Storage container, rack, and warehousing system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of warehouse logistics, and provides a storage container, a rack, and a warehousing system. In the present application, a plurality of storage containers are detachably connected; the storage container provided by the present application comprises a container body, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member; the first connecting member is provided on the bottom of at least one side wall of the container body; the second connecting member is provided on the bottom of at least one side wall of the container body; at least one channel portion is defined by the first connecting member and a side wall of the container body; and the second connecting member has at least one hook portion. The plurality of storage containers can be sequentially connected, and hook portions and channel portions of adjacent storage containers are connected to each other, such that the plurality of storage containers which are sequentially connected can be dragged to move at the same time during retrieval of the storage containers, thereby improving the space utilization rate and the storage density of the rack.

Description

Material boxes, shelves and storage systems

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 19, 2024, with application number 202420143365.9 and application name “Material Box, Shelf and Storage System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of warehousing and logistics technology, and in particular to a material box, a shelf, and a warehousing system. Background Art

[0003] With the development of artificial intelligence and automation technologies, robots are widely used in warehousing and logistics, for picking, placing, transporting, and sorting goods. In logistics systems, goods are often stored on shelves. Robots with corresponding functions connect to shelves or conveyor lines to pick and place goods, or complete cargo delivery tasks.

[0004] In related technologies, each storage location on a shelf can store one or more material boxes. Goods are stored in material boxes. In a storage location with a certain depth that can store multiple material boxes, multiple material boxes are independent of each other. When taking and placing material boxes, it is necessary to first take out the material box at the mouth, and then take and place other material boxes inside the storage location. In addition, since the robot that takes and places goods needs to reach into the storage location to take and place the material boxes, space needs to be reserved in the storage location for the robot to operate.

[0005] However, when material boxes are currently stored deep on shelves, space must be reserved for retrieval, resulting in low storage density on the shelves.

[0006] Application Contents

[0007] The present application provides a material box, a shelf and a storage system to solve the technical problem that when material boxes are stored deep on the shelf, space for picking and placing needs to be reserved, resulting in low storage density of the shelf.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a material box, wherein a plurality of material boxes are detachably connected. The material box comprises a box body, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member, wherein the first connecting member is disposed at the bottom of at least one side wall of the box body, and the second connecting member is disposed at the bottom of at least one side wall of the box body.

[0009] The first connecting member and the side wall of the box body are surrounded to form at least one groove portion, and the second connecting member has at least one hook portion. Multiple material boxes can be connected in sequence, and the hook portions and groove portions of adjacent material boxes are interconnected.

[0010] When the material boxes provided in the present application are stored in multiple storage locations, adjacent material boxes can be connected to each other, so that when taking and placing material boxes, multiple material boxes connected in sequence can be dragged and moved at the same time, thereby improving space utilization and shelf storage density.

[0011] In some embodiments, the notch of the groove portion faces the top of the box body, and the hook portion faces the bottom of the box body.

[0012] With this arrangement, two adjacent material boxes can be connected or separated by lifting and lowering, thereby improving the convenience of the picking operation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first connecting member and the box body are integrally formed; and / or the second connecting member and the box body are integrally formed.

[0014] Such an arrangement can improve the manufacturing convenience of the material box and reduce product costs.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first connecting member may include a plug-in portion and a blocking portion, wherein the blocking portion is connected to the plug-in portion; the side wall of the first end of the box body may be provided with a slot, the plug-in portion is plugged into the slot, and the blocking portion and the side wall of the box body are surrounded to form a groove portion.

[0016] With such an arrangement, the installation position of the first connecting member can be positioned, and the reliability of the connection between the first connecting member and the box body can be improved.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first connecting member may include a connecting portion and a surrounding portion, the surrounding portion is connected to the connecting portion; the side wall of the box body is provided with a connecting surface, the connecting surface is provided with a connecting hole, the connecting portion is provided with a through hole, the connecting portion abuts against the connecting surface, and is connected to the connecting hole through a fastener passing through the through hole; the surrounding portion and the side wall of the box body are surrounded to form a groove portion.

[0018] Such an arrangement can improve the operational convenience of assembling the first connecting member and the box body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the material box may further include a reinforcing piece, which is disposed opposite to the groove portion; and the reinforcing piece is at least partially inserted into the groove portion.

