Warehousing system and control method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a warehousing system and its control method. The warehousing system includes a workstation area, a mobile vehicle docking area, a multi-functional area, and container loading and unloading equipment. The workstation area includes at least one picking station. The mobile vehicle docking area is configured to dock mobile vehicles. The multi-functional area includes at least one storage unit configured to store containers transferred from the picking station or the mobile vehicle. The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to transfer containers between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area. This warehousing system pre-buffers containers that meet preset conditions in the multi-functional area. When a picking order related to these preset conditions is received, there is no need to call the automated handling equipment. The container loading and unloading equipment simply transfers the corresponding container from the multi-functional area to the picking station. After picking is completed, the container loading and unloading equipment returns the container to the multi-functional area, reducing the workload of the automated handling equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of warehousing and logistics technology, and in particular to a warehousing system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing development of e-commerce, automated cargo handling technology in warehousing and logistics is also becoming increasingly mature.

[0003] Currently, the warehousing system includes at least mobile carriers and picking stations for automated handling equipment on mobile carriers; the mobile carriers are temporarily stored in the rack storage area of ​​the warehouse, and the picking stations are set up in the goods picking area of ​​the warehouse.

[0004] Once the picking station receives the order information, it calls the automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier containing the target goods in the order information from the mobile carrier storage area to the picking station, and then controls the container loading and unloading equipment to move the target container on the mobile carrier to the picking station.

[0005] Therefore, it can be seen that when the picking station receives each order information, it will call the automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier containing the target container to the picking station. The automated handling equipment needs to be on standby at all times to move the mobile carrier.

[0006] Therefore, how to reduce the number of times mobile vehicles are handled by automated handling equipment is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a warehousing system.

[0008] The warehousing system of the present invention includes:

[0009] A workstation area, the workstation area including at least one picking station;

[0010] A mobile vehicle docking area, which is configured for docking mobile vehicles;

[0011] A multi-functional area, the multi-functional area including at least one storage location configured to store containers transferred from the picking station or the mobile carrier;

[0012] A container loading and unloading device configured to transfer containers between a workstation area, a mobile vehicle docking area, and a multi-functional area.

[0013] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the multifunctional area is located above, below, or beside the picking station.

[0014] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the storage location is configured to store a container in which the demand frequency of goods within a preset time period exceeds a demand frequency threshold.

[0015] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the storage location of the multi-functional area is configured to store containers, the goods in the containers being associated with designated goods.

[0016] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the multi-functional area is configured to store containers in which goods have been picked and the container loading and unloading equipment is not available to transfer the containers.

[0017] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the multi-functional area is configured to store containers whose goods have been picked and whose mobile carriers have not yet arrived at the mobile carrier docking area.

[0018] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the multi-functional area is configured to store containers in which goods have been picked and which have been matched in a pending order.

[0019] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment is further configured to perform tallying operations.

[0020] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, during a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the first container is greater than that of the goods in the second container, and the position of the second container on the mobile carrier is more convenient for retrieval and placement compared to the first container;

[0021] The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to move the second container from the movable carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage, transfer the first container from its current position to the original position of the second container, and transfer the second container from the multi-functional area to the original position of the first container.

[0022] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, when the demand frequency of goods in the container exceeds a demand frequency threshold within a preset time period;

[0023] The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to transfer the container from a current mobile vehicle to a new mobile vehicle, which is configured specifically for storing containers for goods whose demand frequency exceeds a demand frequency threshold within a preset time period.

[0024] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment is configured to return empty containers to a movable carrier for storing empty containers or to the multifunctional area.

[0025] In one embodiment of the storage system of the present invention, the multifunctional area includes a plurality of storage positions, which are arranged at intervals along the height direction, at intervals along the horizontal direction, or at intervals in a mixed manner in the height and horizontal directions.

[0026] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the warehousing system further includes an automated handling device configured to transport the mobile vehicle into or out of the mobile vehicle docking area.

[0027] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the warehousing system includes a plurality of picking stations, which are arranged at intervals along a horizontal direction.

[0028] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the picking station includes a first support frame and a first guide mechanism disposed on the first support frame, the first guide mechanism being configured to assist the container loading and unloading equipment in picking up and placing containers.

[0029] In one embodiment of the storage system of the present invention, the multi-functional area includes a second support frame and a second guide mechanism disposed on the second support frame, the second guide mechanism being configured to assist the container loading and unloading equipment in picking up and placing containers.

[0030] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment includes a gantry and a loading and unloading assembly, the loading and unloading assembly being disposed on the gantry and configured to be movable relative to the gantry in the X-axis and Y-axis directions; or,

[0031] The loading / unloading assembly is configured to move relative to the gantry along the Z-axis and Y-axis directions; or...

[0032] The loading and unloading assembly is configured to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0033] The vertical distance between the picking station and the movable carrier is denoted as the Y-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis in the horizontal plane is denoted as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane is denoted as the Z-axis direction.

[0034] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the loading and unloading assembly is configured to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and the container loading and unloading equipment further includes:

[0035] A movable column is mounted on the gantry and configured to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis direction under the control of an X-axis drive mechanism;

[0036] The loading and unloading assembly is mounted on the movable column and is configured to move relative to the movable column along the Z-axis direction under the control of the Z-axis drive mechanism.

[0037] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the loading and unloading assembly includes:

[0038] The base is mounted on the movable column;

[0039] A loading and unloading device is disposed on the base and configured to be controlled by a Y-axis drive mechanism to move relative to the base in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] In one embodiment of the warehousing system of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment further includes:

[0041] An X-axis guide mechanism is disposed on the gantry and configured to guide the movable column to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis direction; and / or,

[0042] A Z-axis guide mechanism is provided on the movable column and is configured to guide the loading and unloading assembly to move relative to the movable column along the Z-axis direction.

[0043] On the other hand, the present invention provides a control method for a warehousing system, characterized in that the warehousing system is as described above, and the control method includes the following steps:

[0044] Based on preset attributes, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer target containers that meet the preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area.

[0045] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0046] When the demand frequency of the goods in the container exceeds the demand frequency threshold within a preset time period, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the container from the mobile vehicle in the mobile vehicle docking area to the multi-functional area.

[0047] When an instruction to pick the goods is received, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station.

[0048] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0049] When the first container contains items associated with the designated goods, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0050] When an instruction to pick the specified goods is received, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from the multi-functional area to the picking station;

[0051] The container loading and unloading equipment transfers a second container containing designated goods from a mobile vehicle in the mobile vehicle docking area to the picking station.

[0052] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the control method includes:

[0053] When the goods have been picked and the container loading and unloading equipment is not available, the containers of the goods are stored in the multi-functional area.

[0054] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0055] When the picking is completed and the mobile carrier for placing the container has not yet arrived at the mobile carrier docking area, the container loading and unloading equipment stores the container in the multi-functional area.

[0056] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0057] When the container loading and unloading equipment is idle, the container loading and unloading equipment performs cargo handling operations.

