A vertical rotary magazine

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of vertical rotary warehouse, the utility model includes shell, shell is provided with shelf assembly, box hopper, annular track structure and drive structure, wherein, annular track structure includes annular track and vertical rail, annular track includes first annular track and second annular track, vertical rail includes first vertical rail and second vertical rail, drive structure includes drive motor and transmission structure, the front end of shell is provided with in-and-out warehouse and in-and-out warehouse is correspondingly set with box hopper.The utility model is designed by box hopper unitization and annular track rotary structure, solves the problem that existing warehousing equipment space utilization is low, access efficiency is not high, flexibility is poor, etc., realizes the high-density storage and quick access of material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of material storage technology, and in particular to a vertical rotary storage unit. Background Technology

[0002] In existing warehousing and logistics systems, fixed shelving combined with manual picking remains the mainstream method. This method suffers from problems such as low space utilization, low storage and retrieval efficiency, and high labor costs. Although technologies such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) have been applied, they are often suitable for large items and are costly and complex.

[0003] In recent years, some automated storage devices have emerged, such as vertical rotary storage and horizontal rotary storage. Vertical rotary storage usually requires a certain amount of height space, which limits its application in environments with limited floor height. On the other hand, existing horizontal rotary storage is mostly based on the entire storage cabinet, which lacks flexibility and makes it difficult to achieve high-density classified storage of materials.

[0004] Based on this, this utility model proposes a novel rotary storage unit that uses hoppers as standardized storage units and rotates along a circular track to achieve high-density and high-efficiency material storage and retrieval, effectively overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings mentioned above, this utility model provides a vertical rotary storage unit that, through its modular design of bins and a circular track rotation structure, solves the problems of low space utilization, low storage and retrieval efficiency, and poor flexibility of existing storage equipment, thereby achieving high-density storage and rapid retrieval of materials.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a vertical rotary storage unit, comprising a housing. Inside the housing are a sheet frame assembly, a hopper, a ring track structure, and a drive structure. The sheet frame assembly is located inside the housing, and the ring track structure is mounted on the sheet frame assembly. The drive structure is located at the lower end of the housing, and its output end is connected to the ring track structure. The hopper is mounted on the ring track structure. The ring track structure includes a ring track and a vertical track. The ring track includes a first ring track and a second ring track. The vertical track includes a first vertical track and a second vertical track. The first ring track, the first vertical track, the second ring track, and the second vertical track are connected sequentially. The drive structure includes a drive motor and a transmission structure. The drive motor is located at the bottom of the housing, and its output end is connected to the first ring track, the first vertical track, the second ring track, and the second vertical track respectively via the transmission structure. The hopper moves along the first ring track, the first vertical track, the second ring track, and the second vertical track. The front end of the housing has an inlet / outlet corresponding to the hopper.

[0007] Preferably, the container includes a container body and a partition component. The partition component is provided inside the container body, and an open structure is provided on the side of the container body, with the open structure corresponding to the inlet and outlet.

[0008] Preferably, the partition assembly includes a removable partition plate, which is fixed to the side wall of the housing by bolts.

[0009] Preferably, the transmission structure includes a transmission chain, a drive sprocket, and a tension sprocket. The output end of the drive motor directly drives the drive sprocket to rotate through a reducer. The drive sprocket meshes with the transmission chain. The tension sprocket is mounted on the plate frame assembly and meshes with the transmission chain.

[0010] Preferably, the tensioning sprocket includes a plurality of first tensioning sprockets and a plurality of second tensioning sprockets. The plurality of first tensioning sprockets are evenly distributed on the left end of the sheet frame assembly, and the plurality of second tensioning sprockets are evenly distributed on the right end of the sheet frame assembly. The plurality of first tensioning sprockets and the plurality of second tensioning sprockets are arranged in a left-right correspondence.

[0011] Preferably, the container includes several containers, each with a corresponding slide rail at its bottom and a movable door panel at its side.

[0012] Preferably, the housing is provided with a discharge structure, which includes a support frame, a discharge slide, and a safety light curtain. The support frame is installed on the housing and the discharge slide is installed on the support frame. The safety light curtain is installed on both sides of the inlet and outlet.

[0013] Preferably, the inlet / outlet is provided with an inlet / outlet opening / closing structure, which includes an opening / closing drive motor and a sliding door panel. The opening / closing drive motor is mounted on the housing and its output end is connected to the sliding door panel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] 1. High space utilization: Through the circular track layout and the close arrangement of bins, the internal space of the warehouse is fully utilized, which is especially suitable for scenarios with limited floor space but high storage density requirements.

[0016] 2. High storage and retrieval efficiency: The control system can quickly transport the target container to the inlet and outlet, realizing the "goods to person" storage and retrieval mode, which greatly reduces the time operators spend walking and searching, and improves operational efficiency.

