Loop swing door with full-course position monitoring

CN224913246UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-30MCC CAPITAL ENGINEERING & RESEARCH INC LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522502006.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-25
Publication Date
2026-10-30
Estimated Expiration
2035-11-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0003]然而,现有技术存在显著缺陷

Benefits of technology

第一,检测方式实现从“开关量”到“模拟量”的升级,编码器能够全程连续监测摆臂门实时角度,及时记录位置信息,保证开闭位置信号准确性;第二,在复杂的工作环境中,根据编码器监测的角度信号,中央控制器可精准识别摆臂门卡滞、开闭不到位等中间状态异常,为维护人员提供报警信号,减少事故的发生;第三,编码器固有绝对位置记忆和校准功能,避免摆动门位置偏移带来信号误报风险。

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of full-range position monitoring's live loop swing arm door, including swing door body, rotating shaft is arranged in one side of swing door body, swing door body is hinged on swing door stand by the rotating shaft, swing door body is connected with the transmission structure that can drive swing door body rotation open or close, the top of rotating shaft is connected with the encoder that can full-range monitor the rotation angle of swing door body and rotating shaft, encoder is electrically connected with central controller.The utility model remembers swing arm door position by encoder, realizes the real-time detection and record of live loop swing arm door swing position, break through the limitation that traditional proximity switch can only detect on / off endpoint, realize swing arm door full-stroke real-time angle tracking by high-precision encoder.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cold-rolled strip steel technology, and in particular to a movable swing arm door that can monitor the position throughout the entire process. Background Technology

[0002] Looping machines are key equipment in modern continuous cold-rolled strip steel production lines (such as pickling mills and continuous annealing mills). They store strip steel through "filling" and "unloading" actions, ensuring continuous high-speed operation of the process section during auxiliary operations such as inlet welding and outlet shear blade changing, significantly improving production efficiency. Horizontal loopers are widely used due to their relatively simple structure and low plant requirements, with the swing-gate type looper being a common form. This type of looper typically consists of a looper car, a swing gate, a drive system, and tracks. The looper car moves linearly along the tracks under the action of the drive system to achieve filling and unloading. Its core functional component—the swing gate—controls the passage of the looper car and supports the strip steel through its opening and closing states: it closes during filling to support the strip steel, and opens during unloading to allow the looper car to pass. The monitoring and linkage control of the opening and closing states and real-time position of the swing gate are crucial.

[0003] However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks. These mainly include: 1. The detection system is fragile, with a high failure rate, easily leading to unplanned downtime: The real-time status of the swing door is not monitored, and the opening and closing status of the swing door relies entirely on the position proximity switch signals at the bottom of each column. If any proximity switch fails or misdetects, the system will determine that the operation is abnormal and trigger the looper to stop, seriously disrupting the production rhythm and affecting continuity and efficiency. 2. Zero-position calibration is difficult and easily introduces tracking deviations: After long-term operation, the swing door opening and closing proximity switch monitoring may fail. At this time, manual calibration of the position is required, which is prone to deviations, leading to inaccurate strip tracking and affecting the accuracy and quality stability of subsequent process control. 3. The reliability of the swing door is challenged: The stringent requirements of the high-frequency opening and closing motion of the swing door and the fragility of its key positioning components highlight the high dependence of the looper system on operational stability.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of looper steel distribution or condition management device to solve the core problems of poor fault tolerance of existing detection systems and the reliance on manual error in position calibration, so as to improve the reliability, automation level and production efficiency of looper operation.

[0005] The existing swing arm door position detection device uses a rotating column and stop linkage structure. In practice: two sets of stops (each set containing two stops at a 90° angle) are welded to the rotating columns on both the drive side and the working side, corresponding to the open and closed states of the swing arm door, respectively. Each column is equipped with a proximity switch. The state is determined by detecting the positions of the two stops on the same rotating shaft—when the swing arm door rotates to the closed position, stop A triggers the proximity switch; when it rotates to the open position, stop B (at a 90° angle with stop A) triggers the same proximity switch. The position of the stops determines whether the swing arm door on the working side is open or closed, thus completing the monitoring of the swing arm door position.

