tray

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tray. In a first direction, a top layer bearing plate is slidably arranged on a middle layer plate. In a second direction, the middle layer plate is slidably arranged on a fixed base, the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction. A homing device includes a top layer homing device and a middle layer homing device arranged beside the top layer bearing plate, the middle layer plate and the fixed base. When the tray is lowered to a preset position, the top layer homing device can cooperate with and lock the top layer bearing plate, and the middle layer homing device can cooperate with and lock the middle layer plate. By arranging the homing device, the present application can respectively lock the top layer bearing plate and the middle layer plate when the tray is lowered, avoiding the safety hazards caused by forgetting to lock. In addition, the bidirectional sliding of the top layer bearing plate and the middle layer plate realizes accurate position floating compensation, effectively overcoming the positioning error of the tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of automation technology, and more particularly to a pallet. Background Technology

[0002] With the development and widespread application of industrial automation, intelligentization, and flexible manufacturing systems, the technology and application scope of AGVs have developed rapidly. Especially in the passenger vehicle manufacturing sector, AGVs serve as carriers, supporting large and heavy components such as engines, front and rear axles, power batteries, and vehicle chassis assemblies, enabling automated transportation and flexible assembly, making them highly favored by OEMs. However, under current technological conditions and cost control constraints, the synchronization and positioning accuracy of AGVs still have significant errors. This necessitates the use of floating pallets on AGVs. These pallets must float back, forth, left, and right as they rise to the assembly position to meet the positioning accuracy requirements during assembly. After assembly, when the pallet descends to the bottom, the floating pallet must return to its original position and lock in place.

[0003] While floating pallets can avoid the precision and errors inherent in AGVs, they also bring many inconveniences. For example, during AGV transport, the floating pallet needs to be returned to its original position and locked before it can carry parts again, in order to prevent damage to parts and the pallet itself caused by pallet shaking during AGV acceleration, deceleration, and turning. However, current floating pallets lack effective locking mechanisms. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure provides a tray to address the shortcomings of the related art.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a tray is provided, comprising: Top-level load-bearing plate; The middle layer plate, along the first direction, has the top support plate slidably disposed on the middle layer plate; A fixed base, along a second direction, on which the middle layer plate is slidably disposed; and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The repositioning device includes a top-level repositioning device and a middle-level repositioning device, wherein the top-level repositioning device and the middle-level repositioning device are arranged on the sides of the top-level support plate, the middle-level plate and the fixed base; When the tray descends to a preset position, the top layer positioning device can cooperate with and lock the top layer support plate, and the middle layer positioning device can cooperate with and lock the middle layer plate.

[0006] Optionally, the top-layer positioning device and the middle-layer positioning device are respectively located on different sides of the tray.

[0007] Optionally, the top-level positioning device includes a top-level positioning bracket and a top-level positioning plate. The top-level positioning bracket is fixed on the fixed base and has a top-level positioning bearing at its top. The top-level positioning plate has a top-level groove. When the top-level positioning device is locked, the top-level positioning bearing is placed in the top-level groove. The middle layer positioning device includes a middle layer positioning bracket and a middle layer positioning plate. The middle layer positioning bracket is fixed on the fixed base and has a middle layer positioning bearing on its top. The middle layer positioning plate has a middle layer groove. When the middle layer positioning device is locked, the middle layer positioning bearing is placed in the middle layer groove.

[0008] Optionally, the top positioning plate is further provided with an upper V-shaped groove that opens downwards, the upper V-shaped groove is connected to the top groove, and the top positioning bracket is provided with an inclined surface that is adapted to the upper V-shaped groove; The middle layer positioning plate is also provided with a downward-opening middle layer V-shaped groove, which is connected to the middle layer groove. The middle layer positioning bracket is provided with an inclined surface that is adapted to the middle layer V-shaped groove.

[0009] Optionally, it also includes a first sliding assembly, which includes a slide rail mounted on the top of the fixed base and a slider mounted on the bottom of the middle layer plate, the slide rail and the slider slidingly engaging to allow the middle layer plate to slide in a second direction.

[0010] Optionally, the first sliding component further includes a first limiting block, which is arranged at both ends of the slide rail along the second direction.

[0011] Optionally, it further includes a second sliding assembly, the second sliding assembly including a plurality of bearing balls mounted on the middle layer plate; the top layer bearing plate is supported on the bearing balls to allow the top layer bearing plate to slide along a first direction.

