A bidirectional blocking device and blocking method for an automated warehouse lifting platform

Abstract

This invention discloses a bidirectional blocking device and method for a lifting platform in an automated warehouse, comprising an automated rack, a lifting platform, travel tracks, and shuttle cars. The automated rack has several sets of shuttle car entry tracks evenly spaced from bottom to top. The lifting platform can be raised and lowered to connect with the shuttle car entry tracks on each level. In the connected state, the shuttle cars can travel from the shuttle car entry tracks to the lifting platform, and vice versa. An A mounting beam is provided on the side of the lifting platform closest to the automated rack. A B mounting beam is provided at the lower part of each shuttle car entry track near the lifting platform. Units A and B are installed on the A mounting beam and the B mounting beam. Units A on the A mounting beam cooperate with units B on the B mounting beam, and units A on the B mounting beam cooperate with units B on the A mounting beam. This allows for automatic release of the bidirectional limiting device when the lifting platform connects with the rack track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent warehousing technology, and more specifically, it is a bidirectional blocking device and blocking method for a lifting platform of an automated warehouse. Background Technology

[0002] When traditional automated warehouses connect their lifting platforms to the racking tracks, they often rely on complex sensor systems to prevent shuttles from falling off. This involves deploying sensor arrays in the track connection area to monitor the shuttle's position in real time and triggering the braking mechanism via electrical signals. However, sensors are susceptible to environmental interference, leading to false triggering or response delays. Especially during high-frequency track-changing operations, signal transmission delays in the sensor system can cause limit switches to move asynchronously with the shuttle's movement, failing to meet the real-time requirements of high-speed warehousing. Furthermore, there is a lack of physical redundancy protection when sensors fail; when there is a height difference between the platform and the racking tracks, the sensors cannot form an effective physical barrier, posing a risk of falls from heights. Moreover, multi-level tracks require numerous sensor arrays, resulting in complex wiring and high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a bidirectional blocking device and blocking method for a lifting platform of an automated warehouse, which can automatically release the bidirectional limit when the lifting platform is connected to the rack track; and automatically form a physical block when connected; and the shuttle car always maintains single-sided protection during the lifting and lowering of the platform. At the same time, it constructs a bidirectional interlocking mechanism that does not require external power, solving the problems of slow response and complicated maintenance of traditional devices.

[0004] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a bidirectional blocking device and blocking method for a lifting platform in an automated warehouse, comprising an automated rack, a lifting platform, a travel track, and shuttle cars. The automated rack is equidistantly arranged with several sets of shuttle car entry tracks from bottom to top. The lifting platform can be raised and lowered to connect with the shuttle car entry tracks of each layer. In the connected state, the shuttle cars can travel from the shuttle car entry tracks to the lifting platform, and vice versa. An A mounting beam is provided on the side of the lifting platform closest to the automated rack. A B mounting beam is provided at the lower part of each shuttle car entry track on the side closest to the lifting platform. An A unit and a B unit are installed on the A mounting beam, and an A unit and a B unit are installed on the B mounting beam. The A unit on the A mounting beam cooperates with the B unit on the B mounting beam, and the A unit on the B mounting beam cooperates with the B unit on the A mounting beam.

[0005] When the A unit and B unit, which cooperate with each other, are staggered in height, the A unit on the A mounting beam prevents the shuttle car from sliding horizontally out of the lifting platform, and the A unit on the B mounting beam prevents the shuttle car from sliding horizontally out of the track on which the shuttle car enters.

[0006] When the cooperative units A and B overlap in height, unit B drives the cooperative unit A to move, causing unit A to release its function of preventing the shuttle from sliding out.

[0007] Furthermore, Unit A includes a fixed base and a vertically asymmetrical rotating body. The fixed base is equipped with a bearing, and the rotating body is rotatably fitted onto the fixed base via the bearing, with the center of mass of the rotating body located below the bearing. When the mutually cooperating Unit A and Unit B are staggered in height, the rotating body always remains vertically upward.

