A twin column aisle stacker

Abstract

This application relates to the field of warehousing equipment technology and discloses a double-column aisle stacker crane, including columns and fireproof covers. The fireproof covers have an "n"-shaped cross-section, and their width is greater than the width of the cargo box. Fire detection devices are installed on the columns to determine the fire's range, size, and the location of the burning cargo compartment. When the fire spreads to multiple compartments, the stacker crane lifts the fireproof covers, enclosing the burning goods and surrounding potentially affected goods. This double-column aisle stacker crane can store the fireproof covers using storage units. When a fire occurs, it can quickly enclose the burning goods and surrounding goods, isolating them from flames and high temperatures. Simultaneously, because the fireproof covers protrude from the goods, when they cover the burning goods, the sides of the fireproof covers directly contact the spray medium from the sprinkler system, reducing the temperature of the fireproof covers and hindering the spread of high temperatures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of warehousing equipment technology, and in particular to a double-column aisle stacker crane. Background Technology

[0002] Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) are an important technology and facility in modern logistics, playing a crucial role in logistics operations. By making efficient use of vertical space, AS / RS increases storage density and available space in warehouses, thereby achieving more efficient goods storage and management. AS / RS systems are typically used in conjunction with automated equipment (such as stacker cranes and conveyor belts) to enable fast and accurate goods storage and retrieval. This automation improves warehouse efficiency and reduces human error and labor intensity.

[0003] Because of the high storage density of automated warehouses, when a fire breaks out in one place, it can spread to the entire warehouse space in a very short time. At the same time, due to the obstruction of stored objects, the fire extinguishing agents sprayed by the fire sprinkler system cannot reach the fire location in time, which inhibits the effectiveness of the fire protection system and further amplifies the damage caused by the fire. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a double-column aisle stacker crane that, in the event of a fire, can quickly cover the burning goods and surrounding goods with a fire shield, isolating them from flames and high temperatures. The fire shield is equipped with a spray system at both ends to suppress the spread of flames, allowing more time to move and clear the fire point and surrounding goods, thus reducing the threat of fire in densely packed warehouses.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a double-column aisle stacker crane, comprising columns and fire shields, wherein the columns are movably connected to lifting platforms, and the columns have two sets of lifting platforms, wherein the lifting platforms are movably connected to telescopic forks, and the fire shield has an "n" shaped cross section, the width of the fire shield being greater than the width of the cargo box, and the columns are equipped with fire detection devices, which are used to determine the fire range, fire size, and the cargo compartment where the fire occurred. When the fire is small and confined to one cargo compartment, the burning goods are directly moved to a preset open space or a location easily accessible to the fire sprinkler system. When the fire spreads to multiple cargo compartments, the stacker crane lifts the fire shields, so that the fire shields cover the burning goods and the surrounding goods that may be affected by the fire.

[0006] A double-column stacker crane further includes a lifting frame, the lifting frame including a pallet, one end of which is fixedly connected to an upright plate. The length of the pallet is greater than half the width of the storage compartment, and the height of the upright plate is greater than the height of the fireproof cover, but the height difference between the two is not greater than the depth of the bottom space of the cargo pallet. The sum of the thicknesses of the pallet and the telescopic forks is not greater than the depth of the bottom space of the cargo pallet. The upright plate is fixedly connected to a top plate, the length of which is greater than half the length of the fireproof cover.

[0007] Furthermore, the fireproof cover includes a top plate and two side plates, which are respectively located on both sides of the top plate. The top plate and the side plates are movably connected so that multiple fireproof covers can be stacked together.

[0008] Furthermore, the top of the column is provided with a storage component capable of storing fireproof covers. The storage component is connected to the column via a connecting beam, and the storage component can release the fireproof covers one by one.

[0009] Furthermore, the storage component is a horizontal plate, and the connecting beam and the storage component are hinged. A torsion spring is provided between the connecting beam and the storage component. The storage component can rotate upward around the connecting axis between the storage component and the connecting beam. When the storage component rotates downward, it can rotate to the maximum horizontal position and then stop rotating. When the storage component rotates upward, it needs to overcome the torsion spring force. The storage component remains horizontal under the torsion spring force. The distance between the two storage components is greater than the width of the fireproof cover and less than the width of the fireproof cover when it is open.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the fireproof cover is hinged with a lower overlapping plate, which can rotate downwards to achieve folding. A torsion spring is provided between the lower overlapping plate and the side plate, keeping the lower overlapping plate horizontal under the action of the torsion spring. The lower overlapping plate can only rotate to a horizontal position at most. The cargo pallet has a flange corresponding to the lower overlapping plate, or the edge of the cargo pallet is kept empty, keeping the fireproof cover placed on the cargo. After the fireproof cover is placed, when transferring cargo, the fireproof cover can be transferred along with the cargo. In other embodiments, it is also feasible to transfer only the cargo without providing a lower overlapping plate.