[0006] While this position detection system reduces the number of proximity switches required for a traditional single-arm swing door from four to two, and utilizes a 90° stop layout to achieve dual-state detection for a single switch, thus lowering equipment costs and the probability of failure, it does not change the single reliance on proximity switches and the mechanical positioning principle. It still relies entirely on physical contact detection, and the stop and proximity switch are prone to misjudgments due to mechanical wear or positional misalignment. Furthermore, the system's fault tolerance is not fundamentally improved; although the number of potential failure points is reduced, a single switch failure can still cause the entire monitoring system to malfunction. The entire swing state of the swing door cannot be monitored, and human error or accidental obstruction of the switch can easily cause false alarms.

[0007] Therefore, based on years of experience and practice in related industries, the inventor proposes a flexible swing arm gate with full-process position monitoring to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sliding swing arm door that can monitor the position throughout its entire stroke, overcoming the problems existing in the prior art. This invention uses an encoder to memorize the position of the swing arm door, realizing the real-time detection and recording of the swing position of the sliding swing arm door. It breaks through the limitation of traditional proximity switches that can only detect the open / closed endpoints, and realizes real-time angle tracking of the swing arm door throughout its entire stroke through a high-precision encoder.

[0009] The purpose of this utility model is achieved as follows: a movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring includes a swing door body, a rotating shaft is provided on one side of the swing door body, the swing door body is hinged to the swing door column through the rotating shaft, a transmission structure is connected to the swing door body to drive the swing door body to rotate to open or close, an encoder is connected to the top of the rotating shaft to monitor the rotation angle of the swing door body and the rotating shaft throughout the process, and the encoder is electrically connected to the central controller.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the encoder is an absolute encoder, which is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling, and the absolute encoder acquires the full-stroke rotation angle of the rotating shaft and the swing door body.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a crossbeam is provided on the swing door column, and the encoder is fixedly connected to the crossbeam.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, an encoder bracket is connected to the crossbeam, and the encoder is connected to the encoder bracket.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission structure includes a swing arm and a swing rod. The first end of the swing arm can be swung by a sliding door top. The second end of the swing arm is hinged to the first end of the swing rod. The second end of the swing rod is connected to the swing door body. When the swing arm swings, it drives the swing rod to swing the swing door body.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a swing arm hinge seat is provided on the swing door column, and the third end of the swing arm is hinged to the swing arm hinge seat.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a swing arm hinge seat is provided on the swing door body, and the second end of the swing arm is hinged to the swing arm hinge seat.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the swing arm is provided with a roller that can be abutted by the roof of the sling.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a locking part is further included to lock the swing door body.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the encoder transmits the rotation angle signals of the swing door body and the rotating shaft to the central controller, and the central controller executes dynamic judgment logic and issues an alarm when an abnormality is detected.

[0019] Based on the above, the movable swing arm door of this utility model, which can monitor the position throughout the entire process, has the following beneficial effects: First, the detection method has been upgraded from "switching signal" to "analog signal". The encoder can continuously monitor the real-time angle of the swing arm door and record the position information in a timely manner to ensure the accuracy of the opening and closing position signal. Second, in complex working environments, based on the angle signal monitored by the encoder, the central controller can accurately identify intermediate abnormal states such as swing arm door jamming and incomplete opening and closing, providing alarm signals to maintenance personnel and reducing the occurrence of accidents. Third, the encoder has inherent absolute position memory and calibration functions to avoid the risk of false alarms caused by swing door position deviation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following figures are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a top view of the movable swing arm door of this utility model, which can monitor the position throughout the entire process.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a side view of the swing door pillar of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the encoder part of this utility model.

