Article transfer device and storage system

Abstract

An article transfer device includes a frame, a lifting assembly, a transport table, and a plurality of mounting plates, where the mounting plates are connected to the frame via the lifting assembly, and the transport table is provided at the bottom of a chamber of the frame, where each mounting plate in the plurality of mounting plates is provided with a first comb structure including a plurality of first mounting rods, and the transport table is provided with a second comb structure including a plurality of second mounting rods that engage with the first comb structure, and when an article is transferred by the article transfer device, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of mounting plates to move along a direction perpendicular to the transport table, and the first comb structures of the plurality of mounting plates penetrate a plane on which the second comb structures of the transport table are located, whereby the plurality of mounting plates exchange articles with the transport table.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application with the application number 202111236211.1, filed on October 22, 2021, and all the content of the said application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Technical Field The present invention relates to the field of logistics transportation technology, and particularly to an article transfer device and a storage system.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, people are increasingly fond of online shopping. When a user places an order, the goods are delivered to the user through logistics transportation. Goods are generally transferred through multiple locations in the logistics transportation process. Each time a good is transported to a transfer destination, generally, the goods are first stored in a container, and then the container robot takes out the goods from the container, places the taken - out goods on an article transfer device, the article transfer device transports the goods to a conveyor belt, sorts the goods destined for different destinations during the conveyor belt transportation process, and then transports them to the destination or the next transfer destination.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article transfer device, the device including a frame including a chamber, a lifting assembly, a transfer table provided at the bottom of the chamber of the frame, and a plurality of placement plates connected to the frame via the lifting assembly. Here, each of the plurality of placement plates is provided with a first comb structure including a plurality of first placement rods, and the transfer table is provided with a second comb structure including a plurality of second placement rods that engage with the first comb structure. When transferring an article by the article transfer device, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of placement plates to move along a direction perpendicular to the transfer table, and the first comb structure of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the second comb structure of the transfer table is located, whereby the plurality of placement plates exchange articles with the transfer table.

[0005] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of first placement rods, the first placement rod is a telescopic rod. When each of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located and transfers an article to the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate to contract and control the placement plate to move downward. When each of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located and receives the article transferred by the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate to extend and control the placement plate to move upward.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plurality of first placement rods are provided alternately with the plurality of second placement rods.

[0007] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of first placement rods, the first placement rod is a non - telescopic rod. Each placement plate among the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located. When transferring an article to the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of non - telescopic rods of the placement plate to move downward through the plurality of second placement rods. Each placement plate among the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located. When receiving the article transferred by the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of non - telescopic rods of the placement plate to move upward.

[0008] In some embodiments, the article transfer device further includes a control mechanism. The control mechanism is provided inside the frame or outside the frame. The control mechanism is used to control the plurality of second placement rods, the plurality of placement plates, and a transfer device for transferring articles to perform article exchange.

[0009] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of second placement rods on the transfer table, the second placement rod is a rotating rod. The control mechanism is used to control the rotating rod of the transfer table to rotate, so that during the rotation of the rotating rod of the transfer table, the transfer table exchanges articles with the transfer device.

[0010] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of second placement rods on the transfer table, the second placement rod is a telescopic rod. Each placement plate penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located. When exchanging articles with the transfer table, the control mechanism is used to control the telescopic rod of the transfer table to extend or contract. The control mechanism is further used to control the telescopic rod to rotate, so that during the rotation of the telescopic rod of the transfer table, the transfer table exchanges articles with the transfer device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of placement plates includes a first placement plate and a second placement plate. The first placement plate is located below the second placement plate. After the first placement plate drops to a first predetermined position below the transfer table, the drop stops. The second placement plate drops until it stacks on the first placement plate. The second placement plate moves upward from bottom to a second predetermined position. A latching portion on the second placement plate is latched to a stopper portion on the first placement plate. The second placement plate continues to move upward, and the latching portion on the second placement plate moves the first placement plate upward.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of placement plates includes a first placement plate and a second placement plate. The first placement plate includes a placement plate body. The first comb structure is provided laterally on the placement plate body. A guide structure is provided in the longitudinal direction of the placement plate body. A stopper portion is provided at one end of the guide structure away from the placement plate body. A latching portion is provided on the second placement plate. The first placement plate is located below the second placement plate. The first placement plate is latched to the latching portion of the second placement plate through the stopper portion of the first placement plate. Here, the latching portion of the second placement plate is located within the guide structure of the first placement plate. Thereby, the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide structure of the first placement plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the guide structure provided longitudinally on the placement plate body includes an elongated guide member. In the guide member, a guide groove is provided along the length direction of the guide member. The stopper portion is provided at the upper end of the guide groove. The latching portion of the second placement plate is provided in the guide groove of the first placement plate. Thereby, the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide structure of the first placement plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, for each placement plate among the plurality of placement plates, the guide member of the placement plate includes a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side on both sides of the placement plate body of the placement plate. A first guide groove is provided along the length direction of the first guide member, and a second guide groove is provided along the length direction of the second guide member. The latching portion of the second placement plate includes a first latching portion and a second latching portion. The first latching portion of the second placement plate is provided in the first guide groove of the first placement plate, and the second latching portion of the second placement plate is provided in the second guide groove of the first placement plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the frame includes a first column and a second column. The first column and the second column are provided relatively parallel to each other. The chamber is formed between the first column and the second column. In the first column, a third guide groove is provided along the length direction of the first column. In the second column, a fourth guide groove is provided along the length direction of the second column. The third guide groove and the fourth guide groove correspond to each other. The end of the first latching portion of the second placement plate is located outside the first guide groove of the first placement plate and is in the third guide groove. Thereby, the first placement plate and the second placement plate move up and down along the third guide groove. The end of the second latching portion of the second placement plate is located outside the second guide groove of the first placement plate and is in the fourth guide groove. Thereby, the first placement plate and the second placement plate move up and down along the fourth guide groove.

[0016] In some embodiments, the guide structure provided longitudinally on the placement plate body includes an elongated guide member. In the guide member, a guide surface is provided along the length direction of the guide member, and the stopper portion is provided at the upper end of the guide surface. The latching portion of the second placement plate engages with the guide surface of the first placement plate. Thereby, the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide surface of the first placement plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of mounting plates, the guide member of the mounting plate includes a third guide member and a fourth guide member. The third guide member and the fourth guide member are arranged side by side on both sides of the mounting plate body of the mounting plate. The stopper portion is provided at the upper ends of the third guide member and the fourth guide member. A first guide surface is provided along the length direction of the third guide member, and a second guide surface is provided along the length direction of the fourth guide member. The latching portion of the second mounting plate includes a third latching portion and a fourth latching portion. The third latching portion of the second mounting plate engages with the first guide surface of the first mounting plate, whereby the third latching portion of the second mounting plate moves up and down along the first guide surface of the first mounting plate. The fourth latching portion of the second mounting plate engages with the second guide surface of the first mounting plate, whereby the fourth latching portion of the second mounting plate moves up and down along the second guide surface of the first mounting plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the frame includes a first column and a second column. The first column and the second column are provided relatively parallel to each other. A chamber is formed between the first column and the second column. In the first column, a third guide groove is provided along the length direction of the first column. In the second column, a fourth guide groove is provided along the length direction of the second column. The third guide groove and the fourth guide groove correspond to each other. Among the plurality of mounting plates, a first protrusion is provided on a first side of at least one mounting plate, and a second protrusion is provided on a second side of the at least one mounting plate. The first protrusion is located in the third guide groove, whereby the at least one mounting plate moves up and down along the third guide groove. The second protrusion is located in the fourth guide groove, whereby the at least one mounting plate moves up and down along the fourth guide groove.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly includes a drive mechanism and a traction member connected to the drive mechanism, and the traction member is connected to the uppermost mounting plate among the plurality of mounting plates.

