Gantry and loading apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of linkage rack and feeding equipment, the linkage rack includes stand;Multi-layer material support, multi-layer material support is sequentially spaced along the height direction of stand, material support has first end and second end, material support is rotatably connected with stand, material support has initial position when not carrying workpiece and working position when carrying workpiece, material support can rotate between initial position and working position, when material support is in initial position, second end is higher than first end;Connecting rod, the first end of the two ends of connecting rod and adjacent two layers of material support are hinged.According to the linkage rack of the present application, whether the upper layer of material support carries material or the lower layer of material support carries material, the second end of adjacent non-carrying material support always exists in a raised position, eliminating the space obstruction problem of traditional fixed material support, so that the gripper does not need to detour the second end of the upper layer not carrying material when picking and placing the lower layer workpiece, greatly shortening the running path and improving the picking efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of linkage material rack technology, specifically to a linkage material rack and a feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production and warehousing, racks are widely used as important equipment for storing workpieces in workshop material turnover and warehouse goods storage. Currently, traditional racks mostly use fixed installation for the material trays, meaning the trays and columns remain relatively stationary. This structure has many problems in practical use. When picking up workpieces from the lower layer, the gripper needs to bypass the fixed support of the upper layer workpiece, increasing the running path and directly prolonging the retrieval time. To avoid interference between the gripper and the support of the upper layer workpiece and to maintain a safe distance, the spacing between workpieces must be set large enough, resulting in a smaller number of workpieces that can be stored in the same volume of the rack, leading to low space utilization.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of interconnected material rack. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a linkage material rack and a feeding device to solve the problems of cumbersome operation and low efficiency when replenishing workpieces in the prior art.

[0005] Firstly, this application proposes a linkage rack, comprising: Columns; A multi-layer material support is provided, wherein the multiple material supports are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the column. Each material support has a first end and a second end. The material support is rotatably connected to the column. Each material support has an initial position when not carrying a workpiece and a working position when carrying a workpiece. The material support can rotate between the initial position and the working position. When the material support is in the initial position, the second end is higher than the first end. A connecting rod, the two ends of which are hinged to the first end of the two adjacent material supports.

[0006] According to the linkage material rack of this application, the column has two sides arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and a limiting member is provided on one side of the column in the first direction. The rotation axis of the material tray extends along a second direction. When the material tray is in the working position, the first end of the material tray abuts against the limiting member. The first direction, the second direction and the height direction of the column are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] Optionally, the limiting member includes a limiting groove that extends along the height direction. When the material support is in the working position, the first end of the material support extends into the limiting groove and abuts against the inner wall of the limiting groove.

[0008] According to the linkage rack of this application, the column is provided with a stop member, the stop member is located between two adjacent layers of material trays, and the material tray located below the stop member abuts against the stop member when it is in the initial position.

[0009] According to the linkage material rack of this application, the material support and the column are rotatably connected by a first hinge shaft. The first hinge shaft is located between the first end and the second end. When the material support is in the initial position, the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the material support also passes through the first hinge shaft.

[0010] Optionally, the column includes a back plate and two side plates disposed on the back plate, the two side plates being disposed opposite each other in the second direction, the material support being disposed between the two side plates, and the limiting member being disposed on the back plate.

[0011] Optionally, the side plate is connected to at least one positioning member, the positioning member including a first stop portion, the first stop portion and the limiting member being respectively disposed on both sides of the column in the first direction, and the distance between the first stop portion and the column in the first direction is adjustable.

[0012] Optionally, the positioning component further includes a mounting portion connected to the first stop portion, the mounting portion having a positioning groove extending perpendicular to the height direction of the column, the side plate having an assembly hole, and fasteners passing through the positioning groove and the assembly hole.

[0013] Optionally, the positioning member further includes a second stop portion connected to the top end of the first stop portion. The second stop portion is inclined toward the direction close to the column. The top end of the column is provided with a positioning surface, which is opposite to the second stop portion and inclined in the same direction.

[0014] Secondly, this application proposes a feeding device, including the aforementioned linked material rack.

[0015] The technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages compared with the prior art: The linkage rack provided in this application allows adjacent trays to be linked by a connecting rod. When not carrying a workpiece, the first end of the tray naturally hangs down due to gravity, while the second end naturally tilts up, remaining in its initial position. When a tray carries a workpiece, the second end is pressed down, and the second end is pressed down to a horizontal or near-horizontal working position by the weight of the workpiece. This simultaneously drives the first end to move upward to the working position. At this time, the connecting rod connected to the first end will move upward, thereby pulling or pushing the first end of the adjacent tray that is not carrying a workpiece to move upward synchronously. Since the adjacent tray is not carrying a workpiece, the second end remains tilted upward and will not be pressed down due to linkage, thus avoiding obstruction of the picking and placing space of the lower or upper layers.

[0016] When a workpiece is unloaded from a material tray, the second end returns to its initial upward tilted position under its own gravity or restoring force. The first end then moves downward, and the connecting rod simultaneously pulls down the first end of the adjacent material tray. The second end of the adjacent material tray remains tilted upward, ensuring a consistently unobstructed loading and unloading path. In this way, whether the upper or lower material tray is carrying material, the second end of the adjacent unloaded material tray always remains tilted upward, eliminating the space obstruction problem of traditional fixed material trays. This allows the gripper to remove workpieces from the lower layer without having to detour around the unloaded second end of the upper layer, significantly shortening the running path and improving loading efficiency. Secondly, the tilted second end of the unloaded material tray does not occupy vertical space, eliminating the need for excessively large layer spacing for avoidance. More material layers can be arranged with the same column height, significantly improving space utilization. Furthermore, the material tray position automatically switches according to the load state: it is pressed down when carrying workpieces and tilted upward under gravity when unloaded, requiring no additional drive device, simplifying the operation process and adapting to the high-efficiency operation requirements of automated production lines. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 The image shown is a side view of a linkage rack according to some embodiments of this application, wherein the material tray is in the initial position.

