Electric brush assembly, carrying equipment and warehousing system
By designing a retractable brush assembly that works in conjunction with a sliding contact line to receive power, the problem of the material handling equipment being unable to operate continuously in the tunnel was solved, improving work efficiency and extending equipment life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG GALAXIS TECH GRP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing material handling equipment cannot operate continuously while charging, and the detachment and reconnection of brush assemblies at roadway intersections affects travel speed and equipment lifespan.
Design a brush assembly with a brush head that can extend to cooperate with the sliding contact line to receive power, and retract without obstructing the movement of the equipment. Combined with a drive device, it enables flexible movement of the brush head, allowing the equipment to be continuously powered in the tunnel and to perform tasks outside the tunnel.
This technology enables transport equipment to operate in the tunnel without returning to the charging station, improving work efficiency, reducing equipment path restrictions, and extending equipment lifespan.
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Figure CN224138490U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a brush assembly installed on a handling equipment used in a warehousing system, which allows for selective engagement and disengagement of the brush head and the sliding contact line. This utility model also relates to a handling device and a warehousing system. This utility model relates to the field of handling equipment for warehousing systems. Background Technology
[0002] In modern warehousing systems, material handling and transportation are among the most tedious tasks in daily operations. Various handling equipment can move flexibly within the warehouse, efficiently enabling the inbound and outbound movement of goods.
[0003] Material handling equipment includes shuttles, such as bin shuttles and pallet shuttles, which can move flexibly in the main and secondary aisles of each floor of the automated warehouse; and handling robots, such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Automated Mobile Robots), which move in the aisles between the racks and have high load capacity and high mobility.
[0004] In existing technologies, material handling equipment is primarily powered by built-in batteries to enable its handling and movement functions. However, batteries have limited capacity, and when the battery level is low, the equipment returns to a charging station to recharge. During charging, the equipment cannot continue handling operations, reducing the overall efficiency of the warehousing system's inbound and outbound processes.
[0005] To reduce or even eliminate the time it takes for transport equipment to return to the charging station for charging, the current solution is to install charging equipment in the aisles where the transport equipment travels, allowing the equipment to charge while it is moving.
[0006] One type of prior art restricts the travel path of the transport equipment, allowing it to travel only in a circular path, and a continuous sliding contact line is set along the circular path, with the fixed brush assembly of the transport equipment continuously energized in conjunction with the sliding contact line.
[0007] However, this scheme specifies the travel path of the handling equipment, limiting the handling equipment from performing handling tasks outside the aisle, such as moving goods in and out of the warehouse.
[0008] Another type of existing technology involves installing intermittent sliding contact lines along both the main and auxiliary tunnels of the tunnel, with the contact lines interrupted at the intersection where the main and auxiliary tunnels meet. When the transport equipment travels in the main and auxiliary tunnels, the fixed brush assembly of the transport equipment is energized in conjunction with the sliding contact lines.
[0009] However, when the conveying equipment of this scheme travels along the main aisle, the brush assembly needs to go through the process of disconnecting and reconnecting with the intermittent sliding contact line every time it passes an intersection. This seriously affects the travel speed and charging efficiency of the conveying equipment. The impact between the brush assembly and the sliding contact line during reconnection also leads to more electrical sparks and a reduction in the lifespan of the parts.
[0010] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a flexible power supply solution for handling equipment that can provide power to the handling equipment for a long time, thereby eliminating the need for the handling equipment to return to the charging station, and allowing the handling equipment to perform handling tasks outside the roadway. Utility Model Content
[0011] To address the aforementioned problems of the prior art, the inventors provide a brush assembly installed on a handling equipment used in a warehousing system. The brush head can extend and retract, and in the extended position, it cooperates with the sliding contact line to receive electricity in the main aisle. In the retracted position, it returns to the handling equipment without hindering the handling equipment from entering or leaving the aisle.
