Multi-layer double-extending double-station moving fork shuttle vehicle

Abstract

The multi-layer double-stretching double-station moving fork shuttle vehicle comprises a vehicle head and a vehicle tail, two symmetrically-distributed unthreaded shafts are connected between the vehicle head and the vehicle tail, and a supporting plate assembly is fixedly installed at the ends, close to the vehicle head, of the unthreaded shafts; a movable supporting plate assembly is installed in the length direction of the optical shaft in a sliding mode. The supporting plate assembly and the movable supporting plate assembly each comprise a base plate and a supporting plate, and the base plates are erected between the two optical shafts. By arranging the adjusting assembly, the movable supporting plate assembly can be driven to move in the length direction of the optical axis, then the distance between the supporting plate assembly and the movable supporting plate assembly is adjusted, the supporting plate assembly and the movable supporting plate assembly are used for bearing material boxes of different specifications, and the supporting plate assembly and the movable supporting plate assembly cooperate with the movable fork assembly to achieve double-station taking and placing operation; the movable fork assembly can move transversely and internally along with the vehicle body and stretch out longitudinally, and fast storage and taking of different goods locations are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS), specifically to a multi-layer, double-extension, double-station mobile forklift shuttle. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of automation and information technology, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) have become an important component of intelligent production in modern enterprises. While pursuing high-density storage and efficient sorting, existing warehousing and picking systems place higher demands on the flexibility, reliability, and operational efficiency of the equipment. Currently, the widely used single-station double-extension shuttle structure is relatively fixed, only adaptable to single-size bins, and suffers from complex operations and long downtime during loading and maintenance, failing to adequately meet the needs of mixed storage of multi-size bins and high-frequency operations. Furthermore, existing single-station designs suffer from long idle times and limited operational efficiency during frequent inbound and outbound operations, making it difficult to adapt to the trend of order fragmentation and increasing SKUs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile fork shuttle, comprising a front end and a rear end, wherein two symmetrically distributed optical axes are connected between the front end and the rear end, a pallet assembly is fixedly installed at one end of the optical axis near the front end, and a movable pallet assembly is slidably installed along the length direction of the optical axis; Both the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly include a base plate and a pallet. The base plate is mounted between the two optical axes, and the pallet is fixed to the lower side of the base plate. The movable pallet assembly also includes a linear bearing, which is installed between the optical axis and the base plate. Both the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly are slidably mounted with movable fork assemblies. A movable fork drive assembly is provided between the vehicle head and the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly to drive the movable fork assemblies to move horizontally. The movable fork drive assembly includes two sets of transmission units, which are respectively mounted on the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly. A drive unit is also provided between the two sets of transmission units to drive the two sets of transmission units to move synchronously, so that the two sets of movable fork assemblies can move synchronously. An adjustment component is also provided between the front and rear of the vehicle to drive the movable pallet assembly to move along the length of the optical axis, so as to adjust the distance between the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly.

[0005] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the moving fork assembly includes a base frame, a rack is provided at the bottom of the base frame, a fork plate is slidably connected to the side wall of the base frame away from the base plate, and a first pulley group and a second pulley group are respectively installed at both ends of the base frame. The first pulley group and the second pulley group are staggered, and the first pulley group is located below the second pulley group. Both the first pulley group and the second pulley group consist of a belt and an extension fork pulley. The extension fork pulley is rotatably connected to the base frame via a shaft and a bearing. The middle part of the belt is attached to the extension fork pulley. One end of the belt is fixedly connected to the base plate, and the other end of the belt is fixedly connected to the fork plate.

[0006] As a further embodiment of the present invention: three sets of servo motors are installed on the upper end of the fork plate, the three sets of servo motors are equidistantly distributed, and the output ends of the three sets of servo motors are all connected to the partition railings.

[0007] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the transmission unit includes two guide wheels rotatably connected to the two optical axes in the same direction, and a second synchronous belt is connected between the two guide wheels. The teeth of the second synchronous belt are located on the outer wall of the second synchronous belt, and the second synchronous belt meshes with the rack.