[0017] 3. High flexibility: The modular design of the container and the adjustable partitions allow for flexible adjustment of storage space according to the size and type of stored materials, adapting to various storage needs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a front view of the structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a side view of the structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, but the examples given are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the embodiment of this utility model includes a housing 1, which is the main support and protection structure of the rotary storage. The front of the housing 1 is provided with an inlet / outlet 2 to facilitate the operation of personnel to store and retrieve materials. The inlet / outlet 2 of the housing 1 can be equipped with an automatic door and a control panel to realize closed management and human-machine interaction. The interior of the housing 1 is reserved with space for the installation of a circular track and the space required for the rotation of the bins 3.

[0023] In this embodiment, the control system is the brain of the rotary storage unit, and typically includes a PLC controller, a start switch, etc. The control system receives storage and retrieval instructions, controls the drive system to run, and ensures that the target bin 3 accurately stops at the inlet / outlet 2. It can also integrate a vision inspection mechanism for material identification and detection.

[0024] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided with a plate holder assembly 4, a box 3, an annular track structure and a drive structure. The plate holder assembly 4 is disposed inside the housing 1 and the annular track structure is disposed on the plate holder assembly 4. The drive structure is disposed at the lower end of the housing 1 and the output end of the drive structure is connected to the annular track structure. The box 3 is disposed on the annular track structure.

[0025] In this embodiment, the circular track structure includes a circular track and a vertical track. The circular track includes a first circular track 5 and a second circular track 6. The first circular track 5 is located at the upper end of the housing 1, and the second circular track 6 is located at the lower end of the housing 1. The vertical track includes a first vertical track 7 and a second vertical track. The first vertical track 7 is located at the left end of the housing 1, and the second vertical track is located at the right end of the housing 1. The first circular track 5, the first vertical track 7, the second circular track 6, the second vertical track, and the first circular track 5 are connected end to end in sequence.

[0026] In this embodiment, the annular track is a closed annular structure and is fixedly installed inside the housing 1. The container 3 is movably connected to the annular track via a connecting device (such as a pulley block, slider, etc.). The annular track can take the form of a guide rail or a toothed belt to ensure that the container 3 rotates smoothly.

[0027] In this embodiment, the drive structure includes a drive motor 8 and a transmission structure. The drive motor 8 is located at the bottom of the housing 1, and its output end is connected to the first annular track 5, the first vertical track 7, the second annular track 6, and the second vertical track respectively through the transmission structure. The transmission structure includes a transmission chain 10, a drive sprocket 9, and a tension sprocket 11. The output end of the drive motor 8 directly drives the drive sprocket 9 to rotate through a reducer. The drive sprocket 9 meshes with the transmission chain 10. The tension sprocket 11 is located on the film frame assembly 4, and the transmission chain 10 meshes with the tension sprocket 11. The tension sprocket 11 includes several first tension sprockets and several second tension sprockets. The first tension sprockets are evenly distributed on the left end of the film frame assembly 4, and the second tension sprockets are evenly distributed on the right end of the film frame assembly 4, with the first and second tension sprockets arranged correspondingly on the left and right sides.

[0028] In this embodiment, the drive structure includes a drive motor 8, a transmission structure, and a position detection element. The drive motor 8 is connected to the circular track through a transmission mechanism (such as gear transmission, belt transmission, or sprocket transmission) to provide rotational power. The position detection element (such as a photoelectric sensor or encoder) detects the position of the bin 3 in real time and feeds it back to the control system.

[0029] In this embodiment, the transmission chain 10 serves as a traction component, forming a closed loop. The container 3 is directly fixed to this transmission chain 10 via a connecting device (such as a bracket).

[0030] Sprockets: Includes at least two key sprockets:

[0031] Drive sprocket 9 (active sprocket): It is directly driven by drive motor 8 through reducer and is the source of power.

[0032] Tensioner sprocket 11 (driven sprocket): It is usually installed at the other end of the ring. Its main function is to tighten the transmission chain 10, ensure that the transmission chain 10 and the tensioner sprocket 11 are properly engaged, and prevent it from falling off and shaking.

[0033] The transmission structure operates as follows: The control system issues a command to start the drive motor 8. The drive motor 8 transmits power and rotational motion to the drive sprocket 11 through a reducer. The teeth of the drive sprocket 9 mesh with the links of the transmission chain 10, dragging the entire transmission chain 10 along a preset circular track. All the containers 3 fixed to the transmission chain 10 move synchronously. When the target container 3 moves to the inlet / outlet 2, the position detection element (such as a photoelectric sensor or encoder) sends a signal, and the control system stops the drive motor 8.

