Warehouse power supply system

Abstract

This specification discloses a warehouse power supply system. The control center determines the handling equipment and battery supply station that perform the battery replacement task, sends a battery replacement instruction to the handling equipment, and the handling equipment drives to the battery supply station and disconnects the mechanical connection with the first battery assembly. The battery supply station removes the first battery assembly from the handling equipment through the battery replacement mechanism and places the second battery assembly in the handling equipment. The handling equipment detects whether the handling equipment is successfully connected to the replaced second battery assembly. If the connection is successful, the handling equipment determines that the battery replacement task is completed. In this specification, the handling equipment replaces the first battery assembly with the second battery assembly through the battery supply station to complete the battery replacement task. Compared with the existing charging method, this greatly saves charging time, thereby improving the overall work efficiency of the handling equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the field of intelligent warehousing technology, and in particular to a warehousing power supply system. Background Art

[0002] Currently, smart warehousing systems rely on handling equipment to achieve automated transportation. Since handling equipment only needs to work inside the warehouse, it usually relies on battery power.

[0003] Due to the mechanical limitations of transport equipment, battery compartments are typically limited, especially in smaller equipment like shuttles and smart flatbed trailers. Consequently, batteries are typically built into the equipment and cannot be removed. When the battery is low, the control center identifies an available charging station and directs the transport equipment to it for charging.

[0004] Existing battery charging technologies, whether wired or wireless, require a long charging time. During the charging process of the transport equipment, the transport task cannot be performed, resulting in low overall work efficiency of the transport equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of this specification provide a battery life system to partially solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] The embodiments of this specification adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] The battery life system provided in this specification includes: one or more control centers, one or more handling devices operating in a high-bay warehouse, and one or more battery supply stations distributed on at least one layer of the high-bay warehouse. The control center communicates wirelessly with the handling devices, and the handling devices are equipped with at least one battery assembly.

[0008] The control center is configured to determine a transport device that performs a battery replacement task from the one or more transport devices and a battery supply station that performs a battery replacement task from the one or more battery supply stations, and send a battery replacement instruction to the transport device that performs the battery replacement task;

[0009] The transport device is configured to, in response to the battery replacement instruction, travel to the battery supply station; and disconnect mechanically from the first battery assembly, detect whether the transport device is successfully connected to the replaced second battery assembly, and if so, determine that the battery replacement task is completed;

[0010] The battery supply station is configured to remove the first battery assembly from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism and place the second battery assembly in the transport device;

[0011] The first battery assembly is one of at least one battery assembly built into the transport equipment.

[0012] Optionally, if the transporting equipment and the battery supply station are located on different floors, the system further includes a lifting device, which is configured to lift the battery supply station and at least one of the battery components removed from the battery supply station to the floor where the transporting equipment is located, or to lift the transporting equipment to the floor where the battery supply station is located, so as to provide replaceable battery components to transporting equipment on different floors.

[0013] Optionally, the transporting device is further configured to take out the battery supply station in the lifting device and transport it to any designated location on the floor.

[0014] Optionally, the transporting device is further configured to take out the battery assembly from the lifting device and transport it to any designated battery supply station on the floor so as to be connected to the designated battery supply station.

[0015] Optionally, the control center is further configured to determine the layout quantity of the battery supply station or the battery components in the battery supply station on different floors based at least in part on the cargo flow of the floor.

[0016] Optionally, the one battery supply station is equipped with one or more battery assemblies.

[0017] Optionally, the battery supply station is provided with one or more charging positions and one or more storage positions, and any one of the one or more battery assemblies is charged in the charging position or stored in the storage position.

[0018] Optionally, the battery supply station is also configured to charge the battery assembly through the charging position. If charging is completed, the charging position is electrically disconnected from the battery assembly and the battery assembly is switched to a designated position, wherein the designated position includes the charging position or the storage position.

[0019] Optionally, the battery supply station is further configured to switch the battery assembly from the storage position to the charging position if it is determined that the battery assembly is in a state to be charged.

[0020] Optionally, the battery supply station is further configured to, if the battery assembly is in a state to be charged, convert the storage position to the charging position, electrically connect to the battery assembly and charge; if the battery assembly is fully charged, disconnect the charging position electrically from the battery assembly and convert the charging position to the storage position.

[0021] Optionally, the battery supply station is provided with one or more cache locations and one or more storage locations, the cache locations are used to place the first battery assembly, and the storage locations are used to place the second battery assembly;

[0022] The battery supply station takes out the first battery assembly from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism, places the first battery assembly in the cache position, takes out the second battery assembly from the storage position, and places the second battery assembly in the transport device.

[0023] Optionally, the battery supply station is further configured to detect environmental information of the battery supply station, and identify whether there is any abnormality in the environment of the battery supply station based on the detection results. If an abnormality occurs, the type of abnormality is determined, and the abnormality is processed by the battery supply station according to a preset processing method corresponding to the type.

[0024] Optionally, the environmental information includes ambient temperature;

[0025] If the type of abnormality is determined to be a low temperature abnormality type or a high temperature abnormality type, the battery supply station is further configured to adjust the ambient temperature to within a preset standard temperature range through a temperature adjustment module.

[0026] Optionally, the environmental information includes at least one of smoke concentration, open flame information, and electric spark information;

[0027] If it is determined that the type of abnormality is a smoke abnormality type, an open flame abnormality type, or an electric spark abnormality type, the battery supply station is further configured to seal the space where the battery supply station is located through a sealing component, and / or start a spray component.

[0028] Optionally, the multiple transport devices locate their own current position information, detect the current remaining power information of the first battery assembly, and send the respective current position information and the current remaining power information to the control center;

[0029] The control center determines the transporting equipment that performs the battery replacement task at least in part based on at least one of the current remaining power information, current working status and current remaining transport task information of each of the multiple transporting equipment, and determines the battery supply station that performs the battery replacement task at least in part based on the current position information of the transporting equipment, the position information, idle status and current remaining completion time of the one or more battery supply stations.

[0030] Optionally, the transporting equipment is further configured to disconnect the electrical connection with the first battery assembly before the battery supply station removes the first battery assembly from the transporting equipment through the battery replacement mechanism.

[0031] Optionally, the transport device is further configured to provide at least part of the energy for the transport device through other built-in battery components after the transport device is disconnected from at least one of the mechanical connection and the electrical connection with the first battery component.

[0032] Optionally, the battery supply station is further configured to charge at least one battery assembly placed in the transport equipment.

[0033] Optionally, the battery assembly on the transport device is maintained in a fixed state or a non-fixed state with the transport device through a fixing mechanism.

[0034] Optionally, the fixing mechanism is a snap-on mechanism.

[0035] Optionally, the battery supply station is configured to mechanically remove the first battery assembly from the transport equipment and mechanically insert the second battery assembly through the battery replacement mechanism.

[0036] Optionally, the battery supply station is configured to press the battery assembly in the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism, so that the battery assembly pops out of the transport device or enters the transport device;

[0037] The transport device is configured to eject the battery assembly or allow the battery assembly to enter the transport device through a linkage mechanism when the battery replacement mechanism presses the battery assembly.

[0038] Optionally, the transport device is further equipped with a protective shell, which is used to prevent the battery components on the transport device from being exposed to the outside.

[0039] Optionally, the protective shell and the battery assembly are an integrated structure.

