A four-way shuttle vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of shuttle vehicles, in particular to a four-way shuttle vehicle, which comprises a vehicle frame, box bodies arranged on both sides of the vehicle frame, walking wheels arranged at the bottom of the box bodies and capable of moving the vehicle frame, clamping plates arranged inside the box bodies, strip blocks arranged on the clamping plates and extending into the box bodies, strip holes horizontally arranged on the strip blocks, drive shafts arranged at positions close to the clamping plates in the box bodies and capable of rotating, the drive shafts penetrating the strip holes, a plurality of first teeth arranged on the drive shafts and facing away from the clamping plates, second teeth arranged on one side of the strip holes away from the clamping plates and matched with the first teeth, electromagnets arranged on the strip blocks at positions corresponding to the drive shafts, and grooves arranged above the strip blocks on the box bodies and facilitating the rotation of the strip blocks. The four-way shuttle vehicle can selectively hold or clamp goods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of shuttle technology, specifically a four-way shuttle. Background Technology

[0002] In warehousing and logistics management, shuttles are widely used. Four-way shuttles, in particular, can move in four directions (front, back, left, and right), supporting cross-aisle operations and playing a significant role in high-density storage. Existing four-way shuttles mainly include pallet-type and box-type shuttles. Pallet-type shuttles primarily secure goods by supporting them with pallets, while box-type shuttles secure goods by clamping them with two plates. These two securing methods are suitable for carrying different types of goods. Research has been ongoing on whether a four-way shuttle capable of selectively supporting or clamping goods could be developed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a four-way shuttle vehicle to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A four-way shuttle includes a frame with boxes on both sides. The bottom of each box has wheels capable of moving the frame. A clamping plate is located inside each box, and a strip-shaped block is mounted on the clamping plate, extending into the box. A horizontally arranged slotted hole is located on the strip-shaped block. A rotatable drive shaft is located inside the box near the clamping plate, passing through the slotted hole. The drive shaft has multiple first teeth, which are positioned opposite to the clamping plate. A second tooth, engaging with the first teeth, is located on the side of the slotted hole away from the clamping plate. An electromagnet is located on the strip-shaped block corresponding to the drive shaft. A groove is provided above the strip-shaped block on the box to facilitate its rotation.

[0006] Preferably, a hydraulic cylinder is provided inside the box above the strip block, and the hydraulic cylinder is provided at the end of the strip block away from the clamping plate.

[0007] Preferably, the clamping plate has shift fingers on both sides, and a motor for driving the shift fingers to rotate is provided inside the clamping plate.

[0008] Preferably, the clamp is provided with a suction cup.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping plate includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate, the first clamping plate is provided with a strip block, the second clamping plate is located inside the first clamping plate and is slidably connected to the first clamping plate; the first clamping plate is provided with a driving device for driving the second clamping plate to move back and forth.

[0010] Preferably, the width of the strip hole is equal to the diameter of the drive shaft.

[0011] Preferably, the total length of the plurality of first teeth accounts for 1 / 6 of the circumference of the drive.

[0012] When in use, the aforementioned four-way shuttle can be controlled to attract the electromagnets and drive shaft, causing the two clamping plates to move towards the center for easier clamping of goods; alternatively, the electromagnets and drive shaft can be controlled to attract each other, and then the drive shaft can be rotated to rotate the strip block, changing the strip block from a horizontal to a vertical position, with the two clamping plates pointing upwards for easier support of goods. Therefore, this four-way shuttle can selectively support or clamp goods.

[0013] Another technical solution provided by this invention is as follows:

[0014] A four-way shuttle includes a frame with boxes on both sides. The bottom of each box has wheels capable of moving the frame. A clamping plate is located inside each box, and a strip-shaped block is mounted on the clamping plate, extending into the box. A horizontally arranged slotted hole is located on the strip-shaped block. A rotatable drive shaft is located inside the box near the clamping plate, passing through the slotted hole. A drive unit is located inside the box to move the strip-shaped block back and forth. An electric gripper is located at the end of the strip-shaped block away from the clamping plate, and the power output end of the drive unit can extend into the electric gripper. A groove is provided on the box above the strip-shaped block to facilitate its rotation.

