Storage cage coaming fixing tool and storage cage stacking structure

By installing a square frame with snap-fit ​​slots and snap-fit ​​plates on the top of the storage cage, the problems of loose side panels and identification of the storage cage are solved, enabling automatic stacking of handling robots and ensuring reliable connection and accurate identification.

CN223891430UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-10ZHEJIANG EP EQUIP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520543885.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-26
Publication Date
2026-02-10
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When the existing storage cages are full, the side panels become loose, making it difficult for handling robots to accurately identify and locate them, thus preventing automatic stacking.

Method used

A square frame is installed on the top of the storage cage. The outer and inner edges of the frame form a snap-fit ​​groove that matches the side panel of the storage cage. The snap-fit ​​plate matches the base, forming a reliable connection to ensure that the handling robot can identify and locate it.

Benefits of technology

The system enables the handling robot to clearly identify the upper boundary of the storage cage, ensure the side panels are fixed, allow automatic stacking, and has a simple connection structure that does not increase the stacking height.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a storage cage coaming fixing tool and a storage cage stacking structure, the storage cage coaming fixing tool is installed at the upper end of a storage cage in a stock state, and comprises a square frame matched with an opening in the upper end of the storage cage, the outer edge of the frame is folded downwards to form an outer blocking edge, and the outer blocking edge is connected with the storage cage. The vertical width of the outer flanges is larger than that of round steel at the upper ends of the storage cage side plates, the outer flanges can be recognized by a transfer robot, the side edges of the frame are provided with a plurality of inner flanges folded downwards from the inner sides, and the outer flanges, the side edges and the inner flanges of the frame are matched to form first clamping grooves with downward openings. And the first clamping groove is matched with the edge of the upper end of the storage cage. According to the scheme, automatic stacking between the upper storage cage and the lower storage cage can be achieved through the carrying robot on the basis of an existing storage cage structure.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of logistics equipment technology, and in particular to a storage cage enclosure fixing fixture and a storage cage stacking structure. Background Technology

[0002] Storage cages are commonly used for storing goods. They have the advantage of occupying little space when folded and are relatively lightweight compared to other types of cages. Existing storage cages include a base plate and four foldable side panels connected to the four sides of the base. Foot supports are located at the four corners of the base plate to elevate the bottom of the storage cage. In the folded state, the side panels flip relative to the base and stack horizontally on it; in the unfolded state (stored state), the side panels stand upright relative to the base, forming a frame. When the storage cage is opened to the stored state, the four side panels are interconnected and fixed in an upright position to define the storage space. However, when the storage cage is full of goods and is being moved, or when multiple storage cages are stacked, the side panels may become loose.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing technologies, to automatically stack unfolded storage cages using a handling robot, it is necessary to identify the two bottom feet of the storage cage facing the robot to determine the insertion position of the robot's forks for moving the storage cage, and to identify the upper end of the side panel of the lower storage cage facing the robot to accurately determine the placement position of the storage cage being moved by the handling robot. However, the upper ends of existing storage cages are typically made of slender round steel, and due to their narrow width, they are difficult for handling robots to accurately and clearly identify and position using methods such as laser scanning. Therefore, existing storage cages cannot be automatically stacked using a handling robot. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention aims to provide a storage cage enclosure fixing fixture and a storage cage stacking structure, which enables automatic stacking of upper and lower storage cages using a handling robot based on the existing storage cage structure.

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model provides a storage cage enclosure fixing fixture, installed on the upper end of a storage cage in a stored state. It includes a square frame that matches the upper opening of the storage cage. The outer edge of the frame is folded downwards to form an outer retaining edge, the vertical width of which is greater than the vertical width of the upper round steel on the side plate of the storage cage. Each side of the frame is provided with several inner retaining edges folded downwards from the inside. The outer retaining edge, side edges, and inner retaining edges of the frame cooperate to form a downward-opening first snap-fit ​​groove, which matches the upper edge of the storage cage. The first side edge and the second side edge of the frame are arranged opposite each other, and at least one snap-fit ​​plate is provided on each of the first and second side edges. The snap-fit ​​plate faces upwards relative to the first and second side edges, and matches the second snap-fit ​​groove at the bottom of the storage cage, the second snap-fit ​​groove opening downwards.

[0006] Preferably, the upper and lower widths of the outer edge are 20mm or more.

[0007] Preferably, symmetrically arranged snap-fit ​​plates are provided only on the first and second sides.

[0008] Preferably, the inner edge is inclined inward from top to bottom, and the opening width at the lower end of the first snap-fit ​​groove is greater than the inner and outer thickness of the upper edge of the storage cage.

[0009] Preferably, each side of the upper end of the storage cage is provided with at least two buckles along its length, the buckles being folded inward and downward relative to their respective sides, the folded edges of the buckles serving as the inner retaining edges.

[0010] Preferably, the lower opening width of the second snap-fit ​​groove is greater than the inner and outer thickness of the snap-fit ​​plate.

