A double-sided multi-position shelving system and a storage and retrieval method

Abstract

This invention discloses a double-sided multi-position shelving unit and a method for storing and retrieving goods. Multiple storage locations are arranged in an array on both the front and back of the shelving frame. Indicator lights, using multi-color indicators, are mounted on the shelving frame. A data processor's output is connected to the indicator light input, and the data processor is connected to a host computer. The host computer stores the name / number of each item and its corresponding shelf location. After the retrieval personnel input the name / number of the item to be retrieved into the host computer, the host computer sends a retrieval command to the corresponding shelf's data processor. The data processor, based on whether the item is located on the front or back of the shelf, sends a front or back instruction to the indicator light on the same shelf. The indicator light emits a different color light according to the front or back instruction. The retrieval personnel locate the corresponding shelf based on the indicator light and determine whether the item is on the front or back of the shelf based on the indicator light's color. This method can improve the space utilization of the shelving unit and increase the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods while saving costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent warehousing and relates to a double-sided multi-position shelving and a method for storing and retrieving goods. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, warehouse materials are numerous and varied. To save costs, shelving is typically made long and high enough to conserve space. However, greater length and width mean a greater width is needed to provide sufficient support for the shelving. If shelving is designed on only one side, it will result in a significant waste of shelving space, or the storage locations may be too deep, making it inconvenient to store and retrieve goods. Even with double-sided shelving, when storing / retrieving goods, one must first search for the corresponding storage location on one side. If not found, the search must continue on the other side. Despite manual categorization, there is still a prolonged period of searching for goods during storage and retrieval. Furthermore, this leads to low efficiency when handling large quantities of goods at once. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a double-sided multi-position shelving and a storage and retrieval method that can improve the space utilization of the shelving and improve the efficiency of storage and retrieval while saving costs.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0005] A double-sided multi-position shelving unit includes a shelving frame, indicator lights, and a data processor.

[0006] Multiple storage locations are arranged in an array on both the front and back of the shelving frame. Indicator lights are installed on the shelving frame and are multi-color. The output of the data processor is connected to the input of the indicator lights, and the data processor is connected to a host computer.

[0007] Preferably, each storage location is equipped with a gravity sensor at the bottom, and a display screen is installed in front of or below each storage location. The output of the gravity sensor is connected to the input of the data processor, and the output of the data processor is connected to the input of the display screen.

[0008] Furthermore, the gravity sensing sensor includes a resistive strain sensor and an embedded digital module. The output of the resistive strain sensor is connected to the input of the embedded digital module, and the output of the embedded digital module is connected to the input of the data processor.

[0009] Furthermore, the output of each gravity sensor is connected in series and then connected to the input of the data processor.

[0010] Preferably, the indicator light is a three-color indicator light.

[0011] Preferably, the shelving frame includes multiple uprights and multiple crossbeams, with multiple mounting holes provided on the uprights, arranged along the length of the uprights.

[0012] A method for storing and retrieving goods based on a double-sided multi-position shelving system as described above, characterized in that the host computer stores the name / number of each item and its location on the shelf. After the retrieval personnel input the name / number of the item to be retrieved into the host computer, the host computer sends a retrieval instruction to the data processor of the corresponding shelf. The data processor sends a front or back instruction to the indicator light on the same shelf based on whether the item is located at the front or back of the shelf. The indicator light emits different colors of light according to the front or back instruction. The retrieval personnel find the corresponding shelf according to the indicator light and determine whether the item is located at the front or back of the shelf based on the color of the indicator light.

[0013] Preferably, the data processor receives the weighing information from each gravity sensor on the same shelf, calculates the quantity of goods corresponding to each location based on the individual weight of the goods, and sends the quantity information to the corresponding display screen, which displays the goods information and quantity.

[0014] Preferably, the host computer stores the location of each item. After the person picking up the item enters the name / number of the item to be picked up into the host computer, the host computer sends a picking instruction to the data processor of the corresponding shelf. The data processor sends an instruction to the display screen, and the display screen corresponding to the location of the item to be picked up emits a light prompt.