[0020] In some embodiments, among the plurality of mounting plates, the distance between two adjacent mounting plates above the transfer platform is greater than the distance between two adjacent mounting plates below the transfer platform.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage system is provided, which includes a transfer device, an article storage mechanism, and the above-mentioned article transfer device. The article transfer device is connected to the transfer device, and the article transfer device is used to exchange articles with each of the article storage mechanism and the transfer device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the article storage mechanism is a container robot.

[0023] In some embodiments, the transfer device is a roller transfer line.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention are as follows. The embodiments of the present invention provide an article transfer device. A first comb tooth structure is provided on each mounting plate of the device, and a second comb tooth structure that engages with the first comb tooth structure is provided on the transfer platform. Therefore, when transferring an article by the article transfer device, the plurality of mounting plates move along a direction perpendicular to the transfer platform, and the first comb tooth structures of each mounting plate all penetrate the plane where the second comb tooth structure of the transfer platform is located. In this way, the mounting plate transfers the article on it to the transfer platform or receives the article transferred by the transfer platform, and the article exchange between the article transfer device and the transfer platform is realized. As can be seen from this, the plurality of mounting plates in the device move up and down along a direction perpendicular to the transfer platform and do not occupy the space in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the occupied space is small, the space is saved, and thereby the space utilization rate is improved.

[0025] Note that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and cannot limit the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0028] In the prior art, the article transfer device includes an unloader, a lift, and a conveyor. The unloader includes a multi-layer storage layer, but the position of the multi-layer storage layer is fixed and cannot be directly connected to the conveyor belt. Therefore, it is connected to the conveyor belt by the conveyor. However, since the positions of the unloader and the conveyor are fixed and cannot move, the article is transferred between the unloader and the conveyor by a freely movable lift, thereby realizing the article transfer between the container robot and the conveyor belt.

[0029] However, in the above devices, for example, the conveyor, the lift, and the unloader, each device occupies a certain space, the occupied space of the article transfer device is large, and the space utilization rate is low.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention provides an article transfer device 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the article transfer device 1 includes a frame 11, a lifting assembly 14, a transfer platform 12, and a plurality of placement plates 13. The plurality of placement plates 13 are connected to the frame 11 via the lifting assembly 14, and a transfer platform 12 is provided at the bottom of the chamber. Each placement plate 13 is provided with a first comb structure including a plurality of first placement rods 131, and the transfer platform 12 is provided with a second comb structure including a plurality of second placement rods 121 that engage with the first comb structure. Here, the connection of the plurality of placement plates 13 to the frame 11 via the lifting assembly 14 includes that the plurality of placement plates 13 are provided in the chamber of the frame 11 via the lifting assembly 14, or the plurality of placement plates 13 are provided outside the frame 11 via the lifting assembly 14. Correspondingly, the transfer platform 12 is provided at the bottom or one side of the bottom of the frame 11.

[0031] When transferring an article by the article transfer device 1, the lifting assembly 14 is used to control the plurality of placement plates 13 to move along a direction perpendicular to the transfer platform. The first comb structure of the plurality of placement plates 13 penetrates the plane where the second comb structure of the transfer platform 12 is located, whereby the plurality of placement plates 13 exchange articles with the transfer platform 12.

[0032] Each placement plate 13 is provided with a first comb tooth structure, and the first comb tooth structure includes a plurality of first placement rods 131. The number of the plurality of first placement rods 131 may be set and changed as required. For example, the number of the first placement rods 131 is 5, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0033] The length of the first placement rod 131 may be set and changed as required. For example, the length of the first placement rod 131 may be 30 to 50 centimeters. The diameter of the first placement rod 131 may be set and changed as required. For example, the diameter of the first placement rod 131 may be 2 to 5 centimeters. The material of the first placement rod 131 may be set and changed as required. For example, the material of the first placement rod 131 may be cast iron or an alloy, and the alloy may be stainless steel.

[0034] The transfer table 12 is provided with a second comb tooth structure that engages with the first comb tooth structure. The second comb tooth structure includes a plurality of second placement rods 121, as shown in FIG. 3. The number, length, diameter, and material of the plurality of second placement rods 121 may all be set and changed as required, and in the embodiments of the present invention, there is no particular limitation on this.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present invention, the first comb tooth structure including a plurality of first placement rods 131 can not only transfer an article to the transfer table 12 but also receive the article transferred by the transfer table 12 in the process of penetrating the plane where the second comb tooth structure of the transfer table 12 is located. Thereby, an article exchange is performed with the transfer table 12. Moreover, the structures of the first comb tooth structure and the second comb tooth structure are simple, the occupied volume is small, and the cost is low.

[0036] In some embodiments, two adjacent first placement rods 131 are arranged at a first predetermined interval, and two adjacent second placement rods 121 are arranged at a second predetermined interval.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval may or may not be equal. When the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval are equal, they may be any value. For example, both the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval may be 10 centimeters or both may be 20 centimeters. In this case, the first placement rod 131 penetrates the intermediate position between two adjacent second placement rods 121.

[0038] When the first predetermined interval and the second predetermined interval are not equal, the first predetermined interval may be greater than or less than the second predetermined interval. For example, when the first predetermined interval is less than the second predetermined interval, the first predetermined interval may be 10 centimeters, and the second predetermined interval may be 11 centimeters or 12 centimeters. For example, when the first predetermined interval is greater than the second predetermined interval, the second predetermined interval may be 10 centimeters, and the first predetermined interval may be 11 centimeters or 12 centimeters. In this case, the first placement rod 131 penetrates a non-intermediate position between two adjacent second placement rods 121.

[0039] In some embodiments, the height of the frame 11 may be set and changed as needed, and in the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited in this regard. For example, the height of the frame 11 is 1.5 meters to 2 meters.

[0040] In some embodiments, the material of the frame 11 may be set and changed as needed, and in the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited in this regard. For example, the material of the frame 11 may be cast iron or an alloy, and the alloy may be stainless steel.

[0041] In some embodiments, a locking universal wheel may be further provided at the bottom of the frame 11, which can realize free movement by the locking universal wheel, and immediately stop when reaching a predetermined position, and then item exchange can be performed.

[0042] Here, the number of lock universal wheels may be set and changed as required, and in the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited in this regard. For example, the number of lock universal wheels is one or more.

[0043] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, both sides of the placement plate 13 are connected to the lifting assembly 14, and the lifting assembly 14 can move the placement plate 13 during the lifting process and move it up and down along the direction perpendicular to the transfer platform.

[0044] In this implementation form, the connection method between both sides of the placement plate 13 and the lifting assembly 14 may be set and changed as required. For example, the connection method may be a detachable connection or a fixed connection. The detachable connection method may be, for example, a mortise connection or a screw connection, and the fixed connection method may be, for example, welding.

[0045] In some embodiments, the material of the placement plate 13 may be set and changed as required. For example, the material of the placement plate 13 is wood, cast iron or alloy. When the material of the placement plate 13 is wood, the above connection method may be a mortise connection. When the material of the placement plate 13 is cast iron or alloy, the above connection method may be a screw connection.

[0046] In some embodiments, the thickness of the placement plate 13 may be set and changed as required, and in the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited in this regard. For example, the thickness of the placement plate 13 may be 1 to 2 centimeters.

