Lift for interfacing a stereoscopic shelf and an out-of- library device

Abstract

The application discloses a lift for butt joint of stereoscopic shelves and out-of-warehouse equipment, which comprises lifting assemblies on left and right sides and a power assembly between the two lifting assemblies. The lifting assembly comprises a lifting plate, a guide shaft, a single-shaft and double-shaft ball screw lift and a lifting base. The guide shaft is slidably assembled on the lifting base through a linear bearing, and the lifting plate is connected to the ball screw lift and the guide shaft. The linear bearing of the guide shaft bears the horizontal lateral force and overturning moment of the lifting plate, and the ball screw lift only bears the axial lifting force. The power assembly comprises a driving motor and transition sprocket sets symmetrically arranged on the transverse two sides of the driving motor. The installation height of the transition sprocket sets is higher than that of the motor output sprocket, so that the chain wrap angle is increased to a degree preventing tooth skipping. The tension sprocket sets are used for independently adjusting the chain tension. The application does not need pit construction, and the out-of-warehouse equipment can be withdrawn after putting down goods. The lifting and the equipment entering and exiting are parallel, and the butt joint efficiency is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of cargo storage and handling equipment, and particularly relates to a lift for docking with automated storage and retrieval systems and external equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In existing automated warehouses, the first-level placement height of the racking system is often inconsistent with the load-bearing surface height of external equipment (such as AGVs and hydraulic pallet trucks), requiring a transition device for goods transfer. Currently, forklifts or floor lifts are mainly used for this connection. Forklifts rely on telescopic forks to lift palletized goods from external equipment and transport them to the racking system. However, their telescopic movement is long and slow, and the fork mechanism itself is heavy, requiring high-power drive motors and resulting in long single-cycle loading and unloading times, impacting warehouse inbound and outbound efficiency. Floor lifts require excavating a pit to install a lifting platform, which is then lowered to ground level for external equipment to enter. This is costly and time-consuming, and external equipment must either rise with the platform or wait for the platform to complete its movement before leaving, leading to long waiting times. Therefore, a simple, pit-free, and highly efficient docking and lifting device is needed that allows for "drop-and-go" operation of external equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a lift for docking between automated racking and external equipment. By using a U-shaped frame layout of two sets of lifting components and power components, and the force distribution of the guide shaft and ball screw, the invention solves the problems of low efficiency and high cost of existing docking devices, and realizes low-cost lifting docking for rapid entry and exit of external equipment and efficient handover of goods.

[0004] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment. The lifting platform includes lifting components arranged on the left and right sides, and a power component located between the two lifting components. Each lifting component includes a lifting plate, a vertically arranged guide shaft, a single-axis ball screw jack, a double-axis ball screw jack, and a lifting base. The guide shaft is slidably mounted on the lifting base via linear bearings, and the lower end face of the lifting plate is fixedly connected to the output flanges of the single-axis ball screw jack and the double-axis ball screw jack, as well as the top flange of the guide shaft.

[0005] The power assembly includes a drive motor, a power base, a transmission sprocket set, a transition sprocket set, and a tension sprocket set. The drive motor is fixed to the center of the power base, and its output end is connected to the transition sprocket set via a double-row roller chain. There are two transition sprocket sets, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drive motor, and the installation height of the two transition sprocket sets is higher than that of the output sprocket of the drive motor, so as to increase the chain wrap angle of the output sprocket to prevent tooth skipping.

[0006] Two transmission sprocket sets are provided, which are respectively connected to the power input ends of the single-axis ball screw jack and the double-axis ball screw jack on the corresponding side via a transmission shaft and a coupling; the tensioning sprocket set is provided on the chain path between the transmission sprocket set and the transition sprocket set on each side, and is used to independently adjust the tension of the chain on that side;

[0007] The guide shaft of the lifting assembly is arranged parallel to the ball screw jack, and the linear bearing of the guide shaft is used to bear the horizontal lateral force and overturning moment of the lifting plate. The single-axis ball screw jack and the double-axis ball screw jack are only used to bear the axial lifting force.

[0008] Furthermore, the power assembly and the two sets of lifting assemblies enclose each other to form an internal elevator passage for equipment outside the warehouse to enter and exit the elevator;

[0009] Furthermore, the power base of the power assembly and the lifting base of the lifting assemblies on both sides are connected to form an integrated U-shaped frame structure, and the internal passage of the elevator is the internal space of the U-shaped frame structure.

[0010] Furthermore, the elevator has a low-position receiving state and a high-position unloading state;

[0011] In the low-position receiving state, the external equipment loads goods into the elevator, places the goods on the lifting plate, and then exits.

