Automatic warehouse for goods with convenient transportation

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of automatic stereoscopic warehouses, and provides a goods automatic stereoscopic warehouse convenient for transportation, which comprises a goods shelf, a conveyer and a transfer unit; the goods shelf is internally provided with a plurality of independent dynamic storage units; the dynamic storage unit comprises a support framework, a dynamic support frame and a supporting plate; the conveyer is located at the bottom of the goods shelf and is connected with a plurality of dynamic storage units in series; the transfer unit is arranged between the conveyer and the dynamic storage unit; the inner side of the dynamic support frame is provided with a convex tooth; the plurality of independent dynamic storage units arranged in the goods shelf can make the goods on each station appear at a predetermined position or height to be removed, thereby eliminating the need for the arrangement of a stacking machine and a lane, the goods shelf can be installed again at a traditional lane station, thereby fully utilizing the warehouse space, improving the goods storage capacity, and making the taking and placing of the goods no longer limited by the number of transfer equipment and the lane space, the taking and placing of the goods can be continuously carried out, and the work efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS), and more specifically, to an automated storage and retrieval system for goods that facilitates transportation. Background Technology

[0002] An automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) is a warehouse system that uses high-rise racking, is equipped with automated storage, retrieval and conveying equipment, and is managed and controlled by computers.

[0003] The main body of an automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) consists of racks, aisle stacker cranes, inbound and outbound workstations, automated transport systems, and an operation and control system. The racks are steel or reinforced concrete structures containing standard-sized storage locations. The aisle stacker cranes, also known as shuttles, move through the aisles between the racks to perform storage and retrieval operations.

[0004] Currently, the problems with automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) include:

[0005] 1. Aisles need to be reserved between adjacent shelves for the use of equipment such as forklifts and stacker cranes, which undoubtedly occupies a lot of warehouse space and seriously reduces the warehouse's storage capacity;

[0006] 2. Forklifts and stacker cranes can only be used one-to-one when picking up and placing goods. The equipment travels back and forth between the loading dock and the rack, which consumes a lot of time.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes an automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods, which solves the problems of low warehouse space utilization and long time consumption for picking up and placing goods in the prior art.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0010] An automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) for convenient cargo transportation includes racks, conveyors, and transfer units;

[0011] The shelving unit has multiple independent dynamic storage units inside, each of which includes a support frame, a dynamic support rack, and a pallet.

[0012] The conveyor is located at the bottom of the rack and connected in series with multiple dynamic storage units, and the transfer unit is located between the conveyor and the dynamic storage units;

[0013] The inner side of the dynamic support frame is provided with protruding teeth, which mesh with the active gear in the lower part of the support frame. The active gear is the main drive mechanism.

[0014] The pallet is rotatably mounted on the inner side of the adjacent dynamic support frame, and together with the dynamic support frame, it forms a multi-station bearing mechanism.

[0015] The inner side of the dynamic support frame is equipped with a leveling mechanism, which drives the support plate to rotate in the opposite direction to the dynamic support frame through a gear transmission structure.

[0016] The dynamic support frame is a closed-loop motion mechanism, and a cargo movement channel is provided between the bottom workstation and the transport machine.

[0017] The outer side of the dynamic support frame is provided with positioning holes, and the inside of the support frame is provided with multiple movable stepped shafts, one end of which is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0018] The inner side of the support frame is provided with a support unit. The movable support of the support unit has a supported state and a non-supported state. In the supported state, the movable support abuts against the lower edge of the stepped shaft, and in the non-supported state, it is separated from the stepped shaft.

[0019] The transfer unit includes a ball screw and a fixed frame. The outer side of the ball screw is provided with a bearing seat that is fixedly connected to both ends of the fixed frame. A fork plate is fixedly installed on the side of the fixed frame. A lifting unit is fixedly installed between the bearing seat and the bottom surfaces of both ends of the fixed frame.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0021] 1. By using the series structure of the conveyor and the rack, and utilizing the dynamic storage unit with closed-loop movement inside the rack, in conjunction with the transfer unit set on the conveyor, goods can be picked up and placed at the bottom of the rack, thereby eliminating aisles and stacking equipment. This can save a lot of aisle space to install more racks to store goods, achieve high-density rack installation, make full use of warehouse space, and expand the storage capacity of goods.