[0015] Preferably, during the retrieval process, the gravity sensor weighs the location of the goods to be retrieved in real time. When the weight of the goods to be retrieved decreases, the integrated processor sends a command to the display screen and indicator lights, the display screen returns to normal, and the indicator lights turn off.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] This invention improves the space utilization of the shelving by designing the shelving frame as a double-sided structure, while saving costs and avoiding inconvenience in storing / retrieving goods due to excessively deep storage locations. By setting up multi-color indicator lights, the light can be controlled by a data processor to quickly guide operators to the corresponding shelving. The indicator lights can be controlled to display different colors to help staff determine which side of the shelving the storage location is on, thereby improving the efficiency of storing and retrieving goods.

[0018] Furthermore, the display screen can not only show information about the goods in the corresponding storage location, but also quickly guide you to the specific storage location, reducing the time spent searching for goods, enabling rapid delivery, and improving delivery efficiency.

[0019] Furthermore, each gravity sensor is connected in series with the data processor, which reduces the complexity of wiring and does not affect the output of the cargo weight signal by each gravity sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the indicator light has three colors, which can indicate whether the goods are located at the front or back, and can also be used for alarm reminders.

[0021] Furthermore, the column is equipped with multiple mounting holes, which can be connected to different mounting holes via crossbeams, thereby adjusting the spacing between the crossbeams to accommodate materials of different sizes. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the double-sided multi-position shelving system of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of the double-sided multi-position shelving system of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the double-sided multi-position shelving system of the present invention.

[0025] The components include: 1. Shelf frame; 2. Gravity sensing unit; 3. Electronic display screen; 4. Display screen bracket; 5. Indicator light; 6. Data processor; 7. Power adapter; 8. Dustproof plate; 9. Baffle; 10. Upright column; 11. Horizontal brace; 12. Diagonal brace; 13. Crossbeam; 14. Mounting bracket; 15. Gravity sensor; 16. Load-bearing bracket; 17. Pallet; 18. Upright assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the attached diagram, while the terms “inside” and “outside” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the double-sided multi-position shelving of the present invention includes a shelving frame 1, a gravity sensing unit 2, a display screen 3, a bracket 4, an indicator light 5, and a data processor 6 fixedly connected to the shelving frame 1.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the shelving frame 1 consists of upright assembly 18, beams 13, dustproof panel 8, and baffle 9. Upright assembly 18 includes multiple uprights 10, and beams 13 are fixedly connected to the uprights 10 via a snap-fit ​​structure, ensuring easy disassembly. Dustproof panel 8 is placed at the top of shelving 1, installed on the top beam 13. Dustproof panel 8 is fixedly connected to indicator light 5, data processor 6, and power adapter 7. Power adapter 7 is connected to data processor 6. Dustproof panel 8 is composed of two pieces, each with mounting holes, allowing for flexible adjustment of the hole positions in various combinations in the front-back and left-right-center directions to meet diverse installation requirements on-site. Baffle 9 is fixedly connected to the outside of upright assembly 18.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, multiple storage locations are arranged in an array on both the front and back of the rack frame 1. The gravity sensing unit 2 includes a mounting bracket 14, two sets of gravity sensors 15, two sets of load-bearing brackets 16, and two sets of pallets 17, which are respectively installed on the front and back of the rack frame 1. The two ends of the mounting bracket 14 are fixed to the crossbeams 13. The fixed ends of the gravity sensors 15 are connected to the upper part of the mounting bracket 14, and the loading ends of the gravity sensors 15 are connected to the lower part of the load-bearing brackets 16. The pallets 17 are placed on the upper part of the load-bearing brackets 16. Each set of mounting brackets 14 corresponds to at least two sets of gravity sensors 15. Multiple diagonal braces 12 are provided between adjacent uprights 10, and the two ends of the diagonal braces 12 are connected to two crossbeams 13 to improve the stability of the rack frame 1.

