A modular and scalable library

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of intelligent warehousing equipment technology, and in particular to a modular and scalable automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS). The technical solution includes: - at least two AS / RS frame bodies, each frame body being formed by stacking at least two standardized rack units vertically via a detachable connection structure. - The AS / RS frame bodies are arranged parallel to each other horizontally. - At least one top beam is horizontally mounted on top of all the parallel AS / RS frame bodies. - A plug-in structure is located at the bottom of the top beam. The top beam is detachably and rigidly plugged into the top of each AS / RS frame body via its plug-in structure, forming a stable overall structure. This solution has the advantages of rapid expansion and installation, elimination of lateral connection processes, and achieving overall rigid constraint and equipment integration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of intelligent warehousing equipment technology, and in particular to a modular and scalable vertical warehouse. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional warehouse racking systems have significant limitations in meeting the demands of flexible production. Fixed racking requires custom manufacturing to fit the warehouse dimensions, and on-site installation relies on pre-buried foundations and welding reinforcement, resulting in long construction cycles and difficulty in adapting to different factory structures. While modular racking allows for size adjustments through unit splicing, its lateral expansion still requires bolting to the side beam connectors, and vertical stacking necessitates layer-by-layer calibration and positioning, leading to low on-site assembly efficiency. More importantly, such systems lack overall stability guarantees. When racking exceeds three layers, additional wall columns are often required for support, forcing structural modifications to the warehouse, fundamentally contradicting the rapid layout changes required for modern production.

[0003] While existing stackable rack units can achieve longitudinal expansion, they still rely on lateral tie rods or connecting plates for fixation after being arranged laterally. This structure has two drawbacks: first, the assembly process of lateral connectors is cumbersome and difficult to construct in narrow passages; second, lateral stability and longitudinal load-bearing are shared by different components, resulting in a discontinuous force transmission path. Especially when racks are stacked in multiple layers, the lack of rigid constraint at the top makes the overall structure prone to torsional deformation, limiting the stacking height (usually no more than 5 layers) and preventing direct integration of logistics equipment tracks. Some solutions attempt to install crossbeams at the top, but the crossbeams and racks are installed separately, requiring additional positioning procedures and failing to simultaneously address structural stability and equipment support issues.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a truly flexible automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) that can enable rapid stacking and arrangement of rack units while eliminating lateral connection processes. This system should achieve overall reinforcement and functional integration at the top in a single, innovative structural design. This project addresses this need by employing a unique "top beam plug-in constraint" mechanism. This allows the assembled AS / RS frame to be freely arranged as needed. After multiple layers are stacked, simply inserting the track support base into the rack column simultaneously completes structural fixation and track support, ultimately achieving a smart warehousing solution that requires no site modifications and has unlimited expansion potential.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies urgently need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, the purpose of this invention is to provide a modular and expandable vertical storage system, which offers advantages such as rapid expansion and installation, elimination of lateral connection procedures, and the achievement of overall rigid constraints and equipment integration.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] This application provides a modular and scalable automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS), with the following technical solution: - At least two AS / RS frame bodies, each frame body formed by stacking at least two standardized rack units vertically via a detachable connection structure. - The AS / RS frame bodies are arranged parallel to each other horizontally. - At least one top beam is horizontally supported on top of all the parallel AS / RS frame bodies. - An insertion structure is located at the bottom of the top beam. The top beam is detachably and rigidly inserted into the top of each AS / RS frame body via its insertion structure, thus forming a stable overall structure for all AS / RS frame bodies.

[0009] Furthermore, this application proposes that the rack unit comprises a frame unit constructed from multiple uprights and multiple crossbars, with shelves or brackets mounted on the crossbars. A rack cavity is formed above the shelf, or between two opposing brackets, and each rack cavity has an open opening at its front end.

[0010] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the front and rear ends of the bracket are fixed to the crossbar, including: - a base plate for supporting the bottom side edge of the material box; - a side plate disposed perpendicular to the base plate. The side plates of the two opposing brackets form a material rack cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, this application also proposes that when two rack units are stacked vertically, the lower end of the column of the upper rack unit is directly connected to the upper end of the column of the lower rack unit.

[0012] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the detachable connection structure includes a guide plug-in post fixed to the upper end of the column, the guide plug-in post being conical. The lower end of the column of the upper material rack unit is provided with a plug-in hole that mates with the guide plug-in post.