[0018] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0019] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle.

[0020] Figure 4 The image shown is a side view of a partial structure of a linkage material rack according to some embodiments of this application, wherein the material support is in the initial position.

[0021] Figure 5 The image shown is a side view of a linkage rack according to some embodiments of this application, wherein the bottommost material tray is in the working position.

[0022] Figure 6 As shown Figure 5 A magnified view of point C in the middle.

[0023] Figure 7 The image shown is a side view of a partial structure of a linkage material rack according to some embodiments of this application, wherein the lowest layer of material support is in the working position.

[0024] Figure 8 The image shown is a perspective view of a linkage rack according to some embodiments of this application.

[0025] Figure 9 The image shown is a perspective view of the linkage rack of some embodiments of this application from another angle.

[0026] Figure 10 The image shown is a side view of a linkage rack according to some embodiments of this application.

[0027] Figure 11 As shown Figure 10 Cross-sectional view in the DD direction.

[0028] Figure label: Column 10, back plate 11, limiting component 111, limiting slot 1111, side plate 12, positioning surface 13, material support 20, first end 21, second end 22, connecting rod 30, stop component 40, positioning component 50, second stop part 51, positioning groove 52, first stop part 53, mounting part 54, first hinge shaft 61, second hinge shaft 63. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0031] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or change of motion, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the linkage rack according to an embodiment of this application includes: a column 10, a multi-layer material support 20, and a connecting rod 30.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, specifically, the multi-layer material supports 20 are arranged sequentially at intervals along the height direction of the column 10. The material support 20 has a first end 21 and a second end 22. The material support 20 is rotatably connected to the column 10. The material support 20 has an initial position when not carrying a workpiece and a working position when carrying a workpiece. The material support 20 can rotate between the initial position and the working position. When the material support 20 is in the initial position, the second end 22 is higher than the first end 21. The two ends of the connecting rod 30 are hinged to the first ends 21 of the two adjacent material supports 20.

[0034] in, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lowest layer of material support 20 is shown in its initial position. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lowest layer material holder 20 is shown in the working position.

[0035] The column 10 serves as the main support for the entire material rack and is typically a columnar structure with a square or circular cross-section. The column 10 can be hollow or solid. The height of the column 10 is determined by the number of material supports 20 layers and the height of the workpiece. Several sets of spaced shaft holes or bearing seats can be pre-set along the height of the column 10, and each set of shaft holes is parallel in the vertical direction. This ensures that the multiple material supports 20 can rotate along the same vertical plane.

[0036] When the column 10 is working in the linkage rack, it can extend vertically, that is, perpendicular to the horizontal plane, or it can be inclined to the horizontal plane, that is, the angle between it and the horizontal plane is less than 90 degrees.

[0037] Each material support 20 can be a long, rigid strip. The material support 20 is rotatably connected to the column 10, meaning that the material support 20 can rotate relative to the column 10. The axis of rotation of the material support 20 is located between the first end 21 and the second end 22. For example, the material support 20 can be rotatably connected to the column 10 through the first hinge shaft 61, which is located between the first end 21 and the second end 22.

[0038] The connecting rods 30 of each layer of material tray 20 are located on the same side of the rotation axis of the material tray 20. When the connecting rods 30 apply a pushing or pulling force to the material tray 20, the point of application of the force is always located on the same side of the rotation axis of the material tray 20, ensuring that the multi-layer material trays 20 move in coordination without interference, while simplifying the force transmission path and the structural design of the linkage material rack.

[0039] The rotation axis of each material support 20 is usually set to be located in the same vertical plane, which can avoid spatial interference between the material supports 20 or the connecting rods 30.

[0040] In its natural state, i.e. when not carrying a workpiece, since the two ends of the connecting rod 30 are respectively hinged to the first end 21 of the adjacent material support 20, its own weight will generate a downward pulling force on the first end 21. The first end 21 naturally droops under the action of the weight of the connecting rod 30, and then the second end 22 of the material support 20 naturally tilts upward through the lever action. This ensures that the material support 20 can tilt upward to avoid obstructing the lower part picking space when not carrying a workpiece.

[0041] When the material support 20 carries the workpiece, it is placed from the side closer to the second end 22. The side of the second end 22 is pressed by the weight of the workpiece and rotates downward around the rotation axis to support the workpiece at an angle parallel to or slightly above the horizontal plane. The lever action causes the first end 21 of the material support 20 to move upward, thereby placing the material support 20 in the working position.

[0042] The following example uses any three material trays 20. The three material trays 20 arranged in sequence are defined from top to bottom as the first material tray 20, the second material tray 20, and the third material tray 20.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, when the second material holder 20 places a workpiece, when the first end 21 of the second material holder 20 moves upward, it can push the two upper and lower connecting rods 30 connected to the first end 21 to move upward. The upper connecting rod 30 applies an upward thrust to the first material holder 20, and the first end 21 of the first material holder 20 moves upward around its own rotation axis under the force. Since the first material holder 20 does not carry a workpiece, the second end 22 of the first material holder 20 remains tilted upward under the balance of its own weight and the lever action. Compared with the first material holder 20 in the initial position, the second end 22 is offset downward but still tilted upward, and does not fall to the first material holder 20 in the working position, thus avoiding the workpiece picking space of the second material holder 20.