[0020] Such an arrangement can improve the structural strength of the groove portion and enhance the ability of the material box to withstand the pulling force when the material box is dragged.

[0021] In some embodiments, the reinforcement piece may include a first reinforcement section and a second reinforcement section. The first reinforcement section may be connected to the bottom wall of the box body, and the second reinforcement section may be inserted into the groove portion and connected to the inner wall of the groove portion.

[0022] Such an arrangement can improve the reliability of the connection between the reinforcing member and the box body.

[0023] In some embodiments, groove portions may be provided on both end side walls of the box in the longitudinal direction; the second connecting member is plugged into one of the groove portions at both ends of the box and is detachably connected to the side wall of the box; the second connecting member at least partially extends to the outside of the groove portion and forms a hook portion.

[0024] With this arrangement, the second connector can be selectively installed at either end of the box to achieve a reversing installation function.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second connecting member may include a first extension section, a second extension section and a third extension section, the first extension section is connected to the side wall of the box body; the second extension section is connected to the first extension section and extends away from the side wall of the box body; the third extension section is connected to the end of the second extension section away from the first extension section, and the third extension section extends toward the bottom of the box body to form a hook portion.

[0026] This arrangement can improve the structural strength of the hook portion formed by the second connecting member.

[0027] In some embodiments, the material box may further include a pad, the first extension section is located between the pad and the side wall of the box body; the pad is provided with a connecting hole, and the first extension section and the side wall of the box body are provided with through holes. The material box may further include a fastener, which passes through the side wall of the box body and the through holes on the first extension section in sequence, and is connected to the connecting hole on the pad.

[0028] Such an arrangement can improve the reliability of the connection between the second connecting member and the box body.

[0029] In some embodiments, the material box may further include a plug-in board, which may include a first plug-in section and a second plug-in section. The first plug-in section abuts against the bottom wall of the box body, and a first avoidance opening is provided at the edge of the bottom wall of the box body. The second plug-in section is connected to the first plug-in section and extends to the side of the box body through the first avoidance opening; the first extension section is connected to the second plug-in section.

[0030] This arrangement can improve the structural strength of the connection between the second connecting member and the box body.

[0031] In some embodiments, the side wall of the box body is provided with a second avoidance opening, and the second plug-in section is provided with a connecting hole; a through hole is provided on the first extension section, and the material box may further include a fastener, which passes through the through hole and is connected to the connecting hole; the second avoidance opening is opposite to the connecting hole and the through hole.

[0032] This arrangement improves the convenience of assembling the second connecting member and the plug board.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present application provides a shelf having at least one storage layer, each storage layer having at least one storage location, and each storage location is configured to store at least two of the above-mentioned material boxes.

[0034] On the third aspect, the present application provides a warehousing system, which includes a picking and placing device and the shelf in the above technical solution. The picking and placing device includes at least one fork device, and the fork device is configured to obtain the material box of a single storage location when the picking and placing device reaches the corresponding storage location of the shelf, or when the fork device obtains the material box at the entrance of the storage location, it drives other material boxes in the storage location to move toward the entrance of the storage location.

[0035] The present application provides a material box, a shelf and a storage system, wherein multiple material boxes are detachably connected; the material box includes a box body, a first connecting member and a second connecting member, the first connecting member is arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the box body, the second connecting member is arranged at the bottom of the side wall of the box body, the first connecting member and the side wall of the box body are surrounded to form a groove portion, and the second connecting member has a hook portion; multiple material boxes can be connected in sequence, and the hook portions and groove portions of adjacent material boxes are hooked with each other, so that when taking and placing material boxes, multiple material boxes connected in sequence can be dragged and moved at the same time, thereby improving space utilization and storage density of the shelf.

[0036] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application described above, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions, other technical problems that can be solved by the material boxes, shelves and storage systems provided by the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0038] FIG1 is a structural schematic diagram of a material box according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG2 is a second structural diagram of a material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG3 is a first cross-sectional view of a material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of material boxes connected to each other according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG5 is a first connection diagram of a first connecting member in a material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of the position of the first connecting piece in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG7 is a first connection diagram of a second connecting member in a material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG8 is a second connection diagram of the first connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG9 is a third connection diagram of the first connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the connection of reinforcement members in a material box according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of a material box provided with a reinforcement member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG12 is a partial view of position A in FIG11;

[0050] FIG13 is a second connection diagram of the second connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG14 is a second cross-sectional view of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG15 is a partial view of position B in FIG14;

[0053] FIG16 is an exploded view of a material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG17 is a third cross-sectional view of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG18 is a partial view of position C in FIG17 .