[0022] 2. Through multiple closed-loop dynamic storage units composed of the internal support frame, dynamic support frame and pallet, and in coordination with the conveyor and transfer unit, multiple independent loading and unloading modules are formed inside the rack, realizing the effect of continuous loading and unloading of goods in multiple areas inside the rack. There is no need to wait for the stacking equipment to go back and forth, and more goods can be picked up and put down within a fixed time.

[0023] 3. By connecting the stepped shaft to the positioning hole, it follows the dynamic support frame in a closed-loop motion. Combined with the dynamic support of the movable support component, the structural stability of the dynamic support frame is enhanced, making it maintain a more stable support effect within the shelf. Attached Figure Description

[0024] 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, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance and structure of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the dynamic storage unit, transport machine, and transfer unit of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the dynamic storage unit and cargo combination according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the dynamic storage unit of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the separation structure of the pallet and the dynamic support frame of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the outer side structure of the upper part of the dynamic support frame of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the combined planar structure of the dynamic support frame and support skeleton of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal planar structure of the support frame and the support unit of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the upper part of the support frame and the support unit combined according to the present invention;

[0034] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 1. Shelving; 2. Conveyor; 3. Transfer unit;

[0037] 11. Support frame; 12. Dynamic support frame; 13. Support plate; 14. Support unit;

[0038] 1101. Drive gear; 1102. Slide rail;

[0039] 11021, stepped shaft; 110211, cam;

[0040] 1201, Positioning hole;

[0041] 121. Convex tooth; 122. Fixed base; 1221. Sleeve base; 1222. Leveling gear;

[0042] 131, cam shaft; 1311, cam;

[0043] 141. Platform; 142. Bidirectional electric telescopic device; 143. Carriage; 1431. Slide rod; 144. Upper support block; 145. Lower support block;

[0044] 31. Ball screw; 32. Shaft seat; 33. Fixing bracket; 331. Fork plate; 34. Lifting unit. Detailed Implementation

[0045] 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.

[0046] An automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) for convenient transportation is designed to improve the utilization of warehouse space and reduce the time required for picking up and placing goods. By setting up a support frame 11, a dynamic support frame 12, and a pallet 13 inside the rack 1, a dynamic support unit is formed to drive the closed-loop movement of multiple sets of goods, thereby achieving the effect of changing the position of goods. In turn, it works in conjunction with the conveyor 2 and transfer unit 3 at the bottom of the rack 1 to achieve the effect of picking up and placing goods without relying on stacking equipment. At the same time, there is no need to reserve aisles, and the space inside the warehouse can be fully utilized to increase the storage capacity of goods.

[0047] It should be noted that the rack 1 of this application, together with the conveyor 2 and the transfer unit 3, forms a single-row storage rack group. By installing the storage rack groups side by side in the warehouse, a complete three-dimensional warehouse is formed. The automatic inbound and outbound system and the operation control system are conventional technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0048] In some embodiments, the specific structure of an automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) for convenient transport of goods is as follows: Figures 1 to 9 As shown, it includes a shelf 1, a conveyor 2, and a transfer unit 3;

[0049] Shelf 1 has multiple sets of dynamic storage units, each dynamic storage unit including a support frame 11, a dynamic support frame 12, and a pallet 13;

[0050] Among them, the supporting frame 11 is a steel frame structure, located on the front and rear sides of the dynamic storage unit;

[0051] The dynamic support frame 12 is a closed-loop motion transmission toothed belt mechanism, which is installed on the inner side of the support frame 11.

[0052] Pallets 13 are installed between adjacent front and rear support frames 11 to form multiple workstations for supporting goods.

[0053] Furthermore, a leveling mechanism is provided on the inner side of the dynamic support frame 12. By means of gear meshing and rotation, when the pallet 13 passes through the arc-shaped areas at the upper and lower ends of the dynamic support frame 12, the dynamic support frame 12 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction to keep the pallet 13 in a horizontal state.