[0013] Furthermore, this application proposes that the plug-in structure includes: - a top plate fixed to the lower end face of the top beam; - at least two plug-in rods vertically connected below the top plate. The plug-in rods are respectively inserted into the top of the columns of the adjacent vertical frame.

[0014] Furthermore, a limiting plate is provided in the middle of the insertion rod, which is used to limit the depth of insertion into the column.

[0015] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the top beam be constructed as a transverse slide rail.

[0016] Furthermore, this application also proposes to include a lift connected to the top beam, which is movable laterally along the top beam.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, the modular and expandable automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) provided in this application, along with its racking units, connecting structures, and top beam system, forms an AS / RS frame by stacking standardized racking units. The bottom of the top beam is connected to the top of each frame unit rigidly, enabling the rapid assembly of multiple frames into a stable overall structure. This solves the problems of complex installation, limited expansion, and insufficient stability of traditional racking systems. It has the advantages of rapid expansion and installation, elimination of lateral connection processes, and realization of overall rigid constraints and equipment integration. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a modular and scalable library provided in this application.

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A.

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a plug-in structure provided in this application.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the vertical storage frame.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the material rack unit. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. They can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. They can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0028] In existing technologies, warehouse racking systems have long faced the dilemma of balancing scalability and stability. While traditional modular racking supports unit assembly, lateral expansion still requires bolted fastening of side connectors, and vertical stacking necessitates layer-by-layer alignment and positioning. When racking exceeds three layers, additional wall supports or tie rods are needed for reinforcement, leading to complex on-site construction and inability to adapt to changes in factory structure. Especially when the top lacks rigid constraint, multi-layer stacking is prone to torsional deformation, making direct integration of logistics equipment tracks impossible and forcing structural modifications to the warehouse system.

[0029] To address the aforementioned issues, it was found that existing racking systems rely on lateral connectors and split beams, resulting in low installation efficiency and insufficient stability. Analysis of the racking's mechanical transmission path revealed that top rigidity can simultaneously solve both lateral stability and longitudinal load-bearing problems. After multiple structural tests, it was discovered that stacking standardized racking units 1 to form an array of uprights, with the top beam 4 directly connected to the top of the uprights 11, eliminates the need for lateral connections and creates a rigid, integrated structure. Therefore, it is proposed that the top beam 4 be designed as a multifunctional component combining structural reinforcement and equipment load-bearing capacity.

[0030] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this embodiment relates to a modular and scalable automated storage system, comprising at least two storage system frame bodies 10, each...

[0031] Each vertical storage frame 10 is formed by stacking at least two standardized rack units 1 vertically via a detachable connection structure. The vertical storage frame units 10 are arranged in parallel horizontally. At least one top beam 4 is horizontally supported on top of all the parallel vertical storage frame units 10. A plug-in structure 7 is provided at the bottom of the top beam 4. The top beam 4 is detachably and rigidly plugged into the top of each vertical storage frame unit 10 through its plug-in structure 7, so that all the vertical storage frame units 10 form an integral and stable structure.

[0032] The vertical storage frame 10 refers to an independent support structure formed by longitudinally stacking standardized rack units 1, specifically a cubic frame constructed from four uprights 11 and crossbars 12. The detachable connection structure refers to a mechanical connection device that allows the rack units 1 to be stacked vertically, such as a tapered connector with corresponding insertion holes at the end of the upright 11 for boltless rapid assembly. The top beam 4 is a load-bearing component that spans multiple vertical storage frame bodies 10 laterally, and can be an I-beam or box girder structure. Its bottom has a plug-in structure 7, for example, a downward-extending plug-in rod 72, which is inserted into a pre-drilled hole at the top of the upright 11 to form a rigid connection. The plug-in structure 7 is a mechanical interface that enables rapid connection between the top beam 4 and the vertical storage frame body 10, for example, by welding multiple vertical plug-in rods 72 to the bottom surface of the top beam 4, which are inserted into the positioning holes at the top of adjacent frame uprights 11.

[0033] Specifically, the standardized rack unit 1 is longitudinally stacked through a detachable connection structure to form the vertical storage frame 10, eliminating the cumbersome process of traditional layer-by-layer calibration. After multiple vertical storage frame units 10 are arranged in parallel, the top beam 4 is horizontally supported on top of all the frame units, and its bottom plug-in rod 72 is directly inserted into the positioning holes at the top of the uprights 11 of each frame unit. This plug-in action simultaneously completes the lateral constraint and longitudinal load transfer, making the originally independent frame units form an integral rigid structure. The top beam 4, as a lateral constraint component, offsets the lateral displacement tendency of each frame unit through multi-point plug-in, while its own stiffness ensures the torsional performance of the overall structure. The plug-in structure 7 directly uses the top of the uprights 11 as the connection point, without the need for additional lateral connectors, achieving integrated structural stability and equipment load-bearing function.

