A smart transmission line for products across floors

Abstract

This utility model discloses an intelligent cross-floor transmission line for products, comprising: at least one loading assembly line on the first floor; at least one sorting and distribution assembly line on the second floor; at least one synchronous belt lifting line connecting the first and second floor assembly lines, which has at least two layers of transmission channels for carrying products; at least one machine vision recognition system, set on the first and / or second floor assembly lines, for recognizing the type, orientation, and position coordinates of the products; and at least one robotic arm, communicatively connected to the machine vision recognition system and correspondingly set downstream of it, for performing grasping, arranging, or sorting operations on the products based on the recognition results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of transmission line technology, specifically to a cross-floor intelligent transmission line for products. Background Technology

[0002] In existing manufacturing and logistics warehousing industries, cross-floor product transport largely relies on manual handling, simple conveyor belts, or single-level lifting equipment. These traditional methods have the following significant drawbacks: Inefficient and costly: manual handling or single-layer equipment conveying capacity is limited, and manual intervention is required for loading, unloading and sorting, resulting in low per capita efficiency and high long-term labor costs.

[0003] Poor sorting accuracy: For different models of products, relying on manual visual sorting can easily lead to mixing due to fatigue or negligence. The error rate is usually higher than 10%, causing chaos and rework costs in subsequent production processes. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a cross-floor intelligent transmission line for products, which aims to overcome at least one related technical problem existing in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an intelligent cross-floor transmission line for products. The core concept of this system lies in constructing a complete automated transmission network that seamlessly integrates horizontal conveying and vertical lifting, and intelligently coordinates visual perception and robotic execution.

[0006] First, the system includes at least one feeding assembly line on the first floor, at least one material distribution and sorting assembly line on the second floor, and at least one synchronous belt lifting line connecting the two. The innovative core of the synchronous belt lifting line lies in its internal design, which incorporates at least two independent transport channels for carrying products. This multi-layered structural design fundamentally solves the core bottleneck of limited conveying capacity per unit time in traditional single-layer lifting equipment.

[0007] In addition, the system integrates at least one machine vision recognition system and at least one robotic arm. The machine vision recognition system is installed at key workstations on the first and / or second-floor assembly lines to accurately identify the type, orientation, and position coordinates of products. The robotic arm is communicatively connected to the vision system and is positioned downstream to perform operations such as grasping, arranging, or sorting products based on the recognition results. Through the integration of these modules, this invention establishes a highly efficient, intelligent, and flexible foundation for cross-floor data transfer.

[0008] Furthermore, this embodiment focuses on and refines the specific mechanical structure of the core component—the synchronous belt lifting line—to ensure the smoothness, precision, and reliability of its lifting process. Specifically, the synchronous belt lifting line includes a robust lifting frame. A high-precision linear guide rail is mounted on this frame, and the transmission channel is fixed to a slider that cooperates with the linear guide rail, thus forming a stable guiding system. The power unit, serving as the driving source for lifting, has a belt mounted on its output end, and the other end of the belt is mounted on a guide wheel located at the far end of the lifting frame, thereby forming a closed-loop transmission path.

[0009] During operation, the belt drives the transmission channel to perform vertical reciprocating motion along the linear guide rail.

[0010] To further optimize transmission performance, a rack is provided on the belt, and a connecting block that meshes with the rack is provided on the transmission channel. This rack-and-connecting-block meshing design constitutes an active transmission connection, completely avoiding the slippage that may occur in traditional friction drives, and ensuring absolute synchronization and reliable power transmission when lifting multi-layer channels or heavy loads.

[0011] Regarding the power source, the power unit preferably includes a servo motor and a reducer that works with the servo motor, with one end of the belt fitted onto the output end of the reducer. The servo motor provides precise speed and position control, while the reducer provides the enormous torque required to drive heavy loads; together, they provide powerful and controllable power to the lifting line.