[0047] In some embodiments, the number of the placement plates 13 may be set and changed as required. For example, the number of the placement plates 13 is 6 to 8 or more. In the embodiments of the present invention, an example will be described in which the number of the placement plates 13 is the same as the number of the article storage positions in an article storage mechanism (for example, a container robot). When the number of the article storage positions in the article storage mechanism is 6, the number of the placement plates 13 is 6. When the number of the article storage positions in the article storage mechanism is 8, the number of the placement plates 13 is 8. Installed in this way, it is possible to realize taking out the articles at all the article storage positions in the article storage mechanism by the placement plates 13 at the same time, or placing all the articles on the placement plates 13 at all the article storage positions in the article storage mechanism at the same time, reducing the time occupied by the article storage mechanism, thereby improving the article exchange efficiency.

[0048] In some embodiments, among the plurality of placement plates, two adjacent placement plates 13 may be connected by a latching method.

[0049] In some embodiments, two adjacent placement plates among the plurality of placement plates may include a first placement plate and a second placement plate. The first placement plate includes a placement plate body, a first comb tooth structure is provided horizontally on the placement plate body, a guide structure is provided vertically, a stopper portion is provided at one end of the guide structure away from the placement plate body, a latching portion is provided on the second placement plate, the first placement plate is located below the second placement plate, and the first placement plate can be latched to the latching portion on the second placement plate through the stopper portion of the first placement plate. Here, the latching portion of the second placement plate may be located within the guide structure of the first placement plate, whereby the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide structure of the first placement plate, for example, slides up and down or scrolls up and down.

[0050] In the process of exchanging an article from the placement plate 13 to the transfer table 12, after the first placement plate drops to a first predetermined position below the transfer table, it is supported by the ground, a support member, or another placement plate below the first placement plate and then the dropping stops. The second placement plate drops until it overlaps the first placement plate.

[0051] The first placement plate can fall by its own weight. After the fall of the first placement plate stops, the second placement plate continues to fall. At this time, the latching portion on the second placement plate disengages from the stopper portion on the first placement plate and moves downward along the guide structure on the first placement plate until the second placement plate falls onto the first placement plate. After the second placement plate falls, it may stack on the first placement plate, making the spatial structure between the second placement plate and the first placement plate more compact and reducing the occupied three-dimensional space.

[0052] In the process where the second placement plate continues to fall after the fall of the first placement plate stops until it stacks on the first placement plate, the vertical distance between the second placement plate and the first placement plate decreases until the second placement plate stacks on the first placement plate.

[0053] In the process of exchanging an article from the transfer table 12 to the placement plate 13, after the second placement plate moves upward from below to the second predetermined position, the latching portion on the second placement plate is latched to the stopper portion on the first placement plate. The second placement plate continues to move upward, and the latching portion on the second placement plate moves the first placement plate upward.

[0054] After the second placement plate stacks on the first placement plate, when the second placement plate is lifted upward (for example, lifted by the traction of another placement plate above the second placement plate), in the process where the second placement plate is lifted upward, the latching portion on the second placement plate moves or scrolls upward along the guide structure on the first placement plate. After the second placement plate moves upward from below to the second predetermined position, for example, after moving to the second predetermined position above the transfer table, the latching portion on the second placement plate is latched to the stopper portion on the first placement plate, and the second placement plate continues to move upward, and the latching portion on the second placement plate moves the first placement plate upward.

[0055] In the process of gradually ascending from the state where the second mounting plate is stacked on the first mounting plate until it catches the first mounting plate and ascends together with the first mounting plate, the vertical distance between the second mounting plate and the first mounting plate increases until it reaches the maximum distance value.

[0056] The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are relative. Among the plurality of mounting plates, any two mounting plates provided adjacent to each other vertically may be referred to as the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate. The mounting plate located below may be referred to as the first mounting plate, and the mounting plate located above may be referred to as the second mounting plate.

[0057] Between any two adjacent mounting plates among the plurality of mounting plates, the connection method in which the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are latched may be adopted. In this way, each mounting plate can be stacked below the transfer table, reducing the occupation of space.

[0058] When all of the plurality of mounting plates adopt the connection method in which the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate are latched, the guide member may not be provided on the mounting plate at the uppermost layer, and it may be directly connected to the lifting assembly.

[0059] The lifting assembly may include a drive mechanism and a traction member connected to the drive mechanism. The traction member may be connected to the mounting plate at the uppermost layer among the plurality of mounting plates. The drive mechanism may include a motor and a speed reducer connected to the motor, etc. The traction member may be a flexible rope, chain, belt, etc. connected to the drive mechanism. In other embodiments, each mounting plate may be latched to a flexible traction member respectively.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of the latching between two adjacent mounting plates in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The plurality of mounting plates may include a first mounting plate a1 and a second mounting plate a2, and the first mounting plate a1 is latched below the second mounting plate a2.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of the first placement plate a1 in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 8, the first placement plate a1 includes a placement plate body a11, and a first comb tooth structure 311 is provided horizontally on the placement plate body a11. An elongated guide member a12 is provided vertically, and a guide groove a13 is provided along the length direction of the guide member a12 on the guide member a12. The upper end of the guide groove a13 has a stopper portion a14.

[0063] The guide member a12 is a guide plate. In order to form the stopper portion a14, the upper end of the guide groove a13 may be a closed end. In other embodiments, the guide member a12 may be a guide column.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, a latching portion a21 is provided on the second placement plate a2. The latching portion a21 is a column pin and can slide up and down along the guide groove a13. A sleeve may be attached to the latching portion a21 so that the latching portion a21 can scroll up and down along the guide groove a13. In other examples, the latching portion a21 may be a block body that can slide up and down along the guide groove a13, such as a rectangular block or the like.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the first placement plate a1 is not the placement plate located at the lowermost layer, the first placement plate is also provided with a latching portion for latching another placement plate below the first placement plate. The first placement plate shown in FIG. 7 is not the lowermost placement plate among the plurality of placement plates.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, in order to relatively stabilize the vertical movement process of the second placement plate a2, the guide member a12 may include a first guide member a121 and a second guide member a122. The first guide member a121 and the second guide member a122 are arranged side by side on both sides of the placement plate body a11 of the first placement plate a1. A first guide groove a131 is provided along the length direction of the first guide a121, and a second guide groove a132 is provided along the length direction of the second guide a122. The latching portion a21 on the second placement plate a2 may include a first latching portion a211 and a second latching portion (not shown in FIG. 7). The first latching portion a211 and the second latching portion are respectively provided on both sides of the second placement plate a2. The first latching portion a211 of the second placement plate a2 is provided in the first guide groove a131 of the first placement plate a1, and the second latching portion of the second placement plate a2 is provided in the second guide groove a132 of the first placement plate a1.

[0067] After the fall of the first placement plate a1 stops and the second placement plate a2 continues to fall, the first guide groove a131 and the second guide groove a132 of the first placement plate a1 can provide guidance on both sides of the second placement plate a2, thereby reducing the occurrence of tilting or toppling during the process of the second placement plate a2 falling.

