distribution station

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a distribution station, which includes a base, a housing, a rotating shelf, a distribution vehicle, a sorting device, and a control system. The housing is disposed on the base and has a goods access opening and an access door. The rotating shelf is disposed on the base and located in the housing, and includes a rotating shaft, a transmission belt, a plurality of shelf units, and a driving mechanism. The rotating shaft is vertically disposed on the base and has a rotating wheel concentric with the rotating shaft. The transmission belt is disposed around the rotating wheel. The plurality of shelf units are disposed on the transmission belt in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart from each other. The shelf units are used to store goods. The driving mechanism is drivingly connected to the rotating shaft and is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate about the axis thereof, so that at least one of the plurality of shelf units corresponds to the goods access opening. The distribution vehicle is used to enter and exit the housing through the access door and transport the goods. The sorting device is disposed on the base and located in the housing, and is used to take and place the goods between the distribution vehicle and the shelf units. The control system is used to control the driving mechanism and the sorting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of logistics warehousing and distribution equipment, and in particular to a distribution station. Background Art

[0002] In the existing logistics and distribution model, the "last mile" of cargo delivery has always been an area of ​​intense research in the field. The current operating model requires staff to drive logistics vehicles through the streets and alleys, and its delivery efficiency is often affected by factors such as weather, road conditions, and the timeliness of recipients' pickup. To mitigate the negative impacts of this model, multiple outlets are generally established in the city, each with relevant staff. Human resources are responsible for the transfer of goods within the same area or helping customers pick up goods. Unmanned vehicles are then used to deliver goods. During use, packages are manually loaded onto the unmanned vehicles. The automation of this model is still not strong, especially when it comes to maintaining the working operations within the station.

[0003] The existing distribution model and cargo transshipment method are highly dependent on manual labor, resulting in unstable distribution efficiency. Not only is the cost high and the efficiency low, but the error rate will increase due to the quality of the operators, affecting the customer experience and restricting the development of the logistics industry to a certain extent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A main purpose of the present disclosure is to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art and provide a delivery station with low dependence on manual labor and high delivery efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a distribution station is provided. The distribution station includes a base, a housing, a rotating shelf, a delivery vehicle, a sorting device, and a control system. The housing is disposed on the base and defines a cargo access opening and an access door. The rotating shelf is disposed on the base and within the housing, and includes a rotating shaft, a drive belt, a plurality of shelf units, and a drive mechanism. The rotating shaft is vertically disposed on the base and is provided with a coaxial rotating wheel. The drive belt is wound around the outer circumference of the rotating wheel. The plurality of shelf units are horizontally spaced apart on the drive belt and are configured to store cargo. The drive mechanism is transmission-connected to the rotating shaft and configured to drive the rotating shaft to rotate about its axis so as to align at least one of the plurality of shelf units with the cargo access opening. The delivery vehicle is configured to enter and exit the housing through the access door and transport the cargo. The sorting device is disposed on the base and within the housing, and is configured to place and retrieve cargo between the delivery vehicle and the shelf units. The control system is configured to control the driving mechanism and the sorting device.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating shelf includes a plurality of rotating shafts, which are arranged at intervals along a straight line direction, the rotating wheels provided on each rotating shaft have the same height, and the transmission belt is wound around the plurality of rotating wheels.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating shelf includes two rotating shafts.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the rotating shafts is provided with a plurality of the rotating wheels located at different heights, the number of the plurality of rotating wheels provided on each rotating shaft is the same and the heights are corresponding, the plurality of rotating wheels located at the same height of the plurality of rotating shafts define a group of the rotating wheels, the plurality of groups of rotating wheels are respectively wrapped with a plurality of the transmission belts, and each of the shelf units is provided with a plurality of the transmission belts.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the rotating shafts is provided with two rotating wheels located at the top and bottom ends thereof respectively, a transmission belt is wound around the multiple rotating wheels located at the top ends of the multiple rotating shafts, another transmission belt is wound around the multiple rotating wheels located at the bottom ends of the multiple rotating shafts, and each of the shelf units is connected to the two transmission belts.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotating wheel is a sprocket, and the transmission belt is a chain.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shelf unit has a plurality of cargo compartments sequentially distributed in the vertical direction, and the cargo access port is provided with a plurality of opening and closing doors, and the plurality of opening and closing doors correspond to the plurality of cargo compartments respectively.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distribution station further includes a human-computer interaction interface. The human-computer interaction interface is disposed on the housing and connected to the control system, and is configured to allow a user to input cargo access instructions and convert them into control signals that are sent to the control system.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor and a drive belt. The drive motor is disposed within the housing and has an output end. The drive belt is connected between the output end and the rotating shaft. The drive motor is configured to drive the rotating shaft to rotate through the drive belt.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the delivery station further includes a rotating platform rotatably disposed on the base and located within the housing, and configured to adjust the direction of the delivery vehicle by rotating itself when the delivery vehicle is docked on the rotating platform.