[0040] Optionally, the protective shell and the battery assembly are split structures.

[0041] Optionally, the protective shell maintains a fixed state or a non-fixed state with the transport equipment through the fixing mechanism.

[0042] Optionally, the battery supply station is configured to mechanically remove the protective shell from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism, and mechanically place the protective shell into the transport device.

[0043] Optionally, the battery supply station is further configured to trigger a switch mechanism located on the transport device through a trigger mechanism after the second battery assembly is placed in the transport device;

[0044] The transport device is further configured to start the transport device when the switch mechanism is triggered, wherein the second battery assembly provides at least part of the energy for the transport device.

[0045] Optionally, the system further comprises:

[0046] At least one of the transport equipment and the battery supply station reports the completion information of the battery replacement task to the control center, and the control center updates the current state of the battery supply station to an idle state.

[0047] Optionally, the transporting equipment is a shuttle vehicle.

[0048] Optionally, the shuttle is a four-way shuttle.

[0049] At least one of the above technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0050] The control center determines the transport equipment and battery supply station that will perform the battery replacement task, sends a battery replacement instruction to the transport equipment, and the transport equipment drives to the battery supply station and disconnects the mechanical connection with the first battery assembly. The battery supply station removes the first battery assembly from the transport equipment through the battery replacement mechanism and places the second battery assembly in the transport equipment. The transport equipment detects whether the transport equipment is successfully connected to the replaced second battery assembly. If the connection is successful, the transport equipment determines that the battery replacement task is completed, wherein the first battery assembly is one of at least one battery assembly built into the transport equipment. In this specification, the transport equipment replaces the first battery assembly with the second battery assembly through the battery supply station to complete the battery replacement task. Compared with the existing charging method, this greatly saves charging time, thereby improving the overall work efficiency of the transport equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of this specification and constitute a part of this specification. The exemplary embodiments and descriptions of this specification are used to explain this specification and do not constitute an improper limitation of this specification. In the drawings:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a warehouse power supply system provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0053] Figure 2 A top view of a handling device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0054] Figure 3 A top view of another transport device provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0055] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a grabbing protective shell provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a process of placing a battery assembly in a receiving compartment according to an embodiment of this specification;

[0057] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process for replacing a battery assembly provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a flow chart of a warehouse power supply method provided in an embodiment of this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this specification more clear, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of this specification in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this specification and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0060] In existing smart warehousing systems, handling equipment usually uses batteries as endurance components, especially rechargeable batteries. Of course, other energy-providing endurance components can also be used.

[0061] Existing handling equipment can be divided into large-scale handling equipment and small-scale handling equipment based on their size. Large-scale handling equipment may include, but is not limited to, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and unmanned forklifts, while small-scale handling equipment may include shuttle vehicles and unmanned forklifts. Handling equipment typically has a built-in, non-removable battery. After a period of operation, the handling equipment needs to be driven to a charging station for charging to provide sufficient energy for subsequent operations. During the charging process, the handling equipment cannot function normally, for example, performing handling tasks.

[0062] For small-sized transport equipment, due to the limitations of the structural design of small-sized transport equipment, the storage compartment of small-sized transport equipment is smaller and can hold fewer battery components, so it is necessary to frequently travel to the charging station for charging. Taking the shuttle car as an example, the wheels of the shuttle car are located on the side of the shuttle car, and the wheels in the same direction are connected by axles. Due to the small size of the shuttle car, the shuttle car can drive the axles in two directions through the motor, and the wheels in the same direction of travel are connected by a drive shaft. Therefore, the battery components are usually placed in the central area of ​​the shuttle car, and under normal circumstances, the battery components cannot be removed from the transport equipment. Components such as positioning components also need to be placed in the central area of ​​the vehicle. Therefore, the space left for battery components in the shuttle car is smaller, resulting in lower charging efficiency of the shuttle car, making the overall work efficiency of the shuttle car lower.

[0063] For large-scale transport equipment, although a larger storage compartment can be designed to accommodate more battery modules, which can extend the operating time of the transport equipment, the problem of longer charging time is also encountered. Therefore, the overall operating efficiency of the transport equipment is low.

[0064] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this specification are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a warehouse power supply system provided in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 1 What is shown is a top view of a certain layer in a high-bay warehouse. The shaded area is where the carriers (carriers may include but are not limited to: pallets, bins and other containers) are located. Inventory items are carried on / inside the carriers. The handling equipment 102 can operate in the high-bay warehouse. A battery supply station 104 is provided in the high-bay warehouse to charge the handling equipment and / or provide rechargeable batteries. In this specification, for example, each layer of the high-bay warehouse can be divided into upper and lower spaces. Carriers are placed in the upper space, and tracks can be provided in the lower space. The handling equipment 102 can carry the carriers in the upper space and travel on the tracks in the lower space. Of course, the high-bay warehouse can also be set up as other structures to support the handling equipment 102 to carry carriers from the side or above the carrier and travel in the high-bay warehouse. This specification does not limit this. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the warehouse power supply system may include one or more control centers 100, one or more handling equipment 102, and one or more battery supply stations 104, wherein:

[0066] The control center 100 can determine the transport device 102 that performs the battery replacement task from one or more transport devices and the battery supply station 104 that performs the battery replacement task from one or more battery supply stations, and send a battery replacement instruction to the transport device 102 that performs the battery replacement task. The control center 100 can specifically be a device used for scheduling in a high-bay warehouse, for example, a server, and can be a single device or a distributed server composed of multiple devices, and this specification does not limit this. In this specification, the battery replacement instruction is an instruction sent by the control center 100 to the transport device 102 to go to the battery supply station 104 to replace the battery, and the battery replacement task is the task of the battery supply station 104 to replace the battery for the transport device 102.

[0067] In response to the battery replacement instruction, the transporting equipment 102 travels to the battery supply station 104 that performs the battery replacement task, and disconnects the mechanical connection with the first battery assembly, and detects whether the transporting equipment 102 is successfully connected to the replaced second battery assembly. If the connection is successful, it is determined that the battery replacement task is completed.

[0068] Among them, the handling equipment 102 is a device that performs handling tasks (handling vehicles) in the three-dimensional warehouse. The handling equipment 102 can travel in the three-dimensional warehouse and carry vehicles in the three-dimensional warehouse. Specifically, each layer in the three-dimensional warehouse is provided with a track, and the handling equipment 102 can travel on the track. Therefore, the handling equipment 102 may include a shuttle, and the shuttle may include a four-way shuttle, a six-way shuttle, etc. Since in this specification, if the handling equipment 102 is a four-way shuttle, it can travel in a certain layer of the three-dimensional warehouse and perform handling tasks. If the handling equipment 102 is required to perform handling tasks on different layers in the three-dimensional warehouse, the handling equipment 102 can enter the lifting equipment provided in the three-dimensional warehouse, and the lifting equipment can rise or fall to enable the handling equipment 102 to reach different layers in the three-dimensional warehouse. The handling equipment 102 is equipped with at least one battery assembly, and the at least one battery assembly jointly provides power for the handling equipment 102. The first battery assembly is one of the at least one battery assembly built into the handling equipment 102.