[0012] In a first example of the brush assembly, the brush assembly includes: a brush head; a connecting arm disposed between the handling equipment and the brush head; and a drive device disposed on the handling equipment and actuating the connecting arm to move the brush head between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the brush head engages with the sliding contact line of the warehouse of the storage system and receives power. In the retracted position, the brush head returns to the handling equipment.
[0013] As described above, when the brush assembly is in the extended position, it allows the transport equipment to travel in the tunnel without having to return to the charging station for charging. When the brush assembly is in the retracted position, it disengages from the sliding contact line and does not hinder the transport equipment from leaving the original tunnel.
[0014] In a second example of the brush assembly, the first example may be optionally included. The brush assembly further includes: a connecting arm including a fixed end, an extended end, and an intermediate section between the fixed end and the extended end; the fixed end is hinged to a conveying device; the brush head is coupled to the extended end of the connecting arm; and a drive device is hinged to the intermediate section of the connecting arm and actuates the connecting arm such that the brush head can swing around the fixed end in a circumferential direction between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0015] As configured as described above, the connecting arm of the brush assembly can swing the brush head between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0016] In a third example of the brush assembly, one or more of the examples above may be included. The brush assembly further includes a drive device comprising a motor, a first link connected to the motor, and a second link hinged to the first link. The second link is hinged to a middle section of the connecting arm. Rotation of the output shaft of the motor can drive the first link to rotate, the first link can drive the second link to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm.
[0017] As described above, the first and second links have high structural flexibility and are easy to maintain.
[0018] In a fourth example of the brush assembly, one or more of the examples above may be included. The brush assembly further includes a drive device comprising a motor, a mating lead screw and nut, and a nut link, one end of which is hinged to the nut and the other end of which is hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm. Rotation of the motor's output shaft can drive the lead screw to rotate, the lead screw rotation can drive the nut to move linearly along the lead screw, the linear movement of the nut can drive the nut link to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm.
[0019] Based on the above-described structure, the lead screw nut has high structural stability and facilitates the rational use of the four-way interior space.
[0020] In a fifth example of the brush assembly, one or more of the examples above may be included, and the brush assembly further includes: a nut link that is bent upwards.
[0021] As configured as described above, the bent nut link will not be exposed outside the handling equipment throughout the entire process of the swing arm movement.
[0022] In a sixth example of the brush assembly, one or more of the examples above may be included. The brush assembly further includes a drive device comprising a motor, a mating drive gear and a driven gear, the driven gear being designed to be fastened to or integral with the fixed end of the connecting arm, the output shaft of the motor rotating to drive the drive gear to rotate, the drive gear rotating to drive the driven gear to rotate, and thus actuating the connecting arm.
[0023] Based on the above configuration, the drive device has a simple structure, the drive gear and driven gear have simple structures, low transmission loss, and can make full use of the motor's torque.
[0024] In the seventh example of the brush assembly, one or more of the above examples may be included. The brush assembly further includes: a connecting arm including a driven end and a protruding end, a brush head connected to the protruding end, and a driving device actuating the driven end of the connecting arm to move linearly in the vertical direction, thereby causing the protruding end of the connecting arm to move linearly between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0025] As described above, the connecting arm of the brush assembly can telescopically move the brush head between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0026] In the eighth example of the brush assembly, one or more of the above examples may be optionally included. The brush assembly further includes: a driving device including a motor, a first link connected to the motor, and a second link hinged to the first link. The second link is hinged to the driven end of the connecting arm. Rotation of the output shaft of the motor can drive the first link to rotate, drive the second link to rotate, and actuate the connecting arm to move linearly.
[0027] As described above, the first and second links have high structural flexibility and are easy to maintain.
[0028] In the ninth example of the brush assembly, one or more of the above examples may be optionally included. The brush assembly further includes: a driving device including a motor and a driving gear, and a connecting arm including a rack-shaped portion that is paired with the driving gear. The rotation of the output shaft of the motor can drive the driving gear to rotate, drive the rack-shaped portion to move along the length direction of the rack-shaped portion, and actuate the connecting arm to move linearly.