[0016] From the above technical solutions, it can be seen that the advantages and positive effects of the distribution station proposed in this disclosure are:

[0017] The distribution station proposed in the present disclosure has a shell with a cargo access port and an entry and exit door. The rotating shaft of the rotating shelf is vertically arranged on the base, and the transmission belt is wound around the outer periphery of the wheel on the rotating shaft. Multiple shelf units are arranged on the transmission belt, and are driven by a driving mechanism to correspond the shelf units to the cargo access port. The sorting device can pick up and place goods between the delivery vehicle and the shelf unit. Through the above design, the present disclosure can be used as a transit station for cargo distribution, which can automatically sort, receive and ship goods, and at the same time has the functions of self-pickup, sales, and mailing, meeting the various functions required to achieve the last mile of distribution. The present disclosure has low dependence on manual labor and high distribution efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The various objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative illustrations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts throughout.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a distribution station according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A structural diagram from another angle;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a distribution station is shown;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A structural diagram from another angle;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another partial structural schematic diagram of the distribution station is shown;

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another portion of the structure of the distribution station is shown;

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram of another portion of the structure of a distribution station is shown.

[0026] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals:

[0027] 100. Base;

[0028] 110. Ramp;

[0029] 200. Shell;

[0030] 210. Cargo access port;

[0031] 211. Open and close doors;

[0032] 220. Entering and leaving the door;

[0033] 230. Human-computer interaction interface;

[0034] 240. Maintenance door;

[0035] 300. Rotating shelves;

[0036] 310. Rotating shaft;

[0037] 320. Wheel;

[0038] 330. Transmission belt;

[0039] 340. Shelf units;

[0040] 341. Cargo grid;

[0041] 351. Drive motor;

[0042] 352. Drive belt;

[0043] 400. Delivery vehicle;

[0044] 500. Sorting device;

[0045] 600. Rotating platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Typical embodiments that embody the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present disclosure can have various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and the description and drawings therein are essentially for illustrative purposes rather than for limiting the present disclosure.

