A bidirectional transportation elevator and a stereoscopic storage system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of logistics and storage equipment, disclose a kind of two-way transport elevator and stereoscopic storage system, including rack, lifting drive component, transmission component, first handling mechanism and second handling mechanism;Lifting drive component is set on rack;The output end transmission connection of lifting drive component is in transmission component;First handling mechanism and second handling mechanism reverse linkage connection are in transmission component, for handling material, when lifting drive component drives transmission component to operate, first handling mechanism and second handling mechanism synchronous reverse movement along vertical direction. By the priority of first handling mechanism and second handling mechanism being reasonably set, the efficient transport of material can be realized, so as to effectively reduce the waiting time of operator, optimize man-machine collaborative operation process, guarantee the continuity of production logistics system, meet the technical requirement of modern industrial production and intelligent warehousing logistics system to high throughput, high availability logistics equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of logistics and warehousing equipment technology, and in particular to a two-way transport elevator and an automated warehousing system. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industrial production and intelligent warehousing and logistics systems, vertical transportation equipment is crucial for material flow in automated warehouses. Currently, the industry commonly uses single-forklift systems, which operate on a single-fork, single-cycle basis, allowing only one pallet of material to be transported in a single lift. This method has significant drawbacks: Firstly, due to the limited quantity transported per load, large-scale material handling requires frequent back-and-forth trips, resulting in long operation cycles and low handling efficiency. Secondly, in scenarios where production rhythms are closely linked to material transport demands, operators must wait for extended periods for the lift to complete its transfer, wasting human resources and reducing the continuity and smoothness of the entire workflow. Furthermore, as a core component, the single fork is susceptible to single-point failure. If the fork experiences mechanical jamming, hydraulic drive failure, or electrical control malfunction, the entire lift will cease operation, interrupting ongoing material transport and impacting subsequent production and logistics progress, increasing equipment maintenance costs and downtime losses.

[0003] With the continuous expansion of industrial production scale and the gradual improvement of logistics and warehousing automation, this traditional elevator transportation mode can no longer meet the demand for efficient and fast material transportation.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a two-way transport elevator and an automated storage and warehousing system to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a bidirectional transport elevator and an automated warehousing system that can increase the quantity transported in a single trip, reduce the number of times the equipment travels back and forth, shorten the material handling time, and thus improve the overall transport efficiency; reduce the risk of single point of failure and enhance system reliability; reduce operator waiting time, optimize human-machine collaborative operation processes, ensure the continuity of the production logistics system, and meet the technical requirements of modern industrial production and intelligent warehousing logistics systems for high-throughput and high-availability logistics equipment.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A bidirectional transport elevator includes: a frame, a lifting drive assembly, a transmission assembly, a first transport mechanism, and a second transport mechanism;

[0008] The lifting drive assembly is mounted on the frame, and the output end of the lifting drive assembly is connected to the transmission assembly.

[0009] The first and second transport mechanisms are connected to the transmission assembly in a reverse linkage and are used to transport materials. When the lifting drive assembly drives the transmission assembly to run, the first and second transport mechanisms move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the transmission assembly includes a chain and a drive sprocket that are meshed together, the drive sprocket being rotatably mounted on the frame, a first conveying mechanism connected to a first end of the chain, a second conveying mechanism connected to a second end of the chain, and the output end of the lifting drive assembly being connected to the drive sprocket to drive both ends of the chain to move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the transmission assembly further includes a steering sprocket engaged with the chain, the steering sprocket being spaced apart from the drive sprocket, parallel to and rotatably connected to the frame in a direction approaching or away from the bin, such that the chain has a horizontal segment extending in a direction approaching or away from the bin, and a first end of the chain is connected to the side of the horizontal segment approaching the bin, and a second end of the chain is connected to the side of the horizontal segment away from the bin.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the first handling mechanism includes a first handling drive assembly and a first fork, the output end of the first handling drive assembly being drively connected to the first fork for driving the first fork to move toward or away from the bin; and / or,

[0013] The second handling mechanism includes a second handling drive assembly and a second fork. The output end of the second handling drive assembly is connected to the second fork drive assembly for driving the second fork to move toward or away from the bin.

[0014] In some optional embodiments, the second handling mechanism further includes a telescopic drive, the second fork includes a body and a telescopic part, the telescopic part is telescopically connected to the body in a direction approaching or away from the compartment, the output end of the second handling drive assembly is drivenly connected to the body, and the telescopic drive is drivenly connected to the telescopic part for driving the telescopic part to move in a direction approaching or away from the compartment.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the body is also connected to a counterweight.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, the bidirectional transport elevator further includes a distance detection element, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly. The first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism are equipped with the distance detection element for detecting their own moving height.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the bidirectional transport elevator further includes a leveling detection component, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly. The first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism are equipped with the leveling detection component for leveling themselves with each floor.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the bidirectional transport elevator further includes a control unit, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly, the first transport mechanism, and the second transport mechanism.