[0029] Based on the above configuration, the drive device has a simple structure, the drive gear and driven gear have simple structures, low transmission loss, and can make full use of the motor's torque.
[0030] In the tenth example of the brush assembly, one or more of the above examples may be included. The brush assembly further includes: a brush head hinged to a connecting arm, and an elastic element disposed between the brush head and the connecting arm, the elastic element limiting the range of rotation of the brush head.
[0031] As described above, the brush head can be initially held in a neutral position, which facilitates the initial contact between the brush head and the sliding contact line. It can also prevent the brush head from directly impacting the connecting arm when rotating, thus avoiding damage and affecting its service life.
[0032] A handling device is also provided, which includes one or more brush assemblies as described in the examples above.
[0033] A warehousing system is also provided, which includes the handling equipment described in the above examples.
[0034] The brush assembly, handling equipment, and storage system provided in this application enable the handling equipment to directly draw power from the sliding contact line via the brush assembly while traveling in the tunnel, supplying power for the four-way shuttle and simultaneously charging the energy storage device. When it needs to leave the original tunnel, the brush assembly detaches from the sliding contact line and is stored on the handling equipment, while also providing energy storage.
[0035] By using a brush assembly in conjunction with a sliding contact line to continuously power the handling equipment, the equipment can operate continuously without needing to return to the charging station, thus improving the overall working efficiency of the handling equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0036] To describe embodiments of the above and other features of this invention, a more detailed description of the invention, as briefly described above, will be presented with reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be considered as limiting its scope; the invention will be described and explained using the drawings and with the aid of additional features and details. In the drawings:
[0037] Figure 1A This is a warehouse of a warehousing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which handling equipment moves;
[0038] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The enlarged view of the part outlined by the dashed line shows the sliding contact line of the warehouse;
[0039] Figure 2A This is a top perspective view of a handling device including a brush assembly according to the present invention;
[0040] Figure 2B This is a bottom perspective view of a handling device including a brush assembly according to the present invention;
[0041] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the brush head is in the extended position;
[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the brush assembly, with the brush head in the retracted position;
[0043] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the brush head is in the extended position;
[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A 3D view of the brush assembly, with the brush head in the retracted position;
[0045] Figure 7 This is a side view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] Figure 8 This is a side view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] Figure 9This is a side view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the brush head of the brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] The accompanying drawings are drawn roughly to scale; however, the dimensions in the drawings are merely schematic and do not need to be strictly to scale, but are intended to make the illustration clearer. Other relative dimensions may be used in other embodiments. Throughout this and all subsequent descriptions, the same features appearing in different drawings are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals.
[0050] The accompanying diagram provides a coordinate system for reference. The z-axis can be a vertical axis (e.g., parallel to the direction of gravity), the x-axis can be a horizontal axis (e.g., parallel to the horizontal direction), and the y-axis can be a longitudinal axis (e.g., the xy plane is parallel to the horizontal plane). Solid circles can represent arrows and axes facing the view or positively towards the view, and hollow annexes can represent arrows and axes facing away from the view or negatively towards the view.
[0051] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:
[0052] Warehouse 1
[0053] 1a First Lane
[0054] 1b Second Lane
[0055] 15. Sliding contact line
[0056] 2. Handling equipment
[0057] 21 Brush Assembly
[0058] 211 Brush Head
[0059] 212 Connecting Arm
[0060] 212a Fixed end
[0061] 212b Extended end
[0062] 2121 Elastic component
[0063] 213 Drive unit
[0064] 2131 motor
[0065] 2132 First Link
[0066] 2133 Second Link
[0067] 2134 Lead Screw
[0068] 2135 Nut
[0069] 2136 Nut Connecting Rod Detailed Implementation
[0070] First, the brush assembly of this invention is installed on a handling equipment used in a warehousing system. Specifically, the brush assembly of this invention allows the handling equipment to detach from the aisle and return to the aisle for charging. Determining whether the handling equipment needs charging, and at what location, is beyond the scope of this invention.
