Automatic container handling and storage system

Abstract

This invention relates to an automated cargo handling and storage system, which mainly includes a trolley for transporting cargo boxes and a transport mechanism for receiving and transporting cargo boxes to a storage location. The transport mechanism includes a base, a middle layer seat that moves relative to the base, and a platform seat that moves relative to the middle layer seat. The transport mechanism is installed in a movable frame and can correspondingly pick up cargo boxes from the trolley and move them laterally to the storage area using the movable frame. A lifting mechanism is provided between the transport mechanism and the movable frame, which can drive the transport mechanism to move up and down to a preset storage cell. Through the forward and backward movement of the middle layer seat and the platform seat of the transport mechanism, the cargo boxes are transported into the preset storage cells. By scanning the cargo box code, the system can automatically transport the cargo boxes to the preset storage cells corresponding to the codes, thereby achieving automated handling technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of warehouse management, and more specifically, to a warehouse technology for automated handling of cargo boxes. Prior Technology

[0002] With the advancement of technology, most industrial production models have entered the era of fully automated production. However, for traditional industries, although automated equipment can be introduced to replace human labor, some processes still rely on manual operation and cannot be replaced by automated equipment, such as the storage of objects.

[0003] Conventional storage methods involve placing items in specific locations within a warehouse and then registering those locations in the warehouse management system. However, warehouse management systems display the items in each location in a list format, making it impossible for managers to accurately determine the location of items in each location based solely on intuition and memory. In automated production, preparing for future order picking in advance can improve future production efficiency. Therefore, a warehouse system is needed to address this problem. The inventor, believing these shortcomings can be improved, has dedicated himself to research and, by applying mechanical principles, has finally proposed a rationally designed technology that effectively overcomes these deficiencies.

[0004] Therefore, based on the above, the inventor, drawing on years of rich design, development and practical manufacturing experience in the related industry, has further researched and improved upon the technology to provide an automated cargo handling and storage system, making it more practical and valuable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an automated cargo handling and storage system, particularly one that achieves automated handling technology by scanning cargo box codes and automatically transporting the cargo boxes to preset storage compartments corresponding to the codes.

[0006] To address the above problems, this invention proposes an automated cargo handling and storage system, the main objectives and effects of which are achieved through the following specific technical means:

[0007] It mainly includes a trolley for transporting cargo boxes and a transport mechanism for receiving and moving cargo boxes to the storage location. The transport mechanism includes a base, a middle layer seat that moves relative to the base, and a platform seat that moves relative to the middle layer seat. The transport mechanism is installed in a movable frame, which can receive cargo boxes on the trolley and move them laterally to the storage area using the movable frame. A lifting mechanism is provided between the transport mechanism and the movable frame, which can drive the transport mechanism up and down to the preset storage compartment. Through the forward and backward movement of the middle layer seat and the platform seat of the transport mechanism, the cargo box is transported into the preset storage compartment. By scanning the cargo box code, the system can automatically transport the cargo box to the preset storage compartment corresponding to the code, thus achieving automated handling technology.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each storage compartment of the main storage rack is provided with a storage plate, and each storage plate is provided with a first limiting block in a first direction and a second direction.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the trolley is equipped with a movement sensor.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each carrier plate on the carrier frame of the trolley is provided with a second limiting block in a first direction and a second direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first rack and pinion slide rail assembly capable of relative displacement is provided between the base of the transport mechanism and the middle layer.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second rack and pinion slide rail assembly capable of relative displacement is provided between the middle layer seat and the platform seat of the transport mechanism.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movable frame is provided with a set of limiting auxiliary wheels around the periphery of the main storage frame, and each set of limiting auxiliary wheels includes a horizontal wheel and a vertical wheel that slide in contact with the main storage frame.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle is equipped with a positioning sensor, which uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensing to sense the surrounding environment and realize cruise and automatic obstacle avoidance functions. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0015] Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the overall architecture of the present invention. Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the trolley for loading cargo boxes according to the present invention. Figure 3: Schematic diagram of the carrier mechanism of the present invention. Figure 4: A schematic diagram showing the trolley transporting a cargo box to the main storage frame and the transport mechanism extending to retrieve the box. Figure 5: Schematic diagram of the transport mechanism of the present invention acquiring the cargo box. Figure 6: A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the dynamic appearance of the displacement mechanism and lifting mechanism of the present invention. Figure 7: A front view schematic diagram of the displacement mechanism and lifting mechanism of the present invention. Figure 8: Schematic diagram of the carrier mechanism of the present invention before displacement. Figure 9: A schematic diagram of the displacement mechanism of the present invention through the displacement mechanism. Figure 10: Schematic diagram of the operation of the base, middle layer, and platform of the carrier mechanism of the present invention. Figure 11: Schematic diagram of the operation of the base, middle layer and platform of the carrier mechanism of the present invention. Implementation

