Three-dimensional sorting station, sorting method and sorting out-of-warehouse method

Abstract

The present invention provides a three-dimensional sorting station, which includes multi-layer shelves, a track sorting device, an elevator and a control device. The load-bearing platform can be lifted and moved vertically. The conveying and sorting vehicle has a first position and a second position. The conveying and sorting vehicle includes a first-layer trolley and a second-layer trolley. In the first position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform. In the second position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the cargo grid, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the cargo grid. The sorting method proposed in the present invention makes full use of the vertical space to realize the sorting and processing of super-large wave product orders in the minimum plane space. The sorting and out-of-warehouse method proposed in the present invention can maximize the access efficiency, sorting efficiency and out-of-warehouse efficiency through the ingenious cooperation between the elevator and the optimally designed conveying and sorting vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sorting in logistics warehousing, and in particular to a three-dimensional sorting station, a sorting method and a sorting out-of-warehouse method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of Internet technology, e-commerce and the transformation of consumption upgrades, especially the explosive development of business forms represented by e-commerce, this has not only brought an opportunity for the rapid rise of sorting operations in the automated logistics and warehousing industry, but also brought unprecedented challenges to the sorting operations in the warehousing and logistics industry. There are three main types of traditional sorting machines: pendulum sorting machines (efficiency of 1500-5000 pieces / hour), slider sorting machines (6000 pieces / hour-10000 pieces / hour) and cross-belt sorting machines (15000 pieces / hour-20000 pieces / hour); the aforementioned sorting machines occupy a large area and generally have low space utilization; at the same time, when processing massive orders, either a large amount of manpower is invested or a large investment in equipment is made, and the overall cost performance is average.

[0003] At present, some improved sorting machines have also appeared in the prior art, such as the Chinese patent application with patent application number CN202010879675.3. The data processing system based on three-dimensional warehousing disclosed therein performs automatic sowing through a rail robot, and there is no record or consideration of the transportation and processing of the order boxes after the automatic sowing is completed (the prior art mostly adopts manual handling or robot handling. Due to the limited extension length of manual and robot arms, the number of layers of general shelves is also limited, and the effect of fully utilizing the three-dimensional space is not achieved); and the rail robot itself moves in the horizontal and vertical directions to transport goods, and the transportation efficiency is low. Especially when the number of orders processed at one time increases, large waves of orders can only be processed in batches, and the picking efficiency is low. If you want to further increase the picking volume of a batch, you can only extend the layout range of the order box (target delivery position) laterally, increase the floor space in the horizontal direction, and increase the system investment cost.

[0004] In addition, there is also a technical solution in the prior art for transporting the completed order boxes after sorting through a stacker crane. However, the use of a stacker crane to input empty turnover boxes and output order boxes occupies a large area in the horizontal direction, is costly, and the stacker crane has a low conveying efficiency, and the overall cost-effectiveness is average. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problem and provide a sorting station that can efficiently carry out storage, sorting and delivery of items in a limited space, and can realize the sorting and processing of ultra-large waves of product orders in a minimum area.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A sorting method is applied to a three-dimensional sorting station, wherein the three-dimensional sorting station includes a multi-layer shelf, a track sorting device, an elevator, a control device, and an input and output port for inputting and / or outputting articles, wherein:

[0008] The multi-layer shelf has multiple cargo compartments on each layer for placing items, and the aforementioned items are goods and / or containers;

[0009] The track sorting device comprises a conveying and sorting vehicle and a track.

[0010] The elevator has a carrying platform for carrying articles;

[0011] The carrying platform can be lifted and lowered vertically to transfer items between the input and output ports and the conveying and sorting vehicle;

[0012] The conveying and sorting vehicle is movably arranged on the track and has at least one first position and at least one second position; the conveying and sorting vehicle comprises a first-layer trolley and a second-layer trolley; the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are respectively arranged on their own tracks and move independently on their own tracks, and / or the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are integrated and move synchronously on the track; in the first position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform; in the second position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the cargo grid, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the cargo grid;

[0013] The control device is configured to control the elevator and the conveying and sorting vehicle in response to the order to sort or store the items into the cargo compartment, or to take the items out of the cargo compartment;

[0014] An empty container is placed at the target cargo compartment, and the method includes:

[0015] Transfer items from the input and output ports to the load platform of the elevator;

