Automated storage shelf with identification function

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic storage bookshelf with an identification function, belongs to the field of intelligent bookshelves, and comprises a bookshelf body, an upper connecting plate and a lower connecting plate which are fixed on the front side wall of the bookshelf body, a first supporting frame which is movably arranged on the bookshelf body, a lifting assembly arranged between the upper connecting plate and the lower connecting plate and used for lifting the first supporting plate, a left-right horizontal moving assembly fixed on the first supporting frame and used for moving books left and right, a taking assembly arranged on the left-right horizontal moving assembly and used for taking the books, a monitoring assembly fixed on the taking assembly and used for identifying information and distance of the books, and a control console used for controlling the left-right horizontal moving assembly, the taking assembly and the monitoring assembly. The device can automatically take the books from a placing rack and place the books on the placing rack, thereby avoiding the inconvenience caused by taking the books by human strength.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent bookshelves, specifically relating to an automated bookshelf with recognition function. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are various studies on intelligent storage systems both domestically and internationally. Most of the related technologies used are based on automatic control systems, which are combined with mechanical structure design to create intelligent and controllable mechanical structures that allow the mechanism to automate a certain process, saving manpower and resource consumption.

[0003] Authorization announcement number CN207590288U discloses an intelligent bookshelf that uses X-motion and Z-motion modules to enable a book-pushing module to move vertically and horizontally. Ultimately, the book-pushing module reaches the location of the book and pushes it a short distance off the shelf, making it accessible to the user. The drawbacks of this existing patent are: firstly, the book-pushing module can only push the book to be retrieved from the shelf, not return the book to the shelf after the user has finished reading; secondly, the book can only be pushed a short distance, and if the book is located high on the shelf, it remains inconvenient for the user to access it.

[0004] For example, CN206979146U discloses a smart bookshelf that uses a buzzer to alert the user when a book is located on the shelf, eliminating the need to search for it individually. However, this bookshelf only indicates the book's location; it doesn't automatically remove the book. If the book is high up, the user still needs to reach for it, which is inconvenient.

[0005] In summary, the methods mentioned in the existing patents can only inform the person of the book's location. Retrieving and returning the book still relies on the person's own strength, making it inconvenient to retrieve and return the book. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes an automated bookshelf with identification function, which aims to solve the technical problems of how to help people automatically take out books from the bookshelf and how to help people put books back on the bookshelf.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated bookshelf with identification function, comprising a bookshelf body, an upper connecting plate and a lower connecting plate fixedly one above the other on the front side wall of the bookshelf body, a first support bracket movably mounted on the bookshelf body, the first support bracket being slidably connected to the bookshelf body vertically, a lifting assembly for raising and lowering the first support plate being provided between the upper and lower connecting plates, a left-right lateral movement assembly for moving books left and right being fixed on the first support bracket, a picking assembly for picking up books being provided on the left-right lateral movement assembly, a monitoring assembly for identifying book information and distance being fixed on the picking assembly, and a control console for controlling the left-right lateral movement assembly, the picking assembly, and the monitoring assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the left and right lateral movement assembly includes two drive pulleys, which are arranged side by side along the X direction. The distance between the two drive pulleys along the X direction is greater than the distance between the bookshelf body and the bookshelf body along the X direction. The two drive pulleys are rotatably mounted on the first support frame, and the axis of the drive pulleys is along the Y direction. A first belt ring is sleeved on both drive pulleys, and the outer wall of the drive pulley meshes with the inner wall of the first belt ring. A drive motor for driving the first belt ring to rotate is fixed on the first support frame.

[0009] Unlike ordinary belt drives, the drive pulley and the first belt ring are meshed, reducing the risk of slippage and making the transmission process more precise. This meshing also prevents the belt from stretching under pressure, ensuring the synchronicity of the pulley and belt movement. Compared to rigid drive systems, the first belt ring does not require lubrication, resulting in lower maintenance costs.

[0010] Furthermore, a second support frame is fixed on the upper surface of the first belt ring; the picking component includes two book feeding components arranged side by side along the X direction; each book feeding component includes two first rotating wheels, which are rotatably mounted on the second support frame, and the two first rotating wheels are arranged side by side along the Y direction; a second belt ring is commonly fitted on the two first rotating wheels, and a first motor for rotating the second belt ring is fixed on the second support frame;

[0011] The clamps simplify the book-picking process into two linear movements: feeding parallel to the book's plane and gripping perpendicular to it. Compared to simulating this with a robotic arm, the clamping process only requires controlling the clamping force, which can be achieved by changing the clamp spacing.