[0069] The handling equipment 102 can communicate with the control center 100 and the battery supply station 104 wirelessly. Specifically, the handling equipment 102 and the control center 100 and the battery supply station 104 can communicate wirelessly with each other, or the control center 100 can communicate wirelessly with the handling equipment 102 and the battery supply station 104 respectively, and the information transmission between the handling equipment 102 and the battery supply station 104 can be realized by relaying through the control center 100. Alternatively, the handling equipment 102 can communicate wirelessly with the control center 100 and the battery supply station 104 respectively, and the information transmission between the control center 100 and the battery supply station 104 can be realized by relaying through the handling equipment 102.

[0070] The battery supply station 104 removes the first battery assembly from the handling device 102 through the battery replacement mechanism and places the second battery assembly in the handling device 102. The battery supply station 104 is a device in the high-bay warehouse that replaces and / or charges the batteries of the handling device 102. The battery supply station 104 is equipped with one or more battery assemblies. The battery supply station 104 can exist in the form of a device. Therefore, the battery supply station 104 can be transported by the handling device 102 and enter the lifting device, and then reach different levels of the high-bay warehouse through the lifting device. The battery supply station 104 can then be removed from the lifting device by the handling device 102 and transported to any designated location on the level, so as to provide replaceable battery assemblies to the handling devices 102 on different levels and / or charge the handling devices 102 on different levels.

[0071] From the above content, it can be seen that in a transportation scenario, the warehouse power supply system also includes lifting equipment ( Figure 1 (not shown), a lifting device can be set in a high-rise warehouse. The lifting device can lift the transport device 102 from the floor where it is located to any other floor, and lift the battery supply station 104 from the floor where it is located to any other floor. The lifting device can also lift the transport device 102 and the battery supply station 104 to the same floor. That is, the transport device 102 can cross floors and travel to the battery supply station 104 on different floors to replace batteries and / or charge batteries. The battery supply station 104 can also cross floors and replace batteries and / or charge batteries for the transport devices 102 on different floors. If the transport device and the battery supply station are located on different floors, the lifting device can lift the transport device to the floor where the battery supply station is located, so that the transport devices on different floors can go to the floor where the battery supply station is located to perform the battery replacement task.

[0072] In addition, the lifting device can also lift the battery components removed from the battery supply station to different layers of the high-bay warehouse so as to provide replaceable battery components to the handling equipment 102 on different layers. Specifically, the handling equipment 102 or other dedicated equipment can transport the battery components removed from the battery supply station to the lifting device. When the lifting device lifts the battery components removed from the battery supply station to a certain layer, the handling equipment 102 or other dedicated equipment located on that layer can remove the battery components from the lifting device and transport them to any designated battery supply station 104 on that layer so that the battery components can be connected to the designated battery supply station 104 (the connection may include mechanical connection and electrical connection).

[0073] Therefore, when the control center 100 determines the number of battery supply stations 104 or battery components within a battery supply station 104 to be arranged on different floors of the high-bay warehouse, it may at least partially rely on information such as cargo flow rates on different floors of the high-bay warehouse. Specifically, for each floor of the high-bay warehouse, information such as cargo flow rates on that floor may be determined. If the cargo flow rate on that floor is high, it indicates that the handling equipment 102 is likely to operate more frequently on that floor when performing handling tasks. The higher the probability that the handling equipment 102 is located on that floor, the more battery supply stations 104 or battery components within the battery supply stations 104 may be arranged on that floor. Cargo flow rates are positively correlated with the number of battery supply stations or battery components within them.

[0074] The battery supply station 104 also includes a battery storage location, which can accommodate battery assemblies. The battery storage location can include one or more charging locations and one or more storage locations, and any one of the one or more battery assemblies can be placed in a charging location or a storage location. The battery assembly can be charged in the charging location or stored in the storage location. The battery supply station 104 can charge the battery assembly through the charging location. Once charging is complete, the charging location can be electrically disconnected from the battery assembly, and the battery assembly can be moved to a designated location, which can include a charging location or a storage location.

[0075] Specifically, the battery supply station 104 can detect whether the battery assembly is in a state to be charged. If the battery supply station 104 determines that the battery assembly is in a state to be charged, the battery assembly is switched from the storage position to the charging position (that is, the battery assembly is taken out of the storage position and placed in the charging position for charging), or the storage position is converted to the charging position, electrically connected to the battery assembly and charged. When the battery assembly is fully charged, the charging position is electrically disconnected from the battery assembly and the charging position is converted to the storage position (that is, the charging position and the storage position can be converted to each other). When the battery assembly needs to be charged, the storage position is electrically connected to the battery assembly and converted to the charging position to charge the battery assembly. When the battery assembly is fully charged, the charging position is electrically disconnected from the battery assembly and converted to the storage position.

[0076] In addition, the battery storage position may also be provided with one or more cache positions and one or more storage positions. The cache position is used to place the first battery assembly, and the storage position is used to place the second battery assembly. The battery supply station removes the first battery assembly from the transport equipment through the battery replacement mechanism, places the first battery assembly in the cache position, and removes the second battery assembly from the storage position, and places the second battery assembly in the transport equipment.

[0077] The battery supply station 104 can also detect the environmental information of the battery supply station 104, and identify whether there is any abnormality in the environment of the battery supply station 104 based on the detection results. If an abnormality occurs, the type of abnormality is determined, and the battery supply station 104 handles the abnormality according to the preset processing method corresponding to the type.

[0078] Specifically, the battery supply station also includes an environmental detection component that can be used to detect environmental information of the battery supply station. The environmental information includes at least one of ambient temperature, smoke concentration, open flame information, and electric spark information. When the environmental information is ambient temperature, the battery supply station 104 can detect the ambient temperature of the battery supply station 104 using a temperature sensor, etc., and determine, based on a preset standard temperature range, whether the ambient temperature is outside the standard temperature range, whether the abnormality is a low temperature abnormality or a high temperature abnormality. The battery supply station 104 can adjust the ambient temperature to within the standard temperature range using a temperature adjustment module.

[0079] When the environmental information is smoke concentration, battery supply station 104 can detect the smoke concentration within battery supply station 104 using a smoke sensor. When the smoke concentration within battery supply station 104 exceeds a preset smoke concentration threshold, the abnormality is determined to be a smoke abnormality. When the environmental information is at least one of open flame information and electric spark information, battery supply station 104 can obtain image information using an image sensor and, through image processing, identify whether an open flame or electric spark is present within battery supply station 104. If an open flame or electric spark is present within battery supply station 104, the abnormality is determined to be an open flame abnormality or an electric spark abnormality. In this case, battery supply station 104 can seal the space where the battery supply station is located using a sealing component and / or activate a spray component. The sealing component may include doors, windows, firewalls, etc. The spray component can spray water, gases such as carbon dioxide, or flame-retardant foam.

[0080] Figure 2 A top view of a transport device provided in an embodiment of this specification, Figure 2 In the embodiment, the transport device 102 is provided with a storage compartment 201 for accommodating the battery assembly, a protective shell 202, a first battery assembly 203, a fixing mechanism 204, a device communication component 205, a detection component 206, a positioning component 207, a switch mechanism 208, wheels 211 and an axle 212, wherein the protective shell 202 and the fixing mechanism 204 are arranged in a Figure 2 Not shown. Figure 3 A top view of another transport device provided in the embodiment of this specification, Figure 3In the embodiment, the transport device 102 is provided with a storage compartment 201 for accommodating battery components, a protective shell 202, a first battery component 203, a device communication component 205, a detection component 206, a positioning component 207, an auxiliary battery component 209, a linkage mechanism 210, wheels 211, and an axle 212. For the convenience of description, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Only the case where the transport device 102 includes one first battery assembly 203 is illustrated.

