Pallet storage device

Abstract

This application provides a pallet storage device and a control device. The pallet storage device includes: a mounting platform with a communication port; a support mechanism supported below the mounting platform; a lifting mechanism corresponding to the communication port, with its lower end fixed to the support mechanism and its upper end extending from the communication port to the top of the mounting platform for lifting a pallet below the mounting platform to the top of the mounting platform; a transfer mechanism disposed on the mounting platform, capable of moving along a first direction and rising and falling vertically; and a storage mechanism disposed on the mounting platform and located on at least one side of a second direction of the storage mechanism, the storage mechanism including a plurality of storage compartments disposed along the first direction and the vertical direction. This improves upon the original horizontal layout by changing it to a vertical layout, reducing the footprint of the pallet storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of warehousing technology, and in particular to a pallet storage device and control equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In panel factories, pallet stackers serve as storage devices and transfer and transportation equipment for pallets.

[0003] However, in current panel factories, the storage locations and tracks of stacker cranes are separate and installed on the floor. Stacker cranes are heavy, and once installed, the tracks and storage locations cannot be moved. When the factory layout is adjusted, the stacker crane cannot be repositioned, thus limiting the flexibility of factory layout adjustments. The overall installation occupies a large area, and it can only dock with other handling equipment such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) on the side, taking up a lot of space. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a pallet storage device and a control device to solve the problem that the pallet storage device cannot be moved after installation.

[0005] This application provides a tray storage device, comprising:

[0006] The installation platform has a connection port;

[0007] Support mechanism, placed beneath the installation platform;

[0008] A lifting mechanism is provided corresponding to the connection port, with the lower end of the lifting mechanism fixed to the support mechanism and the upper end extending from the connection port to the top of the installation platform, for lifting the tray below the installation platform to the top of the installation platform;

[0009] The transplanting mechanism is mounted on the installation platform and is capable of moving in a first direction and rising and falling in a vertical direction.

[0010] A storage mechanism is provided on an installation platform and located on at least one side of a second direction of the storage mechanism. The storage mechanism includes a plurality of storage compartments arranged along a first direction and a vertical direction.

[0011] The second direction and the first direction are two horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other.

[0012] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a tray storage control device, including a controller, a server, a switch, and multiple tray storage devices of this application. The number of controllers is one, the number of servers is one or more, one controller is connected to one or more servers, the number of switches is one or more, each server is connected to one or more switches, and each switch is connected to multiple tray storage devices.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the pallet storage device and control device provided in this application have at least the following advantages:

[0014] The pallet storage device provided in this application supports the installation platform with a support mechanism, providing installation space both above and below the platform. Both the storage and transfer mechanisms are positioned above the installation platform for easy pallet transfer and storage, while space is left below for the pallet transport mechanism to pass through. The layout is improved from a horizontal to a vertical orientation, reducing the footprint of the pallet storage device. Furthermore, the storage mechanism is located on at least one side of the transfer mechanism, with each transfer mechanism corresponding to one or two production lines (storage mechanisms). When a single transfer mechanism malfunctions, only the corresponding production line is affected, without impacting other production lines, thus reducing the impact on production capacity. By simplifying the structure, reducing size, and shortening the installation and commissioning cycle, costs are reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tray storage device of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the tray storage device of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view of the transplanting mechanism in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transplanting mechanism in this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the tray storage control device of this application.

[0023] Among them, 1. Installation platform;

[0024] 2. Support mechanism; 21. First support frame; 22. Second support frame; 221. Installation space;

[0025] 3. Upgrade the organization;

[0026] 4. Transplanting mechanism; 41. Track; 42. Traveling unit; 43. Lifting unit; 44. Platform;

[0027] 5. Storage mechanism; 51. Storage compartment;

[0028] 6. Casters;

[0029] 10. Controller; 20. Server; 30. Switch; 40. Tray storage device. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the solution of this application will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application, but this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0032] Traditional stacker cranes use expansion bolts to fix their running tracks and storage locations to the factory floor. This installation requires high precision, as the cranes cannot be moved or adjusted with the factory layout. They can only be disassembled and reassembled, resulting in a massive workload and high labor and time costs. Furthermore, traditional stacker cranes are heavy, and with the tracks mounted on the floor and handling equipment docked on the side of the crane, they occupy a large overall space.