[0012] The shuttle track inside the automated rack extends to the inside of the elevator. In the high-position loading state, the lifting plate rises above the shuttle track so that the shuttle on the automated rack can enter the elevator to retrieve the goods.

[0013] Furthermore, the elevator has a low-position receiving state and a high-position unloading state;

[0014] Each of the lifting plates of the lifting assembly is equipped with an external conveyor line. In the low-position receiving state, the external equipment loads the goods into the elevator, places the goods on the external conveyor line, and then exits.

[0015] In the high-position loading state, the external conveyor line rises together with the lifting plate, so that the external conveyor line rises to the same height as the internal conveyor line inside the automated racking system; the external conveyor line transports the goods to the internal conveyor line, and the shuttle car on the automated racking system enters the internal conveyor line to pick up the goods.

[0016] Furthermore, the transition sprocket assembly increases the chain wrap angle of the output sprocket of the drive motor to 120~150°.

[0017] Furthermore, in each of the lifting assemblies, and along the length of the lifting plate, the guide shaft and the ball screw jack are arranged alternately;

[0018] The ball screw jack includes a single-axis ball screw jack and a double-axis ball screw jack, with at least one guide shaft provided between the single-axis ball screw jack and the double-axis ball screw jack.

[0019] Furthermore, the coupling is a perforated coupling, which is used to absorb the coaxiality installation error between the drive shaft and the input end of the ball screw jack.

[0020] Furthermore, it includes an electronic control system that is compatible with the elevator, and the electronic control system is electrically connected to the power component.

[0021] Furthermore, it includes a cargo status detection device for detecting the cargo status on the lifting assembly, the cargo status detection device being connected to the signal transmission of the electronic control system.

[0022] Compared with existing forklifts and floor lifts, the advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0023] (1) The fixed connection structure between the lifting plate and the guide shaft and the ball screw jack allows the guide bearing to bear the lateral force and overturning moment while the screw is only subjected to the axial force, ensuring lifting stability and reducing screw wear caused by lateral load.

[0024] (2) The drive motor synchronously drives the ball screw jacks on both sides via a double-row roller chain. With the symmetrical arrangement of the transition sprocket group and the tension sprocket group, the high-precision synchronous lifting of the lifting plates on both sides is achieved. The mechanical transmission is efficient and has few fault points.

[0025] (3) The arrangement of the transition sprocket group above the output sprocket increases the chain wrap angle, ensuring that the chain does not skip teeth under heavy load and frequent start-stop conditions, and the overall machine has high reliability.

[0026] (4) The equipment outside the warehouse can be removed by placing the goods on the lifting plate or the conveyor line without having to be lifted and lowered with the lifting platform, which improves efficiency. At the same time, the elevator does not need to dig a pit, and the installation and construction costs and cycle are significantly reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator in its raised state.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the elevator in its descending state.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) directly connecting to external equipment. Figure 1 .

[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of an automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) directly connecting to external equipment. Figure 2 .

[0031] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of an automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) directly connecting to external equipment. Figure 3 .

[0032] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of an automated warehouse racking system that connects to external equipment via an internal conveyor line. Figure 1 .

[0033] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of an automated warehouse racking system that connects to external equipment via an internal conveyor line. Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of an automated warehouse racking system that connects to external equipment via an internal conveyor line. Figure 1 . Detailed Implementation

[0035] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment is disclosed. The lifting platform 1 includes lifting components 100 arranged on the left and right sides and a power component 200 located between the two lifting components 100. The lifting components 100 include a lifting plate 101, a vertically arranged guide shaft 102, a single-axis ball screw jack 104, a double-axis ball screw jack 106, and a lifting base 107. The guide shaft 102 is slidably mounted on the lifting base 107 via a linear bearing 103, and the lower end face of the lifting plate 101 is fixedly connected to the output flanges of the single-axis ball screw jack 104 and the double-axis ball screw jack 106, as well as the top flange of the guide shaft 102. The power assembly 200 includes a drive motor 201, a power base 202, a transmission sprocket set 203, a transition sprocket set 204, and a tension sprocket set 205. The drive motor 201 is fixed to the center of the power base 202, and its output end is connected to the transition sprocket set 204 through a double-row roller chain 208. There are two transition sprocket sets 204, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drive motor 201. The installation height of the two transition sprocket sets 204 is higher than that of the output sprocket 207 of the drive motor 201, so as to increase the chain wrap angle of the output sprocket 207 to prevent tooth skipping. Two transmission sprocket sets 203 are provided, each connected to the power input end of the corresponding single-axis ball screw jack 104 and double-axis ball screw jack 106 via a transmission shaft and coupling 105. A tensioning sprocket set 205 is disposed on the chain path between the transmission sprocket set 203 and the transition sprocket set 204 on each side, used to independently adjust the chain tension on that side. The guide shaft 102 of the lifting assembly 100 is arranged parallel to the ball screw jack, and the linear bearing 103 of the guide shaft 102 is used to bear the horizontal lateral force and overturning moment on the lifting plate 101. The single-axis ball screw jack 104 and double-axis ball screw jack 106 are only used to bear the axial lifting force.