[0081] In this specification, the protective shell is used to prevent the battery assembly on the handling equipment from being exposed to the outside. The protective shell and the battery assembly can be an integrated structure or a split structure. When the protective shell and the battery assembly are an integrated structure, when the battery assembly is placed in the handling equipment, the battery assembly is located in the storage compartment, and the protective shell and the outer shell of the handling equipment are tightly combined to form a plane. When the protective shell in the battery assembly and the battery assembly are a split structure, that is, the protective shell of the battery assembly is in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The protective shell 202 represents the battery assembly. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first battery assembly 203 is shown in FIG.

[0082] In addition, when the transport equipment has multiple battery assemblies built in, the transport equipment can replace each first battery assembly in the transport equipment separately through the battery supply station. The transport equipment can also have an auxiliary battery assembly built in, and the auxiliary battery assembly can be set to a non-detachable structure, that is, even if the first battery assembly is removed, the transport equipment can still perform basic operations, such as maintaining communication connection with the control center, etc. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The auxiliary battery assembly 209 is shown in FIG. Of course, the auxiliary battery assembly can also be set as a detachable structure. In a transportation scenario, other battery assemblies in the transportation equipment that do not need to be replaced can be used as auxiliary battery assemblies.

[0083] The battery supply station 104 may include a battery replacement mechanism 401, a trigger mechanism 402, a station communication component 403, and a second battery assembly 404. Specifically, the battery supply station 104 may remove the first battery assembly 203 from the transport device 102, place the second battery assembly 404 in the transport device 102, and charge the first battery assembly 203 removed from the transport device 102 (in this case, the first battery assembly 203 may serve as the second battery assembly 404).

[0084] The following combination Figure 2 or Figure 3 Provide detailed description of each part.

[0085] The protective shell 202 is located on the transport equipment 102 and is used to protect the first battery assembly 203 in the storage compartment 201, wherein the first battery assembly 203 is a detachable assembly, that is, the first battery assembly 203 can be taken out from the storage compartment 201, or the first battery assembly 203 can be placed in the storage compartment 201.

[0086] When the protective shell and the battery assembly are of a separate structure, the protective shell 202 can be opened through the battery replacement mechanism 401 of the battery supply station 104 to facilitate taking the first battery assembly 203 out of the accommodating chamber 201 or placing the second battery assembly 404 into the accommodating chamber 201.

[0087] The battery supply station 104 can mechanically remove the first battery assembly 203 from the transport device 102 and mechanically insert the second battery assembly 404 via the battery replacement mechanism 401. Specifically, mechanically removing the first battery assembly 203 can include grabbing the first battery assembly 203, with the battery replacement mechanism 401 grabbing the first battery assembly 203 and removing the first battery assembly 203 from the transport device 102. Mechanically inserting the second battery assembly 404 can include grabbing the second battery assembly 404 and inserting it, with the battery replacement mechanism 401 grabbing the second battery assembly 404 and placing the second battery assembly 404 into the transport device. Furthermore, mechanically removing or inserting the battery assembly can also include lifting the battery assembly.

[0088] This specification provides a method for opening or closing the storage compartment 201 by pressing the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401. Figure 3As shown, one end of the protective shell 202 is connected to the linkage mechanism 210, and the position of the protective shell 202 can be preset to a first position or a second position, wherein the first position is the position of the protective shell 202 when it is in a protective state, that is, the protective shell 202 is placed as a whole on the outer shell of the transport device 102. At this time, the protective shell 202 protects the first battery assembly 203 in the storage compartment 201, and the storage compartment 201 is in a closed state. The second position is the position of the protective shell 202 when it is in an open state, that is, one end of the protective shell 202 is connected to the transport device 102 via the linkage mechanism 210, and the other end is in a suspended state. At this time, the protective shell 202 does not protect the first battery assembly 203 in the storage compartment 201, and the storage compartment 201 is in an open state. The battery supply station 104 can press the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401 to switch the position of the protective shell 202 between the first position and the second position through the linkage mechanism 210. That is, when the first battery assembly 203 needs to be taken out of the storage compartment 201, the battery supply station 104 presses the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401. At this time, the position of the protective shell 202 is switched from the first position to the second position. After the second battery assembly 404 is placed in the storage compartment 201, the battery supply station 104 presses the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401. At this time, the position of the protective shell 202 is switched from the second position to the first position.

[0089] In addition, this specification also provides a method for opening or closing the storage compartment 201 by grabbing the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a grabbing protective shell provided in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the protective shell 202 is provided with a protective shell groove 2021 and a fixing mechanism 204, wherein the fixing mechanism 204 is not Figure 4As shown in . The protective shell 202 is maintained in a fixed state or a non-fixed state with the transport device 102 through the fixing mechanism 204. The battery changing mechanism 401 can mechanically pull out the protective shell from the transport device and mechanically put in the protective shell by grabbing the protective shell groove 2021. The fixing mechanism 204 can loosen the protective shell 202, and the battery changing mechanism 401 can separate the protective shell 202 from the outer shell of the transport device 102 and move the protective shell 202 to other positions (for example, suspending the protective shell 202, or placing the protective shell 202 at a designated position of the battery supply station 104). At this time, the accommodating chamber 201 is in an open state. The first battery assembly 203 can be removed from the accommodating chamber 201 by the battery changing mechanism 401, and the second battery assembly 404 can be placed in the accommodating chamber 201. After placing the second battery assembly 404 into the storage chamber 201, the battery supply station 104 places the protective shell 202 on the outer shell of the transport equipment 102 through the battery replacement mechanism 401. The fixing mechanism 204 can fix the protective shell 202 so that the protective shell 202 protects the first battery assembly 203 located in the storage chamber 201. At this time, the storage chamber 201 is in a closed state.

[0090] The above are two implementation methods for the battery supply station to replace the first battery assembly with the second battery assembly when the protective shell and the battery body provided in this specification are of a separate structure.

[0091] In this specification, when the protective shell and the battery body are an integrated structure, the above two methods can also be used to implement it. In the process of using the first method, the battery supply station can press the battery assembly in the transport equipment through the battery replacement mechanism, so that the battery assembly pops out or retracts from the transport equipment. When the battery replacement mechanism presses the battery assembly, the transport equipment pops out or retracts the battery assembly through the linkage mechanism. That is, the battery replacement mechanism can directly press the first battery assembly, and the transport equipment switches the first battery assembly from the first position to the second position through the linkage mechanism. The battery replacement mechanism takes out the first battery assembly and places the second battery assembly in the transport equipment, presses the second battery assembly, and the transport equipment switches the second battery assembly from the second position to the first position through the linkage mechanism, thereby completing the battery replacement task. In the process of using the second method, the battery replacement mechanism can directly grab the first battery assembly, take the first battery assembly out of the transport equipment, and directly grab the second battery assembly and place the second battery assembly in the transport equipment.

[0092] Of course, in addition to the two methods mentioned above, there are other ways to open or close the storage compartment. Regarding the implementation process of other methods, this manual will not go into details here.