[0034] In this embodiment, the container 3 moves along the first annular track 5, the first vertical track 7, the second annular track 6, and the second vertical track. The front end of the housing 1 is provided with an inlet / outlet 2, which corresponds to the container 3. The container 3 includes several containers, each with a corresponding slide rail at its bottom, and all containers slide along these rails. Simultaneously, each container has a movable door panel 12 at its side, which corresponds to the inlet / outlet 2. The container 3 includes a housing and a partition assembly. The housing contains a partition assembly, which includes a detachable partition plate 13. The detachable partition plate 13 is bolted to the side wall of the housing. The side of the housing has an open structure, which corresponds to the inlet / outlet 2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the container 3 is the core storage unit of the rotary storage unit, consisting of a container body, a partition component, and an identification tag. The top and at least one side of the container body are open structures to facilitate material storage and retrieval. The partition component is located in the inner cavity of the container body, dividing it into multiple storage areas to achieve classified storage. The identification tag is set on the outer surface of the container 3 and can be in the form of a barcode, RFID tag, etc., for identification and positioning of the container 3.

[0036] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided with a discharge structure, which includes a support frame 14, a discharge slide and a safety light curtain 15. The support frame 14 is provided on the housing 1 and the discharge slide is provided on the support frame 14. At the same time, the discharge slide and the safety light curtain 15 are provided on both sides of the inlet / outlet port 2.

[0037] In this embodiment, the safety light curtain 15 includes:

[0038] Transmitter: emits a row of invisible infrared beams (usually multiple beams, forming a protective net).

[0039] Receiver: Mounted opposite the transmitter to receive these infrared beams.

[0040] Controller: Processes signals and connects to the equipment's PLC control system.

[0041] The working principle of the safety light curtain 15: A transmitter and receiver are installed on both sides of the entrance / exit 2 of the rotary storage unit. The transmitter continuously emits multiple parallel infrared beams, which are received by the receiver. This creates a light curtain at the entrance / exit. When no object obstructs the light, the beams pass unimpeded, the receiver signal is normal, and the control system allows the equipment to operate normally. If an object (such as a hand) enters the light curtain and blocks one or more beams, the receiver will immediately detect a signal interruption. The controller then sends a "stop" or "emergency stop" signal to the rotary storage unit's PLC main controller. The PLC will immediately cut off the power to the drive motor 8 or apply an emergency brake, stopping all the containers 3 and thus protecting personnel safety.

[0042] In this embodiment, an opening and closing structure is provided at the inlet / outlet 2. The opening and closing structure includes an opening and closing drive motor and a sliding door panel 12. The opening and closing drive motor is mounted on the housing 1 and its output end is connected to the sliding door panel 12.

[0043] In this embodiment, the opening and closing structure of the inlet / outlet 2 includes:

[0044] Sliding door panel 12: Usually a single or double panel, the material can be steel plate, aluminum alloy or transparent polycarbonate (for easy observation of the interior).

[0045] Opening and closing drive motor: dedicated door machine motor or servo / stepper motor.

[0046] Transmission mechanism: synchronous belt drive or gear and rack drive.

[0047] Guide rails and sliders: Guide rails are installed at the top and / or bottom to ensure smooth and horizontal movement of the door panel.

[0048] Limit sensor: Used to detect the fully open and fully closed positions of the door.

[0049] The operating process of the inlet / outlet 2 opening / closing structure: The control system confirms that the target container 3 is accurately positioned. The opening / closing drive motor 8 starts, driving the door panel to slide to one or both sides (split opening) along the guide rail via a synchronous belt / gear. When the door panel moves to the fully open position, the limit sensor is triggered, and the motor stops. The operator then performs the storage / retrieval operation. After the operation is completed, the operator presses a button or the system automatically detects the movement, and the door panel moves in the opposite direction to close until the closing limit sensor is triggered.

[0050] In this embodiment, a conventional limiting component is provided to ensure accurate stopping of the container 8 at the inlet / outlet 2. The conventional limiting component includes a mounting bracket, a limiting rod, and a drive cylinder. When the container 3 reaches the inlet / outlet 2, the drive cylinder pushes the limiting rod to engage with the limiting groove on the container 3, achieving precise positioning.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] This embodiment of the rotary storage unit is used for small-scale storage management of electronic components. The unit is made of sheet metal and measures 2000mm × 1500mm × 800mm (length × height × depth). An entry / exit port 2, measuring 400mm × 300mm, is located on the front. The entry / exit port 2 is equipped with an automatic door and a control panel.

[0053] The storage unit is equipped with a circular track made of aluminum alloy, with an outer diameter of 1200mm. Ten compartments 3 are evenly distributed on the circular track via pulley systems. Each compartment 3 measures 380mm × 280mm × 250mm (width × height × depth) and is internally divided into six storage areas of varying sizes by adjustable partitions 13, allowing the area size to be adjusted according to the dimensions of components. RFID tags are affixed to the outer surface of each compartment 2 for identification.