[0012] Optionally, along the second direction, the side of the middle layer plate is provided with spaced positioning blocks, and a sliding channel is formed between two connected positioning blocks. The side of the top layer support plate is provided with a second limiting block placed in the sliding channel and moving along the first direction.

[0013] Optionally, the second limiting block is provided with a roller, which makes rolling contact with the side of the middle layer plate.

[0014] Optionally, the fixed base includes a base, a lifting mechanism, and a lifting platform connected to the base via the lifting mechanism; the lifting mechanism drives the lifting platform to move up and down relative to the base; a retractable dust cover is also connected between the lifting platform and the base.

[0015] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments may include the following beneficial effects: As can be seen from the above embodiments, this application, by setting a retrieval device, can lock the top support plate and the middle plate separately when the pallet descends, avoiding safety hazards caused by forgetting to lock them. In addition, the bidirectional sliding of the top support plate and the middle plate achieves precise position floating compensation, effectively overcoming the positioning error of the pallet.

[0016] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a pallet in a lifted state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a tray in its returned-to-position state according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a tray according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the top support plate and the positioning device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the middle layer plate and the positioning device, the first sliding component, and the second sliding component, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a fixed base, a repositioning device, and a first sliding component, according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0025] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0027] Reference Figures 1-3 As shown, this application discloses a tray, which includes a top support plate 10, a middle plate 20, a fixed base 30, and a return device 40. The top support plate 10 is slidably disposed on the middle plate 20, and the middle plate 20 is slidably disposed on the fixed base 30.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the pallet is in the lifted state, the top support plate 10 can move along the first direction, and the middle plate 20 can move along the second direction. Through the bidirectional sliding of the top support plate 10 and the middle plate 20, precise position floating compensation is achieved, effectively overcoming the pallet's positioning error. The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, when the pallet is in the returned state, the returned device 40 can cooperate with and lock the top support plate 10 and the middle plate 20, avoiding safety hazards caused by forgetting to lock.

[0030] Please refer to the reference again. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, along the second direction, the middle layer plate 20 has spaced positioning blocks 21 on its side, and a sliding channel is formed between two connected positioning blocks 21. The top layer support plate 10 has a second limiting block 11 on its side, which is placed in the sliding channel and moves along the second direction, so that the top layer support plate 10 is guided and limited by the positioning blocks 21 when it moves in the first direction, ensuring that it slides smoothly only in the set direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the second limiting block 11 is provided with a roller 12, which makes rolling contact with the side of the middle layer plate 20, thereby converting sliding friction into rolling friction, reducing the resistance when the top layer support plate 10 moves along the first direction, and making the floating adjustment of the top layer support plate 10 smoother and more precise.

[0032] Please refer to the reference again. Figure 6 As shown, the fixed base 30 includes a base 31, a lifting mechanism (not shown), and a lifting platform 32 connected to the base 31 via the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism drives the lifting platform 32 to move up and down relative to the base 31, so that the pallet switches between a lifted state and a returned state. Optionally, the lifting mechanism is any one of a hydraulic cylinder, an electric push rod, a lead screw mechanism, or a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0033] A retractable dust cover 33 is also connected between the lifting platform 32 and the base 31. The retractable dust cover 33 can adopt a multi-layered pleated structure and is made of high-strength, oil-resistant engineering fabric or composite material. Its top is fixed to the lifting platform 32 and its bottom is fixed to the base 31. It can extend and retract smoothly during the lifting process without any mechanical interference, and is easy to disassemble, clean or replace.

[0034] Reference Figures 4-6 As shown, the repositioning device 40 includes a top repositioning device 41 and a middle repositioning device 42, which are arranged on the sides of the top support plate 10, the middle plate 20 and the fixed base 30.

[0035] In one embodiment, one top-layer positioning device 41 and one middle-layer positioning device 42 are provided. The top-layer positioning device 41 is arranged on one side of the tray along the first direction, and the middle-layer positioning device 42 is arranged on one side of the tray along the second direction.

[0036] In another embodiment, one top-layer return device 41 and one middle-layer return device 42 are provided. The top-layer return device 41 and the middle-layer return device 42 are respectively installed on two opposite sides of the pallet, thereby providing balanced guidance and locking force on both sides when returning to the position, further enhancing the overall stability and anti-eccentric load capacity of the pallet in the returned state.

[0037] The top-level positioning device 41 includes a top-level positioning bracket 411 and a top-level positioning plate 412. The top-level positioning bracket 411 is fixed on the fixed base 30 and has a top-level positioning bearing 413 at its top. The top-level positioning plate 412 has a top-level groove 414 extending vertically. When the tray is in the positioned state, the top-level positioning bearing 413 is placed in the top-level groove 414. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the plane enclosed by the first direction and the second direction.

