to a container conveying system and a container production line. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, during the production and assembly of containers, the containers or their components are typically moved and positioned by workers using overhead cranes or forklifts. This method is not only labor-intensive and inefficient, but also prone to safety accidents due to improper operation or equipment malfunction during handling. Furthermore, due to the limitations of manual operation, the positioning accuracy of the container between workstations is difficult to guarantee, which in turn affects the quality and stability of subsequent processing steps. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a container conveying system and a container production line to solve the problems of high labor intensity, low efficiency, and safety hazards in manual container handling in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a container conveying system, comprising: A conveyor track having at least one working area; A support assembly includes a support frame disposed in the working area and having a support surface for placing the container; A transport vehicle includes a vehicle body and a lifting platform; the vehicle body is movably connected to the transport track and can move to the working area; the lifting platform is movably connected to the vehicle body and has a bearing surface for placing the container; the lifting platform has a first state in which the bearing surface is higher than the supporting surface, and a second state in which the bearing surface is lower than the supporting surface. The conveyor is configured such that: when the container is placed on the bearing surface, the lifting platform is in the first state, and after the conveyor enters the working area, it switches from the first state to the second state, so that the container is transferred from the bearing surface to the support surface; and when the container is not placed on the bearing surface and the support surface is placed with a container, the lifting platform is in the second state, and after the conveyor enters the working area, it switches from the second state to the first state, so that the container placed on the support surface is transferred to the bearing surface.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transport vehicle further includes: A first detector is installed on the vehicle body or the lifting platform to detect whether there is a container above the bearing surface; The second detector is located between the vehicle body and the lifting platform to detect the height of the bearing surface; A third detector is disposed on the vehicle body for detecting obstacles on the front and / or rear sides of the vehicle body when it is moving; the vehicle body is configured to stop moving when the third detector detects the obstacle.

[0006] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first detector includes two first laser sensors disposed on the vehicle body, the two first laser sensors being located at opposite ends in the length direction of the vehicle body, the lifting platform being located between the two first laser sensors, and the two first laser sensors being spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle body. The first detector is configured to determine that the container is above the bearing surface when both of the first laser sensors detect the container.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the support component further includes: A first sensor, disposed on the support frame, is used to detect whether the vehicle body enters the working area; the conveyor is further configured to reduce its moving speed when the first sensor detects the vehicle body. A second sensor is used to detect whether the vehicle body has completely entered the working area; the transport vehicle is also configured to stop moving when the second sensor detects the vehicle body. A third sensor, disposed on the support frame, is used to detect whether the container is in the working area; the conveyor is further configured such that when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the vehicle body, and when the third sensor detects that the container is in the working area, the lifting platform switches from the first state to the second state, or from the second state to the first state.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the third sensor includes two second laser sensors, which are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the conveying track and are spaced apart in the length direction of the conveying track. The third sensor is configured to determine that the container is fully within the working area when both of the second laser sensors detect the container.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the support frame includes at least two support members, the at least two support members being located on opposite sides in the width direction of the conveying track, the top surface of the support member being the support surface, and two second laser sensors being respectively disposed on the two support members.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a container production line, comprising: The container conveying system as described in the first aspect and any alternative embodiments thereof; At least one processing system is provided at the corresponding work area, the processing system being used to process the container placed on the support surface.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, at least one of the working areas is configured as a spraying area, and at least one of the processing systems includes a spraying device disposed at the spraying area and comprising: The first spraying device is used to spray the top wall and two side walls in the width direction of the container placed on the support surface; Two second spraying devices are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the conveyor track in the spraying area, and are respectively used to spray the two end walls of the container placed on the support surface in the length direction.

[0012] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first spraying apparatus includes: A spraying track is provided at the spraying area, and the extension direction of the spraying track is parallel to the extension direction of the conveying track passing through the spraying area; The first spraying bracket is movably mounted on the spraying track and is able to move on the spraying track; The top spraying assembly includes a first mounting bracket disposed on a first spraying support, a top air nozzle disposed on the first mounting bracket, and a top spray gun disposed on the first mounting bracket; Two side spraying assemblies are symmetrically arranged on the first spraying bracket. Each side spraying assembly includes a second mounting bracket, a side air nozzle disposed on the second mounting bracket, and a side spray gun disposed on the second mounting bracket.

[0013] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the second spraying apparatus includes: The second spraying bracket is disposed at the spraying area; The end-spraying assembly includes a third mounting bracket slidably connected to the second spraying bracket, an end-side air nozzle disposed on the third mounting bracket, and an end-side spray gun disposed on the third mounting bracket.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the container conveying system and container production line provided in this application are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the container conveying system utilizes the cooperation of conveying rails and intelligent conveying vehicles to achieve precise positioning and automatic transfer of containers between various workstations, reducing the labor intensity of operators, improving production efficiency, and avoiding safety accidents that may be caused during manual handling. It also ensures the accuracy of container positioning between various workstations, thereby improving the quality and stability of subsequent processing procedures. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the container conveying system in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a partial front view of the transport vehicle located outside the working area in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the transport vehicle located outside the working area in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a partial top view of the transport vehicle located within the working area in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a partial front view of the conveyor vehicle located within the working area and the lifting platform in a first state in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a partial front view of the conveyor vehicle located within the working area and the lifting platform in the second state in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the container structure in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the container in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a front view of the spraying equipment in the embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the spraying equipment in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of section A; Figure 12 for Figure 10 Enlarged view of section B.

