Automatic equipment for accessing packages based on a stereoscopic rotary warehouse powered by a servo motor

By using a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and servo motor-driven automated parcel retrieval equipment, the problems of low efficiency, high cost, and difficult operation of campus parcel retrieval equipment have been solved, realizing an efficient and low-cost parcel retrieval process.

CN116714936BActive Publication Date: 2026-05-19DALIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
DALIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY
Filing Date
2023-05-18
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing campus parcel pickup equipment suffers from problems such as low pickup efficiency, high maintenance costs, and high operational difficulties, especially when there are many people, resulting in long waiting times and high labor costs.

Method used

The automated parcel retrieval equipment, based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by servo motors, includes multiple sets of retrieval equipment, a three-dimensional rotating warehouse, belt conveyors, and parcel retrieval devices. It utilizes pushing, receiving, and unloading mechanisms to quickly retrieve parcels, and combines servo motor drive and chain gear meshing to reduce costs and complexity.

Benefits of technology

It improves retrieval efficiency, reduces maintenance and operating costs, reduces manual operation, makes full use of space, adapts to the needs of warehouses of different sizes, and reduces equipment complexity and weight.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN116714936B_ABST
    Figure CN116714936B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application provides a kind of access package automatic equipment based on stereoscopic rotary warehouse to servo motor power, including multiple sets of taking equipment in fast indoor, the taking equipment includes belt conveyor, stereoscopic rotary warehouse and taking device;The stereoscopic rotary warehouse is provided with multiple windows, and the window is used to store package;The taking device includes pushing mechanism, receiving mechanism and unloading mechanism, and the pushing mechanism and the receiving mechanism are respectively connected with lifting mechanism;The package in the window is pushed to the receiving mechanism by the pushing mechanism, and the receiving mechanism is lowered to the unloading mechanism to deliver the package to the unloading mechanism, and the package falls into the belt conveyor by the unloading mechanism.The application has the advantages of multiple storage space, convenient taking, low preparation cost, easy implementation and promotion.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of parcel retrieval technology, specifically to an automated parcel storage and retrieval device based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor. Background Technology

[0002] The existing parcel pickup machines on campus are mainly in the form of self-service parcel lockers or storage racks. Although self-service parcel lockers and storage racks have solved the problem of pickup and delivery in traditional express delivery to a certain extent, they inevitably have many problems.

[0003] Low package retrieval efficiency: With only one machine available, packages at a time can only be retrieved one at a time. Furthermore, if one person retrieves their package individually from the locker, others around them must wait a considerable amount of time. Placing packages on storage shelves for consumers to find and retrieve themselves is even more time-consuming, often resulting in long queues during peak hours. Currently, with the increasing number of packages, labor costs at campus courier stations are constantly rising. Staff need to frequently perform repetitive package retrieval tasks, leading to long queues, delivery errors, and other problems.

[0004] High maintenance costs: The machines and electronic components of self-service parcel lockers require frequent maintenance and updates, resulting in higher costs than traditional parcel delivery. While warehouse-style parcel lockers do not require technical maintenance and updates, they consume more of the consumer's time, leading to wasted time and reduced manpower at the parcel locker stations.

[0005] High operational difficulty: Compared to traditional express delivery, self-service parcel lockers require more manpower and resources for operation and maintenance, which may make it difficult for some small businesses to sustain long-term operations. Similarly, warehouse racking also requires more human resources for complex and tedious tasks such as retrieving and placing parcels. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical issues, an automated parcel storage and retrieval device powered by a servo motor based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse is provided.

[0007] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0008] The automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor is characterized by including multiple sets of retrieval equipment located in a rapid indoor area, wherein the retrieval equipment includes a belt conveyor, a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and a retrieval device.

[0009] The automated rotating warehouse includes an automated warehouse and a warehouse drive mechanism. The automated warehouse has a retrieval space at its center, and multiple windows are provided on its circumferential side walls. The windows are used to store packages and are open-ended, with the external space of the windows communicating with the retrieval space. The warehouse drive mechanism is located at the bottom of the automated warehouse and is used to drive the automated warehouse to rotate around its axis.