[0044] Simultaneously, the upward movement of the first end 21 of the second material support 20 causes the connecting rod 30 connecting the third material support 20 below to move upward. The connecting rod 30 applies an upward pulling force to the first end 21 of the third material support 20. Under the pulling force, the first end 21 of the third material support 20 moves upward around its own rotation axis. Since the third material support 20 does not carry a workpiece, its second end 22 forms a new equilibrium under the balance of its own weight and the pulling force of the connecting rod 30. Compared to when the third material support 20 is in its initial position, the second end 22 is offset downward but still tilted upward, and has not fallen to the working position of the third material support 20. This allows the third material support 20 to pre-rotate to avoid interference with the second material support 20, especially when the distance between adjacent material supports 20 is small, preventing the second end 22 of the third material support 20 from interfering with the upper second material support 20 due to excessive upward tilting. In addition, when the third material support 20 is unloaded while the second material support 20 carries the workpiece, the upward angle of the second end 22 of the third material support 20 can be adaptively adjusted according to the weight carried by the second material support 20 through the linkage 30, thereby adapting to the angle of the second end 22 of the second material support 20 toward the deflection, without the need for manual calibration of balance.

[0045] When the workpiece on the second support 20 is removed, the second support 20 loses the pressure of the workpiece's gravity and, under the restoring force of the descending connecting rod 30, returns to its initial state. The first end 21 moves downwards, simultaneously causing the second end 22 of the second support 20 to tilt upwards. The connecting rod 30, which connects to the first support 20 above, loses its upward thrust. Under the action of the connecting rod 30, the first end 21 of the first support 20 falls around its rotation axis, and the second end 22 tilts upwards, returning to its initial position. Similarly, the first end 21 of the third support 20 droops again under the gravity of the connecting rod 30, and the second end 22 tilts upwards, returning to its initial position.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 6As shown, adjacent material trays 20 can be hinged together by connecting rods 30. When not carrying a workpiece, the first end 21 of the material tray 20 naturally hangs down due to gravity, and the second end 22 naturally tilts up, in the initial position. When a material tray 20 carries a workpiece, the second end 22 is pressed down. The second end 22 is pressed down to a horizontal or near-horizontal working position by the gravity of the workpiece, which simultaneously drives the first end 21 to move upward to the working position. At this time, the connecting rod 30 connected to the first end 21 will move upward, thereby pulling or pushing the first end 21 of the adjacent material tray 20 that is not carrying a workpiece to move upward synchronously. Since the adjacent material tray 20 is not carrying a workpiece, the second end 22 is deflected downward at a certain angle but still remains tilted up and will not be pressed down due to linkage, thereby avoiding obstruction of the picking and placing space of the lower or upper layers.

[0047] Furthermore, the connecting rods 30 connecting adjacent material trays 20 are typically designed to be of equal length. Equal rod lengths ensure that the movement amplitudes of adjacent material trays 20 match during linkage. When the first end 21 of the middle material tray 20 (the second material tray 20) moves up or down, the displacement of the upper and lower connecting rods 30 is the same, resulting in a more uniform transmission of thrust or pull force to the upper and lower material trays 20 (the first and third material trays 20). This prevents excessive force or angular deviation on one side of the material tray 20 due to differences in rod length. Simultaneously, equal-length connecting rods 30 reduce the number of parts, decrease machining and assembly errors, and facilitate standardized production.

[0048] It should be noted that the first end 21 does not refer to the physical end of the material support 20, but rather to a functional area extending from the end of the material support 20 toward the second end 22. This area is part of the material support 20 itself. Similarly, the second end 22 does not refer to the physical end of the material support 20, but rather to a functional area extending from the end of the material support 20 toward the first end 21. This area is part of the material support 20 itself.

[0049] According to the linkage rack of this application embodiment, when the workpiece is unloaded from the material tray 20, the second end 22 returns to its initial upward tilted position under its own gravity or restoring force, and the first end 21 moves down accordingly. The connecting rod 30 simultaneously pulls down the first end 21 of the adjacent material tray 20, and the second end 22 of the adjacent material tray 20 remains tilted up, ensuring that the picking and placing path is always unobstructed. In this way, whether the upper material tray 20 or the lower material tray 20 is carrying material, the second end 22 of the adjacent unloaded material tray 20 always exists in an upward tilted posture, eliminating the space obstruction problem of the traditional fixed material tray 20, so that the gripper does not need to detour around the upper unloaded second end 22 when picking up the lower workpiece, which greatly shortens the running path and improves the picking efficiency. Secondly, the upward tilt of the second end 22 of the unloaded material tray 20 does not occupy vertical space, and there is no need to reserve too large a layer spacing for avoidance. More material layers can be arranged with the same column height 10, which significantly improves the space utilization rate. In addition, the position of the material support 20 automatically switches according to the load state. When carrying a workpiece, it is pressed down, and when unloaded, it is tilted up under the action of gravity. No additional drive device is required, which simplifies the operation process and adapts to the high-efficiency operation requirements of automated production lines.

[0050] According to the linkage rack of the present application embodiment, the column 10 has two sides arranged opposite to each other along the first direction. The column 10 is provided with a limiting member 111 on one side of the first direction. The rotation axis of the material support 20 extends along the second direction. When the material support 20 is in the working position, the first end 21 of the material support 20 abuts against the limiting member 111. The first direction, the second direction and the height direction of the column 10 are perpendicular to each other.