[0008] Furthermore, the rotating body includes a smaller, slender end located above the bearing and a larger, wider end located below the bearing. The smaller end has a waist-shaped weight-reducing groove, and the larger end is equipped with a counterweight. The combined effect of the weight-reducing groove and the counterweight allows the center of gravity of the rotating body to be located at the larger end below the bearing.

[0009] Furthermore, the platform is equipped with a transition track, which can connect with the tracks into which each shuttle car enters. In the connected state, the travel surface of the shuttle car entering the track is coplanar with the travel surface of the transition track.

[0010] Furthermore, when the mutually cooperating Unit A and Unit B are staggered in height, the top of the rotating body installed on the A mounting beam is higher than the travel surface of the transition track, and the top of the rotating body installed on the B mounting beam is higher than the travel surface of the shuttle entering the track.

[0011] Furthermore, Unit B includes a drive block and a mounting base. A collision block is provided on either the left or right edge of the larger end of the rotating body. The drive block of the rotating drive assembly is provided corresponding to the collision block and is installed on the lifting platform or the shuttle car entry track through the mounting base. During the process of the lifting platform docking with the shuttle car entry track of the three-dimensional rack through the lifting mechanism, the drive block of the rotating drive assembly contacts the collision block and drives the rotating body of Unit A to rotate around the bearing until the top of the rotating body of each Unit A is lower than the travel surface of the transition track or the travel surface of the shuttle car entry track.

[0012] Furthermore, magnets are provided on the sides of the fixed base and the rotating body of Unit A that are close to each other. After the driving block of Unit B separates from the collision block on the rotating body, the attraction between the two magnets can prevent the rotating body from swinging under the action of inertia.

[0013] Furthermore, a blocking method for a two-way blocking device used in an automated warehouse lifting platform:

[0014] Initially, unit A on mounting beam B is vertical, and unit A prevents the shuttle from falling off the current shuttle entry track. When the shuttle needs to move to the upper or lower shuttle entry track for transport work, the lifting platform rises or falls to the docking position with the current shuttle entry track via the lifting mechanism. During the docking process, both units B simultaneously drive both units A to rotate around their own bearings until the tops of both units A are lower than the travel surface of the docked shuttle entry track and the travel surface of the transition track on the lifting platform. This prevents units A from blocking the shuttle from moving from the current shuttle entry track to the lifting platform after docking. During the process of the lifting platform raising or lowering the shuttle with the lifting mechanism, unit A on mounting beam A remains vertical, and unit A prevents the shuttle from falling off the lifting platform.

[0015] Beneficial Effects: The present invention provides a bidirectional blocking device and method for a lifting platform in an automated warehouse. This device utilizes a gravity-magnetic composite drive mechanism to automatically release bidirectional limits when the lifting platform docks with the rack track. It employs an asymmetrical rotating main body and a magnetically stabilized structure, automatically forming a physical blockage in the docked state. Furthermore, the shuttle maintains single-sided protection throughout the platform's lifting and lowering process, while simultaneously constructing a bidirectional interlocking mechanism that requires no external power. The gravity self-resetting characteristic ensures absolute limiting in the non-docked state, and the rotating main body's center-of-gravity design keeps the blocking part vertical. Synchronous rotation is triggered by the collision of the drive block during track docking, achieving seamless connection between the two tracks. The magnetic assembly effectively suppresses inertial sway, improving system stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the bidirectional blocking device in the descent state of the lifting platform;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the bidirectional blocking device in the rising state of the lifting platform;

[0018] Figure 3 Here is a schematic diagram of Unit A:

[0019] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of unit A structure assembly:

