A smart shelf with out-of-stock alert function

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of intelligent shelving technology, and in particular to an intelligent shelving with out-of-stock warning function. It includes a base, a fixed upright plate, a weight sensor, and an integrated audible and visual alarm light. It also includes a fixed shelf, a movable shelf, a support base, and a drive unit. The audible and visual alarm light is electrically connected to the weight sensor. The drive unit includes a Z-axis drive mechanism and a Y-axis drive mechanism, wherein the support base moves along the Z-axis direction via the Z-axis drive mechanism; the Y-axis drive mechanism is located on the support base and is used to drive the movable shelf to move along the Y-axis direction. In this utility model, the movable shelf at a higher position can move along the Z-axis and Y-axis directions through the drive unit, solving the problem of frequent ladder climbing required for retrieving goods from traditional high shelves. It is especially suitable for scenarios with a large number of goods, reducing the physical exertion of staff, fundamentally reducing the probability of falls and other safety accidents, and improving the safety of the shelving during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of intelligent shelf technology, specifically relating to an intelligent shelf with an out-of-stock warning function. Background Technology

[0002] Smart shelves with stockout warnings are a type of modern warehousing / retail equipment that integrates IoT, sensor technology, and data processing. Its core function is to monitor the inventory status of goods on the shelves in real time and automatically issue warnings when goods are about to sell out or reach a preset inventory threshold, helping merchants replenish stock in a timely manner and reduce sales losses and customer churn caused by stockouts.

[0003] Weight sensors, infrared sensors, RFID tags, etc. are installed on the shelves, storage locations, or product packaging to collect the real-time status and quantity changes of the products. The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to the back-end system via wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LoRa. This data can be displayed intuitively on indicator lights on the shelves (flashing red lights indicate out-of-stock situations), mobile apps for managers, and central control screens in the warehouse.

[0004] While existing smart shelves can provide basic out-of-stock alerts, they still have significant drawbacks: some smart shelves are quite tall, requiring ladders to be used when placing goods. This is manageable for a small number of items, but if a large number of items need to be placed, staff will need to climb up and down the ladder frequently, which not only consumes physical energy but also increases the risk of falls.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model proposes an intelligent shelf with an out-of-stock warning function. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this utility model provides an intelligent shelf with an out-of-stock warning function, which is convenient to use, easy to retrieve and place goods, and has high safety performance.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function, including a base, a fixed upright plate fixed to the top of the base, a weight sensor and an integrated sound and light alarm light fixed to the top of the fixed upright plate, and also including a fixed shelf, a movable shelf, a support base and a drive unit;

[0008] The fixed shelf is fixed to the bottom side of the outer side of the fixed upright plate. The movable shelf is configured to move along the Z-axis and Y-axis. Multiple independent product placement areas are provided on both the fixed shelf and the movable shelf. A weight sensor is provided in each product placement area. The sound and light alarm light is electrically connected to the weight sensor and is used to issue an alarm signal when the weight sensor detects that the inventory status meets the preset alarm conditions.

[0009] The drive unit includes a Z-axis drive mechanism and a Y-axis drive mechanism, wherein

[0010] The support base moves along the Z-axis direction under the drive of the Z-axis drive mechanism;

[0011] The Y-axis drive mechanism is located on the support base and is used to drive the movable shelf to move along the Y-axis direction.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the Z-axis driving mechanism includes:

[0013] The top plate is fixed to the top of the base using support columns;

[0014] Rotate the first threaded screw located between the base and the top plate;

[0015] A first drive motor for driving the first threaded screw to rotate, the first drive motor being fixed to the top plate; and

[0016] A first slider is fixed to the support base, the first slider is threadedly engaged with the first threaded screw, and the support column passes through the first slider.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the support columns are symmetrically distributed in two.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the Z-axis drive mechanism further includes a first linkage component, and the first linkage component includes:

[0019] The first synchronizing pulley, and two first threaded screws are symmetrically distributed, with a first synchronizing pulley fixed to the bottom end of each of the two first threaded screws; and

[0020] The first synchronous belt is tensioned by two first synchronous pulleys.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the Y-axis driving mechanism includes:

[0022] A fixing plate fixed to the end of the merchandise placement area;

