A temporary storage device and a transfer robot

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a temporary storage device and a carrying robot. The temporary storage device comprises a goods temporary storage unit, an elastic connection mechanism and a first shielding member movably connected to the first shielding member. The goods temporary storage unit has a storage cavity for accommodating a to-be-carried member. The first shielding member is movable relative to the goods temporary storage unit to a blocking position for blocking an entrance and exit of the storage cavity or an open position for opening the entrance and exit. The elastic connection mechanism comprises a connecting member connected to the first shielding member and a stop structure connected to the connecting member. When the first shielding member is in the open position, the stop structure is in a stop position for stopping the movement of the connecting member. The connecting member is configured to maintain the first shielding member in the open position under the stop of the stop structure or move the first shielding member to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic connection mechanism. The temporary storage device of the present disclosure enables the carrying robot to carry open goods boxes, thereby helping to improve the warehouse efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of intelligent warehousing technology, and in particular to a temporary storage device and a handling robot. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of technology, storage devices, as industrial storage devices capable of automated handling operations, have been widely used in many fields.

[0003] Currently, storage devices such as handling robots can be equipped with different end effectors to complete the handling of workpieces of various shapes and states. They can replace manual handling of cargo boxes and play an important role in many fields such as intelligent warehousing systems, intelligent logistics systems, and intelligent sorting systems.

[0004] However, some existing handling robots cannot pick up open containers such as circuit board jig containers, resulting in persistently low warehousing efficiency and seriously affecting warehousing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a temporary storage device and a handling robot that enables the handling robot to move open containers, thereby helping to improve warehousing efficiency.

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a temporary storage device, which includes a cargo storage unit, a first blocking member, and an elastic connecting mechanism. The cargo storage unit has a storage cavity for accommodating a cargo to be transported. The storage cavity has an inlet and outlet along the pick-up and drop-off direction of the cargo to be transported. The first blocking member is movably connected to the cargo storage unit and can be moved relative to the cargo storage unit to a blocking position that blocks the inlet and outlet or an open position that opens the inlet and outlet.

[0007] The elastic connection mechanism includes a connector and a stop structure connected to the connector. The connector is connected to the first blocking member. When the first blocking member is in the open position, the stop structure is in a stop position that stops the movement of the connector. The connector is configured to maintain the first blocking member in the open position under the stop of the stop structure, or to move the first blocking member to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic connection mechanism.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the stop structure is disposed at the bottom of the cargo storage unit, and the stop structure is configured to move relative to the stop position under the contact force of the cargo when the item to be transported is located in the storage cavity.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the cargo storage unit includes a storage rack and a limiting guide. The storage rack has the storage cavity, the limiting guide is disposed at the bottom of the storage rack, and the limiting guide has an opening. When the stop structure is in the stop position, it is exposed above the opening from below the opening to contact the item to be transported.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the stop structure includes an elastic member that, when the first blocking member is in the open position, extends through the opening and engages with the opening.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, when the first blocking member is in the blocking position, the elastic member is located outside the limiting guide member and abuts against the end of the limiting guide member.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, driven by the first blocking member, the connecting member moves the elastic member relative to the limiting guide member to the opening and fixes it within the opening.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the elastic element is a sheet spring, and the sheet spring has an elastic protrusion that extends from the opening to above the opening.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the connector has a first end passing through the limiting guide and a second end connected to the first shield, with the stop structure disposed at the first end.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the end of the limiting guide extends toward the inlet / outlet, and the connector is slidably disposed relative to the limiting guide along the extension direction of the limiting guide.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the limiting guide has an assembly groove whose extension direction matches the extension direction of the limiting guide, and the first end is assembled in the assembly groove.

[0017] In some alternative implementations, the opening communicates with the assembly slide.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the resilient connection mechanism further includes a resilient component connected between the connector and the first shield, wherein the tension of the resilient component causes the first shield to move toward the connector.