[0017] The following are the labeling elements in the figure: 100 - Container conveying system; 110 - Conveying track; 120 - Support assembly; 121 - Support frame; 1201 - Support surface; 1211 - Support column; 1212 - Support plate; 122 - First sensor; 123 - Second sensor; 124 - Third sensor; 130 - Conveying vehicle; 131 - Vehicle body; 1311 - Wheels; 132 - Lifting platform; 1321 - Load-bearing surface; 133 - Lifting cylinder; 134 - First detector; 135 - Second detector; 136 - Third detector; 200 - Container; 210 - Floor plate; 220 - Frame; 230 - Top plate; 240 - Side plate; 250 - End plate; 260 - Door; 300 - Painting Equipment; 310-First spraying device; 311-Spraying track; 312-First spraying bracket; 3121-First column; 3122-First crossbeam; 313-Top spraying assembly; 3131-Top air nozzle; 3132-Top spray gun; 3133-First mounting bracket; 314-Side spraying assembly; 3141-Side air nozzle; 3142-Side spray gun; 3143-Second mounting bracket; 320-Second spraying device; 321-Second spraying bracket; 3211-Second column; 3212-Second crossbeam; 3213-Sliding component; 322-End spraying assembly; 3221-End side air nozzle; 3222-End side spray gun; 3223-Third mounting bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0019] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0020] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0022] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a container conveying system 100, which can be used in a container 200 production line to carry containers 200 sequentially through various assembly processes, thereby achieving automatic or semi-automatic assembly of the containers 200. The container 200 can be the entire assembled container structure or a portion of the container body.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 The container conveying system 100 includes a conveying track 110, a support assembly 120, and a conveyor vehicle 130. The conveying track 110 has at least one working area. The support assembly 120 includes a support frame 121 disposed in the working area and having a support surface 1201 for placing a container 200. The conveyor vehicle 130 includes a vehicle body 131 and a lifting platform 132; the vehicle body 131 is movably connected to the conveying track 110 and is movable to the working area; the lifting platform 132 is movably connected to the vehicle body 131 and has a bearing surface 1321 for placing a container 200; the lifting platform 132 has a first state in which the bearing surface 1321 is higher than the support surface 1201, and a second state in which the bearing surface 1321 is lower than the support surface 1201.

[0024] The conveyor track 110 provides a movement path for the conveyor vehicle 130, ensuring that the conveyor vehicle 130 can move accurately and stably to various work areas. The conveyor track 110 can be a single track, a double track, or a multi-track track, and its cross-sectional shape can be T-shaped, I-shaped, or any other arbitrary shape. The conveyor track 110 can be arranged in a straight line, a curved line, or a ring, etc.

[0025] A work area refers to a pre-defined area on the conveyor track 110 for specific processing or assembly operations on the container 200. These work areas can be flexibly set up according to the actual needs and process flow of the production line, and may include, for example, painting areas, assembly areas, and inspection areas. Each work area is equipped with a corresponding processing system or equipment for specific processing of the container 200 placed on the support surface 1201. During the operation of the container conveyor system 100, the conveyor 130 moves along the conveyor track 110 and passes through each work area in sequence.

[0026] Support components 120 are installed in each work area to support and position the container 200 entering the work area. Each work area may have one set of support components 120, or multiple sets may be installed as needed to accommodate the assembly of containers 200 of different sizes or types.

[0027] The support assembly 120 includes a support frame 121, which may be a frame structure 220 made of metal, possessing sufficient strength and stability to support the weight of the container 200 and its components. The top of the support frame 121 forms a flat and level support surface 1201 for placing the container 200, ensuring the container 200 remains stable during assembly. The dimensions of the support surface 1201 can be customized according to the size of the container 200 being assembled, to accommodate the assembly requirements of containers 200 of different specifications.

[0028] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the support frame 121 may include at least two support members, which are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the conveying track 110, and the top surface of the support member is the support surface 1201.

[0029] The support member can be a column structure, a plate structure, or other suitable structural form, with its top height higher than the top surface of the conveyor track 110 to ensure stable support of the container 200. Optionally, the support member may include a support column 1211 and a support plate 1212 disposed at the top of the support column 1211. The support column 1211 can be a metal column with a cross-sectional shape such as rectangular, circular, I-shaped, T-shaped, C-shaped, or cross-shaped, and the bottom end of the support column 1211 can be bolted, anchored, or cast into the ground at the corresponding position in the working area. The support plate 1212 can be a flat rectangular metal plate, and the support plate 1212 can be fixed to the top of the support column 1211 by welding, bolting, or other methods, so that the upper surface of the support plate 1212 serves as a support surface 1201 in contact with the bottom of the container 200.

[0030] Furthermore, the number of support members can be four. The four support members are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the conveying track 110, and two support members on each side are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the conveying track 110. The support surfaces 1201 on the four support members correspond to the four corners of the bottom of the container 200, providing stable support for the container 200.