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the B unit structure;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lateral assembly of Unit A;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between unit A and unit B;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of unit A in the second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a side view of unit A in the second embodiment;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a side view of Unit A in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] like Figures 1-2 As shown, a bidirectional blocking device and its blocking method for a lifting platform in an automated warehouse include an automated rack 1, a lifting platform 2, a travel track, and shuttle cars 6. The automated rack 1 has several sets of shuttle car entry tracks 5 evenly spaced from bottom to top. The first shuttle car entry track 5 closest to the ground on the automated rack 1 is designated as the first-level shuttle car entry track 5.1, and the other shuttle car entry tracks 5 on the automated rack 1 are designated from bottom to top as the second-level shuttle car entry track 5.2, the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3, and so on, up to the first shuttle car entry track 5.n furthest from the ground on the automated rack 1. Vertically overlapping shuttle car lifting areas (not shown in the diagram) are provided at the same positions on each level of shuttle car entry track 5 on the automated rack 1. The vertically stacked shuttle car lifting areas, forming a vertical lifting channel (not shown in the diagram), are equipped with a lifting mechanism (not shown in the diagram) capable of vertical lifting. The lifting platform 2 is slidably fitted in the lifting track of the lifting mechanism, and a transition track 26 is provided on the lifting platform 2. In the docking state, the travel surface of the transition track 26 is at the same horizontal plane as the travel surface of the shuttle car entering track 5. When the lifting platform 2 is vertically lifted relative to the three-dimensional rack 1 by the lifting device to dock with any layer of the shuttle car entering track 5, the shuttle car 6 can travel from the shuttle car entering track 5 to the transition track 26, or the shuttle car 6 can travel from the lifting platform 2 to the shuttle car entering track 5. The lifting and docking process of the lifting platform 2 is as follows:

[0028] In the initial state, the lifting platform 2 is docked with the first-level shuttle car entry track 5.1. When the lifting platform 2 is lifted from the first-level shuttle car entry track 5.1 to the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3 by the lifting device, during the lifting process, the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2 docks sequentially with the second-level shuttle car entry track 5.2 and the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3. Before the lifting platform 2 docks with the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3, the lifting speed of the lifting platform 2 does not decrease, that is, the lifting platform 2 immediately separates after docking with the second-level shuttle car entry track 5.2. When the lifting platform 2 is docked with the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3, the shuttle car 6 on the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3 can move from the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3 to the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2, or the shuttle car 6 on the lifting platform 2 can move from the transition track 26 to the third-level shuttle car entry track 5.3.

[0029] The lifting platform 2 is provided with an A mounting beam 7 on the side near the three-dimensional rack 1. Each shuttle car entering the track 5 is provided with a B mounting beam 8 on the lower part of the side near the lifting platform 2. The A mounting beam 7 is equipped with an A unit 3 and a B unit 4. The B mounting beam 8 is equipped with an A unit 3 and a B unit 4. The A unit 3 on the A mounting beam 7 cooperates with the B unit 4 on the B mounting beam 8. The A unit 3 on the B mounting beam 8 cooperates with the B unit 4 on the A mounting beam 8.

[0030] When the cooperating units A3 and B4 are staggered in height, the upper end of unit A3 on the A mounting beam 7 is higher than the lower end of the shuttle car 6 traveling on the transition track 26, and unit A3 on the A mounting beam 7 prevents the shuttle car 6 from sliding horizontally off the lifting platform 2; the upper end of unit A3 on the B mounting beam 8 is higher than the lower end of the shuttle car 6 traveling on the shuttle car entry track 5, and unit A3 on the B mounting beam 8 prevents the shuttle car 6 from sliding horizontally off the shuttle car entry track 5; that is, when the lifting platform 2 moves between the layers of each shuttle car entry track 5 of the three-dimensional rack 1 through the lifting mechanism or stops at a non-connecting position, unit A3 on the B mounting beam 8 prevents the shuttle car 6 from sliding horizontally off the lifting platform 2 or the shuttle car entry track 4. Abnormal movement on track 5: When a shuttle 6 on a certain level of shuttle 6 needs to be transferred to another level of shuttle 6 via the lifting platform 2, before the lifting platform 2 is fully connected to the shuttle 6 on the shuttle 5, unit A 3 on the B mounting beam 8 on the shuttle 6's shuttle 5 prevents the shuttle 6 from moving onto the lifting platform 2 on that level of shuttle 6 after receiving an incorrect command, thus preventing the shuttle 6 from falling from the automated rack 1 to the ground due to receiving an incorrect command; unit A 3 on the A mounting beam 7 can prevent the shuttle 6 from abnormally moving on the lifting platform, thus preventing the shuttle 6 from falling from the lifting platform 2 to the ground due to receiving an incorrect command.