[0071] The term “connection” as used in this article is intended to describe a direct or indirect force transmission path from one component to another, i.e., direct or indirect contact, so that force, torque, etc., can be transmitted from one component to another.
[0072] The directional terms used herein, such as “up,” “down,” “inner,” and “outer,” are used to assist in describing the orientation of the present invention according to the embodiments shown in the figures. Unless otherwise stated, such as “horizontal direction,” “gravity direction,” etc., the directional terms are not absolute up, down, horizontal, vertical, etc., and should not be construed as limiting the present invention to any particular direction.
[0073] The terms “including,” “having,” “comprising,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended as open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of a specified component / step, but also allow for the presence of other components / steps.
[0074] In this invention, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are not intended to indicate any difference in order, position, quantity, or importance, but are merely used as labels to distinguish different positions or components, and to differentiate one element, component, area, and / or location from another element, component, area, and / or location.
[0075] In this application, several different embodiments are provided for the brush assembly described above. The specific structure of each embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0076] The warehousing system according to this application includes a warehouse 1 and a handling equipment 2. The warehouse 1 includes several main aisles 1a (or first aisles) and a larger number of secondary aisles 1b (or second aisles), and the handling equipment 2 needs to travel in the main aisles 1a and secondary aisles 1b of the warehouse 1 to move goods to the desired location.
[0077] The brush assembly 21 of this utility model is installed on the handling equipment 2 for the warehousing system. The brush assembly 21 generally includes a brush head 211 and a drive device 213 installed on the handling equipment 2 and actuating the connecting arm 212.
[0078] In this invention, a drive device 213 is disposed between the conveying device 2 and the connecting arm 212, capable of actuating the connecting arm 212 to move the brush head 211 thereon between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the brush head 211 extends from a preset receiving space in the conveying device 2 and engages with the sliding contact line 15 of the warehouse 1 to receive electricity. In the retracted position, the brush head 211 returns to the preset receiving space of the conveying device 2.
[0079] In this invention, in one embodiment, warehouse 1 is a storage room of a warehousing system, including multiple shelves, and the sliding contact line 15 is a continuous sliding contact line arranged along the main aisle between the shelves. Furthermore, the handling equipment 2 is a handling robot.
[0080] When the handling equipment 2 travels in the aisle, the brush head 211 is energized in the extended position in conjunction with the sliding contact line 15. It can then detach from the aisle to perform handling tasks, such as moving goods in and out of a warehouse.
[0081] In another embodiment of this invention, warehouse 1 is an automated storage and retrieval system, and the sliding contact line 15 is a continuous sliding contact line 15 arranged along the main aisle 1a of the automated storage and retrieval system. Furthermore, the handling equipment 2 is a four-way shuttle.
[0082] Figure 1A This is a warehouse of a warehousing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which handling equipment moves; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The enlarged view of the part outlined by the dashed line shows the sliding contact line 15 of warehouse 1.
[0083] When constructing an automated warehouse, in order to store as much goods as possible, the warehouse frame generally does not have too many gaps with the height of the goods themselves. Therefore, if a long object extends from the four-way shuttle, it is easy to collide with the warehouse frame and / or the goods, which may damage the goods and the equipment of the four-way shuttle.
[0084] Figure 2A , 2B These are top-view and bottom-view perspective views of the handling equipment.
[0085] When the four-way shuttle travels along the main aisle, the brush head 211 is in the extended position and engages with the sliding contact line 15 to receive electricity. When it is necessary to enter the secondary aisle, the brush head 211 returns to the retracted position, thus avoiding the brush from being constantly in the extended state and colliding with the warehouse frame and / or goods, causing damage, and not hindering the four-way shuttle from leaving the main aisle and entering the secondary aisle.