[0015] When in use, the aforementioned four-way shuttle can use electric grippers to clamp the power output end of the drive unit, and the drive unit will move the clamping plate back and forth to pick up or put down goods; alternatively, the electric grippers can be opened to retract the power output end of the drive unit, rotating the strip block to a vertical position to support the goods. Therefore, this four-way shuttle can selectively support or clamp goods. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the four-way shuttle in Embodiment 1 is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 One of the structural schematic diagrams of Embodiment 1 shows a structure that can selectively support or clamp goods;

[0018] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged view at point A;

[0019] Figure 4 The diagram shows a second schematic of the structure in Embodiment 1 that can selectively support or clamp goods;

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the mounting structure of the pawl is shown;

[0021] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a clamping plate in Embodiment 1 is shown;

[0022] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the four-way shuttle in embodiment 2 is shown;

[0023] Marked in the attached diagram:

[0024] Frame 10, housing 20, running wheel 30, clamping plate 40, first clamping plate 40-1, second clamping plate 40-2, strip block 50, strip hole 60, second tooth 60-1, drive shaft 70, first tooth 70-1, electromagnet 80, groove 90, hydraulic cylinder 110, shift finger 120, drive component 130, electric gripper 140. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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. 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.

[0026] Example 1, please refer to Figures 1-3This application provides a four-way shuttle vehicle, including a frame 10, with boxes 20 on both sides of the frame. The bottom of each box has wheels 30 capable of moving the frame. A clamping plate 40 is provided on the inner side of each box (i.e., the side opposite to the two boxes). A strip-shaped block 50 is provided on the clamping plate, extending into the box. A horizontally arranged slotted hole 60 (also a waist-shaped hole) is provided on the slotted block. A rotatable drive shaft 70 is located inside the box near the clamping plate. Generally, a motor that drives the drive shaft can be installed inside the box to achieve the desired drive shaft rotation. The drive shaft passes through the strip-shaped hole and is provided with a plurality of first teeth 70-1, which are arranged back to the clamping plate. A second tooth 60-1 that mates with the first teeth is provided on the side of the strip-shaped hole away from the clamping plate. An electromagnet 80 is provided on the strip-shaped block at the position corresponding to the drive shaft. Of course, during manufacturing, the material of the drive shaft should contain iron or other magnetic materials. Alternatively, an electromagnet that mates with the electromagnet can be directly installed on the drive shaft. No specific limitation is made here. A groove 90 is provided on the housing above the strip-shaped block to facilitate the rotation of the strip-shaped block.

[0027] In operation, the aforementioned four-way shuttle can be controlled to attract the electromagnets and drive shaft, causing the two clamping plates to move towards the center for easier clamping of goods. During clamping, the attraction between the electromagnets and drive shaft helps maintain the goods in a tightened state. Alternatively, the attraction between the electromagnets and drive shaft can be controlled to rotate the drive shaft, causing the strip block to rotate from a horizontal to a vertical position, with the two clamping plates pointing upwards to support the goods. The attraction between the electromagnets and drive shaft helps maintain friction between the goods and the clamping plates, preventing the goods from easily detaching from the clamping plates. Therefore, this four-way shuttle can selectively support or clamp goods.

[0028] In actual manufacturing, the width of the strip hole is slightly greater than or equal to the diameter of the drive shaft, preferably equal to the diameter of the drive shaft. In this way, the drive shaft and the corresponding groove on the side wall of the housing form a constraint on the strip block, which facilitates the smooth back-and-forth movement of the strip block.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the total length of the plurality of first teeth is about 1 / 6 of the circumference of the drive shaft, or even less. The main purpose is to ensure that the height of the uppermost tooth is lower than the highest point of the drive shaft, and the height of the lowermost tooth is higher than the lowest point of the drive shaft.