[0031] When the cooperative units A3 and B4 overlap in height, unit B4 drives the cooperative unit A3 to move, causing unit A3 to release its function of preventing the shuttle car 6 from sliding out; that is, when the hoisting platform 2 connects with any layer of shuttle car entry track 5, unit A3 is below the travel surface of shuttle car entry track 5 and the travel surface of transition track 26, and the shuttle car 6 can travel from shuttle car entry track 5 to transition track 26, or the shuttle car 6 can travel from hoisting platform 2 to shuttle car entry track 5.

[0032] like Figures 3-4As shown, Unit A 3 includes a fixed base 9 and a vertically asymmetrical rotating body 10. The rotating body 10 is rotatably fitted onto the fixed base 9 via a bearing 19, and the center of mass of the rotating body 10 is located below the bearing 19. In the absence of external force, i.e., in the unconnected state, the rotating body 10 always remains vertically upward. When the cooperating Unit A 3 and Unit B 4 are staggered in height, the rotating body 10 always remains vertically upward. Unit A 3 on the A mounting beam 7 can prevent the shuttle 6 from receiving erroneous commands. After receiving an incorrect command, the shuttle car 6 will travel from the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2 to the shuttle car entry track 5, thus preventing the shuttle car 6 from falling from the lifting platform 2 to the ground due to receiving an incorrect command. The top of the rotating body 10 in unit A 3 installed on the B mounting beam 8 is higher than the travel surface of the shuttle car entry track 5. Unit A 3 on the B mounting beam 8 prevents the shuttle car 6 from traveling from the shuttle car entry track 5 on this layer to the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2 after receiving an incorrect command, thus preventing the shuttle car 6 from falling from the three-dimensional rack 1 to the ground due to receiving an incorrect command.

[0033] The rotating body 10 includes a slender, smaller end 13 located above the bearing 19 and a wider, shorter end 14 located below the bearing 19. The larger end 14 and the smaller end 13 are integrally connected. A waist-shaped weight-reducing groove 15 is formed on the smaller end 13, and a counterweight 12 is installed on the larger end 14. The combined action of the weight-reducing groove 15 and the counterweight 12 ensures that the center of gravity of the rotating body 10 is located at the larger end 14 below the bearing 19; thus ensuring that the smaller end 13 remains vertically upward when the rotating body 10 is only subjected to its own weight. To ensure that the upper end of the smaller end 13 is always higher than the travel surface of the shuttle car entering the track 5 and the travel surface of the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2 without external force, the smaller end 13 of the rotating body 10 can make side limit contact with the shuttle car 6 when the shuttle car 6 on the shuttle car entering the track 5 or the shuttle car 6 on the lifting platform 2 receives an incorrect command and travels along the travel surface of the shuttle car entering the track 5 or the travel surface of the transition track 26, thereby preventing the shuttle car 6 from falling to the ground from the three-dimensional rack 1 or the lifting platform 2 due to receiving an incorrect command.