[0023] A second slider is fixed to the fixed plate, and the support base is provided with an adjustment cavity adapted to the second slider;

[0024] Rotating the second threaded screw located within the adjustment cavity causes the second slider to engage with the second threaded screw via a threaded connection; and

[0025] A second drive motor is used to drive the second threaded screw to rotate, and the second drive motor is fixed to the support base.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the outer wall of the second slider is fitted to the inner wall of the adjustment cavity.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, it further includes a second linkage component, and the second linkage component includes:

[0028] The second synchronous pulley, and the Y-axis drive mechanism having two symmetrically distributed sets, with a second synchronous pulley fixed to the end of the second threaded screw of each set of the Y-axis drive mechanism; and

[0029] The second synchronous belt is tensioned by two second synchronous pulleys, and a sliding hole is provided on the fixed plate for the second synchronous belt to pass through.

[0030] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, it also includes:

[0031] Two protective side plates are symmetrically fixed to the top surface of the base.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0033] In this invention, the movable shelf at a higher position can be moved along the Z and Y axes by a drive unit, which solves the problem of frequent ladder use required to retrieve and place goods on traditional high shelves. It is especially suitable for scenarios with a large number of goods, reduces the physical exertion of staff, fundamentally reduces the probability of accidents such as falls, and improves the safety of the shelf during use.

[0034] Other additional advantages and beneficial effects of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the isometric structure of the Z-axis drive mechanism in this utility model;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the isometric structure of the Y-axis drive mechanism in this utility model;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixed vertical plate structure in this utility model;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the out-of-stock early warning principle of this utility model.

[0041] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Fixed upright plate; 21. Sliding hole; 3. Fixed shelf; 4. Movable shelf; 5. Goods placement area; 6. Weight sensor; 7. Integrated sound and light alarm light; 8. Protective side plate; 9. Support base; 91. Adjustment cavity; 10. Z-axis drive mechanism; 101. Top plate; 102. Support column; 103. First threaded screw; 104. First drive motor; 105. First slider; 106. First linkage assembly; 1061. First synchronous pulley; 1062. First synchronous belt; 11. Y-axis drive mechanism; 111. Fixed plate; 112. Second slider; 113. Second threaded screw; 114. Second drive motor; 115. Second linkage assembly; 1151. Second synchronous pulley; 1152. Second synchronous belt. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0043] Please see Figures 1-5 The present invention provides the following technical solution: an intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function, including a base 1, a fixed upright plate 2 fixed to the top of the base 1, a weight sensor 6 and an integrated sound and light alarm light 7 fixed to the top of the fixed upright plate 2, and also including a fixed shelf 3, a movable shelf 4, a support base 9 and a drive unit.

[0044] Furthermore, by Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the fixed shelf 3 is fixed to the bottom side of the outer side of the fixed upright plate 2, and the movable shelf 4 is configured to move along the Z-axis and Y-axis directions. Multiple independent product placement areas 5 are provided on both the fixed shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4. A weight sensor 6 is provided in each product placement area 5. An integrated sound and light alarm light 7 is electrically connected to the weight sensor 6 and is used to issue an alarm signal when the weight sensor 6 detects that the inventory status meets preset warning conditions. The drive unit includes a Z-axis drive mechanism 10 and a Y-axis drive mechanism 11. The support base 9 moves along the Z-axis direction via the Z-axis drive mechanism 10. The Y-axis drive mechanism 11 is located on the support base 9 and is used to drive the movable shelf 4 to move along the Y-axis direction. With the above scheme, during use, staff will place different types of goods in the respective product placement areas 5 of the fixed shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4. At this time, the weight sensor 6 in each product placement area 5 will immediately monitor the weight of the goods in its area in real time and convert the monitored weight data into an electrical signal for continuous transmission.

[0045] During daily operations, as customers take goods, the weight of the corresponding goods placement area 5 will gradually decrease. When the weight sensor 6 detects that the weight of a certain goods placement area 5 is lower than the preset warning threshold (i.e., the preset warning condition is met), it will quickly send a trigger signal to the sound and light integrated alarm light 7. After receiving the signal, the sound and light integrated alarm light 7 will immediately start working, emitting a bright flash and a prompt sound to remind the staff that the goods in this area are about to run out of stock or have already run out of stock and need to be replenished in time.