[0054] Furthermore, transport machine 2 is a belt conveyor located at the bottom of shelf 1, connecting multiple dynamic storage units in series;

[0055] In addition, the transfer unit 3, located between the dynamic storage unit and the transport machine 2, includes a ball screw 31 and a fixed frame 33;

[0056] Among them, ball screws 31 are installed on both sides of the transport machine 2;

[0057] A fixed frame 33 is installed above the transport aircraft 2, and a fork plate 331 is fixedly installed on one side of the fixed frame 33;

[0058] It should be noted that there is a transmission connection between the fixed frame 33 and the ball screw 31, and the rotational motion of the ball screw 31 can be converted into the horizontal movement of the fixed frame 33.

[0059] Understandably, the closed-loop movement of the dynamic support frame 12 drives the pallet 13 to move to different positions, which can move the pallet 13 of any workstation to the bottom area, and then load the goods from the transport machine 2 to the pallet 13 through the transfer unit 3, or transfer the goods from the pallet 13 to the transport machine 2.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to transfer goods more accurately, a bearing seat 32 is installed on the outside of the ball screw 31 through a transmission connection. The bearing seat 32 is located below both ends of the fixed frame 33, and a lifting unit 34 is fixedly installed between the bearing seat 32 and the fixed frame 33.

[0061] It should be noted that the lifting unit 34 is preferably an electric push rod, a servo electric cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, used to drive the fixed frame 33 to move up and down;

[0062] Understandably, the lifting unit 34 can enable the fork 331 to be precisely inserted into the slot at the bottom of the pallet (the pallet is a tray for placing goods, which is a wooden support component commonly used in the warehousing field), thereby slightly lifting the pallet to detach it from the pallet 13, thus avoiding friction and blockage when the pallet is moved out.

[0063] In addition, the area between the upper and lower adjacent pallets 13 is a storage room. There is a gap of the same height between the upper surface of the transport machine 2 and the lower surface of the bottommost storage room of the dynamic storage unit, which allows pallets loaded with goods to pass through.

[0064] When a pallet loaded with goods is transported above the transport aircraft 2, the fixed frame 33 is raised to the top space of the storage room by the lifting unit 34, and lowered to a predetermined height for transfer operation when transfer operation is required.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to transfer goods more efficiently, the transfer unit 3 is divided into multiple groups and installed on the outside of the transport aircraft 2, with each group corresponding to a set of dynamic storage units.

[0066] Understandably, when goods need to be retrieved, multiple dynamic storage units move the goods to the bottom in sequence and transfer them one by one, achieving the effect of continuous transfer and delivery of multiple goods.

[0067] Conversely, multiple goods can be placed sequentially on top of the transport machine 2 and transported to the interior of the shelf 1, where they are transferred sequentially to the designated dynamic storage unit.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, a drive gear 1101 driven by a rotary motor is installed on the inner side of the support frame 11, and a through slot for installing the rotary motor is opened near the bottom of the support frame 11.

[0069] Among them, the inner side of the dynamic support frame 12 has protruding teeth 121, and adjacent protruding teeth 121 are combined to form a toothed belt structure, which meshes with the drive gear 1101.

[0070] Understandably, the drive gear 1101 is the power source for the closed-loop motion of the dynamic support frame 12.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, a cam 131 is fixedly installed at the center of both the front and rear sides of the tray 13, and a cam 1311 is fixedly installed on the outer side of one end of the cam 131 adjacent to the tray 13.

[0072] It should be noted that cam 1311 has a gear structure;

[0073] Furthermore, a fixing seat 122 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the dynamic support frame 12, and an integral fixing plate is located on the side adjacent to the support plate 13.

[0074] Among them, a sleeve 1221 is fixedly installed on the side of the fixing plate, which is sleeved on the outside of the convex shaft 131 to form a rotatable connection.

[0075] A leveling motor is also fixedly installed on the side of the fixed plate, and a leveling gear 1222 is installed on its shaft, which meshes with the cam 1311.

[0076] It is understandable that the combination of the cam 131, cam 1311, sleeve 1221, and leveling gear 1222 forms a leveling mechanism. When the pallet 13 moves through the arc-shaped area of ​​the dynamic support frame 12, the leveling gear 1222 drives the cam 1311 to rotate, so that the pallet 13 rotates in the opposite direction to the dynamic support frame 12, thereby achieving the leveling effect.

[0077] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, positioning holes 1201 are provided on the outer side of the dynamic support frame 12, which are evenly spaced and densely distributed on the entire side of the dynamic support frame 12.