[0047] In the following description of different exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and in which are shown by way of example different exemplary structures, systems and steps that may implement aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that other specific schemes of components, structures, exemplary devices, systems and steps may be used, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, although the terms "above", "between", "within", etc. may be used in this specification to describe different exemplary features and elements of the present disclosure, these terms are used herein for convenience only, for example, according to the directions of the examples depicted in the accompanying drawings. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of a structure to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] See Figure 1 , which representatively shows a schematic structural diagram of the distribution station proposed in the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the distribution station proposed in the present disclosure is described by taking its application in the field of logistics and transportation, and in particular, the "last mile" of cargo distribution as an example. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that in order to apply the relevant designs of the present disclosure to other types of logistics and transportation links or other fields, various modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, or other changes may be made to the specific embodiments described below, and such changes will still fall within the scope of the principles of the distribution station proposed in the present disclosure.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the distribution station mainly includes a base 100, a housing 200, a rotating shelf 300, a distribution vehicle 400, a sorting device 500 and a control system. Figures 2 to 7 , Figure 2 Representatively shown in Figure 1 A structural diagram from another angle; Figure 3 2 is a representative diagram showing a partial structure of a delivery station that can embody the principles of the present disclosure, which specifically shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the delivery station after removing the outer shell 200; Figure 4 Representatively shown Figure 3 A structural diagram from another angle; Figure 5 2 is a representative diagram showing another portion of the structure of a delivery station that can embody the principles of the present disclosure, specifically showing a schematic diagram of the structure of the delivery station after removing the housing 200, the delivery vehicle 400, and the sorting device 500; Figure 6 2 is a representative diagram showing another portion of a distribution station that can embody the principles of the present disclosure, specifically showing a schematic diagram of the distribution station after removing the housing 200, the distribution vehicle 400, the sorting device 500, and the shelf unit 340; Figure 72 represents another portion of a schematic diagram of a delivery station that embodies the principles of the present disclosure, specifically illustrating the station without the housing 200 and delivery vehicle 400. The following, in conjunction with the aforementioned figures, details the structure, connection, and functional relationships of the major components of the delivery station proposed in the present disclosure.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 200 can also be understood as the overall framework of the distribution station. It is mounted on the base 100 and forms a space for accommodating the rotating shelves 300, the sorting device 500, and the delivery vehicle 400. Thus, the housing 200 provides waterproof, electrical, and thermal insulation functions for the aforementioned internal components. The rotating shelves 300 are mounted on the base 100 and located within the housing 200. The rotating shelves 300 can expose the shelf units 340 containing or to-be-stored goods to the cargo access openings 210 provided in the housing 200. The delivery vehicle 400 can enter and exit the housing 200 through the access door 220 provided in the housing 200 and is used to transport goods. The sorting device 500 is mounted on the base 100 and located within the housing 200. When the delivery vehicle 400 enters the distribution station, the sorting device 500 can place and retrieve goods between the delivery vehicle 400 and the shelf units 340. The control system is used to control the drive mechanism and sorting device 500. It can also collect operating status information from other distribution stations, such as the access status of the carousel 300, and feed this data back into the corresponding control instructions. Accordingly, the distribution station proposed in this disclosure can serve as a transit station for cargo delivery, capable of automatic sorting, receiving, and shipping, while also providing functions such as self-collection, sales, and mailing, meeting the various functions required for last-mile delivery.

[0051] like Figures 3 to 6As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating shelf 300 mainly includes two rotating shafts 310, two transmission belts 330, a plurality of shelf units 340, and a drive mechanism. Specifically, the rotating shafts 310 are vertically and axially rotatably mounted on the base 100, and the two rotating shafts 310 are horizontally spaced apart. Each rotating shaft 310 is provided with two rotating wheels 320, respectively located at its top and bottom ends, and the rotating wheels 320 are concentric with the rotating shaft 310 on which they are mounted. The two rotating wheels 320 at the top ends of the two rotating shafts 310 are jointly wound with a transmission belt 330, and the two rotating wheels 320 at the bottom ends of the two rotating shafts 310 are jointly wound with another transmission belt 330. The plurality of shelf units 340 are horizontally spaced apart on the transmission belts 330 for storing goods, and each shelf unit 340 is simultaneously connected to the two transmission belts 330. The driving mechanism is connected to one of the rotating shafts 310 and is used to drive the rotating shaft 310 to rotate around its axis, thereby driving the multiple shelf units 340 to rotate around through the rotating wheel 320 and the transmission belt 330, and then exposing at least one of the multiple shelf units 340 to the cargo access port 210 opened on the shell 200 for users to extract or store goods.