[0008] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the mobile fork drive assembly further includes a spline rod disposed between the front and rear of the vehicle and arranged parallel to the two optical shafts. One end of the spline rod is rotatably connected to the rear of the vehicle through a bearing, and the other end of the spline rod is connected and fixed to a third drive motor installed inside the front of the vehicle through a coupling. A synchronous pulley is connected to the output shaft of the third drive motor, and the synchronous pulley meshes with the second synchronous belt.

[0009] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the adjustment component includes a first synchronous belt with an annular structure, both ends of the first synchronous belt being fixed between the front and rear of the vehicle via transmission guide wheels, one of which is connected to a second drive motor inside the front of the vehicle.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention: a traveling assembly is provided between the front and rear of the vehicle. The traveling assembly includes an axle rotatably mounted in the front of the vehicle, with wheels mounted at both ends of the axle. A first drive motor for driving the axle to rotate relative to the axle is mounted on the side of the front of the vehicle near the axle.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the walking assembly further includes walking wheels installed at both ends of the rear of the vehicle and symmetrically distributed with the wheels.

[0012] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly are provided with detection photoelectric and safety photoelectric for detecting the position of the material box.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention, by incorporating an adjustment component, allows the movable pallet assembly to move along the optical axis, thereby adjusting the distance between the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly to accommodate bins of different sizes. The pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly, in conjunction with the moving fork assembly, enable dual-station loading and unloading operations. The moving fork assembly can move laterally within the vehicle body and extend longitudinally, facilitating rapid storage and retrieval of goods at different locations. This shuttle vehicle features a dual-station design, reducing idle waiting time and improving operational efficiency. The modular pallet design facilitates maintenance and reduces replacement costs. This solution effectively improves storage and retrieval efficiency and equipment utilization, meeting the diverse and high-efficiency operational needs of modern intelligent warehousing. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the shell-removed structure of the front and rear of the vehicle according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the vehicle of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the movable pallet assembly and the moving fork assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the pallet assembly and adjustment assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the moving fork assembly of the present invention.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Front of vehicle; 2. Rear of vehicle; 3. Optical shaft; 4. Pallet assembly; 5. Movable pallet assembly; 6. Moving fork assembly; 601. Base frame; 602. Rack; 603. First pulley group; 604. Second pulley group; 605. Fork plate; 7. Traveling assembly; 701. Axle; 702. Wheel; 703. First drive motor; 704. Traveling wheel; 8. Adjustment assembly; 801. First synchronous belt; 802. Second drive motor; 9. Moving fork drive assembly; 901. Spline rod; 902. Third drive motor; 903. Guide wheel; 904. Second synchronous belt; 905. Synchronous belt pulley; 10. Servo motor; 11. Separator; 12. Base plate; 13. Pallet. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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.

[0017] Please see Figures 1-6 In this embodiment of the invention, a multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile fork shuttle includes a front end 1 and a rear end 2. Two symmetrically distributed optical axes 3 are connected between the front end 1 and the rear end 2. A pallet assembly 4 is fixedly installed at one end of the optical axis 3 near the front end 1, and a movable pallet assembly 5 is slidably installed along the length of the optical axis 3. Both the pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5 include a base plate 12 and a pallet 13. The base plate 12 is mounted between two optical axes 3, and the pallet 13 is installed and fixed on one side of the lower end of the base plate 12. The movable pallet assembly 5 also includes a linear bearing, which is installed between the optical axis 3 and the base plate 12. Both pallet assembly 4 and movable pallet assembly 5 are slidably mounted with movable fork assemblies 6. Between the front of the vehicle 1 and pallet assembly 4 and movable pallet assembly 5, there is a movable fork drive assembly 9 that drives the movable fork assemblies 6 to move horizontally. The movable fork drive assembly 9 includes two sets of transmission units, which are respectively mounted on pallet assembly 4 and movable pallet assembly 5. A drive unit is also provided between the two sets of transmission units to drive the two sets of transmission units to move synchronously, so that the two sets of movable fork assemblies 6 can move synchronously. An adjustment component 8 is also provided between the front end 1 and the rear end 2 of the vehicle, which is used to drive the movable pallet assembly 5 to move along the length direction of the optical axis 3 in order to adjust the distance between the pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5. The adjustment component 8 includes a first synchronous belt 801 with an annular structure. Both ends of the first synchronous belt 801 are fixed between the front end 1 and the rear end 2 through transmission guide wheels. One of the transmission guide wheels is driven and connected to the second drive motor 802 inside the front end 1. A traveling assembly 7 is also provided between the front end 1 and the rear end 2. The traveling assembly 7 includes an axle 701 rotatably mounted in the front end 1, with wheels 702 mounted on both ends of the axle 701. A first drive motor 703 for driving the axle 701 to rotate relative to the axle is mounted on the side of the front end 1 near the axle 701. The traveling assembly 7 also includes traveling wheels 704 mounted on both ends of the rear end 2 and symmetrically distributed with the wheels 702.