[0019] In some alternative implementations, the temporary storage device further includes an adapter, through which the resilient component is connected between the connector and the first shield.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, the adapter includes a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion connected to the first adapter portion, the elastic component and the connector are both connected to the first adapter portion, and the second adapter portion is connected to the side of the first shield facing the storage cavity.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, the connection point where the elastic component and the connector are connected to the first adapter has a different radial distance relative to the axis of rotation of the first shield.

[0022] In some alternative embodiments, the elastic component includes an elastic element and a fixing base, one end of the elastic element is connected to the fixing base and connected to the cargo storage unit through the fixing base, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the first shielding member.

[0023] In some optional embodiments, when the first blocking member is in the open position, the elastic element is in an extended state; when the first blocking member is in the blocking position, the elastic element is in a free state.

[0024] In some alternative implementations, the elastic element is a tension spring.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, the cargo storage unit has two first shielding members located on opposite sides of the inlet / outlet and respectively connected to the elastic connecting mechanism.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, the cargo storage unit has two limiting guides, which are spaced apart and correspond one-to-one with the first blocking member.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, the first shielding member is a shielding door panel that shields the first open end of the item to be transported.

[0028] In some alternative implementations, the temporary storage device includes a second shield located on the side of the cargo storage unit opposite to the inlet / outlet to shield the second open end of the item to be transported.

[0029] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a transport robot, which includes a column, a transport device, and a temporary storage device as described in any of the preceding claims, the temporary storage device being disposed at different heights of the column.

[0030] In some alternative embodiments, the column has a plurality of support members that support the temporary storage device, and the plurality of support members are disposed at different heights on the column.

[0031] In some alternative embodiments, the handling robot includes a handling device for lifting the item to be handled, the handling device being located on the same side of the column and the temporary storage device as the inlet and outlet, the handling device being movable relative to the temporary storage device along the height direction of the column.

[0032] This disclosure provides a temporary storage device and a handling robot. The temporary storage device includes an elastic connecting mechanism and a first blocking member. The first blocking member is movably connected to a cargo storage unit within the temporary storage device. The first blocking member can move relative to the cargo storage unit to either a blocking position blocking the inlet / outlet or an open position opening the inlet / outlet. Then, through the connection of a connector and a stop structure within the elastic connecting mechanism, when the first blocking member is in the open position, the stop structure is positioned to block the movement of the connector. Thus, under the stop of the stop structure, the first blocking member is fixed and maintained in the open position, opening the inlet / outlet of the cargo storage unit to facilitate the entry and exit of the cargo storage unit. Under the elastic force of the elastic connecting mechanism, the connector can move the first blocking member to its blocking position. This temporary storage device, while facilitating the entry and exit of items to be transported, can not only shield the items within the device to expand its applicability and improve warehousing efficiency, but also enable a powerless switching function for the device, which helps improve the transport efficiency of the robot and the structural stability of the storage device.

[0033] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the display structure and interactive flat panel provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handling robot in its first state according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the material handling robot in section A;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the temporary storage device in part B of the medium-sized transport robot;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handling robot in a second state according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of the material handling robot in section C;

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a transport robot from another perspective;

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the temporary storage device from another perspective;

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the parts to be transported on the temporary storage device;

[0043] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of the transport robot from another perspective;

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged schematic diagram of the temporary storage device in part D of the medium-sized transport robot;

[0045] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the temporary storage device of the transport robot when no items to be transported are stored.

[0046] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged schematic diagram of the temporary storage device in section E;

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handling robot in a third state according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 An enlarged schematic diagram of the temporary storage device in section F.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 100 - Temporary storage device; 10 - Storage rack; 11 - Storage cavity; 12 - Inlet / outlet; 13 - Front end; 14 - Rear end; 20 - First shield; 30 - Second shield; 40 - Limiting guide; 41 - Opening; 42 - Assembly groove;

[0051] 50 - Connecting component; 51 - Connector; 511 - First end; 512 - Second end; 52 - Stop structure; 521 - Elastic protrusion;

[0052] 60 - Elastic component; 61 - Elastic element; 62 - Fixing base; 70 - Adapter; 71 - First adapter; 72 - Second adapter;