[0058] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the method for the container loading and unloading equipment to perform tallying operations includes the following steps:

[0059] Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the first container is greater than that of the goods in the second container, and when the second container is more convenient to pick up and put down on the mobile carrier compared to the first container, the container loading and unloading equipment will move the second container from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0060] The container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from its current location to the original location of the second container;

[0061] The container loading and unloading equipment transfers the second container from the multi-functional area to the original position of the first container.

[0062] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the method for the container loading and unloading equipment to perform tallying operations includes the following steps:

[0063] Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of goods in the container exceeds a demand frequency threshold, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the current mobile carrier to a new mobile carrier, which is configured specifically for storing containers whose demand frequency exceeds the demand frequency threshold within the preset time period.

[0064] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the method for the container loading and unloading equipment to perform tallying operations includes the following steps:

[0065] Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the container exceeds a preset threshold, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to a new mobile carrier. The new mobile carrier is specifically used to store containers whose demand frequency exceeds the demand frequency threshold within the preset time period.

[0066] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0067] When the multi-functional area contains empty containers and receives an instruction to put the entire case on the shelf or an alarm indicating insufficient external container supply, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the empty containers in the multi-functional area to the picking station.

[0068] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0069] When a container is empty after picking, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the empty container from the picking station to a new mobile carrier configured specifically for storing empty containers.

[0070] In one embodiment of the control method of the present invention, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps:

[0071] After the goods in the container have been picked, determine whether the order to be picked has matched the goods;

[0072] If the order to be picked matches the goods, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the container from the picking station to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0073] Upon receiving an instruction from the order to be picked that has matched the goods, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station.

[0074] The warehousing system of the present invention includes a workstation area, a mobile vehicle docking area, a multi-functional area, and container loading and unloading equipment. The workstation area includes at least one picking station; the mobile vehicle docking area is configured for docking mobile vehicles; the multi-functional area includes at least one storage location configured for storing containers transferred from the picking station or the mobile vehicle; and the container loading and unloading equipment is configured to transfer containers between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area.

[0075] This warehousing system can pre-cause containers that meet preset conditions in the multi-functional area based on information such as the demand frequency of the target goods on the order. When a picking order related to the preset conditions is received, there is no need to call the automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier containing the corresponding container. The container loading and unloading equipment only needs to transfer the corresponding container from the multi-functional area to the picking station. After picking is completed, the container loading and unloading equipment can put the container back in the multi-functional area, which can reduce the workload of the automated handling equipment.

[0076] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0077] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0078] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a specific embodiment of the warehousing system provided by the present invention;

[0079] Figures 2 to 4 They are Figure 1 The front view, side view, and top view of the warehouse system shown;

[0080] Figures 5 to 7 These are schematic diagrams illustrating the control flow of three embodiments of the control method for the warehousing system of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 1 and Figure 4 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals in the figures is as follows:

[0082] Picking station: 10 First support, 11 First left side plate, 12 First right side plate, 13 First roller;

[0083] Mobile vehicle docking area: 20 mobile vehicles;

[0084] Multifunctional area: 30 Second support, 31 Second left side upright plate, 32 Second right side upright plate, 33 Second roller;

[0085] Container loading and unloading equipment: 40 base, 41 left side column, 42 right side column, 43 crossbeam, 44 movable column, 45 loading and unloading assembly, 450 base, 451 loading and unloading device. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0087] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its application or use.

[0088] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0089] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0090] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0091] Currently, when the existing warehousing system receives an order, it calls upon automated handling equipment (AWTA). The AWTA then transfers a mobile carrier from the mobile carrier storage area to the picking station. This mobile carrier holds containers containing the goods from the order. Container handling equipment then moves the container from the mobile carrier to the picking station for picking. After the worker has finished picking, the container handling equipment returns the container to the mobile carrier. Finally, the AWTA transfers the mobile carrier from the mobile carrier docking area back to the mobile carrier storage area.

[0092] It is evident that existing warehousing systems require calling the corresponding mobile carrier when receiving each picking order, resulting in a significant workload for automated handling equipment.

[0093] To this end, the present invention provides a warehousing system comprising a workstation area, a mobile vehicle docking area, a multi-functional area, and container loading and unloading equipment. The workstation area includes picking stations; the mobile vehicle docking area is configured for docking mobile vehicles; the multi-functional area is configured for storing containers transferred from the picking stations or mobile vehicles; and the container loading and unloading equipment is configured to transfer containers between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area.

[0094] It should be noted that the mobile carriers in the warehousing system of this invention do not only include mobile carriers in the traditional sense, but also include pallets, material storage racks, or other forms of devices capable of storing goods. The mobile carriers can move between different areas of the warehouse using automated handling equipment or other mobile devices.

[0095] Accordingly, the automated handling equipment used for moving mobile vehicles in this invention is not an automated handling equipment for moving traditional mobile vehicles, but any equipment capable of moving mobile vehicles.

[0096] In addition, the containers in this invention include cargo boxes, pallets, trays, pallet storage racks, etc. Among them, cargo boxes include storage boxes and other boxes that can be used to store different kinds of goods, as well as special boxes such as shoe boxes used to store specific goods. In terms of materials, cargo boxes can be cardboard boxes, plastic boxes, and iron boxes, etc.

[0097] This warehousing system can pre-cause containers that meet preset conditions in a multi-functional area based on information such as the frequency of demand for goods within a preset time period. When a picking order related to these preset conditions is received, there is no need to call automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier containing the corresponding containers. The container handling equipment only needs to transfer the corresponding containers from the multi-functional area to the picking station. After picking is completed, the container handling equipment simply returns the container to the multi-functional area, thus reducing the workload of automated handling equipment. Furthermore, since the multi-functional area is located above the picking station, the container handling equipment can quickly transfer containers, greatly improving picking efficiency.

[0098] To facilitate better understanding, the following will be combined with... Figures 1 to 4 The specific structure and working principle of the warehousing system will be described in detail using a specific embodiment as an example. It should be noted that, for clarity, ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish containers in the following text, and these ordinal numbers do not limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0099] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the warehousing system includes a workstation area, a mobile vehicle docking area, a multi-functional area, and container loading and unloading equipment. For a better understanding of the specific structure of the warehousing system, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 2 to 4 .

[0100] The workstation area includes at least one picking station configured to hold containers so that workers or picking robots can pick out goods that meet the order requirements from the containers and then place the goods onto automated handling equipment or conveyor belts.

[0101] The picking station includes a first support frame and a first guide mechanism mounted on the first support frame. The first guide mechanism is configured to assist container loading and unloading equipment in picking up and placing containers.

[0102] In detail, the first support frame includes a first bracket 10, a first left side upright plate 11, and a first right side upright plate 12; wherein the first left side upright plate 11 and the first right side upright plate 12 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart on the first bracket 10. The function of the first bracket 10 is to raise the first left side upright plate 11 and the first right side upright plate 12 to a certain height above the ground to facilitate the picking of goods by workers or picking robots.

[0103] The first guiding mechanism includes a plurality of first rollers 13, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart in a rotatable manner between the first left side plate 11 and the first right side plate 12.

