Device for assembling products into a stack

Abstract

This utility model relates to devices for handling products and is used in various industries, such as metallurgy and heavy engineering. The technical result is the creation of a reliable device for stacking products, including heavy-duty products. The device for stacking products comprises a frame, side stops configured to limit the horizontal movement of the products, and a drive mechanism for lifting the products for stacking. In this device, the side stops are equipped with supports for placing the products on them; the drive mechanism is configured to lift the products for placement on the supports and includes lifting tables equipped with linear movement mechanisms.

Description

[0001] Patent SU 491559 (published November 15, 1975) describes a device for stacking pallets from below. The device comprises a frame, a roller conveyor mounted on it for feeding and removing pallets, and spring-loaded grippers positioned above the roller conveyor for lifting the pallets. The grippers are mounted on crossbars that move along linear guides using power cylinders. The grippers are capable of horizontal rotation away from the pallet and are spring-loaded against crossbars located in the uprights to return the grippers to their original position.

[0002] The grippers, moving upward, carry a pallet, which is placed on a pallet located on a roller conveyor. The grippers then return to their original position, and so on, until a stack of products is formed. The number of pallets in the stack is recorded by a counting device, which transmits a signal to the automation system.

[0003] The pallet stack is located on a roller conveyor that moves periodically, but the device does not provide any means to limit the stack's horizontal movement. This results in unstable pallets in the stack as it moves along the roller conveyor, reducing the device's operational reliability.

[0004] Another drawback is the reduced reliability of the device when handling heavy items. This is due to the fact that when the crossbar moves upward, the pallet is held by a clamp, which is not designed to lift heavy loads because it lacks a reliable stop.

[0005] A device for assembling and disassembling a stack of flat products, primarily pallets, is known from patent SU 1618710 (published 07.01.1991). The device comprises a frame (1), a magazine (2) for products rigidly connected to it, and a roller conveyor (3) located on the frame. In the lower part of the magazine, driven lifting and lowering mechanisms (6) are installed in fixed supports (5), each of which consists of a shaft (9) with cut-off stars (7) fixed thereto. Rotation of the cut-off stars (7) leads to raising or lowering of the products. The drive for turning the shafts (9) includes switchable clutches (10) and (11), which have a movable and fixed half-coupling.

[0006] The products are placed on a roller table. The cutter stars, attached to the shafts, rotate, pick up the product, and lift it above the roller table with the clearance necessary for the next product to be fed. The cutter stars then lift the next product.

[0007] The disadvantage of the device is that the force applied to the product by the cut-off stars is directed tangentially, i.e. not vertically upward, which reduces the lifting capacity of the device, and therefore reduces the reliability of the device when working with heavy loads.

[0008] This patent provides means for limiting the horizontal movement of pallets (a product magazine). However, as in patent SU 491559, the product stack is located on a roller conveyor, which is periodically moved to fill the magazine with products, reducing the operational reliability of the device.

[0009] Another drawback is the reduced reliability of the device when handling items of varying sizes due to the lack of magazine adjustment. Furthermore, the height of the item must match the radius of the cutting stars. Changing the height of the item or lifting two items simultaneously requires replacing the cutting stars, which reduces the device's performance.

[0010] Furthermore, patent SU 1618710 does not provide for automation of the technological process, which negatively affects the reliability of the device and increases labor costs.

[0011] Patent ES 2554838 (published December 23, 2015) describes a device for stacking boxes. This device contains a large number of complex parts requiring high-precision machining, which negatively impacts the device's reliability and maintainability, and consequently reduces its operational reliability.

[0012] A device for stacking flat products is known from patent SU 975548 (published on 23.11.1982). The device comprises support posts (1), levers (3) mounted thereon with the possibility of rotation, and a lifting and lowering table (2). Rods (10) with pins (8, 9) are mounted on the support posts (1) with the possibility of vertical movement. At the upper ends of the rods (10) are cams (6, 7) with the possibility of interaction with the aforementioned pins (8, 9). The cams (6, 7) are fixed on the same axis (4) with the levers (3).

[0013] The stack of items is placed on levers (3), which rest against the stop surface (5). When the items are lifted, the levers (3) rise and move to the "Open" position. When returning to their original position, the levers fall under their own weight until they reach the stop surface (5).

[0014] The disadvantage of the device is that the fall of the levers under the action of their own weight does not guarantee the exact return of the levers to their original position with their support against the surface of the stop, which negatively affects the reliability of the technological process of collecting products into a stack, and therefore reduces the reliability of the device.