[0033] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a pallet storage device capable of handling, transferring, and storing pallets for use in subsequent production lines.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the pallet storage device provided in this application includes an installation platform 1, a support mechanism 2, a lifting mechanism 3, a transplanting mechanism 4, and a storage mechanism 5. The support mechanism 2 is supported below the installation platform 1, leaving space below the installation platform 1 for easy pallet transportation. The installation platform 1 has a through-hole, and the lifting mechanism 3 is correspondingly arranged with the through-hole. The lower end of the lifting mechanism 3 is fixed to the support structure or the floor, and the upper end extends from the through-hole to the top of the installation platform 1. The lifting mechanism 3 is used to lift the pallet (e.g., a tray) below the installation platform 1 to the top of the installation platform 1. The transplanting mechanism 4 and the installation platform 1 are both located on the installation platform 1, and the transplanting mechanism 5 can move along a first direction (e.g., ...). Figure 1The storage mechanism 5 moves (in the X direction as shown) and rises and falls vertically. There is at least one storage mechanism 5, and one or two storage mechanisms 5 are located on the transplanting mechanism 4 along the second direction (e.g., as shown). Figure 1 On at least one side of the Y-direction (as shown), the storage mechanism 5 includes a plurality of storage compartments 51 arranged along a first direction and a vertical direction. The first direction and the second direction are two mutually perpendicular horizontal directions.

[0035] In use, the lifting mechanism 3 lifts the tray located below the installation platform 1 to above the installation platform 1. The transfer mechanism 4 picks up the tray from the lifting mechanism 3 and, according to the position of the target storage compartment 51, transfers the tray to the position corresponding to the target storage compartment 51 and places the tray inside the storage compartment 51, thereby achieving tray storage; or, the transfer mechanism 4 removes the tray from the target storage compartment 51, moves it to the position corresponding to the lifting mechanism 3, and then lowers the tray below the installation platform 1 through the lifting mechanism 3, thereby achieving tray removal.

[0036] The pallet storage device provided in this application supports the installation platform 1 with a support mechanism 2, providing installation space 221 above and below the installation platform 1. The storage mechanism 5 and the transfer mechanism 4 are both positioned above the installation platform 1, facilitating pallet transfer and storage. Space is left below the installation platform 1 to allow passage for pallet transport mechanisms. The original horizontal layout is improved to a vertical layout, reducing the footprint of the pallet storage device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage mechanism 5 is positioned on at least one side of the transfer mechanism 4, with each transfer mechanism 4 corresponding to one or two production lines (storage mechanism 5). When a single transfer mechanism 4 malfunctions, only the corresponding production line is affected, without impacting other production lines, thus reducing the impact on production capacity. By simplifying the structure, reducing the size, and shortening the installation and commissioning cycle, costs are reduced.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the support mechanism 2 includes a first support frame 21 and a second support frame 22, the first support frame 21 and the second support frame 22 are spaced apart, the interior of the first support frame 21 forms an installation space 221, the installation space 221 is correspondingly disposed below the communication port, and the lower end of the lifting mechanism 3 is located in the installation space 221.

[0038] For example, there are two first support frames 21 and two second support frames 22. The two first support frames 21 and the two second support frames 22 are respectively set at the four corners of the installation platform 1. The first support frames 21 play a supporting role, and the second support frames 22 can not only support the installation platform 1 together with the first support frames 21, but also provide space for the installation of the lifting mechanism 3.