[0054] The drive system includes a drive motor 8 and a gear transmission mechanism. The drive motor 8 meshes with the annular track through gears, driving the container 3 to rotate along the annular track. The position detection element uses a rotary encoder to detect the rotation angle of the drive motor 8 in real time, thereby determining the position of the container 3.

[0055] The limiting component is located on the side of the annular track near the inlet / outlet 2. When the container 3 reaches the inlet / outlet 2, the drive cylinder pushes the rotating rod and the limiting rod to rotate, and the limiting rod inserts into the limiting groove on the container 3 to achieve precise positioning.

[0056] The control system is centered around a PLC controller and equipped with a start switch and a vision inspection mechanism. Operators input the material number or bin number to be stored or retrieved via the control panel. The PLC controller then controls the drive motor 8 to move the target bin 3 to the inlet / outlet 2 and lock it in place. The vision inspection mechanism records and identifies images of the stored or retrieved materials.

[0057] When the rotary storage unit is in operation, taking the retrieval of a certain type of electronic component as an example:

[0058] The operator enters the component number on the control panel; the PLC controller queries the location of the component in bin 3 (e.g., bin number 3); the PLC controller controls the drive motor 8 to run, driving the circular track to rotate; the position detection element provides real-time feedback on the position of bin 3; when bin number 3 approaches the inlet / outlet 2, the drive motor 8 slows down; when bin number 3 reaches the inlet / outlet 2, the limit component activates, and the limit rod inserts into the limit slot of bin 3; the automatic door opens, and the operator retrieves the required component; after the operation is completed, the limit component releases, the automatic door closes, and the system waits for the next instruction.

[0059] Those skilled in the art can connect all electrical components and their compatible power supplies in this case via wires, and should select appropriate controllers according to actual conditions to meet control requirements. The specific connection and control sequence, and the sequential operation order between each electrical component to complete the electrical connection, are well-known technologies in the field, and will not be described further regarding electrical control.

[0060] 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.

[0061] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this patent 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this patent application.

[0062] 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this patent application, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0064] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0065] 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0066] 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.

Claims

1. A vertical rotary storage container, comprising a shell, wherein a sheet holder assembly, a hopper, an annular track structure, and a drive structure are disposed within the shell, the sheet holder assembly is disposed inside the shell and the annular track structure is disposed on the sheet holder assembly, the drive structure is disposed at the lower end of the shell and the output end of the drive structure is connected to the annular track structure, and the hopper is disposed on the annular track structure, characterized in that, The circular track structure includes a circular track and a vertical track. The circular track includes a first circular track and a second circular track, and the vertical track includes a first vertical track and a second vertical track. The first circular track, the first vertical track, the second circular track, and the second vertical track are connected in sequence. The drive structure includes a drive motor and a transmission structure. The drive motor is located at the bottom of the housing, and the output end of the drive motor is connected to the first circular track, the first vertical track, the second circular track, and the second vertical track respectively through the transmission structure. The container moves along the first circular track, the first vertical track, the second circular track, and the second vertical track. The front end of the housing is provided with an inlet / outlet, and the inlet / outlet is correspondingly set with the container.

2. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The container includes a container body and a partition assembly. The partition assembly is installed inside the container body, and an open structure is installed on the side of the container body, with the open structure corresponding to the inlet and outlet.

3. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The partition assembly includes a removable partition plate, which is fixed to the side wall of the enclosure by bolts.

4. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure includes a transmission chain, a drive sprocket, and a tension sprocket. The output end of the drive motor directly drives the drive sprocket to rotate through a reducer. The drive sprocket meshes with the transmission chain. The tension sprocket is mounted on the plate frame assembly and meshes with the transmission chain.

5. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The tensioning sprocket includes a plurality of first tensioning sprockets and a plurality of second tensioning sprockets. The plurality of first tensioning sprockets are evenly distributed on the left end of the sheet frame assembly, and the plurality of second tensioning sprockets are evenly distributed on the right end of the sheet frame assembly. The plurality of first tensioning sprockets and the plurality of second tensioning sprockets are arranged in a left-right correspondence.

6. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The container includes several containers, each with a corresponding slide at its bottom and a movable door panel at its side.

7. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is provided with a discharge structure, which includes a support frame, a discharge slide, and a safety light curtain. The support frame is installed on the shell and the discharge slide is installed on the support frame. The safety light curtain is installed on both sides of the inlet and outlet.

8. A vertical rotary storage unit as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The inlet / outlet is equipped with an inlet / outlet opening and closing structure, which includes an opening / closing drive motor and a sliding door panel. The opening / closing drive motor is mounted on the housing and its output end is connected to the sliding door panel.

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