[0056] Description of reference numerals:

[0057] 10-Material box;

[0058] 100 - box body; 101 - first avoidance opening; 102 - second avoidance opening; 110 - slot; 111 - first plug-in wall; 112 - second plug-in wall;

[0059] 200 - first connecting member; 201 - groove portion; 210 - plug-in portion; 220 - blocking portion; 221 - receiving groove; 230 - connecting portion;

[0060] 300 - second connecting member; 301 - hook portion; 310 - first extension section; 320 - second extension section; 330 - third extension section;

[0061] 400-reinforcement piece; 410-first reinforcement section; 420-second reinforcement section;

[0062] 500- pad;

[0063] 600-plug-in board; 610-first plug-in section; 620-second plug-in section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art may adjust them as needed to suit specific applications.

[0066] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", "inside", and "outside" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0067] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0068] Various types of robots are widely used in various fields such as industry and daily life, and robots play an important role in industries such as transportation and logistics. In warehousing and logistics systems, goods are usually stored on shelves. Robots pick up and place goods by docking with shelves or conveyor lines, and can also transport goods. Each storage space on the shelf can store one or more material boxes. In storage spaces with a certain depth and that can store multiple material boxes, the multiple material boxes are independent of each other. When picking up and placing material boxes, it is necessary to first remove the material box at the opening, and then pick up and place other material boxes inside the storage space. In addition, because the robot that picks up and places goods needs to reach into the storage space to pick up and place the material boxes, space must be reserved in the storage space for the robot to operate.

[0069] However, when material boxes are currently stored deep on shelves, they are independent of each other and require reserved space for picking and placing goods so that the robot's shelf can extend into the shelf's storage area to pick and place material boxes deep in the storage area, resulting in low storage density of the shelf.

[0070] In response to the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a material box, shelf and storage system, in which the material boxes can be connected to each other, so that when taking and placing material boxes, multiple material boxes can be moved by pulling or pushing, and the material boxes are detachably connected to each other, so the robot does not need to reach deep into the storage space to take and place material boxes. In this way, the space design of the shelf can be more compact, thereby improving space utilization and storage density.

[0071] To facilitate understanding, the application scenarios of the material boxes, shelves, and storage systems provided in the embodiments of the present application are first described.

[0072] The material boxes provided in this embodiment can be stored on shelves, and the shelves are set in a warehousing system, wherein the warehousing system can be applied to product storage of industrial production lines, warehousing and outbound of manufacturing inventory products, warehousing and outbound of retail products, and can also be applied to different fields such as express warehousing and outbound and sorting of e-commerce logistics. The products or goods that can be stored in the material boxes can be industrial parts, electronic accessories or products, medicines, clothing accessories, food, books, etc., and this embodiment of the application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0073] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram 1 of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram 2 of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view 1 of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the material boxes provided in an embodiment of the present application being connected to each other.

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, an embodiment of the present application provides a material box 10 having a storage cavity for storing goods. The material box 10 can be stored on a shelf in a warehousing system, and a shelf can accommodate multiple material boxes 10. The multiple material boxes 10 are detachably connected. When retrieving or placing a target material box 10, the multiple connected material boxes 10 can be dragged and moved synchronously. After the target material box 10 is removed from the shelf, it can be separated from the other material boxes 10 to complete the retrieval operation.

[0075] It is understandable that the storage location of the shelf for storing material boxes 10 has a certain depth, that is, multiple interconnected material boxes 10 are connected and arranged in sequence from the entrance of the storage location to the interior of the storage location. Therefore, when taking out the material box 10 located at the entrance of the storage location, when the material box 10 at the entrance of the storage location moves out of the storage location, another material box 10 adjacent to and connected to it will follow and move to the entrance of the storage location. In this way, it can be ensured that after each take-out, the material boxes 10 in the storage location are always arranged from the entrance of the storage location to the inside, that is, it can be ensured that the material box 10 can be taken out from the entrance of the storage location each time the material is taken out without having to reach into the interior of the storage location. Accordingly, when placing the material box 10 into the storage location of the shelf, the material boxes 10 already in the storage location can be pushed to move synchronously into the storage location, so that the material box 10 just placed in the storage location is located at the entrance of the storage location.