[0032] The column 10 is provided with multiple mounting holes, which are arranged along the length of the column 10. These mounting holes can be used to adjust the installation position of the crossbeam 13 and the gap between adjacent crossbeams 13.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the display screen bracket 4 is fixedly connected to the shelf frame 1, and the display screen 3 is fixed inside the display screen bracket 4; a display screen 3 is set in front of or below each storage location, and in this embodiment, the display screen 3 is located below the storage location.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, indicator light 5 and data processor 6 are fixed on dustproof plate 8. Indicator light 5 is a three-color indicator light.

[0035] The output of the gravity sensor 15 is connected to the input of the data processor 6. The output of the data processor 6 is connected to the input of the indicator light 5 and the display screen 3. The above connection method can be wireless or wired.

[0036] The shelving structure features a double-sided layout and can be configured in a multi-level configuration. Each level is equipped with multiple gravity sensors 15, each corresponding to a specific goods location. The goods in each location are independent units. All gravity sensors 15 are connected in series, yet each sensor independently outputs its own weight signal. Placing goods on a pallet 17 generates a change in gravity, which is then collected in real-time by the gravity sensors 15 and transmitted to the data processor 6. The data processor 6 processes the data and displays the results on the display screen 3, with a response time in milliseconds. The display screen 3 shows the current weight and quantity of goods in each location, the location number, and the location's QR code. The data processor 6 can also update the displayed information as needed.

[0037] The host computer stores the name / number, shelf location, and storage location of each item. After the retrieval personnel input the name / number of the item to be retrieved into the host computer, the host computer sends a retrieval command to the data processor 6 corresponding to the shelf. The data processor 6, based on whether the item is located at the front or back of the shelf, sends a front or back instruction to the indicator light 5 on the same shelf. The indicator light 5 emits a different color light according to the front or back instruction. The retrieval personnel locate the corresponding shelf based on the indicator light 5 and determine whether the item is at the front or back of the shelf based on the color of the indicator light. Simultaneously, the data processor 6 sends a command to the display screen 3, and the display screen 3 corresponding to the storage location of the item to be retrieved emits a light indication.

[0038] In this embodiment, the display screen 3 emits light prompts in two ways.

[0039] One method involves the data processor 6 sending a storage / retrieval instruction signal to the display screen 3 of a storage / retrieval location that does not require storage / retrieval. The display screen 3 of the storage / retrieval location that does not require storage / retrieval changes from being lit to being off, while the display screen 3 of the storage / retrieval location that requires storage / retrieval remains lit.

[0040] Another method involves the data processor 6 sending a command to the display screen 3 corresponding to the storage location of the goods to be stored / retrieved. The display screen 3 corresponding to the storage location of the goods to be stored / retrieved then flashes, while the other display screens 3 remain unchanged.

[0041] When goods are stored or retrieved from the storage location, the gravity sensing unit 2 sends a weight signal to the data processor 6. The data processor 6 calculates the change in the quantity of goods based on the weight signal and the weight of a single item, and then sends a quantity change signal to the display screen 3. The display screen 3 displays the quantity of goods stored or retrieved.

[0042] When the operator inputs the name / number of the goods to be stored / retrieved into the host computer, they also input the quantity of goods to be stored / retrieved and send it to the data processor 6. After the goods are stored / retrieved, the gravity sensor 15 weighs the storage location and sends the weighing information to the data processor 6. The data processor 6 calculates the actual quantity of goods stored / retrieved based on the weight of the individual goods and the weight increase / decrease of the storage location. The data processor 6 compares the quantity of goods to be stored / retrieved with the actual quantity of goods stored / retrieved. When there is a discrepancy between the quantity of goods to be stored / retrieved and the actual quantity of goods stored / retrieved, the data processor 6 sends an alarm command to the display screen 3 or the indicator light 5.

