Container and automated guided vehicle for material delivery

Abstract

The present application provides a container for material delivery, which comprises a box body having an opening on its side, a flap hinged on the box body, a space above the flap being a material storage space, the flap being pivotable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the material storage space is isolated from the opening, and in the second position, the material storage space is communicated with the opening, and a flipper provided on the box body and capable of controlling the pivot of the flap between the first position and the second position. The present application also provides an automated guided vehicle comprising the container. According to the embodiments of the present application, the transportation of stacked materials with a certain height and accurate delivery can be achieved, the transportation efficiency is improved, and the delivery error is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of warehousing, and more particularly to a container that can be used for material delivery and an automated guided vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In warehousing systems and logistics transportation, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are increasingly being used to replace or supplement manual labor. AGVs can automatically receive goods handling tasks, reach a first location under program control, retrieve the goods, then move to a second location to unload the goods and continue performing other tasks.

[0003] When automated guided vehicles (AGVs) transport materials stacked to a certain height, especially those in plastic bags, the materials may tip over or slip. When the AGV delivers the transported materials, they may fall to the sides of the chute or get stuck in the chute. Traditional material delivery containers use a flap mechanism that can only deliver one item at a time. Because the flap edges are very low, they cannot transport materials stacked to a certain height, nor can they guarantee that the materials will be delivered in the intended direction.

[0004] Designing containers that can transport and accurately deliver materials stacked to a certain height is of great significance for improving transportation efficiency and reducing delivery errors.

[0005] The content of the background section is merely the technology known to the inventor and does not necessarily represent the prior art in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of at least one deficiency of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an improved solution that can be used for material delivery.

[0007] In one aspect, a container for material delivery is provided, comprising:

[0008] A housing having an opening on its side;

[0009] A flap, hinged to the housing, provides a material storage space above it. The flap is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the material storage space is isolated from the opening; in the second position, the material storage space is connected to the opening.

[0010] A flipper is provided on the housing and can control the flip plate to pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0011] In one embodiment, the box has an upper box and a lower box, wherein the upper box is closed on all four sides, the lower box is closed on three sides, and one side forms the opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the flap is located between the upper and lower housings, wherein in the first position, the flap is horizontal; and in the second position, the flap is tilted, exposing the opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flipper includes a push rod and a motor. One end of the push rod is fixed to the housing, and the other end is hinged to the flip plate. The motor is coupled to the push rod to drive the push rod to extend or retract, and to control the flip plate to pivot between a first position and a second position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the container further includes one or more flow strips disposed on the flap, the flap being hinged to the box body at its end or in its middle.

[0015] In another aspect, an automated guided vehicle is also provided, comprising:

[0016] Chassis; and

[0017] A container, disposed on the chassis, the container comprising:

[0018] A housing having an opening on its side;

[0019] A flap, hinged to the housing, provides a material storage space above it. The flap is pivotable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the material storage space is isolated from the opening; in the second position, the material storage space is connected to the opening.

[0020] A flipper is provided on the housing and can control the flip plate to pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the box has an upper box and a lower box, wherein the upper box is closed on all four sides, the lower box is closed on three sides, and one side forms the opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, the flap is located between the upper and lower housings, wherein in the first position, the flap is horizontal; and in the second position, the flap is tilted, exposing the opening.

[0023] In one embodiment, the flipper includes a push rod and a motor. One end of the push rod is fixed to the housing, and the other end is hinged to the flip plate. The motor is coupled to the push rod to drive the push rod to extend or retract, thereby controlling the flip plate to pivot between a first position and a second position.

[0024] In one embodiment, it further includes one or more flow strips disposed on the flap, the flap being hinged to the housing at its end or in its middle.

