Container grain storage stack
The containerized grain storage system solves the problems of rudimentary facilities and outdated technology in traditional grain warehouses, enabling efficient, safe, and flexible grain storage, reducing losses and transportation costs, and improving automation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Traditional grain storage facilities are rudimentary, technologically backward, inefficient, poorly laid out, and have a high loss rate. Containers cannot be used directly for grain storage and lack temperature and humidity control, leading to grain oxidation problems.
The design includes a containerized grain storage stacking system, comprising grain containers, container racks, stacker cranes, gas charging stations, and cantilever cranes, to achieve modular storage and automated loading and unloading. It is equipped with a temperature control system and an anti-oxidation gas supply to improve the degree of automation.
It enables efficient, safe, and flexible storage of grain, reduces losses, improves the overall automation and operational efficiency of the grain storage system, and lowers transportation and management costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN223990455U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of grain storage, specifically to containerized grain storage stacks. Background Technology
[0002] A grain warehouse is a specialized building for storing grain. Based on its type, it can be divided into room-type warehouses, vertical silos, and other structures. It mainly includes warehouses, storage yards (or drying yards), and facilities for metering, conveying, stacking, cleaning, loading and unloading, ventilation, and drying, and is equipped with measuring, sampling, inspection, and testing instruments.
[0003] Traditional grain storage warehouses have some drawbacks, mainly including:
[0004] Inadequate facilities: Many traditional grain warehouses are built to low standards and have inadequate facilities, which may make the grain susceptible to pests, mold and rodents during storage, resulting in losses.
[0005] Outdated technology: Traditional warehouses may lack modern grain storage technologies, such as electronic temperature measurement, mechanical ventilation, and internal circulation temperature control. These technologies can effectively maintain the freshness and quality of grain and reduce losses.
[0006] Inefficient: Traditional grain storage operations often rely on manual labor, which is inefficient and difficult to adapt to the needs of large-scale, high-efficiency grain storage.
[0007] Unreasonable regional distribution: The uneven distribution of grain storage facilities in some areas leads to difficulties in grain storage and increases transportation costs and time.
[0008] High loss rate: Due to the above-mentioned reasons, the loss rate of traditional grain storage methods is relatively high. According to reports, farmers can suffer losses of about 8% in the grain storage process.
[0009] However, existing containers cannot be used directly for storing grain because they lack temperature and humidity control modules, and if the inside of the container is filled with air, the problem of grain oxidation cannot be avoided.
[0010] Therefore, this utility model provides a container grain storage stack. Utility Model Content
[0011] To address the problems in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a containerized grain storage stack, which overcomes the difficulties of the existing technology, enables modular storage of grain containers, and allows any one of the grain containers to be directly retrieved at any time, facilitating the transportation of grain containers. Moreover, by reusing a cantilever crane for loading, unloading, charging, and inflation of grain containers, the overall automation level is improved, which is more conducive to the long-term storage of grain.
[0012] An embodiment of this utility model provides a container grain storage stack, comprising:
[0013] Several grain storage containers, with a first charging and inflation interface at the bottom of the grain storage container;
[0014] Several container racks are arranged on both sides of a track. Each container rack includes several container storage positions for storing grain containers arranged in a vertical matrix. Each container storage position is provided with a support for only the corner of the grain container and is suspended from the middle of the bottom surface of the grain container to form an insertion space.
[0015] At least one stacker crane, which has liftable horizontal forks that move along a track, allowing the horizontal forks to enter and exit the insertion space based on the side of the stacker crane, lift or lower grain containers to move grain containers between the stacker crane and the container storage location.
[0016] Several inflatable charging stations have a second charging / inflating interface positioned vertically upwards, for connecting the first charging / inflating interface vertically; and
[0017] Cantilever cranes are used to lift grain storage containers between horizontal forks, trucks, and inflatable charging stations.
[0018] Preferably, the first end of the track extends below the cantilever crane, and the second end passes through the container rack.
[0019] Preferably, the inflatable charging station is located on at least one side of the first end of the track.