[0034] Compared with existing technologies, this solution directly utilizes the uprights 11 to transfer loads through top-mounted plug-in constraints, reducing on-site connection procedures by 70%. Existing split beams require separate positioning and installation, and secondary fixing to the racking structure. In this solution, the top beam 4's plug-in structure forms a self-positioning connection with the racking uprights 11, reducing installation time by 50%. For five-layer stacking racks, traditional lateral connection methods result in a top horizontal displacement of up to three millimeters, while the plug-in structure 7 in this solution controls the displacement to within 0.5 millimeters. Through the above technical solutions, this application achieves rapid expansion and stable load-bearing capacity of the racking system. The standardized racking units 1 are stacked longitudinally, eliminating the need for height customization. The transverse plug-in connection of the top beam 4 avoids the installation of lateral connectors, increasing racking density by 30%. The direct rigid connection between the top beam 4 and the uprights 11 enhances overall torsional rigidity, allowing racks to be stacked up to eight layers without structural deformation. The plug-in structure 7 simultaneously completes track installation and positioning, allowing logistics equipment to run directly on the top beam 4, shortening equipment deployment time by 40%.

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown, the rack unit 1 comprises a frame unit constructed from multiple uprights 11 and multiple crossbars 12. Shelves or brackets 14 are mounted on the crossbars 12. A rack cavity 15 is formed above the shelf, or between two opposing brackets 14. Each rack cavity 15 has an open opening 16 at its front end. The uprights 11 refer to the vertically arranged support structures within the frame unit, which can be implemented using square steel pipes or I-beams, used to bear the stacking load and transfer it to the foundation. The crossbars 12 refer to the vertical support structures in the frame unit.

[0036] The horizontally connected components of the uprights 11 can be made of angle steel or channel steel profiles, used to form the geometric stability of the frame unit. Shelves refer to the load-bearing plates laid horizontally on the crossbars 12, which can be made of perforated steel plates or mesh plates, used to directly support the bottom of the material boxes 13. Brackets 14 are cantilevered load-bearing structures fixed to the crossbars 12, which can be formed by welding bent steel plates, forming a storage space with a guiding function through the combination of the bottom plate 141 and the side plate 142. The rack cavity 15 is the storage space defined by the shelves or brackets 14, which can be made of standardized dimensions, used to accommodate material boxes 13 of uniform specifications. The open cavity 16 is the unobstructed opening at the front end of the rack cavity 15, which can be made of a rectangular opening structure, allowing the material boxes 13 to enter and exit horizontally.

[0037] Specifically, the frame unit forms a basic module through the standardized connection of the uprights 11 and the crossbars 12, and multiple modules can be quickly assembled. Shelves are directly laid on the crossbars 12 to form flat storage positions, and brackets 14 form cantilevered storage positions through the combination of the base plate 141 and the side plates 142. Both structures form a front-open rack cavity 15. The material box 13 is pushed in or pulled out horizontally through the open cavity 16 without vertical lifting. When the bracket 14 structure is used, the oppositely arranged bracket 14 side plates 142 form a guide channel, restricting the lateral displacement of the material box 13. Through the above technical solution, this application realizes the rapid lateral expansion and longitudinal stacking of the rack unit 1, eliminating the lateral connection process in traditional rack assembly. The standardized shelf and bracket 14 structure makes the rack cavity 15 uniform in size, reducing on-site calibration work. The open cavity 16 forms a spatial match with the horizontal storage and retrieval actions of automated logistics equipment, avoiding interference between the equipment running path and the rack, and improving the overall operating efficiency of the warehousing system.

[0038] Furthermore, the front and rear ends of the bracket 14 are fixed to the crossbar 12, including a bottom plate 141 for supporting the bottom side edge of the material box 13, and a side plate 142 arranged perpendicular to the bottom plate 141, wherein the side plate 142 opposite to the two brackets 14 forms a material rack cavity 15.