[0053] 200 - Column; 210 - Support component;

[0054] 300 - Item to be transported; 310 - First open end; 320 - Second open end. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Applications of material handling robots can include, but are not limited to, intelligent warehousing systems, intelligent logistics systems, intelligent sorting systems, or other applications requiring material handling robots. Taking intelligent warehousing systems as an example, currently, the base of a material handling robot typically includes two opposing columns and a material handling device, such as a forklift. The material handling device is connected to the two columns and can move vertically relative to the columns, allowing it to move to a basket at a preset height on the columns. This allows the robot to move goods such as boxes between the basket and a preset storage layer on the shelf, enabling the material handling device and robot to perform picking and placing operations.

[0056] However, some existing handling robots, when performing handling operations, have unobstructed baskets at opposite ends of the cargo box, such as the front and rear ends. This means that when the cargo box is an open cargo box, such as a circuit board fixture cargo box, the handling robot cannot guarantee that the goods inside the open cargo box will not slip out during the handling operation, which can easily cause damage to the goods and thus increase the cost of shelving warehousing logistics.

[0057] An open cargo container can be understood as a cargo container with open ends that are partially or completely covered at opposite ends. The open ends of an open cargo container may include, but are not limited to, the front and rear ends of the container.

[0058] Therefore, some existing handling robots can only handle closed containers and cannot handle open containers, which will result in consistently low warehousing efficiency and seriously affect warehousing efficiency.

[0059] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a temporary storage device and a handling robot, which enables the handling robot to handle open containers, thereby helping to improve warehousing efficiency.

[0060] The following section uses an intelligent warehousing system as an example to further illustrate the handling robot in this embodiment.

[0061] Figure 1and Figure 2 The overall view and partial view of the transport robot in its first state are shown respectively.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure provides a handling robot. From Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the handling robot may include a column 200, a handling device, and a temporary storage device 100. The number of columns 200 may include, but is not limited to, two. The two columns 200 may be arranged opposite each other on the robot base. The handling robot may include multiple temporary storage devices 100, which may be positioned at different heights on the columns 200 to increase the robot's storage capacity and improve its handling efficiency.

[0063] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the column 200 has multiple support members 210 for supporting temporary storage devices 100. These support members 210 can be positioned at different heights on the column 200. Each support member 210 can also be called a fixed crossbeam. The number of temporary storage devices 100 can be matched and correspond one-to-one with the number of support members 210, allowing the temporary storage devices 100 to be positioned at different heights between two columns 200 via the support members 210. The multiple support members 210 can be connected between the two columns 200 using fasteners such as screws, and are positioned at different heights along the extension direction of the columns 200.

[0064] For example, the temporary storage device 100 can be fastened to the support member 210 by fasteners such as screws.

[0065] To realize the handling function of the handling robot, the handling robot also includes a handling device for lifting the item 300 to be handled. This handling device may include, but is not limited to, a lifting fork device. The handling device may be located on the same side of the column 200 and the temporary storage device 100 as the inlet / outlet 12. The handling device can be movable relative to the temporary storage device 100 along the height direction of the column 200. For example, the handling device may be slidably connected to one end of the column 200 so that the handling device can move along the height direction of the column 200 to a target height of the column to retrieve the item 300 to be handled from the temporary storage device 100, or to store the item 300 to be handled in the temporary storage device 100 at the target height.

[0066] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this disclosure do not constitute a specific limitation on the handling robot. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the handling robot may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or separate some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0067] The temporary storage device 100 in this embodiment will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 3 This diagram shows a partial view of the temporary storage device of the transport robot in its first state.

[0069] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the temporary storage device 100 may include a cargo temporary storage unit, a first shielding member 20, and a flexible connecting mechanism. The cargo temporary storage unit has a storage cavity 11 for accommodating the item to be transported 300. The storage cavity 11 has an inlet and outlet 12 along the direction in which the item to be transported 300 is placed or removed, so that a transport device can retrieve the item to be transported 300 from the storage cavity 11 through the inlet and outlet 12, or temporarily store the item to be transported 300 in the storage cavity 11 through the inlet and outlet 12.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handling robot in a second state according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic diagram of the material handling robot in section C. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A structural diagram of the transport robot from another perspective.