[0011] Furthermore, an end plate is hinged to one end of the top plate facing away from the vertical plate, and a pressure rod is hinged to the bottom of the top plate on the side biased towards the support plate. The pressure rod is connected to the end plate through a steel wire rope, and when the pressure rod is pressed, it pulls the end plate through the steel wire rope to make the end plate horizontal. A placement box is provided in the middle of the end plate, and a fire extinguishing ball is placed in the placement box.

[0012] Furthermore, the placement box opens upwards, and a guide plate facing the other side is provided above the placement box.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0014] This application provides a double-column aisle stacker crane that can store fireproof covers through storage components. When a fire occurs, the fireproof covers can quickly cover the burning goods and the goods around the burning goods, isolating the flames and high temperatures. The fireproof covers are equipped with spray systems at both ends to suppress the spread of flames, allowing more time to move and clear the fire point and the goods around it, thus reducing the threat of fire in densely packed warehouses.

[0015] Because the fire shield protrudes from the goods, when the fire shield covers the burning goods, the two sides of the fire shield will come into direct contact with the medium sprayed by the sprinkler system, which reduces the temperature of the fire shield, blocks the spread of high temperature, and allows the sprinkler system to act on the fire location more quickly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments disclosed in this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments disclosed in this application.

[0017] Referring to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, the embodiments disclosed in this application can be understood more clearly, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting frame in this invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fireproof cover box support frame in this invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking of fireproof covers in this invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting beam and storage component in this invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a side view of the fireproof shield in this invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate and top plate in this invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the end plate in this invention.

[0026] In the diagram: 1. Ground rail; 2. Overhead rail; 3. Column; 4. Lifting platform; 5. Telescopic forklift; 6. Fireproof cover; 61. Top plate; 62. Side plate; 63. Lower overlap plate; 64. End plate; 65. Wire rope; 66. Pressure rod; 67. Placement box; 68. Guide plate; 7. Lifting frame; 71. Support plate; 72. Upright plate; 73. Top plate; 8. Connecting beam; 9. Storage component; 10. Placement platform; 11. Fire detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Please see Figure 1 A double-column stacker crane includes a ground rail 1, a top rail 2, and columns 3. Guide structures are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the columns 3 to guide their movement along the ground rail 1 and the top rail 2. At least one end of each column 3 has a drive structure to drive its movement. A lifting platform 4 is movably connected to the columns 3. The columns 3 have two sets of lifting platforms, each with a limit rail on its opposite side. The lifting platform 4 slides on the limit rail to prevent it from tipping over. A winch is mounted on the columns 3, which drives the lifting platform 4 to rise and fall. Telescopic forks 5 are movably connected to the lifting platform 4. The extension and retraction of the telescopic forks 5 moves the goods on them, allowing them to be moved into or out of the rack.

[0030] A double-column aisle stacker crane also includes a fireproof cover 6. The fireproof cover 6 has an "n"-shaped cross-section, meaning both ends are open, so it will not be disturbed by the goods when pushed into the storage compartment. The width of the fireproof cover 6 is greater than the width of the storage compartment. The columns 3 are equipped with fire detection devices 11, which can be infrared thermal imagers. The fire detection devices 11 determine the fire range, fire size, and the storage compartment where the fire is occurring based on the brightness of the image. When the fire is small and confined to one storage compartment, the burning goods are directly moved to a pre-designated open area or a fire sprinkler. The fire sprinkler system is positioned in a location where it can easily reach the fire, preventing the fire from spreading further. When the fire spreads to multiple storage areas, the stacker crane lifts the fire shield 6 to cover the burning goods and other potentially affected goods around the fire, slowing the fire's spread and providing a longer window for optimal fire suppression. Since the fire shield 6 is open at both ends, a sprinkler system can be installed on the uprights 3 or along the movement of the stacker crane. The sprinkler system remains open during a fire, and fire-resistant pallets are used inside the warehouse.