[0018] In this embodiment: by setting the adjustment component 8, the movable pallet assembly 5 can be driven to move along the length direction of the optical axis 3, thereby adjusting the distance between the pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5 to support different sized boxes. The pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5, together with the moving fork assembly 6, realize dual-station pick-and-place operations. The moving fork assembly can move laterally inside the vehicle body and extend longitudinally to realize rapid storage and retrieval of different cargo locations. This shuttle adopts a dual-station design, which can reduce idle waiting time and improve operating efficiency; the modular pallet design facilitates maintenance and reduces replacement costs; this solution can effectively improve storage and retrieval efficiency and equipment utilization, meeting the multi-variety and high-efficiency operation requirements of modern intelligent warehousing.

[0019] Specifically, the multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile fork shuttle mainly includes a head unit 1, a tail unit 2, an optical shaft 3, a pallet assembly 4, a movable pallet assembly 5, a mobile fork assembly 6, an adjustment assembly 8, and a mobile fork drive assembly 9. Two optical shafts 3 are symmetrically distributed and connected between the head unit 1 and the tail unit 2. The pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5 are installed between the two optical shafts 3. The pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5 have largely the same structure. The only difference is that the base plate 12 in the pallet assembly 4 is fixedly connected to the optical shaft 3, while the base plate 12 in the movable pallet assembly 5 is slidably connected to the optical shaft 3 through a linear bearing. To meet diverse user needs, the distance between pallet assembly 4 and movable pallet assembly 5 can be adjusted via adjustable component 8, thereby accommodating the clamping and retrieval of material boxes of different specifications. During operation, the shuttle moves laterally to the target location; the moving fork assembly adjusts to the corresponding workstation position within the vehicle body and extends longitudinally to lift the material box onto the pallet assembly; subsequently, the vehicle travels to the outbound position to deliver the material box, completing the operation. The dual-workstation design allows the shuttle to store material boxes at one workstation while simultaneously retrieving them at another, enabling simultaneous transport of two batches of material boxes; the reverse operation is also possible during inbound. This design effectively halves the round-trip travel time in the aisle, significantly improving operational efficiency.