[0010] The part-retrieving device includes a part-pushing mechanism, a part-receiving mechanism, and a part-unloading mechanism, and the part-pushing mechanism and the part-receiving mechanism are respectively connected to a lifting mechanism;

[0011] The pushing mechanism and its connected lifting mechanism are located outside the three-dimensional rotating warehouse; the receiving mechanism and its connected lifting mechanism are located inside the retrieval space; the unloading mechanism is located at the bottom of the retrieval space, and its outlet end is located at the top of the belt conveyor; the pushing mechanism pushes the package in the window to the receiving mechanism, and the receiving mechanism descends to the unloading mechanism to transfer the package to the unloading mechanism, and the package falls into the belt conveyor by the unloading mechanism, and the transport endpoint of the belt conveyor is located at the entrance of the express room.

[0012] Preferably, the warehouse drive mechanism includes a turntable mounted on a support and rotatably connected to the support. A first chain is fixed on the outer wall of the turntable, and a first drive motor is located next to the chain. A first gear that meshes with the first chain is provided on the output shaft of the first drive motor.

[0013] Preferably, the pushing mechanism includes a cylinder mounted on its corresponding lifting mechanism.

[0014] Preferably, the receiving mechanism includes a plurality of first support rods mounted on the corresponding lifting mechanism. The first support rods are horizontally arranged, and there is a first gap between two adjacent first support rods. The unloading mechanism includes a plurality of second support rods. The second support rods are inclined, with their lower ends serving as the unloading ends. There is a second gap between two adjacent second support rods, and the first and second support rods are staggered. The second gap allows the first support rods to pass through. When the first support rod carrying the package descends to the second support rod, the first support rod passes through the second gap, the package falls onto the second support rod, and slides down onto the belt conveyor.

[0015] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes a vertically arranged column, on which a movable block is provided that moves along the column. The movable block is used to cooperate with the receiving mechanism or the pushing mechanism. Sprockets are fixed at the upper and lower parts of the column, and the two sprockets are connected by a second chain. One of the sprockets is connected to a second servo motor that drives its rotation. The movable block is fixed to the second chain.

[0016] Preferably, the movable block includes a pulley retainer and at least one set of pulleys installed in the pulley retainer. The pulley set includes two V-shaped pulleys arranged opposite each other. The cross-section of the column is square, and the two V-shaped pulleys are respectively located at two opposite edges of the column.

[0017] Preferably, when the pushing mechanism moves to the window, it is higher than the bottom plate of the window, so that the pushing mechanism does not scrape against the window.

[0018] Preferably, the tops of the two columns are fixed together by a crossbeam.

[0019] Preferably, the three-dimensional rotating warehouses of two adjacent sets of picking equipment are staggered.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. This invention increases pickup efficiency by setting up multiple pickup devices inside the express delivery room.

[0022] 2. This invention utilizes a three-dimensional rotating warehouse with a three-dimensional design to make full use of space. It features a large number of storage windows and a small footprint. Moreover, it simplifies the storage of express packages, eliminating the need for separate enclosed spaces and door opening / closing devices. It is low-cost, easy to maintain and clean, and has a rotating feature that allows packages to be picked up to be rotated to the side corresponding to the pushing mechanism, facilitating the operation of the pushing mechanism.

[0023] 3. The package is quickly retrieved using a pushing mechanism, a receiving mechanism, and a unloading mechanism, which improves retrieval efficiency and avoids manual operation.

[0024] 4. It uses servo motors for driving, has fewer electronic components, lower maintenance costs, and is easy to operate for small businesses.

[0025] 5. The present invention allows the removed packages to slide down onto a belt conveyor due to the characteristics of the inclined plane, thereby reducing one picking mechanism and reducing costs.

[0026] 6. This invention employs a first chain meshing with a first gear, replacing the traditional gear and rack meshing method. This reduces costs, as rack manufacturing is more complex, and different racks are required for warehouses of different sizes. The chain method eliminates this issue; if the size increases, only chain links need to be added, without needing to remanufacture the rack. It also offers significant advantages in applications with large working radii, primarily due to lower cost, lighter weight, simpler manufacturing process, greater adaptability, and replaceable parts.