[0031] A double-column stacker crane also includes a lifting frame 7, see below. Figure 2 and Figure 3The lifting frame 7 includes a pallet 71, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the forks. When the forks are double-forked, the pallet 71 is set in two groups; when the forks are single-forked, the pallet 71 is set in one group. One end of the pallet 71 is fixedly connected to a vertical plate 72. The length of the pallet 71 is greater than half the width of the pallet compartment to ensure that the lifting frame 7 does not affect the insertion of the forks into the bottom of the pallet. The height of the vertical plate 72 is higher than the height of the fireproof cover 6, but the height difference between the two is not greater than the depth of the bottom space of the pallet. The bottom space of the pallet refers to the space at the bottom of the pallet for the telescopic forks 5 to be inserted. The sum of the thickness of the pallet 71 and the forks of the telescopic forks 5 is not greater than the depth of the bottom space of the pallet. The depth is greater than the bottom space of the cargo pallet to ensure that the pallet plate 71 and the upright plate 72 can be inserted into the bottom of the cargo pallet. The upright plate 72 is fixedly connected to the top plate 73. The length of the top plate 73 is greater than half the length of the fireproof cover 6, that is, the end of the top plate 73 passes through the center of gravity of the fireproof cover 6 to prevent the fireproof cover 6 from tipping over. When the telescopic fork 5 is raised, the top plate 73 first contacts the fireproof cover 6 and lifts the fireproof cover 6. The telescopic fork 5 indirectly lifts the fireproof cover 6 through the lifting frame 7. That is, while maintaining the existing positioning system, when the telescopic fork 5 is aligned with the corresponding cargo compartment, the fireproof cover 6 is also aligned with the cargo compartment, without the need for an additional positioning system.

[0032] Please see Figure 4 The fireproof cover 6 includes a top plate 61 and two side plates 62. The side plates 62 are respectively disposed on both sides of the top plate 61. The top plate 61 and the side plates 62 are movably connected so that multiple fireproof covers 6 can be stacked together. In this embodiment, the top plate 61 and the side plates 62 are hinged. In other embodiments, the side plates 62 can also be connected to the top plate 61 by means of telescopic rods.

[0033] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 5 The top of the column 3 is equipped with a storage component 9 that can store the fireproof cover 6. The storage component 9 is connected to the column 3 through the connecting beam 8. The storage component 9 can release the fireproof cover 6 one by one. When a fire occurs, the telescopic fork 5 can directly pick up the fireproof cover 6 from the top, saving the time of going to the storage location to pick up the fireproof cover 6.

[0034] The connecting beam 8 and the storage component 9 are hinged, and a torsion spring is provided between them. The storage component 9 can rotate upwards around the connecting axis between the storage component 9 and the connecting beam 8. When the storage component 9 rotates downwards, it rotates to a maximum of horizontal and then stops rotating. When the storage component 9 rotates upwards, it needs to overcome the torsion spring force. The storage component 9 remains horizontal under the torsion spring force. The distance between the two storage components 9 is greater than the width of the fireproof cover 6, but less than the width of the fireproof cover 6 when it is open. When the fireproof covers 6 are stacked, except for the lowest fireproof cover 6, the others are in the open state. The telescopic forks 5 lift the fireproof covers 6 through the lifting frame 7, and then pass through the storage... When placing item 9, the storage item 9 rotates without interfering with the movement of the fireproof cover 6. When the fireproof cover 6 descends with the telescopic fork 5, the bottom fireproof cover 6 can pass freely, while the next bottom fireproof cover 6 is blocked by the storage item 9. When the lifting frame 7 lifts the next bottom fireproof cover 6 again, the fireproof cover 6 retracts under gravity and becomes a state that allows the storage item 9 to pass through. This process is repeated to retrieve one fireproof cover 6 at a time. The fireproof cover 6 and the lifting frame 7 are placed together on the placement platform 10 at one end of the rack. Since the stacker crane may be on either side of the rack, a turntable can be set on the placement platform 10 to facilitate the stacker crane's retrieval.

[0035] Please see Figure 6 The bottom of the fireproof cover 6 is hinged with a lower overlapping plate 63, which can rotate downwards to achieve folding. A torsion spring is provided between the lower overlapping plate 63 and the side plate 62. The lower overlapping plate 63 remains horizontal under the action of the torsion spring, and the lower overlapping plate 63 can only rotate to a horizontal position at most. The cargo pallet has a flange corresponding to the lower overlapping plate 63, or the edge of the cargo pallet is kept empty, keeping the fireproof cover 6 placed on the cargo. After the fireproof cover 6 is placed, when transferring cargo, the fireproof cover 6 can be transferred along with the cargo. In other embodiments, it is also feasible to transfer only the cargo without providing the lower overlapping plate 63.

[0036] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 An end plate 64 is hinged to one end of the top plate 61 facing away from the vertical plate 72. A pressure rod 66 is hinged to the bottom of the top plate 61 on the side opposite to the support plate 71. The pressure rod 66 is connected to the end plate 64 through a steel wire rope 65. When the pressure rod 66 is pressed, it pulls the end plate 64 through the steel wire rope 65, making the end plate 64 horizontal. A placement box 67 is provided in the middle of the end plate 64. A fire extinguishing ball is placed in the placement box 67. When the goods start to burn fiercely, the fire extinguishing ball at one end will be ignited, generating a fire extinguishing medium to suppress the development of the fire.