[0076] In some embodiments, the material box 10 includes a box body 100, a first connector 200, and a second connector 300. The first connector 200 is disposed at the bottom of at least one side wall of the box body 100, and the second connector 300 is disposed at the bottom of at least one side wall of the box body 100. The first connector 200 and the second connector 300 can be disposed on the same side or different sides of the box body 100. For example, the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 can be disposed at opposite ends of the length of the box body 100. In this way, when two material boxes 10 are arranged adjacent to each other, the first connector 200 of one material box 10 can connect to the second connector 300 of the other material box 10, and when one material box 10 is dragged to move, the other material box 10 will also move synchronously.

[0077] The first connector 200 and the sidewall of the box body 100 form at least one groove 201, and the second connector 300 has at least one hook 301. Multiple material boxes 10 can be connected sequentially, with the hooks 301 and grooves 201 of adjacent material boxes 10 interlocking. When multiple material boxes 10 are interlocked, they can be arranged in a straight line. When a material box 10 at the end of the arrangement is pulled or pushed in the direction of the arrangement, it will move all the interlocking material boxes 10 together.

[0078] It is understandable that when a target material box 10 needs to be separated from other material boxes 10, it is only necessary to lift the corresponding target material box 10 to separate the material box 10 from another adjacent material box 10, that is, to unhook the first connecting piece 200 and the second connecting piece 300 of the two material boxes 10.

[0079] When a target material box 10 needs to be connected with another material box 10 from a separated state, the two material boxes 10 can be abutted first, and then the target material box 10 can be lowered so that the first connecting parts 200 and the second connecting parts 300 of the two material boxes 10 are docked with each other, thereby connecting the two material boxes 10 to each other.

[0080] It should be noted that when multiple material boxes 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application are stored in a storage location at the same time, adjacent material boxes 10 can be connected to each other. When taking and placing material boxes 10, multiple material boxes 10 connected in sequence can be dragged and moved at the same time, thereby improving space utilization and shelf storage density.

[0081] In addition, the top of the material box 10 is open to facilitate the placement or removal of goods, and the first connecting member 200 and the second connecting member 300 are both arranged at the bottom of the material box 10. In this way, when multiple material boxes 10 are dragged to move synchronously, the structure in which the first connecting member 200 and the second connecting member 300 are hooked together has a stronger load-bearing ability, and the material box 10 is not easily deformed.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, when multiple material boxes 10 are arranged and connected in sequence, the number of material boxes 10 can be two, three, four, five or more, and the embodiment of the present application does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0083] 1 to 4 , in some embodiments, the notch of the groove portion 201 faces the top of the box body 100 , and the hook portion 301 faces the bottom of the box body 100 , so that two adjacent material boxes 10 can be connected or separated by lifting and lowering, thereby improving the convenience of the picking operation.

[0084] It can be understood that when storing in the storage space of the shelf, multiple material boxes 10 can be arranged in the horizontal direction, and when separating the target material box 10 from another adjacent material box 10, it is only necessary to lift the target material box 10 in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the multiple material boxes 10, so that the hook portion 301 of the target material box 10 can be separated from the groove portion 201 of the other material box 10, so that the two material boxes 10 are separated from each other.

[0085] Accordingly, when hooking and docking a target material box 10 with another material box 10, after the two material boxes 10 are in contact, the target material box 10 can be lowered in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement of the multiple material boxes 10. This will allow the hook portion 301 of the target material box 10 to hook with the other material box 10, thus connecting the two material boxes 10 together. In this way, when taking and placing the material boxes 10, there will be no interference or disruption to the shelf structure where the material boxes 10 are stored, thereby improving the convenience of the taking and placing operation.

[0086] The specific structures of the first connecting member 200 and the second connecting member 300 and the box body 100, as well as the specific connection method with the box body 100 will be described in detail below.