[0052] It should be noted that in other exemplary embodiments of the distribution station proposed in the present disclosure, the carousel 300 is not limited to the aforementioned design of two rotating shafts 310, two drive belts 330, and associated rotating wheels 320. For example, the number of rotating shafts 310 can be one or more than two. When there are multiple rotating shafts 310, the multiple rotating shafts 310 are arranged linearly and spaced apart on the base 100. Furthermore, each rotating shaft 310 can be provided with one or more rotating wheels 320. When there are multiple rotating shafts 310, the multiple rotating wheels 320 are spaced apart and arranged at different heights of the rotating shaft 310, not just at the top and bottom of the rotating shaft 310. Furthermore, when there are multiple rotating shafts 310, the number of rotating wheels 320 on each rotating shaft 310 is the same, and the multiple rotating wheels 320 on each rotating shaft 310 are grouped and located at the same multiple heights. At this time, a transmission belt 330 is commonly wound around the outer circumference of a group of rotating wheels 320 located at the same height and arranged on different rotating shafts 310. Therefore, the number and installation height of the transmission belts 330 can also be flexibly adjusted with reference to the design of the rotating wheels 320 described above. In addition, when there are multiple rotating shafts 310, the driving mechanism can drive at least one of the multiple rotating shafts 310, or can drive all of the rotating shafts 310. Specifically, when the driving mechanism drives multiple rotating shafts 310, the driving mode of the multiple rotating shafts 310 is synchronous drive. When the driving mechanism drives one of the multiple rotating shafts 310, the rotating shaft 310 that is transmission-connected to the driving mechanism is the main shaft, and the remaining rotating shafts 310 are driven shafts, which can also be driven by the active shaft to rotate synchronously.

[0053] Furthermore, if Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the overall shape of the carousel shelf 300 is roughly cylindrical with an elliptical cross-section. Specifically, the central portion of the carousel shelf 300 is generally flat and parallel to the corresponding portion of the outer shell 200. This increases the storage capacity of the carousel shelf 300, eliminating the need for additional shelves for temporary storage within the distribution station and the need to sort additional goods onto these shelves. This makes operation more convenient and relatively cost-effective.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotating wheel 320 can be preferably selected as a sprocket, and correspondingly, the transmission belt 330 can be preferably selected as a chain. In other embodiments, the rotating wheel 320 and the transmission belt 330 can also adopt other matching transmission structures, such as a pulley and a belt, etc., and are not limited to this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, based on the design that the rotating shelf 300 includes two (or more than two) rotating shafts 310, and based on the design that the shelf units 340 shown in the accompanying drawings are in a vertical column structure, in this embodiment, each time the rotating shelf 300 moves, the number of shelf units 340 corresponding to the cargo access port 210 can preferably be three columns. Accordingly, it is convenient for the operator to replenish the rotating shelf 300, and at the same time, the rotation frequency of the rotating container is effectively reduced when the user extracts the goods. In other embodiments, according to the number of rotating shafts 310, or according to the needs of cargo access, each time the rotating shelf 300 moves, the number of shelf units 340 corresponding to the cargo access port 210 can also be one column, two columns, or more than three columns, and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0056] Furthermore, if Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the shelf unit 340 has a plurality of cargo compartments 341 arranged in a vertically arranged sequence. Accordingly, the cargo access opening 210 of the housing 200 is provided with a plurality of opening and closing doors 211, each corresponding to the cargo compartments 341. Accordingly, when an item needs to be retrieved or stored, the corresponding opening and closing door 211 automatically springs open, allowing the user to open the opening and closing door 211, revealing the corresponding cargo compartment 341, allowing the user to access the item.

[0057] Furthermore, if Figures 3 to 6As shown, based on the design of the shelf unit 340 having multiple cargo compartments 341 distributed sequentially in the vertical direction, and the design of the cargo access opening 210 of the housing 200 being provided with multiple opening and closing doors 211, in this embodiment, the opening and closing doors 211 can be designed as multiple rows of door groups, and each row of door groups can be composed of multiple opening and closing doors 211 arranged sequentially in the vertical direction. The multiple row of door groups can be arranged adjacent to each other or at intervals. In addition, the number of opening and closing doors 211 contained in each row of door groups is the same as the number of cargo compartments 341 in each shelf unit 340, with substantially the same size and relative positions. This ensures that storage and replenishment operations can be completed in each compartment of the carousel through the cargo access opening 210.