[0068] During the process of the second placement plate a2 rising from the state of being stacked on the first placement plate a1, the first guide groove a131 and the second guide groove a132 of the first placement plate a1 can provide guidance on both sides of the second placement plate a2, preventing the second placement plate a2 from tilting or toppling during the rising process. After the second placement plate a2 rises to the second predetermined position, the first latching portion a211 and the second latching portion on both sides of the second placement plate a2 are respectively latched to the stopper portions a14 on both sides of the first placement plate a1, so that the second placement plate a2 can smoothly drive the first placement plate a1 to move upward together, reducing the occurrence of tilting and then toppling during the process of the first placement plate a1 rising.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of two adjacent mounting plates being latched to each other in another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the plurality of mounting plates may include a first mounting plate b1 and a second mounting plate b2, and the first mounting plate b1 is latched below the second mounting plate b2.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of the first mounting plate b1 in FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 10, a guide structure is provided longitudinally on the mounting plate body b11 of the first mounting plate b1. The guide structure includes an elongated guide member b12. A guide surface b13 is provided along the length direction of the guide member b12, and a stopper portion b14 is provided at the tip of the guide surface b13.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 9, a latching portion b21 is provided on the second mounting plate b2. The latching portion b21 is a rectangular block. The second mounting plate b2 can move up and down along the guide surface b13 of the first mounting plate b1, for example, slide. The latching portion b21 of the second mounting plate b2 engages with the guide surface b13 of the first mounting plate b1. A scrolling body such as a ball may be provided on the latching portion b21 of the second mounting plate b2 so that the latching portion b21 of the second mounting plate b2 can scroll up and down along the guide surface b13 of the first mounting plate b1.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 10, the guide member b12 on the first mounting plate b1 may be a guide column. The guide surface b13 may be the longitudinal side surface of the guide column. The stopper portion b14 may be a stopper at the tip of the guide surface b13. In other examples, the guide member b12 may be a guide plate, and the latching portion b21 may be a block body of other shapes.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in order to relatively stabilize the vertical movement process of the second mounting plate b2, the guide member b12 includes a third guide member b121 and a fourth guide member b122. The third guide member b121 and the fourth guide member b122 are arranged in parallel on both sides of the mounting plate body b11 on the first mounting plate b1. Stopper portions b14 are provided at the tips of the third guide member b121 and the fourth guide member b122. Here, the stopper portion b14 is formed by a cross member connected to the tips of the third guide member b121 and the fourth guide member b122.

[0074] A first guide surface b131 is provided along the length direction of the third guide member b121, and a second guide surface (not shown in FIG. 9) is provided along the length direction of the fourth guide member b122. The latching portions b21 on the second mounting plate b2 include a third latching portion b211 and a fourth latching portion b212. The third latching portion b211 and the fourth latching portion b212 are provided at relatively spaced positions on the second mounting plate b2. The third latching portion b211 of the second mounting plate b2 engages with the first guide surface b131 of the first mounting plate b1 so that the second mounting plate b2 can move up and down, for example, slide along the first guide surface b13 of the first mounting plate b1. The fourth latching portion b212 of the second mounting plate b2 engages with the second guide surface of the first mounting plate b1 so that the second mounting plate b2 can slide up and down along the second guide surface of the first mounting plate b1.

[0075] After the first mounting plate b1 stops falling and during the process where the second mounting plate b2 continues to fall, the first guide surface b13 and the second guide surface of the first mounting plate b1 can provide guidance to the second mounting plate b2, and the occurrence of the situation where the second mounting plate b2 tilts or topples during the process of falling can be reduced.

[0076] In the process of the second mounting plate b2 rising from the state where it is stacked on the first mounting plate b1, the first guide surface b13 and the second guide surface of the first mounting plate b1 can provide guidance to the second mounting plate b2, preventing the second mounting plate b2 from tilting or falling during the rising process. After the second mounting plate b2 rises to the second predetermined position, the third latching portion b211 and the fourth latching portion b212 on the second mounting plate b2 are respectively latched to the stopper portions b14 on both sides of the first mounting plate b1, whereby the first mounting plate b1 can be smoothly moved and moved upward together, reducing the occurrence of a situation where the first mounting plate b1 tilts and even falls during the rising process.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a schematic structural view of a structure in which a plurality of mounting plates in this embodiment are integrally latched, and FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of a structure in which a plurality of mounting plates are stacked.

[0078] To make the movement of the placement plate more stable, the frame 11 can guide the movement of the placement plate 13 during the process of the placement plate falling or rising. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the frame 11 includes a first column 111 and a second column 112. The first column 111 and the second column 112 are provided relatively parallel to each other. A chamber is formed between the first column 111 and the second column 112. In the first column 111, a third guide groove 1111 is provided along the length direction of the first column 111. In the second column 112, a fourth guide groove 1121 is provided along the length direction of the second column 112. The third guide groove 1111 corresponds to the fourth guide groove 1121. A first protrusion is provided on the first side of the first placement plate (a1 or b1) and / or the second placement plate (a2 or b2). A second protrusion is provided on the second side of the first placement plate and / or the second placement plate. The first protrusion is located in the third guide groove 1111 and can move the first placement plate and / or the second placement plate to move up and down along the third guide groove 1111, for example, slide or scroll. The second protrusion is located in the fourth guide groove 1121 and can move the first placement plate and / or the second placement plate to move up and down along the fourth guide groove 1121, for example, slide or scroll.

[0079] The first protrusion and the second protrusion may be a column body or a block body, etc.

[0080] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, the first protrusion and the second protrusion include a first latching portion a211 and a second latching portion (not shown in FIG. 7) provided on both sides of the second mounting plate a2. In this case, the end of the first latching portion a211 of the second mounting plate a2 is located outside the first guide groove a131 of the first mounting plate a1 and is within the third guide groove 1111, whereby the second mounting plate a2 can move up and down along the third guide groove 1111, for example, slide or scroll. The end of the second latching portion is located outside the second guide groove a132 and is within the fourth guide groove 1121, whereby the second mounting plate a2 can move up and down along the fourth guide groove 1121, for example, slide or scroll. Thus, the first latching portion a211 and the second latching portion function to latch the first mounting plate a1 and realize up and down movement, for example, slide or scroll within the guide grooves in the first column 111 and the second column 11, thereby making the up and down movement of the first mounting plate a1 and the second mounting plate a2 smoother.

[0081] The first protrusion and the second protrusion further include a first latching portion and a second latching portion provided on both sides of the first mounting plate. The first latching portion and the second latching portion on both sides of the first mounting plate are used to latch another mounting plate below the first mounting plate.

[0082] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the first protrusion and the second protrusion on both sides of the mounting plate include a protrusion block b15 provided on both sides of the mounting plate body of the first mounting plate and a protrusion block b25 provided on both sides of the mounting plate body of the second mounting plate.

[0083] In some embodiments, referring continuously to FIG. 3, the height of the transfer platform 12 may be set and changed as required. For example, the height of the transfer platform 12 may coincide with the height of the transfer device 2 shown in FIG. 1. When the height of the transfer device 2 is 1 meter, the height of the transfer platform 12 is also 1 meter. When the height of the transfer device 2 is 1.2 meters, the height of the transfer platform 12 is also 1.2 meters. By setting it in this way, the exchange of articles between the transfer platform 12 and the transfer device 2 can be facilitated. That is, the transfer platform 12 can transfer articles to the transfer device 2, and the transfer device 2 can also transfer articles to the transfer platform 12.

[0084] In some embodiments, the connection method between the transfer platform 12 and the chamber of the frame 11 may be set and changed as required. For example, the connection between the transfer platform 12 and the chamber of the frame 11 is a fixed connection, and the fixed connection may be welding, or the transfer platform 12 is locked on both sides of the chamber, or the transfer platform 12 is movably connected to both sides of the chamber.

[0085] In some embodiments, the material of the transfer platform 12 may be set and changed as required. In the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited in this regard. For example, the material of the transfer platform 12 may be cast iron or an alloy, and the alloy may be stainless steel.

[0086] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 14 is provided in the chamber of the frame 11 and may be fixedly connected to the frame 11. In this way, it is advantageous to maintain the stability in the article transfer process of the frame 11, thereby improving the safety in the article transfer process.