[0051] A limiting member 111 is provided on one side of the column 10 in the first direction. In order to correspond to the rotation trajectory of the first end 21, the limiting member 111 is usually located on the side of the first end 21 of the material support 20, above the rotation axis. When the first end 21 reaches the working position, it can just abut against the limiting member 111. This prevents interference caused by the initial drooping of the first end 21 or premature contact during rotation, and forms a rigid block at the working position. At this time, the limiting member 111 applies a reverse supporting force to the first end 21 from the side and above. The direction of the force is opposite to the upward rotation trend of the first end 21. This can directly counteract the rotational torque caused by the gravity of the workpiece, stabilize the first end 21 in this position, and then ensure that the second end 22 of the material support 20 is kept in the working position through the lever action.

[0052] The shape of the limiting member 111 can be rectangular block, arc-shaped plate, L-shaped boss, cylindrical pin, baffle, etc. The limiting member 111 can also be a movable top block with a spring, or a block with an elastic pad on the side facing the material support 20, etc.

[0053] The rotation axis of the material support 20 extends along the second direction. The weight of the workpiece will cause the material support 20 to generate a torque around the rotation axis, causing the second end 22 to rotate downward and the first end 21 to rotate upward. The limiting member 111 provides a reverse support force by abutting against the first end 21, directly limiting the rotation amplitude of the first end 21 and limiting the upward rotation of the first end 21, stabilizing the second end 22 at a preset horizontal or slightly inclined support angle, ensuring that the workpiece is subjected to balanced force and is not easy to shake when placed.

[0054] Furthermore, in both the initial and working positions, the second end 22 of the material holder 20 is tilted upwards relative to the horizontal direction. The difference lies in the angle between this upward tilt and the horizontal direction. For example, in the initial position, the tilt angle of the second end 22 is 65°~70°, while in the working position, it is 10°~15°. The angle between the second end 22 and the horizontal direction in the working position can be limited by setting the position of the limiting member 111.

[0055] In this embodiment, the column 10 has two sides arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, where the first direction is a spatial orientation. One side of the column 10 in the first direction refers to one of the two sides that are distributed opposite to each other along the first direction. For example, when the first direction is a front-back direction, one side of the column 10 in the first direction refers to the front side or the rear side.

[0056] According to the linkage rack of the present application embodiment, by setting the limiting member 111, the material support 20 can be made to maintain a stable posture when carrying the workpiece, avoiding the angular displacement of the second end 22 caused by gravity, ensuring that the second end 22 stably supports the workpiece. At the same time, through the limiting function of the limiting member 111, the working position of the second end 22 is clearly defined, so that each layer of material support 20 can maintain a consistent working position when carrying the workpiece, avoiding positional deviation caused by individual structural differences or gravity fluctuations, and ensuring the alignment accuracy when stacking workpieces.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the limiting member 111 includes a limiting groove 1111, which extends along the height direction. When the material support 20 is in the working position, the first end 21 of the material support 20 extends into the limiting groove 1111 and abuts against the inner wall of the limiting groove 1111.

[0058] The limiting groove 1111 extends along the height direction of the column 10, and the limiting groove 1111 has an opening on at least one side, with the opening facing the material support 20. Of course, the limiting groove 1111 can also be through along the thickness direction. In this case, the limiting groove 1111 can form openings on both sides in the thickness direction, with both openings facing the material support 20. The connection between the limiting groove 1111 and the column 10 can be integrally formed or separately fixed.

[0059] The limiting slot 1111 can be an inverted U-shaped slot or a rectangular slot, etc.

[0060] The limiting groove 1111 can form a directional limiting on the first end 21 through the circumferential inner wall. When the material support 20 carries the workpiece, the second end 22 rotates downward to a horizontal position or a position slightly above the horizontal position due to gravity. The first end 21 rotates upward under the drive of the second end 22. At this time, the first end 21 extends into the limiting groove 1111 that extends along the height direction. The two side walls of the limiting groove 1111 can constrain the first end 21 from the vertical direction, restricting the lateral swing of the material support 20 and preventing it from shifting laterally due to uneven force. In the vertical direction, the top wall of the limiting groove 1111 can counteract the rotational torque of the material support 20 by abutting against the first end 21 of the material support 20, ensuring that the material support 20 can move to the working position along the predetermined rotation trajectory.

[0061] According to the linkage rack of this application embodiment, by setting the limiting slot 1111 to constrain the rotation trajectory of the material support 20, the stability of the material support 20 in the working position is improved. It can also suppress the left and right swaying of the first end 21 of the material support 20 when rotating upward, ensuring that the material support 20 can accurately reset to the same working position along the trajectory of the limiting slot 1111 each time it is loaded, and ensuring the consistency of the posture of each layer of material support 20. At the same time, the limiting slot 1111 can also protect the first end 21 of the material support 20, reducing the impact of external collisions on the rotation accuracy of the material support 20. Of course, the constraint of the top wall of the limiting slot 1111 on the material support 20 can adapt to the needs of the material support 20 in different loading states. That is, when the material support 20 is loaded with workpieces of different weights, the material support 20 can adaptively adjust the contact angle with the limiting slot 1111 to adapt to the workpiece.

[0062] According to the linkage material rack of this application embodiment, the limiting groove 1111 is a through groove, and the first end 21 is provided with a limiting protrusion. When the material support 20 is in the working position, the limiting protrusion abuts against the side of the limiting groove 1111 away from the second end 22.

[0063] The limiting groove 1111 is a through groove that runs through the thickness of the column 10. It is an elongated groove. The opening of the limiting groove 1111 faces the material support 20, so that the limiting groove 1111 can provide sufficient space for the first end 21 to extend.