[0030] As a preferred implementation method, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4A hydraulic cylinder 110 is installed above the strip block inside the box. The hydraulic cylinder is installed at the end of the strip block away from the clamping plate. When the drive shaft starts to rotate, the structure can assist the strip block to rotate by pressing the strip block down with the hydraulic cylinder. When the strip block moves back and forth, the right side of the strip block is restricted from tilting upwards, which is conducive to the smooth back and forth movement of the strip block.

[0031] As a preferred implementation method, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 The clamp is provided with levers 120 on both sides, and a motor is provided inside the clamp to drive the levers to rotate. This structure can rotate the levers to block the goods after the goods are fixed, further preventing the goods from falling off the clamp.

[0032] As a preferred embodiment, the clamp is provided with suction cups to improve the stability of the goods being secured.

[0033] As a preferred implementation method, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The clamping plate includes a first clamping plate 40-1 and a second clamping plate 40-2. A strip block is provided on the first clamping plate, and the second clamping plate is located inside the first clamping plate and is slidably connected to the first clamping plate. A driving device for driving the second clamping plate to move back and forth is provided on the first clamping plate. This structure can extend and shorten the clamping plate by pushing and pulling it, thereby facilitating the loading and unloading of goods. It can also be used in conjunction with a lever to rotate and block the goods when the second clamping plate retracts, making it even more convenient to load and unload goods.

[0034] Example 2, see Figure 7 Example 2 is structurally similar to Example 1, except that it omits the first and second tooth structures. Instead, it includes a drive unit 130 within the housing to move the strip block back and forth. This drive unit can be an electrically telescopic device, such as an electric hydraulic cylinder or an electric telescopic rod. An electric gripper 140 is located at the end of the strip block furthest from the clamping plate, and the power output end of the drive unit can extend into the electric gripper. In use, this structure allows the electric gripper to hold the power output end of the drive unit, driving the clamping plate back and forth to pick up or lower goods. Alternatively, the electric gripper can be opened to retract the power output end of the drive unit, rotating the strip block to a vertical position to support the goods.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0036] It should be readily understood that “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest manner, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on something” but also “on something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0037] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0039] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A four-way shuttle vehicle, comprising a frame (10), with boxes (20) provided on both sides of the frame, wheels (30) at the bottom of the boxes capable of driving the frame to move, and a clamping plate (40) provided on the inner side of the boxes, characterized in that, A strip block (50) is provided on the clamping plate, the strip block extends into the box body, a strip hole (60) is horizontally provided on the strip block, a rotatable drive shaft (70) is provided in the box body near the clamping plate, the drive shaft passes through the strip hole, and a plurality of first teeth (70-1) are provided on the drive shaft, the plurality of first teeth being arranged opposite to the clamping plate; The side of the strip hole away from the clamping plate is provided with a second tooth (60-1) that cooperates with the first tooth, and an electromagnet (80) is provided on the strip block at the position corresponding to the drive shaft. The box body is provided with a groove (90) above the strip block to facilitate the rotation of the strip block; A hydraulic cylinder (110) is installed inside the box above the strip block, and the hydraulic cylinder is installed at the end of the strip block away from the clamping plate.

2. A four-way shuttle vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping plate is provided with shift fingers (120) on both sides, and a motor for driving the shift fingers to rotate is provided inside the clamping plate.

3. A four-way shuttle vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamp is equipped with suction cups.

4. A four-way shuttle vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping plate includes a first clamping plate (40-1) and a second clamping plate (40-2). The first clamping plate is provided with a strip block, and the second clamping plate is located inside the first clamping plate and is slidably connected to the first clamping plate. The first clamping plate is provided with a driving device for driving the second clamping plate to move back and forth.

5. A four-way shuttle vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the strip hole is equal to the diameter of the drive shaft.

6. A four-way shuttle vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total length of the plurality of first teeth accounts for 1 / 6 of the circumference of the drive shaft.

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