[0104] When the container loading and unloading equipment places the container at the picking station, if the staff or picking robot thinks that the current position of the container is not convenient for picking operations, they can use the rolling characteristics of the first guiding mechanism to push the container from the current position to a position that is easier to operate with a small force.

[0105] The mobile vehicle docking area is located relatively close to the picking station, and the mobile vehicle docking area can accommodate at least two mobile vehicles 20 so that the warehousing system can quickly pick more types or quantities of goods per unit time.

[0106] See also Figure 1 In this embodiment, the warehousing system of this application includes multiple picking stations, which are arranged sequentially at intervals along the horizontal direction.

[0107] More specifically, multiple picking stations are arranged at intervals along the X-axis. This arrangement allows the warehousing system to be used simultaneously by multiple workers or picking robots, and those skilled in the art can infinitely expand its applicability according to the application scenario.

[0108] According to other embodiments of this application, the multiple picking stations of this application can also be arranged sequentially at intervals along the Z-axis, so that each picking station is at a different height from the ground, so as to allow workers of different heights to pick, thereby improving the picking comfort of workers and thus improving the picking efficiency of workers.

[0109] According to other embodiments of this application, the multiple picking stations of this application can also be arranged sequentially and spaced along the Y-axis in a horizontal plane, so that multiple workers can pick items face to face.

[0110] See also Figure 1 In this embodiment, the multi-functional area of ​​this application includes multiple storage positions, each storage position including a second support frame and a second guide mechanism disposed on the second support frame. The second guide mechanism is configured to assist container loading and unloading equipment in picking up and placing containers.

[0111] In detail, the second support frame includes a second bracket 30, a second left side upright plate 31, and a second right side upright plate 32; wherein the second left side upright plate 31 and the second right side upright plate 32 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart on the second bracket 30.

[0112] The second guiding mechanism includes a plurality of second rollers 33; wherein the second rollers 33 are arranged in a parallel and spaced manner between the second left side plate 31 and the second right side plate 32 in a rotatable manner.

[0113] The storage location is fixed to the fixed wall of the warehouse by the second bracket 30 or fixed to the picking station by the auxiliary bracket. As long as the multi-functional area is located above the picking station, the idle space above the picking station in the warehouse can be fully utilized.

[0114] According to some other embodiments of this application, the multi-functional area of ​​this application is set below the picking station, and the second bracket 30 can be fixed to the warehouse floor by fasteners such as chemical bolts.

[0115] According to other embodiments of this application, the multi-functional area is located next to the picking station, that is, the multi-functional area is located adjacent to the picking station. Similarly, the second bracket 30 can be fixed to the warehouse floor with fasteners such as chemical bolts.

[0116] Each storage bit in this embodiment can be used to store at least one container. It should also be noted that the above structure is only one implementation of a storage bit; other structures can also be used, as long as they can store containers.

[0117] To improve the storage capacity of the multi-functional area, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the multi-functional area includes multiple storage bits. Some of the storage bits are arranged at intervals along the height direction, while others are arranged at intervals in the same horizontal plane. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple storage bits are arranged at intervals in a mixed manner in both the height and horizontal directions.

[0118] It is understood that the specific number of storage positions depends on the space above the picking station, and those skilled in the art can choose the appropriate number and arrangement based on the actual situation.

[0119] Of course, according to other embodiments of this application, the multiple storage bits of this application are arranged sequentially at intervals only along the height direction, or arranged sequentially at intervals only in the same horizontal plane.

[0120] Combination Figures 1 to 4 In this embodiment, the container loading and unloading equipment includes a gantry and loading and unloading components that move relative to the gantry along the X, Y, and Z axes of a spatial coordinate system. The Y-axis is defined as the vertical distance between the picking station and the movable carrier; the X-axis is defined as the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis in the horizontal plane; and the Z-axis is defined as the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the plane containing the X and Y axes can be understood as the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis as the vertical plane. It should be noted that for a clearer understanding of the relative positions of the X, Y, and Z axes, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 2 to 4 .

[0121] In detail, the gantry includes a base 40, a left column 41, a right column 42, and a crossbeam 43. The base 40 is fixedly installed within the working surface of the workstation area and the mobile vehicle docking area. The left column 41 and the right column 42 are parallel to each other. The crossbeam 43 is parallel to the base 40 and is fixedly connected to the left column 41 and the right column 42. That is to say, these four components are connected in sequence to form a square gantry structure.

[0122] The container loading and unloading equipment includes a movable column 44 located between a left column 41 and a right column 42 and movable relative to the base 40 and the crossbeam 43 in the X-axis direction. A loading and unloading assembly 45 is mounted on the movable column 44 and is controlled by a Z-axis drive mechanism to move along the extension direction of the movable column 44 in order to adjust the displacement of the loading and unloading assembly 45 relative to the movable carrier in the Z-axis direction.

[0123] In addition, the loading and unloading assembly 45 includes a base 450 and a loading and unloading device 451 controlled by a Y-axis drive mechanism to move relative to the base 450 in the Y-axis direction. The base 450 is mounted on the movable column 44 and moves relative to the movable column 44 in the Z-axis direction.

[0124] In some embodiments, the Y-axis drive mechanism can be a cylinder. The cylinder body is fixedly mounted on the base 450, and a loading and unloading device 451 is provided on its piston rod. By controlling the flow direction of the gas in the cylinder body, the piston rod can be driven to move the loading and unloading device 451 reciprocally relative to the cylinder body along the Y-axis direction.

[0125] When the warehousing system receives a picking order, based on the warehousing system's database records, the container loading and unloading equipment determines the specific location (spatial coordinates) of the container on the movable carrier 20, which contains the goods included in the order. The loading and unloading assembly 45 is controlled to move relative to the gantry along the X and Y axes until it is substantially aligned with the target container. Then, the loading and unloading device 451 on the loading and unloading assembly 45 is controlled to move relative to its base 450 along the Y axis to grasp the target container.

[0126] More specifically, in this embodiment, the loading and unloading device 451 is a suction cup, which is connected to the vacuum generating device. When the vacuum generating device is activated, the suction cup will generate an adsorption force, adsorb the material box, and then return to the base.

[0127] When using this type of loading and unloading assembly, there is no need to reserve space between two adjacent bins on the movable carrier 20 for the common fork arm to extend into. The bins can be arranged closely on the movable carrier 20, and the space of the movable carrier 20 can be fully utilized to place the bins.

[0128] According to other embodiments of this application, the loading and unloading components of this application include push-pull loading and unloading components, hook loading and unloading components, fork loading and unloading components, and robotic arms, etc.

[0129] According to some other embodiments of this application, the X-axis drive mechanism of the container loading and unloading equipment of this application may include an X-axis drive motor and an X-axis ball screw nut transmission mechanism. The ball screw of the X-axis ball screw nut transmission mechanism is rotatably connected to the base 40 or the crossbeam 43, and the nut block threadedly connected to it is fixedly connected to the movable column 44. The X-axis drive motor is used to drive the ball screw to rotate relative to the base 40 or the crossbeam 43, and the nut block can drive the movable column 44 to move along the X-axis to adjust the movement of the loading and unloading assembly 45 relative to the gantry in the X-axis direction.