[0039] The bracket 14 is fixed to the crossbar 12 at both ends, meaning that both ends of the bracket 14 are rigidly connected to the crossbar 12. This can be achieved by welding or bolting, eliminating the horizontal displacement freedom of the bracket 14 through two-point fixation. The base plate 141 is a flat plate structure located at the lower part of the main body of the bracket 14. It can be made of stamped metal sheet, and its width is configured to only cover the bottom edge area of ​​the material box 13, reducing frictional resistance by minimizing the contact area. The side plate 142 is a vertical plate structure extending perpendicular to the base plate 141. It can be integrally formed with the base plate 141 by bending, and its height is configured to cover a preset height range of the side wall of the material box 13, thus restricting the lateral displacement of the material box 13 by forming a vertical constraint surface. When the material box 13 is placed into the rack cavity 15 defined by the side plates 142 of the two opposing brackets 14, the bottom edge of the material box 13 first contacts the bottom plate 141 of the bracket 14. The bottom plate 141 provides vertical support through local support, while the side plates 142 form a surface contact constraint with the side wall of the material box 13 to prevent the material box 13 from shifting in the horizontal direction. Since the two ends of the bracket 14 are pre-fixed to the crossbar 12, the stability of the bracket 14 itself can be ensured without additional lateral connectors. The spacing between the side plates 142 of the two brackets 14 is standardized so that the width of the rack cavity 15 matches the standard size of the material box 13, achieving precise positioning of the material box 13 in the lateral dimension. The L-shaped cross-sectional structure formed by the bottom plate 141 and the side plates 142 enhances the bending stiffness of the bracket 14 and avoids plastic deformation caused by concentrated load. Through the above technical solution, this application can ensure the structural stability of the bracket 14 without increasing assembly complexity, eliminate the risk of lateral displacement during the storage of the material box 13, and simultaneously achieve the desired results through standardization.

[0040] The standardized spacing of the side plates 142 enables precise spatial positioning of the material rack cavity 15, avoiding the problem of the material box 13 getting stuck due to manual adjustment errors.

[0041] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, when the two rack units 1 are stacked vertically, the lower end of the column 11 of the upper rack unit 1 is directly connected to the upper end of the column 11 of the lower rack unit 1.

[0042] The direct connection between the lower and upper ends of the column 11 means that the axial force is transmitted through end face contact between the columns 11 of adjacent material rack units 1. Specifically, this can be achieved by setting a positioning boss and a groove at the end of the column 11. The cooperation between the positioning boss and the groove can ensure vertical alignment accuracy. The continuous load-bearing path formed by the direct connection can directly transfer the upper load to the foundation, avoiding stress concentration caused by intermediate connecting parts.

[0043] When the upper rack unit 1 is hoisted to the top of the lower rack unit 1, the positioning groove at the lower end of the column 11 automatically engages with the positioning boss at the upper end of the lower column 11, completing self-positioning under gravity. Since the clearance between the positioning boss and the groove is controlled within millimeters, vertical alignment can be achieved without manual adjustment of the horizontal offset. The friction generated by the contact of the end faces of the column 11 resists minor lateral displacements, while the main vertical load is directly transmitted through the end faces, forming a stable load-bearing system. Therefore, multiple rack units 1 can be assembled simply by hoisting during stacking, while ensuring a rigid connection of the overall structure in the vertical direction. Through the above technical solution, this application achieves rapid assembly of rack units 1 without layer-by-layer calibration and manual tightening during stacking, solely through self-positioning of the ends of the columns 11, while simultaneously forming a continuous vertical load-bearing path to enhance overall stability.

[0044] Furthermore, the detachable connection structure includes a guide plug-in post 21 fixed to the upper end of the column 11, the guide plug-in post 21 being tapered. The lower end of the column 11 of the upper material rack unit 1 is provided with a plug-in hole that mates with the guide plug-in post 21.

[0045] The guide plug 21 refers to the conical protrusion structure located on the upper end of the column 11. It can be achieved through metal casting or injection molding, with a taper angle ranging from 5° to 15°. Its tapered geometry provides self-guiding functionality. The plug hole refers to the groove structure located on the lower end of the column 11 that matches the guide plug 21. It can be formed through stamping or machining, with a hole diameter slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the guide plug 21. The tapered surface eliminates gaps. Specifically, when the lower end of the column 11 of the upper rack unit 1 aligns with the upper end of the column 11 of the lower rack unit 1, the conical guide plug 21 first contacts the edge of the plug hole. Under gravity, the conical guide plug automatically slides into the center of the plug hole. As the stacking process continues, the conical surface forms surface contact with the inner wall of the plug hole, limiting horizontal displacement deviation through friction and geometric constraints. The insertion hole depth is set to cover at least two-thirds of the height of the guide insertion post 21, ensuring that the upper and lower uprights 11 form a continuous axial force transmission path. Through the above technical solution, this application achieves rapid positioning and stable connection of the rack unit 1 when vertically stacked. Operators only need to roughly align the upper rack unit 1 and release it; precise insertion can then be completed by gravity, reducing assembly time to one-fifth of traditional methods. The tapered contact surface creates a self-locking effect after insertion, enabling the stacked uprights 11 to withstand lateral vibration loads without misalignment, and increasing longitudinal compressive strength to more than 1.3 times that of bolted connections.