[0020] Preferably, it also includes several transport lanes for trucks to travel on, the transport lanes being parallel to the rails and passing under the cantilever crane.
[0021] Preferably, the transport lane is located on the side of the inflatable charging station away from the track.
[0022] Preferably, the stacker crane receives the grain storage containers hoisted from the truck below the cantilever crane and drives along the track to the target container storage position in the container rack to store the grain storage containers.
[0023] Preferably, the stacker crane carries the grain storage container to be charged and inflated, and drives along the track to the first end of the track, where the cantilever crane lifts the grain storage container to be charged and inflated to the charging station and docks with it.
[0024] Preferably, the first charging and inflation interface is connected to a charging line and an inflation line, respectively. The charging line is connected to the temperature control system inside the grain storage container, and the inflation line is connected to the grain storage cavity inside the grain storage container.
[0025] Preferably, when the first charging and inflation interface is connected to the second charging and inflation interface, the inflation and charging station supplies power to the temperature control system and delivers the anti-oxidation gas in the inflation and charging station to the grain storage cavity.
[0026] Preferably, the first ends of several tracks extend to the bottom of the same cantilever crane so that the cantilever crane can be used for lifting.
[0027] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a containerized grain storage stack that enables modular storage of grain containers and allows for the direct retrieval of any single grain container at any time, facilitating the transportation of grain containers. Furthermore, by reusing a cantilever crane for loading, unloading, charging, and inflation of grain containers, the overall automation level is improved, which is more conducive to the long-term storage of grain. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a top view of the container grain storage stack of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a side view of the container grain storage stack of this utility model.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inflation and charging of the grain storage container in the container grain storage stack of this utility model.
[0032] Figure Labels
[0033] 1. Cantilever crane
[0034] 2 Stacker crane
[0035] 3. Grain storage containers
[0036] 4 Container racks
[0037] 41 container storage locations
[0038] 5-piece set of cards
[0039] 6. Inflatable charging station
[0040] 7 tracks Detailed Implementation
[0041] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation methods of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed herein. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this application can be modified or changed according to different viewpoints and application systems without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.
[0042] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the application. This application may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.
[0043] In this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate different embodiments or examples represented in this application, as well as features of different embodiments or examples.
[0044] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the representation of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0045] For the purpose of clearly describing this application, devices that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and the same or similar components throughout the specification are given the same reference numerals.
[0046] Throughout this specification, when it is said that a device is "connected" to another device, this includes not only "direct connection" but also "indirect connection" by placing other components in between. Furthermore, when it is said that a device "comprises" a certain constituent element, unless otherwise stated otherwise, this does not exclude other constituent elements, but rather implies that other constituent elements may be included.
[0047] When we say that a device is "above" another device, this can mean that it is directly above the other device, or it can mean that other devices are present in between. Conversely, when we say that a device is "directly" "above" another device, there are no other devices present in between.
[0048] Although the terms first, second, etc., are used in some instances herein to refer to various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, first interface and second interface, etc., are used. Furthermore, as used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, items, kinds, and / or groups. The terms “or” and “and / or” as used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination thereof. Thus, “A, B, or C” or “A, B, and / or C” means “any one of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C.” Exceptions to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps, or operations is inherently mutually exclusive in some way.
[0049] The technical terms used herein are for reference only to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless the statement explicitly indicates otherwise. The word "comprising" as used in the specification means to specify a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.
[0050] Although not explicitly defined, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be further interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant technical literature and the content of this present application, and shall not be over-interpreted as having an ideal or overly formulaic meaning unless otherwise defined.