[0071] refer to Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the first blocking member 20 is movably connected to the cargo storage unit, and the first blocking member 20 can be moved relative to the cargo storage unit to either a blocking position that blocks the inlet / outlet 12 or an open position that opens the inlet / outlet 12. The open position can be understood as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The position of the first blocking member 20 shown in the temporary storage device 100, the blocking position can be understood as follows: Figures 4 to 6 The first blocking member 20 shown is positioned within the temporary storage device 100. This ensures that the placement of the first blocking member 20 does not interfere with the entry and exit of the transported item 300 into the temporary storage unit. Furthermore, the first blocking member 20 effectively prevents goods within the transported item 300 from slipping off during the transport robot's operation, sudden braking, or acceleration. This allows the transport robot to handle open transported items 300, such as circuit board jig boxes, minimizing the risk of damage from falling goods within open transported items 300. This expands the applicability of the temporary storage device 100 and the transport robot, and also helps improve warehousing efficiency.

[0072] It should be noted that the item to be transported 300 can be either an open container or a closed container. In other words, the temporary storage device 100 is applicable not only to open containers but also to closed containers.

[0073] When the item to be transported 300 can be an open container, it can have at least one open end. For example, the number of open ends on the item to be transported 300 can be, but is not limited to, two. The open end on the item to be transported 300 that is covered by the first covering member 20 is the first open end 310, and the open end on the item to be transported 300 opposite to the first open end 310 is the second open end 320 (e.g., ...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the image).

[0074] refer to Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the cargo storage unit has two first blocking members 20, which are located on opposite sides of the inlet / outlet 12 and are respectively connected to elastic connecting mechanisms. This ensures the blocking effect on the items to be transported 300 while also facilitating the unpowered opening and closing of the first blocking members 20 under the elastic connecting mechanisms.

[0075] The first shielding component 20 may include, but is not limited to, a shielding door panel for shielding the first open end 310 of the item to be transported 300. This shielding door panel can thus block the first open end 310, preventing goods inside the item to be transported 300 from slipping off the first open end 310 when the transport robot is running, braking suddenly, or accelerating, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to goods and other safety accidents when the transport robot is handling open cargo containers.

[0076] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the temporary storage device 100 may further include a second blocking member 30, which is located on the side of the cargo temporary storage unit opposite to the inlet / outlet 12, to block the second open end 320 of the item to be transported 300. The second blocking member 30 can be fixed to the storage rack 10 of the cargo storage unit by welding or other means. For example, the second blocking member 30 may include, but is not limited to, a door panel. In this way, under the combined action of the first blocking member 20 and the second blocking member 30, the two opposite open ends of the item to be transported 300, such as an open cargo box, can be blocked, which can avoid a series of safety accidents such as damage to goods when the handling robot is handling the open cargo box, further expanding the application scope of the temporary storage device 100 and the handling robot, and improving warehousing efficiency.

[0077] The temporary storage device 100 of this disclosure embodiment will be further described below, taking an open cargo box as an example of the device to be transported.

[0078] Figure 7The diagram illustrates the overall and partial views of the temporary storage device of the handling robot in its first state. Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the parts to be transported on the temporary storage device. Figure 7 Some structures in the temporary storage device have been omitted to simplify the structural view of the temporary storage device.