[0012] Considering that the coordinate axes of the book itself and the bookshelf can be translated and overlapped, the use of clamps can simplify the motion into linear motion in space, allowing the book to be accurately positioned without considering the end pose, which greatly simplifies the calculation process.

[0013] Furthermore, the monitoring component comprises two binocular cameras, which are respectively fixed on the rear surface wall of the corresponding clamp along the Y direction; the monitoring component also includes an embedded reader fixed on the upper surface wall of the clamp.

[0014] Furthermore, the bookshelf body includes several shelves arranged from top to bottom, and several sets of proximity switches are provided on the bookshelf body. Each set of proximity switches is corresponding to a shelf, and the proximity switches are electrically connected to the control console. The bookshelf body is provided with several telescopic frames. One end of the telescopic frame is fixedly connected to the bookshelf body, and the other end of the telescopic frame is fixed with a baffle for pressing the books. A pressing motor for driving the telescopic frame to extend and retract is fixed on the bookshelf body, and the pressing motor is electrically connected to the control console.

[0015] The proximity switch can determine which shelf the left and right sliding components stop at; the baffle and telescopic frame can maintain the vertical arrangement of the books, allowing the two clamps to be accurately positioned on both sides of the spine along the X direction.

[0016] Furthermore, two second rotating wheels are rotatably connected to the second support frame. The two second rotating wheels are arranged side by side along the Y direction, and the axis of the second rotating wheels is along the X direction. A third belt ring is sleeved on both second rotating wheels. The outer wall of the second rotating wheel meshes with the inner wall of the third belt ring. A second motor for rotating the third belt ring is fixed on the second support frame. The rear end of the third belt ring along the Y direction is the same length as the rear end of the second belt ring along the Y direction, and the upper surface wall of the third belt ring is the same height as the upper surface wall of the second belt ring. The third belt ring is located between the two second belt rings.

[0017] The third belt is positioned between the two second belts. Since the rear end of the third belt along the Y direction is the same length as the rear end of the second belt along the Y direction, the third belt does not affect the second belt's ability to transport books. By aligning the upper surface of the third belt with the upper surface of the second belt, the lower end of the book can rest against the upper surface of the third belt. The auxiliary rotation of the third belt can help place the book back on the shelf or remove it from the shelf.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] This book shelf features two retrieval components that allow books to be automatically removed from the shelf and placed back on it, eliminating the inconvenience of having to manually retrieve books. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device;

[0021] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second belt rings;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram to illustrate the first support bracket.

[0023] 1. Bookshelf body; 2. Display rack; 3. Upper connecting plate; 4. Lower connecting plate; 5. Lifting screw; 6. First support bracket; 7. Drive pulley; 8. First belt ring; 9. Second support frame; 10. First rotating wheel; 11. First motor; 12. Clamping plate; 13. Second rotating wheel; 14. Third belt ring; 15. Binocular camera; 16. Embedded reader; 17. Telescopic frame; 18. Baffle; 19. Proximity switch; 20. Second motor; 21. Second belt ring. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] See Figure 1 An automated bookshelf with identification function includes a bookshelf body 1, which has several shelves 2 arranged from top to bottom. A lifting component is located on the front wall of the bookshelf body 1 to raise and lower books vertically. A left-right sliding component is also located at the front end of the bookshelf body 1, connected to the lifting component, to move books horizontally. The left-right sliding component has a pick-and-place component for picking up and putting back books. The pick-and-place component has a monitoring component to identify information such as the books and spacing on the shelves 2. A control console for controlling all components is located at the lower end of the front wall of the bookshelf body 1.

[0026] See Figure 1 The lifting assembly includes an upper connecting plate 3 and a lower connecting plate 4, which are fixed one above the other to the front surface wall of the bookshelf body 1. A lifting screw 5 is provided between the upper connecting plate 3 and the lower connecting plate 4. The axis of the lifting screw 5 is vertical, and the lifting screw 5 is rotatably mounted on the upper connecting plate 3 and the lower connecting plate 4. A lifting motor (not shown) for driving the lifting screw 5 to rotate is fixed on either the upper connecting plate 3 or the lower connecting plate 4.

[0027] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The lifting screw 5 is threadedly connected to a first support bracket 6, which is movably mounted on the front surface of the bookshelf body 1 and can slide vertically relative to the bookshelf body 1.