[0086] In this invention, an energy storage device (e.g., a battery) is mounted on the handling equipment 2. The brush head 211, in conjunction with the sliding contact line 15, receives power to charge the energy storage device, which then supplies power to the handling equipment 2. Therefore, the handling equipment 2 does not need to return to the charging station for recharging, thus improving the overall working efficiency of the handling equipment.
[0087] The handling equipment 2 spends most of its time traveling along the aisle, picking up, placing, and moving goods. Its built-in energy storage device only powers its movement when it leaves the main aisle. Therefore, compared to existing technologies, it can incorporate a significantly smaller energy storage device, resulting in a smaller size and weight. Even with the additional brush assembly 21, it still saves space and reduces the overall weight of the handling equipment.
[0088] Preferably, the sliding contact line can be directly connected to the mains power in the warehouse area. Since the mains power is high-voltage AC, although the sliding contact line can be directly powered by high-voltage DC and the brush assembly can convert AC to DC after taking power, the automated warehouse requires personnel to enter for maintenance. In order to ensure environmental safety, the preferred option is for the sliding contact line to be powered by a converted DC power supply with the voltage within a safe range.
[0089] Preferably, the brush head 211 is energized in conjunction with the sliding contact line 15, allowing direct power supply to the handling equipment 2. This reduces energy storage losses and heat dissipation.
[0090] In this utility model, several different embodiments of the brush assembly 21 having the above structure will be provided. The specific structure of each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0091] Example 1
[0092] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the brush head is in the extended position; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of the brush assembly, with the brush head in the retracted position.
[0093] The connecting arm 212 may include a fixed end 212a, an extended end 212b, and an intermediate section between the fixed end and the extended end 212b. The fixed end 212a of the connecting arm 212 is hinged to the conveying device 2, and the brush head 211 is connected to the extended end 212b of the connecting arm 212. Therefore, the brush head 211 can make partial circular motion, such as oscillation, around the fixed end 212a of the swing connecting arm 212.
[0094] The drive unit 213 can be hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm 212, and actuate the connecting arm 212 so that the extended end 212b and the brush head 211 thereon can swing around the fixed end 212a in the circumferential direction between the extended position and the retracted position.
[0095] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the drive device 213 may include a motor 2131, a first link 2132 connected to the motor 2131, and a second link 2133 hinged to the first link 2132, and the second link 2133 is hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm 212.
[0096] The rotation of the output shaft of motor 2131 can drive the first link 2132 to rotate, the first link 2132 can drive the second link 2133 to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm 212.
[0097] The arrangement of the first link 2132 and the second link 2132 can be customized according to the required and actual design of the link length, providing high flexibility. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to maintain.
[0098] Optionally, the first link 2132 and the second link 2132 can be offset in two parallel motion planes (not shown), and an intermediate link can be set between the first link 2132 and the second link 2132 perpendicular to the two parallel motion planes to transmit power, so as to make reasonable use of the internal space of the handling equipment 2.
[0099] Example 2
[0100] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a brush assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the brush head is in the extended position; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A 3D view of the brush assembly, with the brush head in the retracted position.
[0101] The drive unit 213 may include a motor 2131, a paired lead screw 2134 and a nut 2135, and a nut connecting rod 2136, one end of which is hinged to the nut 2135 and the other end is hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm 212.
[0102] The rotation of the output shaft of motor 2131 can drive the lead screw 2134 to rotate. The rotation of the lead screw 2134 drives the nut 2135 sleeved on it to move linearly along the lead screw 2134. The linear movement of the nut 2135 drives the nut connecting rod 2136 to rotate, and thus actuates the connecting arm 212.
[0103] This arrangement of lead screws and nuts provides high structural stability and high motion accuracy.
[0104] Preferably, the nut connecting rod 2136 is in Figure 5 The nut link 2136 is bent upwards as shown in the diagram. Therefore, this bent arrangement of the nut link 2136 allows the nut link 2136 itself not to be exposed outside the handling equipment throughout the entire movement of the lever.