[0015] Another disadvantage is that the device does not provide means for limiting the lateral movement of products in the stack, which can also lead to a disruption in the technological process of collecting products.

[0016] Patent SU 1444249 (published December 15, 1988) discloses a device for stacking flat items, selected as the closest analog (prototype). The device comprises a storage device (18), rotating spring-loaded elements (19) for holding the stack, and a drive mechanism (1-17) for lifting the items for collection into a stack (20).

[0017] The lifting and lowering pusher (17) of the drive mechanism lifts the product into the storage bin (18) via the rotating spring-loaded elements (19). However, the rotating spring-loaded elements (19) do not have rigid stops to ensure the support of the elements (19), which reduces the reliability of the product stacking process and, consequently, the overall reliability of the device.

[0018] Another disadvantage is the complex design of the drive mechanism due to the many kinematic links and connections in this mechanism, which increases the likelihood of breakdowns, complicates assembly, adjustment and repair.

[0019] A common drawback of patents ES 2554838, SU 975548, and SU 1444249 is that they do not provide for process automation. The lack of precise control of process operations does not guarantee their stable execution and can lead to failures, wear of mechanical components, and increases the risk of defects.

[0020] The technical problem is to eliminate the shortcomings of analogues.

[0021] Technical task – improving the performance of the device.

[0022] The technical result is the creation of a reliable device for stacking products, including heavy products.

[0023] The technical problem is solved and the technical result is achieved in a device for assembling products into a stack, comprising a frame, lateral limiters configured to limit the movement of products in a horizontal plane, and a drive mechanism that ensures the lifting of products for their assembly into a stack, configured to lift products for their placement on supports and containing linear movement mechanisms; wherein the lateral limiters are provided with supports that ensure the placement of products on them, the supports are mounted with the possibility of rotation on axes and are spring-loaded to the frame by return springs, characterized in that the lateral limiters are provided with stops rigidly fixed in cavities inside the lateral limiters and ensure the stop of the supports in them.

[0024] In addition, each linear movement mechanism contains carriages designed to allow synchronous vertical movement along rail-type rolling guides.

[0025] In addition, the side stops are mounted on the frame with the possibility of adjustable movement to adjust them to different sizes of products placed in the space between the side stops.

[0026] In this case, the mechanism for adjusting the movement of the side limiter contains a screw pair for converting rotational motion into translational motion when the screw rests against a plate that is stationary relative to the frame.

[0027] In addition, the device is equipped with a sensor for monitoring the upper level of the stack, a sensor for monitoring the position of the supports, sensors for the position and rotation speed of the electric drive, configured to be connected via information communication lines to the upper-level control device.

[0028] In addition, wheels, such as railway wheels, are used as products.

[0029] The essence of the utility model is explained by drawings of a device for assembling products into a stack.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a side view of the device; section A is shown in enlarged scale. Fig. 2 is a top view of the device in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 explains the operation of the device.

[0031] The device for assembling products into a stack comprises a frame 1 fixedly mounted on posts 2. Lateral limiters 3 are mounted on the frame 1, configured to limit the movement of products 4 in a horizontal plane. The lateral limiters 3 are secured to the frame 1 using fastening connections (not indicated in Fig. 3).

[0032] The side stops 3 are provided with supports 5, which allow the articles 4 to be placed on them. The supports 5 are mounted with the possibility of rotation on axes 6 (Fig. 3), which allows the supports 5 to be positioned in the space between the side stops 3 and frees up the space between the side stops 3 due to the arrangement of the said supports 5 in cavities 7 (Figs. 1 and 3) inside the side stops 3. The supports 5 are spring-loaded to the frame 1 by a return spring 8 (Fig. 3) to return the supports 5 to a position that allows the articles 4 to be placed on them. Each of the side stops 3 is provided with a stop 9, which is rigidly fixed in the cavity 7 inside the side stop 3 and which allows the support 5 to rest against it.

[0033] The side stops 3 are installed with the possibility of adjusting movement for adjusting the side stops 3 to different sizes of products 4 placed in the space between the side stops 3. In Fig. 1 and 2, the different sizes of products 4 are shown by dashed lines. In a specific embodiment, the mechanism for moving each side stop 3 contains a screw pair 10 (Fig. 3) for converting the rotational movement of the screw 11 into a translational movement when the screw 11 rests against a plate 12 (Fig. 3) that is fixed relative to the frame 1.