[0028] See Figure 3 The left and right lateral movement assembly includes two drive pulleys 7 rotatably connected to the first support bracket 6, and the two drive pulleys 7 move along... Figure 1 The pulleys are arranged side-by-side in the X direction, with the axis of the drive pulley 7 along the X direction. Figure 1 In the Y direction. The distance between the two drive pulleys 7 in the X direction is greater than the distance between the bookshelf body 1 in the X direction. First belt rings 8 are fitted onto the drive pulleys 7 at both ends, with the outer rings of the drive pulleys 7 meshing with the inner rings of the first belt rings 8. A drive motor is fixed on the first support bracket 6, and the drive motor drives the first belt rings 8 to rotate via the two drive pulleys 7. The upper surface of the first belt rings 8... Figure 1 Move in the X direction.

[0029] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pick-and-place assembly includes a second support 9, which is fixed to the upper surface wall of the first belt ring 8. The pick-and-place assembly also includes two book feeding / retrieval components mounted on the second support 9, which move along... Figure 1 middle Figure 1 The books are arranged side-by-side in the X direction. Taking one of the book delivery components as an example, the book delivery component includes two first rollers 10 rotatably connected to the second support 9. The two first rollers 10 move along... Figure 1 The first rotating wheel 10 is arranged in parallel along the Y direction, with its axis along the Y direction. Figure 1 middle Figure 1 In the X direction. Two first rotating wheels 10 are fitted with second belt rings 21. The outer ring of the first rotating wheel 10 meshes with the inner ring of the second belt ring 21. The upper surface of the second belt ring 21... Figure 1 The second support 9 is fixed with a first motor 11 for driving the second belt ring 21 to rotate.

[0030] Each of the two second belt rings 21 has a clamping plate 12 on its upper surface wall. Both clamping plates 12 are movably engaged with the upper surface wall of the corresponding second belt ring 21. The clamping plates 12 can move relative to the second belt ring 21 along... Figure 1 The movement is in the X direction. Each second belt loop 21 is fixed with an electric push rod (not shown) to move the corresponding clamping plate 12. The two clamping plates 12 can clamp the book when they are close together, and can release the book when they are separated. In the initial state, the two clamping plates 12 are in contact with each other.

[0031] It is worth noting that as the second belt ring 21 moves backward along the Y direction, the rear ends of the two clamping plates 12 protrude beyond the rear end of the first belt ring 8 along the Y direction; in other words, the rear ends of the clamping plates 12 are further back than the rear ends of the first belt ring 8.

[0032] An auxiliary component is provided between the two sets of book delivery and retrieval components. The auxiliary component includes two second rotating wheels 13, which are rotatably mounted on the second support frame 9. The two second rotating wheels 13 move along... Figure 1 The three belt rings are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The second rotating wheel 13 is fitted with a third belt ring 14. The outer ring of the second rotating wheel 13 meshes with the inner ring of the third belt ring 14. The upper surface of the third belt ring 14 is along... Figure 1 The second motor 20 for driving the third belt ring 14 to rotate is fixed on the second support 9, which rotates in the Y direction. The rear end of the third belt ring 14 along the Y direction is the same length as the rear end of the second belt ring 21 along the Y direction, and the upper surface wall of the third belt ring 14 is the same height as the upper surface wall of the second belt ring 21.

[0033] See Figure 2 The monitoring component includes two binocular cameras 15, which are fixed on the rear surface of the clamp 12 along the Y direction to identify the spacing between books; an embedded reader 16 is provided on the upper surface of the clamp 12 to identify barcodes on the books.

[0034] The ranging method of the binocular camera 15 has been disclosed in publication number CN 113155083 A, and will not be repeated here. The embedded reader 16 recognizes barcodes, which has been disclosed in Zhao Wenjiao. Design and Implementation of Book Retrieval System Based on Barcode Recognition Technology [J]. Modern Electronics Technology, 2019, 42(17): 124-128, and will not be repeated here.

[0035] Each bookshelf body 1 is equipped with several telescopic shelves 17, with each telescopic shelf 17 corresponding to a display shelf 2. The right end of each telescopic shelf 17 is fixed to the bookshelf body 1, and the left end of each telescopic shelf 17 can be extended to reach along the shelf body 1. Figure 1 The telescopic frame 17 extends in the X direction and has a baffle 18 fixed to its left end. The baffle 18 contacts the books on the shelf 2, pressing the books firmly against the bookshelf body 1. A pressing motor (not shown) for driving the telescopic frame 17 to extend and retract is fixed on the bookshelf body 1. A pressure sensor (not shown) is installed on the baffle 18 and is electrically connected to the control console to ensure that the baffle 18 provides constant pressure to the books on the bookshelf body 1. Several sets of proximity switches 19 (see...) are vertically mounted on the front side wall of the bookshelf body 1. Figure 1 Each shelf 2 of the bookshelf body 1 is equipped with a set of proximity switches 19. Each set of proximity switches 19 has one or more proximity switches 19 to detect which shelf 2 the left and right lateral movement component is located on. When the left and right lateral movement component is on a certain shelf 2, the proximity switch 19 corresponding to that shelf 2 will be blocked. If the blocking time exceeds 5 seconds, it indicates that the left and right lateral movement component is stationary on that shelf.