[0027] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely applied in fields such as express delivery and pickup. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a top view of an automated parcel storage and retrieval device powered by a servo motor, based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the picking-up device in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a front view of the warehouse drive mechanism in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top view of the warehouse drive mechanism in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the lifting mechanism in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pulley retainer and V-shaped pulley structure in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a top view of the receiving mechanism and the unloading mechanism in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In the picture:

[0037] 1. Automated rotating warehouse; 11. Automated warehouse; 111. Retrieval space; 112. Window; 12. Warehouse drive mechanism; 121. Turntable; 122. First chain; 123. First drive motor; 124. First gear;

[0038] 2. Belt conveyor;

[0039] 3. Picking device; 31. Pushing mechanism; 32. Receiving mechanism; 321. First support rod; 33. Unloading mechanism; 331. Second support rod; 34. Lifting mechanism; 341. Column; 342. Second chain; 343. Pulley retainer; 344. V-shaped pulley; 345. Crossbeam; 346. Second servo motor;

[0040] 4. Bracket. Detailed Implementation

[0041] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments 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, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. 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.

[0043] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0048] like Figures 1-7 As shown, the automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor includes multiple sets of retrieval equipment located in the express delivery room (not shown). The retrieval equipment includes a three-dimensional rotating warehouse 1, a belt conveyor 2, a retrieval device 3, and a support 4; the three-dimensional rotating warehouses 1 of two adjacent sets of retrieval equipment are staggered.

[0049] The three-dimensional rotating warehouse 1 includes a three-dimensional warehouse 11 and a warehouse drive mechanism 12. The three-dimensional warehouse 11 has a retrieval space 111 at its center, and multiple windows 112 are provided on its circumferential sidewalls. The windows 112 are used to store packages and are through-type, with the external space of the windows 112 communicating with the retrieval space 111. The warehouse drive mechanism 12 is located at the bottom of the three-dimensional warehouse 11 and is used to drive the three-dimensional warehouse 11 to rotate around its axis. The warehouse drive mechanism 12 includes a turntable 121 mounted on a support 4 and rotatably connected to the support 4. A first chain 122 is fixed on the outer wall of the turntable 121, and a first drive motor 123 is provided next to the chain 122. A first gear 124 that meshes with the first chain 122 is provided on the output shaft of the first drive motor 123.

[0050] The part-retrieving device 3 includes a pushing mechanism 31, a receiving mechanism 32, and a discharging mechanism 33, and the pushing mechanism 31 and the receiving mechanism 32 are respectively connected to a lifting mechanism 34;

[0051] The lifting mechanism 34 includes a vertically arranged column 341, on which a movable block is provided that moves along the column 341. The movable block is used to connect with the receiving mechanism 31 or the pushing mechanism 32. Sprockets are fixed to the upper and lower parts of the column 341, and the two sprockets are connected by a second chain 342. One of the sprockets is connected to a second servo motor 346 that drives its rotation. The movable block is fixed to the second chain. The movable block includes a pulley retainer 343 and two sets of pulleys installed within the pulley retainer 343. Each pulley set includes two opposing V-shaped pulleys 344. The column 341 has a square cross-section, and the two V-shaped pulleys 344 are located at two opposite edges of the column 341. The tops of the two columns 341 are fixed together by a crossbeam 345.

[0052] The pushing mechanism 31 is a cylinder mounted on the pulley holder 343 of the corresponding lifting mechanism 34. The pushing mechanism 31 and the lifting mechanism 34 connected to it are located outside the three-dimensional rotating warehouse 1; when the pushing mechanism 31 moves to the window, it is higher than the bottom plate of the window 112, so that the pushing mechanism 31 does not scrape against the window 112.

[0053] The receiving mechanism 32 and the lifting mechanism 34 connected thereto are located within the receiving space 111; the receiving mechanism 32 includes a plurality of first support rods 321 installed on the pulley holder 343 of the corresponding lifting mechanism 34, the first support rods 321 are horizontally arranged and there is a first gap between two adjacent first support rods 321.

[0054] The unloading mechanism 33 is located at the bottom of the picking space. The unloading mechanism 33 includes a plurality of second support rods 331. The second support rods 331 are inclined and their lower ends are the output ends, located at the top of the belt conveyor 2. There is a second gap between two adjacent second support rods 331, and the first support rods 321 and the second support rods 331 are staggered. The second gap allows the first support rods 321 to pass through. The first support rods 321 and the second support rods 331 are made of stainless steel, have a circular cross-section, and have polished surfaces to make them sufficiently smooth.