[0039] For example, two first support frames 21 are spaced apart along a first direction, and two second support frames 22 are spaced apart along the first direction, with the first support frames 21 disposed on one side of the second support frames 22 along a second direction.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the second support frame 22 is a frame structure, and an installation space 221 is formed inside the frame structure. The lifting mechanism 3 is located in the installation space 221, and the frame structure provides the installation space 221 for the installation of the lifting mechanism 3.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the first support frame 21 and the second support frame 22 are provided with casters 6, which allows the entire pallet storage device to be moved flexibly according to actual needs, facilitating pallet storage and handling operations in different locations, and improving the applicability and flexibility of the device.

[0042] The second support frame 22 has a loading and unloading port on its side, which is corresponding to the lifting mechanism 3. The loading and unloading port provides a special channel for loading and unloading pallets, making it convenient to hand over pallets to external equipment.

[0043] For example, the lifting mechanism 3 includes a lifting bracket, a lifting platform, and a first drive mechanism. The lifting bracket is vertically arranged, with its lower end fixedly connected to the lower end of the floor or frame structure within the installation space 221. The upper end of the lifting bracket extends through the connecting opening to the top of the installation platform 1. The lifting platform is horizontally arranged and slides in cooperation with the lifting bracket. The first drive mechanism drives the lifting platform to move up and down relative to the lifting bracket. When the pallet is lifted, the first drive mechanism moves the lifting platform down to the position corresponding to the loading / unloading port, placing the pallet to be stored on the lifting platform. The first drive mechanism then moves the lifting platform and the pallet on the lifting platform upward to the position corresponding to the transplanting mechanism 4. The transplanting mechanism 4 removes the pallet from the lifting platform and delivers it to the target storage compartment 51 for storage. When the pallet needs to be removed, the transplanting mechanism 4 first removes the pallet from the storage compartment 51, and then the transplanting mechanism 4 moves the pallet to the position corresponding to the lifting mechanism 3. The first drive mechanism moves the lifting platform to the height corresponding to the transplanting mechanism 4, and the transplanting mechanism 4 transfers the pallet to the lifting platform. The first drive mechanism then moves the lifting platform down to the loading and unloading port, completing the pallet removal process.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the pallet storage device further includes an automated guided vehicle (not shown in the figure), which moves below the mounting platform 1 and is capable of docking with the lifting structure at the loading / unloading port.

[0045] For example, the automated guided vehicle is an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). An AGV is an industrial vehicle that loads pallets automatically or manually, travels automatically along a set route or tows a cargo trolley to a designated location, and then loads and unloads pallets automatically or manually.

[0046] In some embodiments of this application, the AGV loads a pallet and moves it to the loading / unloading port. The lifting platform is then raised and lowered to the same height as the pallet, and the lifting platform extends out of the installation space 221 to cooperate with the AGV.

[0047] In some embodiments of this application, multiple automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are used, each moving along a first or second direction. Specifically, the AGVs include a transverse AGV path and a longitudinal AGV path. The transverse AGV path is positioned after the first support frame 21 and the lifting mechanism 3, while the longitudinal AGV path is positioned between two second support frames 22. This enables rapid transport and accurate delivery of pallets below the installation platform 1, further improving pallet handling efficiency.

[0048] There are two lifting mechanisms 3, which are respectively installed in the two second support frames 22, and are used for loading and unloading respectively. This clear division of labor design allows the pallet loading and unloading processes to be carried out simultaneously without interference, greatly improving the speed and efficiency of pallet storage and retrieval.