[0079] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 and combined Figure 2 As shown, the elastic connection mechanism may include a connector 51 and a stop structure 52 connected to the connector 51. The connector 51 is connected to the first blocking member 20. When the first blocking member 20 is in the open position, the stop structure 52 is in a stop position that blocks the movement of the connector 51. The stop position can be understood as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 The stop structure 52 shown is positioned within the cargo storage unit. The connector 51 is configured to hold the first blocking member 20 in the open position under the stop of the stop structure 52, or to move the first blocking member 20 to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic connecting mechanism. This prevents relative movement of the connector 51 relative to the cargo storage unit under the stop of the stop structure 52, allowing the first blocking member 20 to be fixed and held in the open position by the connector 51, opening the inlet / outlet 12 of the cargo storage unit. This facilitates the storage of the item 300 by the handling device within the cargo storage unit, while the elastic connecting mechanism also enables the unpowered opening and closing of the first blocking member 20. This simplifies the structure of the storage device 100 and the handling robot, reduces the control of the motor and single board on the opening and closing of the first blocking member 20, lowers the manufacturing cost of the storage device 100 and the handling robot, and facilitates the maintenance and installation of the storage device 100, making it applicable to various lifting and retrieving scenarios.

[0080] Therefore, in addition to facilitating the entry and exit of the workpiece 300, the present embodiment of the invention, through the setting of the first blocking member 20, can not only block the workpiece 300 to be transported in the temporary storage device 100, thus expanding the applicability of the temporary storage device 100 and the transport robot, but also help to realize the powerless switching function of the first blocking member 20, which helps to improve the transport efficiency of the transport robot and the structural stability of the temporary storage device 100.

[0081] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the stop structure 52 is located at the bottom of the cargo storage unit, and the stop structure 52 is configured to move relative to the stop position under the contact force of the cargo 300 when the cargo to be transported 300 is located in the storage cavity 11. Thus, when the cargo 300 is placed in the storage cavity 11, the cargo 300 can trigger the stop structure 52, causing the stop structure 52 to disengage from the stop position. At this time, the connecting member 51 can move relative to the cargo storage unit so that the connecting member 51 can move the first blocking member 20 to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic connecting mechanism. Then, the first blocking member 20 is automatically pulled back to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic connecting mechanism, and the storage device 100 is in a closed state, ensuring that the cargo, such as circuit boards, inside the cargo 300 will not slip off during operation, sudden braking, or acceleration of the transport robot.

[0082] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the goods temporary storage unit may include a storage rack 10 and a limiting guide 40, wherein the storage rack 10 may also be referred to as a temporary storage pallet. (Reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the storage rack 10 has a storage cavity 11, and a limiting guide 40 is disposed at the bottom of the storage rack 10. Exemplarily, the limiting guide 40 can be connected to the bottom of the storage rack 10 by welding or other means. The limiting guide 40 has an opening 41. When the stop structure 52 is in the stop position, it is exposed from below the opening 41 to above the opening 41, so as to contact the item to be transported 300. This allows the stop structure 52 to protrude from the limiting guide 40, so that when the item to be transported 300 is temporarily stored in the storage cavity 11 by the transport device and supported on the limiting guide 40, the bottom wall of the item to be transported 300 can abut against the stop structure 52, so that the item to be transported 300 triggers the stop structure 52, causing it to move relative to the stop position toward the rear end 14 of the storage rack 10 to disengage from the stop position.

[0083] The rear end 14 of the storage rack 10 can be understood as one end of the storage rack 10 where the second shield 30 is installed (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram). Accordingly, the front end 13 of the storage rack 10 can be understood as one end of the storage rack 10 where the first shield 20 is disposed.

[0084] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the end of the limiting guide 40 extends toward the inlet / outlet 12 (i.e., the end away from the storage rack 10), and the connecting member 51 is slidably disposed relative to the limiting guide 40 along the extending direction of the limiting guide 40. The extending direction of the limiting guide 40 is consistent with the length direction of the storage rack 10, which is the direction from the rear end 14 to the front end 13. Thus, the limiting guide 40 not only secures the connecting member 51 but also guides its movement relative to the cargo storage unit, ensuring that the stop structure 52 can accurately extend from below the opening 41 to above it, thus contacting the item to be transported 300.

[0085] The connector 51 has a first end 511 that passes through the limiting guide 40 and a second end 512 that connects to the first blocking member 20. The stop structure 52 is provided at the first end 511 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). For example, the connector 51 may include, but is not limited to, a connecting strip or a flexible connecting structure. This ensures that the connector 51 is connected to the first blocking member 20, while also allowing the connector 51 to be fixed within the limiting guide member 40 by the stop structure 52, so that the first blocking member 20 can be maintained in the open or blocked position by the connector 51, thus adjusting the relative structural positions of the temporary storage device 100.