[0034] The side of the larger end 14 away from the smaller end 13 has an arc-shaped profile, which can effectively reduce the impact of unit A 3 on the handling of goods on the lower level.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, it also includes Unit B 4, which includes a drive block 16 and a mounting base 17. A collision block 11 is provided on either side of the larger end 14 of the rotating body 10. The drive block 16 of Unit B 4 is positioned corresponding to the collision block 11 and is mounted on the lifting platform 2 or each shuttle car entry track 5 via the mounting base 17. Specifically, the drive block 16 is mounted on the side of the lifting platform 2 near each shuttle car entry track 5 relative to the collision block 11 via the mounting base 17, or the drive block 16 is mounted on the side of each shuttle car entry track 5 near the lifting platform 2 relative to the collision block 11 via the mounting base 17. The lifting platform 2 interacts with each shuttle car entry track 1 via the lifting mechanism. During the docking process of the shuttle car entering track 5, the drive blocks 16 of the two B units 4 respectively contact the collision blocks 11 of the cooperating A unit 3, and drive the corresponding rotating body 10 to rotate around the bearing 19 until the upper end of the smaller end 13 of the corresponding rotating body 10 rotates to below the travel surface of the shuttle car entering track 5 and the travel surface of the transition track 26; thereby avoiding the rotating body 10 from preventing the shuttle car 6 from moving from the shuttle car entering track 5 to the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2 after docking with the shuttle car entering track 5, or the rotating body 10 from preventing the shuttle car 6 from moving from the transition track 26 on the lifting platform 2 to the shuttle car entering track 5.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, magnets 18 are provided on the side of the fixed base 9 of unit A 3 and the rotating body 10 that are close to each other. After the driving block 16 of unit B 4 separates from the collision block 11 on the rotating body 10, the attraction between the two magnets 18 can prevent the rotating body 10 from swinging under the action of inertia.

[0037] In the initial state, unit 3 on mounting beam 7 is in a vertical state, unit 3 on mounting beam 8 is in a vertical state, and unit 3 can prevent shuttle 6 from falling off the end of the track 5 where the current shuttle has entered.

[0038] like Figure 1 and 7As shown, a blocking method for a bidirectional blocking device for an automated warehouse lifting platform is as follows: When the shuttle 6 needs to proceed to the upper or lower level shuttle entry track 5 for transport work, the lifting platform 2 is raised or lowered by the lifting mechanism to the docking position of the current shuttle 6 on the shuttle entry track 5. During the docking process between the lifting platform 2 and the shuttle entry track 5, the drive block 16 in unit 4 on the B mounting beam 8 impacts the impact block 11 in unit 3 on the A mounting beam 7, causing unit 3 on the A mounting beam 7 to rotate around its own bearing 19 until the top of unit 3 on the A mounting beam 7 is lower than the travel surface of the shuttle entry track 5 and the lifting surface of the lifting platform 2 in the docking state; at the same time, the drive block 16 in unit 4 on the A mounting beam 7 impacts the B mounting beam. The impact block 11 of unit A3 on the B mounting beam 8 causes unit A3 on the B mounting beam 8 to rotate around its own bearing 19 until the top of unit A3 on the B mounting beam 8 is lower than the travel surface of the shuttle car entering the track 5 and the lifting surface of the lifting platform 2 in the docking state. This prevents unit A3 on the A mounting beam 7 and B mounting beam 8 from blocking the shuttle car 6 from traveling from the current shuttle car entering the track 5 to the lifting platform 2 after docking. After docking is completed, when unit A3 and unit B4 are no longer in contact, unit A3 quickly rotates around the bearing 19 to a vertical state under the action of magnet 18. During the process of the lifting platform 2 raising or lowering the shuttle car 6 through the lifting mechanism, unit A3 on the A mounting beam 7 is in a vertical state, and unit A3 can prevent the shuttle car 6 from falling off the lifting platform 2.

[0039] The A unit 3 is also equipped with a rotation speed detection device. This device detects the rotational angle of the rotating body 10 of the A unit 3 relative to the bearing 19 per second. When the rotation speed detection device detects that the rotational angle of the rotating body 10 of the A unit 3 relative to the bearing 19 is too large per second, it indicates that the lifting speed of the lifting platform 2 is abnormal, and there is a problem with the lifting mechanism driving the lifting platform 2. For example, when the lifting platform 2 is at a high position, a malfunction in the lifting mechanism may cause the lifting platform 2 to fall freely. The lifting platform 2 is also equipped with an alarm device. The rotation speed detection device is signal-linked to the alarm device. When the rotational amount detected by the rotation speed detection device exceeds a preset value, the rotation speed detection device triggers the alarm device to issue an alarm.