[0012] Having described the core structure of the lifting line, the intelligence of this invention is reflected in the application of machine vision and robotic arms at specific workstations. To achieve automation and orderliness of incoming materials on the first floor, the machine vision recognition system and robotic arms are placed at the end of the first-floor loading assembly line. The workflow is as follows: after the vision system identifies the incoming products, the robotic arms precisely arrange the products into the corresponding transmission channels of the synchronous belt lifting line according to a preset program (such as alternating or layering by type). This setup solves the problem of disorder at the entrance and maximizes the space utilization and conveying efficiency of the lifting line.

[0013] It should be noted that both machine vision recognition systems and robotic arms are existing technologies, and will not be discussed in detail here.

[0014] Accordingly, the system completes the receiving and sorting of products on the second floor. Specifically, the sorting and distribution line includes a main flow line for receiving products from the elevator line, and several branch flow lines arranged perpendicularly to it. This vertical layout structure is compact and the material flow direction is clear.

[0015] Based on this, a machine vision recognition system and a robotic arm are installed at the sorting hub between the main flow line and the branch flow line. Its function is to identify products from the lifting line and, with the robotic arm, quickly and accurately sort them onto the corresponding branch flow line, thereby achieving automated and precise product branching on the second floor, with a sorting accuracy rate exceeding 99.5%.

[0016] Furthermore, this embodiment optimizes and limits the key modules and structures in the system to improve overall performance and adaptability.

[0017] Regarding the recognition module, this embodiment explicitly defines the machine vision recognition system as a CCD vision recognition module. The CCD sensor, with its high resolution, high noise immunity, and imaging consistency, ensures the extreme reliability of the recognition results.

[0018] Regarding the function of the transmission channel, this embodiment defines it as a product transmission assembly line. This means that each channel itself has power and transmission functions, enabling continuous and stable flow of products within the lifting line and when connecting with the floor assembly line, avoiding secondary handling.

[0019] Finally, to give the equipment strong versatility and flexibility, the spacing between transmission channels between adjacent layers can be adjusted according to the product height. This feature allows the same transmission line to easily adapt to the production needs of various product types and sizes, greatly improving the equipment's application range and return on investment.

[0020] In summary, through the organic combination and layer-by-layer optimization of the aforementioned technical features, this utility model constitutes a highly efficient, accurate, intelligent, and flexible cross-floor intelligent transmission solution. The beneficial effects that a smart transmission line for cross-floor products disclosed in this application may bring include, but are not limited to: 1. Transmission efficiency and space utilization are doubled, while labor costs are significantly reduced. By employing a synchronous belt lifting line with built-in double or even multi-layer transmission channels, this invention completely changes the limited conveying capacity of traditional single-layer lifting machines. The product conveying capacity per unit time can be increased by more than 100%, achieving efficient utilization of vertical space without increasing the equipment's footprint.

[0021] The entire process is fully automated, eliminating multiple steps such as cross-floor handling, manual loading and unloading, arranging and sorting. It is expected to reduce the number of workers in related positions by 60%-80%, significantly reducing long-term labor and management costs.

[0022] 2. Sorting accuracy has been significantly improved, and production quality and consistency have been substantially enhanced. By deploying a linkage system of "CCD vision recognition module and robotic arm" at key workstations, manual recognition and operation, which are prone to fatigue and errors, have been completely replaced. The stable recognition capability of machine vision combined with the precise execution capability of the robotic arm has enabled the overall sorting accuracy to be steadily improved from less than 90% by manual methods to over 99.5%.

[0023] This fundamentally eliminates product mixing, avoiding rework, screening waste, and subsequent production chaos caused by mixing, thus increasing the product flow qualification rate by 10%-15%.

[0024] 3. High system stability The unique transmission design of the rack and pinion meshing and the linear guide rail ensures a smooth, reliable, and long-lasting lifting process, reducing the failure rate from a hardware perspective.

[0025] 4. Strong flexibility and adaptability The adjustable spacing between transmission channel layers provides the production line with a degree of flexibility. The same system can quickly adapt to the transmission tasks of products of different sizes and heights without large-scale modifications, greatly meeting the flexible production needs of modern manufacturing for "multiple varieties and small batches," and improving equipment utilization and return on investment. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-floor intelligent transmission line used in the product according to this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material distribution and flow separation production line of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the synchronous belt lifting line of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the guide wheel part of the synchronous belt lifting line of this utility model.