[0086] To facilitate the sliding of connector 51, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the limiting guide 40 has an assembly groove 42, the extension direction of the assembly groove 42 matches the extension direction of the limiting guide 40, and the first end 511 is assembled in the assembly groove 42.

[0087] The opening 41 is connected to the assembly slide 42 so that the stop structure 52 can be exposed from below the opening 41 to above the opening 41 and contact the part to be transported 300.

[0088] In some possible implementations, the stop structure 52 may include an elastic element, and the elastic element and the connecting element 51 may form a connecting assembly 50 of an elastic connection mechanism (such as...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (As shown in the image). Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the first blocking member 20 is in the open position, the elastic member can pass through the opening 41 and engage with the opening 41. In this way, the elastic member can be engaged with the side wall of the opening 41 to prevent the connecting member 51 from moving relative to the cargo storage unit, so as to maintain and fix the first blocking member 20 in the open position.

[0089] Alternatively, the stop structure 52 can also be an elastic protrusion 521 on the connector 51, that is, the stop structure 52 can form a structural member with the connector 51. In this embodiment, the formation of the stop structure 52 is not further limited.

[0090] The temporary storage device 100 of this disclosure will be further described below, taking the stop structure 52 as an example of an elastic element.

[0091] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A structural diagram of the transport robot from another perspective. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An enlarged schematic diagram of the temporary storage device in part D of the medium-sized transport robot. Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the temporary storage device of the handling robot, excluding items to be handled. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged schematic diagram of the temporary storage device in section E.

[0092] refer to Figures 9 to 12 and combined Figure 8 As shown, when the first blocking member 20 is in the blocking position, the elastic member is located outside the limiting guide member 40 and abuts against the end of the limiting guide member 40. In this way, the elastic member can fix the connecting member 51 inside the limiting guide member 40 so that the first blocking member 20 is maintained in the blocking position by the connecting member 51.

[0093] For example, the elastic element may include, but is not limited to, a spring sheet, and the spring sheet has an elastic protrusion 521 that extends from the opening 41 to above the opening 41 so that the elastic element can abut against the bottom wall of the object to be transported 300 through the elastic protrusion 521.

[0094] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a handling robot in a third state according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0095] refer to Figure 13 As shown, when the component to be transported 300 is taken out of the storage cavity 11 by the transport device, the transport device can lift the component to be transported 300 upwards and then move it along... Figure 13 The moving direction indicated by the middle arrow is towards the inlet / outlet 12, pulling out the item to be transported 300. The item to be transported 300 will push the first blocking member 20, pushing the first blocking member 20 open, so that the connecting member 51 and the elastic member in the elastic connecting mechanism can be moved through the first blocking member 20, so that the elastic member can be re-fixed in the opening 41. The first blocking member 20 is in the open position, at which time the first blocking member 20 is in the fully open state.

[0096] Therefore, driven by the first blocking member 20, the connecting member 51 drives the elastic member to move relative to the limiting guide member 40 to the opening 41 and fix it in the opening 41, so that after the item to be transported 300 is removed from the cargo temporary storage unit, the elastic member can be re-fixed in the opening 41 and the first blocking member 20 is in the open position so that the item to be transported 300 can be stored in the temporary storage device 100 next time.

[0097] As one possible implementation, when the connector 51 is a rigid structure, such as a connecting strip, refer to... Figure 14 As shown, the elastic connection mechanism may further include an elastic component 60, which is connected between the connector 51 and the first blocking member 20. The tension of the elastic component 60 causes the first blocking member 20 to move towards the connector 51, so that the first blocking member 20 can be moved from the open position to the blocking position under the tension of the elastic component 60, thereby blocking the item to be transported 300.