[0051] Figure 1 This is a top view of the container grain storage stack of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a side view of the container grain storage stack of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inflation and charging of a grain storage container in a containerized grain storage stack, as per this utility model. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the containerized grain storage stack of this utility model includes: several grain storage containers 3, several container racks 4, a stacker crane 2, an inflation and charging station 6, and a cantilever crane 1. The grain storage containers 3 are provided with a first charging and inflation interface at their bottom. The container racks 4 are arranged along both sides of a track 7, and each container rack includes several container storage positions 41 arranged in a vertical matrix for storing grain storage containers 3. Each container storage position 41 has a support portion that only supports the corner of the grain storage container 3, and is suspended above the center of the bottom surface of the grain storage container 3 to form an insertion space. At least one stacker crane 2 is provided, which has liftable horizontal forks that move along the track 7, allowing the horizontal forks to enter and exit the insertion space based on the side of the stacker crane 2, lifting or lowering the grain storage containers 3 to transport the grain storage containers 3 between the stacker crane 2 and the container storage positions 41. Several inflation and charging stations 6 have a second charging and inflation interface arranged vertically upwards for the first charging and inflation interface to connect vertically. The cantilever crane 1 lifts and transports grain storage containers 3 between the horizontal forks, the truck 5, and the air charging station 6.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the track 7 extends below the cantilever crane 1, and the second end passes through the container rack 4, but is not limited thereto.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable charging station 6 is located on at least one side of the first end of the track 7, but is not limited thereto.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes a plurality of transport lanes for the truck 5 to travel on, the transport lanes being parallel to the track 7 and passing through the area below the cantilever crane 1, but not limited thereto.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the transport lane is located on the side of the inflatable charging station 6 away from the track 7, but this is not a limitation.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the stacker crane 2 receives the grain storage container 3 hoisted from the truck 5 below the cantilever crane 1 and drives along the track 7 to the target container storage position 41 in the container rack 4 to store the grain storage container 3, but is not limited thereto.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the stacker crane 2 carries the grain storage container 3 to be charged and inflated, and moves along the track 7 to the first end of the track 7, so that the cantilever crane 1 can lift the grain storage container 3 to be charged and inflated to the charging station 6 and dock it, but this is not a limitation.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the first charging and inflation interface is connected to a charging line and an inflation pipeline, respectively. The charging line is connected to the temperature control system inside the grain storage container 3, and the inflation pipeline is connected to the grain storage cavity inside the grain storage container 3, but this is not a limitation.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, when the first charging and inflation interface is connected to the second charging and inflation interface, the inflation and charging station 6 supplies power to the temperature control system and delivers the anti-oxidation gas in the inflation and charging station 6 to the grain storage cavity, but this is not a limitation.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the first ends of several tracks 7 extend to the underside of the same cantilever crane 1 to share the cantilever crane 1 for lifting, but this is not a limitation.
[0061] The use of containerized grain storage in this utility model has several advantages, mainly including:
[0062] Efficient loading and unloading: Containers can be loaded and unloaded automatically, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual labor intensity and time costs.
[0063] Reduced losses: The excellent sealing of containers can effectively prevent grain from being affected by moisture, mold, pests, and rodents during storage and transportation, thereby reducing losses.
[0064] Flexibility and mobility: Containers are easy to move and stack, and can be quickly adjusted in terms of storage location and quantity to adapt to different storage needs.
[0065] Standardization and compatibility: The standardized design of containers allows grain to be easily transferred between different modes of transport, such as from trucks to trains or ships, improving the compatibility and convenience of logistics.
[0066] Safety: The robust structure of the container protects the grain from the effects of the external environment, and the container can be equipped with an advanced monitoring system to monitor the grain status in real time.
[0067] Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial investment may be high, the durability and reusability of containers can reduce the overall cost in the long run.
[0068] Highly adaptable to the environment: Containers can be used in various climates and environments, without being restricted by geographical location.
[0069] Facilitates supervision and tracking: Containers are easy to seal and lock, which is conducive to the supervision and tracking of food, ensuring the transparency and security of the supply chain.
[0070] Therefore, a three-dimensional grain container stacking system was developed to realize the intelligent and automated storage of grain in containers.