[0043] For example, when the number of goods taken from the gravity sensor 15 exceeds the number of goods to be taken, the data processor 6 calculates the excess quantity based on the weight information received from the gravity sensor 15, the weight of each individual item, and the quantity to be stored / retrieved. It then sends an excess-take signal to the display screen 3, which changes color to indicate an error and displays the quantity of goods to be returned. When the goods are returned, the data processor 6 sends a retrieval completion signal to the display screen 3, and the display screen 3 changes from on to off.

[0044] When the corresponding quantity of goods is stored / retrieved from the storage location, the data processor 6 sends a retrieval completion signal to the display screen 3, and the display screen 3 changes from being on to off.

[0045] Specifically, during the storage / retrieval process, the gravity sensor 15 weighs the storage / retrieval location in real time. When the storage / retrieval ends, the weight of the storage / retrieval location changes, and the data processor 6 sends an end signal to the indicator light 5 and all displays 3. The indicator light 5 changes from on to off, and all displays 3 change from off to on.

[0046] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0047] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Many embodiments and applications beyond the provided examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this teaching should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the foregoing claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the foregoing claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the applicant has not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A method for storing and retrieving goods using a double-sided multi-position shelving system, characterized in that, The double-sided multi-position shelving includes a shelving frame (1), indicator lights (5), and a data processor (6). Multiple storage locations are arranged in an array on both the front and back of the shelving frame (1). Indicator lights (5) are set on the shelving frame (1). The indicator lights (5) are multi-color indicator lights. The output end of the data processor (6) is connected to the input end of the indicator lights (5). The data processor (6) is connected to a host computer. Each storage location is equipped with a gravity sensor (15) at the bottom and a display screen (3) in front of or below each storage location. The output of the gravity sensor (15) is connected to the input of the data processor (6), and the output of the data processor (6) is connected to the input of the display screen (3). The shelving frame (1) includes multiple uprights (10) and multiple crossbeams (13). Multiple mounting holes are provided on the uprights (10), and the multiple mounting holes are arranged along the length of the uprights (10). The storage and retrieval method is as follows: The host computer stores the name / number of each item and the shelf it is located on. After the retrieval personnel enter the name / number of the item to be retrieved into the host computer, the host computer sends a retrieval instruction to the data processor (6) of the corresponding shelf. The data processor (6) sends a front or back instruction to the indicator light (5) of the same shelf according to whether the item is on the front or back of the shelf. The indicator light (5) emits different colors of light according to the front or back instruction. The retrieval personnel find the corresponding shelf according to the indicator light (5) and judge whether the item is on the front or back of the shelf according to the light color of the indicator light (5). The data processor (6) receives the weighing information from each gravity sensor (15) on the same shelf. The data processor (6) calculates the quantity of goods corresponding to each location based on the individual weight of the goods and sends the quantity information to the corresponding display screen (3). The display screen (3) displays the goods information and quantity. The host computer stores the location of each item. After the person picking up the item enters the name / number of the item to be picked up into the host computer, the host computer sends a picking instruction to the data processor (6) of the corresponding shelf. The data processor (6) sends an instruction to the display screen (3), and the display screen (3) corresponding to the location of the item to be picked up emits a light prompt. During the pickup process, the gravity sensor (15) weighs the pickup location in real time. When the weight of the pickup location decreases, the integrated processor sends instructions to the display screen (3) and indicator light (5). The display screen (3) returns to normal and the indicator light (5) turns off.

2. The storage and retrieval method for double-sided multi-position shelving according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gravity sensor (15) includes a resistive strain sensor and an embedded digital module. The output of the resistive strain sensor is connected to the input of the embedded digital module, and the output of the embedded digital module is connected to the input of the data processor (6).

3. The storage and retrieval method for double-sided multi-position shelving according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output of each gravity sensor (15) is connected in series to the input of the data processor (6).

4. The storage and retrieval method for double-sided multi-position shelving according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicator light (5) is a three-color indicator light.

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