[0049] The transplanting mechanism 4 includes a track 41, a traveling unit 42, a lifting unit 43, and a platform 44. The track 41 is arranged along a first direction. The traveling unit 42 cooperates with the track 41 and can travel along the track 41. The lifting unit 43 is vertically arranged and fixedly connected to the traveling unit 42. The platform 44 is connected to the lifting unit 43 and can be raised and lowered under the drive of the lifting unit 43. Specifically, in some embodiments of this application, the platform 44 is provided with retractable forks. The forks extend and retract along a second direction, which can cooperate with the lifting platform or storage compartment 51 arranged on one side of the platform 44 to pick up and put down pallets. After the pallet is picked up, the traveling unit 42 drives the lifting unit 43 and the platform 44 to move synchronously along the first direction. The lifting unit 43 drives the platform 44 to rise and fall, so as to cooperate with the storage compartment 51 or lifting platform at different heights.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, the walking unit 42 includes a base, a drive mechanism, and pulleys. The base is positioned above the track 41, and the pulleys are rotatably positioned below the base and roll in cooperation with the track 41. The drive mechanism is connected to the base and is used to move the base. By using pulleys in cooperation with the track 41, the friction between the base and the track 41 is reduced. This design allows the walking unit 42 to move smoothly and flexibly on the track 41, thereby achieving accurate movement of the transplanting mechanism 4 in the first direction.

[0051] For example, the operation of the above-mentioned tray storage device is as follows:

[0052] 1. Pallet Loading: The automated guided vehicle moves below the installation platform 1, transporting the pallet to be stored to the loading / unloading port on the side of the second support frame 22. At this time, the lifting mechanism 3, responsible for loading, starts working, lifting the pallet from below the installation platform 1 to above it. The transfer mechanism 4 moves along the track 41 via the traveling unit 42 to above the pallet, then the lifting unit 43 descends, allowing the platform 44 to support the pallet, and then the lifting unit 43 rises, lifting the pallet. The transfer mechanism 4 then, according to the position of the storage compartment 51 in the storage mechanism 5, accurately places the pallet into the designated storage compartment 51 through the cooperation of the traveling unit 42 and the lifting unit 43, completing the pallet loading and storage process.

[0053] 2. Pallet Unloading: When a pallet needs to be removed, the transfer mechanism 4 moves to the storage compartment 51 where the target pallet is stored, according to instructions. The lifting unit 43 descends, bringing the platform 44 under the pallet and supporting it. Then, the lifting unit 43 rises to lift the pallet. The transfer mechanism 4 then transports the pallet to the position corresponding to the lifting mechanism 3 responsible for unloading. The lifting mechanism 3 descends to deliver the pallet under the installation platform 1. The automated guided vehicle waits at the loading / unloading port, receives the pallet, and transports it to the designated location, completing the pallet unloading process.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, this application embodiment also provides a tray storage control device, including a controller 10, a server 20, a switch 30 and the aforementioned tray storage device 40. The number of controllers 10 is one, the number of servers 20 is one or more, one controller 10 is connected to one or more servers 20, the number of switches 30 is one or more, each server 20 is connected to one or more switches 30, and each switch 30 is connected to multiple tray storage devices 40.

[0055] Specifically, controller 10 is an MCS system, which can control multiple servers simultaneously. Each server 20 can correspond to one or more switches 30, and one switch 30 corresponds to multiple pallet storage devices 40. This control equipment architecture realizes centralized management and control of multiple pallet storage devices. Commands are issued by controller 10, processed by server 20, and transmitted to each pallet storage device 40 through switch 30, realizing automated control of pallet storage, handling, and other operations, improving the intelligence level and management efficiency of the entire warehousing system.

[0056] The operation procedure for the above-mentioned pallet storage control equipment is as follows:

[0057] 1. Command Input: Operators input commands for storing or retrieving pallets through the controller, including information such as the type and quantity of pallets, storage location, or target retrieval location.

[0058] 2. Command Processing: The controller transmits the received commands to the server. The server analyzes and processes the commands, and plans the optimal pallet storage or retrieval path and operation plan based on the pallet information and the current status of the warehousing system.

[0059] 3. Command Transmission: The server transmits the processed commands to the corresponding tray storage devices through the switch. The switch acts as a data relay and distribution mechanism to ensure that the commands can reach the target device accurately and quickly.

[0060] 4. Equipment Execution: Upon receiving an instruction, the pallet storage device controls the lifting mechanism, transferring mechanism, and automated guided vehicle (AGV) to work together to complete the pallet storage or retrieval operation. Throughout the operation, the pallet storage device provides real-time feedback on equipment status and operation progress to the server, which then relays this information to the controller, allowing operators to stay informed about the warehouse system's operation.