[0046] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the plug-in structure 7 includes a top plate 71 fixed to the lower end face of the top beam 4, and vertically connected to the top plate 71.

[0047] At least two plug-in rods 72 are inserted below, and the plug-in rods 72 are respectively inserted into the top of the columns 11 of the adjacent vertical frame body 10.

[0048] The top plate 71 is a plate-shaped component fixedly connected to the lower end face of the top beam 4, used to provide a vertical support surface for the plug-in rod 72 and distribute the load transmitted by the top beam 4. The plug-in rod 72 is a rod-shaped component extending downward perpendicular to the top plate 71, its length set to the depth to be inserted into the pre-set hole at the top of the column 11, achieving a rigid connection through the contact between the rod and the hole wall of the column 11. Specifically, the top beam 4 covers the top of multiple parallel-arranged vertical storage frame bodies 10 through the top plate 71, and the plug-in rod 72 is vertically fixed below the top plate 71. During installation, the plug-in rod 72 is directly inserted into the reserved hole at the top of the column 11 of two adjacent vertical storage frame bodies 10. After all the plug-in rods 72 are inserted, the top beam 4 and each vertical storage frame body 10 form a longitudinal through-connection. The fit and constraint between the plug-in rod 72 and the column 11 prevents lateral displacement between the frame bodies, and the top plate 71 evenly transmits the load borne by the top beam 4 to each column 11, integrating multiple independent frame bodies into a whole load-bearing structure. This process eliminates the need for side connectors on the frame; structural fixation and equipment support are achieved simultaneously through top insertion. This technical solution allows for the overall fixation of the horizontally arranged vertical warehouse frames 10 without lateral connectors, eliminating assembly difficulties in confined spaces. The rigid insertion of the top beam 4 into the frame effectively suppresses torsional deformation during multi-layer stacking and provides a directly integrateable load-bearing track for logistics equipment. Furthermore, a limiting plate 73 is provided in the middle of the insertion rod 72. The limiting plate 73 restricts the insertion depth of the column 11, ensuring consistent insertion depth at all positions of the top beam 4 and maintaining its horizontal position, thus serving as a transverse slide rail.

[0049] In a further optimization scheme, the technical solution of constructing the top beam 4 as a transverse slide rail also includes a lifting platform connected to the top beam 4, which can move laterally along the top beam 4.

[0050] A transverse slide rail is a long, strip-shaped load-bearing component with a continuous guide surface. It can be made of I-beams or aluminum alloy track profiles, and its cross-sectional shape is configured to support the rolling or sliding of the moving wheels of the logistics equipment. When the slide rail is inserted into and fixed to the vertical storage frame 10, its longitudinal extension direction remains perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the vertical storage frame 10, and lateral constraint is achieved through a rigid connection between the slide rail body and the top of the frame. Specifically, the top beam 4 serves as the transverse slide rail, mounted on top of all parallel vertical storage frame 10s. The bottom surface of the slide rail is rigidly connected to the columns 11 at the top of each vertical storage frame 10 via an insertion structure 7. When the elevator is suspended below the slide rail via the traveling wheels, the top bearing surface of the slide rail provides lateral movement guidance for the elevator, while the insertion connection between the slide rail and the columns 11 forms a torque transmission path resisting lateral forces. In this process, the slide rail serves both as the moving track for the logistics equipment and, through its rigid connection with the column 11, connects multiple vertical storage frame bodies 10 into an integral structure, enabling lateral stability constraint and equipment movement function to be achieved by the same component. Through the above technical solution, this application allows the top structure of the vertical storage facility to simultaneously complete the lateral reinforcement of the frame body and the laying of the logistics track in a single installation operation, solving the problems of low construction efficiency and poor structural stability caused by the separate installation of beams and slide rails in traditional solutions. The continuous bearing surface of the slide rail-type top beam 4 ensures that the moving trajectory of the elevator precisely corresponds to the arrangement direction of the frame body, avoiding structural vibrations caused by track misalignment during equipment operation.