[0130] According to some other embodiments of this application, the X-axis drive mechanism of the container loading and unloading equipment of this application may include an X-axis drive motor and an X-axis gear and rack transmission mechanism. The gear of the X-axis gear and rack transmission mechanism is rotatably connected to the movable column 44, and the rack meshing with it is fixedly connected to the base 40 or the crossbeam 43 and extends along the X-axis direction. The X-axis drive motor is used to rotate the gear relative to the movable column 44, and the gear can drive the movable column 44 to move along the extension direction of the rack to adjust the movement of the loading and unloading assembly 45 relative to the gantry along the X-axis direction.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container loading and unloading equipment of this application also includes an X-axis guide mechanism, which is configured to guide the movable column 44 to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis direction to ensure the movement stability of the container loading and unloading equipment.

[0132] In detail, the X-axis guiding mechanism includes an X-axis linear guide rail, which includes a linear track extending along the X-axis and disposed on the base 40 or crossbeam 43 of the gantry, and a slider slidably connected to the linear track. A movable column 44 is disposed on the slider and slides along the linear track in the X-axis direction with the slider.

[0133] According to some other embodiments of this application, the Z-axis drive mechanism of the container loading and unloading equipment of this application may include a Z-axis drive motor and a Z-axis ball screw nut transmission mechanism. The ball screw of the Z-axis ball screw nut transmission mechanism is rotatably connected to the movable column 44, and the nut block threadedly connected to it is fixedly connected to the base 450 of the loading and unloading assembly 45. The Z-axis drive motor is used to drive the Z-axis ball screw to rotate relative to the movable column 44, and the nut block can drive the loading and unloading assembly 45 to move along the Z-axis to adjust the movement of the loading and unloading assembly 45 relative to the gantry in the Z-axis direction.

[0134] According to some other embodiments of this application, the Z-axis drive mechanism of the container loading and unloading equipment of this application may include a Z-axis drive motor and a Z-axis gear and rack transmission mechanism. The gear of the Z-axis gear and rack transmission mechanism is rotatably connected to the base 450 of the loading and unloading assembly 45, and the rack meshing with it is fixedly connected to the movable column 44 and extends along the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis drive motor is used to rotate the gear relative to the movable column 44, and the gear can drive the loading and unloading assembly 45 to move along the extension direction of the rack, so as to adjust the movement of the loading and unloading assembly 45 relative to the gantry along the Z-axis direction.

[0135] Similarly, in this embodiment, the container loading and unloading equipment also includes a Z-axis guide mechanism, which is configured to guide the loading and unloading assembly 45 to move relative to the movable column 44 along the Z-axis direction to ensure the movement stability of the container loading and unloading equipment.

[0136] In detail, the Z-axis guiding mechanism includes a Z-axis linear guide rail, which includes a linear track extending along the Z-axis and disposed on the movable column 44, and a slider slidably connected to the linear track. The base 450 of the loading and unloading assembly 45 is disposed on the slider, and the base 450 of the loading and unloading assembly 45 slides along the linear track in the Z-axis direction with the slider.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the warehousing system also includes automated handling equipment configured to transport mobile vehicles to a mobile vehicle docking area. The mobile vehicles hold containers containing goods.

[0138] It should be noted that the automated handling equipment in this application includes backpack-type, lifting-type, traction-type, and forklift-type automated handling equipment.

[0139] According to one embodiment of this application, the container loading and unloading equipment of this application includes a gantry and loading and unloading components relative to the gantry along the X and Y axes of a spatial coordinate system.

[0140] The loading and unloading assembly moves in the X-axis direction to select the target container, and then moves in the Y-axis direction to grab the target container.

[0141] It should be noted that the motion mechanism of the loading and unloading components relative to the gantry in the X and Y axis directions is described in the aforementioned three-axis motion embodiment.

[0142] According to one embodiment of this application, the container loading and unloading equipment of this application includes a gantry and loading and unloading components relative to the gantry along the Z-axis and Y-axis of a spatial coordinate system.

[0143] The loading and unloading assembly moves in the Z-axis direction to select the target container, and then moves in the Y-axis direction to grab the target container.

[0144] It should be noted that the motion mechanism of the loading and unloading components relative to the gantry in the Z and Y axes is described in the aforementioned three-axis motion embodiment.

[0145] According to some embodiments of this application, the storage location of the multi-functional area of ​​this application is configured to store a container in which the demand frequency of goods within a preset time period exceeds a demand frequency threshold.

[0146] The demand frequency within a preset time period refers to the number of picking orders containing the goods within that preset time period. In other words, if the goods are included in two picking orders within the preset time period, then the demand frequency for the goods is twice within that preset time period.

[0147] The demand frequency threshold is a preset standard value used to judge the frequency of demand for a product. This standard value can be a specific number or a range of numbers. The demand frequency threshold depends on factors such as the weight and origin of the product.

[0148] The preset time period can be a specific value or range, such as several hours within a day, a single day, a week, a month, a quarter, or a year. The warehousing system is set according to the actual application scenario, or by staff based on the actual picking workload.

[0149] To facilitate better understanding, the working principle of the above-mentioned warehousing system will be explained in detail below with two application scenarios.

[0150] Application Scenario 1

[0151] The storage space in the multi-functional area is configured to store containers for goods whose demand frequency exceeds a threshold within a preset time period.

[0152] When the demand frequency of a product within a preset time period is equal to or falls within the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the demand frequency of the product is within a normal range. When the demand frequency of a product within a preset time period is greater than the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the product is a hot-selling or best-selling item; conversely, when the actual demand frequency of a product within a preset time period is less than the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the product is a slow-moving item.

[0153] The warehousing system determines that the goods stored in the container are best-selling or popular items based on the demand frequency within a preset time period. That is, the actual demand frequency of the goods within the preset time period is greater than the demand frequency threshold. At this time, the container loading and unloading equipment of the warehousing system grabs the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area and transfers the container to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0154] When an order is received to pick the goods inside the container, the container handling equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station in the workstation area for picking by workers or picking robots.

[0155] After the picking is completed, if there are still goods left in the container, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the container back to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; otherwise, the container will be directly returned to the empty container storage area.

[0156] In detail, the picking system can identify materials that are not currently needed but will be picked up later. With the establishment of a multi-functional area, the system can pull more goods than the existing seed wall requires. This means that the mobile carrier currently contains the materials needed for the seed wall, while the container loading / unloading equipment can remove the pre-selected material from the mobile carrier and temporarily place it in the multi-functional area. When the material is needed, the container loading / unloading equipment directly retrieves the material or the container containing it from the multi-functional area and delivers it to the picking station for picking. This speeds up order completion and effectively reduces the number of times the automated handling equipment moves the mobile carrier.