[0046] The drive unit plays a key role in replenishment and merchandise management. When staff need to replenish or organize merchandise on the movable shelf 4 at a higher position, the movable shelf 4 can be moved forward a certain distance by the Y-axis drive mechanism 11, so that the movable shelf 4 is misaligned with the fixed shelf 3, thus avoiding interference from the fixed shelf 3 on the downward movement of the movable shelf 4.

[0047] Then, the Z-axis drive mechanism 10 is activated, causing the support base 9 to move downward along the Z-axis. The movement of the support base 9 will cause the movable shelf 4 installed on it to move downward together, adjusting the movable shelf 4 to a height that is convenient for the staff to operate.

[0048] Once the movable shelf 4 reaches the appropriate height, the merchandise placement area 5 is fully exposed to the staff, facilitating efficient replenishment and sorting operations. After the operation is completed, the movable shelf 4 is returned to its initial working position by reverse control of the Z-axis drive mechanism 10 and the Y-axis drive mechanism 11, ready for the next use.

[0049] Through this collaborative working mode, smart shelves can not only monitor the inventory status of goods in real time and provide timely warnings of stockouts, but also facilitate the staff's goods management work and improve overall operational efficiency through the adjustment of the drive unit.

[0050] Optionally, by Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the Z-axis drive mechanism 10 includes: a top plate 101 fixed to the top of the base 1 by a support column 102; a first threaded screw 103 rotatably disposed between the base 1 and the top plate 101; a first drive motor 104 for driving the first threaded screw 103 to rotate; a first slider 105 fixed to the support base 9; and a first linkage assembly 106. The first linkage assembly 106 includes: a first synchronous pulley 1061 and a first synchronous belt 1062. The first drive motor 104 is fixed to the top plate 101, and the first slider 105 is fixed to the first threaded screw 103. The lead screw 103 is threaded, and the support column 102 passes through the first slider 105. There are two symmetrically distributed first threaded lead screws 103, and the bottom ends of the two first threaded lead screws 103 are fixed with first synchronous pulleys 1061. The first synchronous belt 1062 is tensioned through the two first synchronous pulleys 1061. With the above scheme, when it is necessary to drive the support seat 9 to move along the Z-axis, the first drive motor 104 is started, and the output shaft of the first drive motor 104 rotates, which drives the two symmetrically distributed first threaded lead screws 103 to rotate synchronously through the first linkage assembly 106.

[0051] Specifically, the power of the first drive motor 104 is first transmitted to one of the first threaded screws 103. Since the first synchronous pulley 1061 is fixed to the bottom end of the corresponding first threaded screw 103, its rotation will directly drive the first synchronous pulley 1061 to rotate. At the same time, under the transmission action of the tensioned first synchronous belt 1062, the other first synchronous pulley 1061 will also rotate synchronously, thereby driving the other first threaded screw 103 fixed thereto to rotate together.

[0052] Since the first slider 105 is fixed on the support base 9 and threadedly engaged with the first threaded screw 103, when the two first threaded screws 103 rotate synchronously, the first slider 105 will move along the axial direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the first threaded screw 103 under the action of the thread. During this process, the support column 102 passes through the first slider 105, playing a guiding and stabilizing role, ensuring that the first slider 105 and the support base 9 connected to it can rise or fall smoothly and accurately along the Z-axis direction, thereby realizing the function of the support base 9 driving the movable shelf 4 and other components to adjust the height.

[0053] Preferably, by Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in this embodiment, there are two symmetrically distributed support columns 102. With the above scheme, when in use, the two symmetrical support columns 102 penetrate the first slider 105 and can guide and limit the movement of the first slider 105 from both sides, effectively preventing the first slider 105 from tilting or shaking when moving along the Z-axis, making the up-and-down movement of the support base 9 and the movable shelf 4 more stable, and ensuring the safety of the goods on the movable shelf 4.