[0031] Furthermore, the support surface 1201 may be provided with a positioning structure that matches the container 200, such as a positioning groove, positioning protrusion, or positioning pin, etc., which is not specifically limited in this embodiment. The positioning structure on the support surface 1201 can cooperate with the corresponding structure on the bottom or side of the container 200 to achieve precise positioning of the container 200 on the support surface 1201, preventing the container 200 from moving or deflecting during assembly, thereby ensuring the accuracy and stability of assembly.

[0032] The conveyor 130 is used to move on the conveyor track 110 and can carry the container 200 through each work area in sequence, so that the container 200 can complete the corresponding processing or assembly operations in different work areas.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The conveyor vehicle 130 includes a vehicle body 131 and a lifting platform 132. The vehicle body 131 is the main structure of the conveyor vehicle 130, used to move on the conveyor track 110 and carry the lifting platform 132. The bottom of the vehicle body 131 may be provided with wheels 1311 that cooperate with the conveyor track 110. The number of wheels 1311 matches the number of tracks of the conveyor track 110. For example, when the conveyor track 110 is a double-track track, the bottom of the vehicle body 131 may be provided with four wheels 1311, with two wheels 1311 matching each track. The shape of the wheels 1311 matches the shape of the conveyor track 110, so that the wheels 1311 can roll on the surface of the conveyor track 110, realizing the movement of the vehicle body 131 on the conveyor track 110.

[0034] A drive assembly (not shown in the figure) may also be provided on the vehicle body 131. The drive assembly is connected to at least one of the wheels 1311. The drive assembly can be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or other power device, used to provide rotational power to the wheels 1311, thereby driving the vehicle body 131 to move on the transport track 110. The drive assembly can be selected and configured according to actual needs to ensure that the vehicle body 131 can move at a stable speed and on an accurate trajectory.

[0035] The lifting platform 132 is movably connected to the vehicle body 131 and is used to carry the container 200 and lift it between different heights. The bearing surface 1321 can be the upper surface of the lifting platform 132, and the shape of the bearing surface 1321 can be rectangular, square, or other shapes suitable for carrying the container 200. The lifting platform 132 can be connected to the vehicle body 131 through a lifting mechanism such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric push rod to realize the rising and falling movements of the lifting platform 132. Optionally, multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders are provided between the lifting platform 132 and the vehicle body 131, and the multiple lifting hydraulic cylinders are evenly distributed between the lifting platform 132 and the vehicle body 131 to ensure the stability and balance of the lifting platform 132 during the lifting process.

[0036] The bearing surface 1321 may also be provided with a positioning structure that matches the container 200, such as a positioning groove, positioning protrusion, or positioning pin, etc., and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. The positioning structure on the bearing surface 1321 is used to ensure that the container 200 is accurately placed on the bearing surface 1321 and to prevent it from shifting or sliding during transportation.

[0037] Reference Figures 4-6 The lifting platform 132 can switch between a first state and a second state by lifting and lowering. When the lifting platform 132 is in the first state, the bearing surface 1321 is higher than the support surface 1201. When the lifting platform 132 is in the second state, the bearing surface 1321 is lower than the support surface 1201.

[0038] Based on the above structure, the conveyor 130 can be configured such that: when a container 200 is placed on the bearing surface 1321, the lifting platform 132 is in a first state, and after the conveyor 130 enters the working area, it switches from the first state to a second state, so that the container 200 is transferred from the bearing surface 1321 to the support surface 1201; and when no container 200 is placed on the bearing surface 1321 and a container 200 is placed on the support surface 1201, the lifting platform 132 is in a second state, and after the conveyor 130 enters the working area, it switches from the second state to the first state, so that the container 200 placed on the support surface 1201 is transferred to the bearing surface 1321.

[0039] Specifically, the container 200 can first be placed on the bearing surface 1321 of the conveyor 130, allowing the conveyor 130 to carry the container 200 to the work area. At this time, the lifting platform 132 of the conveyor 130 is in the first state, with the bearing surface 1321 higher than the support surface 1201. After the conveyor 130 accurately stops in the work area, the lifting platform 132 begins to descend, transitioning from the first state to the second state. During this process, the container 200 is smoothly placed on the support surface 1201 of the support component 120 as the bearing surface 1321 descends. Subsequently, the corresponding processing system or equipment in this work area performs specific processing on the container 200. For example, in the painting area, the painting equipment 300 performs automated painting operations on the container 200. Simultaneously, during the processing of the container 200, the conveyor 130 can move to other work areas or transport other containers 200, achieving continuous operation of the production line.

[0040] After the processing or assembly operations in the work area are completed, the conveyor 130, which does not have a container 200 on its bearing surface 1321, switches its lifting platform 132 to the second state and moves to the work area. At this time, since the processed container 200 is placed on the support surface 1201, when the lifting platform 132 of the conveyor 130 switches from the second state to the first state, the container 200 placed on the support surface 1201 will be smoothly transferred to the bearing surface 1321 of the conveyor 130. Subsequently, the conveyor 130 can carry the container 200 to the next work area to continue the subsequent processing or assembly process. This cycle is repeated to realize the sequential flow of the container 200 in different work areas and automatic or semi-automatic assembly, thereby improving the automation level and production efficiency of the production line.