[0055] In operation: Users can identify the package to be picked up by scanning a QR code or by selecting a serial number (not the focus of this invention and will not be described in detail). After receiving the signal, the first servo motor rotates the package to be picked up to the side facing the pushing mechanism 31. The pushing mechanism 31 and the receiving mechanism 32 are opposite each other. Two second servo motors 346 drive the pushing mechanism 31 and the receiving mechanism 32 to be positioned on both sides of the window 112 where the package is to be picked up. The pushing mechanism 31 pushes the package in the window 112 onto the first support light rod 321. The first support light rod 321, driven by its corresponding lifting mechanism 34, descends to the second support light rod 331. When the package is transferred to the second support light rod 331, the first support light rod 321 passes through the second gap, and the package falls onto the second support light rod 332 and slides down onto the belt conveyor 2. The belt conveyor 2 then transports the package to its end point, which is located at the entrance of the express room, completing the pickup process.

[0056] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention 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; and these 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 the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated parcel storage and retrieval device based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor, characterized in that... It includes multiple sets of retrieval equipment located in a rapid indoor area, the retrieval equipment including belt conveyors, automated rotary warehouses and retrieval devices; The automated rotating warehouse includes an automated warehouse and a warehouse drive mechanism. The automated warehouse has a retrieval space at its center, and multiple windows are provided on its circumferential side walls. The windows are used to store packages and are open-ended, with the external space of the windows communicating with the retrieval space. The warehouse drive mechanism is located at the bottom of the automated warehouse and is used to drive the automated warehouse to rotate around its axis. The part-retrieving device includes a part-pushing mechanism, a part-receiving mechanism, and a part-unloading mechanism, and the part-pushing mechanism and the part-receiving mechanism are respectively connected to a lifting mechanism; The pushing mechanism and its connected lifting mechanism are located outside the three-dimensional rotating warehouse; the receiving mechanism and its connected lifting mechanism are located inside the retrieval space; the unloading mechanism is located at the bottom of the retrieval space, and its outlet end is located at the top of the belt conveyor; the pushing mechanism pushes the package in the window to the receiving mechanism, and the receiving mechanism descends to the unloading mechanism to transfer the package to the unloading mechanism, and the package falls into the belt conveyor by the unloading mechanism, and the transportation endpoint of the belt conveyor is located at the entrance of the express room; The warehouse drive mechanism includes a turntable mounted on a support and rotatably connected to the support. A first chain is fixed on the outer wall of the turntable, and a first drive motor is located next to the chain. A first gear that meshes with the first chain is provided on the output shaft of the first drive motor. The receiving mechanism includes a plurality of first support optical rods installed on the corresponding lifting mechanism. The first support optical rods are horizontally arranged and there is a first gap between two adjacent first support optical rods. The unloading mechanism includes a plurality of second support optical rods. The second support optical rods are inclined and their lower ends are the unloading ends. There is a second gap between two adjacent second support optical rods. The first support optical rods and the second support optical rods are staggered. The second gap allows the first support optical rods to pass through. When the first support rod carrying the package descends to the second support rod, the first support rod passes through the second gap, the package falls onto the second support rod, and slides down onto the belt conveyor.

2. The automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes a cylinder mounted on its corresponding lifting mechanism.

3. The automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism includes a vertically arranged column, on which a movable block is provided that moves along the column. The movable block is used to cooperate with the receiving mechanism or the pushing mechanism. Sprockets are fixed at the upper and lower parts of the column, and the two sprockets are connected by a second chain. One of the sprockets is connected to a second servo motor that drives its rotation. The movable block is fixed to the second chain.

4. The automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The movable block includes a pulley retainer and at least one set of pulleys installed in the pulley retainer. The pulley set includes two V-shaped pulleys arranged opposite each other. The cross-section of the column is square, and the two V-shaped pulleys are respectively located at two opposite edges of the column.

5. The automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The tops of the two columns are fixed together by a crossbeam.

6. The automated parcel storage and retrieval equipment based on a three-dimensional rotating warehouse and powered by a servo motor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The three-dimensional rotating warehouses of two adjacent sets of picking equipment are staggered.