[0016] To provide a more complete and clear disclosure of the technical content, inventive purpose, and effects achieved by this invention, the embodiments of this invention will be specifically described below, and please refer to the disclosed drawings and figures.

[0017] First, please refer to Figures 1-3. It mainly includes a trolley (1) for loading and transporting cargo boxes (A). The trolley (1) transports the cargo boxes (A) to a main storage frame (2). The main storage frame (2) has a storage area (21) and a work area (22). The storage area (21) has a plurality of storage compartments (23) arranged longitudinally and laterally for storing cargo boxes (A). The work area (22) has a movable frame (3). A displacement mechanism (4) is provided between the movable frame (3) and the main storage frame (2). A transport mechanism (5) is provided on the movable frame (3). A lifting mechanism (6) is provided between the transport mechanism (5) and the movable frame (3) so that the transport mechanism (5) can correspondingly retrieve the cargo boxes (A) from the trolley (1) or the storage compartments (23).

[0018] The vehicle (1) is provided with at least one support frame (11), and the support frame (11) is provided with at least one loading space (12) for loading cargo box (A). At each corner of each loading space (12) a loading plate (121) is provided, and the loading plates (121) are used to load cargo box (A).

[0019] The transport mechanism (5) includes a base (51), a middle layer seat (52) displaced relative to the base (51), and a platform seat (53) displaced relative to the middle layer seat (52). A first power source (54) is provided on the base (51) to drive a drive wheel (541). A driven wheel (542) is provided at the corresponding end of the drive wheel (541). A transmission belt (55) is wound between the drive wheel (541) and the driven wheel (542). The two ends of 55) are respectively attached to the middle layer seat (52), and the middle layer seat (52) is provided with first and second rotating wheels (56) and (57) with opposite ends, and first and second connecting belts (561) and (571) are respectively fitted on the first and second rotating wheels (56) and (57), and one end of the first and second connecting belts (561) and (571) is respectively attached to the middle layer seat (52), and the other end is respectively attached to the platform seat (53);

[0020] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7. The displacement mechanism (4) includes a second power source (41) mounted on the movable frame (3) and a rack (24) mounted in the working area (22) of the main storage frame (2). The output shaft of the second power source (41) is provided with a gear (411) that meshes with the rack (24).

[0021] The lifting mechanism (6) includes chain belt assemblies (61) arranged on both sides of the transport mechanism (5), and the two chain belt assemblies (61) are installed on the upper and lower rotating shafts (62) and (63) in the movable frame (3). Each chain belt assembly (61) includes a sprocket (611) assembled on the upper and lower rotating shafts (62) and (63) and a chain belt (612) sleeved on the two sprockets (611). The base (51) of the transport mechanism (5) is assembled at the end of the two chain belts (612), and the lower rotating shaft (63) is connected to a third power source (64).

[0022] Please refer to Figures 1-11. In actual operation, when a cargo box (A) is loaded onto a carrier plate (121) on the support frame (11) of the trolley (1), each carrier plate (121) on the support frame (11) of the trolley (1) is equipped with a second limiting block (122) in a first direction and a second direction [as shown in Figure 2]. Thus, a cargo box (A) is limited and loaded within each cargo space (12). The trolley (1) for loading and transporting the cargo box (A) is a self-propelled trolley controlled by the rear end. Each cargo box (A) has barcode information, allowing it to be determined that the cargo box (A) needs to be stored in a specific storage rack (2) and a specific storage compartment (23). Therefore, a movement sensor (13) is installed on the trolley (1). This movement sensor (13) uses a Light Detection and... Ranging, LiDAR] sensing can sense the surrounding environment and realize the functions of cruising and automatic obstacle avoidance. Through the movement sensor (13), the cargo box (A) can be accurately transported to the storage rack (2) to be stored.