[0093] A first battery assembly 203 is placed in the storage bin 201. In order to place the first battery assembly 203 firmly in the storage bin 201, the battery assembly on the transport device can be kept in a fixed state or a non-fixed state with the transport device through a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism may include a snap-on mechanism, a protruding mechanism, etc. A first fixing structure for fixing the battery assembly can be provided in the storage bin 201. Similarly, a second fixing structure for fixing can be provided on the battery assembly (i.e., the first battery assembly 203 and the second battery assembly 404). During the process of the transport device 102 performing the transport task, the first battery assembly 203 can be firmly placed in the storage bin 201 through the first fixing structure and the second fixing structure.

[0094] Take bulge as an example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a process of placing a battery assembly in a receiving compartment is provided in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 5 In the figure, the lighter-colored protrusions are the first fixing structures provided in the storage compartment 201, and the darker-colored protrusions are the second fixing structures provided on the battery assembly. To place the battery assembly in the storage compartment 201, the battery assembly is pressed downward, and the first and second fixing structures meet and squeeze each other, causing both the first and second fixing structures to deform. As the battery assembly is pressed downward further, the first and second fixing structures return to their pre-deformation states, and through their interlaced positions, the battery assembly is secured in the storage compartment 201.

[0095] In addition, in this specification, the battery assembly can also be taken out from the storage compartment 201 through the battery replacement mechanism 401 of the battery supply station 104, refer to Figure 5 After the battery replacement mechanism 401 grabs the battery assembly, it moves upward. During the upward movement of the battery assembly, the first fixed structure and the second fixed structure meet and deform, and then both return to their pre-deformation states. At this time, the battery assembly can be smoothly removed from the storage compartment 201. It should be noted here that both the first battery assembly 203 and the second battery assembly 404 can be placed in the storage compartment 201 to provide at least part of the energy for the transport device 102. The two can be the same type of battery assembly or different types of battery assembly. To distinguish the two, the battery assembly placed in the storage compartment 201 is referred to as the first battery assembly 203, and the battery assembly placed in the battery supply station 104 to replace the first battery assembly 203 is referred to as the second battery assembly 404. When the second battery assembly 404 is placed in the storage compartment 201 by the battery replacement mechanism 401 of the battery supply station 104, the second battery assembly 404 becomes the first battery assembly 203 in the transport device 102.

[0096] The device communication component 205 is located in the transport device 102. The communication method may include wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. Of course, in some scenarios, the communication method may also include wired communication, that is, communication between the transport device 102 and the control center 100 and the battery supply station 104 is achieved through wires or other means.

[0097] The detection component 206 is located in the transporting equipment 102. The transporting equipment 102 can detect the current remaining power information of the first battery component 203, the second battery component 404, and the auxiliary battery component 209 through the detection component 206, and send the detection results to the control center 100 through the device communication component 205.

[0098] The positioning component 207 is located in the transport device 102 . The transport device 102 can determine the current location information of the transport device 102 through the positioning component 207 and send the current location information to the control center 100 through the device communication component 205 .

[0099] The device communication component 205 can use existing relatively mature communication technologies to achieve communication between the transport device 102 and the control center 100 and the battery supply station 104. The detection component 206 can use existing relatively mature detection technologies to detect the current remaining power information of the battery component. The positioning component 207 can use existing relatively mature positioning technologies to determine the position of the transport device 102 itself. Of course, the specific methods used by the device communication component 205, the detection component 206, and the positioning component 207 can be set as needed. In addition, the location of the device communication component 205, the detection component 206, and the positioning component 207 in the transport device 102 is not limited in this specification.

[0100] The transport device 102 may be provided with both the switch mechanism 208 and the auxiliary battery assembly 209. Alternatively, the transport device 102 may be provided with only the switch mechanism 208, and the battery supply station 104 may be provided with the trigger mechanism 402. Alternatively, the transport device 102 may be provided with only the auxiliary battery assembly 209, and the battery supply station 104 may not be provided with the trigger mechanism 402.

[0101] The switch mechanism 208 is located in the transport device 102. After the battery supply station 104 places the second battery assembly 404 in the transport device 102, it triggers the switch mechanism 208 located on the transport device 102 via the trigger mechanism 402. When the switch mechanism 208 is triggered, the transport device 102 can be started. The second battery assembly 404 provides at least part of the energy for the transport device 102. That is, the transport device 102 can be started up and restored to operation via the switch mechanism 208. After the transport device 102 is shut down, the battery supply station 104 removes the first battery assembly 203 from the transport device 102 and places the second battery assembly 404 into the transport device 102. The trigger mechanism 402 triggers the switch mechanism 208 to start the transport device 102. In this specification, the switch mechanism 208 can be set on the transport equipment 102. As for where the switch mechanism 208 is set on the transport equipment 102, this specification does not limit it. That is, the switch mechanism 208 can be set on the upper surface, side surface, or lower surface of the transport equipment 102.

[0102] The auxiliary battery assembly 209 is located in the transport device 102. The transport device 102 does not need to shut down. It can switch from the first battery assembly 203 to the auxiliary battery assembly 209 to obtain energy for continued operation. It can then disconnect electrically from the first battery assembly 203 and use the auxiliary battery assembly 209 to maintain basic functions of the transport device 102, such as communicating with the battery supply station 104 and switching to the second battery assembly 404 to enable the transport device 102 to obtain energy for continued operation. The auxiliary battery assembly 209 can be another battery assembly in the transport device that does not need to be replaced, or it can be a separate, built-in, non-removable battery assembly. The battery supply station 104 can send a message to the transport device 102 indicating that the second battery assembly 404 has been placed. After receiving this message, the transport device 102 can switch from the auxiliary battery assembly 209 to the second battery assembly 404 to obtain energy for continued operation, allowing the transport device 102 to detect the current remaining power information of the second battery assembly 404.

[0103] The transporting device 102 may include several wheels 211 and an axle 212. The wheels 211 are located on the side of the transporting device 102, and the wheels 211 in the same direction are connected using the axle 212. Since the size of the transporting device 102 is small, the transporting device 102 can drive the axle 212 through a motor to achieve the movement of the transporting device 102.

[0104] For ease of understanding, this specification describes the process in which the control center 100 determines the transport device 102 and the battery supply station 104 and enables the transport device 102 to arrive at the battery supply station 104 to perform the battery replacement task:

[0105] In this specification, the control center 100 can determine the transport equipment 102 and the battery supply station 104, and send a battery replacement instruction to the transport equipment 102, so that the transport equipment 102 responds to the battery replacement instruction, travels to the battery supply station 104, and sends a battery life request to the battery supply station 104. The battery supply station 104 receives the battery life request and sends a confirmation message to the transport equipment 102. The transport equipment 102 receives the confirmation message and disconnects from the first battery assembly 203 placed in the transport equipment 102. The battery supply station 104 removes the first battery assembly 203 from the transport equipment 102 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, and places the second battery assembly 404 in the transport equipment 102. If the transport equipment 102 is successfully connected to the second battery assembly 404, the transport equipment 102 detects whether it is successfully connected to the replaced second battery assembly 404. If the connection is successful, it is determined that the battery replacement task is completed.