[0019] An automated storage and retrieval system includes an automated warehouse and a bidirectional transport elevator as described in any of the preceding claims, the automated warehouse including multiple layers of storage compartments distributed vertically, and a first handling mechanism and a second handling mechanism both used for transferring materials between different storage compartments.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] This utility model provides a bidirectional transport elevator and an automated storage and warehousing system, including a frame, a lifting drive assembly, a transmission assembly, a first transport mechanism, and a second transport mechanism. The lifting drive assembly is mounted on the frame; its output end is connected to the transmission assembly; the first and second transport mechanisms are linked in opposite directions to the transmission assembly for transporting materials. When the lifting drive assembly drives the transmission assembly, the first and second transport mechanisms move synchronously in opposite directions vertically. By rationally setting the priority of the first and second transport mechanisms, efficient material transport can be achieved, thereby effectively reducing operator waiting time, optimizing human-machine collaborative work processes, ensuring the continuity of the production logistics system, and meeting the technical requirements of modern industrial production and intelligent warehousing logistics systems for high-throughput and high-availability logistics equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the bidirectional transport elevator of this utility model.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1. Frame; 2. Lifting drive assembly; 3. Transmission assembly; 31. Chain; 32. Drive sprocket; 33. Steering sprocket; 4. First fork; 5. Second fork; 51. Body; 52. Telescopic part; 6. Counterweight. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on 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 the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a bidirectional transport elevator, including a frame 1, a lifting drive assembly 2, a transmission assembly 3, a first transport mechanism, and a second transport mechanism; the lifting drive assembly 2 is disposed on the frame 1; the output end of the lifting drive assembly 2 is connected to the transmission assembly 3; the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism are connected to the transmission assembly 3 in reverse linkage for transporting materials. When the lifting drive assembly 2 drives the transmission assembly 3, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction.

[0031] The lifting drive assembly 2 drives the transmission assembly 3 to operate, so that the first handling mechanism and the second handling mechanism move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction. For example, the automated warehouse has eight storage floors. When materials on the first floor need to be transported to the eighth floor, and materials on the eighth floor need to be transported to the first floor, the first handling mechanism is controlled to pick up materials on the first floor, and the second handling mechanism picks up materials on the eighth floor at the same time. The two move in opposite directions, thereby transferring materials to the corresponding floors in both directions. This increases the amount of materials that the elevator can transport in a single lift, reduces the number of round trips of the equipment, shortens the material handling time, and thus improves the overall transportation efficiency.

[0032] Of course, the first and second handling mechanisms can also operate independently. When one of the handling mechanisms fails, the other handling mechanism can still transport materials independently, thereby eliminating the risk of single point of failure and enhancing system reliability.

[0033] By rationally setting the priority of the first and second handling mechanisms, efficient material transportation can be achieved, effectively reducing operator waiting time, optimizing human-machine collaborative operation processes, ensuring the continuity of the production logistics system, and meeting the technical requirements of modern industrial production and intelligent warehousing logistics systems for high-throughput and high-availability logistics equipment.

[0034] The lifting drive component 2 includes, but is not limited to, a servo motor or a stepper motor, which is not specified here.

[0035] In some optional embodiments, the transmission assembly 3 includes a chain 31 and a drive sprocket 32 ​​that are meshed together. The drive sprocket 32 ​​is rotatably mounted on the frame 1. A first conveying mechanism is connected to the first end of the chain 31, and a second conveying mechanism is connected to the second end of the chain 31. The output end of the lifting drive assembly 2 is connected to the drive sprocket 32 ​​to drive both ends of the chain 31 to move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction, thereby enabling the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism to move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction.