[0087] FIG5 is a first connection diagram of the first connecting member in the material box according to an embodiment of the present application, and FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of the position of the first connecting member in the material box according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0088] 5 and 6 , in combination with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the first connector 200 and the box body 100 may be an integrally formed part, thereby improving the manufacturing convenience of the material box 10 and reducing product costs.

[0089] For example, the box body 100 can be made of plastic, and the first connector 200 can be integrally injection molded during the production of the box body 100, and the groove portion 201 is formed during the integral injection molding. In addition, the sidewalls of the first connector 200 can be provided with reinforcing ribs to improve the structural strength of the first connector 200.

[0090] FIG7 is a first connection diagram of the second connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0091] 7 , in some embodiments, the second connecting member 300 and the box body 100 may be integrally formed, thereby improving the manufacturing convenience of the material box 10 and reducing product costs.

[0092] For example, the housing 100 can be made of plastic, and the second connector 300 can be integrally injection-molded during the manufacture of the housing 100. The hook portion 301 is formed during the integral injection molding process. Reinforcement ribs can be provided between the second connector 300 and the housing 100 to increase the structural strength of the second connector 300 and thereby increase the load-bearing capacity of the hook portion 301. Alternatively, the housing 100 can be made of plastic, and the second connector 300 can be made of metal. The hook portion 301 is formed on the second connector 300. During the injection molding process of the housing 100, a portion of the second connector 300 is overmolded within the housing 100, forming the second connector 300 and the housing 100 as a single unit.

[0093] It should be noted that, in addition to being integrally connected to the housing 100, the first connector 200 and the second connector 300 can also be detachably connected to the housing 100. In a specific implementation, either the first connector 200 or the second connector 300 can be integrally connected or detachably connected, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this.

[0094] The detachable connection between the first connecting member 200 and the box body 100 is described in detail below.

[0095] FIG8 is a second connection diagram of the first connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0096] Referring to Figure 8 , in some embodiments, the first connector 200 may include an inserting portion 210 and a retaining portion 220, with the retaining portion 220 connected to the inserting portion 210. A slot 110 may be defined on the sidewall of the first end of the housing 100. The inserting portion 210 abuts against the sidewall of the slot 110, and the retaining portion 220 and the slot 110 enclose a groove 201. This allows for accurate positioning of the first connector 200 and improves the reliability of the connection between the first connector 200 and the housing 100.

[0097] It is understandable that there is a distance between the enclosure portion 220 and the outer side wall of the box body 100 , that is, the enclosure portion 220 and the slot 110 are arranged to form the groove portion 201 . The plug-in portion 210 is connected to the side of the enclosure portion 220 .

[0098] For example, there may be two plug-in portions 210, and the slot 110 has a first plug-in wall 111 and a second plug-in wall 112 disposed opposite each other. The first connector 200 is inserted into the slot 110, and the plug-in portions 210 on both sides of the enclosure 220 respectively abut against the first plug-in wall 111 and the second plug-in wall 112. The plug-in portions 210 may be connected to the housing 100 using fasteners such as screws or bolts, or may be connected to the housing 100 by snap-fitting, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0099] It should be noted that the first connecting member 200 can be made of metal or alloy materials such as iron, aluminum, sheet metal, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific material of the first connecting member 200.

[0100] FIG9 is a third connection diagram of the first connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0101] Referring to Figure 9 , in some embodiments, the first connector 200 may include a connecting portion 230 and a retaining portion 220 , wherein the retaining portion 220 is connected to the connecting portion 230 . A connecting surface is provided on the sidewall of the housing 100 , and the connecting surface is provided with a connecting hole. The connecting portion 230 is provided with a through hole. The connecting portion 230 abuts the connecting surface and is connected to the connecting hole via a fastener passing through the through hole. The retaining portion 220 and the sidewall of the housing 100 enclose a groove 201 .

[0102] It is understood that there may be two connecting portions 230, connected at both ends of the enclosure portion 220, so that the first connector 200 forms a strip-shaped plate structure, and the connecting surface may be protruding from the side wall of the box body 100, with a gap formed between the enclosure portion 220 and the side wall of the box body 100 to form the groove portion 201. In this way, the connecting portion 230 can be attached to the connecting surface and connected to the box body 100 via fasteners such as screws or bolts, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the first connector 200 and the box body 100.