[0051] The elevator connected to the top beam 4 refers to the physical connection between the logistics equipment and the top beam 4, which can be achieved by using a sliding mechanism.

[0052] The lifting platform of the base, with its sliding base engaging with the slide rail structure of the top beam 4 via slots or rollers, enables the assembly of the equipment with the top beam 4. The ability to move laterally along the top beam 4 means the lifting platform has the capacity to translate along the length of the top beam 4. This can be achieved by a motor-driven gear meshing with a rack on the side of the top beam 4, or by a sprocket transmission system, allowing the equipment to move freely within the coverage area of ​​the top beam 4. When the top beam 4 acts as a lateral slide rail, it can have guide grooves inside or raised rails on its outer surface. The sliding base of the lifting platform is positioned by embedding into the guide grooves or clamping the rails. As the lifting platform moves along the top beam 4, the top beam 4 is rigidly connected to the vertical frame 10 via the plug-in structure 7, evenly distributing the lateral load generated by the equipment operation to the columns 11 of each frame, avoiding localized stress concentration. Since the top beam 4 itself provides overall reinforcement to the multiple frames through plug-in connections, the lifting platform does not require additional independent rails; its movement path is directly determined by the extension length of the top beam 4, achieving functional integration of equipment operation and structural support.

[0053] Through the above technical solution, this application enables the elevator to directly utilize the top beam 4 for lateral movement, eliminating the need for an independent track system and reducing equipment installation time and the number of components. The rigid plug-in structure of the top beam 4 provides a stable moving reference plane for the elevator, ensuring that it operates without offset or vibration above the multi-story automated storage and retrieval system 10. The elevator's moving range automatically matches the lateral expansion range of the automated storage and retrieval system 10, achieving synchronous expansion of storage space and logistics equipment.

[0054] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0055] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular, scalable tower, characterized in that, include: - At least two vertical storage frame bodies (10), each vertical storage frame body (10) is formed by stacking at least two standardized rack units (1) in the vertical direction through a detachable connection structure; - The vertical storage frame (10) is arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction; - At least one top beam (4) is horizontally erected on top of all the parallel vertical warehouse frame bodies (10); - A plug-in structure (7) is provided at the bottom of the top beam (4); The top beam (4) is rigidly and detachably connected to the top of each vertical storage frame (10) through its plug-in structure (7), so that all vertical storage frames (10) form an overall stable structure.

2. The modular, scalable tower of claim 1, wherein: The material rack unit (1) includes a frame unit built by multiple columns (11) and multiple crossbars (12), and the crossbars (12) are provided with shelves or brackets (14); A material rack cavity (15) is formed above the shelf, or between two opposite brackets (14), and each material rack cavity (15) has an open cavity opening (16) at its front end.

3. The modular, scalable tower of claim 2, wherein: The bracket (14) is fixed at both ends to the crossbar (12), including: - A base plate (141) for supporting the bottom side edge of the material box (13); - Side plates (142) are set perpendicular to the base plate (141); The material rack cavity (15) is formed between the side plates (142) of the two opposing brackets (14).

4. The modular, scalable tower of claim 1, wherein: When the two rack units (1) are stacked vertically, the lower end of the column (11) of the upper rack unit (1) is directly connected to the upper end of the column (11) of the lower rack unit (1).

5. The modular, scalable tower of claim 4, wherein: The detachable connection structure includes a guide plug (21) fixed to the upper end of the column (11), and the guide plug (21) is conical; The lower end of the column (11) of the upper material rack unit (1) is provided with a plug hole that cooperates with the guide plug-in column (21).

6. The modular, scalable tower of claim 1, wherein: The plug-in structure (7) includes: - Top plate (71) fixed to the lower end face of top beam (4); - At least two plug rods (72) vertically connected below the top plate (71); The plug rods (72) are respectively inserted into the top of the columns (11) of the adjacent vertical frame bodies (10).

7. The modular, scalable tower of claim 6, wherein: A limiting plate (73) is provided in the middle of the plug rod (72), and the limiting plate (73) is used to limit the depth of insertion into the column (11).

8. The modular, scalable tower of claim 1, wherein: The top beam (4) is constructed as a transverse slide rail.

9. The modular, scalable tower of claim 8, wherein: It also includes a lift connected to the top beam (4), which can move laterally along the top beam (4).

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