[0037] The axial load generated by the weight of the goods carried on the lifting plate 101 is transmitted to the output flange of the ball screw jack through the lifting plate 101, and the axial lifting force is borne by the screw pair. The horizontal lateral forces that the lifting plate 101 may experience during lifting, such as the shift of the center of gravity of the goods, collisions with equipment outside the warehouse, lateral impacts from shuttle vehicles entering and exiting, and overturning moments caused by uneven load distribution, are borne by the guide shaft 102 and the linear bearing 103. Since the guide shaft 102 is arranged parallel to the ball screw jack (i.e., the axis of the guide shaft 102 is parallel to the axis of the screw in the screw jack), and the linear bearing 103 only provides radial constraint to the guide shaft 102 and not axial constraint, the linear bearing 103 of the guide shaft 102 can withstand the horizontal lateral forces and overturning moments on the lifting plate 101, while the single-axis ball screw jack 104 and the double-axis ball screw jack 106 only bear the axial lifting force. Ball screw assemblies primarily bear axial loads, and the contact stress between their rolling elements and raceways is evenly distributed under axial loading, resulting in high load-bearing capacity. However, the screw assemblies are highly sensitive to lateral loads, which can cause uneven contact stress between the rolling elements and raceways, accelerating wear. By independently bearing the lateral force and overturning moment through the guide shaft 102, the ball screw jack is always in a state of pure axial compression or tension, avoiding abnormal wear and bending deformation of the screw assembly caused by lateral loads.

[0038] The double-row roller chain 208 has the advantages of high load-bearing capacity, smooth transmission, and impact resistance, making it suitable for lifting operations with heavy loads and frequent starts and stops. The chain wrap angle refers to the range of angles at which the chain contacts and wraps around the output sprocket 207. In this invention, preferably, the transition sprocket set 204 increases the chain wrap angle of the output sprocket 207 of the drive motor 201 to 120~150°. When the wrap angle is less than 120°, the number of meshing teeth between the chain and the sprocket is small, making it prone to tooth skipping under heavy load starts or impact loads—that is, the chain teeth slipping off the sprocket teeth, causing transmission failure or even equipment accidents. This embodiment increases the chain wrap angle on the output sprocket 207 by raising the installation position of the transition sprocket set 204 above the output sprocket 207 of the drive motor 201. A wrap angle of not less than 120° ensures that at least one-third of the total number of sprocket teeth are engaged simultaneously. This ensures that under rated load, the meshing force between the chain and sprocket is sufficient to resist the separation component of the tangential tension, effectively preventing tooth skipping and improving transmission reliability and impact resistance. The reason for setting the upper limit of the wrap angle to 150° is that increasing the wrap angle relies on raising the installation height of the transition sprocket assembly 204. However, increasing the installation height directly increases the overall height of the elevator 1. Furthermore, an excessively high transition sprocket assembly 204 increases the chain's overhang length, which is detrimental to chain stability. Therefore, the upper limit of 150° is an optimal value determined while ensuring sufficient wrap angle and structural compactness. Thus, controlling the wrap angle within the range of 120° to 150° ensures sufficient meshing teeth and transmission reliability while avoiding an excessively large wrap angle that would excessively increase the installation height of the transition sprocket assembly 204.

[0039] Because plastic stretching and wear of the chain pins are inevitable during long-term use, leading to increased pitch and chain slack, a slack chain will vibrate or even skip teeth during operation. In this invention, the tensioning sprocket assemblies 205 on both sides can be adjusted independently, eliminating the different elongations caused by wear on both sides of the chain and ensuring that both chains maintain appropriate tension. During installation and commissioning, the difference in transmission path length between the two sides can be compensated by adjusting the tension on each side, ensuring high synchronization of the lifting actions of the left and right lifting components 100. This avoids the problem of the lifting plate 101 tilting and jamming due to slack on one side of the chain lagging behind the other.

[0040] The power unit 200 and the two sets of lifting components 100 enclose each other to form an internal elevator passage 300 for the external equipment 2 to enter and exit the elevator 1. This internal elevator passage 300 ensures the normal entry and exit of the external equipment 2. More specifically, the power base 202 of the power unit 200 and the lifting bases 107 of the two lifting components 100 on both sides are connected to form an integrated U-shaped frame structure, and the internal elevator passage 300 is the internal space of this U-shaped frame structure.