[0103] Exemplarily, there may be multiple through holes on the connecting portion 230, and the connecting holes on the connecting surface may be threaded holes. There may also be multiple connecting holes, and the connecting holes on the connecting surface are arranged one-to-one with the through holes on the connecting portion 230 to improve the reliability of the connection between the first connecting member 200 and the box body 100.

[0104] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the connection of the reinforcement members in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application provided with the reinforcement members, and Figure 12 is a partial view of position A in Figure 11.

[0105] 10 to 12 , in some embodiments, the material box 10 may further include a reinforcing piece 400 , which is disposed corresponding to the groove portion 201 ; the reinforcing piece 400 is at least partially inserted into the groove portion 201 , thereby increasing the structural strength of the groove portion 201 and improving the ability of the material box 10 to withstand tension when the material box 10 is dragged.

[0106] Among them, the reinforcement piece 400 may include a first reinforcement section 410 and a second reinforcement section 420. The first reinforcement section 410 can be connected to the bottom wall of the box body 100, and the second reinforcement section 420 can be inserted into the groove portion 201 and connected to the inner wall of the groove portion 201, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the reinforcement piece 400 and the box body 100.

[0107] Illustratively, the enclosing portion 220 of the first connecting member 200 constitutes a side wall of the groove portion 201 , and a receiving groove 221 is provided on the enclosing portion 220 , and the second reinforcing section 420 can be inserted into the receiving groove 221 .

[0108] For example, the reinforcing member 400 can be L-shaped, with the first reinforcing section 410 and the second reinforcing section 420 being perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the first reinforcing section 410 can be connected to the bottom wall of the box body 100 via bolts or other fasteners. The second reinforcing section 420 can also be connected to the inner wall of the groove portion 201 via bolts or other fasteners.

[0109] It should be noted that the reinforcing member 400 may be made of metal or alloy materials such as iron, aluminum, sheet metal, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific material of the reinforcing member 400.

[0110] The first connecting member 200 may or may not exceed the length of the original box body 100 .

[0111] FIG13 is a second connection diagram of the second connecting member in the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] Referring to Figure 13 , in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, grooves 201 may be provided on both longitudinal sidewalls of the housing 100. A second connector 300 engages with one of the grooves 201 at either end of the housing 100 and is removably connected to the sidewall of the housing 100. The second connector 300 at least partially extends beyond the retaining portion 220 and forms a hook portion 301, allowing the second connector 300 to be selectively installed at either end of the housing 100, achieving reversible installation.

[0113] It can be understood that when the second connecting member 300 is not provided in the groove portion 201 at both ends of the material box 10, only the groove portion 201 is provided at both ends of the material box 10, so that the two ends of the material box 10 are symmetrical to each other, so that the material box 10 can be used as a single-depth material box 10 regardless of the front and back, wherein the single-depth material box 10 refers to the material box 10 in each storage position of the shelf being stored independently.

[0114] The specific structure of the second connecting member 300 and the specific detachable connection method with the box body 100 are described in detail below.

[0115] Figure 14 is a second cross-sectional view of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 15 is a partial view of position B in Figure 14, and Figure 16 is an exploded view of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0116] Please refer to Figures 14 to 16. In some embodiments, the second connecting member 300 may include a first extension section 310, a second extension section 320 and a third extension section 330. The first extension section 310 is connected to the side wall of the box body 100; the second extension section 320 is connected to the first extension section 310 and extends away from the side wall of the box body 100; the third extension section 330 is connected to one end of the second extension section 320 away from the first extension section 310, and the third extension section 330 extends toward the bottom of the box body 100 to form a hook portion 301.

[0117] It is understood that the first extension section 310, the second extension section 320, and the third extension section 330 form a "U"-shaped structure for the second connector 300. When the second connector 300 is mounted on the housing 100, the opening of the second connector 300 faces downward, forming a hook portion 301. This can also improve the structural strength of the hook portion 301 formed by the second connector 300.