[0036] In some optional embodiments, the transmission assembly 3 further includes a steering sprocket 33 meshing with the chain 31. The steering sprocket 33 and the drive sprocket 32 ​​are spaced apart, parallel, and rotatably connected to the frame 1 in a direction approaching or away from the storage location. This allows the chain 31 to have a horizontal section extending in the direction approaching or away from the storage location, with the first end of the chain 31 connected to the side of the horizontal section approaching the storage location and the second end of the chain 31 connected to the side of the horizontal section away from the storage location. This makes the distance between the first handling mechanism and the storage location smaller than the distance between the second handling mechanism and the storage location, optimizing the practicality and flexibility of the bidirectional forklift. On the one hand, the distance between the first handling mechanism and the storage location is smaller than the distance between the second handling mechanism and the storage location, allowing the first handling mechanism to be exposed on the frame 1 to perform high-frequency transportation tasks, facilitating quick loading and unloading of materials by operators and effectively reducing operation waiting time. On the other hand, the second handling mechanism can be hidden inside the frame 1, saving space and reducing wear under normal operating conditions, extending its service life. In the event of a sudden failure of the first handling mechanism, it can be quickly switched on to ensure uninterrupted transportation operations. On the other hand, this combination of main and backup handling mechanism layout enables the elevator to meet the daily demand for efficient one-way transportation, and to switch to two-way transportation mode during peak material transportation periods or special scenarios, effectively increasing the transportation volume per unit time, while reducing the overall equipment failure rate. It is suitable for the diverse operational needs of different industries such as manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, and significantly expands the application scenarios of the equipment.

[0037] In some optional embodiments, the first handling mechanism includes a first handling drive assembly and a first fork 4. The output end of the first handling drive assembly is connected to the first fork 4 for driving the first fork 4 to move toward or away from the storage location to handle materials.

[0038] In some optional embodiments, the second handling mechanism includes a second handling drive assembly and a second fork 5. The output end of the second handling drive assembly is connected to the second fork 5 for driving the second fork 5 to move toward or away from the storage location to handle materials.

[0039] In some optional embodiments, the second handling mechanism further includes a telescopic drive, the second fork 5 includes a body 51 and a telescopic part 52, the telescopic part 52 is telescopically connected to the body 51 in the direction of approaching or moving away from the storage location, the output end of the second handling drive assembly is drivenly connected to the body 51, and the telescopic drive is drivenly connected to the telescopic part 52 for driving the telescopic part 52 to move in the direction of approaching or moving away from the storage location.

[0040] By designing the second fork 5 as a structure in which the body 51 and the telescopic part 52 can be telescopically connected, the spatial adaptability and operational flexibility of the two-way forklift are effectively enhanced. When the second fork 5 is hidden inside the frame 1 as a backup mechanism, the telescopic part 52 can be retracted into the body 51, reducing the overall space occupied, avoiding interference with other components in the frame 1, and improving the integration of the equipment. When the second fork 5 is used for material handling, the telescopic drive can drive the telescopic part 52 to extend as needed, precisely adjusting the distance between the fork and the bin to meet the material handling requirements.

[0041] The telescopic drive component includes a motor, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder, which is not limited here.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the main body 51 is also connected to a counterweight 6. On the one hand, when the first handling mechanism operates independently, the counterweight 6 can balance the weight of the material carried by the first handling mechanism, reduce the load demand of the lifting drive component 2, reduce energy consumption, and improve the system energy efficiency ratio. On the other hand, when the second handling mechanism handles goods, the counterweight 6 can balance the weight of the material carried by the telescopic part 52, prevent the second fork 5 from tipping over, and improve the operational stability of the second handling mechanism. In addition, during the lifting process of the handling mechanism, the dynamic balancing effect of the counterweight 6 can reduce the tension fluctuation of the chain 31, reduce the mechanical stress of the transmission system, extend the service life of the chain 31 and the sprocket, and further enhance the reliability of the equipment.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, the bidirectional transport elevator also includes a distance detection element, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly 2. The first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism are equipped with a distance detection element to detect their own moving height, so as to ensure that the first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism reach the target compartment.

[0044] The distance detection device includes, but is not limited to, laser rangefinders or infrared rangefinders, and is not limited here.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, the bidirectional transport elevator also includes a leveling detection element, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly 2. The first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism are equipped with the leveling detection element to level themselves with each layer of the compartment, so as to facilitate the smooth loading or unloading of materials.

[0046] The leveling detection components include, but are not limited to, leveling photoelectric sensors or magnetic switches, which are not specified here.

[0047] In some optional embodiments, the bidirectional transport elevator also includes a control unit. The control unit is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly 2, the first transport mechanism, and the second transport mechanism. The control unit can control the priority level of the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism. When both have picked up the goods, the lifting drive assembly 2 is activated. At the same time, through the feedback signals of the distance detection device and the leveling detection device, the elevator reaches the target layer compartment and levels with the compartment. The control unit stops the output of the lifting drive assembly 2, and the first transport mechanism or the second transport mechanism delivers the material to the corresponding compartment.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the control unit includes, but is not limited to, a PLC, an IPC, or an MCU, and is not limited thereto.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit also includes a frequency converter or servo driver for adjusting the output speed and torque of the lifting drive assembly 2, so as to achieve smooth speed regulation and precise positioning of the lifting of the first or second conveying mechanism.