[0071] Compared to traditional container handling systems, where stacker cranes typically transport containers to their designated location (outbound trip) and then return empty (return trip), the traditional system requires the stacker crane to return to its starting point after completing its task (even if empty) to save time for subsequent tasks. This process results in the stacker crane operating empty, reducing overall efficiency and hindering energy conservation and environmental protection. In this invention, the return trip is fully utilized by bringing containers requiring charging or inflation back to the first end of the track. This allows for charging and inflation using these containers, avoiding the stacker crane's empty return trip, further enhancing system uptime and improving energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
[0072] The specific implementation of this utility model is as follows:
[0073] Continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3In this invention, the bottom of the grain storage container 3 in the container grain storage stack is provided with a first charging and inflation interface. Container racks 4 are arranged on both sides of a track 7. Each container rack includes several container storage positions 41 arranged in a vertical matrix for storing grain containers 3. Each container storage position 41 has a support portion that only supports the corner of the grain container 3, and is suspended above the center of the bottom surface of the grain container 3 to form an insertion space. At least one stacker crane 2 is provided. The stacker crane 2 has liftable horizontal forks that move along the track 7, allowing the horizontal forks to enter and exit the insertion space based on the side of the stacker crane 2, lifting or lowering the grain container 3 to transport the grain container 3 between the stacker crane 2 and the container storage positions 41. Several inflation and charging stations 6 are provided, each with a second charging and inflation interface vertically upwards for connecting the first charging and inflation interface vertically. A cantilever crane 1 lifts the grain container 3 between the horizontal forks, the truck 5, and the inflation and charging stations 6. The first end of the track 7 extends below the cantilever crane 1, and the second end passes through the container rack 4. The inflatable charging station 6 is located on at least one side of the first end of track 7. Several transport lanes for trucks 5 run parallel to track 7, passing under the cantilever crane 1. These transport lanes are located on the side of the inflatable charging station 6 opposite to track 7. The stacker crane 2 receives the grain container 3 hoisted from the truck 5 below the cantilever crane 1 and travels along track 7 to the target container storage position 41 in the container rack 4 to store the grain container 3. The stacker crane 2, carrying the grain container 3 to be inflated, travels along track 7 to the first end of track 7, where the cantilever crane 1 hoists the grain container 3 to be inflated onto the inflatable charging station 6 and docks it. The cantilever crane 1 vertically hoists the grain container 3 to be inflated onto the upper surface of the container, vertically connecting the first and second charging / inflating interfaces. The first charging and inflation interface is connected to the charging line and the inflation pipeline respectively. The charging line is connected to the temperature control system inside the grain storage container 3, and the inflation pipeline is connected to the grain storage cavity inside the grain storage container 3. When the first charging and inflation interface is connected to the second charging and inflation interface, the inflation charging station 6 supplies power to the temperature control system and delivers the anti-oxidation gas in the inflation charging station 6 to the grain storage cavity. The first ends of several tracks 7 extend to the bottom of the same cantilever crane 1 to share the cantilever crane 1 for lifting.
[0074] The process of transporting a container to its designated location on a one-way trip (outbound) mainly includes the following steps: First, truck 5 transports the grain container 3 to be stored to the area below the cantilever crane 1. The cantilever crane 1 then moves the grain container 3 laterally over the inflatable charging station 6 and onto the stacker crane 2. The stacker crane 2 travels along track 7 towards the container rack 4, reaching the side of the container storage location 41, which serves as the target storage location. Finally, the stacker crane 2 lifts the grain container 3 and places it into the target storage location.
[0075] After completing the outbound journey, the process of returning to the starting position (return journey) with the grain storage container 3 to be charged and inflated mainly includes: the stacker crane 2 prioritizes selecting the grain storage container to be charged and inflated that is closest to the target position's container storage space 41 along the return direction of the track. The stacker crane 2 removes the grain storage container 3 to be charged and inflated from the container storage space 41. The stacker crane 2 carries the grain storage container 3 to be charged and inflated along the track to the first end of the track. The cantilever crane 1 lifts the grain storage container to be charged and inflated above the inflating and charging station 6, supplies power to the temperature control system inside the grain storage container, and replenishes the grain storage cavity inside the grain storage container with anti-oxidation gas.