[0087] Here, the lifting assembly 14 may be an elevator or other components capable of realizing a lifting function. In the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited in this regard.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, when the article transfer device 1 attempts to transfer an article to the transfer device 2, a plurality of mounting plates 13 receive the articles placed on the article storage mechanism 3. As shown in S1 to S3 of FIG. 6, in this case, all of the plurality of mounting plates 13 are located above the transfer table 12. In this case, the lifting assembly 14 controls the mounting plate 13 to move downward. As shown in S4 of FIG. 6, the first comb tooth structure of the mounting plate 13 penetrates the plane where the second comb tooth structure of the transfer table 12 is located. When the first comb tooth structure penetrates the plane where the second comb tooth structure is located, the article 9 is transferred from the plurality of first mounting rods 131 of the mounting plate 13 to the plurality of second mounting rods 121 of the transfer table 12, thereby transferring the article to the transfer table 12. The transfer table 12 further transfers the article to the transfer device 2, as shown from S4 to S5 of FIG. 6. In this case, for each mounting plate 13, the mounting plate 13 moves from above the transfer table 12 to below the transfer table 12, and the lifting assembly 14 can be controlled to stop after the mounting plate 13 penetrates the plane where the transfer table 12 is located and moves to the bottom end of the chamber of the frame 11. The plurality of mounting plates 13 are stacked below the transfer table 12, thereby reducing the space size. Refer to FIG. 5. Then, the lifting assembly 14 controls the plurality of mounting plates 13 to move from below the transfer table 12 to above. When the set position is reached, the plurality of mounting plates 13 receive the articles placed on the article storage mechanism 3 again and continue to exchange articles with the transfer table 12 as described above.

[0089] When the article transfer device 1 receives the article 9 transferred by the transfer device 2, all of the plurality of placement plates 13 are located below the transfer table 12. The transfer table 12 receives the article 9 transferred by the transfer device 2. The lifting assembly 14 controls the plurality of placement plates 13 to sequentially move upward from below the transfer table 12. In the process of the placement plate 13 moving upward, the first comb tooth structure penetrates the plane where the second comb tooth structure is located, and the article 9 is transferred from the plurality of second placement rods 121 to the plurality of first placement rods 131, whereby the placement plate 13 receives the article transferred by the transfer table 12. Then, the plurality of placement plates 13 gradually expand from the stacked state, the article storage mechanism 3 receives the article from each placement plate 13, and the lifting assembly 14 can control the plurality of placement plates 13 to move downward from above the transfer table 12. The plurality of placement plates 13 receive again the article transferred by the transfer table 12, and transfer the article to the article storage mechanism 3 as described above.

[0090] When the article transfer device 1 first transfers the article to the transfer device 2 and then receives other articles transferred by the transfer device 2, for the convenience of distinction, the article transferred by the article transfer device 1 to the transfer device 2 is called the first article, and the other articles transferred by the transfer device 2 received by the article transfer device 1 are called the second articles. The lifting assembly 14 controls the placement plate 13 to move downward, the first comb tooth structure penetrates the plane where the second comb tooth structure is located, and the first article is transferred from the plurality of first carrying rods 131 to the plurality of second carrying rods 121 of the transfer table 12, thereby realizing the transfer of the article by the article transfer device 1 to the transfer table 12. The transfer table 12 further transfers the first article to the transfer device 2. In this case, the lifting assembly 14 controls the placement plate 13 to penetrate the plane where the transfer table 12 is located from top to bottom and stop after moving to the bottom end of the chamber, and the plurality of placement plates 13 are stacked below the transfer table 12. When the transfer table 12 receives the second article transferred from the transfer device 2, the lifting assembly 14 controls the placement plate 13 to move upward, the first comb tooth structure penetrates the plane where the second comb tooth structure is located, and the article is transferred from the plurality of second placement rods 121 to the plurality of first placement rods 131, thereby receiving the second article transferred from the transfer table 12.

[0091] When the article transfer device 1 receives the second article transferred by the transfer device 2 first and then transfers the first article to the transfer device 2, since it is similar to the above, the description is omitted here.

[0092] Embodiments of the present invention provide an article transfer device 1. Each mounting plate 13 of the device is provided with a first comb tooth structure 131, and the transfer table 12 is provided with a second comb tooth structure 121 that engages with the first comb tooth structure 131. Therefore, when transferring an article by the device, the plurality of mounting plates 13 move along a direction perpendicular to the transfer table 12, and the first comb tooth structures 131 of each mounting plate 13 all penetrate the plane where the second comb tooth structure 121 of the transfer table 12 is located. In this way, the mounting plate 13 transfers the article thereon to the transfer table 12 or receives the article transferred from the transfer table 12, thereby realizing the article exchange between the article transfer device 1 and the transfer table 12. As can be seen from this, the plurality of mounting plates 13 in the device all move up and down along a direction perpendicular to the transfer table 12 and do not occupy the space in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the occupied space is small, the space is saved, and thereby the space utilization rate is improved.

[0093] In addition, the articles in the embodiments of the present invention may be regular articles, may be irregular articles, may be clothing, daily necessities or other articles, and the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. Also, the articles may be directly placed on the mounting plate 13 or may be placed on the mounting plate 13 via a mounting box. In the embodiments of the present invention, it is not particularly limited thereto.

[0094] In some embodiments, for each first placement rod 131, the first placement rod 131 is a telescopic rod. Each placement plate 13 penetrates the plane where the transfer platform 12 is located. When transferring an article to the transfer platform 12, the lifting assembly 14 is used to control the telescopic rods of the plurality of placement plates 13 to contract and control the placement plate 13 to move downward. When each placement plate 13 penetrates the plane where the transfer platform 12 is located and receives the article transferred by the transfer platform 12, the lifting assembly 14 is used to control the telescopic rods of the plurality of placement plates 13 to extend and control the placement plate 13 to move upward.

[0095] In this embodiment, when the plurality of placement plates 13 transfer an article to the transfer platform 12, the plurality of placement plates 13 first receive the article placed on the article storage mechanism 3. In this case, the plurality of placement plates 13 are all located above the transfer platform 12, and the telescopic rods of each placement plate 13 are in an extended state respectively. For each placement plate 13, the lifting assembly 14 can control the telescopic rods of the placement plate 13 to move downward. When the distance between the placement plate 13 and the transfer platform 12 reaches a predetermined distance, the contraction of the telescopic rods of the placement plate 13 is controlled. In this way, the article on the plurality of telescopic rods falls onto the transfer platform 12, thereby realizing the transfer of the article from the placement plate 13 to the transfer platform 12. After the placement plate 13 transfers the article to the transfer platform 12 in such a manner, the lifting assembly 14 controls the placement plate 13 to continue moving downward. After the placement plate 13 moves to the bottom end of the chamber of the frame 11 and stops, the plurality of placement plates 13 are stacked below the transfer platform 12, thereby reducing the space size. After the plurality of placement plates 13 all transfer the article to the transfer platform 12, the lifting assembly 14 controls the plurality of placement plates 13 to move upward from below the transfer platform 12. When the uppermost placement plate 13 reaches the set position, the lifting assembly 14 controls the telescopic rods of each placement plate 13 to extend. The plurality of placement plates 13 receive the article placed on the article storage mechanism 3 again and continue to transfer the article to the transfer platform 12 in the above manner.