[0054] Optionally, by Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the Y-axis drive mechanism 11 includes: a fixing plate 111 fixed to the end of the merchandise placement area 5, a second slider 112 fixed to the fixing plate 111, a second threaded screw 113 rotatably disposed in the adjustment cavity 91, a second drive motor 114 for driving the second threaded screw 113 to rotate, and a second linkage assembly 115. The second linkage assembly 115 includes: a second synchronous pulley 1151 and a second synchronous belt 1152. The support base 9 is provided with an adjustment cavity 91 adapted to the second slider 112. The second slider 112 is threadedly engaged with the second threaded screw 113. The second drive motor... 114 is fixed to the support base 9. Two sets of Y-axis drive mechanisms 11 are symmetrically distributed. A second synchronous pulley 1151 is fixed at the end of the second threaded screw 113 of the two sets of Y-axis drive mechanisms 11. The second synchronous belt 1152 is tensioned through the two second synchronous pulleys 1151. A sliding hole 21 for the second synchronous belt 1152 to pass through is provided on the fixed upright plate 2. With the above scheme, when it is necessary to drive the movable shelf 4 to move along the Y-axis direction, the second drive motor 114 starts, and the rotation of its output shaft is transmitted to the second threaded screw 113 of the two sets of Y-axis drive mechanisms 11 through the second linkage assembly 115.

[0055] Specifically, the power of the second drive motor 114 first drives one of the second threaded screws 113 and the second synchronous pulley 1151 connected thereto to rotate. Since the two second synchronous pulleys 1151 are connected by a tensioned second synchronous belt 1152, the rotating second synchronous pulley 1151 will drive the other second threaded screw 113 to rotate through the second synchronous belt 1152, and drive the movable shelf 4 to move along the Y-axis through the threaded engagement.

[0056] During the movement of the movable shelf 4, the adjustment cavity 91 on the support 9 provides a stable moving track for the second slider 112, ensuring the accurate movement direction of the second slider 112 and the movable shelf 4. At the same time, the sliding hole 21 on the fixed plate 2 provides a through space for the second synchronous belt 1152, preventing the second synchronous belt 1152 from interfering with the fixed plate 2 when rotating with the second threaded screw 113, thus ensuring the smooth operation of the Y-axis drive mechanism 11.

[0057] Preferably, by Figures 1-4As shown, in this embodiment, the outer wall of the second slider 112 is attached to the inner wall of the adjustment cavity 91. With the above solution, the tightly fitted structure ensures that the second slider 112 will not shake or deviate when moving in the adjustment cavity 91, thus ensuring that the movable shelf 4 remains stable during the movement along the Y-axis.

[0058] Preferably, by Figure 1 As shown in this embodiment, it also includes two protective side plates 8, which are symmetrically fixed to the top surface of the base 1. With the above solution, the protective side plates 8 can provide safety protection for workers during use. When the drive unit moves the movable shelf 4 along the Z-axis or Y-axis, the protective side plates 8 can isolate the moving area of ​​the shelf from the surrounding environment to a certain extent, preventing workers from accidentally touching the moving parts and causing bumps. At the same time, it can also prevent unauthorized personnel from accidentally touching the moving parts, thus improving the safety of the shelf.

[0059] It should be noted that the electrical components involved in this utility model are all commercially available conventional equipment with built-in power switches. Those skilled in the art can make conventional selections according to their needs. Their working principles are common knowledge known to those skilled in the art and have been fully disclosed in the prior art, so they will not be elaborated on further in this article.

[0060] The circuit connection involved in this utility model is a common method used by those skilled in the art, and technical inspiration can be obtained through a limited number of experiments. It belongs to the widely used prior art.

[0061] Components not described in detail in this article are existing technologies.

[0062] The working principle and usage process of this utility model: When using the intelligent shelf of this utility model, in the initial stage, the staff will classify and place various goods in multiple independent goods placement areas 5 of the fixed shelf 3 and the movable shelf 4. At this time, the weight sensor 6 in each goods placement area 5 will be activated immediately to monitor the weight of the goods in the area in real time and continuously convert the weight data into electrical signals for transmission.

[0063] In daily use, as the goods are taken by customers, the weight of the corresponding goods placement area 5 gradually decreases. When the weight sensor 6 of a certain goods placement area 5 detects that the weight is lower than the preset warning threshold, it will quickly send a trigger signal to the sound and light integrated alarm light 7. After receiving the signal, the sound and light integrated alarm light 7 will immediately flash and sound an alarm to remind the staff that the goods in this area are about to run out of stock or have already run out of stock and need to be replenished in time.