[0031] The numbers in the diagram are explained as follows: 1-Second floor, 2-Synchronous belt lifting line, 3-First floor, 4-Feeding assembly line, 5-Robot arm, 6-Sorting and diversion assembly line, 7-Machine vision recognition system, 8-Main main assembly line, 9-Diversion assembly line, 10-Lifting frame, 11-Linear guide rail, 12-Slider, 13-Transmission channel, 14-Servo motor, 15-Reducer, 16-Belt, 17-Connecting block, 18-Guide wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides an intelligent cross-floor transmission line for products. The core concept of this system lies in constructing a complete automated transmission network that seamlessly connects horizontal conveying and vertical lifting, and intelligently coordinates visual perception and robotic execution.

[0035] First, the system constructs an automated transport network consisting of a first-floor (3), a second-floor (1), and vertical lifting units connecting them. The core includes at least one first-floor (3) loading conveyor line (4), at least one second-floor (1) material distribution and sorting conveyor line (6), and at least one synchronous belt lifting line (2) connecting the two. The innovation of this lifting line lies in its internal at least two independent transport channels (13). The system is also equipped with at least one machine vision recognition system (7) and at least one robotic arm (5). The vision system is used to perceive product information, and the robotic arm (5) is used to perform grasping, arranging, or sorting operations.

[0036] Products are conveyed on the feeding line 4 on the first floor (3); the machine vision recognition system 7 (which can be set on the first floor (3) and / or the second floor (1)) identifies the products; the robotic arm 5 (located downstream of the vision system) operates according to the recognition results, such as arranging the products on the first floor (3) into different channels of the lifting line, or sorting the products on the second floor (1) into different sorting lines. The synchronous belt lifting line 2 is responsible for vertically conveying products between floors.

[0037] To construct an efficient, intelligent, and flexible cross-floor transport system, core functional modules were integrated. By setting up a multi-layer transport channel 13 lifting line, the fundamental problem of limited conveying capacity of single-floor lifting equipment was directly solved, achieving a doubling of the transport volume per unit time. By introducing a combination of machine vision and robotic arm 5, manual identification and operation were replaced, realizing intelligent and high-precision production.

[0038] The number of assembly lines and lifting lines can be flexibly increased according to the workshop layout; the number of machine vision systems and robotic arms 5 can also be configured according to the complexity of the process, for example, multiple sorting units can be set up on the second floor 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the mechanical structure of the synchronous belt lifting line 2 is specifically defined. It includes a lifting frame 10, a linear guide rail 11, a slider 12, a power unit, a belt 16, and a guide wheel 18. The transmission channel 13 is fixed on the slider 12, and the power unit drives the transmission channel 13 to move vertically along the linear guide rail 11 through the transmission system composed of the belt 16 and the guide wheel 18.

[0040] The power unit is started, driving the belt 16 to rotate in a cycle. The belt 16 transmits power to the transmission channel 13 through its connection with the transmission channel 13, causing it to rise and fall stably on the path guided by the linear guide rail 11.

[0041] To address the technical challenges of ensuring a smooth, precise, and reliable lifting process, the lifting line is configured with a structure guided by linear guide rails 11 and driven by a belt 16. The linear guide rails 11 guarantee the smoothness and precision of the lifting process, preventing swaying; the belt drive 16 offers advantages such as buffering, low noise, and smooth transmission. This structure provides the foundation for achieving precise stopping and docking of products during cross-floor transport.

[0042] It should be noted that the transmission method is not limited to belt 16; chains, wire ropes, or ball screws can also be used. The guiding mechanism can also adopt equivalent structures such as guide posts and guide sleeves.

[0043] In this embodiment, the connection method between the belt 16 and the transmission channel 13 is further defined. Specifically, a rack is provided on the belt 16, and a connecting block 17 that meshes with it is provided on the transmission channel 13.