[0064] A limiting protrusion is provided at the first end 21 of the material support 20. When the material support 20 is in the working position, the limiting protrusion is located on the upper surface of the material support 20. The limiting protrusion and the material support 20 can be integrally formed, fixedly connected, or fixed with adjustable position. When the limiting protrusion and the material support 20 are integrally formed, they are processed from the same material. When the limiting protrusion and the material support 20 are fixedly connected, the limiting protrusion can be fixed to the material support 20 by bolts, welding, or other methods. When the relative position of the limiting protrusion and the material support 20 can be adjusted, an elongated hole or a sliding groove can be provided at the first end 21 of the material support 20, and the limiting protrusion is fixed in the elongated hole or sliding groove by fasteners.

[0065] When the material support 20 is in the working position, the limiting protrusion of the first end 21 extends out of the limiting groove 1111 and just abuts against the outer wall of the limiting groove 1111 on the side away from the second end 22, so as to prevent the first end 21 from coming out of the limiting groove 1111 and achieve precise restriction of the rotational freedom of the material support 20.

[0066] The limiting protrusion can be in the shape of a block, strip, or arc, and can be selected as needed; this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0067] According to the embodiments of this application, the linkage material rack improves the stability of the material support 20 when it is in the working position by cooperating with the limiting protrusion and the limiting slot 1111. This prevents the first end 21 from accidentally coming out of the limiting slot 1111 due to external force disturbance or load fluctuation, and ensures the reliability of the material support 20 in bearing the workpiece. The rigid cooperation between the limiting protrusion and the limiting slot 1111 does not require additional locking components. The limiting function is achieved only through the structural shape, which simplifies the overall structure of the linkage material rack.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in the linkage rack according to the embodiment of this application, a stop member 40 is provided on the column 10. The stop member 40 is located between two adjacent material trays 20. When the material tray 20 located below the stop member 40 is in the initial position, it abuts against the stop member 40.

[0069] The stop member 40 can be fixed to the column 10 at a preset height position by welding, threaded connection or integral molding. The main body of the stop member 40 can be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the stop member 40 can also be set as stepped or flat column.

[0070] Understandably, the stop member 40 needs to maintain a certain distance from the upper material support 20 so that it does not interfere with the normal operation of the upper material support 20, and can form abutment with it when the lower material support 20 is reset to its initial position.

[0071] When the material support 20 is not carrying a workpiece, the first end 21 of the material support 20 hangs down naturally under the gravity of the connecting rod 30, and the second end 22 tilts upward under the action of the first end 21 and abuts against the stop member 40. Thus, the stop member 40 limits the upward tilting angle of the second end 22, preventing the material support 20 from tilting too upward, avoiding increasing the difficulty of placing the workpiece, and also avoiding interference between the material support 20 and the upper material support 20.

[0072] According to the linkage rack of this application embodiment, the material support 20 can automatically reset to its initial position and be precisely defined when not carrying a workpiece, improving the consistency and stability of the initial position. The stop member 40 can block the second end 22 to prevent the material support 20 from tilting excessively upwards, effectively preventing the lower material support 20 from colliding and interfering with the upper material support 20 due to vibration, impact or external disturbance, and ensuring the spatial layout safety of the multi-layer rack. At the same time, the rack can achieve automatic reset by gravity using the connecting rod 30 without additional driving components, further simplifying the structural complexity and reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, there are multiple abutment members 40, and each layer of material support 20 corresponds to at least one abutment member 40. When the lowest layer of material support 20 is in the initial position, the second end 22 of the material support 20 has the smallest upward angle relative to the horizontal plane.

[0074] There are multiple stop members 40, and each material support 20 corresponds to at least one stop member 40. This ensures that the initial position of each material support 20 can be controlled individually. For example, the stop members 40 are distributed at intervals along the height direction of the column 10, and the installation position of each stop member 40 precisely corresponds to the rotation path of a certain material support 20.

[0075] The upward tilt angle refers to the angle of inclination formed between the upper surface of the material support 20 and the horizontal plane. Since the second end 22 of the material support 20 is higher than the first end 21 at this time, the magnitude of the upward tilt angle is determined by the degree of elevation of the second end 22 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0076] The lowest layer material support 20 has the smallest upward angle in its initial position. In other words, the vertical distance between the limiting pin corresponding to the lowest layer material support 20 and the rotation fulcrum of the material support 20 is the shortest, and the installation height of the limiting pin relative to the material support 20 is the lowest.

[0077] The bottommost support 20, serving as the initial reference for the first workpiece, has the smallest initial upward angle, providing a more stable and lower-slope support surface for the first workpiece placement. Operators or robots can easily and smoothly place the workpiece on the bottom layer without additional adjustments, significantly reducing the risk of slippage or displacement due to excessive angles and significantly lowering the difficulty of placing the bottommost workpiece. Once the bottommost support 20 carries the workpiece, it rotates downwards around the first hinge axis 61. Simultaneously, through the linkage of the connecting rod 30, the first end 21 of the upper support 20 rotates upwards by a certain angle, pre-adjusting the upward angle of the second end 22 of the upper support 20 before placement. This ensures the angle is neither too large, causing placement difficulties, nor too small, affecting subsequent load-bearing. When operators or robots place workpieces sequentially on the upper layers, the upper support 20 has already achieved a suitable initial angle through the linkage of the connecting rod 30, allowing for smoother workpiece placement and avoiding repeated adjustments due to unsuitable angles. This continuously reduces the difficulty of placing workpieces layer by layer from the bottom to the top.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the lowest layer of material support 20 has an upward angle of α1 in its initial position, limited by the stop member 40. The upward angles of the material supports 20 above it and the remaining material supports 20 are all α2, where α1 is less than α2. Figure 6 As shown, when the lowest layer material support 20 is in the working position, its upward tilt angle tends to 0 due to the downward pressure of the workpiece. Meanwhile, the upper layer material support 20 is in an unloaded state and is pushed upward by the connecting rod 30 connected to the lowest layer material support 20, causing its upward tilt angle to change from α2 to α3. Since α2 is greater than α3, the remaining uppermost material supports 20 remain in their initial positions with an upward tilt angle of α2. In some embodiments, by setting a stop member 40 corresponding to the position of the lowest layer material support 20, α2 can be made to... 1= ɑ3.