[0020] Please refer to this carefully. Figures 1-6 The moving fork assembly 6 includes a base frame 601, a rack 602 is provided at the bottom of the base frame 601, a fork plate 605 is slidably connected to the side wall of the base frame 601 away from the base plate 12, and a first pulley group 603 and a second pulley group 604 are respectively installed at both ends of the base frame 601. The first pulley group 603 and the second pulley group 604 are staggered, and the first pulley group 603 is located below the second pulley group 604. Both the first pulley group 603 and the second pulley group 604 consist of a belt and an extension fork pulley. The extension fork pulley is rotatably connected to the base frame 601 through a shaft and a bearing. The middle part of the belt is attached to the extension fork pulley. One end of the belt is fixedly connected to the base plate 12, and the other end of the belt is fixedly connected to the fork plate 605. The transmission unit includes two guide wheels 903 that are rotatably connected to the same-direction ends of the two optical shafts 3. A second synchronous belt 904 is connected between the two guide wheels 903. The teeth of the second synchronous belt 904 are located on the outer wall of the second synchronous belt 904. The second synchronous belt 904 meshes with the rack 602. The mobile fork drive assembly 9 also includes a spline rod 901 disposed between the front end 1 and the rear end 2 and arranged parallel between two optical shafts 3. One end of the spline rod 901 is rotatably connected to the rear end 2 via a bearing, and the other end of the spline rod 901 is connected and fixed to a third drive motor 902 installed inside the front end 1 via a coupling. A synchronous pulley 905 is connected to the output shaft of the third drive motor 902, and the synchronous pulley 905 meshes with a second synchronous belt 904.

[0021] In this embodiment: when the third drive motor 902 drives the synchronous pulley 905 to rotate, the synchronous pulley 905 will drive the second synchronous belt 904 meshing with it to move. It should be noted that the second synchronous belt 904 in this solution is an annular closed synchronous belt with the tooth ends facing outward. The two ends of the second synchronous belt 904 are guided and straightened by the guide wheel 903 and tensioned by the tension wheel. Then, the moving second synchronous belt 904 drives the meshing rack 602 to move. The rack 602 and the base frame 601 are integrally formed. During the longitudinal extension of the base frame 601, the fork plate 605 also extends under the transmission action of the first pulley group 603 and the second pulley group 604, thus forming a two-stage extension effect. It should be noted that the moving fork assembly 6 can extend in both directions, which can be achieved by controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the third drive motor 902. Secondly, this solution also uses a spline rod 901 to connect the two sets of transmission units in series. Therefore, during the rotation of the spline rod 901, the two sets of transmission units can move synchronously, thereby realizing the synchronous extension and retraction of the two sets of moving fork assemblies 6. In addition, the first pulley group 603 and the second pulley group 604 in this solution also use existing non-closed synchronous belts, and the corresponding extension fork pulleys can also be synchronous pulleys, which can improve transmission accuracy and operational reliability.

[0022] Please refer to this carefully. Figures 1-6 Three sets of servo motors 10 are installed on the upper end of the fork plate 605. The three sets of servo motors 10 are equidistant from each other, and the output ends of the three sets of servo motors 10 are all connected to the partition railings 11.

[0023] In this embodiment: by adding three sets of servo motors 10 to the upper end of the moving fork assembly 6, and setting a dividing railing 11 at the output end of the three sets of servo motors 10, the workstation between the pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5 can be divided into two workstation areas. The moving fork assembly 6 can switch between the two workstations and can achieve simultaneous operation of both workstations, thereby improving transportation capacity, reducing idle waiting time, and improving picking and placing efficiency. When the two sets of moving fork assemblies 6 extend synchronously and clamp the material box, the outermost servo motor 10 is activated, driving the dividing railing 11 to rotate 90°, pulling the material box into the vehicle body (or pushing it into the rack) and achieving limit fixation, thereby playing a positioning and anti-slip protection role during the handling process.

[0024] Please refer to this carefully. Figures 1-6 The pallet assembly 4 and the movable pallet assembly 5 are equipped with detection photoelectric sensors and safety photoelectric sensors for detecting the position of the material box.

[0025] In this embodiment, the pallet assembly and the movable pallet assembly are used to carry materials. The movable pallet can be quickly replaced and maintained in a modular structure. Both are equipped with photoelectric detection devices to identify the position of the material bin and ensure the safety of the loading and unloading process.