[0078] Furthermore, the inner side of the support frame 11 is provided with a slide rail 1102, which has a T-shaped cross section and a path that is exactly the same as that of the dynamic support frame 12.

[0079] Among them, a stepped shaft 11021 is slidably installed inside the slide rail 1102, with one end extending to the inner side of the support frame 11 and inserted into the inside of the positioning hole 1201.

[0080] The other end of the stepped shaft 11021 is a cam 110211, which is slidably installed in the inner groove of the slide 1102 to limit the support frame 11. The cam 110211 has balls embedded on its side to prevent its frictional resistance from being blocked.

[0081] Furthermore, a support unit 14 for supporting the stepped shaft 11021 is installed on the inner side of the support frame 11, and the support ends are distributed at each station of the dynamic storage unit.

[0082] The support unit 14 has a supported state and a non-supported state, which are switched during the movement and stop of the dynamic support frame 12. The supported state is when the dynamic support frame 12 is in the stopped state.

[0083] It is understandable that the closed-loop movement of the dynamic support frame 12 drives the closed-loop movement of the stepped shaft 11021. When the movement stops, the support unit 14 supports the stepped shaft 11021, thereby indirectly supporting the dynamic support frame 12, so that the internal structure of the dynamic support frame 12 remains stable and avoids longitudinal stretching and deformation.

[0084] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the support unit 14 includes a platform 141, a bidirectional electric telescopic device 142, a slide 143 and an upper support block 144, all located on the inner side of the support frame 11 and the inner ring area of ​​the dynamic support frame 12, and also includes a lower support block 145.

[0085] Among them, the platform 141, adjacent to the side area of ​​the dynamic support frame 12, has a transverse through groove inside;

[0086] The bidirectional electric telescopic joint 142 is located in the left and right central areas of the dynamic support frame 12, and its two ends can extend to the adjacent platform 141.

[0087] The slide 143 is fixedly installed at both ends of the bidirectional electric telescopic device 142, and a slide rod 1431 is fixedly installed on the side, which can pass through the through slot opened inside the frame 141 and extend to the adjacent stepped shaft 11021.

[0088] It is understandable that the slide bar 1431 supports the stepped shaft 11021 and indirectly supports the dynamic support frame 12;

[0089] Furthermore, the upper support block 144 is located in the adjacent upper region of the support frame 11, and its upper surface is an arc-shaped surface, which is flush with the lower edge of the arc-shaped segment above the slide 1102.

[0090] The lower support block 145 is located in the area near the lower end of the inner side of the support frame 11. Its upper surface is a concave arc surface, which is flush with the lower edge of the arc segment below the slide 1102.

[0091] It is understandable that the upper support block 144 and the lower support block 145 support the stepped shaft 11021 located at the top and bottom, respectively.

[0092] Some publicly available information describes the specific usage methods of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) as follows:

[0093] S1. In the positioning stage, the rotary motor installed at the lower end of the support frame 11 drives the dynamic support frame 12 to move in a closed loop via the active gear 1101, so that the pallet 13 of one of the workstations moves to the bottom.

[0094] S2. In the leveling stage, when the pallet 13 moves into the arc-shaped area of ​​the dynamic support frame 12, the fixed seat 122 installed on the outer side of the dynamic support frame 12 drives the pallet 13 to rotate around the cam 131 with the cam 131 through the leveling motor installed on its side, and the leveling gear 1222 meshes with the cam 1311. The direction of rotation is opposite to the direction of movement of the arc-shaped segment of the dynamic support frame 12, so that the pallet 13 is always in a horizontal state.

[0095] S3, during the support stage, when the dynamic support frame 12 moves, the bidirectional electric telescopic device 142 installed inside the support frame 11 is in a retracted, non-supported state. When the dynamic support frame 12 stops moving, that is, when the pallet 13 of a certain workstation moves to the bottom, the bidirectional electric telescopic device 142 extends outward to push the slide 143, so that the slide rod 1431 enters the interior of the adjacent stepped shaft 11021, forming a support effect on the upper stepped shaft 11021 and an indirect support effect on the dynamic support frame 12.

[0096] S4. During the transportation phase, when the pallet loaded with goods is placed above the transport machine 2 for transportation, the lifting unit 34 will lift the fixed frame 33 upward to leave space for the goods to move.