[0079] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in the linkage rack according to the embodiment of this application, the material support 20 and the column 10 are rotatably connected by a first hinge shaft 61. The first hinge shaft 61 is located between the first end 21 and the second end 22. When the material support 20 is in the initial position, the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the material support 20 also passes through the first hinge shaft 61.

[0080] The center of gravity of the material support 20 is the center of mass of the material support 20. By setting a symmetrical structure or local counterweights on the material support 20, such as adding counterweights at the first end 21, it is ensured that when the material support 20 is in the initial position, the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the material support 20 also passes through the first hinge axis 61.

[0081] The plumb line is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, i.e., the direction of gravity. Its essence is to limit the rotation torque of the material support 20 around the first hinge axis 61 to be close to 0 when it is in the initial position, which lays the foundation for the stability of the material support 20 in the initial position and its sensitive response under subsequent forces.

[0082] The first hinge shaft 61 is typically a cylindrical shaft. When the material support 20 is in its initial position, the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the material support 20 also passes through the first hinge shaft 61. In this way, the lever arm between gravity and the first hinge shaft 61 is small, even zero or close to zero. The torque generated by gravity around the first hinge shaft 61 is close to zero. This allows the material support 20 to remain in its initial position without relying on an additional locking device. It will not self-rotate when there is no load. The material support 20 is mainly held in its initial position by the gravity of the connecting rod 30. When the material support 20 needs to support a workpiece, since the torque generated by the weight of the material support 20 itself is small or close to zero, only a small force needs to be applied, mainly to overcome the gravity of the connecting rod 30, to make the second end 22 of the material support 20 rotate downwards, making the operation more labor-saving.

[0083] According to the linkage rack of the present application embodiment, when it is necessary to rotate the second end 22 of the material support 20 downward to carry the workpiece, only a small force is needed to drive the material support 20 to rotate, which greatly reduces the force required for operation, making the rack more labor-saving and more convenient to respond when carrying or adjusting.

[0084] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in the linkage material rack according to the embodiment of this application, the material support 20 is provided with a first hinge shaft 61, and the material support 20 and the column 10 are rotatably connected through the first hinge shaft 61.

[0085] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the connecting rod 30 and the material support 20 are hinged via a second hinge shaft 63.

[0086] The second hinge shaft 63 achieves the rotatable connection between the connecting rod 30 and the first end 21 of the material support 20 through the shaft hole. The second hinge shaft 63 is usually connected to both ends of the connecting rod 30 along the length direction.

[0087] It should be noted that in this application, whether the first hinge shaft 61 is fixedly connected to the material support 20 or to the column 10, or whether the second hinge shaft 63 is fixedly connected to the material support 20 or to the connecting rod 30, it does not affect the rotational connection relationship and function between the various components. The fundamental purpose is to limit the rotation axis of each component, rather than limiting the fixed body of the specific hinge shaft. Therefore, the settings can be adjusted according to actual needs. As long as each component can achieve stable relative rotation around the corresponding preset rotation axis, and the positional relationship of the rotation axis meets the balance and transmission requirements of the linkage material rack, it falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0088] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, according to the embodiment of this application, the linkage rack has a column 10 including a back plate 11 and two side plates 12 disposed on the back plate 11. The two side plates 12 are disposed opposite each other in a second direction. The material support 20 is disposed between the two side plates 12. The limiting member 111 is disposed on the back plate 11.

[0089] Two side plates 12 are arranged opposite each other in a second direction. The extension length of the side plates 12 is consistent with the height direction of the column 10, and the side plates 12 are inclined or perpendicularly connected to the back plate 11. The back plate 11 of the column 10 and the side plates 12 on both sides form a U-shaped groove structure, which can enhance the structural rigidity of the column 10. At the same time, the material support 20 is confined between the two side plates 12, which can effectively restrain the lateral displacement of the material support 20. When the material support 20 rotates around the first hinge axis 61 or is subjected to lateral force while carrying material, the two side plates 12 can prevent the material from shifting to the side. In the figures shown in this application, the side plates 12 are perpendicularly connected to the back plate 11, which simplifies the structural setup, facilitates processing and assembly positioning, and strengthens the lateral positioning of the material support 20.

[0090] When the linkage material rack includes the limiting slot 1111, the limiting slot 1111 is set on the back plate 11. The limiting slot 1111 can be a groove formed by recessing inward along the surface of the back plate 11, or it can be a groove formed by protruding and then recessing inward on the surface of the back plate 11. The boss and the back plate 11 are an integral structure or fixedly connected. The first end 21 of the material support 20 is close to the back plate 11, and the second end 22 of the material support 20 is away from the back plate 11. When the material support 20 rotates around the first hinge axis 61 to the initial position or the preset working position, the first end 21 of the material support 20 can be correspondingly embedded or abutted in the limiting slot 1111.