[0118] Continuing with reference to Figures 13 to 16 , in a first possible implementation, the material box 10 may further include a backing plate 500, with the first extension section 310 positioned between the backing plate 500 and the sidewall of the box body 100. The backing plate 500 is provided with a connection hole, and both the first extension section 310 and the sidewall of the box body 100 are provided with through holes. The material box 10 may further include a fastener, which sequentially passes through the through holes in the sidewall of the box body 100 and the first extension section 310 and connects with the connection hole in the backing plate 500, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the second connector 300 and the box body 100.

[0119] It is understood that the backing plate 500 can be connected to the first extension section 310 to form a single unit, thereby improving the structural strength of the second connector 300 when installed on the side wall of the box body 100. In addition, both ends of the box body 100 can be provided with grooves 201, the backing plate 500 can be disposed in the grooves 201, and the first extension section 310 can be inserted into the grooves 201 to connect with the backing plate 500.

[0120] FIG17 is a third cross-sectional view of the material box provided in an embodiment of the present application, and FIG18 is a partial view of position C in FIG17 .

[0121] Referring to Figures 17 and 18 , in a second possible implementation, the material box 10 may further include a plug-in board 600. The plug-in board 600 may include a first plug-in section 610 and a second plug-in section 620. The first plug-in section 610 abuts against the bottom wall of the box body 100. A first avoidance opening 101 is provided at the edge of the bottom wall of the box body 100. The second plug-in section 620 is connected to the first plug-in section 610 and extends through the first avoidance opening 101 to the side of the box body 100. The first extension section 310 is connected to the second plug-in section 620, thereby improving the structural strength of the connection between the second connector 300 and the box body 100.

[0122] It can be understood that groove portions 201 can be provided at both ends of the box body 100, and the first avoidance opening 101 can be provided at the bottom of the groove portion 201. The first plug-in section 610 and the second plug-in section 620 form an "L"-shaped structure. The second plug-in section 620 passes through the first avoidance opening 101 and is inserted into the groove portion 201. The first extension section 310 is inserted into the groove and connected with the second plug-in section 620. The first plug-in section 610 abuts against the bottom wall of the box body 100, which can prevent the first extension section 310 of the second connecting member 300 from escaping from the groove portion 201, limit and fix the second connecting member 300, and improve the reliability of the fixation of the second connecting member 300 to the box body 100.

[0123] Illustratively, the side wall of the box body 100 is provided with a second avoidance opening 102, and the second plug-in section 620 is provided with a connecting hole; a through hole is provided on the first extension section 310, and the material box 10 may further include a fastener, which passes through the through hole and is connected to the connecting hole; the second avoidance opening 102 is opposite to the connecting hole and the through hole, thereby improving the convenience of assembling the second connector 300 and the plug-in board 600.

[0124] In addition, there may be multiple second plug-in sections 620 , which are arranged at intervals and are all connected to the first extension section 310 , thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the plug-in board 600 and the second connector 300 .

[0125] In the above various embodiments, the four walls of the box can be respectively configured as foldable structures.

[0126] The present application also provides a shelf having at least one storage layer, each layer having at least one storage location, each location configured to store at least two of the aforementioned material boxes, wherein the material boxes are arranged sequentially from an entrance of the storage location toward a direction within the storage location away from the entrance and are detachably connected. The material boxes can be retrieved and placed by a retrieval device, which can be a robot.

[0127] Since the material boxes in the same storage location are arranged from the entrance of the storage location to the inside along the depth direction of the storage location, and adjacent material boxes are connected to each other, and when the robot docks with the storage location, it can obtain the material box at the entrance of the storage location, or place the material box at the entrance of the storage location. Therefore, when the robot drags the entrance material box from the entrance of the storage location, the remaining material boxes in the storage location will be driven to move one material box's position toward the entrance, so that the next time the material box is obtained, the material boxes in the storage location will still be arranged from the entrance of the storage location to the inside. Correspondingly, when the robot places a material box at the entrance of the storage location, it will push the existing material boxes in the storage location to move one material box's position toward the inside of the storage location.

[0128] The present application also provides a warehousing system including a retrieval device and the shelf described in the above technical solution. The retrieval device includes at least one fork mechanism. The fork mechanism is configured to, when the retrieval device reaches a corresponding location on the shelf, retrieve a material box from the single location, or, when the fork mechanism retrieves a material box at the location's entrance, move other material boxes within the location toward the location's entrance. A single location is a location that stores only one material box.