[0037] The placement box 67 opens upwards, and a guide plate 68 is provided above the placement box 67. The guide plate 68 causes the airflow to blow along the bottom of the top plate 61 to the other side.

[0038] When a fire occurs, the stacker crane responds to the command and arrives at the aisle where the fire is located. Through data analysis of the fire detection device 11, it determines the affected storage compartments and the size of the fire. When the fire involves only one storage compartment, the burning goods are directly moved to the designated location. Along the stacker crane's travel route, the fire sprinkler system is activated, and the extinguishing agent is sprayed directly onto the goods to suppress the fire's spread. When the fire affects multiple storage compartments, the stacker crane lifts the fire shield 6 and the lifting frame 7 on one side of the rack, places the fire shield 6 on the storage unit 9, and pushes the fire shield 6 into the surrounding storage compartments and the storage compartment where the fire occurred. The fire shield 6 can intercept flames and temperature, slowing the fire's spread. After the fire shield 6 is in place, the burning goods are gradually emptied. The fire detection device 11 analyzes the temperature of the target grid. When it exceeds the set threshold, it determines that the pallet of the goods in that storage compartment is damaged and can no longer be moved. Priority is given to moving the surrounding goods to control the fire.

Claims

1. A double-column stacker crane, comprising columns (3), wherein the columns (3) are movably connected to lifting platforms (4), the columns (3) having two sets, and the lifting platforms (4) being movably connected to telescopic forks (5), characterized in that: It also includes a fireproof cover (6), the fireproof cover (6) has an "n" shaped cross section, the width of the fireproof cover (6) is greater than the width of the cargo box, and the column (3) is provided with a fire detection device (11), which is used to determine the fire range, fire size and the cargo compartment where the fire occurred; The fireproof cover (6) includes a top plate (61) and two side plates (62). The side plates (62) are respectively located on both sides of the top plate (61). The top plate (61) and the side plates (62) are movably connected so that multiple fireproof covers (6) can be stacked together. The top of the column (3) is provided with a storage component (9) for storing the fireproof covers (6). The storage component (9) is connected to the column (3) through a connecting beam (8). The storage component (9) can release the fireproof covers (6) one by one. The storage component (9) is a horizontal plate. The connecting beam (8) and the storage component (9) are hinged together. A torsion spring is provided between the connecting beam (8) and the storage component (9). The storage component (9) can rotate upward around the connecting axis of the storage component (9) and the connecting beam (8). When the storage component (9) rotates downward, it rotates to the maximum horizontal position and then stops rotating. When the storage component (9) rotates upward, it needs to overcome the torsion spring force. The storage component (9) remains horizontal under the torsion spring force. The distance between the two storage components (9) is greater than the width of the fireproof cover (6) and less than the width of the fireproof cover (6) when it is open.

2. The double-column stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a lifting frame (7), which includes a pallet (71). One end of the pallet (71) is fixedly connected to a vertical plate (72). The length of the pallet (71) is greater than half the width of the pallet compartment. The height of the vertical plate (72) is higher than the height of the fireproof cover (6), but the height difference between the two is not greater than the depth of the bottom space of the pallet. The sum of the thickness of the pallet (71) and the forks of the telescopic forks (5) is not greater than the depth of the bottom space of the pallet. The vertical plate (72) is fixedly connected to a top plate (73). The length of the top plate (73) is greater than half the length of the fireproof cover (6).

3. A double-column stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the fireproof cover (6) is hinged with a lower overlapping plate (63). The lower overlapping plate (63) can rotate downward to achieve folding. A torsion spring is provided between the lower overlapping plate (63) and the side plate (62). The lower overlapping plate (63) remains horizontal under the action of the torsion spring, and the lower overlapping plate (63) can only rotate to the horizontal position at most. The cargo pallet is provided with a flange corresponding to the lower overlapping plate (63), or the edge of the cargo pallet is kept unloaded, so that the fireproof cover (6) is placed on the cargo.

4. A double-column stacker crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top plate (61) is hinged to an end plate (64) at one end facing away from the vertical plate (72). The bottom of the top plate (61) is hinged to a pressure rod (66) on the side of the support plate (71). The pressure rod (66) is connected to the end plate (64) through a steel wire rope (65). When the pressure rod (66) is pressed, it pulls the end plate (64) through the steel wire rope (65) to make the end plate (64) horizontal. A placement box (67) is provided in the middle of the end plate (64). A fire extinguishing ball is placed in the placement box (67).

5. A double-column stacker crane according to claim 4, characterized in that, The placement box (67) opens upwards, and a guide plate (68) facing the other side is provided above the placement box (67).

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