[0096] When a plurality of placement plates 13 receive the articles transferred by the transfer table 12, all of the plurality of placement plates 13 are located below the transfer table 12. The transfer table 12 receives the articles transferred by the transfer device 2. The lifting assembly 14 controls the plurality of placement plates 13 to sequentially move upward from below the transfer table 12, and controls each telescopic rod of each placement plate 13 to extend. In the process of the placement plate 13 moving upward, the plurality of telescopic rods of each placement plate 13 all penetrate the plane where the transfer table 12 is located. The articles are transferred to the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate 13 by the plurality of second load-carrying rods 121, whereby the placement plate 13 receives the articles transferred by the transfer table 12. Also, the plurality of placement plates 13 are gradually expanded from the stacked state. After the uppermost placement plate 13 reaches the set position, the movement stops. The article storage mechanism 3 takes out the articles on each placement plate 13, and the lifting assembly 14 controls each telescopic rod of each placement plate 13 to contract, and controls each placement plate 13 to move downward, and continues to receive the articles transferred by the transfer table 12 in the above manner.

[0097] When multiple placement plates 13 first transfer an article to the transfer platform 12 and then receive other articles transferred by the transfer platform 12, for the convenience of distinction, the article transferred by the placement plate 13 to the transfer platform 12 is called the first article, and the other article transferred by the transfer platform 12 and received by the placement plate 13 is called the second article. In the process of multiple placement plates 13 transferring the first article to the transfer platform 12, the lifting assembly 14 controls the plurality of telescopic rods of each placement plate 13 to move downward. When the distance between the placement plate 13 and the transfer platform 12 reaches a predetermined distance and then moves, the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate 13 are controlled to contract. In this way, the first article on the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate 13 falls onto the transfer platform 12, and the transfer of the first article from the placement plate 13 to the transfer platform 12 is realized. The lifting assembly 14 controls the placement plate 13 to continue to move downward, and stops after the placement plate 13 moves to the bottom end of the chamber 11 of the frame 11. The multiple placement plates 13 are stacked below the transfer platform 12. In the process of multiple placement plates 13 receiving the second article transferred from the transfer platform 12, the transfer platform 12 receives the second article transmitted by the transfer device 2. The lifting assembly 14 controls the multiple placement plates 13 to move upward and controls each telescopic rod of the placement plate 13 to extend. In the process of the placement plate 13 moving upward, the plurality of telescopic rods of each placement plate 13 all penetrate the plane where the transfer platform 12 is located, and the article is transferred to the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate 13 by the plurality of second loading rods 121, thereby receiving the second article transferred by the transfer platform 12. Moreover, the multiple placement plates 13 gradually expand from the stacked state. When the topmost placement plate 13 reaches the set position, the movement of the placement plate 13 stops. The article storage mechanism 3 takes out the second article on each placement plate 13, and the multiple placement plates 13 and the transfer platform 12 can continue to perform article exchange as described above.

[0098] When multiple placement plates 13 first receive the article transferred by the transfer platform 12 and then transfer the article to the transfer platform 12, it is similar to the above and will not be described here.

[0099] In addition, sensors, for example, distance sensors, may be provided in each mounting plate 13, and the lifting assembly 14 senses the distance between the mounting plate 13 and the transfer table 12 by means of the sensors. When the distance sensor on the mounting plate 13 senses that the mounting plate 13 moves downward and the distance from the transfer table 12 reaches a predetermined distance (the predetermined distance may be set and changed as required, for example, the predetermined distance is 1 to 2 centimeters), it can send a contraction signal to the lifting assembly 14. The lifting assembly 14 responds to receiving the contraction signal, communicates with the mounting plate 13, and contracts the first mounting rod.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present invention, the lifting assembly 14 can flexibly control the expansion and contraction of the first mounting rod 131, realize the article exchange between the mounting plate 13 and the transfer table 12 during the expansion and contraction, not only make the space occupied by the mounting plate 13 as small as possible, but also improve the article exchange efficiency.

[0101] In some embodiments, for each first mounting rod 131, referring continuously to FIG. 2, the first mounting rod 131 is a non-expandable and non-contractable rod. Each mounting plate 13 penetrates the plane where the transfer table 12 is located. When transferring an article to the transfer table 12, the lifting assembly 14 is used to control the plurality of non-expandable and non-contractable rods of each mounting plate 13 to move downward through the plurality of second mounting rods 121. When each mounting plate 13 penetrates the plane where the transfer table 12 is located and receives the article transferred by the transfer table 12, the lifting assembly 14 is used to control the plurality of non-expandable and non-contractable rods of each mounting plate 13 to move upward through the plane where the transfer table 12 is located.

[0102] In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first placement rods 131 and a plurality of second placement rods 121 are alternately provided. When the placement plate 13 and the transfer table 12 are in the same plane, the plurality of first placement rods 131 and the plurality of second placement rods 121 alternate such that the plurality of first placement rods 131 smoothly penetrate between the plurality of second placement rods 121. During the process of penetrating the plurality of second placement rods 121, the exchange of articles between the placement plate 13 and the transfer table 12 is realized. With such a configuration, the structure is simple and the efficiency of article exchange is high.

[0103] In some embodiments, with continued reference to FIG. 4, the article transfer device 1 further includes a control mechanism 15. The control mechanism 15 is connected to the frame 11 and may be provided, for example, inside the frame 11 or outside the frame 11. The control mechanism 15 is used to control the plurality of second placement rods 121, the plurality of placement plates 13, and the transfer device 2 for transporting articles in order to perform article exchange.

[0104] In this embodiment, the control mechanism 15 can perform article exchange with the transfer device 2 during the rotation of the plurality of second placement rods 121 by controlling the rotation of the plurality of second placement rods 121. Here, the control mechanism 15 may be set and changed as needed. For example, the control mechanism 15 may include a drive motor.

[0105] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control mechanism 15 can flexibly control the article exchange between the transfer table 12 and the transfer device 2, improving the efficiency of article exchange.

[0106] In some embodiments, for each second placement rod 121 of the transfer table 12, the second placement rod 121 may be a rotating rod. The control mechanism 15 is used to control the rotation of the rotating rod of the transfer table 12 and perform article exchange with the transfer device 2 during the rotation of the rotating rod.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the transfer table 12 transfers an article to the transfer device 2, the control mechanism 15 can control the rotating rod of the transfer table 12 to rotate in the first direction, and transfer the article to the transfer device 2 during the rotation of the rotating rod of the transfer table 12. When the transfer device 2 transfers an article to the transfer table 12, the control mechanism 15 can control the rotating rod of the transfer table 12 to rotate in the second direction, and the transfer table 12 receives the article transferred by the transfer device 2 during the rotation. Here, the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions, and the rotating rod may be a roller.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating rod can exchange articles with the transfer device 2 during rotation, and the article exchange efficiency is high.

[0109] In some embodiments, for each second placement rod 121 of the transfer table 12, the second placement rod 121 is a telescopic rod, and each placement plate 13 penetrates the plane where the transfer table 12 is located. When exchanging articles with the transfer table 12, the control mechanism 15 is used to control the telescopic rod of the transfer table 12 to extend or contract, and the control mechanism 15 is further used to control the telescopic rod of the transfer table 12 to rotate, and exchange articles with the transfer device 2 during the rotation of the telescopic rod of the transfer table 12.

[0110] In this embodiment, the control mechanism 15 can control the extension, contraction, and rotation of the extendable rod of the carrier 12. When exchanging articles between the mounting plate 13 and the carrier 12, the control mechanism 15 can control the extendable rod of the carrier 12 to extend. In this way, when the plurality of first mounting rods 131 penetrate the extendable rod, the articles are transferred from the plurality of first mounting rods 131 of the mounting plate 13 to the plurality of second mounting rods 121 of the carrier 12 or from the plurality of second mounting rods 121 of the carrier 12 to the plurality of first mounting rods 131 of the mounting plate 13, and the article exchange between the mounting plate 13 and the carrier 12 is realized. After the article exchange is completed, the control mechanism 15 can control the contraction of the extendable rod of the carrier 12. Further, when exchanging articles between the carrier 12 and the conveying device 2, the control mechanism 15 can further control the extendable rod of the carrier 12 to rotate, and transfer the articles to the conveying device 2 during the rotation of the extendable rod of the carrier 12, or receive the articles transferred by the conveying device 2.