[0011] Preferably, the frame is provided with several clearance openings corresponding to the storage cage.

[0012] Another aspect of this utility model provides a storage cage stacking structure, including two or more storage cages and several storage cage enclosure fixing fixtures as described in any of the above claims. One storage cage enclosure fixing fixture is located between two stacked storage cages. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture is installed on the upper end of the storage cage by engaging with the lower storage cage through a first snap-fit ​​groove. The upper storage cage is installed by engaging with the snap-fit ​​edge through a second snap-fit ​​groove on its bottom foot.

[0013] This utility model uses a storage cage enclosure fixing fixture with the above-described structure, which is installed at the upper opening of the storage cage, and has the following advantages:

[0014] The upper boundary of the storage cage is clearly defined by its wider outer edge. The upper and lower widths of the outer edge are designed to be clearly identifiable by the handling robot, generally 20mm or more. This allows the storage cage to be automatically identified by the handling robot without modifying the existing storage cage structure, and thus enables the automatic stacking of the storage cage by the automatic handling robot.

[0015] The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture always maintains its square frame, so that after the storage cage is installed, the fixture can fix the side of the storage cage from the opening end of the storage cage through its own shape, preventing it from loosening during handling or stacking.

[0016] The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture has a simple structure and does not increase the stacking height when used to connect two storage cages. Furthermore, the connection structure based on the fixture is simple; the fixture can be connected to the lower storage cage with a single action, and the upper storage cage can be connected to the fixture once it is in place, making operation simple. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the storage cage enclosure fixing fixture in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram from another angle;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the storage cage in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking structure of the storage cages in this application.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] Fixed fixture 1, frame 11, outer baffle 12, inner baffle 13, first side 14, second side 15, snap-fit ​​plate 16, clearance opening 17, first groove 18, storage cage 2, base 21, side plate 22, bottom foot 23, second groove 24, protrusion 25. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Example

[0024] This embodiment provides a storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1, which is installed on the upper end of a storage cage 2 in the storage state. The structure of the storage cage 2 in the storage state is as follows: Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the storage cage 2 includes a base 21 and four rotatable side panels 22 connected to the four sides of the base 21. In the folded state, the side panels 22 are flipped relative to the base 21 and stacked horizontally on the base 21; in the unfolded state (in storage state), the side panels 22 stand upright relative to the base 21 in a frame shape. The base 21 has feet 23 at at least at the four corners, which raise the bottom of the base 21 by a certain distance, so that the storage cages 2 in the folded state can be stacked, and the forks of the handling robot can be inserted from the bottom to handle the storage cages.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1 includes a square frame 11 that matches the upper opening of the storage cage 2. The frame 11 is an integral structure and always maintains a square shape during use. After being connected to the upper end of the storage cage 2, the frame 11 structure of the fixing fixture 1 can enhance the integrity between the four side panels 22 of the storage cage 2.

[0026] The outer edge of the frame 11 is folded downwards to form an outer baffle 12. The vertical width of the outer baffle is greater than the vertical width of the round steel at the top of the side plate of the storage cage. The vertical width of the outer baffle is designed to be clearly identifiable by the handling robot, preferably 20mm or more, so that it can be clearly and quickly identified and located by the handling robot in the prior art through laser scanning or other means. Based on this, the handling robot can determine the handling position of the storage cage by identifying the position of the base, and determine its placement position by identifying the outer baffle of the storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1 installed on the upper part of the storage cage. Taking the process of transporting and stacking the first storage cage onto the second storage cage as an example, the fixed fixture is installed on the second storage cage. The side of the storage cage facing the transport robot is the front side. The transport robot identifies the positions of the two bottom feet on the front side of the first storage cage and inserts its forks between the two bottom feet to transport the first storage cage. When the transport robot transports the first storage cage to the position of the second robot, the transport robot can determine the upper position of the second storage cage by identifying the outer edge of the fixed fixture on the front side of the second storage cage, thereby placing the first storage cage on the forks onto the upper end of the second storage cage and automatically stacking the two.

[0027] Each side of the frame 11 is provided with several inner baffles 13 that fold downwards from the inside. The outer baffle 12, the sides, and the inner baffles 13 of the frame 11 cooperate to form a downward-opening first groove 18 (i.e., a first snap-fit ​​groove), which matches the upper edge of the storage cage 2. Thus, the upper end of the storage cage 2 can be snapped into the first groove 18 to achieve the connection between the storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1 and the storage cage 2. The snap-fit ​​connection method is simple in structure and operation. Furthermore, in the stacked state, the weight of the upper storage cage 2 can press the first groove 18 and the lower storage cage 2 together, making the connection structure reliable.