[0105] Example 3
[0106] Figure 7 This is a side view schematic diagram of a brush assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0107] The drive unit 213 may include a motor 2131, a paired drive gear, and a driven gear. The driven gear is designed to be fastened to the fixed end 212a of the connecting arm 212, or integrally formed with the fixed end.
[0108] This pair of drive gears and driven gears has a simple structure, low transmission loss, and can make full use of the torque of motor 2131.
[0109] Optionally, the drive unit 213 may include a rack between the drive gear and the driven gear. Rotation of the output shaft of the motor 2131 drives the drive gear to rotate, which in turn moves the rack along its length, causing the driven gear to rotate, and thus actuates the connecting arm 212. Therefore, the output shaft of the motor 2131 can be a certain distance from the driven gear and thus from the fixed end 212a, facilitating efficient use of the internal space of the handling equipment 2.
[0110] It is understood that the movement mode of the brush assembly of this utility model is not limited to oscillation.
[0111] Example 4
[0112] Figure 8 This is a side view schematic diagram of a brush assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] Connecting arm 212 may include a driven end ( Figure 8 (The upper end is in the middle), the protruding end 212b. The brush head 211 is connected to the protruding end 212b.
[0114] The drive unit 213 actuates the connecting arm 212 to move linearly in the vertical direction, and thus drives the extended end of the connecting arm 212 ( Figure 8 The lower end of the connecting arm 212 moves linearly in a generally vertical direction between the extended and retracted positions. Preferably, the conveying device has a limiting guide corresponding to the connecting arm 212 in a preset receiving space to ensure the linear movement of the connecting arm 212.
[0115] Optionally, the drive device 213 may include a motor 2131, the output shaft of which is provided with a corresponding drive gear, and the connecting arm 212 includes a rack-shaped portion that matches the drive gear.
[0116] The rotation of the output shaft of motor 2131 can drive the drive gear to rotate, drive the rack-shaped part to move along the length direction of the rack-shaped part, and actuate the connecting arm 212 to move linearly.
[0117] Similarly, because the drive unit 213 has a simple structure and low transmission loss, it can make full use of the motor's torque.
[0118] Example 5
[0119] Figure 9 This is a side view schematic diagram of a brush assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0120] Optionally, the drive device 213 may include a motor 2131, a first link 2132 connected to the motor 2131, and a second link 2133 hinged to the first link 2132, wherein the second link 2133 is hinged to the driven end of the connecting arm 212. Figure 9 (The middle part is the upper end).
[0121] The rotation of the output shaft of motor 2131 can drive the first link 2132 to rotate, the first link 2132 can drive the second link 2133 to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm 212 to move linearly.
[0122] Similarly, the length of the connecting rod can be designed according to needs and actual conditions, which provides high flexibility and a simple structure that is easy to maintain.
[0123] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the brush head of the brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0124] In the above embodiments, the brush head 211 can be hinged to the connecting arm 212. The brush head can rotate slightly, allowing for slight adjustment of the orientation of the brush head 211 to facilitate mating with the sliding contact line 15.
[0125] Preferably, an elastic element 2121 can be provided between the brush head 211 and the extended end of the connecting arm 212. The elastic element 2121 can limit the rotation amplitude of the brush head 211, initially holding the brush head 211 in a neutral position to facilitate the initial contact between the brush head and the sliding contact line 15; and allow the brush head 211 to return to the neutral position after disengaging from the sliding contact line 15. The elastic element 2121 can also prevent the brush head 211 from directly impacting the connecting arm 212 during rotation, thus preventing damage and affecting its service life.
[0126] In a possible embodiment, the conveying device 2 may further include a brush detection device disposed on the conveying device 2 and configured to detect the position of the brush head 211 when the brush head 211 is retracted. The brush detection device may be, for example, a proximity switch, a photoelectric sensor, or other device capable of sensing objects.
[0127] Due to the high density of goods in automated warehouses, in order to prevent the brush head 211 from extending too far or retracting incompletely, this application includes a brush detection device to ensure that the brush movement is within a safe range and to prevent damage caused by the brush assembly extending too far or retracting incompletely due to collisions with other objects.