[0106] First, the handling device 102 can locate its current location information, detect the current remaining power information of the first battery assembly 203, and transmit the current location information and the current remaining power information of the first battery assembly 203 to the control center 100. Since there may be multiple handling devices 102 in the high-bay warehouse, the control center 100 can receive the current location information and the current remaining power information of the first battery assembly 203 transmitted by each handling device 102. The control center 100 can determine at least one of the current operating status and the current remaining handling task information of each handling device, and select a handling device 102 from each handling device 102 based at least in part on at least one of the current remaining power information, current operating status, and the current remaining handling task information of each handling device 102. In addition to the foregoing, the control center can also select a handling device from each handling device 102 based on other information, such as the model of the handling device, and transmit a battery replacement instruction to the selected handling device 102. That is, for each transport device 102 , the control center 100 can determine whether it is necessary to send a battery replacement instruction to the transport device 102 . If the determination result is yes, the transport device 102 is selected; otherwise, the transport device 102 is not selected.

[0107] Specifically, for each transport device 102, the control center 100 may determine the endurance score of the transport device 102 based on at least one of the current remaining transport task information, the current operating status, and the current remaining battery power information of the transport device 102. The endurance score of the transport device 102 is negatively correlated with the current remaining transport task information of the transport device 102, and the endurance score of the transport device 102 is negatively correlated with the current remaining battery power information of the transport device 102. That is, the fewer the current remaining transport tasks of the transport device 102, the higher the endurance score of the transport device 102. The less the current remaining battery power information and the lower the endurance, the higher the endurance score. As long as the current remaining transport task information and the current remaining battery power information of the transport device 102 are determined, the endurance score of the transport device 102 can be determined based on the negative correlation between the endurance score and the current remaining transport task information, and the negative correlation between the endurance score and the current remaining battery power information.

[0108] Of course, this specification also provides a method for determining the endurance score of the transport device 102. The control center 100 can pre-set the remaining transport task weight and the remaining endurance weight, and determine the endurance score of the transport device 102 based on at least one of the current remaining transport task information and the current remaining power information.

[0109] For example, the control center 100 can determine a first score based on the remaining transport task weight and the current remaining transport task information, and determine a second score based on the remaining endurance weight and the current remaining power information, and use the first score or the second score as the endurance score, or use the sum of the first score and the second score as the endurance score.

[0110] After determining the battery life scores of each transport device 102, the control center 100 may select a transport device 102 from among the transport devices 102. For example, the control center 100 may pre-set a battery life score threshold. For each transport device 102, if the battery life score of the transport device 102 is greater than the battery life score threshold, the control center 100 determines that it needs to send a battery replacement instruction to the transport device 102. If the battery life score of the transport device 102 is not greater than the battery life score threshold, the control center 100 determines that it does not need to send a battery replacement instruction to the transport device 102. For another example, the control center 100 may rank the transport devices 102 according to their battery life scores and select the transport device 102 with the highest ranking based on the ranking result.

[0111] At the same time, the control center 100 can obtain at least one of the location information, idle status and the current remaining completion time of one or more battery supply stations, and determine the battery supply station at least in part based on the current location information of the handling equipment, the location information, idle status and the current remaining completion time of one or more battery supply stations.

[0112] Specifically, the control center 100 can pre-store the location information of each battery supply station 104 and the working status of each battery supply station 104. When it is necessary to send a battery replacement instruction to the transporting equipment 102, the battery supply station 104 can be determined in each battery supply station 104 based on the current location information of the transporting equipment 102 and the location information, idle status and completion time of the current remaining battery replacement task of each battery supply station 104, and a driving path from the current location information to the determined battery supply station 104 is planned for the transporting equipment 102, so that the transporting equipment 102 can travel to the determined battery supply station 104 according to the planned driving path.

[0113] When determining a battery supply station 104 among the battery supply stations 104, the control center 100 may determine information such as the travel distance and travel time between the transport device 102 and each battery supply station 104 based on the current location information of the transport device 102 and the location information of each battery supply station 104, and select a battery supply station 104 based on the travel distance and travel time information. For example, the battery supply station 104 corresponding to the shortest travel distance may be selected.

[0114] In this specification, when the transporting device 102 completes the battery replacement task at the battery supply station 104, at least one of the transporting device 102 and the battery supply station 104 can report the completion information of the battery replacement task to the control center 100. After the control center 100 receives the completion information of the battery replacement task, it determines the transport task based on the current remaining transport task information of the transporting device 102, and sends the transport task to the transporting device 102. At the same time, it updates the current status of the battery supply station 104 to an idle state.

[0115] In this specification, one or more battery supply stations may be installed in a high-bay warehouse. The distribution of battery supply stations on each floor of the high-bay warehouse may be determined based on cargo flow, distribution rules, and the like. Therefore, some floors may not have any battery supply stations, while some floors may have multiple battery supply stations. Therefore, the control center 100 may select a battery supply station 104 based on the floor where the handling equipment 102 is currently located. When at least two battery supply stations 104 are installed on each floor of the high-bay warehouse, the control center 100 may select a battery supply station 104 from the at least two battery supply stations 104 on the floor where the handling equipment 102 is currently located. When some floors of the high-bay warehouse are not equipped with a battery supply station 104, the control center 100 can determine the battery supply station 104 among the battery supply stations 104. If the current floor where the transporting equipment 102 is located is not the same floor where the determined battery supply station 104 is located, the transporting equipment 102 can be raised or lowered by a lifting device so that the transporting equipment 102 and the battery supply station 104 are on the same floor, and the transporting equipment 102 can be driven to the battery supply station 104 according to the planned driving path.

[0116] After the transport device 102 reaches the battery supply station 104, a communication connection can be established between the transport device 102 and the battery supply station 104. Through the communication connection, the transport device 102 can send a battery life extension request to the battery supply station 104. After receiving the battery life extension request, the battery supply station 104 can send a confirmation message to the transport device 102. The battery life extension request is a request for battery life extension from the transport device 102, and the confirmation message is a message sent by the battery supply station 104 to the transport device 102 confirming the battery life extension.

[0117] After receiving the confirmation message, if the transport device 102 is equipped with an auxiliary battery assembly 209, the transport device 102 may switch from the first battery assembly 203 to the auxiliary battery assembly 209 to obtain energy for continued use, and then disconnect the electrical connection with the first battery assembly 203. The transport device 102 continues to communicate with the battery supply station 104 via the auxiliary battery assembly 209 using the device communication component 205. The transport device 102 may send a message to the battery supply station 104 indicating that the transport device 102 is electrically disconnected from the first battery assembly 203. After receiving the message, the battery supply station 104 uses the battery replacement mechanism 401 to complete the task of replacing the first battery assembly 203 in the transport device 102 with the second battery assembly 404. In addition, after removing the first battery assembly 203 from the transport device 102, the battery supply station 104 may charge the first battery assembly 203.

[0118] If the transport device 102 is not equipped with an auxiliary battery assembly 209 but is equipped with a switch mechanism 208, the transport device 102 can automatically shut down. After the transport device 102 shuts down, communication between the transport device 102 and the battery supply station 104 is disconnected. After the battery supply station 104 determines that the communication connection with the transport device 102 has been disconnected, it can use the battery replacement mechanism 401 to complete the task of replacing the first battery assembly 203 in the transport device 102 with the second battery assembly 404. The battery supply station 104 can then trigger the switch mechanism 208 located on the transport device 102 via the trigger mechanism 402. The transport device 102 turns on the switch mechanism 208, and the second battery assembly 404 provides at least part of the energy for the transport device 402.