[0023] In the picture: 100. A movable swing arm door capable of full-process position monitoring; 1. Rotation axis; 2. Transmission structure; 21. Swing arm; 22. Swing rod; 23. Swing arm hinge seat; 24. Swing rod hinge seat; 25. Roller; 3. Encoder; 4. Couplings; 5. Encoder bracket; 61. First locking spring; 62. Second locking spring; 71. First swing door; 72. Second swing door; 73. First swing door support column; 74. Second swing door support column; 75. Horizontal beam; 76. Fixing bolt. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this utility model, the specific embodiments of this utility model are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present invention in any way. Under the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on this invention, and these should all be considered within the scope of this invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two elements, and can be direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible embodiments.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, this utility model provides a movable swing arm door 100 capable of full-process position monitoring, including a swing door body. A rotating shaft 1 is provided on one side of the swing door body, and the swing door body is hinged to the swing door column via the rotating shaft 1. A transmission structure 2 is connected to the swing door body to drive the swing door body to rotate and open or close. An encoder 3 is connected to the top of the rotating shaft 1 to monitor the rotation angle of the swing door body and the rotating shaft 1 throughout the entire stroke. The encoder 3 is directly mounted on the rotating shaft 1 to realize real-time synchronous acquisition of the rotation angle of the swing door body throughout the entire stroke. The encoder 3 is electrically connected to a central controller (which can directly adopt existing technology). The central control unit receives the 0°~90° continuous angle signal (e.g., ...) output by the encoder 3 through a high-speed bus. Figure 1 As shown by the solid line, 0° corresponds to the closed position; as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed line, 90° corresponds to the open position), and the position analysis and fault diagnosis logic is executed.

[0028] An encoder is a device that encodes signals (such as bitstreams) or data and converts them into a signal form that can be used for communication, transmission, and storage. In this invention, the encoder converts the angular displacement of a rotating shaft into an electrical signal.

[0029] This invention uses an encoder to memorize the positions of the swing door body and the rotating shaft, thereby enabling real-time detection and recording of the swing position of the looper swing arm. It overcomes the limitation of traditional proximity switches that can only detect the open / closed endpoints, achieving real-time angle tracking of the swing arm door's full stroke from 0° to 90° through a high-precision encoder. This invention features a flexible structure, strong autonomy, and safe operation, making it suitable for horizontal looper devices.

[0030] The central controller dynamically compares the actual angle with the target endpoint position (closed position 0°±1° or open position 90°±1°). When the swing arm door is detected to be stuck in the 1°~89° intermediate range for more than 5 seconds or fails to reach the endpoint on time, an abnormal alarm is triggered. At the same time, the encoder's power-off memory feature is used to automatically store and restore the zero-position reference, eliminating the need for manual calibration.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: First, the detection method is upgraded from "switching quantity" to "analog quantity". The encoder can continuously monitor the real-time angle of the swing arm door throughout the process, record the position information in a timely manner, and ensure the accuracy of the opening and closing position signal. Second, in complex working environments, based on the angle signal monitored by the encoder, the central controller can accurately identify intermediate abnormal states such as swing arm door jamming and incomplete opening and closing, provide alarm signals for maintenance personnel, and reduce the occurrence of accidents. Third, the encoder's inherent absolute position memory and calibration function avoids the risk of false alarms caused by swing door position deviation.

[0032] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, encoder 3 is an absolute encoder. The absolute encoder is connected to the rotating shaft through coupling 4. The absolute encoder collects the full-stroke rotation angle of the rotating shaft 1 and the swing door body.

[0033] An absolute encoder is a sensor that directly outputs the absolute position signal of a shaft via a photoelectric code disk. It consists of a code disk, a photoelectric detection device, and a signal processing circuit (existing technology). Its core component is a photoelectric code disk engraved with multiple concentric coding patterns, each corresponding to one bit of a binary number, which is converted into a unique position code via photoelectric conversion. This encoder has a power-off memory feature; this invention utilizes this feature to automatically store and restore the zero-position reference, eliminating manual calibration.