[0040] The above content is the first embodiment of this solution. In the first embodiment, although magnets 18 are provided on the side of the fixed seat 9 and the rotating body 10 of unit A 3 that are close to each other, thus solving the problem that unit A 3 swings back and forth due to inertia after unit A 3 and unit B 4 are released from contact, the goods stored on the three-dimensional shelf 1 often change, and the presence of magnets 18 increases the degree of collision between unit B 4 and unit A 3 under the drive of the lifting platform 2. This causes the goods on the shuttle 6 carrying goods on the lifting platform 2 to vibrate, and the above vibration will occur every time the lifting platform 2 rises or falls one layer. If the goods on the shuttle 6 are fragile, the above vibration will cause damage to the goods. In view of the above problems, this solution proposes a second embodiment.

[0041] like Figures 8-9 As shown, a rotating shaft 20 is vertically arranged on the fixed base 9, and the bearing 19 on the rotating body 10 is slidably sleeved on the rotating shaft 20 along the same axis. The rotating body 10 can adjust the interaction force between the two magnets 18 by sliding the bearing 19 along the length direction of the rotating shaft 20.

[0042] A sliding adjustment groove is provided on the rotating shaft 20, and a locking bolt 23 is slidably fitted in the sliding adjustment groove. An axial limiting plate 21 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 20. The axial limiting plate 21 is located between the fixed seat 9 and the rotating body 10, and the limiting surface of the axial limiting plate 21 is always in limiting contact with the side of the rotating body 10 closest to the fixed seat 9. A limiting bracket 22 is provided on the side of the axial limiting plate 21 away from the rotating body 10. One end of the locking bolt 23 passes through the sliding adjustment groove and is threaded onto the limiting bracket 22. A locking nut 24 is threaded onto the screw of the locking bolt 23 located between the limiting bracket 22 and the rotating shaft 20. The threaded engagement between the locking nut 24 and the locking bolt 23 can lock the axial limiting plate 21 onto the rotating shaft 20, thereby axially limiting the rotating body 10.

[0043] In the second embodiment, warehouse management personnel can adjust the position of the locking bolt 23 in the sliding adjustment groove according to the type of goods currently stored in the three-dimensional shelving 1, thereby changing the distance between the two magnets 18 set on the side where the fixed seat 9 of unit A 3 and the rotating body 10 are close to each other. This achieves the purpose of adjusting the mutual attraction between the two magnets 18, thereby reducing the degree of collision between unit B 4 and unit A 3 driven by the lifting platform 2. Within the adjustable range, the rotating body 10 always tends to move towards the fixed seat 9 under the mutual attraction between the two magnets 18.

[0044] Although the modifications made in the second embodiment allow the interaction force between the two magnets in unit A3 to vary according to the lifting speed corresponding to the type of goods stored on the automated storage and retrieval system 1, in the second embodiment, the lifting speed of the lifting platform 2 remains the same regardless of whether the lifting platform 2 is empty, has a shuttle 6 carrying unloaded goods, or has a shuttle 6 carrying goods. This makes it difficult to improve the operational efficiency of the warehouse. Therefore, this solution proposes a third embodiment.

[0045] A rotating shaft 20 is vertically arranged on the fixed base 9. The bearing 19 on the rotating body 10 is slidably sleeved on the rotating shaft 20 along the same axis. The rotating body 10 can adjust the interaction force between the two magnets 18 by sliding the bearing 19 along the length of the rotating shaft 20.

[0046] like Figure 10 As shown, an axial limiting plate 21 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 20. The axial limiting plate 21 is located between the fixed seat 10 and the rotating body 10, and the limiting surface of the axial limiting plate 21 is always in limiting contact with the side of the rotating body 10 close to the fixed seat 10. An electric telescopic rod 25 is provided on the fixed seat 9 corresponding to the axial limiting plate 21. The telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod 25 is fixedly connected to the side of the axial limiting plate 21 away from the rotating body 10.

[0047] Within the telescopic range of the electric telescopic rod 25, the rotating body 10, under the influence of the mutual attraction between the two magnets 18, always tends to move towards the fixed base 9.