[0028] The first side 14 and the second side 15 of the frame 11 are arranged opposite to each other. At least one snap-fit ​​plate 16 is provided on the first side 14 and the second side 15 respectively. The snap-fit ​​plate 16 is arranged facing upward relative to the first side 14 and the second side 15, and the snap-fit ​​plate 16 matches the second groove 24 (i.e., the second snap-fit ​​groove) of the bottom foot 23 of the storage cage 2. The second groove 24 opens downward. By setting the snap-fit ​​plate 16 to cooperate with the second groove 24 of the bottom foot 23 of the storage cage 2, the upper storage cage 2 can be connected to the storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1, so that two stacked storage cages 2 can be connected by one storage cage enclosure fixture 1.

[0029] Preferably, snap-fit ​​plates are provided only on the first and second sides, so that during automatic stacking, the first and second sides can act as guide plates to ensure the stacking direction between storage cages and the alignment and stability during stacking.

[0030] The storage cage enclosure tooling 1 in this embodiment only includes a first groove 18 with a downward opening and a snap-fit ​​plate 16 fixed outside the first groove 18 facing upward. The two parts are respectively connected to the storage cage 2 below and above. The overall structure is simple and will not increase the vertical height of the stacked storage cage 2 after connection.

[0031] Preferably, the inner baffle 13 slopes inward from top to bottom, and the opening width at the lower end of the first groove 18 is greater than the inner and outer thickness of the upper edge of the storage cage 2; the opening width at the lower end of the second groove 24 is greater than the inner and outer thickness of the snap-fit ​​plate 16. By setting a larger snap-fit ​​groove opening, it is convenient for the corresponding connecting structure to be inserted into the corresponding snap-fit ​​groove during installation, which facilitates installation.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, at least two buckles are provided on each side of the upper end of the storage cage 2 along its length. The buckles are folded inward and downward relative to their respective sides, and the folded edges of the buckles serve as the inner baffle 13. The use of at least two buckles on each side ensures reliable connection and saves production costs. In a preferred embodiment, the storage cage enclosure tooling 1 is integrally formed by folding a plate-like profile and then welding it at the seams, making processing convenient.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper end of the storage cage 2 has several upward protrusions 25. Based on this, the frame 11 of the storage cage enclosure tool 1 is provided with several clearance openings 17 corresponding to the protrusions 25 of the storage cage 2. When the storage cage enclosure tool 1 is connected to the storage cage 2 below, the protrusions 25 extend out from the clearance openings 17. Example

[0034] This embodiment provides a storage cage stacking structure, including two or more such as Figure 3 The storage cage 2 shown, and several storage cage enclosure fixing fixtures 1 as disclosed in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 As shown, a storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1 is located between two stacked storage cages 2. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture 1 is installed on the upper end of the storage cage 2 by engaging with the lower storage cage 2 through the first groove 18. The upper storage cage 2 is installed by engaging with the snap-fit ​​plate 16 through the second groove 24 of its bottom foot 23.

[0035] The above structure enables the stacking arrangement of multiple storage cages 2 in various storage states. After stacking, the weight of the upper storage cage 2 further tightens the snap-fit ​​connection, ensuring a reliable connection structure. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fixture for fixing storage cage enclosure panels, characterized in that, The storage cage, installed at the top of the storage cage in its stored state, includes a square frame that matches the opening at the top of the storage cage. The outer edge of the frame is folded downward to form an outer retaining edge, and the vertical width of the outer retaining edge is greater than the vertical width of the round steel at the top of the side plate of the storage cage. Each side of the frame is provided with several inner retaining edges that fold downward from the inside. The outer retaining edge, side edge, and inner retaining edge of the frame cooperate to form a first snap-fit ​​groove that opens downward. The first snap-fit ​​groove matches the top edge of the storage cage. The first side edge and the second side edge of the frame are arranged opposite each other, and at least one snap-fit ​​plate is provided on the first side edge and the second side edge respectively. The snap-fit ​​plate is arranged facing upward relative to the first side edge and the second side edge, and the snap-fit ​​plate matches the second snap-fit ​​groove at the bottom of the storage cage. The second snap-fit ​​groove opens downward.

2. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top and bottom widths of the outer edge are 20mm or more.

3. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​plates are symmetrically arranged only on the first and second sides.

4. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner edge slopes inward from top to bottom, and the opening width at the lower end of the first snap-fit ​​groove is greater than the inner and outer thickness of the upper edge of the storage cage.

5. A storage cage enclosure fixing fixture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least two buckles are provided on each side of the upper end of the storage cage along its length. The buckles are folded inward and downward relative to their respective sides, and the folded edges of the buckles serve as the inner retaining edges.

6. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower opening width of the second snap-fit ​​groove is greater than the inner and outer thickness of the snap-fit ​​plate.

7. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is provided with several clearance openings corresponding to the storage cage.

8. A storage cage stacking structure, characterized in that, The device includes two or more storage cages and several storage cage enclosure fixing fixtures as described in any one of claims 1-5. One storage cage enclosure fixing fixture is located between two stacked storage cages. The storage cage enclosure fixing fixture is installed on the upper end of the storage cage by engaging with the lower storage cage through a first snap-fit ​​groove. The upper storage cage is installed by engaging with the snap-fit ​​plate through a second snap-fit ​​groove on its bottom foot.