[0119] In one scenario, the transporting device 102 has a first battery assembly 203 built in. After the battery swap station mechanism 401 takes the first battery assembly 203 out of the transporting device 102, the transporting device 102 is shut down, and the battery swap station mechanism 401 places the second battery assembly 404 in the transporting device 102. The transporting device 102 can automatically start up and communicate with the control center 100, the battery supply station 104, etc.

[0120] In the process of the battery supply station 104 replacing the first battery assembly 203 in the transport device 102 with the second battery assembly 404 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, the protective shell 202 of the transport device 102 is located on the outer shell of the transport device 102 by default, and the battery supply station 104 grabs the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, and the transport device 102 switches the state of the protective shell 202 from the fixed state to the non-fixed state through the fixing mechanism 204, so that the storage compartment 201 is in the open state. The battery replacement mechanism 401 takes out the first battery assembly 203 from the transporting device 102, places the first battery assembly 203 in the endurance position of the battery supply station 104, selects the second battery assembly 404 from the battery supply station 104, and places the second battery assembly 404 in the transporting device 102. Then, the battery replacement mechanism 401 is used again to grab the protective shell 202, and the transporting device 102 fixes the protective shell 202 on the transporting device 102 through the fixing mechanism 204, so that the accommodating compartment 201 is in a closed state.

[0121] Alternatively, in the process of the battery supply station 104 completing the replacement of the first battery assembly 203 in the transporting device 102 with the second battery assembly 404 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, the position of the protective shell 202 of the transporting device 102 is defaulted to the first position, the battery supply station 104 presses the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, and the transporting device 102 switches the position of the protective shell 202 from the first position to the second position through the linkage mechanism 210, so that the accommodating compartment 201 is in an open state, and the first battery assembly 203 is taken out of the transporting device 102 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, and the second battery assembly 404 is placed in the transporting device 102, and then, the protective shell 202 is pressed again through the battery replacement mechanism 401, and the transporting device 102 switches the position of the protective shell 202 from the second position to the first position through the linkage mechanism 210, so that the accommodating compartment 201 is in a closed state.

[0122] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a process for replacing a battery assembly is provided in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 6 In the embodiment, the transport device 102 travels to the battery supply station 104 and docks there. The battery supply station 104 opens the storage compartment 201 by grabbing or pressing the protective shell 202 through the battery replacement mechanism 401. The battery replacement mechanism 401 then removes the first battery assembly 203 from the storage compartment 201 and places it in the charging position of the battery supply station 104. When the first battery assembly 203 is in the charging position, the battery supply station 104 can automatically charge the first battery assembly 203. Then, the battery supply station 104 removes the second battery assembly 404 from the battery supply station 104 through the battery replacement mechanism 401 and places it in the storage compartment 201. The second battery assembly 404 is a battery assembly in the battery supply station 104 that has completed its battery life.

[0123] Afterward, the transport device 102 starts up and can detect the current remaining power information of the second battery assembly 404 through the detection component 206. The transport device 102 can determine that the transport device 102 has completed the battery replacement task based on the detection result. In other words, when the transport device 102 detects that the current remaining power information of the second battery assembly 404 is greater than the preset first remaining battery life information threshold, the transport device 102 determines that the battery replacement task has been completed.

[0124] In addition, if an auxiliary battery assembly 209 is provided in the transport device 102, the transport device 102 can detect the current remaining power information of the auxiliary battery assembly 209 through the detection assembly 206. According to the detection result, if the current remaining power information of the auxiliary battery assembly 209 is less than the preset second remaining battery life information threshold, the transport device 102 can charge the auxiliary battery assembly 209 through the first battery assembly 203, or the second battery assembly 404 placed in the transport device 102.

[0125] In addition, in this specification, the battery supply station can also charge at least one battery assembly placed in the transport equipment. Specifically, the battery supply station can use wired charging or wireless charging to charge the battery assembly in the transport equipment. When using wired charging, the transport equipment can be provided with a charging interface, and the battery supply station can charge one or more battery assemblies in the transport equipment through the charging interface. When using wireless charging, existing commonly used wireless charging technologies can be used, such as electromagnetic induction technology, magnetic field resonance technology, etc.

[0126] In this specification, the control center 100 can determine the transport equipment 102 and the battery supply station 104, and send a battery replacement instruction to the transport equipment 102. The transport equipment 102 responds to the battery replacement instruction, travels to the battery supply station 104, and sends a battery life request to the battery supply station 104. The battery supply station 104 receives the battery life request and sends a confirmation message to the transport equipment 102. The transport equipment 102 receives the confirmation message and disconnects from the first battery assembly 203 placed in the transport equipment 102. The battery supply station 104 removes the first battery assembly 203 from the transport equipment 102 through the battery replacement mechanism 401, and places the second battery assembly 404 in the transport equipment 102. If the transport equipment 102 is successfully connected to the second battery assembly 404, the transport equipment 102 detects the second battery assembly 404, and determines that the transport equipment 102 completes the battery replacement task based on the detection result. Since the time consumed by the battery supply station 104 to replace the battery components of the transporting equipment 102 is much shorter than the time consumed by the transporting equipment 102 to charge at the charging pile, the method provided in this specification for extending the battery life of the transporting equipment 102 can greatly shorten the time that the transporting equipment 102 is unable to perform the transporting task, thereby improving the overall operating efficiency of the transporting equipment 102.

[0127] based on Figure 1 The system shown in this manual also provides a storage power supply method, such as Figure 7 shown.

[0128] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a warehouse power supply method provided in an embodiment of this specification. The warehouse includes a control center, handling equipment, and a control center. The battery life process may specifically include the following steps:

[0129] S700: Receive a battery replacement instruction sent by a control center, drive to a battery supply station, and send a battery life request to the battery supply station, where the battery supply station is determined by the control center.

[0130] In this specification, multiple transport devices locate their own current position information, detect the current remaining power information of the first battery assembly, and send their respective current position information and current remaining power information to the control center. The control center determines the transport device at least in part based on the current remaining power information, current working status and current remaining transport task information of each of the multiple transport devices, and determines the battery supply station at least in part based on the current position information of the transport device, the location information of one or more battery supply stations, the idle status and at least one of the completion time of the current remaining battery replacement task.

[0131] S702: Receive a confirmation message sent by the battery supply station and disconnect the first battery assembly placed in the transport equipment.

[0132] After receiving the battery life request from the transport equipment, the battery supply station can send a confirmation message to the transport equipment. After receiving the confirmation message, if the transport equipment has other built-in battery assemblies, the transport equipment will disconnect at least one of the mechanical and electrical connections with the first battery assembly, and then use the other built-in battery assemblies to provide at least part of the transport equipment's energy. The other battery assemblies include auxiliary battery assemblies. The transport equipment then sends a message to the battery supply station via a communication connection, indicating that the first battery assembly is disconnected electrically. If the transport equipment is equipped with a switch mechanism, the transport equipment will disconnect electrically from the first battery assembly, i.e., the transport equipment will automatically shut down.

[0133] The battery supply station determines that the communication connection is disconnected, or receives a message from the transport equipment through the communication connection that the first battery assembly is electrically disconnected, removes the first battery assembly from the transport equipment through the battery replacement mechanism, and places the second battery assembly in the transport equipment.