[0064] When staff receive an early warning signal and replenish stock, they can control the first slider 105 of the Z-axis drive mechanism 10, which is threaded together, to move the support base 9, the Y-axis drive mechanism 11 and the movable shelf 4 up and down along the Z-axis under the guidance and stabilization of the two symmetrical support columns 102, thereby adjusting the movable shelf 4 to a height that is easy to operate.

[0065] After restocking is completed, the Y-axis drive mechanism 11 and Z-axis drive mechanism 10 are reversed to return the movable shelf 4 to its initial height. Throughout the process, the two symmetrically distributed protective side panels 8 prevent goods from slipping and ensure operational safety, while also enhancing the overall stability of the shelf. When the goods are taken to the warning threshold again, the sound and light alarm 7 is triggered again. The process repeats itself to achieve intelligent out-of-stock warning and convenient goods management.

[0066] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A smart shelf with out-of-stock warning function, comprising a base (1), a fixed upright plate (2) fixed to the top of the base (1), a weight sensor (6), and an integrated sound and light alarm light (7) fixed to the top of the fixed upright plate (2), characterized in that, It also includes a fixed shelf (3), a movable shelf (4), a support base (9), and a drive unit; The fixed shelf (3) is fixed to the bottom side of the outer side of the fixed upright plate (2). The movable shelf (4) is configured to move along the Z-axis and Y-axis. Multiple independent product placement areas (5) are provided on both the fixed shelf (3) and the movable shelf (4). A weight sensor (6) is provided in each product placement area (5). The sound and light integrated alarm light (7) is electrically connected to the weight sensor (6) and is used to issue an alarm signal when the weight sensor (6) detects that the inventory status meets the preset alarm conditions. The drive unit includes a Z-axis drive mechanism (10) and a Y-axis drive mechanism (11), wherein The support base (9) moves along the Z-axis direction under the drive of the Z-axis drive mechanism (10); The Y-axis drive mechanism (11) is located on the support base (9) and is used to drive the movable shelf (4) to move along the Y-axis.

2. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Z-axis drive mechanism (10) includes: The top plate (101) is fixed to the top of the base (1) using a support column (102). Rotate the first threaded screw (103) located between the base (1) and the top plate (101). A first drive motor (104) for driving the first threaded screw (103) to rotate, the first drive motor (104) being fixed to the top plate (101); and The first slider (105) is fixed to the support base (9), and the first slider (105) is threadedly engaged with the first threaded screw (103). The support column (102) passes through the first slider (105).

3. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The support columns (102) are symmetrically distributed in two.

4. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The Z-axis drive mechanism (10) further includes a first linkage component (106), and the first linkage component (106) includes: The first synchronous pulley (1061) and the first threaded screw (103) are symmetrically distributed in two parts, and the bottom end of each of the two first threaded screws (103) is fixed with a first synchronous pulley (1061); and The first synchronous belt (1062) is tensioned by two first synchronous pulleys (1061).

5. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Y-axis drive mechanism (11) includes: A fixing plate (111) is fixed to the end of the commodity placement area (5); The second slider (112) is fixed to the fixing plate (111), and the support base (9) is provided with an adjustment cavity (91) that is adapted to the second slider (112). Rotating the second threaded screw (113) located in the adjustment cavity (91), the second slider (112) engages with the second threaded screw (113) through a threaded connection; and A second drive motor (114) is used to drive the second threaded screw (113) to rotate, and the second drive motor (114) is fixed to the support base (9).

6. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer wall of the second slider (112) is attached to the inner wall of the adjustment cavity (91).

7. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a second linkage component (115), and the second linkage component (115) includes: The second synchronous pulley (1151) is provided. Two sets of the Y-axis drive mechanism (11) are symmetrically distributed. A second synchronous pulley (1151) is fixed to the end of the second threaded screw (113) of each set of the Y-axis drive mechanism (11). The second synchronous belt (1152) is tensioned by two second synchronous pulleys (1151), and a sliding hole (21) is provided on the fixed plate (2) for the second synchronous belt (1152) to pass through.

8. The intelligent shelf with out-of-stock warning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Two protective side plates (8) are symmetrically fixed to the top surface of the base (1).

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