[0058] Furthermore, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the main body of the rotating shelf 300 (i.e., each shelf unit 340) is arranged adjacent to the outer shell 200 and has a certain gap with the inner wall of the outer shell 200, so that the rotating shelf 300 can rotate unimpeded, thereby facilitating the storage and retrieval of goods through the cargo access port 210, and preventing miscellaneous items, packages, etc. from easily falling into the gap between the rotating shelf 300 and the outer shell 200 due to errors.

[0059] Furthermore, if Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism primarily includes a drive motor 351 and a drive belt 352. Specifically, the drive motor 351 is disposed within the housing 200, for example, on the inner wall of the housing 200, and has an output terminal. The drive belt 352 is connected in a transmission manner between the output terminal of the drive motor 351 and one of the two rotating shafts 310. Accordingly, the drive motor 351, through the transmission of the drive belt 352, can drive the rotating shaft 310 to rotate, thereby driving the entire rotating shelf 300.

[0060] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a maintenance door 240 may preferably be provided on the housing 200 for allowing equipment maintenance personnel to enter and exit the distribution station.

[0061] Furthermore, if Figure 2 As shown, based on the design that the maintenance door 240 is not initially set, in this embodiment, the maintenance door 240 can be preferably set on the other side of the shell 200 opposite to the cargo access port 210.

[0062] Furthermore, if Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, based on the design of the access door 220 for the delivery vehicle 400 to enter and exit the housing 200, in this embodiment, the access door 220 can preferably be an automatic door. Accordingly, when the delivery vehicle 400 arrives outside the delivery station, the door automatically opens and the delivery vehicle 400 drives into the parking space for the delivery vehicle 400 in the delivery station.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening and closing of access door 220 can preferably be controlled by a control system. Furthermore, a matching identification mechanism can be provided on the delivery vehicle 400 and the delivery station (e.g., access door 220), and connected to the control system. Accordingly, when the delivery vehicle 400 enters the recognition range of the identification mechanism, the control system receives an identification signal from the identification mechanism and, accordingly, sends control signals to access door 220 and the delivery vehicle 400, directing the delivery vehicle 400 to enter access door 220. Conversely, when the delivery vehicle 400 wishes to exit access door 220, this can also be achieved using the aforementioned design and control principles, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0064] Furthermore, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a ramp 110 is provided on the exterior of the base 100 at a position corresponding to the access door 220 of the housing 200, and a delivery vehicle passage is provided on the portion of the base 100 located within the housing 200. The ramp 110 and the delivery vehicle passage are located on the inner and outer sides of the access door 220, respectively. The ramp 110 is a generally wedge-shaped tabletop structure that compensates for the height difference between the outside ground and the base 100, thereby facilitating the delivery vehicle 400 to enter or exit the delivery vehicle passage of the base 100 through the access door 220.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the delivery vehicle 400 can preferably be an unmanned vehicle. Furthermore, the intelligent control center of the delivery vehicle 400 can be connected to the control system of the delivery station, for example, through a remote wireless connection achieved through GPRS, WIFI, etc., so that the entry, exit, and delivery of the delivery vehicle 400 can be controlled by the control system.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the delivery station proposed in the present disclosure may also preferably include a human-machine interface 230. Specifically, the human-machine interface 230 may be disposed on the outer wall of the housing 200 for user operation. The human-machine interface 230 is connected to the control system, thereby establishing information exchange between the human-machine interface 230 and the control system. The human-machine interface 230 allows users to input operational information, such as cargo access instructions, which is converted into corresponding control signals and sent to the control system. The control system then issues control instructions to control the corresponding mechanisms.

[0067] Furthermore, based on the design of the delivery station including the human-machine interaction interface 230, in this embodiment, the human-machine interaction interface 230 can preferably be a touch screen. In other embodiments, other types of interactive devices or components can also be selected according to actual use needs, and are not limited to this embodiment.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the sorting device 500 is set on the base 100 and located in the shell 200. The sorting device 500 is further located between the delivery vehicle channel and the rotating shelf 300, and is used to move items on the rotating container to the delivery vehicle 400 (or vice versa).