[0023] When the trolley (1) transports the cargo box (A) to a storage main frame (2), the transport mechanism (5) carries the cargo box (A) on the trolley (1). First, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the transport mechanism (5) moves up and down according to the height of the cargo box (A) to be loaded. The lower shaft (63) is driven by the third power source (64) to drive the two-chain belt assembly (61) to rotate, so that the transport mechanism (5) adjusts its height with the chain belt (612) and reaches the height of the cargo box (A) to be loaded. Next, the drive wheel (541) is driven to rotate clockwise by the first power source (54) of the transport mechanism (5), and the driven wheel (542) is driven to rotate counterclockwise by the transmission belt (55), causing the middle seat (52) to move forward. As it continues to rotate, the platform seat (53) also extends forward to the cargo space (12) of the trolley (1) and is located below the cargo box (A). Then, the lifting mechanism (6) drives the transport mechanism (5) to rise, so as to transfer the cargo box (A) onto the platform seat (53) [as shown in Figure 5].

[0024] Next, the first power source (54) of the transport mechanism (5) drives the drive wheel (541) to rotate counterclockwise, and drives the driven wheel (542) to rotate clockwise via the transmission belt (55), causing the middle layer seat (52) and the platform seat (53) to return to their original positions. Referring to Figures 7-9, the system controls the transport mechanism (5) to move towards the desired storage compartment, which is achieved by driving the second power source (41) of the displacement mechanism (4), causing the gear (411) at the output shaft end to... The rack (24) of the working area (22) of the main storage frame (2) engages and displaces to move the moving frame (3) to the desired storage location; furthermore, the moving frame (3) is provided with a limiting auxiliary wheel group (31) around the main storage frame (2), each limiting auxiliary wheel group (31) includes a horizontal rotating wheel (311) and a vertical rotating wheel (312) that slide in contact with the main storage frame (2), thus ensuring that the moving frame is accurately and smoothly displaced without deviation.

[0025] Continue, please refer back to Figures 4 to 7. Adjust the height of the transport mechanism (5) according to the height of the storage compartment (23) to be stored. Drive the lower shaft (63) through the third power source (64) to drive the two-chain belt assembly (61) to rotate, so that the transport mechanism (5) rotates with the chain belt (612) to adjust the transport mechanism (5) to reach the height of the storage compartment (23) to be stored. Finally, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first power source (54) of the transport mechanism (5) drives the drive wheel (541) to rotate counterclockwise, and drives the driven wheel (542) to rotate clockwise via the transmission belt (55), causing the middle seat (52) to move backward. As it continues to rotate, the platform seat (53) also extends backward into the storage compartment (23) of the storage area (21). Then, the lifting mechanism (6) drives the transport mechanism (5) to descend, so as to transfer the cargo box (A) onto the storage compartment (23).

[0026] However, each storage compartment (23) of the main storage frame (2) is provided with a storage plate (25) for loading the cargo box (A) onto the storage plate (25), and each storage plate (25) is provided with a first limiting block (251) in the first direction and the second direction, so that each storage compartment (23) can limit the loading and securely position the cargo box (A).

[0027] To further ensure the smooth operation and accurate displacement of the transport mechanism (5), a first rack and pinion slide rail assembly (58) with relative displacement is provided between the base (51) and the middle layer (52); and a second rack and pinion slide rail assembly (59) with relative displacement is provided between the middle layer (52) and the platform (53) of the transport mechanism (5).

[0028] However, the foregoing embodiments or figures are not intended to limit the product structure or usage of the present invention. Any appropriate changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art should be considered as not departing from the patent scope of the present invention.

[0029] In conclusion, the embodiments of the present invention can indeed achieve the expected effects, and the specific structure disclosed therein has not only never been seen in similar products, but has also not been disclosed before the application. It fully complies with the provisions and requirements of the Patent Law. Therefore, we hereby file an application for an invention patent and respectfully request your review and grant of a patent, which would be of great benefit.