[0157] Additionally, it should be noted that popular items can be stored directly in the multi-functional area upon arrival at the warehouse, or they can be moved from the storage area and placed directly in the multi-functional area after being picked.

[0158] Application Scenario 2

[0159] The multi-functional area is configured to store containers, the second container being used to hold goods for which the demand frequency for the following day is greater than the daily demand frequency threshold.

[0160] It should be noted that the daily demand frequency threshold refers to a specific value or range of values ​​for the frequency of demand for goods within a single day. The daily demand frequency threshold depends on factors such as the type of goods and the season; for example, the daily demand frequency for ice cream is higher in summer than in winter.

[0161] When the warehousing system predicts that the actual daily demand frequency of a good for the next day will exceed its daily demand frequency threshold based on pre-orders or the actual daily demand frequency of the goods, the warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier containing the container holding the good to the mobile carrier docking area. The container loading and unloading equipment then transfers the container from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0162] When the warehousing system receives an instruction to pick the goods from the container the following day, the container handling equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station for workers or picking robots to pick. After picking, the container handling equipment returns the container with remaining goods to the multi-functional area, or returns the empty container directly to the idle container storage area.

[0163] According to some embodiments of this application, the storage space of the multi-functional area of ​​this application is configured for a container that stores articles associated with specified goods.

[0164] Among these, items associated with the designated goods can be free gifts offered with the purchase of the designated goods. Free gifts are items given away for free when the designated goods are purchased. Alternatively, items associated with the designated goods can be those that offer a price discount when ordered in the same order as the designated goods.

[0165] The warehouse system calls automated handling equipment to move a mobile carrier containing a promotional item to the mobile carrier docking area. Container handling equipment then transfers the container containing the promotional item from the mobile carrier docking area to the multi-functional area for temporary storage. When the warehouse system receives a picking instruction for a specific item associated with a promotional item, it calls automated handling equipment to move a mobile carrier containing that item to the mobile carrier docking area. Container handling equipment then transfers the container containing the specified item from the mobile carrier docking area to the picking station in the workstation area. Then, or before this step, the container handling equipment transfers the container containing the promotional item from the multi-functional area to the picking station for pickup by workers or picking robots.

[0166] After picking is completed, if there are still designated goods in the container, the container loading and unloading equipment will return the container containing the designated goods to the movable carrier, or directly return the empty container to the idle container storage area; if there are still freebies in the container, the container loading and unloading equipment will return the container to the multi-functional area or return the empty container to the idle container storage area.

[0167] Additionally, it should be noted that gifts can be placed directly in the multi-functional area upon receipt, or they can be moved from the storage area and placed directly in the multi-functional area after a popular product is selected.

[0168] According to one embodiment of this application, the storage of the multi-functional area of ​​this application is configured to store containers in which goods have been picked and the container loading and unloading equipment is not available to transfer the containers.

[0169] In detail, when a worker or picking robot completes picking according to a picking order, but the container loading and unloading equipment is working and there is no time to transfer the picked container, the worker or picking robot moves the container to the multi-functional area for temporary storage. After the container loading and unloading equipment is available, the container is then transferred to a mobile carrier. This is to avoid the pile-up of picked containers at the picking station, which would affect the picking of subsequent picking orders, and to keep the picking work in an orderly and smooth manner.

[0170] According to one embodiment of this application, the multi-functional area of ​​this application is configured for storing containers in which goods have been picked and the mobile vehicle storing the containers has not yet arrived at the mobile vehicle docking area.

[0171] In detail, for ease of management, each container within the warehousing system is stored on a designated mobile carrier. Once a worker or picking robot has finished picking an order, the container typically needs to be returned to the designated mobile carrier.

[0172] However, in actual picking operations, due to reasons such as the automated handling equipment being occupied, the mobile carriers storing picked containers have not yet arrived at the mobile carrier docking area, causing the problem of containers piling up at the picking station.

[0173] Based on this, in the warehousing system of this application, when the mobile carrier storing the picked containers has not yet arrived at the mobile carrier docking area, the staff, picking robots or container loading equipment first temporarily store the container in the multi-functional area. After the mobile carrier of the container is in place, the container loading equipment then transfers the container to the mobile carrier. This can prevent the picked containers from piling up at the picking station and affecting the picking of subsequent picking orders, and keep the picking work in an orderly and smooth manner.

[0174] According to one embodiment of this application, the storage location of the multi-functional area of ​​this application is configured to store a container in which the goods have been picked and have been matched in the pending order.

[0175] To efficiently manage the workload at each picking station within the warehousing system, the system periodically assigns picking orders to each station. This means each station is assigned multiple picking orders, which are queued in the order they were assigned. Items currently being picked at a station can also appear in subsequent queued picking orders. Because a container holds items from multiple picking orders, the warehousing system needs to call automated handling equipment multiple times.

[0176] Therefore, in the warehousing system of this application, after the picking is completed, it is confirmed whether the picked goods have been matched in the subsequent queue of orders to be picked. If the goods are matched, the staff, picking robot or container loading equipment will temporarily store the container in the multi-functional area. When the subsequent picking order that matches the goods arrives, the container will be directly moved from the multi-functional area. There is no need to call the automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier storing the container multiple times, which can reduce the number of calls to the automated handling equipment and improve picking efficiency.

[0177] According to one embodiment of this application, the container loading and unloading equipment of this application is configured to perform tallying operations.

[0178] To facilitate better understanding, the following section will explain in detail the cargo handling principle of the above-mentioned container loading and unloading equipment using two application scenarios.

[0179] Application Scenario 1

[0180] When container loading and unloading equipment is idle, the warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to move mobile carriers to the mobile carrier docking area. Based on the types of goods stored on the mobile carriers and the demand frequency of various goods in previous orders within a preset time period, the warehousing system allocates the positions of different containers on the mobile carriers. For example, it moves containers of goods with higher demand frequency to the outside of containers of goods with lower demand frequency to shorten picking time and improve picking efficiency.

[0181] Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the first container is greater than that of the goods in the second container, and when the position of the second container on the mobile carrier is more convenient for picking up and putting down compared to the first container;

[0182] The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to move the second container from the movable carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage, transfer the first container from its current position to the original position of the second container, and transfer the second container from the multi-functional area to the original position of the first container.

[0183] In detail, the warehousing system determines the frequency of demand for goods on the mobile carrier within a preset time period based on previous orders. If the container of a frequently demanded item is located inside the container of a less frequently demanded item, the container loading and unloading equipment first transfers the container of the less frequently demanded item from the mobile carrier to a multi-functional area for temporary storage; secondly, it transfers the container of the frequently demanded item from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; thirdly, it returns the container of the less frequently demanded item from the multi-functional area to the mobile carrier; finally, it returns the container of the frequently demanded item from the multi-functional area to the mobile carrier and positions it outside the container of the less frequently demanded item for easy handling.

[0184] Alternatively, container handling equipment can move containers of goods with higher demand frequency from mobile carriers to lower shelf positions on the mobile carriers, and move containers of goods with lower demand frequency to higher shelf positions on the mobile carriers.