[0041] In some embodiments, the transport vehicle 130 may further include a first detector 134, which is disposed on the vehicle body 131 or the lifting platform 132 to detect whether a container 200 is placed on the bearing surface 1321.

[0042] The first detector 134 can be a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, or other type of detection device. When the container 200 is placed on the bearing surface 1321, the first detector 134 can sense the presence of the container 200 and transmit the signal to the control system of the conveyor 130. Based on the received signal, the control system determines whether there is a container 200 on the bearing surface 1321, thereby controlling the operation of the conveyor 130 and the lifting action of the lifting platform 132. For example, when the first detector 134 detects a container 200 on the bearing surface 1321, the control system can control the conveyor 130 to move to the working area, and after arriving at the working area, control the lifting platform 132 to descend and place the container 200 on the support surface 1201.

[0043] Optionally, the first detector 134 may include two first laser sensors disposed on the vehicle body 131. The two first laser sensors are respectively located at both ends in the length direction of the vehicle body 131, the lifting platform 132 is located between the two first laser sensors, and the two first laser sensors are spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle body 131.

[0044] The first laser sensor is a device that detects the presence of a container 200 on the bearing surface 1321 by emitting a laser beam and receiving the reflected signal. The two ends in the length direction of the vehicle body 131 refer to the front and rear end areas along the movement direction of the vehicle body 131. The separation in the width direction means that the two sensors maintain a certain distance in the horizontal dimension perpendicular to the movement direction of the vehicle body 131. This distance can be set according to the width of the container 200 or the size of the lifting platform 132.

[0045] Specifically, when the container 200 is placed on the bearing surface 1321 of the lifting platform 132, the bottom or side wall of the container 200 will block the laser beams emitted by the two first laser sensors, causing a change in the sensor signals. Since the two sensors are located at opposite ends of the length of the vehicle body 131 and spaced apart in the width direction, when the container 200 completely covers the lifting platform 132, both sensors can simultaneously detect the blocking signal, thus accurately determining the presence of the container 200. If only one sensor is blocked, it may indicate that the container 200 is not placed correctly or is offset, in which case the system can trigger an alarm or pause subsequent actions.

[0046] The first laser sensor can be positioned upwards to detect containers 200 at a certain height, thus accurately sensing the position of the container 200 whether the lifting platform 132 is in the first or second state. Furthermore, when a transport vehicle 130 without a container 200 enters the work area, the two first laser sensors can detect whether a container 200 is present on the support surface 1201. When a container 200 is placed on the support surface 1201, its bottom or sidewall will block the laser beam. The sensor transmits the blocking signal to the control system, which determines that there is a container 200 on the support surface 1201 and can then control the lifting platform 132 to rise, transferring the container 200 to the carrying surface 1321. If neither of the two first laser sensors detects a blocking signal, it indicates that there is no container 200 on the support surface 1201. In this case, the control system can control the transport vehicle 130 to perform other tasks, such as moving to another work area or waiting for a new container 200 placement instruction.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transport vehicle 130 may further include a second detector 135, which is disposed between the vehicle body 131 and the lifting platform 132 and is used to detect the height of the bearing surface 1321.

[0048] The second detector 135 can be a displacement sensor, encoder, or other element with height measurement function. By detecting the movement distance or rotation angle of the lifting platform 132, it accurately calculates the current height of the bearing surface 1321. Optionally, when a lifting cylinder 133 is provided between the lifting platform 132 and the vehicle body 131, the second detector 135 can be a sensor installed on the lifting cylinder 133. This sensor can monitor the extension or retraction length of the piston rod of the lifting cylinder 133 in real time, thereby accurately calculating the height position of the lifting platform 132 and the bearing surface 1321. For example, when the piston rod is fully extended, the bearing surface 1321 is at its highest position, i.e., the first state; when the piston rod is fully retracted, the bearing surface 1321 is at its lowest position, i.e., the second state.

[0049] When the lifting platform 132 rises or falls, the second detector 135 synchronously records the displacement change and transmits the data to the control system of the conveyor 130. Based on the received height information, the control system determines whether the lifting platform 132 is in a first state (the bearing surface 1321 is higher than the support surface 1201) or a second state (the bearing surface 1321 is lower than the support surface 1201), thereby precisely controlling the stop position of the lifting action.

[0050] For example, when the conveyor 130 enters the working area, the second detector 135 can provide real-time feedback on the height of the bearing surface 1321. When the lifting platform 132 descends to the point where the bearing surface 1321 is level with or slightly below the support surface 1201, the detector sends a positioning signal, and the control system immediately stops the movement of the lifting platform 132, ensuring that the container 200 is smoothly transferred onto the support surface 1201. Conversely, when the conveyor 130 needs to retrieve the container 200 from the support surface 1201, the second detector 135 monitors the rising process of the lifting platform 132 and triggers a stop command after the bearing surface 1321 reaches a predetermined height, preventing equipment collisions or container 200 tipping over due to excessive rising.