[0026] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle, comprising a front (1) and a rear (2), characterized in that, Two symmetrically distributed optical axes (3) are connected between the front (1) and the rear (2). A support plate assembly (4) is fixedly installed at one end of the optical axis (3) near the front (1). A movable support plate assembly (5) is slidably installed along the length of the optical axis (3). Both the pallet assembly (4) and the movable pallet assembly (5) include a base plate (12) and a pallet (13). The base plate (12) is mounted between the two optical axes (3), and the pallet (13) is installed and fixed on one side of the lower end of the base plate (12). The movable pallet assembly (5) also includes a linear bearing, which is installed between the optical axis (3) and the base plate (12). Both the pallet assembly (4) and the movable pallet assembly (5) are slidably mounted with movable fork assemblies (6). Between the vehicle head (1) and the pallet assembly (4) and the movable pallet assembly (5), a movable fork drive assembly (9) is provided to drive the movable fork assembly (6) to move horizontally. The movable fork drive assembly (9) includes two sets of transmission units, which are respectively mounted on the pallet assembly (4) and the movable pallet assembly (5). A drive unit is also provided between the two sets of transmission units to drive the two sets of transmission units to move synchronously, so that the two sets of movable fork assemblies (6) can move synchronously. An adjustment component (8) is also provided between the front (1) and the rear (2) of the vehicle, which is used to drive the movable pallet assembly (5) to move along the length direction of the optical axis (3) in order to adjust the distance between the pallet assembly (4) and the movable pallet assembly (5).

2. The multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The moving fork assembly (6) includes a base frame (601), a rack (602) is provided at the bottom of the base frame (601), a fork plate (605) is slidably connected to the side wall of the base frame (601) away from the base plate (12), a first pulley group (603) and a second pulley group (604) are respectively installed at both ends of the base frame (601), the first pulley group (603) and the second pulley group (604) are staggered, and the first pulley group (603) is located below the second pulley group (604); Both the first pulley group (603) and the second pulley group (604) consist of a belt and an extension fork pulley. The extension fork pulley is rotatably connected to the base frame (601) through a shaft and a bearing. The middle part of the belt is attached to the extension fork pulley. One end of the belt is fixedly connected to the base plate (12), and the other end of the belt is fixedly connected to the fork plate (605).

3. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 2, characterized in that, Three sets of servo motors (10) are installed on the upper end of the fork plate (605). The three sets of servo motors (10) are equidistant from each other, and the output ends of the three sets of servo motors (10) are connected to the partition railings (11).

4. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission unit includes two guide wheels (903) that are rotatably connected to the same direction ends of the two optical axes (3). A second synchronous belt (904) is connected between the two guide wheels (903). The teeth of the second synchronous belt (904) are located on the outer wall of the second synchronous belt (904). The second synchronous belt (904) meshes with the rack (602).

5. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mobile fork drive assembly (9) also includes a spline rod (901) disposed between the front (1) and the rear (2) and arranged in parallel between the two optical shafts (3). One end of the spline rod (901) is rotatably connected to the rear (2) through a bearing, and the other end of the spline rod (901) is connected and fixed to the third drive motor (902) installed inside the front (1) through a coupling. A synchronous pulley (905) is connected to the output shaft of the third drive motor (902), and the synchronous pulley (905) meshes with the second synchronous belt (904).

6. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The adjustment component (8) includes a first synchronous belt (801) with an annular structure. Both ends of the first synchronous belt (801) are fixed between the front (1) and the rear (2) of the vehicle through transmission guide wheels. One of the transmission guide wheels is driven and connected to the second drive motor (802) inside the front (1).

7. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 6, characterized in that, A walking assembly (7) is also provided between the front (1) and the rear (2). The walking assembly (7) includes an axle (701) rotatably installed in the front (1). Wheels (702) are installed at both ends of the axle (701). A first drive motor (703) for driving the axle (701) to rotate relative to the axle (701) is installed on the side of the front (1) near the axle (701).

8. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The walking assembly (7) also includes walking wheels (704) installed at both ends of the rear (2) of the vehicle and symmetrically distributed with the wheels (702).

9. A multi-layer double-extension double-station mobile forklift shuttle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pallet assembly (4) and the movable pallet assembly (5) are equipped with detection photoelectric sensors and safety photoelectric sensors for detecting the position of the material box.

Images