[0098] To facilitate the connection of the connector 51 with the elastic component 60 and the first shield 20, as one possible implementation, the temporary storage device 100 may also include an adapter 70, through which the elastic component 60 is connected between the connector 51 and the first shield 20.

[0099] refer to Figure 14 As shown, the adapter 70 may include a first adapter portion 71 and a second adapter portion 72 connected to the first adapter portion 71. The elastic component 60 and the connector 51 are both connected to the first adapter portion 71, and the second adapter portion 72 is connected to the side of the first shield 20 facing the storage cavity 11. The first adapter portion 71 may be perpendicular to the second adapter portion 72 to facilitate connection between the connector 51 and the first shield 20 via the adapter 70.

[0100] The connection points of the elastic component 60 and the connector 51 to the first adapter 71 have different radial distances relative to the axis of rotation of the first shield 20. That is, the elastic component 60 and the connector 51 are connected at different positions on the first adapter 71. The connector 51 can be connected to the side of the first adapter 71 facing the edge of the storage rack 10 to facilitate the placement of the elastic component 60. For example, the connector 51 can be connected to the first adapter 71 via fasteners, and the end of the elastic component 60 can be connected to the first adapter 71.

[0101] refer to Figure 14As shown, the elastic component 60 may include an elastic element 61 and a fixing base 62. One end of the elastic element 61 is connected to the fixing base 62 and connected to the cargo storage unit through the fixing base 62. The other end of the elastic element 61 is connected to the first blocking member 20. As one possible implementation, one end of the elastic element 61 may be connected to the storage rack 10 of the cargo storage unit. Exemplarily, the elastic element 61 may include, but is not limited to, a tension spring or other elastic structure. In this way, the first blocking member 20 can be elastically connected to the cargo storage unit through the elastic element 61, so that the first blocking member 20 can move from the open position to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic element 61.

[0102] When the first blocking member 20 is in the open position, the elastic element 61 is in a stretched state (e.g., Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) so that when the elastic element is disengaged from the stop position, the first blocking member 20 can be moved from the open position to the blocking position by the elastic element 61 under the elastic force of the elastic element 61, so as to drive the connecting member 51 and the elastic element to move toward the rear end 14 of the storage member until the first blocking member 20 is in the blocking position and the elastic element abuts against the end of the limiting guide member 40.

[0103] When the first blocking member 20 is in the blocking position, the elastic element 61 is in a free state (e.g., Figure 14 (as shown in the diagram) In this way, when the item to be transported 300 is taken out from the storage rack 10, the elastic element 61 can be stretched by the first blocking member 20, so that the elastic element 61 returns to the stretched state when the first blocking member 20 is in the open position, so as to realize the next retrieval or storage of the item to be transported 300 by the transport device.

[0104] This embodiment of the invention, by incorporating a first blocking member 20 and an elastic connecting member 51 within the temporary storage device 100, facilitates the entry and exit of the items to be transported 300. It not only blocks the items 300 within the temporary storage device 100, expanding the applicability of the temporary storage device 100 and the handling robot, and improving warehousing efficiency, but also enables a powerless switching function for the temporary storage device 100, contributing to improved handling efficiency of the handling robot and structural stability of the temporary storage device 100. The temporary storage device 100 of this embodiment can achieve a powerless switching function for the first blocking member 20 according to the forklift loading and unloading process, resulting in high warehousing efficiency. Furthermore, it features a simple, stable, reliable, low-cost, highly reusable, long-lasting, and convenient maintenance and replacement structure.

[0105] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 this disclosure.

[0106] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms “comprising” and “having” as used herein, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, display structure, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0107] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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 disclosure according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., 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.