[0050] In some optional embodiments, an automated storage and retrieval system is also provided, including an automated warehouse and a bidirectional transport elevator as described in any of the above embodiments. The automated warehouse includes multiple layers of storage compartments distributed vertically, and both a first handling mechanism and a second handling mechanism are used to transfer materials between different storage compartments. By applying the above-mentioned bidirectional transport elevator, the amount of material transported in a single trip can be increased, the number of round trips of equipment can be reduced, and the material handling time can be shortened, thereby improving the overall transportation efficiency; reducing the risk of single point of failure and enhancing system reliability; reducing operator waiting time, optimizing human-machine collaborative operation processes, ensuring the continuity of the production logistics system, and meeting the technical requirements of modern industrial production and intelligent warehousing and logistics systems for high-throughput and high-availability logistics equipment.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0053] The transmission assembly 3 includes a synchronous gear and two racks extending vertically. The two racks are symmetrically arranged with their tooth surfaces facing each other. The first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are respectively fixedly connected to one of the racks. The synchronous gear meshes with both racks simultaneously. The output end of the lifting drive assembly 2 is connected to the synchronous gear or one of the racks, thereby driving the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism to move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction to achieve bidirectional material transportation.

[0054] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bidirectional transport elevator, characterized in that, include: Frame (1), lifting drive assembly (2), transmission assembly (3), first transport mechanism and second transport mechanism; The lifting drive assembly (2) is mounted on the frame (1), and the output end of the lifting drive assembly (2) is connected to the transmission assembly (3). The first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism are connected to the transmission assembly (3) in reverse linkage and are used to convey materials. When the lifting drive assembly (2) drives the transmission assembly (3) to run, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction. The transmission assembly (3) includes a chain (31) and a drive sprocket (32) that are meshed together. The drive sprocket (32) is rotatably mounted on the frame (1). The first transport mechanism is connected to the first end of the chain (31), and the second transport mechanism is connected to the second end of the chain (31). The output end of the lifting drive assembly (2) is connected to the drive sprocket (32) to drive the two ends of the chain (31) to move synchronously in opposite directions in the vertical direction.

2. The bidirectional transport elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission assembly (3) further includes a steering sprocket (33) meshing with the chain (31). The steering sprocket (33) and the drive sprocket (32) are spaced apart, parallel and rotatably connected to the frame (1) in a direction close to or away from the bin, so that the chain (31) has a horizontal section extending in a direction close to or away from the bin, and the first end of the chain (31) is connected to the side of the horizontal section close to the bin, and the second end of the chain (31) is connected to the side of the horizontal section away from the bin.

3. The bidirectional transport elevator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first handling mechanism includes a first handling drive assembly and a first fork (4). The output end of the first handling drive assembly is connected to the first fork (4) for driving the first fork (4) to move towards or away from the storage location; and / or, The second handling mechanism includes a second handling drive assembly and a second fork (5). The output end of the second handling drive assembly is connected to the second fork (5) for driving the second fork (5) to move toward or away from the storage location.

4. The bidirectional transport elevator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second handling mechanism further includes a telescopic drive component. The second fork (5) includes a body (51) and a telescopic part (52). The telescopic part (52) is telescopically connected to the body (51) in a direction close to or away from the compartment. The output end of the second handling drive component is drivenly connected to the body (51). The telescopic drive component is drivenly connected to the telescopic part (52) and is used to drive the telescopic part (52) to move in a direction close to or away from the compartment.

5. The bidirectional transport elevator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main body (51) is also connected to a counterweight (6).

6. The bidirectional transport elevator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bidirectional transport elevator also includes a distance detection device, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly (2). The first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism are equipped with the distance detection device for detecting their own moving height.

7. The bidirectional transport elevator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bidirectional transport elevator also includes a leveling detection component, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly (2). The first transport mechanism and / or the second transport mechanism are equipped with the leveling detection component to level themselves with each floor.

8. The bidirectional transport elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The bidirectional transport elevator also includes a control unit, which is communicatively connected to the lifting drive assembly (2), the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism.

9. An automated storage and retrieval system, characterized in that, The system includes an automated warehouse and a bidirectional transport elevator as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the automated warehouse includes multiple layers of storage compartments distributed in a vertical direction, and both the first handling mechanism and the second handling mechanism are used to transfer materials between different storage compartments.

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