[0185] In detail, the warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier to the mobile carrier docking area, and predicts the demand frequency level of various goods on the mobile carrier based on previous orders. Based on this, the container loading and unloading equipment first transfers containers of goods with low demand frequency from the lower storage positions of the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; secondly, it rotates containers of goods with high demand frequency from the upper storage positions of the mobile carrier to the lower storage positions; thirdly, it returns the containers of goods with low demand frequency temporarily stored in the multi-functional area to the upper storage positions of the mobile carrier, and repeats this operation until all goods with high demand frequency on the mobile carrier are located below the containers of goods with low demand frequency for easy access.

[0186] Application Scenario 2

[0187] When the demand frequency of goods in a container exceeds a demand frequency threshold within a preset time period, the container loading and unloading equipment is configured to transfer the container from the current mobile carrier to a new mobile carrier, which is specifically designed to store containers whose demand frequency exceeds the demand frequency threshold within a preset time period.

[0188] When the demand frequency of a product within a preset time period equals the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the demand frequency of the product is within a normal range. When the demand frequency of a product within a preset time period exceeds the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the product is a hot-selling or best-selling item; conversely, when the actual demand frequency of a product within a preset time period is less than the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the product is a slow-moving item.

[0189] The warehousing system determines that the goods stored in the container are best-selling or popular items based on the demand frequency within a preset time period. That is, the actual demand frequency of the goods within the preset time period is greater than the demand frequency threshold. At this time, the container loading and unloading equipment of the warehousing system grabs the container from the current mobile carrier and transfers the container to a new mobile carrier.

[0190] In this application, containers of goods with high demand frequency within a preset time period are centrally stored on a new mobile carrier, which is then parked at a designated mobile carrier parking area. When a picking order requires the picking of any of the aforementioned goods, the container on the mobile carrier is directly transferred to the picking station, eliminating the need for automated handling equipment to repeatedly move between the mobile carriers corresponding to each goods. This reduces the number of times the automated handling equipment needs to move, thereby improving picking efficiency.

[0191] After the picking is completed, if there are still goods left in the first container, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the first container back to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; otherwise, the first container will be directly returned to the empty container storage area.

[0192] According to one embodiment of this application, the container loading and unloading equipment of this application is configured to return empty containers to a multi-functional area.

[0193] Empty containers are transferred from the container storage area to the multi-functional area by container loading and unloading equipment, or the warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to transfer the mobile carriers containing empty containers to the mobile carrier docking area, and then the container loading and unloading equipment transfers them from the mobile carriers to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0194] When the warehousing system receives an instruction to put a full case on the shelf or an alarm indicating that the external container is not fully functional, the container handling equipment transfers the empty containers from the multi-functional area to the picking station, so that workers or picking robots can pick the goods into the empty containers.

[0195] It should be noted that "full case shelving" refers to storing goods as a whole after the container is filled with them.

[0196] According to one embodiment of this application, the container loading and unloading equipment of this application is configured to return empty containers to a movable carrier for storing empty containers.

[0197] After the staff or picking robot has finished picking, if the picked container is empty, the container loading and unloading equipment will put the empty container back onto the mobile carrier used to store empty containers, which can be parked in the mobile carrier parking area.

[0198] When the warehousing system receives an instruction to put a full case on the shelf or an alarm indicating that the external container is not fully functional, the container handling equipment transfers the empty containers from the mobile carrier where they are stored to the picking station, so that workers or picking robots can pick the goods into the empty containers.

[0199] The present invention also provides a control method for a warehousing system, specifically the aforementioned warehousing system, the control method comprising the following main steps:

[0200] Based on preset attributes, container loading and unloading equipment will transfer containers that meet the preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area.

[0201] To facilitate better understanding, the following will be combined with... Figures 5 to 7 The specific control logic of the control method of the present invention will be explained in detail using four embodiments as examples.

[0202] Example 1

[0203] See Figure 5In this embodiment, the control method of the warehousing system includes the following steps:

[0204] S100. When the demand frequency of the goods in the container exceeds the demand frequency threshold within a preset time period, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area to the multi-functional area.

[0205] The demand frequency within a preset time period refers to the number of picking orders containing the goods within that preset time period. In other words, if the goods are included in two picking orders within the preset time period, then the demand frequency for the goods is twice within that preset time period.

[0206] The preset time period can be a specific value or range, such as several hours within a day, a single day, a week, a month, a quarter, or a year. The warehousing system is set according to the actual application scenario, or by staff based on the actual picking workload.

[0207] When an instruction to pick the goods is received, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station.

[0208] When the demand frequency of a product within a preset time period equals the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the demand frequency of the product is within a normal range. When the demand frequency of a product within a preset time period exceeds the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the product is a hot-selling or best-selling item; conversely, when the actual demand frequency of a product within a preset time period is less than the demand frequency threshold, it indicates that the product is a slow-moving item.

[0209] The warehousing system determines that the goods stored in the container are best-selling or popular items based on the demand frequency within a preset time period. That is, the actual demand frequency of the goods within the preset time period is greater than the demand frequency threshold. At this time, the container loading and unloading equipment of the warehousing system grabs the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area and transfers the container to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0210] S200. When an instruction to pick the goods in the container is received, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station in the workstation area for picking by workers or picking robots.

[0211] Of course, in other embodiments, the picker may also directly transfer the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station in the workstation area without the aid of container loading and unloading equipment.

[0212] S300 After picking is completed, the container loading and unloading equipment will return the container with remaining goods to the multi-functional area for temporary storage, or directly return the empty container to the idle material box storage area.

[0213] In detail, the picking system can identify materials that are not currently needed but will be picked up later. With the establishment of a multi-functional area, the system can pull more goods than the existing seed wall requires. This means that the mobile carrier currently contains the materials needed for the seed wall, while the container loading / unloading equipment can remove the pre-selected material from the mobile carrier and temporarily place it in the multi-functional area. When the material is needed, the container loading / unloading equipment directly retrieves the material or the container containing it from the multi-functional area and delivers it to the picking station for picking. This speeds up order completion and effectively reduces the number of times the automated handling equipment moves the mobile carrier.

[0214] Additionally, it should be noted that popular items can be stored directly in the multi-functional area upon arrival at the warehouse, or they can be moved from the storage area and placed directly in the multi-functional area after being picked.

[0215] Example 2

[0216] See Figure 6 In this embodiment, the control method of the warehousing system includes the following steps:

[0217] S101. When the daily demand frequency of the goods in the container on the next day is greater than the daily demand frequency threshold, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0218] It should be noted that the daily demand frequency threshold refers to a specific value or range of values ​​for the frequency of demand for goods within a single day. The daily demand frequency threshold depends on factors such as the type of goods and the season; for example, the daily demand frequency for ice cream is higher in summer than in winter.