[0051] In addition, the second detector 135 can also work in conjunction with the first detector 134. When the first detector 134 confirms that there is a container 200 on the bearing surface 1321, the second detector 135 will simultaneously verify whether the height of the bearing surface 1321 is in the first state suitable for transportation; if the height is abnormal, the system will pause movement and sound an alarm to prevent safety accidents caused by the lifting platform 132 not being reset.

[0052] In some embodiments, the transport vehicle 130 may further include a third detector 136 disposed on the vehicle body 131 for detecting obstacles on the front or rear side of the vehicle body 131 when it moves, and the vehicle body 131 is configured to stop moving when the third detector 136 detects an obstacle.

[0053] The third detector 136 can be an infrared or microwave radar sensor, which determines the presence of an obstacle by emitting a detection beam and analyzing the echo signal. Optionally, the third detector 136 can be two ultrasonic sensors respectively installed on the front and rear sides of the vehicle body 131. These two sensors detect the distance to the obstacle by emitting high-frequency sound waves and receiving reflected waves. The sensor on the front side of the vehicle body 131 is responsible for monitoring obstacles in the forward direction of the transport vehicle 130, while the sensor on the rear side monitors the situation in the reverse direction. When either sensor detects that the distance to the obstacle is less than a preset safety threshold (e.g., 0.5 meters), it will immediately send a stop signal to the control system, triggering an emergency braking procedure.

[0054] Specifically, as the transport vehicle 130 moves along the track, the third detector 136 continuously scans the environmental conditions in the direction of travel. If obstacles such as personnel or equipment appear within the detection range, the vehicle body 131 immediately cuts off the drive power to achieve emergency braking. At the same time, the control system can prompt the operator to remove the obstacle through audible and visual alarm devices (such as buzzers and warning lights). After the obstacle is removed, manual reset is required to resume operation.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection range of the third detector 136 can be adjusted according to actual working conditions. For example, the detection radius can be reduced in narrow passages or intersecting work areas to improve sensitivity, while the detection range can be expanded in open areas to reduce false alarms. In other embodiments, the third detector 136 can also integrate a speed sensor, which, in addition to emergency braking, can dynamically adjust the braking intensity based on the current speed of the vehicle body 131 when an obstacle is detected, ensuring a smooth stop.

[0056] In some embodiments, the support assembly 120 may further include a first sensor 122 disposed on the support frame 121 for detecting whether the vehicle body 131 enters the working area. Furthermore, the transport vehicle 130 may be configured to reduce its moving speed when the first sensor 122 detects the vehicle body 131.

[0057] The first sensor 122 can be a photoelectric sensor, a proximity switch, or a limit switch, etc., which outputs a signal by detecting physical changes triggered when the vehicle body 131 enters a specific area (such as blocking the light path, the approach of a metal object, or the closure of mechanical contacts).

[0058] Optionally, the first sensor 122 can be a laser sensor, mounted on one of the support members and facing the conveyor track 110. When the conveyor vehicle 130 enters the working area along the conveyor track 110, the laser beam emitted by the laser sensor is blocked by the vehicle body 131, triggering a signal transmission to the control system. Upon receiving the signal, the control system immediately determines that the vehicle body 131 has entered the working area, and then reduces the moving speed of the vehicle body 131 from the normal driving state to a preset moving speed by adjusting the output power of the drive components or switching the transmission ratio. This reduces the inertial impact when the vehicle body 131 stops, preventing the container 200 from slipping or the equipment from being damaged due to sudden stopping. At the same time, the reduced speed facilitates the precise alignment of the subsequent lifting platform 132 with the support surface 1201.

[0059] Furthermore, the support assembly 120 may also include a second sensor 123 for detecting whether the vehicle body 131 has fully entered the working area. The transport vehicle 130 is configured to stop moving when the second sensor 123 detects the vehicle body 131.

[0060] The second sensor 123 can also be a photoelectric sensor, a proximity switch, or a limit switch, etc. It outputs a signal by detecting the physical changes triggered after the vehicle body 131 enters the working area, so as to determine whether the vehicle body 131 is fully in place.

[0061] Optionally, the second sensor 123 may be a laser sensor and is mounted on another support member. The first sensor 122 and the second sensor 123 may be located on two support members spaced apart along the length of the conveyor track 110. When the conveyor vehicle 130 enters the working area along the conveyor track 110, the first sensor 122 first triggers a deceleration signal. Subsequently, as the vehicle body 131 continues to move and fully enters the working area, the laser beam emitted by the second sensor 123 is completely blocked by the vehicle body 131. At this time, the second sensor 123 sends a position signal to the control system. Upon receiving this signal, the control system immediately determines that the vehicle body 131 has fully entered the working area and then cuts off the power output of the drive assembly, causing the vehicle body 131 to stop moving.

[0062] It is understandable that the first sensor 122 and the second sensor 123 can be used interchangeably. When the vehicle body 131 moves forward, the first sensor 122 detects the vehicle body 131 first and triggers deceleration, and the second sensor 123 then detects that the vehicle body 131 has fully entered and triggers a stop. If the vehicle body 131 moves in the opposite direction, the second sensor 123 triggers deceleration first, and the first sensor 122 triggers a stop.