[0111] In the embodiment of the present invention, when performing article exchange, the extendable rod of the carrier 12 is in an extended state, and when the carrier 12 exchanges articles with the conveying device 2, the extendable rod of the carrier 12 is still in a rotating state. After the article exchange is completed or when no article exchange is performed, the extendable rod of the carrier 12 is in a contracted state. The state of the extendable rod of the carrier 12 may be flexibly converted according to the demand of article exchange, which not only improves the article exchange efficiency but also enriches the article exchange form.

[0112] Further, the second mounting rod 121 of the carrier 12 may be a rotating rod or an extendable rod. The installation form of the second mounting rod 121 is flexible and easy to change, which improves the external appearance of the article transfer device 1.

[0113] In some embodiments, a baffle may be provided on one side of the carrier 12 away from the mounting plate 13. The baffle is used to prevent the articles from falling and improve the safety during the article exchange process.

[0114] In some embodiments, a pressure sensor may be provided inside each mounting plate 13. When the pressure sensor detects that an article is placed on the mounting plate 13, the pressure sensor can send a signal to the lifting assembly 14. The lifting assembly 14 receives the signal and controls the mounting plate 13 to move upward or downward.

[0115] In this embodiment, after the pressure sensor in the mounting plate 13 detects that there is an article on the mounting plate 13, the lifting assembly 14 controls the mounting plate 13 to move, thereby avoiding waste of resources due to being in an operating state even when no article is placed on the mounting plate 13.

[0116] The embodiment of the present invention provides an article transfer device 1. A first comb tooth structure 131 is provided on each mounting plate 13 of the article transfer device 1, and a second comb tooth structure 121 that engages with the first comb tooth structure 131 is provided on the transfer platform 12. Therefore, when transferring an article by the article transfer device 1, the plurality of mounting plates 13 move along a direction perpendicular to the transfer platform 12. The first comb tooth structure 131 of each mounting plate 13 penetrates the plane where the second comb tooth structure 121 of the transfer platform 12 is located. In this way, the mounting plate 13 transfers the article thereon to the transfer platform 12 or receives the article transferred by the transfer platform 12, thereby realizing the article exchange between the article transfer device 1 and the transfer platform 12. As can be seen from this, the plurality of mounting plates 13 in the article transfer device 1 move up and down along a direction perpendicular to the transfer platform 12 and do not occupy the space in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the occupied space is small, saving space, and thereby improving the space utilization rate.

[0117] And the plurality of mounting plates 13 are in an expanded state above the transfer platform 12. In this case, they can contact the article storage mechanism 3 to perform the loading and unloading of articles. The plurality of mounting plates 13 are in a stacked state below the transfer platform 12. In this case, the transfer platform 12 can exchange articles with the transfer device 2, and the transfer device 2 can transfer the article to a predetermined position or perform the sorting of articles.

[0118] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of placement plates 13, a transfer table 12, and a frame 11 are integrated into one article transfer device, and the article transfer device can complete the transfer of articles between the article storage mechanism and the transfer device 2, with high article exchange efficiency. Moreover, the structure of the article transfer device is simple and the cost of article transfer is low.

[0119] On the other hand, the embodiments of the present invention provide a storage system, which includes a transfer device 2, an article storage mechanism 3, and the above-mentioned article transfer device 1. The article transfer device 1 is connected to the transfer device 2 and is used to exchange articles with each of the article storage mechanism 3 and the transfer device 2.

[0120] In the embodiments of the present invention, the article storage mechanism 3 can transfer articles to the transfer device 2 by the article transfer device 1, and the transfer device 2 can also transfer articles to the article storage mechanism 3 by the article transfer device 1.

[0121] The storage system provided by the embodiments of the present invention is provided with an article transfer device 1 between the article storage mechanism 3 and the transfer device 2. One such article transfer device 1 can complete the article exchange between the article storage mechanism 3 and the transfer device 2. A first comb tooth structure 131 is provided on each placement plate 13 of the article transfer device 1, and a second comb tooth structure 121 that engages with the first comb tooth structure 131 is provided on the transfer table 12. Therefore, when transferring articles by the article transfer device 1, the plurality of placement plates 13 move along the direction perpendicular to the transfer table 12, and the first comb tooth structure 131 of each placement plate 13 penetrates through the plane where the second comb tooth structure 121 of the transfer table 12 is located. In this way, the placement plate 13 transfers the articles thereon to the transfer table 12 or receives the articles transferred by the transfer table 12, thereby realizing the article exchange between the article transfer device 1 and the transfer table 12. As can be seen from this, the plurality of placement plates 13 in the article transfer device 1 move up and down along the direction perpendicular to the transfer table 12 and do not occupy the space in the horizontal direction, so the occupied space is small, saving space and thereby improving the space utilization rate.

[0122] In some embodiments, the article storage mechanism 3 may be a container robot.

[0123] The container robot 3 has a plurality of article storage positions, and articles can be placed at each article storage position. Here, the number of article storage positions in the container robot 3 is the same as the number of mounting plates 13 in the article transfer device 1. In this way, the container robot 3 can simultaneously place the articles at all its article storage positions on the mounting plates 13 of the article transfer device 1, and the article transfer device 1 can also place the articles on the mounting plates 13 at the article storage positions of the container robot, reducing the time occupied by the container robot, thereby improving the article exchange efficiency.

[0124] In some embodiments, the conveying device 2 may be a roller conveying line. With the roller conveying line, the articles transferred from the article storage mechanism 3 can be conveyed to the conveying platform 12, or the articles transferred by the conveying platform 12 can be conveyed to the article storage mechanism 3, and the article transfer efficiency is high.

[0125] It should be noted that the article storage mechanism 3 is not limited to a container robot. In the embodiments of the present invention, an operator may sequentially place articles on the plurality of mounting plates 13 of the article conveying device 2, and the plurality of mounting plates 13 may exchange articles with the conveying platform 12. Also, the conveying device 2 is not limited to a roller conveying line and may be a conveyor belt. Both the conveyor belt and the roller conveying line can convey articles to a predetermined position, or an operator selects articles during the conveying process of the articles by the conveyor belt or the roller conveying line.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which the article storage mechanism 3 is a container robot, the conveying device 2 is a roller conveying line, and the container robot transfers articles to the conveying device 2 by the article transfer device 1. Referring to FIG. 6, articles are placed at a plurality of article storage positions of the container robot. The container robot moves to the article transfer device 1, places the articles at all the article storage positions of the container robot on a plurality of placement plates 13 of the article transfer device 1, and then the lifting assembly 14 controls the plurality of placement plates 13 to move downward. The first comb tooth structure 131 of each placement plate 13 penetrates the second comb tooth structure 121 of the transfer table 12, and the article 9 on the placement plate 13 is transferred to the transfer table 12. The transfer table 12 further conveys the article 9 to the roller conveying line 2.

[0127] The warehouse storage system provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes an article transfer device 1, a conveying device 2, and an article storage mechanism 3. The article transfer device 1 can complete the transfer of articles together with the article storage mechanism 3 and the conveying device 2, and has high article transfer efficiency. Moreover, the volume of the device is small and the occupied space is small. In addition, the structure of the system is simple and the cost is low.