[0036] The process of using this book shelf is

[0037] When picking up the book:

[0038] Enter the book title in the console. The console will display the number of the book in the cabinet body, N. Then control the lifting screw 5 to rotate. The left and right lateral movement components and all the components located on the left and right lateral movement components will start to rise.

[0039] The left and right lateral moving components briefly block the proximity switches 19 of each layer sequentially from bottom to top, with each blocking time not exceeding 5 seconds. Each time a proximity switch 19 is blocked by the left and right lateral moving components, the control panel counts the number of times the components block the proximity switches 19 during their upward movement. At this point, the left and right lateral moving components have reached layer N, and the lifting screw 5 stops rotating. The proximity switch 19 on layer N is continuously blocked by the right lateral moving component for more than 5 seconds, ensuring the accurate positioning of the left and right lateral moving components. After a proximity switch 19 has been blocked for more than 5 seconds, the control panel controls the telescopic frame 17 corresponding to that layer's shelf 2 to retract under the action of the pressing motor, no longer pressing the books.

[0040] The left and right lateral movement component drives the upper surface wall of the first belt ring 8 along... Figure 1 The component moves in the X direction, and the entire component moves horizontally left and right. The embedded reader 16 of the monitoring component identifies the barcode at the spine of the book on the bookshelf body 1. If the identified barcode corresponds to the book title entered on the console, the horizontal movement component stops. Note that books with multiple barcodes may correspond to the same book title. The two embedded readers 16 will stop operating once they identify any one of the barcodes that meets the requirements.

[0041] The two binocular cameras 15 also identify the thickness S of the book's spine and transmit this information to the control console. The control console then controls the extension and retraction of an electric push rod to adjust the distance between the two clamping plates 12. Specifically, the extension and retraction of the electric push rod (S+P), where P is a preset distance (usually 1cm), ensures that the distance between the two clamping plates 12 is greater than the spine thickness S. The two binocular cameras 15 use the captured images to ensure that the spine of the book to be retrieved is approximately centered between the two clamping plates 12.

[0042] The upper surfaces of the two second belt rings 21 move simultaneously along the Y direction, causing the two clamping plates 12 to synchronously approach the books on the bookshelf body 1. As the second belt rings 21 continue to rotate, the two clamping plates 12 eventually end up on either side of the books along the X direction.

[0043] Two binocular cameras 15 identify that the rear end of the clamping plate 12 along the Y direction is located on both sides of the book in the X direction. The binocular cameras 15 use signals to stop the control console from rotating the second belt ring 21, and at the same time, the electric push rod clamps the book. That is, the control console controls the extension and retraction of the electric push rod to S+P-1, and the extension and retraction of the electric push rod stops when it reaches S+P-1.

[0044] The upper surfaces of the two second belt rings 21 move along the front end in the Y direction, rotating the book out of the bookshelf body 1. During this process, the upper surface of the third belt ring 14 also moves along the front end in the Y direction, with the bottom end of the book abutting against the upper surface of the third belt ring 14. The third belt ring 14 assists the second belt rings 21 in carrying the book out of the bookshelf body 1. When the binocular camera 15 detects that the vertical projection of the rear end of the clamp 12 along the Y direction has completely fallen onto the second belt ring 21, the second belt ring 21 stops rotating.

[0045] The lifting screw 5 drives the left and right lateral movement component to descend along with the book. The left and right lateral movement component blocks proximity switches 19 N-1 times sequentially from top to bottom. Once the control panel confirms that the left and right lateral movement component has blocked proximity switches 19 N-1 times, it indicates that the component is currently blocking the proximity switches 19 on the first shelf. The control panel then stops the lifting screw 5, and the book is now located on the first shelf of the bookshelf body 1, within reach and retrieval. Finally, the user uses the control panel buttons to control the lifting screw 5 to continue descending, returning to its initial position and no longer blocking all proximity switches 19. The book retrieval process is now complete.

[0046] When returning the book:

[0047] The electric push rod is controlled by the console to open the two clamps 12 to a distance that can clamp the book, so that the spine of the book is placed facing the front wall of the bookshelf body 1, and the lower end of the book abuts against the upper wall of the third belt ring 14.