[0069] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the delivery station may also preferably include a rotating platform 600. Specifically, the rotating platform 600 is rotatably disposed on the base 100 and is located within the housing 200. The rotating platform 600 can adjust the direction of the delivery vehicle 400 by rotating itself when the delivery vehicle 400 is docked on the rotating platform 600. Accordingly, after the delivery vehicle 400 enters the delivery station through the access door 220, it can exit the delivery station again through the access door 220 without turning around. Furthermore, by rotating the delivery vehicle 400 using the rotating platform 600, different sides of the delivery vehicle 400 can be directed toward the rotating shelf 300 or the sorting device 500, thereby facilitating the transportation of goods to be picked up or stored (for example, via the sorting device 500) between the stacking locations on different sides of the rotating shelf 300 and the delivery vehicle 400.

[0070] Furthermore, based on the design of the delivery station including the rotating platform 600, in this embodiment, a video monitoring device can be preferably installed on the rotating platform 600 and can be connected to the control system. Accordingly, the rotation angle of the delivery vehicle 400 on the rotating platform 600 can be monitored through the video monitoring device.

[0071] It should be noted that the delivery stations shown in the drawings and described in this specification are only a few examples of the many types of delivery stations that can employ the principles of the present disclosure. It should be clearly understood that the principles of the present disclosure are in no way limited to any details of the delivery stations shown in the drawings or described in this specification, or to any components of the delivery stations.

[0072] For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the access opening can also serve as a window for automatically vending merchandise (goods) supplied within the distribution station. Popular items can be placed in the shelves of certain areas of the rotating shelf. Once a customer enters their desired product information on the human-computer interface and completes the purchase interaction, the rotating shelf, under the control of the control system, rotates the shelf unit containing the corresponding product to the access opening. The control system then automatically opens the door corresponding to the product being sold, allowing the user to retrieve the item.

[0073] For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cargo access opening can also serve as a window for users to send packages. After the user enters the mailing information on the human-computer interaction interface, the system automatically allocates the user an empty cargo compartment, controls the shelf unit where the cargo compartment is located to rotate to the cargo access opening position, and controls the opening and closing door corresponding to the empty cargo compartment to open, allowing the user to place the package. The opening and closing door automatically closes after recognizing the package, or the user can manually close the opening and closing door.

[0074] In summary, the distribution station proposed in the present disclosure has a cargo access port and an entry and exit door on its outer shell. The rotating shaft of the rotating shelf is vertically arranged on the base, and the transmission belt is wound around the outer periphery of the wheel on the rotating shaft. Multiple shelf units are arranged on the transmission belt, and are driven by a driving mechanism to expose the shelf units to the cargo access port. The sorting device can pick up and place goods between the delivery vehicle and the shelf unit. Through the above design, the present disclosure can be used as a transit station for cargo distribution, which can automatically sort, receive and ship goods, and at the same time has the functions of self-pickup, sales, and mailing, meeting the various functions required to achieve the last mile of distribution. The present disclosure has low dependence on manual labor and high distribution efficiency.

[0075] Specifically, based on the above-mentioned design of the present disclosure, the distribution station proposed in the present disclosure can provide at least the following functions:

[0076] 1. The distribution station proposed in this disclosure can serve as a transit point for goods delivery, enabling automated sorting, receiving, and shipping. It also offers functions such as pickup, sales, and mailing, fulfilling the essential functions required for last-mile delivery. Because each functional component of the distribution station utilizes a modular design, it facilitates overall transportation and installation, effectively reducing on-site construction workload, facilitating maintenance, and facilitating scalability and external promotion.

[0077] 2. Carousel racks can serve both receiving and storage functions. That is, once goods are stored in the compartments, they can be used directly as storage racks. Due to their large storage capacity, their placement within the distribution center is ideal, eliminating the need for sorting to other racks. This effectively simplifies storage at the distribution center, improving convenience and processing efficiency.