[0041] It should be noted that the external equipment 2 of the present invention refers to a vehicle for transporting goods, which also has the function of lifting goods appropriately.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the elevator 1 has a low-level receiving state and a high-level placing state. In the low-level receiving state, the external equipment 2 loads goods into the elevator 1, places the goods on the lifting plate 101, and then exits. The shuttle track 31 inside the automated storage and retrieval system 3 extends to the inside of the elevator 1. In the high-level placing state, the lifting plate 101 rises above the shuttle track 31, allowing the shuttle 4 on the automated storage and retrieval system 3 to enter the elevator 1 and retrieve the goods. This embodiment shows the working state where the automated storage and retrieval system 3 directly connects with the external equipment 2. Both the shuttle 4 and the external equipment 2 can enter the elevator 1. When the lifting plate 101 of the elevator 1 is in the low position, the external equipment 2 loads goods into the elevator 1, places the goods on the lifting plate 101, and leaves the elevator 1. The lifting plate 101 rises to the height of the shelf placement surface, and the shuttle 4 inside the automated storage and retrieval system 3 enters the elevator 1 to transport the goods into the automated storage and retrieval system 3. During the entire handover process, external equipment 2 only needs to complete three actions: driving in, unloading, and exiting. It does not need to wait for the lifting plate 101 to complete its lifting action before leaving. Similarly, shuttle car 4 only needs to drive in, lift and retrieve goods, and exit after the lifting plate 101 is in place, without participating in the lifting action. The lifting process of elevator 1 partially overlaps with the driving process of external equipment 2 and shuttle car 4 in terms of time, thus improving operational efficiency.

[0043] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8As shown, the elevator 1 has a low-level receiving state and a high-level discharging state. Each of the lifting plates 101 of the lifting assembly 100 is equipped with an external conveyor line 108. In the low-level receiving state, the external equipment 2 loads goods into the elevator 1, places the goods on the external conveyor line 108, and then exits. In the high-level discharging state, the external conveyor line 108 rises along with the lifting plates 101, raising it to the same height as the internal conveyor line 32 within the automated storage and retrieval system 3. The external conveyor line 108 transports the goods to the internal conveyor line 32, and the shuttle 4 on the automated storage and retrieval system 3 enters the internal conveyor line 32 to retrieve the goods. This embodiment shows the working state of the automated storage and retrieval system 3, which is connected to the external equipment 2 via the external conveyor line 32. Goods transfer via conveyor lines is smooth and shock-free, suitable for handling fragile or high-value goods. External equipment 2 unloads goods onto external conveyor line 108 and then leaves. External conveyor line 108 then transports the goods to internal conveyor line 32 and resets. The entire transfer process is highly automated and requires no manual intervention. Shuttle 4 does not need to enter the elevator 1; it only needs to retrieve goods at internal conveyor line 32, avoiding the potential off-center impact that might occur if shuttle 4 enters elevator 1.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in each group of lifting components 100, and along the length of the lifting plate 101, the guide shaft 102 and the ball screw jack are alternately arranged. The ball screw jack includes a single-axis ball screw jack 104 and a double-axis ball screw jack 106, with at least one guide shaft 102 positioned between the single-axis ball screw jack 104 and the double-axis ball screw jack 106. This uniform alternating arrangement ensures that the lifting plate 101 has a support point (screw pushing point) or constraint point (guide shaft connection point) at regular intervals along its length, effectively shortening the overhang span of the lifting plate 101, reducing deformation under load, and ensuring the stability of the cargo's posture during lifting.

[0045] Preferably, the coupling 105 is a cloverleaf coupling, which is used to absorb the coaxiality installation error between the drive shaft and the input end of the ball screw jack.