[0044] This is a positive transmission connection. When the belt 16 moves, the tension or thrust is directly transmitted to the transmission channel 13 through the meshing of the rack and the connecting block 17, avoiding slippage and ensuring the synchronization and accuracy of the transmission.

[0045] To eliminate the risk of slippage that may exist in traditional friction drives and to ensure the synchronous lifting of multiple transmission channels 13 or under heavy loads, a connection method in which the rack and pinion engage with the connecting block 17 is adopted. This rigid engagement ensures the absolute reliability of power transmission and makes the control of the lifting line more precise.

[0046] The connecting block 17 can be designed as a toothed structure integrally formed with the transmission channel 13, or a connecting plate can be fixed on the belt 16 and rigidly connected to the transmission channel 13 by bolts.

[0047] In this embodiment, the power unit is specifically defined as including a servo motor 14 and a reducer 15 that works with it. A belt 16 is fitted onto the output end of the reducer 15.

[0048] Servo motor 14 provides raw power and precise control, while reducer 15 lowers the speed and increases torque to drive heavy loads. This combination provides a stable and controllable power source for the entire lifting system.

[0049] To achieve precise control over the lifting linear speed and position, and to meet the torque requirements of heavy load lifting, the power unit is configured as a servo motor 14 paired with a reducer 15. The servo motor 14 ensures the accuracy of control, while the reducer 15 provides strong power support, enabling the system to handle high-intensity, high-frequency lifting operations.

[0050] In this embodiment, the machine vision recognition system 7 and the robotic arm 5 are positioned at the end of the material loading line 4 on the first floor 3 to identify incoming materials and arrange them into the corresponding channels of the lifting line. It should be noted that both the machine vision recognition system 7 and the robotic arm 5 are existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0051] The vision system is located above the end effector, and the robotic arm 5 is located downstream of it. After the product is identified, the robotic arm 5 grasps it and places it into a certain layer of the conveyor channel 13 of the lifting line according to predetermined rules (such as alternation or layering by type).

[0052] This move optimizes the management of the loading process on the lifting line, maximizes its double-layer capacity, and prepares it for sorting or direct conveying on the second floor, completely replacing manual arrangement.

[0053] In this embodiment, the layout of the material distribution and diversion flow line 6 on the second floor is specifically defined, which includes a main flow line 8 and several diversion flow lines 9 arranged perpendicular to it.

[0054] Main line 8 receives products from the elevator and transports them to the sorting area. Multiple diversion lines 9 extend vertically to one or both sides of main line 8, guiding the sorted products to different destinations.

[0055] To achieve spatial distribution of products on the second floor, the distribution line 9 is arranged perpendicular to the main line 8. This layout is compact, with a clear logistics direction, and can efficiently distribute products to different workstations (such as packaging area, inspection area, and warehousing area), avoiding excessively long production lines and cross-transportation.

[0056] The diversion flow line 9 can also be arranged at a certain angle to the main flow line 8, or a ring-shaped diversion flow line layout can be adopted.

[0057] In this embodiment, a machine vision recognition system 7 and a robotic arm 5 are positioned between the main flow line 8 and the branch flow lines 9. The vision system is used to identify products on the main flow line 8, and the working range of the robotic arm 5 covers the gripping point of the main flow line 8 and the unloading point of each branch flow line 9. After a product is identified from the main flow line 8, it is immediately gripped by the robotic arm 5 and transferred to the corresponding branch flow line.

[0058] To achieve automated and precise product sorting on the second floor (1), a machine vision recognition system (7) and a robotic arm (5) were installed at the distribution hub. This configuration enables the system to quickly and accurately assign products to the target production line based on product type, achieving a sorting accuracy rate of over 99.5%, completely solving the problems of low efficiency and high error rates associated with manual sorting.

[0059] In this embodiment, the machine vision recognition system 7 is defined as a CCD vision recognition module. A CCD camera captures product images, converts light signals into electrical signals, and transmits them to image processing software for analysis. To obtain high-resolution, highly stable images for accurate recognition, the vision system is preferably a CCD vision recognition module. CCD sensors exhibit excellent performance in image quality, noise resistance, and consistency, ensuring the reliability of the recognition results and providing a guarantee for the precise operation of the subsequent robotic arm 5.