[0034] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a crossbeam 75 is provided on the swing door pillar, and the encoder 3 is fixedly connected to the crossbeam 75.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, an encoder bracket 5 is connected to the crossbeam 75, and an encoder 3 is connected to the encoder bracket 5.

[0036] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the transmission structure 2 includes a swing arm 21 and a swing rod 22. The first end of the swing arm 21 can be pushed and swung by a sling (existing technology). The second end of the swing arm 21 is hinged to the first end of the swing rod 22. The second end of the swing rod 22 is connected to the rotating shaft 1. When the swing arm 21 swings, it drives the swing rod 22 to swing the swing door body.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, a swing arm hinge seat 23 is provided on the swing door column, and the third end of the swing arm 21 is hinged to the swing arm hinge seat 23. The swing arm 21, based on the swing door column, realizes the opening / closing stroke function of the swing door body through the swing rod 22.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, a swing arm hinge seat 24 is provided on the swing door body, and the second end of the swing arm 22 is hinged to the swing arm hinge seat 24.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the first end of the swing arm 21 is provided with a roller 25 that can be abutted by the detachable roof.

[0040] Furthermore, this utility model also includes a locking part that can lock the swing door body. The locking part can adopt a locking spring structure.

[0041] Furthermore, encoder 3 transmits the rotation angle signals of the swing door body and rotating shaft 1 to the central controller. The central controller executes dynamic judgment logic and issues an alarm when an abnormality is detected.

[0042] The working principle of this utility model's looper swing arm door with full-process position monitoring is as follows: When the looper trolley (existing technology) passes by, it drives the swing door body to rotate. The encoder 3 continuously detects the actual angle of the rotating shaft 1, and the central controller (central control unit) dynamically compares the theoretical position with the actual angle value. If it is detected that the swing door body has not reached the target endpoint (closed position 0°±1° or open position 90°±1°) within the filling / unloading cycle, or has been continuously lingering in any intermediate position between 1° and 89° for more than 5 seconds, an audible and visual alarm (which can be an alarm unit in the existing technology) is automatically triggered and the abnormal coordinates are recorded. At the same time, the system utilizes the power-off memory characteristic of the encoder 3 to automatically read the stored absolute position as the reference zero position when the equipment restarts, completely eliminating the need for manual calibration.

[0043] Example: This embodiment provides a movable swing arm door 100 capable of full-process position monitoring, including a swing door body, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the swing door body includes a first swing door 71 and a second swing door 72 arranged in opposite directions. The swing door pillars include a first swing door pillar 73 and a second swing door pillar 74 arranged symmetrically. The first swing door pillar 73 includes a first rotation axis hinge portion, and the rotation axis 1 of the first swing door 71 is hinged to the first rotation axis hinge portion to realize the hinge between the first swing door 71 and the first swing door pillar 73. The second swing door pillar 74 includes a second rotation axis hinge portion, and the rotation axis 1 of the second swing door 72 is hinged to the second rotation axis hinge portion to realize the hinge between the second swing door 72 and the second swing door pillar 74. The swing arms 21 on both sides are connected to the first swing door pillar 73 and the second swing door pillar 74 respectively through the swing arm hinge seats 23 on both sides. Each swing arm 21 is connected to the first swing door 71 and the second swing door 72 respectively through the swing rod 22. When the swing arm 21 swings, it drives the swing rod 22 to drive the first swing door 71 and the second swing door 72 to swing.

[0044] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the first swing door column 73 and the second swing door column 74 are each provided with a crossbeam 75 facing the opening direction. Each crossbeam 75 is fixedly connected to an encoder bracket 5 by a fixing bolt 76. Each encoder bracket 5 is connected to an encoder 3. The encoder 3 is connected to the rotation shaft 1 of the first swing door 71 and the rotation shaft 1 of the second swing door 72 by a coupling 4.