[0063] Furthermore, the support assembly 120 may also include a third sensor 124, which is disposed on the support frame 121 and is used to detect whether the container 200 is in the working area. The conveyor 130 is configured to control the lifting platform 132 to perform a state transition when both the first sensor 122 and the second sensor 123 detect the vehicle body 131 and the third sensor 124 detects that the container 200 is in the working area.

[0064] The third sensor 124 can be a vision sensor, a laser rangefinder, or a pressure sensor, etc., to determine whether the container 200 is within the effective range of the working area by identifying its physical characteristics (such as its outline, height, or bottom pressure distribution).

[0065] Optionally, the third sensor 124 includes two second laser sensors, which are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the conveying track 110 and are spaced apart in the length direction of the conveying track 110.

[0066] Two second laser sensors are respectively mounted on two supports located on both sides of the conveyor track 110, used to monitor whether the container 200 is present above the space on both sides of the conveyor track 110. When the conveyor vehicle 130 carrying the container 200 enters the working area, the first sensor 122 and the second sensor 123 first confirm the position of the vehicle body 131, ensuring that the vehicle body 131 has accurately entered and stopped in the working area. Subsequently, the laser beams emitted by the two second laser sensors scan the space above the working area. If the bottom or side wall of the container 200 blocks the laser beam, it indicates that the container 200 is within the effective range of the working area. At this time, the two second laser sensors will simultaneously detect the obstruction signal and transmit the signal to the control system. After receiving the signal, the control system will combine the position information of the vehicle body 131 confirmed by the first sensor 122 and the second sensor 123 to determine whether the conditions for the state transition of the lifting platform 132 are met. If the conditions are met, that is, the vehicle body 131 has fully entered the working area and the container 200 is located in the working area, the control system will control the lifting platform 132 to change its state, for example, from the first state to the second state, so as to achieve the smooth placement or transfer of the container 200.

[0067] After the vehicle body 131 has fully entered the working area and stopped moving, if only one of the two second laser sensors detects an obstruction signal, it may indicate that the container 200 is not correctly placed in the working area or is offset. At this time, the control system will not trigger the state transition of the lifting platform 132, but will instead prompt the operator to check the placement position of the container 200 through an audible and visual alarm device. Subsequent actions will only be performed after the problem is resolved and both second laser sensors have detected obstruction signals.

[0068] In summary, the container conveying system 100 provided in this application embodiment, by using the conveyor vehicle 130 to carry the container 200 between various work areas, achieves seamless connection of the automated handling and assembly process of the container 200. This not only improves the automation level and production efficiency of the container 200 moving between different work areas, but also improves the safety and reliability of the production line.

[0069] Based on the container conveying system 100 described above, this application also provides a container 200 production line, which includes the container conveying system 100 and at least one processing system. The processing system is located in a corresponding work area and is used to process the container 200 placed on the support surface 1201.

[0070] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8The container 200 can be a rectangular box structure, which may include a floor 210, a frame 220, a top plate 230, side plates 240, end plates 250, and a door 260. The floor 210 may be composed of a base frame and a floor laid on the base frame. The frame 220 may be welded together from multiple crossbeams and vertical beams and may be welded to the floor 210. The top plate 230 may be welded to the top of the frame 220, closing the top opening of the frame 220. The two side plates 240 may be welded to both sides of the frame 220 in the width direction, the end plate 250 may be welded to one end of the frame 220 in the length direction, and the door 260 may be welded to the end of the frame 220 opposite to the end plate 250.

[0071] In the container 200 production line, the processing system can perform welding, accessory installation, and other processing procedures on the side panels 240, end panels 250, or doors 260 of the container 200. For example, when the conveyor 130 carries the bottom plate 210 of the container 200 through the first working area, the processing system precisely welds multiple crossbeams and vertical beams onto the bottom plate 210 to form a frame 220. Subsequently, the conveyor 130 continues to carry the bottom plate 210 of the container 200 with the welded frame 220 to the next working area, where the side panels 240 are welded on both sides of the frame 220. Next, the conveyor 130 moves to the subsequent working area to complete the welding and installation operations of the top plate 230, end panels 250, and doors 260 in sequence.

[0072] In some embodiments, at least one working area is configured as a spraying area, and at least one processing system includes a spraying device 300, which is disposed in the spraying area and includes a first spraying device 310 for spraying the top wall and two side walls in the width direction of the container 200 placed on the support surface 1201; and two second spraying devices 320, which are arranged at intervals in the spraying area along the extension direction of the conveyor track 110, for spraying the two end walls in the length direction of the container 200 placed on the support surface 1201.

[0073] The top wall of the container 200 can be the upper surface of the top plate 230, the two side walls in the width direction can be the outer surfaces of the two side plates 240, and the two end walls in the length direction can be the outer surfaces of the end plate 250 and the container door 260, respectively. After the conveyor 130 transports the entire container 200 to the spraying area, the first spraying device 310 sprays paint on the top wall and the two side walls of the container 200, and the two second spraying devices 320 spray the two end walls sequentially or simultaneously, thereby achieving all-round spraying treatment of the outer surface of the container 200.