[0091] When the linkage material rack includes a stop member 40, the stop member 40 is a rod-shaped structure. The two ends of the stop member 40 are connected to the side plates 12 on both sides respectively. The stop member 40 is set in a direction perpendicular to the side plates 12, located on the rotation path of the material support 20, and corresponding to the preset maximum upward tilt angle position of the material support 20. When the material support 20 rotates around the first hinge axis 61 to near the maximum angle, the second end 22 of the material support 20 will contact the stop member 40, and the stop member 40 will block the material support 20 from continuing to rotate, thereby limiting the flipping range of the material support 20.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the side plate 12 is connected to at least one positioning member 50. The positioning member 50 includes a first stop 53. The first stop 53 and the limiting member 111 are respectively disposed on both sides of the column 10 in a first direction. The distance between the first stop 53 and the column 10 in the first direction is adjustable.

[0093] The first stop 53 can be formed by bending one edge of the positioning member 50 along its width direction towards the side plate 12. The bending angle relative to the main body of the positioning member 50 is typically 90 degrees or close to 90 degrees. The bending length extends along the height direction of the positioning member 50. The limiting member 111 is located on the back plate 11, while the first stop 53 is located on the side of the column 10 away from the limiting member 111. The first stop 53 can limit the positional accuracy of the workpiece in the horizontal direction. When the workpiece is placed on the material tray 20, the second end of the material tray 20 extends beyond the first stop 53. When the workpiece is placed, its edge near the column will abut against the first stop 53. The first stop 53 limits the horizontal displacement of the workpiece, ensuring the alignment accuracy of the workpiece on the material tray 20. By adjusting the distance between the first stop 53 and the column in the first direction, the length of the second end of the material tray 20 extending beyond the first stop 53 can be adjusted, thus adapting to different workpieces and improving the versatility of the equipment.

[0094] In this embodiment, the two sides in the first direction are consistent with the orientation definition of the column 10 mentioned above. The first direction is a relative orientation in space, such as the front-back direction or the left-right direction. The two sides refer to two orientations that are relatively distributed along the first direction. For example, when the limiting member 111 is disposed on the rear side of the column 10, the first stop part 53 is disposed on the front side of the column 10. When the limiting member 111 is disposed on the left side of the column 10, the first stop part 53 is disposed on the right side of the column 10. The distance between the first stop part 53 and the column 10 in the first direction is adjustable and can be achieved in various ways. That is, the distance between the first stop part 53 and the limiting member 111 in the first direction is adjustable. If the distance between the first stop part 53 and the column 10 in the first direction increases, the distance between the first stop part 53 and the limiting member 111 in the first direction increases. If the distance between the first stop part 53 and the column 10 in the first direction decreases, the distance between the first stop part 53 and the limiting member 111 in the first direction decreases.

[0095] For example, an adjusting screw is provided on the positioning member 50. By rotating the screw, the first stop part 53 is pushed closer to or further away from the column in the first direction. After adjustment, it can be locked and fixed by a nut.

[0096] In some specific embodiments, the positioning member 50 further includes a mounting part 54 connected to the first stop part 53. The mounting part 54 is provided with a positioning groove 52. The extending direction of the positioning groove 52 is perpendicular to the height direction of the column 10. The side plate 12 is provided with an assembly hole. Fasteners are inserted into the positioning groove 52 and the assembly hole together.

[0097] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the fastener can be configured as a bolt. A positioning groove 52 is provided at the connection position between the positioning member 50 and the side plate 12. After the bolt passes through the positioning groove 52, it is fixed to the side plate 12. The positioning member 50 can be moved along the length direction of the positioning groove 52 by loosening the bolt. The mounting part 54 is set to fit against the inner or outer surface of the side plate 12 and is relatively fixed to the side plate 12. Multiple positioning grooves 52 are provided at intervals along its own height direction on the positioning member 50. The positioning groove 52 is an open waist-shaped hole and extends along the direction perpendicular to the height of the column 10.

[0098] like Figure 1 and Figure 9As shown in the above embodiment, the mounting portion 54 is typically a plate-like structure adapted to the contour of the side plate 12 of the column 10. It is generally elongated or rectangular, with a width narrower than the side plate 12. The surface of the mounting portion 54 is flat to better fit the inner and outer surfaces of the side plate 12. The inner surface is the surface of the side plate 12 facing the material support 20, and the outer surface is the surface of the side plate 12 away from the material support 20. The positioning groove 52 can be a U-shaped groove or an arc-shaped groove. One end of the positioning groove 52 along the width direction of the mounting portion 54 can extend to the side edge of the mounting portion 54, allowing the fastener to slide directly into the positioning groove 52 from the side edge of the mounting portion 54 during installation or height adjustment. Position switching can be completed without completely removing the fastener from the positioning groove 52, simplifying assembly and adjustment operations.

[0099] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, after the mounting part 54 is fixed to the side plate 12, the flat contact surface of the mounting part 54 near the side plate 12 can block the assembly hole of the first hinge shaft 61 and the side plate 12, or directly abut against the first hinge shaft 61, thereby forming an axial limit for the first hinge shaft 61. This effectively prevents the first hinge shaft 61 from moving along its axial direction, ensuring that the rotation axis of the material support 20 remains fixed and preventing the material support 20 from shifting, causing the workpiece to be unstable or fall off. In addition, it can also prevent the connecting rod 30 from jamming due to misalignment when transmitting thrust or pull. Furthermore, by utilizing the limiting function of the mounting part 54, there is no need to set up other limiting structures, which simplifies the overall structural setup.