[0048] A gravity sensor is installed on the transition track 26 of the lifting platform 2. The gravity sensor can identify the weight of the load on the transition track 2. The gravity sensor is signal-linked to the electric telescopic rod 25. The gravity sensor is configured with empty data, first gravity data, and second gravity data for three scenarios: the lifting platform 2 is empty, the lifting platform 2 is carrying a shuttle 6 without any goods, and the lifting platform 2 is carrying a shuttle 6 loaded with goods. The third gravity data can be adjusted appropriately according to the type of goods. When the lifting platform 2 receives a lifting command, if the gravity sensor does not detect any data, it indicates that the lifting platform 2 is empty. The gravity sensor controls the telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod 25 to extend to its maximum length. If the gravity sensor detects the first gravity data, it indicates that the lifting platform 2 is carrying a shuttle 6 without any cargo, and the telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod 25 is extended to a length where there is almost no collision force between unit B 4 and unit A 3 under the drive of the lifting platform 2. If the gravity sensor detects the second gravity data, it indicates that the lifting platform 2 is carrying a shuttle 6 loaded with cargo, and the telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod 25 is extended to a length where there is almost no collision force between unit B 4 and unit A 3 under the drive of the lifting platform 2.

[0049] The above are the preferred embodiments described in this invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A bidirectional blocking device for a lifting platform in an automated warehouse, characterized in that: The system includes a three-dimensional rack (1), a lifting platform (2), travel tracks, and shuttle cars (6). The three-dimensional rack (1) has several sets of shuttle car entry tracks (5) evenly spaced from bottom to top. The lifting platform (2) can be raised and lowered to connect with the shuttle car entry tracks (5) on each layer. In the connected state, the shuttle cars (6) can travel from the shuttle car entry tracks (5) to the lifting platform (2), and the shuttle cars (6) can travel from the lifting platform (2) to the shuttle car entry tracks (5). The lifting platform (2) is close to the three-dimensional rack (1). An A mounting beam (7) is provided on one side of each shuttle car entering the track (5) near the lifting platform (2). A mounting beam (8) is provided on the lower part of each shuttle car entering the track (5) near the lifting platform (2). An A unit (3) and a B unit (4) are installed on the A mounting beam (7). An A unit (3) and a B unit (4) are installed on the B mounting beam (8). The A unit (3) on the A mounting beam (7) cooperates with the B unit (4) on the B mounting beam (8). The A unit (3) on the B mounting beam (8) cooperates with the B unit (4) on the A mounting beam (8). When the A unit (3) and B unit (4) that cooperate with each other are staggered in height, the A unit (3) on the A mounting beam (7) prevents the shuttle car (6) from sliding horizontally out of the lifting platform (2), and the A unit (3) on the B mounting beam (8) prevents the shuttle car (6) from sliding horizontally out of the shuttle car entering the track (5); When the cooperative units A (3) and B (4) overlap in height, B (4) drives the cooperative unit A (3) to move, causing A (3) to release its function of preventing the shuttle (6) from sliding out; The lifting platform (2) is provided with a transition track (26), which can be connected with each of the shuttle cars entering the track (5). In the connected state, the travel surface of the shuttle car entering the track (5) is coplanar with the travel surface of the transition track (26). The A unit (3) includes a fixed base (9) and a vertically asymmetrical rotating body (10). The fixed base (9) is provided with a bearing (19). The rotating body (10) is rotatably fitted onto the fixed base (9) through the bearing (19), and the center of mass of the rotating body (10) is located below the bearing (19). When the A unit (3) and the B unit (4) are staggered in height, the rotating body (10) always remains vertically upward. Magnets (18) are provided on the side of the fixed base (9) of unit A (3) and the rotating body (10) that are close to each other. After the driving block (16) of unit B (4) separates from the collision block (11) on the rotating body (10), the attraction between the two magnets (18) can prevent the rotating body (10) from swinging under the action of inertia. A rotating shaft (20) is vertically arranged on the fixed base (9). The bearing (19) on the rotating body (10) is slidably sleeved on the rotating shaft (20) along the same axis. The rotating body (10) can adjust the interaction force between the two magnets (18) by sliding along the length direction of the rotating shaft (20) through the bearing (19). An axial limiting plate (21) is sleeved on the rotating shaft (20). The axial limiting plate (21) is located between the fixed base (9) and the rotating body (10). The limiting surface of the axial limiting plate (21) is always in limiting contact with the side of the rotating body (10) close to the fixed base (9). An electric telescopic rod (25) is arranged on the fixed base (9) corresponding to the axial limiting plate (21). The telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod (25) is fixedly connected to the side of the axial limiting plate (21) away from the rotating body (10). A gravity sensor is installed on the transition track (26) on the lifting platform (2). The gravity sensor can identify the weight of the load on the transition track (26). The gravity sensor is signal-associated with the electric telescopic rod (25). The gravity sensor is set with empty data, first gravity data and second gravity data respectively for three situations: the lifting platform (2) is empty, the lifting platform (2) is carrying a shuttle car (6) without transported goods, and the lifting platform (2) is carrying a shuttle car (6) loaded with goods. When the gravity sensor detects any of the above data, it controls the telescopic end of the electric telescopic rod (25) to extend to the corresponding length.