[0219] In one embodiment, after receiving a reservation order for the next day, the warehousing system compares the daily demand frequency of the target goods in the reservation order with a daily demand frequency threshold. The target goods are then placed in a container. When the daily demand frequency of the target goods in the reservation order is greater than the daily demand frequency threshold, the warehousing system calls an automated handling system to move the mobile carrier containing the container to the mobile carrier docking area. The container loading and unloading equipment then transfers the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area to a multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0220] In another embodiment, when the warehousing system predicts that the daily demand frequency of the target goods will be greater than the daily demand frequency threshold of the target goods based on the actual demand frequency of the target goods within the day, the target goods are placed in the container. The warehousing system calls the automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier storing the container to the mobile carrier docking area. The container loading and unloading equipment then transfers the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0221] For example, for goods like fruits and vegetables whose demand frequency is affected by the season, if the warehousing system detects that the daily demand frequency for chicken heart-shaped fruits on October 10th in late autumn far exceeds the preset daily demand frequency threshold for this product, the warehousing system predicts that the daily demand frequency for chicken heart-shaped fruits will also exceed its daily demand frequency threshold the following day. The warehousing system then calls automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier storing the fruit to the mobile carrier docking area. Container loading and unloading equipment then transfers the container from the mobile carrier in the docking area to the multi-functional area for temporary storage. This container contains the target product, chicken heart-shaped fruits.

[0222] S201. When the warehousing system receives an instruction to pick the goods in the container the next day, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station in the workstation area for picking by staff or picking robots.

[0223] S301. After picking is completed, the container loading and unloading equipment will return the container with remaining goods to the multi-functional area for temporary storage, or directly return the empty container to the idle material box storage area.

[0224] Example 3

[0225] See Figure 7 In this embodiment, the control method of the warehousing system includes the following steps:

[0226] S102. When the first container on the mobile vehicle contains articles associated with the designated goods, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from the mobile vehicle in the mobile vehicle docking area to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0227] Among these, items associated with the designated goods can be free gifts offered with the purchase of the designated goods. Free gifts are items given away for free when the designated goods are purchased. Alternatively, items associated with the designated goods can be those that offer a price discount when ordered in the same order as the designated goods.

[0228] Prior to step S102, the control method further includes calling an automated handling device to move the mobile vehicle storing the first container to the mobile vehicle docking area.

[0229] S202. When the warehousing system receives an instruction to pick a specified item, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the first container from the multi-functional area to the picking station for picking by staff or picking robots.

[0230] Before or after step S202, the control method further includes step S203, in which the warehousing system calls the automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier storing the specified goods to the mobile carrier docking area, and the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the second container containing the specified goods on the mobile carrier from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area to the picking station in the workstation area.

[0231] S302. After picking is completed, the container loading and unloading equipment will return the first container with the remaining items associated with the specified goods to the multi-functional area for temporary storage, or directly return the empty first container to the idle bin storage area, and return the second container with the remaining specified goods to the movable carrier or directly return the empty second container to the idle bin storage area.

[0232] Additionally, it should be noted that items associated with designated goods can be stored directly in the multi-functional area upon receipt, or they can be moved from the storage area and placed directly in the multi-functional area after the picking of a popular product is completed.

[0233] Example 4

[0234] In this embodiment, the control method for the warehousing system includes the following steps:

[0235] When the container loading and unloading equipment is idle, it performs cargo handling operations.

[0236] When container loading and unloading equipment is idle, the warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to move mobile carriers to the mobile carrier docking area. Based on the types of goods stored on the mobile carriers and the demand frequency of various goods in previous orders, the warehousing system allocates the positions of different containers on the mobile carriers. For example, it moves containers that hold goods with higher demand frequency to the outside of containers that hold goods with lower demand frequency, in order to shorten picking time and improve picking efficiency.

[0237] In detail, the warehousing system determines the frequency of demand for goods on the mobile carrier based on past orders. If the container of a frequently demanded item is located inside the container of a less frequently demanded item, the container loading and unloading equipment first transfers the container of the less frequently demanded item from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; secondly, it transfers the container of the frequently demanded item from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; thirdly, it returns the container of the less frequently demanded item from the multi-functional area to the mobile carrier; and finally, it returns the container of the frequently demanded item from the multi-functional area to the mobile carrier, placing it outside the container of the less frequently demanded item for easy retrieval.

[0238] Alternatively, container handling equipment can move containers of frequently demanded goods from mobile carriers to lower shelves on the mobile carriers and containers of less frequently demanded goods to higher shelves on the cargo level.

[0239] In detail, the warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to move the mobile carrier to the mobile carrier docking area, and predicts the demand frequency level of various goods on the mobile carrier based on previous orders. Based on this, the container loading and unloading equipment first transfers containers of low-demand goods from the lower shelves of the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage; secondly, it rotates containers of high-demand goods from the upper shelves of the mobile carrier to the aforementioned lower shelves; thirdly, it returns the containers temporarily stored in the multi-functional area to the upper shelves of the mobile carrier, and repeats this operation until all high-demand goods on the mobile carrier are located below low-demand goods for easy access.

[0240] Example 5

[0241] In this embodiment, the control method for the warehousing system includes the following steps:

[0242] The multi-functional area contains empty containers.

[0243] It should be noted that empty containers can be pre-stored on mobile vehicles. The warehousing system calls automated handling equipment to move the mobile vehicle to the mobile vehicle docking area, and then the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the empty containers from the mobile vehicle to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0244] When the warehousing system receives an instruction to put full cases on the shelves or an alarm indicating insufficient external supply containers, the container handling equipment will transfer empty containers from the multi-functional area to the picking station, so that workers or picking robots can pick the goods into the empty containers.

[0245] It should be noted that "full case shelving" refers to the sale of goods as a whole after the container is filled with them.

[0246] Example 6

[0247] In this embodiment, the control method for the warehousing system includes the following steps:

[0248] Once the goods in the container have been picked, determine whether the order to be picked has been matched with the goods;

[0249] If the picking order matches the goods, the container handling equipment will transfer the container from the picking station to the multi-functional area for temporary storage.

[0250] Upon receiving an instruction for the picking order containing the selected goods, the container handling equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station.

[0251] It should be noted that the demand frequency of the goods to be picked in the aforementioned containers did not reach the demand frequency threshold. However, due to subsequent order picking needs, the containers were directly stored in the multi-functional area to improve overall operational efficiency and avoid back-and-forth handling. Understandably, if the demand frequency of already picked goods does not exceed the demand frequency threshold, the container handling equipment will directly transfer the containers from the picking station to the original location of the movable carrier or other available locations. If it is necessary to adjust the location of the containers on the original movable carrier or change the movable carrier, they can be temporarily stored in the multi-functional area and then placed in the corresponding new storage location by the container handling equipment. Alternatively, they can be directly placed in the new storage location by the container handling equipment.