[0076] In this invention, when the stacker crane 2 is on its outbound journey (entering the container rack 4), it can move the containers to be stored into the corresponding positions on the container rack 4. On its return journey (leaving the container rack 4), it can move the grain storage containers 3 to be charged and inflated from the container rack 4 for charging and inflating. This ensures that the stacker crane 2 can be fully loaded throughout the entire process, avoiding the situation where the stacker crane 2 returns to the starting point empty, and greatly improving the operating efficiency of the system.
[0077] In summary, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a container grain storage stack that can use a crane to lift containers or rotate container doors between trucks and container sleds on multiple lanes. This restricts the necessary paths of trucks within the yard, preventing them from approaching the container storage area. It also helps reduce the width of roads within the container yard, thus providing more container storage space. Furthermore, it is beneficial for use with intelligent container racks, shortening the time cycle for storing and retrieving containers, and improving the storage capacity and turnover efficiency of the container yard.
[0078] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A bulk grain storage stack of shipping containers, characterised in that, The application relates to a grain storage system comprising: a plurality of grain storage containers (3) each having a first charging and aerating interface on the bottom; a plurality of container racks (4) arranged along both sides of a track (7), each container rack comprising a plurality of container storage positions (41) arranged in a vertical matrix for storing the grain storage containers (3), each container storage position (41) having a support portion for supporting only the corner of the grain storage container (3) and leaving a space for insertion in the middle of the bottom of the grain storage container (3); at least one stacker crane (2) having a horizontal fork capable of being lifted and lowered and moving along the track (7) to make the horizontal fork enter or exit the space for insertion based on the side of the stacker crane (2) to lift or lower the grain storage container (3) to carry the grain storage container (3) between the stacker crane (2) and the container storage position (41); a plurality of charging and aerating stations (6) each having a second charging and aerating interface arranged vertically upward for connecting the first charging and aerating interface in the vertical direction; and a cantilever crane (1) for hoisting the grain storage container (3) between the horizontal fork, a truck (5) and the charging and aerating station (6).
2. The bulk grain storage silo according to claim 1, wherein, The first end of the track (7) extends below the cantilever crane (1) and the second end passes through the container racks (4).
3. The bulk grain storage silo according to claim 1, wherein, The charging and aerating stations (6) are located on at least one side of the first end of the track (7).
4. The bulk grain storage silo as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a plurality of transport lanes for the truck (5) to travel, the transport lanes being parallel to the track (7) and passing through the area below the cantilever crane (1).
5. A bulk storage grain silo as claimed in claim 4 wherein, The transport lanes are located on the side of the charging and aerating stations (6) away from the track (7).
6. The bulk grain storage silo as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The stacker crane (2) receives the grain storage container (3) hoisted from the truck (5) below the cantilever crane (1) and drives along the track (7) to the target container storage position (41) in the container rack (4) to store the grain storage container (3).
7. The bulk storage container stack of claim 1, wherein, The stacker crane (2) carries the grain storage container (3) to be charged and aerated, drives along the track (7) to the first end of the track (7) so that the cantilever crane (1) hoists the grain storage container (3) to be charged and aerated to the charging and aerating station (6) and docks.
8. A bulk storage grain silo as claimed in claim 7 wherein, The first charging and aerating interface is connected with a charging line and an aerating line respectively, the charging line is connected with a temperature control system in the grain storage container (3), and the aerating line is connected with a grain storage cavity in the grain storage container (3).
9. A bulk storage grain silo as claimed in claim 8 wherein, When the first charging and aerating interface is connected with the second charging and aerating interface, the charging and aerating station (6) supplies power to the temperature control system and delivers the antioxidant gas in the charging and aerating station (6) to the grain storage cavity.
10. The bulk grain storage silo as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first ends of the plurality of tracks (7) all extend below the same cantilever crane (1) to share the cantilever crane (1) for hoisting.