[0074] Reference Figures 9-11In some embodiments, the first spraying apparatus 310 may include a spraying track 311, a first spraying bracket 312, a top spraying assembly 313, and a side spraying assembly 314. The spraying track 311 is disposed in the spraying area, and the extending direction of the spraying track 311 may be parallel to the extending direction of the conveying track 110. The first spraying bracket 312 is movably connected to the spraying track 311 and is capable of moving on the spraying track 311.

[0075] The top spraying assembly 313 is disposed on the first spraying bracket 312 and includes a first mounting bracket 3133, a top air nozzle 3131 disposed on the first mounting bracket 3133, and a top spray gun 3132 disposed on the first mounting bracket 3133. The top air nozzle 3131 is used to blow clean airflow onto the top surface of the container 200, and the top spray gun 3132 is used to spray the top surface of the container 200.

[0076] There are two side spraying assemblies 314, and the two side spraying assemblies 314 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first spraying bracket 312. The side spraying assembly 314 includes a second mounting bracket 3143, a side air nozzle 3141 disposed on the second mounting bracket 3143, and a side spray gun 3142 disposed on the second mounting bracket 3143. The side air nozzle 3141 is used to blow clean airflow to the side of the container 200, and the side spray gun 3142 is used to spray the side of the container 200.

[0077] The spraying track 311 can be a single-track, double-track, or multi-track track, and its cross-sectional shape can be T-shaped, I-shaped, or any other arbitrary shape. The spraying track 311 is parallel to the length of the conveyor track 110 in the spraying area. Optionally, the spraying track 311 is a double-track track, with the conveyor track 110 located between the two spraying tracks 311. The spraying track 311 can be installed on the same ground as the conveyor track 110, or a groove can be formed in the ground for embedding the spraying track 311, allowing it to be installed inside the groove.

[0078] The first spraying bracket 312 can be a frame structure 220 of any shape, providing stable support and installation foundation for the top spraying assembly 313 and the side spraying assembly 314. Optionally, the first spraying bracket 312 includes a first crossbeam 3122 and two first columns 3121. The first columns 3121 are vertically connected to both ends of the first crossbeam 3122, and the bottom ends of the two first columns 3121 are movably connected to each conveying track 110, together forming a portal frame 220. The width of the two first columns 3121 should be greater than the width of the container 200, and the height of the first crossbeam 3122 should be greater than the height of the container 200, so that the container 200 can pass through the first spraying bracket 312. The first crossbeam 3122 is provided with mounting positions for the top spraying assembly 313, and the two first columns 3121 are respectively provided with mounting positions for the side spraying assemblies 314. The bottom end of the first column 3121 can be movably connected to the corresponding spraying track 311 through a movable component. The movable component can be a sliding block and track mating structure, a roller device, or other mechanical connection method that can realize movement along the track, so as to drive the first spraying bracket 312 to reciprocate along the spraying track 311 through the movable component.

[0079] The top spraying assembly 313 can be mounted on the first crossbeam 3122 for cleaning and spraying the top surface of the container 200. The top air nozzle 3131 uses high-pressure airflow to blow away dust and debris from the top surface, ensuring a clean surface before spraying; the top spray gun 3132 uses atomization spraying technology to evenly cover the top surface with paint, forming a dense protective layer. Two side spraying assemblies 314 are located on the two first columns 3121 respectively. Their side air nozzles 3141 simultaneously blow away residual dust and impurities from the outer surface of the side panels 240 of the container 200; the side spray guns 3142 are used for vertical or oblique spraying of the outer surface of the side panels 240.

[0080] In the direction of movement of the first spraying bracket 312, the top air nozzle 3131 and the side air nozzle 3141 can be located in front of the top spray gun 3132 and the side spray gun 3142. This allows the top and side surfaces of the container 200 to be cleaned by blowing air through the top air nozzle 3131 and the side air nozzle 3141 during the movement of the first spraying bracket 312, removing dust and debris adhering to the surface. Subsequently, the top spray gun 3132 and the side spray gun 3142 spray the top and two sides of the container 200, evenly covering the corresponding surfaces with paint. This avoids spraying defects caused by unclean surfaces, such as coating blistering and peeling, and improves the spraying effect and coating adhesion.

[0081] Reference Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12In some embodiments, the second spraying device 320 may include a second spraying bracket 321 and an end spraying assembly 322. The second spraying bracket 321 is disposed at the spraying area. The end spraying assembly 322 is slidably connected to the second spraying bracket 321 and includes a third mounting bracket 3223, an end-side air nozzle 3221 disposed on the third mounting bracket 3223, and an end-side spray gun 3222 disposed on the third mounting bracket 3223. The end-side air nozzle 3221 is used to blow clean airflow onto the end wall of the container 200, and the end-side spray gun 3222 is used to spray the end wall of the container 200.

[0082] The second spraying bracket 321 can also be any suitable frame structure 220, used to stably support the end spraying assembly 322. For example, the second spraying bracket 321 may include a second crossbeam 3212 and two second columns 3211. The bottom ends of the second columns 3211 are fixed to the ground at the spraying area. The second crossbeam 3212 is slidably connected between the two second columns 3211 via a sliding member 3213, so that the second crossbeam 3212 and the two second columns 3211 together form a portal frame 220 structure. The cooperation between the sliding member 3213 and the second columns 3211 can be a slider and guide rail structure, a gear and rack structure, or a hydraulic drive structure, etc., to ensure that the second crossbeam 3212 can slide stably up and down between the two second columns 3211. The end spraying assembly 322 can be mounted on the second crossbeam 3212, and the end spraying assembly 322 passes through the end face of the container 200 through the up and down movement of the second crossbeam 3212.