[0252] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A warehousing system, characterized in that, The warehousing system includes: A workstation area, the workstation area including at least one picking station; A mobile vehicle docking area, which is configured for docking mobile vehicles; A multi-functional area, the multi-functional area including at least one storage location configured to store containers transferred from the picking station or the mobile carrier; A container loading and unloading device configured to transfer containers between a workstation area, a mobile vehicle docking area, and a multi-functional area; The container loading and unloading equipment is configured as follows: When a mobile vehicle containing a target container that meets preset conditions arrives at the mobile vehicle docking area, the target container is transferred from the mobile vehicle to the storage location in the multi-functional area; wherein, the target container includes a container containing goods whose demand frequency exceeds a demand frequency threshold within a preset time period; Upon receiving an instruction to pick goods from the target container, the target container is transferred from the storage location in the multi-functional area to the picking station in the workstation area for picking by workers or picking robots. After picking is completed, the target container, including the remaining goods, is transferred from the picking station to the storage location in the multi-functional area.

2. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-functional area is located above, below, or next to the picking station.

3. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage location is configured to store a container in which the demand frequency of goods within a preset time period exceeds a demand frequency threshold.

4. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage compartments in the multi-functional area are configured to store containers, the contents of which are associated with designated goods.

5. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-functional area is configured to store containers in which goods have been picked and the container loading and unloading equipment is not available to transfer the containers.

6. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-functional area is configured to store containers whose goods have been picked and whose mobile vehicles have not yet arrived at the mobile vehicle docking area.

7. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-functional area is configured to store containers containing goods that have been picked and have been matched in pending orders.

8. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment is also configured to perform tallying operations.

9. The warehousing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the first container is higher than that of the goods in the second container, and when the second container is positioned on a mobile vehicle in a way that is easier to pick up and put down than the first container; The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to move the second container from the movable carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage, transfer the first container from its current position to the original position of the second container, and transfer the second container from the multi-functional area to the original position of the first container.

10. The warehousing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the demand frequency of the goods in the container exceeds the demand frequency threshold within a preset time period; The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to transfer the container from a current mobile vehicle to a new mobile vehicle, which is configured specifically for storing containers for goods whose demand frequency exceeds a demand frequency threshold within a preset time period.

11. The warehousing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment is configured to return empty containers to a movable carrier for storing empty containers or to the multi-functional area.

12. The warehousing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The multi-functional area includes multiple storage bits, which are arranged at intervals along the height direction, at intervals along the horizontal direction, or at intervals in a mixed manner in both the height and horizontal directions.

13. The warehousing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The warehousing system also includes automated handling equipment configured to move the mobile vehicles into or out of the mobile vehicle docking area.

14. The warehousing system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The warehousing system includes multiple picking stations, which are arranged at intervals along a horizontal direction.

15. The warehousing system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The picking station includes a first support frame and a first guide mechanism disposed on the first support frame. The first guide mechanism is configured to assist the container loading and unloading equipment in picking up and placing containers.

16. The warehousing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The storage compartment includes a second support frame and a second guide mechanism disposed on the second support frame. The second guide mechanism is configured to assist the container loading and unloading equipment in picking up and placing containers.

17. The warehousing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment includes a gantry and a loading and unloading assembly, the loading and unloading assembly being disposed on the gantry and configured to be movable relative to the gantry in the X-axis and Y-axis directions; or, The loading and unloading assembly is configured to be movable relative to the gantry along the Z-axis and Y-axis directions; or, The loading and unloading assembly is configured to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The vertical distance between the picking station and the movable carrier is denoted as the Y-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis in the horizontal plane is denoted as the X-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane is denoted as the Z-axis direction.

18. The warehousing system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The loading and unloading assembly is configured to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions. The container loading and unloading equipment further includes: A movable column is mounted on the gantry and configured to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis direction under the control of an X-axis drive mechanism; The loading and unloading assembly is mounted on the movable column and is configured to move relative to the movable column along the Z-axis direction under the control of the Z-axis drive mechanism.

19. The warehousing system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The loading and unloading assembly includes: The base is mounted on the movable column; A loading and unloading device is disposed on the base and configured to be controlled by a Y-axis drive mechanism to move relative to the base in the Y-axis direction.

20. The warehousing system according to claim 19, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment also includes: An X-axis guide mechanism is disposed on the gantry and configured to guide the movable column to move relative to the gantry along the X-axis direction; and / or, A Z-axis guide mechanism is provided on the movable column and is configured to guide the loading and unloading assembly to move relative to the movable column along the Z-axis direction.

21. A control method for a warehousing system, characterized in that, The warehousing system is the warehousing system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and the control method includes the following steps: Based on preset attributes, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer target containers that meet the preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area.

22. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When the demand frequency of the goods in the container exceeds the demand frequency threshold within a preset time period, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the container from the mobile carrier in the mobile carrier docking area to the multi-functional area. When an instruction to pick the goods is received, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station.

23. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When the first container contains items associated with the designated goods, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage. When an instruction to pick the specified goods is received, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from the multi-functional area to the picking station; The container loading and unloading equipment transfers a second container containing designated goods from a mobile vehicle in the mobile vehicle docking area to the picking station.

24. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When the goods in the container have been picked and the container loading and unloading equipment is not available to transfer the container, the container is stored in the multi-functional area.

25. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When the picking is completed and the mobile carrier for placing the container has not yet arrived at the mobile carrier docking area, the container loading and unloading equipment stores the container in the multi-functional area.

26. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When the container loading and unloading equipment is idle, the container loading and unloading equipment performs cargo handling operations.

27. The control method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method for performing cargo handling operations using the container loading and unloading equipment includes the following steps: Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the first container is greater than that of the goods in the second container, and when the second container is more convenient to pick up and put down on the mobile carrier compared to the first container, the container loading and unloading equipment will move the second container from the mobile carrier to the multi-functional area for temporary storage. The container loading and unloading equipment transfers the first container from its current location to the original location of the second container; The container loading and unloading equipment transfers the second container from the multi-functional area to the original position of the first container.

28. The control method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method for performing cargo handling operations using the container loading and unloading equipment includes the following steps: Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of goods in the container exceeds a demand frequency threshold, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the current mobile carrier to a new mobile carrier. The new mobile carrier is specifically designed to store containers whose demand frequency exceeds the demand frequency threshold within the preset time period.

29. The control method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method for performing cargo handling operations using the container loading and unloading equipment includes the following steps: Within a preset time period, when the demand frequency of the goods in the container exceeds a preset threshold, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to a new mobile carrier. The new mobile carrier is specifically used to store containers whose demand frequency exceeds the demand frequency threshold within the preset time period.

30. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When the multi-functional area contains empty containers and receives an instruction to put the entire case on the shelf or an alarm indicating insufficient external container supply, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the empty containers in the multi-functional area to the picking station.

31. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: When a container is empty after picking, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the empty container from the picking station to a new mobile carrier configured specifically for storing empty containers.

32. The control method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The container loading and unloading equipment transfers containers that meet preset attributes between the workstation area, the mobile vehicle docking area, and the multi-functional area, including the following steps: After the goods in the container have been picked, determine whether the order to be picked has matched the goods; If the order to be picked matches the goods, the container loading and unloading equipment will transfer the container from the picking station to the multi-functional area for temporary storage. Upon receiving an instruction from the order to be picked that has matched the goods, the container loading and unloading equipment transfers the container from the multi-functional area to the picking station.

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