[0046] In this invention, an electronic control system 206 is included, which is electrically connected to the power assembly 200, and is used to detect the loading status of the lifting assembly 100. This loading status detection device is connected to the electronic control system 206 for signal transmission. The loading status detection device is used to detect whether there is cargo on the lifting assembly 100 and whether the cargo is placed correctly. The specific form of this detection device can be a photoelectric sensor, an industrial camera, etc. For example, a through-beam or reflective photoelectric sensor is installed on the side of the lifting plate 101, with its detection beam spanning the space above the lifting plate 101. When cargo is placed on the lifting assembly 100, the beam is blocked, and the sensor outputs a cargo presence signal; when the cargo is removed, the beam is restored, and the sensor outputs a cargo absence signal.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present 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 the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lifting platform for docking automated storage and retrieval systems and external equipment, the lifting platform (1) comprising lifting components (100) arranged on the left and right sides and a power component (200) located between the two lifting components (100), characterized in that: The lifting assembly (100) includes a lifting plate (101), a vertically arranged guide shaft (102), a single-axis ball screw jack (104), a double-axis ball screw jack (106), and a lifting base (107); the guide shaft (102) is slidably mounted on the lifting base (107) via a linear bearing (103), and the lower end face of the lifting plate (101) is fixedly connected to the output flanges of the single-axis ball screw jack (104) and the double-axis ball screw jack (106) as well as the top flange of the guide shaft (102); The power assembly (200) includes a drive motor (201), a power base (202), a transmission sprocket assembly (203), a transition sprocket assembly (204), and a tension sprocket assembly (205). The drive motor (201) is fixed to the center of the power base (202), and its output end is connected to the transition sprocket assembly (204) via a double-row roller chain (208). There are two transition sprocket assemblies (204), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the drive motor (201). The installation height of the two transition sprocket assemblies (204) is higher than that of the output sprocket (207) of the drive motor (201) to increase the chain wrap angle of the output sprocket (207) to prevent tooth skipping. Two transmission sprocket sets (203) are provided, which are respectively connected to the power input ends of the single-axis ball screw jack (104) and the double-axis ball screw jack (106) on the corresponding side via a transmission shaft and a coupling (105); the tensioning sprocket set (205) is provided on the chain path between the transmission sprocket set (203) and the transition sprocket set (204) on each side, and is used to independently adjust the tension of the chain on that side; The guide shaft (102) of the lifting assembly (100) is arranged parallel to the ball screw jack, and the linear bearing (103) of the guide shaft (102) is used to bear the horizontal lateral force and overturning moment of the lifting plate (101). The single-axis ball screw jack (104) and the double-axis ball screw jack (106) are only used to bear the axial lifting force.

2. The lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power unit (200) and the two sets of lifting units (100) enclose each other to form an internal elevator passage (300) for external equipment (2) to enter and exit the elevator (1).

3. The lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power base (202) of the power assembly (200) is connected to the lifting base (107) of the lifting assembly (100) on both sides to form an integrated U-shaped frame structure, and the inner channel (300) of the elevator is the internal space of the U-shaped frame structure.

4. A lifting platform for docking automated storage and retrieval systems and external equipment as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The elevator (1) has a low-position receiving state and a high-position releasing state; In the low-position receiving state, the external equipment (2) loads goods into the elevator (1) and places the goods on the lifting plate (101) before exiting; The shuttle track (31) inside the three-dimensional rack (3) extends to the inside of the elevator (1). In the high-position loading state, the lifting plate (101) rises above the shuttle track (31) so that the shuttle (4) on the three-dimensional rack (3) can enter the elevator (1) to pick up the goods.

5. A lifting platform for docking automated storage and retrieval systems and external equipment as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The elevator (1) has a low-position receiving state and a high-position releasing state; Each of the lifting plates (101) of the lifting assembly (100) is provided with an external conveyor line (108). In the low-position receiving state, the external equipment (2) carries the goods into the elevator (1) and places the goods on the external conveyor line (108) before exiting. In the high-level loading state, the external conveyor line (108) rises together with the lifting plate (101) to the same height as the internal conveyor line (32) inside the three-dimensional rack (3); the external conveyor line (108) transports the goods to the internal conveyor line (32), and the shuttle car (4) on the three-dimensional rack (3) enters the internal conveyor line (32) to pick up the goods.

6. The lifting platform for docking automated storage and retrieval systems and external equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transition sprocket assembly (204) increases the chain wrap angle of the output sprocket (207) of the drive motor (201) to 120~150°.

7. The elevator for docking automated storage and retrieval systems and external equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: In each of the lifting assemblies (100), and along the length of the lifting plate (101), the guide shaft (102) is alternately arranged with the ball screw jack; The ball screw jack includes the single-axis ball screw jack (104) and the double-axis ball screw jack (106), and at least one guide shaft (102) is provided between the single-axis ball screw jack (104) and the double-axis ball screw jack (106).

8. The lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling (105) is a plum blossom coupling, which is used to absorb the coaxiality installation error between the drive shaft and the input end of the ball screw jack.

9. A lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Includes an electrical control system (206) that is associated with the elevator (1), and the electrical control system (206) is electrically connected to the power assembly (200).

10. A lifting platform for docking automated shelving and external equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: It includes a cargo status detection device for detecting the cargo status on the lifting assembly (100), which is connected to the electronic control system (206) for signal transmission.

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