[0048] The electric push rod is manually controlled via the control panel to clamp the book between the two clamps 12. The book title is entered into the control panel, and the control panel moves the book to the corresponding shelf number on the bookshelf body 1 according to the steps taken when retrieving the book. The telescopic rack 17 corresponding to that shelf no longer clamps the book under the action of the pressing motor. After the telescopic rack 17 shortens, space is left for the shelf 2 on that shelf.

[0049] The left and right lateral movement component drives the first belt ring 8 along Figure 1 When the book is rotated in the X direction, the binocular camera 15 identifies the space, and the control console automatically controls the upper surface of the two second belt rings 21 to move simultaneously along the rear end of the Y direction, sending the book into the shelf 2 on that shelf; the person manually controls the clamp 12 to release the book through the control console, and the control console automatically controls the upper end of the two second belt rings 21 to move simultaneously along the front end of the Y direction, and finally the lifting screw 5 is reset in the same way as when the book is picked up.

[0050] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated storage bookshelf with an identification function, comprising a bookshelf body, characterized in that, The upper and lower connecting plates are fixed on the front side wall of the bookshelf body, and the first supporting frame is movably arranged on the bookshelf body and can be vertically slidably connected to the bookshelf body. A lifting assembly for lifting the first supporting plate is arranged between the upper and lower connecting plates; The first supporting frame is fixed with a left-right horizontal moving assembly for moving the books left and right. The left-right horizontal moving assembly is provided with a taking assembly for taking the books. The taking assembly is fixed with a monitoring assembly for identifying the information and distance of the books. The control console is used to control the left-right horizontal moving assembly, the taking assembly and the monitoring assembly. The left-right horizontal moving assembly is provided with a second supporting frame. The taking assembly includes two book sending and taking assemblies arranged side by side along the X direction. Each book sending and taking assembly includes two first rotating wheels rotatably arranged on the second supporting frame and arranged side by side along the Y direction. The two first rotating wheels are jointly sleeved with a second belt ring, the outer wall of the first rotating wheel is engaged with the inner wall of the second belt ring, and the second supporting frame is fixed with a first motor for rotating the second belt ring. The upper surface wall of the second belt ring is slidably clamped with a clamping plate, the clamping plate can slide along the X direction, and the second belt ring is provided with an electric push rod for moving the clamping plate. The clamping plate is arranged in the Y direction. The second supporting frame is rotatably connected with two second rotating wheels arranged side by side along the Y direction, the axis of the second rotating wheel is along the X direction, the two second rotating wheels are jointly sleeved with a third belt ring, the outer wall of the second rotating wheel is engaged with the inner wall of the third belt ring, and the second supporting frame is fixed with a second motor for rotating the third belt ring. The rear end of the third belt ring along the Y direction is equal in length to the rear end of the second belt ring along the Y direction, the upper surface wall of the third belt ring is equal in height to the upper surface wall of the second belt ring, and the third belt ring is between the two second belt rings.

2. The automated storage shelf with identification function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left-right horizontal moving assembly includes two drive pulleys arranged side by side along the X direction, the distance between the two drive pulleys along the X direction is greater than the distance of the bookshelf body along the X direction, the two drive pulleys are rotatably arranged on the first supporting frame, and the axis of the drive pulley is along the Y direction. The two drive pulleys are jointly sleeved with a first belt ring, the outer wall of the drive pulley is engaged with the inner wall of the first belt ring, and the first supporting frame is fixed with a drive motor for driving the first belt ring to rotate.

3. The automated storage and retrieval shelf with identification function according to claim 1, wherein, The monitoring assembly is two binocular cameras, and the two binocular cameras are respectively fixed on the rear surface wall of the corresponding clamping plate along the Y direction. The monitoring assembly further includes an embedded reader fixed on the upper surface wall of the clamping plate.

4. The automated storage and retrieval shelf with identification function according to claim 1, wherein, The bookshelf body includes a plurality of layers of placing frames arranged from top to bottom, and the bookshelf body is provided with a plurality of groups of proximity switches, each group of proximity switches is arranged one-to-one with a placing frame, and the proximity switches are electrically connected with the control console. The bookshelf body is provided with a plurality of telescopic frames, one end of the telescopic frame is fixedly connected to the bookshelf body, the other end of the telescopic frame is fixed with a baffle for pressing the books, the bookshelf body is fixed with a pressing motor for driving the telescopic frame to extend and retract, and the pressing motor is electrically connected with the control console.

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