2. The bidirectional blocking device for an automated warehouse lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating body (10) includes a slender, smaller end (13) above the bearing (19) and a wide, shorter end (14) below the bearing (19). The smaller end (13) has a waist-shaped weight-reducing groove (15), and the larger end (14) is equipped with a counterweight (12). The combined effect of the weight-reducing groove (15) and the counterweight (12) enables the center of mass of the rotating body (10) to be located at the larger end (14) below the bearing (19).

3. A bidirectional blocking device for an automated warehouse lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the mutually cooperating A unit (3) and B unit (4) are staggered in height, the top of the rotating body (10) mounted on the A mounting beam (7) is higher than the travel surface of the transition track (26), and the top of the rotating body (10) mounted on the B mounting beam (8) is higher than the travel surface of the shuttle entering the track (5).

4. A bidirectional blocking device for an automated warehouse lifting platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The B unit (4) includes a drive block (16) and a mounting base (17). A collision block (11) is provided on either side of the larger end (14) of the rotating body (10). The drive block (16) of the B unit (4) is set corresponding to the collision block (11) and is installed on the lifting platform (2) or each shuttle car entry track (5) through the mounting base (17). During the process of the lifting platform (2) docking with each shuttle car entry track (5) of the three-dimensional rack (1) through the lifting mechanism, the drive block (16) of the B unit (4) contacts the collision block (11) and drives the rotating body (10) of the A unit (3) to rotate around the bearing (19) until the top of the rotating body (10) of each A unit (3) is lower than the travel surface of the transition track (26) or the travel surface of the shuttle car entry track (5).

5. The blocking method of a bidirectional blocking device for an automated warehouse lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the initial state, the A unit (3) on the B mounting beam (8) is in a vertical state, and the A unit (3) can prevent the shuttle car (6) from falling from the end of the current shuttle car entry track (5); when the shuttle car (6) needs to go to the upper or lower level shuttle car entry track (5) for transport work, the lifting platform (2) rises or falls to the position of docking with the current shuttle car (6) on the shuttle car entry track (5) through the lifting mechanism. During the docking process between the lifting platform (2) and the shuttle car entry track (5), the two B units (4) simultaneously drive the two A units (3) to rotate around their own axes. The bearing (19) rotates until the tops of the two A units (3) are both lower than the travel surface of the shuttle car entering the track (5) and the travel surface of the transition track (26) on the lifting platform (2) in the docking state, thereby preventing the two A units (3) from blocking the shuttle car (6) from traveling from the current shuttle car entering the track (5) to the lifting platform (2) after docking; during the process of the lifting platform (2) carrying the shuttle car (6) up or down through the lifting mechanism, the A unit (3) on the A mounting beam (7) is in a vertical state, and the A unit (3) can prevent the shuttle car (6) from falling off the lifting platform (2).

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