[0129] Among them, the picking and placing equipment is used in the warehousing system. It can move between the shelves of the warehousing system and obtain material boxes from the shelves or place material boxes on the shelves, playing the role of picking and placing and transferring material boxes.

[0130] It is understandable that the fork device can take the material box in the storage location of the shelf into the fork device, or put the material box on the storage location of the shelf.

[0131] It should be noted that the warehousing system provided in the embodiment of the present application can include all the technical solutions and technical effects of the above-mentioned material boxes, which will not be repeated here.

[0132] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A material box, characterized in that, The material box includes a box body, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The first connecting member is disposed at the bottom of at least one side wall of the box body, and the second connecting member is disposed at the bottom of at least one side wall of the box body; The first connecting member and the side wall of the box body enclose at least one groove portion, and the second connecting member has at least one hook portion.

2. The material box according to claim 1, wherein The notch of the groove portion faces the top of the box body, and the hook portion faces the bottom of the box body.

3. The material box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting member and the box body are integrally formed; and / or, the second connecting member and the box body are integrally formed.

4. The material box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting member includes a plugging portion and a surrounding portion. The surrounding portion is connected to the plugging portion; a slot is provided on the side wall of the box body, the plugging portion abuts against the side wall of the slot, and the surrounding portion and the slot enclose the groove portion.

5. The material box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting member includes a connecting portion and a surrounding portion. The surrounding portion is connected to the connecting portion; a connecting surface is provided on the side wall of the box body, a connecting hole is provided on the connecting surface, a through hole is provided on the connecting portion, the connecting portion abuts against the connecting surface, and is connected to the connecting hole through a fastener passing through the through hole; the surrounding portion and the side wall of the box body enclose the groove portion.

6. The material box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The material box further includes a reinforcing member, and the reinforcing member is disposed opposite to the groove portion; at least a part of the reinforcing member is plugged into the groove portion.

7. The material box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reinforcing member includes a first reinforcing section and a second reinforcing section. The first reinforcing section is connected to the bottom wall of the box body, and the second reinforcing section is plugged into the groove portion and is connected to the inner wall of the groove portion.

8. The material box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that One of the second connecting member and the groove portion is plugged, and is detachably connected to the side wall of the box body; at least a part of the second connecting member extends out of the groove portion and forms the hook portion.

9. The material box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connecting member includes a first extension section, a second extension section, and a third extension section. The first extension section is connected to the side wall of the box body; the second extension section is connected to the first extension section and extends away from the side wall of the box body; the third extension section is connected to one end of the second extension section facing away from the first extension section, and the third extension section extends towards the bottom of the box body to form the hook portion.

10. The material box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The material box further includes a backing plate. The first extension section is located between the backing plate and the side wall of the box body; the backing plate is provided with a connecting hole, through holes are provided on both the first extension section and the side wall of the box body. The material box further includes a fastener, and the fastener sequentially passes through the through holes on the side wall of the box body and the first extension section, and is connected to the connecting hole on the backing plate.

11. The material box according to claim 9, wherein, The material box further includes a plugging plate. The plugging plate includes a first plugging section and a second plugging section. The first plugging section abuts against the bottom wall of the box body, a first avoidance opening is provided at the edge of the bottom wall of the box body, the second plugging section is connected to the first plugging section and passes through the first avoidance opening and extends to the side of the box body; the first extension section is connected to the second plugging section.

12. The material box according to claim 11, wherein, The side wall of the box body is provided with a second avoidance opening, and the second insertion section is provided with a connection hole; a through hole is provided on the first extension section, and the material box further includes a fastener, and the fastener passes through the through hole and is connected to the connection hole; the second avoidance opening is opposite to the connection hole and the through hole.

13. A shelf, characterized in that, The shelf has at least one storage layer, the storage layer has at least one storage location, and the storage location is configured to store at least two of the material boxes described in any one of claims 1-12.

14. A warehousing system, characterized in that, It includes a loading and unloading device and the shelf described in claim 13. The loading and unloading device includes at least one fork device. The fork device is configured to obtain the material box of a single storage location when the loading and unloading device reaches the corresponding storage location of the shelf, or drive the other material boxes in the storage location to move towards the entrance of the storage location when the fork device obtains the material box at the entrance of the storage location.

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