[0025] In one embodiment, the automated guided vehicle further includes a body column and a control unit. The body column is mounted on the chassis, the body is supported on the body column, and the control unit is coupled to the motor and operates the motor to drive the push rod to extend or retract.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a method for transporting goods using an automated guided vehicle as described above, comprising:

[0027] When the flap is in the first position, goods are placed into the material storage space;

[0028] Control the automated guided vehicle to travel to the target location;

[0029] Control the flipper to pivot the flip plate to the second position, so that the goods are removed from the material storage space through the opening.

[0030] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to transport and accurately deliver materials stacked to a certain height, thereby improving transportation efficiency and reducing delivery errors. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container for material delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a container for material delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a horizontal position.

[0035] Figures 4-5 A schematic diagram of a tilted flap of a container for material delivery, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a flow strip for a container that can be used for material delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 7A schematic diagram of an automated guided vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction; and

[0039] Figure 9 A method for controlling an automated guided vehicle to transport goods is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] The following description provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the invention, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit 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. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] This invention provides a container that can be used for material delivery, as described below. Figures 1-6 A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container 100 for material delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the container 100 includes: a box body 1, a flap 2, and a flipper 3. The side of the box body 1 has an opening 11 (see...). Figure 3 Materials can be fed through the opening 11. The flap 2 is hinged to the box body 1. Figure 4 As shown, the flap 2 is hinged to the housing 1 at one end. Optionally, the flap 2 can also be hinged to the housing 1 at its middle position.

[0048] The flap 2 divides the space inside the box 1 into upper and lower spaces. The space above the flap 2 is a material storage space, which can be used to store materials during transportation. The flap 2 can also pivot between a first position and a second position. When it pivots to the first position, the material storage space is separated from the opening 11, and the materials will not fall out of the material storage space. When the flap 2 pivots from the first position to the second position, the material storage space gradually connects with the opening 11. When the flap 2 pivots to the second position, the material storage space is fully connected with the opening 11, and the materials can slide out from the opening 11 for delivery. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction, as shown Figure 2 As shown, the flipper 3 is mounted on the housing 1, and the flipper 3 can control the flap 2 to pivot between the first position and the second position. Figure 2 In this case, the flap 2 is in a first position, for example, a horizontal position.

[0049] The box 1 includes an upper box 12 and a lower box 13, the flap 2 is located between the upper box 12 and the lower box 13, and the opening 11 is located, for example, on one side of the lower box 13. Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown of a horizontally positioned flap of a container 100 for material delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the upper box is enclosed by a barrier. When the flap 2 is in the first position, the flap is in a horizontal state. Because the space of the upper box of the flap 2 has a certain height, the material delivery container can carry materials that have a certain height after being stacked, such as clothes, sheets and / or duvet covers packaged in plastic bags. At the same time, it can also ensure that the materials will not slip out of the box 1 during transportation.

[0050] Figures 4-5 A schematic diagram is shown of a tilted flap 2 of a container 100 for material delivery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the lower box body is closed on three sides, and has the opening 11 on one side. When the flap 2 is in the second position, the flap is tilted, as... Figure 5 As shown, the opening 11 is fully exposed above the flip plate 2, so the material can slide out of the box 1 from the tilted flip plate 2 through the opening 11, and ensures that the material will not fall from the sides or get stuck in the slide during the sliding process.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figures 1-4As shown, the flipper 3 includes a push rod and a motor. One end of the push rod is connected to the flip plate 2 via a flip plate hinge shaft 5, and the other end is hinged to the box 1 via a box hinge shaft 6. The motor is coupled to the push rod, and the motor can drive the push rod to extend or retract, controlling the flip plate 2 to pivot between the first position and the second position. When the motor drives the push rod to extend, the push rod pushes the flap 2 to pivot along the direction from the second position to the first position via the flap hinge shaft 5. When the flap 2 reaches the first position, it is in a horizontal state, at which point the container can hold the material, and the material will not fall out of the box 1. When the motor drives the push rod to retract, the push rod pulls the flap 2 to pivot along the direction from the first position to the second position via the flap hinge shaft 5. When the flap 2 reaches the second position, it is in an inclined state, and the opening 11 is fully exposed in the space above the flap 2. The material can slide out of the box 1 from the inclined flap 2 through the opening 11, and the material will not fall from the sides or get stuck in the slide during the sliding process.