[0030] 1: Cart 11: Support frame 12: Cargo Space 121: Carrier plate 122: Second limit block 13: Position sensor 2: Warehouse Main Frame 21: Storage Area 22: Work Area 23: Storage compartment 24: rack and pinion 25: Storage board 251: First limit block 3: Mobile Frame 31: Limiting auxiliary wheel assembly 311: Horizontal Rotary Wheel 312: Vertical Rotor 4: Displacement Mechanism 41: Second Power Source 411: Gear 5: Transport mechanism 51: Base 52: Middle Seat 53: Platform 54: The First Power Source 541: Drive wheel 542: Driven wheel 55: Transmission belt 56: First Wheel 561: First Linkage 57: Second Rotating Wheel 571: Second Linkage 58: First rack and pinion slide rail assembly 59: Second rack and pinion slide rail assembly 6: Lifting mechanism 61: Chain assembly 611: Sprocket 612: Chain 62: Upper pivot 63: Lower pivot 64: Third Power Source

Claims

1. An automated cargo handling and warehousing system, mainly comprising a trolley for loading and transporting cargo boxes, the trolley transporting the cargo boxes to a main storage frame, the main storage frame having a storage area and a working area, the storage area having a plurality of storage compartments for storing cargo boxes arranged longitudinally and laterally, and the working area having a movable frame, a displacement mechanism between the movable frame and the main storage frame, and a transport mechanism on the movable frame, the transport mechanism having a lifting mechanism between the transport mechanism and the movable frame, so that the transport mechanism can correspondingly retrieve cargo boxes from the trolley or from the storage compartments, wherein: The trolley is equipped with at least one support frame, and the support frame is equipped with at least one cargo space for loading boxes. Each corner of each cargo space is equipped with a loading plate for loading boxes. The trolley is also equipped with at least one movement sensor. The transport mechanism includes a base, a middle layer seat that moves relative to the base, and a platform seat that moves relative to the middle layer seat. A first power source is provided on the base to drive a drive wheel. A driven wheel is provided at the corresponding end of the drive wheel. A transmission belt is wound between the drive wheel and the driven wheel. The two ends of the transmission belt are respectively connected to the middle layer seat. A first and second rotating wheels are provided on the middle layer seat with opposite ends. A first and second connecting belt are respectively fitted on the first and second rotating wheels. One end of the first and second connecting belts is respectively connected and positioned on the middle layer seat, and the other end is respectively connected and positioned on the platform seat. The displacement mechanism includes a second power source mounted on the movable frame and a rack mounted in the working area of ​​the main storage frame. The output shaft of the second power source is provided with a gear that meshes with the rack. The lifting mechanism includes chain belt assemblies mounted on both sides of the transport mechanism. The two chain belt assemblies are mounted on upper and lower rotating shafts within the movable frame. Each chain belt assembly includes a sprocket mounted on the upper and lower rotating shafts and a chain belt mounted on the two sprockets. The base of the transport mechanism is mounted on the ends of the two chain belts. The lower rotating shaft is connected to a third power source.

2. The automated cargo handling and storage system as described in claim 1, wherein each storage compartment of the main storage frame is provided with a storage plate, and each storage plate is provided with a first limiting block in a first direction and a second direction.

3. The automated container handling storage system as described in claim 1, wherein the movement sensor is a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor.

4. The automated cargo handling and storage system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein each pallet on the carrier of the trolley is provided with a second limiting block in a first direction and a second direction.

5. The automated container handling and storage system as described in claim 1, wherein a first rack and pinion slide rail assembly capable of relative displacement is provided between the base of the transport mechanism and the middle layer.

6. The automated container handling and storage system as described in claim 5, wherein a second rack and pinion slide rail assembly capable of relative displacement is provided between the middle layer seat and the platform seat of the transport mechanism.

7. The automated cargo handling and storage system as described in claim 5, wherein the movable frame is provided with a set of limiting auxiliary wheels around the periphery of the main storage frame, and each set of limiting auxiliary wheels includes a horizontal wheel and a vertical wheel that slide in contact with the main storage frame.

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