[0128] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present utility model clearer, the technical solution of the present utility model has been clearly and completely described in conjunction with the specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0129] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of, and not all, of the embodiments of this utility model, and are presented by way of example rather than limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed subject matter may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit and essential characteristics.
Claims
1. A brush assembly, the brush assembly (21) being arranged on a handling device (2) for a warehousing system, characterized in that, The brush assembly (21) includes: Brush head (211); A connecting arm (212) is disposed between the conveying device (2) and the brush head (211); A drive unit (213) is mounted on the conveying equipment (2) and actuates the connecting arm (212) to drive the brush head (211) to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the brush head (211) is energized in conjunction with the sliding contact line (15) of the warehouse (1) of the storage system. In the retracted position, the brush head (211) returns to the conveying equipment (2).
2. The brush assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting arm (212) includes a fixed end (212a), an extended end (212b), and an intermediate section between the fixed end and the extended end. The fixed end is hinged to the conveying device (2), the brush head (211) is connected to the extended end of the connecting arm (212), and the driving device (213) is hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm (212) and actuates the connecting arm (212) so that the brush head (211) can swing around the fixed end in the circumferential direction between the extended position and the retracted position.
3. The brush assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (213) includes a motor (2131), a first link (2132) connected to the motor (2131), and a second link (2133) hinged to the first link (2132), the second link (2133) being hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm (212). The rotation of the output shaft of the motor (2131) can drive the first link (2132) to rotate, the first link (2132) can drive the second link (2133) to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm (212).
4. The brush assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (213) includes a motor (2131), a paired lead screw (2134) and a nut (2135), and a nut connecting rod (2136), one end of which is hinged to the nut (2135), and the other end is hinged to the middle section of the connecting arm (212). The rotation of the output shaft of the motor (2131) can drive the lead screw (2134) to rotate, the rotation of the lead screw (2134) can drive the nut (2135) to move linearly along the lead screw (2134), the linear movement of the nut (2135) can drive the nut connecting rod (2136) to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm (212).
5. The brush assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The nut connecting rod (2136) is bent upwards.
6. The brush assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (213) includes a motor (2131), a paired drive gear and a driven gear, the driven gear being designed to be fastened to or integral with the fixed end of the connecting arm (212). The rotation of the output shaft of the motor (2131) can drive the drive gear to rotate, the rotation of the drive gear can drive the driven gear to rotate, and thus actuate the connecting arm (212).
7. The brush assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting arm (212) includes a driven end and an extended end (212b), the brush head (211) is connected to the extended end, and the driving device (213) actuates the driven end of the connecting arm (212) to move linearly in the vertical direction, and thus drives the extended end of the connecting arm (212) to move linearly between the extended position and the retracted position.
8. The brush assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive device (213) includes a motor (2131), a first link connected to the motor (2131), and a second link hinged to the first link, the second link being hinged to the driven end of the connecting arm (212). The rotation of the output shaft of the motor (2131) can drive the first connecting rod to rotate, drive the second connecting rod to rotate, and actuate the connecting arm (212) to move linearly.
9. The brush assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive unit (213) includes a motor (2131) and a drive gear, and the connecting arm (212) includes a rack-shaped portion that mates with the drive gear. The rotation of the output shaft of the motor (2131) can drive the drive gear to rotate, drive the rack-shaped part to move along the length direction of the rack-shaped part, and actuate the connecting arm (212) to move linearly.
10. The brush assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brush head (211) is hinged to the connecting arm (212), and An elastic element is provided between the brush head (211) and the connecting arm (212), and the elastic element limits the range of rotation of the brush head (211).
11. A handling apparatus, characterised in that, The conveying device (2) includes a brush assembly (21) according to any one of claims 1-10.
12. A warehousing system characterized by, The warehousing system includes the handling equipment (2) as described in claim 11.