[0052] The above describes an embodiment of the flipper 3 including a push rod and a motor. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the flipper 3 can also be implemented in other ways, such as using a servo motor drive.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container 100 further includes one or more flow strips 4 disposed on the flap 2, the flow strips 4 being used to guide and accelerate the movement of materials. The flow strips 4 can serve as slides and / or guardrails for the materials, ensuring smooth material movement and guiding the materials along the slide direction, thereby improving the efficiency of material conveying and delivery and reducing errors in delivery direction. The flow strips 4 can be made of plastic or aluminum alloy, and can be smooth cylinders or fast-moving strips. The present invention does not impose any limitations on the number, material, or type of the flow strips 4.

[0054] The present invention also provides an automated guided vehicle having the aforementioned material delivery container, which is described below in conjunction with... Figures 7-9 Another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0055] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an automated guided vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7As shown, the automated guided vehicle 200 includes a chassis 7 and a container 100 mounted on the chassis 7. The container 100 includes a body 1, a flap 2, and a tilter 3. The body 1 has an opening 11 on its side, and the flap 2 is hinged to the body 1. The flap 2 divides the space inside the body 1 into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space can be used for material storage. The flap 2 can pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the material storage space is isolated from the opening 11, and in the second position, the material storage space is connected to the opening 11. The tilter 3 is connected to the body via a body hinge shaft 6 and to the flap 2 via a flap hinge shaft 5. The tilter 3 can control the flap 2 to pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0056] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, the automated guided vehicle 200 also includes a control unit (not shown). The control unit is coupled to the motor of the tilter, and the control unit drives the push rod to extend or retract by controlling the motor. When the control unit controls the motor to drive the push rod to extend, the tilting plate 2 moves from the second position to the first position. When it moves to the first position, the tilting plate 2 is in a horizontal state, and the automated guided vehicle 200 is in a carrying state. At this time, the automated guided vehicle 200 can carry materials, and the materials will not fall out of the container 100. When the control unit controls the motor to drive the push rod to retract, the tilting plate 2 moves from the first position to the second position. When it moves to the second position, the opening 11 is completely exposed in the space above the tilting plate 2, and the tilting plate 2 is in an inclined state. The automated guided vehicle 200 is in a material delivery state, so the materials can slide out of the container 100 from the tilted tilting plate 2 through the opening 11, and it is ensured that the materials will not fall from the sides or get stuck in the slide during the sliding process.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the automated guided vehicle 200 further includes: a box-shaped column 8, which is disposed on the chassis 7, and the box body 1 of the container 100 is disposed on the box-shaped column 8. The container 100 may be designed to be separate from the box-shaped column 8, or it may be designed to be integral with the box-shaped column 8 and inseparable. The box-shaped column may be a cylinder or a prism, and the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the shape of the box-shaped column.

[0058] in addition, Figures 1-6Other features of container 100 can be incorporated into automated guided vehicle 200, which will not be elaborated here.

[0059] According to the embodiments of the present invention, automated guided vehicles can transport materials stacked to a certain height and deliver them accurately, thereby improving transportation efficiency and reducing delivery errors.

[0060] Figure 9 A method 300 for controlling an automated guided vehicle (AGV) to transport goods, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown, wherein the AGV is, for example, the AGV 200 described above. Reference is made below. Figure 9 Detailed description. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the method 300 includes:

[0061] In step S301, when the flap is in the first position, goods are placed into the material storage space.

[0062] For example, firstly, the automated guided vehicle 200 is controlled to travel to the picking position, and the flap 2 is controlled to be in the first position, thus separating the material storage space from the opening. In this state, goods such as clothing are placed into the material storage space without slipping out.