[0134] In addition, the handling equipment can also detect the current remaining power information of the auxiliary battery assembly, and according to the detection result, use the first battery assembly to extend the battery life of the auxiliary battery assembly.

[0135] S704: If the connection with the second battery assembly is successful, the second battery assembly is detected, and based on the detection result, it is determined that the transport equipment has completed the battery replacement task, wherein the second battery assembly is the battery assembly that the battery supply station takes out the first battery assembly from the transport equipment through the battery replacement mechanism and places in the transport equipment.

[0136] The battery supply station triggers a switch mechanism on the transport device through a trigger mechanism, and the transport device starts the transport device through the switch mechanism. Alternatively, the transport device can switch the auxiliary battery assembly to the second battery assembly to obtain energy for continued operation.

[0137] After being electrically connected to the second battery assembly, the transport equipment can detect the second battery assembly. Based on the detection results, it can be determined that the transport equipment has completed the battery replacement task. The transport equipment can send a message of task completion to the control center. The control center determines the transport task based on the message of task completion, sends the transport task to the transport equipment, and determines that the working status of the battery supply station is idle.

[0138] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences between the other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the description of the method embodiments.

[0139] The foregoing is merely an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. Warehouse power supply system, characterized by: The system includes: one or more control centers, one or more handling devices operating in a high-bay warehouse, and one or more battery supply stations distributed on at least one layer of the high-bay warehouse, wherein the control center communicates wirelessly with the handling devices, and the handling devices are equipped with at least one battery assembly. The control center is configured to determine a transport device that performs a battery replacement task from the one or more transport devices and a battery supply station that performs a battery replacement task from the one or more battery supply stations, and send a battery replacement instruction to the transport device that performs the battery replacement task; The transport device is configured to, in response to the battery replacement instruction, travel to the battery supply station; and disconnect mechanically from the first battery assembly, detect whether the transport device is successfully connected to the replaced second battery assembly, and if so, determine that the battery replacement task is completed; The battery supply station is configured to remove the first battery assembly from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism and place the second battery assembly in the transport device; Wherein, the first battery assembly is one of at least one battery assembly built into the handling equipment; If the transporting equipment and the battery supply station are located on different floors, the system further includes a lifting equipment, which is configured to lift the battery supply station and at least one of the battery components removed from the battery supply station to the floor where the transporting equipment is located, or to lift the transporting equipment to the floor where the battery supply station is located so as to provide replaceable battery components to transporting equipment on different floors. When the lifting equipment lifts the battery components removed from the battery supply station to the floor where the transporting equipment is located, the transporting equipment removes the battery components from the lifting equipment and transports them to any designated battery supply station on the floor so as to connect with the designated battery supply station.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The transporting device is further configured to take out the battery supply station from the lifting device and transport it to any designated location on the floor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The control center is further configured to determine the layout quantity of the battery supply station or the battery components in the battery supply station on different floors based at least in part on the cargo flow of the floor.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery supply station is equipped with one or more battery assemblies.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that The battery supply station is provided with one or more charging positions and one or more storage positions, and any one of the one or more battery assemblies is charged in the charging position or stored in the storage position.

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The battery supply station is also configured to charge the battery assembly through the charging position. If charging is completed, the charging position is electrically disconnected from the battery assembly and the battery assembly is switched to a designated position, wherein the designated position includes the charging position or the storage position.

7. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that The battery supply station is further configured to, if it is determined that the battery assembly is in a state to be charged, switch the battery assembly from the storage position to the charging position.

8. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The battery supply station is also configured to, if the battery assembly is in a state to be charged, convert the storage position into the charging position, electrically connect to the battery assembly and charge; if the battery assembly is fully charged, disconnect the charging position electrically from the battery assembly and convert the charging position into the storage position.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery supply station is provided with one or more cache locations and one or more storage locations, the cache locations are used to place the first battery assembly, and the storage locations are used to place the second battery assembly; The battery supply station takes out the first battery assembly from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism, places the first battery assembly in the cache position, takes out the second battery assembly from the storage position, and places the second battery assembly in the transport device.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery supply station is also configured to detect environmental information of the battery supply station, and based on the detection results, identify whether there is any abnormality in the environment of the battery supply station. If an abnormality occurs, determine the type of abnormality that occurs, and process the abnormality through the battery supply station according to a preset processing method corresponding to the type.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The environmental information includes the ambient temperature; If the type of abnormality is determined to be a low temperature abnormality type or a high temperature abnormality type, the battery supply station is further configured to adjust the ambient temperature to within a preset standard temperature range through a temperature adjustment module.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The environmental information includes at least one of smoke concentration, open flame information, and electric spark information; If it is determined that the type of abnormality is a smoke abnormality type, an open flame abnormality type, or an electric spark abnormality type, the battery supply station is further configured to seal the space where the battery supply station is located through a sealing component, and / or start a spray component.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The multiple transport devices locate their own current position information, detect the current remaining power information of the first battery assembly, and send the respective current position information and the current remaining power information to the control center; The control center determines the transporting equipment that performs the battery replacement task at least in part based on at least one of the current remaining power information, current working status and current remaining transport task information of each of the multiple transporting equipment, and determines the battery supply station that performs the battery replacement task at least in part based on the current position information of the transporting equipment, the position information, idle status and current remaining completion time of the one or more battery supply stations.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The transport device is further configured to disconnect the electrical connection with the first battery assembly before the battery supply station removes the first battery assembly from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism.

15. The system according to claim 1 or 14, characterized in that The transport device is further configured to provide at least part of the energy for the transport device through other built-in battery components after the transport device is disconnected from at least one of the mechanical connection and the electrical connection with the first battery component.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery supply station is further configured to charge at least one battery assembly placed in the transport device.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery assembly on the transport device is kept in a fixed state or a non-fixed state with the transport device through a fixing mechanism.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein: The fixing mechanism is a snap-on mechanism.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein: The battery supply station is configured to mechanically remove the first battery assembly from the transport device and mechanically insert the second battery assembly through the battery replacement mechanism.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery supply station is configured to press the battery assembly in the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism, so that the battery assembly pops out of the transport device or enters the transport device; The transport device is configured to eject the battery assembly or allow the battery assembly to enter the transport device through a linkage mechanism when the battery replacement mechanism presses the battery assembly.

21. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that The transport device is also equipped with a protective shell, which is used to prevent the battery components on the transport device from being exposed to the outside.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein: The protective shell and the battery assembly are an integrated structure.

23. The system according to claim 21, wherein: The protective shell and the battery assembly are split structures.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein: The protective shell maintains a fixed state or a non-fixed state with the transport equipment through the fixing mechanism.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein: The battery supply station is configured to mechanically remove the protective shell from the transport device through the battery replacement mechanism, and mechanically insert the protective shell into the transport device.

26. The system according to claim 1, wherein The battery supply station is further configured to trigger a switch mechanism located on the transport device through a trigger mechanism after the second battery assembly is placed in the transport device; The transport device is further configured to start the transport device when the switch mechanism is triggered, wherein the second battery assembly provides at least part of the energy for the transport device.

27. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system further comprises: At least one of the transport equipment and the battery supply station reports the completion information of the battery replacement task to the control center, and the control center updates the current state of the battery supply station to an idle state.

28. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The transporting equipment is a shuttle vehicle.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein The shuttle is a four-way shuttle.

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