[0097] S5. During the transfer stage, the lifting unit 34 lowers the fixed frame 33 and drives the fork plate 331 to insert into the groove at the bottom of the pallet through the transmission connection between the ball screw 31 and the bearing seat 32. Then, the fixed frame 33 is slightly raised to separate the pallet from the pallet 13. Finally, the pallet is moved out through the transmission connection between the ball screw 31 and the bearing seat 32. The fixed frame 33 is lowered again to place the pallet above the conveyor 2. The same process is used to transfer the goods from above the conveyor 2 to above the pallet 13.

[0098] S6. During the continuous transfer stage, the warehouse's operation control system controls multiple dynamic storage units to operate sequentially and transfer goods in turn, enabling the continuous retrieval and placement of multiple batches of goods.

[0099] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," and "specific example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0100] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. An automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods, characterized in that: Includes racks (1), conveyors (2), and transfer units (3); The shelf (1) has multiple independent dynamic storage units inside. The dynamic storage unit includes a support frame (11), a dynamic support frame (12), and a tray (13). The conveyor (2) is located at the bottom of the shelf (1) and multiple dynamic storage units are connected in series. The transfer unit (3) is located between the conveyor (2) and the dynamic storage units. The inner side of the dynamic support frame (12) is provided with a tooth (121) that meshes with the drive gear (1101) in the lower region of the support frame (11). The drive gear (1101) is the main drive mechanism. The pallet (13) is rotatably mounted on the inner side of the adjacent dynamic support frame (12) and combined with the dynamic support frame (12) to form a multi-position bearing mechanism; The inner side of the dynamic support frame (12) is provided with a leveling mechanism, which drives the support plate (13) to rotate in the opposite direction to the dynamic support frame (12) through a gear transmission structure; The dynamic support frame (12) is a closed-loop motion mechanism, and a cargo movement channel is provided between the bottom workstation and the transport machine (2); The dynamic support frame (12) has a positioning hole (1201) on its outer side, and the support frame (11) has multiple movable stepped shafts (11021) inside, one end of which is inserted into the positioning hole (1201); The inner side of the support frame (11) is provided with a support unit (14). The movable support of the support unit (14) has a support state and a non-support state. When in the support state, the movable support abuts against the lower edge of the stepped shaft (11021). When in the non-support state, it is separated from the stepped shaft (11021). The transfer unit (3) includes a ball screw (31) and a fixed frame (33). The outer side of the ball screw (31) is provided with a bearing seat (32) which is fixedly connected to both ends of the fixed frame (33). A fork plate (331) is fixedly installed on the side of the fixed frame (33). A lifting unit (34) is fixedly installed between the bearing seat (32) and the bottom surfaces of both ends of the fixed frame (33). The ball screw (31) is installed in sections on both sides of the conveyor (2), and the fixing frame (33) is located above the conveyor (2); The support unit (14) includes an upper support block (144) and a lower support block (145), which are respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the inner side of the support frame (11) to support the stepped shaft (11021) in the top and bottom areas. The support unit (14) also includes a platform (141) symmetrically distributed on both sides and a bidirectional electric telescopic device (142) in the left and right central areas, which is fixedly installed on the inner side of the support frame (11). The slide rod (1431) is fixedly installed on the side of the slide (143) at the movable end of the bidirectional electric telescopic device (142). It is a movable support component that passes through the platform (141) and enters the space between the upper and lower adjacent stepped shafts (11021) to form a support.

2. The automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front and rear ends of the tray (13) are fixedly mounted with a cam (131), and a cam (1311) is provided on the outer side of the cam (131).

3. The automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods according to claim 2, characterized in that: A fixed seat (122) is fixedly installed on the outside of the dynamic support frame (12). A sleeve (1221) is fixedly installed at one end of the fixed seat (122) and rotatably connected to the cam shaft (131). A leveling gear (1222) is also fixedly installed at one end of the fixed seat (122) and meshed with the cam (1311).

4. The automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the support frame (11) is provided with a slide (1102) of the same shape as the dynamic support frame (12), and its cross-section is T-shaped.

5. The automated three-dimensional warehouse for convenient transportation of goods according to claim 4, characterized in that: The stepped shaft (11021) is slidably installed inside the slide rail (1102), and one end of the stepped shaft (11021) is provided with a convex plate (110211) located inside the slide rail (1102).

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