[0038] The top-level positioning plate 412 is also provided with an upper V-shaped groove 415 with an opening facing downwards. The upper V-shaped groove 415 is connected to the top-level groove 414. During the descent of the top-level positioning plate 412, it provides precise guidance and convergence for the top-level positioning device 41 (such as the top-level positioning bearing 413), ensuring that the top-level positioning bearing 413 can slide smoothly and automatically from the upper V-shaped groove 415 into the top-level groove 414.

[0039] The top-level return bracket 411 is provided with an inclined surface that matches the upper V-groove 415. When the top-level return bearing 413 enters the top-level groove 414, the top-level return bracket 411 and the top-level return plate 412 form an inclined surface contact, thereby effectively resisting lateral force in the return state and preventing accidental dislodgement or displacement due to vibration or inertia, which greatly enhances the stability and reliability after return.

[0040] The middle layer positioning device 42 includes a middle layer positioning bracket 421 and a middle layer positioning plate 422. The middle layer positioning bracket 421 is fixed on the fixed base 30 and has a middle layer positioning bearing 423 on its top. The middle layer positioning plate 422 has a middle layer groove 424 extending vertically. When the tray is in the positioned state, the middle layer positioning bearing 423 is placed in the middle layer groove 424. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the plane enclosed by the first direction and the second direction.

[0041] The middle layer return plate 422 is also provided with a downward-opening middle layer V-shaped groove 425, which is connected to the middle layer groove 424. During the descent of the top layer return plate 412, it provides precise guidance and convergence for the top layer return device 41 (such as the middle layer return bearing 423), ensuring that the middle layer return bearing 423 can smoothly and automatically slide from the middle layer V-shaped groove 425 into the middle layer groove 424.

[0042] The middle layer return bracket 421 is provided with an inclined surface that matches the middle layer V-groove 425. When the middle layer return bearing 423 enters the middle layer groove 424, the middle layer return bracket 421 and the middle layer return plate 422 form an inclined surface contact, thereby effectively resisting lateral force in the return state and preventing accidental dislodgement or displacement due to vibration or inertia, which greatly enhances the stability and reliability after return.

[0043] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tray also includes a first sliding assembly 50, which includes a slide rail 51 mounted on the top of the fixed base 30 and a slider 52 mounted on the bottom of the middle shelf 20. The slide rail 51 and the slider 52 slide in cooperation to allow the middle shelf 20 to slide along a second direction. In this embodiment, two sets of slide rails 51 are provided and are arranged parallel to each other at intervals along a first direction perpendicular to the sliding direction to jointly support the middle shelf 20 and ensure its stability and load-bearing capacity during the sliding process.

[0044] To limit the sliding stroke and prevent derailment, the first sliding assembly 50 also includes a first limiting block 53, which is arranged at both ends of the slide rail 51 along the second direction.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the tray also includes a second sliding assembly 60, which includes a plurality of bearing balls 61 mounted on the middle layer plate 20. The top layer bearing plate 10 is supported on the bearing balls 61 and slides along a first direction.

[0046] The rolling of the balls allows the top support plate 10 to slide smoothly and with low friction along the first direction. In this embodiment, the multiple support balls 61 are preferably arranged in a matrix to provide stable and uniform support for the top support plate 10 at multiple points. This design effectively reduces sliding resistance and ensures the flexibility and accuracy of the top support plate 10 during floating adjustments.

[0047] In this embodiment, the bearing balls 61 and the slide rails 51 are both arranged in the edge areas of the corresponding plates. This edge-oriented layout maximizes the bearing area of ​​the top bearing plate 10 and the middle plate 20, facilitating the placement of various components. It also provides superior anti-overturning moment and overall support stability.

[0048] Furthermore, the specific forms of the first sliding component 50 and the second sliding component 60 in the tray are not fixed. In practical applications, they can be interchanged or standardized according to different load-bearing, precision, and cost requirements. For example, in another embodiment, the middle layer plate 20 can slide relative to the fixed base 30 via the load-bearing ball bearings 61, while the top layer support plate 10 slides relative to the middle layer plate 20 via the slide rail 51 and the slider 52. Alternatively, the middle layer plate 20 and the top layer support plate 10 can use the same type of sliding component (e.g., both using linear slide rails 51 or both using load-bearing ball bearings 61). Specifically, the sliding connection method can be flexibly adapted to different working conditions and application scenarios, and no specific limitations are imposed here.