[0100] The first stop portion 53 is usually also a plate of the same thickness, and is generally elongated or rectangular. The width of the first stop portion 53 is less than the width of the column 10 along the second direction. One positioning member 50 can be provided on the column 10, or two positioning members 50 can be provided, as shown in the attached figure. When positioning members 50 are provided on both sides of the column 10, the width of the first stop portion 53 is usually about one-third or less of the width of the column 10. The first stop portions 53 on both sides are spaced apart from each other so that the second end of the material support 20 can extend out without being interfered with by the first stop portion 53.

[0101] like Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the positioning member 50 further includes a second stop portion 51, which is connected to the top end of the first stop portion 53. The second stop portion 51 is inclined toward the direction close to the column 10. The top end of the column 10 is provided with a positioning surface 13, which is opposite to the second stop portion 51 and inclined in the same direction.

[0102] The second stop 51 is connected to the top of the first stop 53. The first stop 53 and the second stop 51 can be integrally formed, for example, by bending sheet metal. The second stop 51 is inclined towards the column 10, and the inclination angle of the second stop 51 is the same as the inclination angle of the positioning surface 13 at the top of the column 10. Both the inclination angles of the second stop 51 and the positioning surface 13 are relative to the horizontal plane. The second stop 51 provides the operator with a visual installation reference, facilitating quick positioning and rapid alignment of the positioning groove 52 and the mounting holes on the side plate 12. When the first stop 53 moves along the first direction to abut against the column 10, the second stop 51 can fit against the positioning surface 13, thereby limiting the positioning member 50 and improving the installation accuracy of the positioning member 50.

[0103] In the above embodiments, the second stop portion 51 can be a straight folded edge or a protruding block structure formed by bending the top edge of the positioning member 50 toward the column 10.

[0104] When a second hinge shaft 63 is also installed on the linkage rack, the height adjustment of the material support 20 can still be achieved smoothly, and the linkage relationship with the connecting rod 30 remains stable. When the height of the material support 20 is adjusted, the position of the second hinge shaft 63 is fixed relative to the column 10, while the connecting rod 30 is connected to the material support 20 through the second hinge shaft 63. The connecting rod 30 can rotate around the second hinge shaft 63, and at the same time, the second hinge shaft 63 rises and falls synchronously with the material support 20, so that the rotational connection between the connecting rod 30 and the material support 20 is always maintained, and the connection will not be disengaged or jammed due to changes in height.

[0105] The feeding device according to the embodiments of this application includes the above-mentioned linkage rack.

[0106] The feeding device may include a drawer trolley and multiple linked material racks that cooperate with the drawer trolley, or it may be a belt conveyor and multiple linked material racks set next to the belt conveyor, etc. This application does not impose any restrictions. The feeding device has all the effects of the linked material racks mentioned above, and the relevant effects will not be repeated here.

[0107] The number of linkage racks in the feeding equipment can be set according to the workpiece size and feeding efficiency requirements. Small workpieces can be set with two to four sets, medium workpieces can be set with one to two sets, and large workpieces may only need one set of linkage racks. Multiple linkage racks can be set in each set and evenly spaced along the circumference of the workpiece.

[0108] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms such as “a,” “an,” etc., used herein may also refer to the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated, unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0109] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0110] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A linkage material rack, characterized in that, include: Columns; A multi-layer material support is provided, wherein the multiple material supports are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the column. Each material support has a first end and a second end. The material support is rotatably connected to the column. Each material support has an initial position when not carrying a workpiece and a working position when carrying a workpiece. The material support can rotate between the initial position and the working position. When the material support is in the initial position, the second end is higher than the first end. A connecting rod, the two ends of which are hinged to the first end of the two adjacent material supports.

2. The linkage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column has two sides arranged opposite each other along a first direction. A limiting member is provided on one side of the column in the first direction. The rotation axis of the material tray extends along a second direction. When the material tray is in the working position, the first end of the material tray abuts against the limiting member. The first direction, the second direction, and the height direction of the column are perpendicular to each other.

3. The linkage material rack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a limiting groove that extends along the height direction. When the material support is in the working position, the first end of the material support extends into the limiting groove and abuts against the inner wall of the limiting groove.

4. The linkage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The column is provided with a stop member, which is located between two adjacent material trays. When the material tray below the stop member is in its initial position, it abuts against the stop member.

5. The linkage material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material support and the column are rotatably connected by a first hinge shaft, which is located between the first end and the second end. When the material support is in its initial position, the vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the material support also passes through the first hinge shaft.

6. The linkage material rack according to claim 2, characterized in that, The column includes a back plate and two side plates disposed on the back plate. The two side plates are disposed opposite each other in the second direction. The material support is disposed between the two side plates. The limiting member is disposed on the back plate.

7. The linkage material rack according to claim 6, characterized in that, The side plate is connected to at least one positioning member, the positioning member includes a first stop part, the first stop part and the limiting member are respectively disposed on both sides of the column in the first direction, and the distance between the first stop part and the column in the first direction is adjustable.

8. The linkage material rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning component also includes a mounting part connected to the first stop part. The mounting part is provided with a positioning groove, the extension direction of which is perpendicular to the height direction of the column. The side plate is provided with an assembly hole, and a fastener is inserted into both the positioning groove and the assembly hole.

9. The linkage material rack according to claim 7, characterized in that, The positioning component further includes a second stop portion connected to the top end of the first stop portion. The second stop portion is inclined toward the direction close to the column. The top end of the column is provided with a positioning surface, which is opposite to the second stop portion and inclined in the same direction.

10. A feeding device, characterized in that, Includes the linked material rack as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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