[0083] Similarly, in the direction of movement of the second crossbeam 3212, the end-side air nozzle 3221 can be located in front of the end-side spray gun 3222. When the second spraying bracket 321 moves the end spraying assembly 322, the end-side air nozzle 3221 will first blow clean airflow onto the end wall of the container 200 to remove dust, debris, etc., ensuring the cleanliness of the end wall surface. Then, the end-side spray gun 3222 will perform spraying operations on the end wall, evenly spraying the paint onto the end wall, effectively avoiding spraying quality problems caused by unclean end wall surfaces, such as uneven coating or particles, thereby improving spraying quality and coating adhesion on the end wall.

[0084] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A container conveying system, characterized in that, include: A conveyor track having at least one working area; A support assembly includes a support frame disposed in the working area and having a support surface for placing the container; A transport vehicle includes a vehicle body and a lifting platform; the vehicle body is movably connected to the transport track and can move to the working area; the lifting platform is movably connected to the vehicle body and has a bearing surface for placing the container; the lifting platform has a first state in which the bearing surface is higher than the supporting surface, and a second state in which the bearing surface is lower than the supporting surface. The conveyor is configured such that: when the container is placed on the bearing surface, the lifting platform is in the first state, and after the conveyor enters the working area, it switches from the first state to the second state, so that the container is transferred from the bearing surface to the support surface; and when the container is not placed on the bearing surface and the support surface is placed with a container, the lifting platform is in the second state, and after the conveyor enters the working area, it switches from the second state to the first state, so that the container placed on the support surface is transferred to the bearing surface.

2. The container conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport vehicle also includes: A first detector is installed on the vehicle body or the lifting platform to detect whether there is a container above the bearing surface; The second detector is located between the vehicle body and the lifting platform to detect the height of the bearing surface; A third detector is disposed on the vehicle body for detecting obstacles on the front and / or rear sides of the vehicle body when it is moving; the vehicle body is configured to stop moving when the third detector detects the obstacle.

3. The container conveying system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first detector includes two first laser sensors disposed on the vehicle body. The two first laser sensors are respectively located at both ends of the vehicle body in the length direction. The lifting platform is located between the two first laser sensors, and the two first laser sensors are spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle body. The first detector is configured to determine that the container is above the bearing surface when both of the first laser sensors detect the container.

4. The container conveying system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The support components also include: A first sensor, disposed on the support frame, is used to detect whether the vehicle body enters the working area; the conveyor is further configured to reduce its moving speed when the first sensor detects the vehicle body. A second sensor is used to detect whether the vehicle body has completely entered the working area; the transport vehicle is also configured to stop moving when the second sensor detects the vehicle body. A third sensor, disposed on the support frame, is used to detect whether the container is in the working area; the conveyor is further configured such that when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the vehicle body, and when the third sensor detects that the container is in the working area, the lifting platform switches from the first state to the second state, or from the second state to the first state.

5. The container conveying system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third sensor includes two second laser sensors, which are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the conveying track and are spaced apart in the length direction of the conveying track. The third sensor is configured to determine that the container is fully within the working area when both of the second laser sensors detect the container.

6. The container conveying system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support frame includes at least two support members, which are located on opposite sides of the width direction of the conveying track. The top surface of each support member is the support surface, and two second laser sensors are respectively disposed on the two support members.

7. A container production line, characterized in that, include: The container conveying system as described in any one of claims 1-6; At least one processing system is provided at the corresponding work area, the processing system being used to process the container placed on the support surface.

8. The container production line according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the said working areas is configured as a spraying area, and at least one of the said processing systems includes a spraying device disposed at the spraying area, the spraying device comprising: The first spraying device is used to spray the top wall and two side walls in the width direction of the container placed on the support surface; Two second spraying devices are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the conveyor track in the spraying area, and are respectively used to spray the two end walls of the container placed on the support surface in the length direction.

9. The container production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first spraying device includes: A spraying track is provided at the spraying area, and the extension direction of the spraying track is parallel to the extension direction of the conveying track passing through the spraying area; The first spraying bracket is movably mounted on the spraying track and is able to move on the spraying track; The top spraying assembly includes a first mounting bracket disposed on a first spraying support, a top air nozzle disposed on the first mounting bracket, and a top spray gun disposed on the first mounting bracket; Two side spraying assemblies are symmetrically arranged on the first spraying bracket. Each side spraying assembly includes a second mounting bracket, a side air nozzle disposed on the second mounting bracket, and a side spray gun disposed on the second mounting bracket.

10. The container production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second spraying device includes: The second spraying bracket is disposed at the spraying area; The end-spraying assembly includes a third mounting bracket slidably connected to the second spraying bracket, an end-side air nozzle disposed on the third mounting bracket, and an end-side spray gun disposed on the third mounting bracket.

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