[0060] It should be noted that the CCD vision recognition module and the robotic arm 5 are already mature products in this field. The two work together to achieve the classification and grasping of items, which will not be elaborated here.

[0061] In this embodiment, the transmission channel 13 is explicitly defined as a product transmission assembly line. Each transmission channel 13 has its own independent power source and conveyor belt (or rollers), which can continue to transport products inside the lifting line and when docking with the floor assembly line.

[0062] To ensure continuous and smooth product flow within the lifting device and during handover with external production lines, transfer channel 13 is specifically configured as a product transfer production line. This achieves a "seamless connection" of products from the floor production line to the lifting line, and then to the third-floor production line on another floor, avoiding secondary handling and ensuring the smoothness of the transfer process.

[0063] The transfer channel 13 can also be a simple carrying tray, but an additional pushing mechanism is required to remove the product when it is connected to the floor line.

[0064] To enhance the versatility and adaptability of the equipment, enabling it to transport products of different sizes, particularly varying heights, in this embodiment, the spacing between adjacent transmission channels 13 can be adjusted according to the product height. This variation in spacing can be achieved by adjusting the mounting position of the transmission channels 13 on the slider 12 of the lifting frame 10, or by employing an adjustable support structure.

[0065] The interlayer spacing of transmission channel 13 is set to be adjustable; this design enables a single transmission line to meet the flexible production needs of multiple varieties and small batches, improving equipment utilization and return on investment.

[0066] The adjustment method can be manual bolt tightening or automatic adjustment driven by electric push rods or hydraulic cylinders.

[0067] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A cross-floor intelligent transmission line for products, characterized in that, include: At least one material loading line (4) is set up on the first floor (3); At least one material distribution and sorting line (6) is set up on the second floor (1); At least one synchronous belt lifting line (2) is connected between the first floor (3) and the second floor (1) assembly line, and at least two layers of transmission channels (13) for carrying products are provided inside. At least one machine vision recognition system (7) is installed on the production line on the first floor (3) and / or the second floor (1) for identifying the type, orientation and position coordinates of the product; At least one robotic arm (5) is connected to the machine vision recognition system (7) and is positioned downstream of it to perform grasping, arranging or sorting operations on the products based on the recognition results.

2. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The synchronous belt lifting line (2) includes: A lifting frame (10) is provided with a linear guide rail (11). The transmission channel (13) is fixed on the slider (12) that cooperates with the linear guide rail (11); The power unit has a belt (16) sleeved on its output end, and the other end of the belt (16) is sleeved on a guide wheel (18). The guide wheel (18) is located on the side of the lifting frame (10) away from the power unit. The belt (16) is used to drive the transmission channel (13) to move on the linear guide rail (11).

3. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The belt (16) is provided with a rack, and the transmission channel (13) is provided with a connecting block (17) that meshes with the rack. The belt (16) meshes with the connecting block (17) through the rack.

4. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The power unit includes a servo motor (14) and a reducer (15) that works with the servo motor (14), with one end of the belt (16) fitted onto the output end of the reducer (15).

5. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The machine vision recognition system (7) and the robotic arm (5) are located at the end of the material feeding line (4) on the first floor (3) to identify incoming products and arrange them in a predetermined order into the corresponding transmission channel (13) of the synchronous belt lifting line (2).

6. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material distribution and diversion production line (6) includes a main water line (8) and several diversion production lines (9) arranged perpendicular to the main water line (8).

7. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The machine vision recognition system (7) and the robot (5) are arranged between the main flow line (8) and the diversion flow line (9) to identify products from the lifting line and sort them onto the corresponding diversion flow line (9).

8. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The machine vision recognition system (7) is a CCD vision recognition module.

9. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission channel (13) is a product transmission line.

10. The cross-floor intelligent transmission line as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing of the transmission channels (13) between two adjacent layers can be adjusted according to the height of the product.

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