[0063] In step S302, the automated guided vehicle is controlled to travel to the target location.

[0064] The automated guided vehicle (AGV) is controlled to travel to the target location via its motor, wheels, tracks, and other propulsion mechanisms, ready to unload the cargo.

[0065] In step S303, the flipper is controlled to pivot the flip plate to the second position, so that the goods are moved out of the material storage space through the opening.

[0066] At this time, for example, the motor of the flipper drives the push rod of the flipper to retract, thereby causing the flip plate to rotate downwards, exposing the opening 11, so that the material storage space is connected to the opening 11, and the goods can easily slide out due to the tilt angle of the bottom of the box. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the container also includes one or more flow strips provided on the flip plate, so that when the bottom of the box or the flip plate is tilted, the flow strips will assist the goods on it to slide out.

[0067] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container for material delivery, characterized in that, include: A box having an opening on its side, wherein the box has an upper box and a lower box, the upper box is closed on all four sides, the lower box is closed on three sides, and one side forms the opening; A flap is hinged to the box body and located between the upper and lower boxes. The space above the flap is a material storage space. The flap can pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the material storage space is isolated from the opening, and the material will not fall out of the material storage space. In the second position, the material storage space is connected to the opening, and the material can slide out of the opening for delivery. A flipper, disposed on the housing, and capable of controlling the pivoting of the flap between the first and second positions; and One or more flow strips are provided on the flap, which serve as material slides and / or guardrails to ensure smooth material flow and movement in the direction guided by the slides. In the first position, the flap is horizontal and the material storage space has a preset height; in the second position, the flap is tilted and the opening is fully exposed in the space above the flap, allowing materials to slide out of the box from the tilted flap through the opening.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flipper includes a push rod and a motor. One end of the push rod is fixed to the housing, and the other end is hinged to the flip plate. The motor is coupled to the push rod to drive the push rod to extend or retract, and to control the flip plate to pivot between a first position and a second position.

3. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flap is hinged to the box body at its end or in its middle. The container mentioned above is used for delivering clothing.

4. An automated guided vehicle, characterized in that, include: Chassis; and A container, disposed on the chassis, the container comprising: A box having an opening on its side, wherein the box has an upper box and a lower box, the upper box is closed on all four sides, the lower box is closed on three sides, and one side forms the opening; A flap is hinged to the box body and located between the upper and lower boxes. The space above the flap is a material storage space. The flap can pivot between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the material storage space is isolated from the opening, and the material will not fall out of the material storage space. In the second position, the material storage space is connected to the opening, and the material can slide out of the opening for delivery. A flipper, disposed on the housing, and capable of controlling the pivoting of the flap between the first and second positions; and One or more flow strips are provided on the flap, which serve as material slides and / or guardrails to ensure smooth material flow and movement in the direction guided by the slides. In the first position, the flap is horizontal and the material storage space has a preset height; in the second position, the flap is tilted and the opening is fully exposed in the space above the flap, allowing materials to slide out of the box from the tilted flap through the opening.

5. The automated guided vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flipper includes a push rod and a motor. One end of the push rod is fixed to the housing, and the other end is hinged to the flip plate. The motor is coupled to the push rod to drive the push rod to extend or retract, thereby controlling the flip plate to pivot between a first position and a second position.

6. The automated guided vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flap is hinged to the box body at its end or in its middle. The container mentioned above is used for delivering clothing.

7. The automated guided vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The automated guided vehicle also includes a body column and a control unit. The body column is mounted on the chassis, and the body is supported on the body column. The control unit is coupled to the motor and operates the motor to drive the push rod to extend or retract.

8. A method for transporting goods using an automated guided vehicle as described in any one of claims 4-7, comprising: When the flap is in the first position, goods are placed into the material storage space; Control the automated guided vehicle to travel to the target location; Control the flipper to pivot the flip plate to the second position, so that the goods are removed from the material storage space through the opening.

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