[0078] 3. The coordinated design of the rotating shelves and the cargo access openings can better realize the full utilization of all cargo compartments on the rotating shelves. In particular, the design of the cargo access openings corresponding to multiple rows of shelf units can make it more convenient for delivery staff to replenish goods in the distribution station, and effectively reduce the rotation frequency of the rotating container when users pick up the goods themselves.

[0079] 4. The coordinated design of the rotary shelf and the sorting device can better complete the operation of picking up and placing goods in all cargo compartments of the rotary shelf facing the stacking device by using the stacking device proposed in the present disclosure.

[0080] 5. The cargo access port combines the functions of replenishment, self-pickup, sales and mailing, and is diverse and versatile.

[0081] The exemplary embodiments of the distribution station proposed by the present disclosure are described and / or illustrated in detail above. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the components and / or steps of each embodiment can be used independently and separately from the other components and / or steps described herein. Each component and / or each step of an embodiment can also be used in combination with other components and / or steps of other embodiments. When introducing the elements / components / etc. described and / or illustrated herein, the terms "one", "an" and "above" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are used to express an open-ended inclusion and mean that in addition to the listed elements / components / etc., there may be additional elements / components / etc. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" in the claims and the specification are used only as marks and are not numerical limitations on their objects.

[0082] While the delivery station presented in this disclosure has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A distribution station, characterized in that: The distribution station includes: base; A housing is provided on the base and is provided with a cargo access opening and an entry and exit door; A rotating shelf is provided on the base and located in the housing, and includes: A plurality of rotating shafts are vertically provided on the base and spaced apart along a straight line, each rotating shaft being provided with a plurality of rotating wheels which are concentric therewith and located at different heights, and the rotating wheels provided on each rotating shaft are at the same height; A plurality of transmission belts are respectively wound around the outer peripheries of the plurality of rotating wheels located at different heights; a plurality of shelf units arranged at intervals in a horizontal direction, each of the shelf units being provided on a plurality of the transmission belts, and the shelf units being configured to store goods; and a driving mechanism, drivingly connected to the rotating shaft, the driving mechanism being configured to drive the rotating shaft to rotate about its axial direction so as to correspond at least one of the plurality of shelf units to the cargo access opening; a delivery vehicle configured to enter and exit the housing through the access door and transport the goods; a sorting device, disposed on the base and located within the housing, the sorting device being configured to pick up and place the goods between the delivery vehicle and the shelf unit; a control system configured to control the driving mechanism and the sorting device; and A rotating platform is rotatably provided on the base and located in the shell. The rotating platform is configured to adjust the direction of the delivery vehicle by rotating itself when the delivery vehicle is docked on the rotating platform.

2. The distribution station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating shelf includes two rotating shafts.

3. The distribution station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the plurality of rotating wheels provided on each rotating shaft is the same and the heights are corresponding. The plurality of rotating wheels located at the same height on the plurality of rotating shafts define a group of rotating wheels, and a plurality of transmission belts are respectively wound around the plurality of groups of rotating wheels.

4. The distribution station according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each of the rotating shafts is provided with two rotating wheels located at the top and bottom thereof respectively. A transmission belt is wound around the multiple rotating wheels located at the top of the multiple rotating shafts, and another transmission belt is wound around the multiple rotating wheels located at the bottom of the multiple rotating shafts. Each of the shelf units is connected to the two transmission belts.

5. The distribution station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating wheel is a sprocket, and the transmission belt is a chain.

6. The distribution station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shelf unit has a plurality of cargo compartments sequentially distributed in the vertical direction, and the cargo access opening is provided with a plurality of opening and closing doors, and the plurality of opening and closing doors correspond to the plurality of cargo compartments respectively.

7. The distribution station according to claim 6, characterized in that: The distribution station also includes: A human-machine interaction interface is provided on the housing and connected to the control system. The human-machine interaction interface is configured to allow a user to input cargo access instructions and convert them into control signals and send them to the control system.

8. The distribution station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism comprises: a driving motor, disposed in the housing and having an output end; and A driving belt, drivingly connected between the output end and the rotating shaft; Wherein, the driving motor is configured to drive the rotating shaft to rotate through the transmission of the driving belt.

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