[0108] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A temporary storage device, characterized in that, The device includes a cargo storage unit, a first shielding member, and a flexible connecting mechanism. The cargo storage unit has a storage cavity for accommodating the items to be transported. The storage cavity has an inlet and outlet along the direction of picking up and placing the items to be transported. The first shielding member is movably connected to the cargo storage unit and can be moved relative to the cargo storage unit to a blocking position that blocks the inlet and outlet or an open position that opens the inlet and outlet. The elastic connection mechanism includes a connector and a stop structure connected to the connector. The connector is connected to the first blocking member. When the first blocking member is in the open position, the stop structure is in a stop position that stops the movement of the connector. The connector is configured to maintain the first blocking member in the open position under the stop of the stop structure, or to move the first blocking member to the blocking position under the elastic force of the elastic connection mechanism. The stop structure is disposed at the bottom of the cargo storage unit, and the stop structure is configured such that when the item to be transported is located in the storage cavity, it moves relative to the stop position under the contact force of the item to be transported. The cargo temporary storage unit includes a storage rack and a limiting guide. The storage rack has the storage cavity inside. The limiting guide is disposed at the bottom of the storage rack and has an opening. When the stop structure is in the stop position, it is exposed from below the opening to above the opening so as to contact the item to be transported. The connector has a first end that passes through the limiting guide and a second end that is connected to the first shielding member, and the stop structure is located at the first end.

2. The temporary storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop structure includes an elastic element. When the first blocking element is in the open position, the elastic element passes through the opening and engages with the opening.

3. The temporary storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first blocking member is in the blocking position, the elastic member is located outside the limiting guide member and abuts against the end of the limiting guide member.

4. The temporary storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Driven by the first blocking member, the connecting member causes the elastic member to move relative to the limiting guide member to the opening and is fixed inside the opening.

5. The temporary storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring sheet, and the spring sheet has an elastic protrusion that extends from the opening to above the opening.

6. The temporary storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the limiting guide extends toward the inlet and outlet, and the connector is slidably disposed relative to the limiting guide along the extension direction of the limiting guide.

7. The temporary storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting guide has an assembly groove, the extension direction of which matches the extension direction of the limiting guide, and the first end is assembled in the assembly groove.

8. The temporary storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The opening is connected to the assembly slide.

9. The temporary storage device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The elastic connection mechanism further includes an elastic component connected between the connector and the first shield, and the tension of the elastic component causes the first shield to move closer to the connector.

10. The temporary storage device according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes an adapter, through which the elastic component is connected between the connector and the first shield.

11. The temporary storage device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The adapter includes a first adapter portion and a second adapter portion connected to the first adapter portion. The elastic component and the connector are both connected to the first adapter portion, and the second adapter portion is connected to the side of the first shielding component facing the storage cavity.

12. The temporary storage device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connection point where the elastic component and the connector are connected to the first adapter has a different radial distance relative to the axis of rotation of the first shield.

13. The temporary storage device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The elastic component includes an elastic element and a fixing base. One end of the elastic element is connected to the fixing base and is connected to the cargo storage unit through the fixing base. The other end of the elastic element is connected to the first shielding member.

14. The temporary storage device according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the first blocking member is in the open position, the elastic element is in an extended state; when the first blocking member is in the blocking position, the elastic element is in a free state.

15. The temporary storage device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The elastic element is a tension spring.

16. The temporary storage device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The cargo storage unit has two first shielding members, which are located on opposite sides of the inlet and outlet and are respectively connected to the elastic connecting mechanism.

17. The temporary storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The cargo storage unit has two limiting guides, and there is a gap between the two limiting guides, which correspond one-to-one with the first blocking member.

18. The temporary storage device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first shielding component is a shielding door panel that shields the first open end of the component to be transported.

19. The temporary storage device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes a second shielding member, which is located on the side of the cargo storage unit opposite to the inlet / outlet, to shield the second open end of the item to be transported.

20. A transport robot, characterized in that, It includes a column, a transport device, and a temporary storage device as described in any one of claims 1-19, wherein the temporary storage device is disposed at different heights of the column.

21. The handling robot according to claim 20, characterized in that, The column has multiple support members that support the temporary storage device, and the multiple support members are arranged at different heights of the column.

22. The handling robot according to claim 21, characterized in that, The device includes a transport device for lifting items to be transported. The transport device is located on the same side of the column and the temporary storage device, and the transport device is movable relative to the temporary storage device along the height direction of the column.

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