[0061] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the pallet storage device and pallet storage control device provided in this application achieve at least the following beneficial effects:

[0062] The pallet storage device provided in this application includes: an installation platform having a communication port; a support mechanism supported below the installation platform; a lifting mechanism corresponding to the communication port, with its lower end fixed to the support mechanism and its upper end extending from the communication port to the top of the installation platform for lifting a pallet below the installation platform to the top of the installation platform; a transplanting mechanism disposed on the installation platform, capable of moving along a first direction and rising and falling along a vertical direction; and a storage mechanism disposed on the installation platform and located on at least one side of the transplanting mechanism in a second direction, the storage mechanism including a plurality of storage compartments disposed along the first direction and the vertical direction; the second direction and the first direction are two mutually perpendicular horizontal directions.

[0063] This application uses a support mechanism to support the installation platform, providing installation space both above and below. The storage and transfer mechanisms are both positioned above the installation platform for easy pallet transfer and storage, while space is left below for the pallet transport mechanism to pass through. The layout is improved from horizontal to vertical, reducing the footprint of the pallet storage device. Furthermore, this application's pallet storage device places the storage mechanism on at least one side of the transfer mechanism, with each transfer mechanism corresponding to one or two production lines (storage mechanisms). When a single transfer mechanism malfunctions, only the corresponding production line is affected, without impacting other production lines, thus reducing the impact on production capacity. By simplifying the structure, reducing size, and shortening the installation and commissioning cycle, costs are reduced.

[0064] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0065] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A tray storage device, characterized by include: The installation platform has a connection port; A support mechanism is provided below the installation platform; A lifting mechanism is provided corresponding to the communication port, and the lower end of the lifting mechanism is fixed on the support mechanism, while the upper end extends from the communication port to the top of the installation platform, for lifting the tray below the installation platform to the top of the installation platform; A transplanting mechanism is provided on the installation platform, and the transplanting mechanism is capable of moving in a first direction and rising and falling in a vertical direction; A storage mechanism is provided on the installation platform and located on at least one side of the transplanting mechanism in a second direction. The storage mechanism includes a plurality of storage compartments arranged along a first direction and a vertical direction. The second direction and the first direction are two horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other.

2. The tray storage device of claim 1, wherein, The support mechanism includes a first support frame and a second support frame, which are spaced apart. An installation space is formed inside the first support frame and is located below the communication port. The lower end of the lifting mechanism is installed in the installation space.

3. The tray storage device of claim 2, wherein, Both the first support frame and the second support frame are equipped with casters at their bottoms.

4. The tray storage device of claim 2, wherein, The second support frame has a loading and unloading port on its side, which is corresponding to the lifting mechanism.

5. The tray storage device of claim 4, wherein, It also includes an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that moves below the installation platform and is capable of docking with the lifting mechanism at the loading / unloading port.

6. The tray storage device of claim 5, wherein, The number of automated guided vehicles is multiple, and the multiple automated guided vehicles move along the first direction or the second direction respectively.

7. The tray storage device of claim 1, wherein, The number of lifting mechanisms is two, and the two lifting mechanisms are used for loading and unloading materials respectively.

8. The tray storage device of claim 1, wherein, The transplanting mechanism includes a track, a walking unit, a lifting unit, and a platform. The track is arranged along the first direction. The walking unit cooperates with the track and can move along the track. The lifting unit is arranged vertically and fixedly connected to the walking unit. The platform is connected to the lifting unit and can be lifted and lowered under the drive of the lifting unit.

9. The tray storage device of claim 8, wherein, The walking unit includes a base, a drive mechanism, and pulleys. The base is located above the track, and the pulleys are rotatably located below the base and roll in cooperation with the track. The drive mechanism is connected to the base and is used to drive the base to move.

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