[0034] The drive mechanism 14 (Fig. 2) is configured to lift the articles 4 for placing them on the supports 5. The drive mechanism 14 comprises an electric drive 15 and two oppositely mounted lifting tables 16, equipped with mechanisms for linear movement of their support platforms 19 (Fig. 2). In the specific embodiment in Figs. 1 and 2, the linear movement mechanism comprises a screw jack (not indicated) and carriages 17 rigidly fixed to the support platforms 19, configured to move vertically along rolling guides 18 of a rail type. The lifting tables 16 are configured to move their support platforms 19 synchronously due to a kinematic connection by means of an intermediate shaft 13, equipped with coupling sleeves on both sides (not indicated in Fig. 1).

[0035] Each lifting table 16 is secured with its upper part to the frame 1. In this case, the lifting tables 16 are installed on a single base with the frame posts 2.

[0036] Before being assembled into a stack, the 4 products are positioned under the frame 1 on a transport vehicle, such as a transport trolley. Wheels of various sizes, such as railroad wheels, can be used as the 4 products. A stack of 4 products can weigh up to 5 tons or more. The 4 products and the transport vehicle are not part of the claimed device.

[0037] The device for assembling products into a stack is equipped with a sensor for monitoring the upper level of the stack 20, a sensor for monitoring the position of the supports 5, sensors for the position and speed of rotation of the electric drive 15, etc., designed with the possibility of connecting via information communication lines to the upper level control device.

[0038] The device for collecting products into a stack can operate in automatic mode, using an automated control system (ACS), and in manual mode from a mobile operator panel.

[0039] In the initial position in Fig. 3, the supports 5 protrude into the space between the side stops 3. To grip the product 4, the support platforms 19 are lowered below the level of the product, then the lifting tables 16 lift the product 4 located on the support platforms 19 (Fig. 1). In this case, two products 4 can be located on the support platforms 19 simultaneously.

[0040] When lifting, product 4 acts on supports 5. Supports 5 rotate on axes 6, in the direction of arrow (B) in Fig. 3, and enter cavities 7 of side stops, freeing up space between side stops 3.

[0041] Then, after lifting the product 4, the supports 5 return to their original position due to the return spring 8, and the product 4 is placed on the supports 5. In this case, the supports 5 rest with their surface (B) against the stop 9 (Fig. 3), rigidly fixed in the cavity 7 of the side limiters 3.

[0042] Then the process of lifting products 4 is repeated until the specified stack level is reached, which is controlled by sensor 20.

[0043] The force applied to product 4 when it is lifted is directed vertically upward, compared to the application of force tangentially in the prototype, which increases the lifting capacity of the device (all other things being equal) and, therefore, increases the reliability of the device when working with heavy products.

[0044] The support mechanism, which includes stops 9 and spring-loaded supports 5 in the form of double-arm levers, has a simple design, since it contains a small number of easy-to-manufacture parts, which helps to increase the reliability of the device.

[0045] In this case, the function of lifting the products 4 is performed by the drive mechanism 14, and the function of horizontal support for the products 4 is performed by the support mechanism of the frame 1. Due to the specified division of functions, the operational reliability of the device is increased.

Claims

1. A device for assembling articles into a stack, comprising a frame, lateral stops configured to limit the movement of articles in a horizontal plane, and a drive mechanism that ensures the lifting of articles for their assembly into a stack, configured to lift articles for their placement on supports and containing linear movement mechanisms; wherein the lateral stops are provided with supports that ensure the placement of articles on them, the supports are mounted with the possibility of rotation on axes and are spring-loaded to the frame by return springs, characterized in that the lateral stops are provided with stops that are rigidly fixed in cavities inside the lateral stops and ensure the stop of the supports in them.

2. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that each linear movement mechanism contains carriages designed with the possibility of synchronous vertical movement along rolling guides of a rail type.

3. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the side stops are mounted on a frame with the possibility of adjustable movement for adjusting them to different sizes of products placed in the space between the side stops.

4. The device according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the mechanism for adjusting the movement of the lateral limiter contains a screw pair for converting rotational motion into translational motion when the screw rests against a plate that is stationary relative to the frame.

5. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that it is equipped with a sensor for monitoring the upper level of the stack, a sensor for monitoring the position of the supports, sensors for the position and speed of rotation of the electric drive, configured with the possibility of connecting via information communication lines to the upper level control device.

6. The device according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the products used are wheels, for example, railway wheels.

Images