[0128] The above is only for those skilled in the art to easily understand the technical solution of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An article transfer device, comprising: A frame including a chamber; A lifting assembly; A transfer platform provided at the bottom of the chamber of the frame; A plurality of placement plates connected to the frame via the lifting assembly, Here, each of the plurality of placement plates is provided with a first comb structure including a plurality of first placement rods, and the transfer platform is provided with a second comb structure including a plurality of second placement rods that engage with the first comb structure. The plurality of placement plates include a first placement plate and a second placement plate. The first placement plate includes a placement plate body. The first comb structure is provided horizontally on the placement plate body. A guide structure is provided in the longitudinal direction of the placement plate body. A stopper portion is provided at one end of the guide structure away from the placement plate body. A latching portion is provided on the second placement plate. The first placement plate is located below the second placement plate. The first placement plate is latched to the latching portion of the second placement plate via the stopper portion of the first placement plate. Here, the latching portion of the second placement plate is located within the guide structure of the first placement plate. Thereby, the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide structure of the first placement plate. When transferring an article by the article transfer device, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of placement plates to move along a direction perpendicular to the transfer platform. The first comb structure of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the second comb structure of the transfer platform is located. Thereby, the plurality of placement plates exchange articles with the transfer platform. An article transfer device.

2. For each of the plurality of first placement rods, the first placement rod is a telescopic rod. When each of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer platform is located and transfers an article to the transfer platform, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate to contract and control the placement plate to move downward. When each of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located and receives an article transferred by the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of telescopic rods of the placement plate to extend and control the placement plate to move upward. The device according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of first placement rods are provided alternately with the plurality of second placement rods. The device according to claim 1.

4. For each of the plurality of first placement rods in the plurality of first placement rods, the first placement rod is a non-telescopic rod. When each of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located and transfers an article to the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of non-telescopic rods of the placement plate to penetrate the plurality of second placement rods and move downward. When each of the plurality of placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located and receives an article transferred by the transfer table, the lifting assembly is used to control the plurality of non-telescopic rods of the placement plate to move upward. The device according to claim 3.

5. The article transfer device further includes a control mechanism. The control mechanism is provided inside the frame or outside the frame. The control mechanism is used to control the plurality of second placement rods, the plurality of placement plates, and a transfer device for transporting articles to perform article exchange. The device according to claim 1.

6. For each of the plurality of second placement rods in the plurality of second placement rods of the transfer table, the second placement rod is a rotating rod or a telescopic rod. When the second placement rod is a rotating rod, the control mechanism is used to control the rotating rod of the transfer table to rotate, so that during the rotation of the rotating rod of the transfer table, the transfer table exchanges articles with the transfer device. When the second placement rod is a telescopic rod, each of the placement plates penetrates the plane where the transfer table is located. When exchanging articles with the transfer table, the control mechanism is used to control the telescopic rod of the transfer table to extend or contract, and the control mechanism is further used to control the telescopic rod to rotate, so that during the rotation of the telescopic rod of the transfer table, the transfer table is caused to exchange articles with the transfer device. The device according to claim 5.

7. The first placement plate is located below the second placement plate. After the first placement plate drops to a first predetermined position below the transfer table, the drop stops, and the second placement plate drops until it overlaps the first placement plate. The second placement plate moves upward from the bottom to a second predetermined position. The latching portion on the second placement plate is latched to the stopper portion on the first placement plate. The second placement plate continues to move upward, and the latching portion on the second placement plate moves the first placement plate upward. The device according to claim 1.

8. The guide structure provided vertically on the placement plate body includes an elongated guide member. In the guide member, a guide groove is provided along the length direction of the guide member, and the stopper portion is provided at the upper end of the guide groove. The latching portion of the second placement plate is provided in the guide groove of the first placement plate, so that the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide structure of the first placement plate. The device according to claim 1.

9. For each of the plurality of placement plates, the guide member of the placement plate includes a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side on both sides of the placement plate body of the placement plate. A first guide groove is provided along the length direction of the first guide member, and a second guide groove is provided along the length direction of the second guide member. The latching portion of the second placement plate includes a first latching portion and a second latching portion. The first latching portion of the second placement plate is provided in the first guide groove of the first placement plate, and the second latching portion of the second placement plate is provided in the second guide groove of the first placement plate. The device according to claim 8.

10. The frame includes a first column and a second column. The first column and the second column are provided relatively parallel to each other, and the chamber is formed between the first column and the second column. In the first column, a third guide groove is provided along the length direction of the first column. In the second column, a fourth guide groove is provided along the length direction of the second column. The third guide groove and the fourth guide groove correspond to each other. The end of the first latching portion of the second placement plate is located outside the first guide groove of the first placement plate and is in the third guide groove. Thereby, the first placement plate and the second placement plate move up and down along the third guide groove. The end of the second latching portion of the second placement plate is located outside the second guide groove of the first placement plate and is in the fourth guide groove. Thereby, the first placement plate and the second placement plate move up and down along the fourth guide groove. The device according to claim 9.

11. The guide structure provided vertically on the placement plate body includes an elongated guide member. In the guide member, a guide surface is provided along the length direction of the guide member, and the stopper portion is provided at the upper end of the guide surface. The latching portion of the second placement plate engages with the guide surface of the first placement plate. Thereby, the second placement plate moves up and down along the guide surface of the first placement plate. The device according to claim 1.

12. For each placement plate among the plurality of placement plates, the guide member of the placement plate includes a third guide member and a fourth guide member. The third guide member and the fourth guide member are arranged side by side on both sides of the placement plate body of the placement plate, and the stopper portion is provided at the upper ends of the third guide member and the fourth guide member. A first guide surface is provided along the longitudinal direction of the third guide member, and a second guide surface is provided along the longitudinal direction of the fourth guide member. The latching portion of the second mounting plate includes a third latching portion and a fourth latching portion. The third latching portion of the second mounting plate engages with the first guide surface of the first mounting plate. Thereby, the third latching portion of the second mounting plate moves up and down along the first guide surface of the first mounting plate. The fourth latching portion of the second mounting plate engages with the second guide surface of the first mounting plate. Thereby, the fourth latching portion of the second mounting plate moves up and down along the second guide surface of the first mounting plate. The apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The frame includes a first column and a second column. The first column and the second column are provided relatively parallel to each other. The chamber is formed between the first column and the second column. In the first column, a third guide groove is provided along the longitudinal direction of the first column. In the second column, a fourth guide groove is provided along the longitudinal direction of the second column. The third guide groove and the fourth guide groove correspond to each other. Among the plurality of mounting plates, a first protrusion is provided on a first side of at least one mounting plate, and a second protrusion is provided on a second side of the at least one mounting plate. The first protrusion is located in the third guide groove. Thereby, the at least one mounting plate moves up and down along the third guide groove. The second protrusion is located in the fourth guide groove. Thereby, the at least one mounting plate moves up and down along the fourth guide groove. The apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The lifting assembly includes a driving mechanism and a traction member connected to the driving mechanism. The traction member is connected to the uppermost mounting plate among the plurality of mounting plates, and / or among the plurality of mounting plates, the distance between two adjacent mounting plates above the transfer table is greater than the distance between two adjacent mounting plates below the transfer table. The apparatus according to claim 1. Claim 15 A storage system, comprising a conveying device, an article storage mechanism, and the article transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the article transfer device is connected to the conveying device, and the article transfer device is used to effect article exchange with each of the article storage mechanism and the conveying device, and the article storage mechanism is a container robot and the conveying device is a roller conveying line. A storage system.

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