[0049] This embodiment also discloses a method of using the pallet: After the object on the pallet is installed, the pallet operator controls the lifting mechanism to lower the top layer support plate 10 and the middle layer plate 20. When they drop to a certain height, the middle layer return bearing 423 falls into the middle layer groove 424, at which point the middle layer plate 20 automatically returns to its position and cannot move. Furthermore, the middle layer plate 20 will continue to press down under its own weight, making the engagement of the middle layer return bearing 423 in the middle layer groove 424 more tight, thereby further increasing the reliability of the locking.

[0050] As the pallet continues to descend, the top-level return bearing 413 falls into the top-level groove 414, at which point the top-level support plate 10 automatically returns to its original position and cannot move. At this point, the entire pallet is fully in position and cannot move. Furthermore, the top-level support plate 10 continues to press down under its own weight, making the engagement of the top-level return bearing 413 within the top-level groove 414 even tighter, thereby further increasing the reliability of the locking mechanism.

[0051] The tray of this application can automatically return to its original position and lock after descending to the bottom, requiring no manual intervention and effectively avoiding safety hazards and operational errors that may be caused by human negligence. Its return device 40 is ingeniously designed, not relying on complex electrical components or external detection devices, and can further increase the reliability of locking solely through the tray's own weight.

[0052] In addition to being applicable to AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) scenarios, this pallet can also be flexibly extended to other types of lifting scenarios, demonstrating wide applicability and good expansion prospects.

[0053] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0054] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tray, characterized in that, It includes Top-level load-bearing plate; The middle layer plate, along the first direction, has the top support plate slidably disposed on the middle layer plate; A fixed base, along a second direction, on which the middle layer plate is slidably disposed; the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. and The repositioning device includes a top-level repositioning device and a middle-level repositioning device, wherein the top-level repositioning device and the middle-level repositioning device are arranged on the sides of the top-level support plate, the middle-level plate and the fixed base; When the tray descends to a preset position, the top layer positioning device can cooperate with and lock the top layer support plate, and the middle layer positioning device can cooperate with and lock the middle layer plate.

2. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top-layer positioning device and the middle-layer positioning device are respectively located on different sides of the tray.

3. The tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top-level positioning device includes a top-level positioning bracket and a top-level positioning plate. The top-level positioning bracket is fixed on the fixed base and has a top-level positioning bearing at the top. The top-level positioning plate has a top-level groove. When the top-level positioning device is locked, the top-level positioning bearing is placed in the top-level groove. The middle layer positioning device includes a middle layer positioning bracket and a middle layer positioning plate. The middle layer positioning bracket is fixed on the fixed base and has a middle layer positioning bearing on its top. The middle layer positioning plate has a middle layer groove. When the middle layer positioning device is locked, the middle layer positioning bearing is placed in the middle layer groove.

4. The tray according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top-level positioning plate is also provided with an upper V-shaped groove that opens downwards. The upper V-shaped groove is connected to the top-level groove. The top-level positioning bracket is provided with an inclined surface that is adapted to the upper V-shaped groove. The middle layer positioning plate is also provided with a downward-opening middle layer V-shaped groove, which is connected to the middle layer groove. The middle layer positioning bracket is provided with an inclined surface that is adapted to the middle layer V-shaped groove.

5. The pallet according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first sliding assembly, which includes a slide rail mounted on the top of the fixed base and a slider mounted on the bottom of the middle layer plate. The slide rail and the slider slide in cooperation to allow the middle layer plate to slide in a second direction.

6. The pallet according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first sliding component further includes a first limiting block, which is arranged at both ends of the slide rail along the second direction.

7. The tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second sliding assembly, which includes a plurality of bearing balls mounted on the middle layer plate; the top layer bearing plate is supported on the bearing balls so that the top layer bearing plate slides along a first direction.

8. The tray according to claim 7, characterized in that, Along the second direction, the middle layer plate has spaced positioning blocks on its side, and a sliding channel is formed between two connected positioning blocks. The top layer plate has a second limiting block on its side that is placed in the sliding channel and moves along the first direction.

9. The tray according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second limiting block is equipped with a roller, which makes rolling contact with the side of the middle layer plate.

10. The tray according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed base includes a base, a lifting mechanism, and a lifting platform connected to the base via the lifting mechanism; the lifting mechanism drives the lifting platform to move up and down relative to the base; a retractable dust cover is also connected between the lifting platform and the base.

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