[0045] Two encoders 3 (viewed from the forward direction of the trolley, they are the left absolute encoder and the right absolute encoder, respectively) are directly mounted on the rotation shaft 1 of the first swing door 71 and the rotation shaft 1 of the second swing door 72 via rigid couplings, respectively, to realize real-time synchronous acquisition of the full-stroke rotation angle of the swing arm door.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the locking mechanism includes a first locking spring 61 and a second locking spring 62 respectively installed at the first swing door pillar 73 and the second swing door pillar 74. When the trolley passes through, it drives the swing arms 21 on both sides to swing, and each swing arm 21 drives the swing rod 22 connected to it to move. The swing rods 22 on both sides drive the first swing door 71 and the second swing door 72 to rotate respectively. After they are fully opened or closed, the first locking spring 61 and the second locking spring 62 lock the first swing door 71 and the second swing door 72 respectively.

[0047] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: When the looper steel distribution system is working, when the looper car passes through the swing gate, it drives the swing arms 21 on both sides to swing. Each swing arm 21 drives the swing rod 22 connected to it to move. The swing rods 22 on both sides drive the first swing gate 71 and the second swing gate 72 to rotate respectively. The first swing gate 71 and the second swing gate 72 drive their respective rotating shafts 1 to drive their respective encoders 3 (left absolute encoder and right absolute encoder) to rotate through the coupling 4.

[0048] The encoders 3 on both sides collect continuous angle signals from 0° to 90° of the two swing arm doors (first swing door 71 and second swing door 72) in real time (0° corresponds to the closed position, 90° corresponds to the open position, and the swing position is between 0° and 90°). The encoder signals collected by the encoders 3 on both sides are transmitted to the central controller to execute dynamic judgment logic: if the first swing door 71 and / or the second swing door 72 do not reach the target endpoint (closed position 0°±1° or open position 90°±1°) within the action cycle, or remain in the 1° to 89° range for more than 5 seconds, the equipment abnormal alarm is triggered, and the system automatically records the abnormal angle coordinates and the time of occurrence. When the equipment restarts, the encoder 3 directly outputs the absolute position value based on the power failure memory characteristic and automatically restores the zero position reference.

[0049] The above description is merely an illustrative embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of this utility model should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A movable swing arm gate capable of full-process position monitoring, characterized in that, The device includes a swing door body, a rotating shaft on one side of the swing door body, the swing door body being hinged to a swing door column via the rotating shaft, a transmission structure connected to the swing door body that can drive the swing door body to rotate and open or close, and an encoder connected to the top of the rotating shaft that can monitor the rotation angle of the swing door body and the rotating shaft throughout the process, the encoder being electrically connected to a central controller.

2. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The encoder is an absolute encoder, which is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling. The absolute encoder collects the full-stroke rotation angle of the rotating shaft and the swing door body.

3. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A crossbeam is provided on the swing door pillar, and the encoder is fixedly connected to the crossbeam.

4. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 3, characterized in that, An encoder bracket is connected to the crossbeam, and the encoder is connected to the encoder bracket.

5. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure includes a swing arm and a swing rod. The first end of the swing arm can be swung by the hinged roof. The second end of the swing arm is hinged to the first end of the swing rod. The second end of the swing rod is connected to the swing door body. When the swing arm swings, it drives the swing rod to swing the swing door body.

6. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The swing door pillar is provided with a swing arm hinge seat, and the third end of the swing arm is hinged to the swing arm hinge seat.

7. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The swing door body is provided with a swing rod hinge seat, and the second end of the swing rod is hinged to the swing rod hinge seat.

8. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first end of the swing arm is provided with a roller that can be stopped by the roof of the vehicle.

9. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a locking part that can lock the swing door body.

10. The movable swing arm door with full-process position monitoring as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The encoder transmits the rotation angle signals of the swing door body and the rotating shaft to the central controller. The central controller executes dynamic judgment logic and issues an alarm when an abnormality is detected.