[0016] The carrying platform is lifted and moved to the height of the sorting target layer; the transport sorting vehicle moves along the track to the first position;

[0017] Transfer items from the carrying platform to the conveying and sorting vehicle;

[0018] The transport and sorting vehicle moves along the track to the second position, and the transport and sorting vehicle transports and sorts the aforementioned articles into the empty container of the target cargo grid.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the first layer trolley includes a transport mechanism, the transport mechanism includes a first drive device and a belt, the belt is driven by the first drive device to transport the article;

[0020] The second layer trolley comprises a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork, and the telescopic turning fork is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the conveying and sorting vehicle is detachable, and the first-layer vehicle and the second-layer vehicle can be disassembled and operated independently, or they can be assembled into an integrated unit for operation.

[0022] In a further embodiment, there are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the elevator further comprises a layer-changing elevator device for conveying the sorting vehicle to change layers.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the carrying platform is configured to allow multiple items to be carried simultaneously.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the track is horizontally arranged along the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer shelf, and has a first end and a second end;

[0026] The number of the elevators is at least two;

[0027] When there are two elevators, the two elevators are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the three-dimensional sorting station further includes an item identification and collection device electrically connected to the control device, and the item identification and collection device is arranged at the input and output ports.

[0029] According to the improvement of the present invention, a sorting out method is also proposed.

[0030] The sorting and unloading method is applied to a three-dimensional sorting station, wherein the three-dimensional sorting station includes a multi-layer shelf, a track sorting device, a hoist, a control device, and an input and output port for inputting or / and outputting articles, wherein:

[0031] The multi-layer shelf has multiple cargo compartments on each layer for placing items, and the aforementioned items are goods and / or containers;

[0032] The track sorting device comprises a conveying and sorting vehicle and a track.

[0033] The elevator has a carrying platform for carrying articles;

[0034] The carrying platform can be lifted and lowered vertically to transfer items between the input and output ports and the conveying and sorting vehicle;

[0035] The conveying and sorting vehicle is movably arranged on the track and has at least one first position and at least one second position; the conveying and sorting vehicle comprises a first-layer trolley and a second-layer trolley; the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are respectively arranged on their own tracks and move independently on their own tracks, and / or the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are integrated and move synchronously on the track; in the first position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform; in the second position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the cargo grid, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the cargo grid;

[0036] The control device is configured to control the elevator and the conveying and sorting vehicle in response to the order to sort or store the items into the cargo compartment, or to take the items out of the cargo compartment;

[0037] An empty container is placed at the target cargo compartment, and the method includes:

[0038] Transfer items from the input and output ports to the load platform of the elevator;

[0039] The carrying platform is lifted and moved to the height of the sorting target layer; the transport sorting vehicle moves along the track to the first position;

[0040] Transfer items from the carrying platform to the conveying and sorting vehicle;

[0041] The transport and sorting vehicle moves along the track to the second position, and transports and sorts the aforementioned items into an empty container of the target cargo compartment;

[0042] Repeat the above steps until the current sorting order of the target cargo compartment is completed or the target cargo compartment is full;

[0043] The conveying and sorting vehicle moves along the track to the second position and takes out the container of the target cargo grid;

[0044] The conveying and sorting vehicle moves along the track to a first position;

[0045] The container is transferred from the conveying and sorting vehicle to the carrying platform;

[0046] The carrying platform is lifted and moved to the height of the input and output ports;

[0047] Transfer items from the carrying platform to the input and output ports to complete the shipment.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the first layer trolley includes a transport mechanism, the transport mechanism includes a first drive device and a belt, the belt is driven by the first drive device to transport the article;

[0049] The second layer trolley comprises a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork, and the telescopic turning fork is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the conveying and sorting vehicle is detachable, and the first-layer vehicle and the second-layer vehicle can be disassembled and operated independently, or they can be assembled into an integrated unit for operation.

[0051] In a further embodiment, there are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the elevator further comprises a layer-changing elevator device for conveying the sorting vehicle to change layers.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the carrying platform is configured to allow multiple items to be carried simultaneously.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the track is horizontally arranged along the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer shelf, and has a first end and a second end;

[0055] The number of the elevators is at least two;

[0056] When there are two elevators, the two elevators are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end.

[0057] In a further embodiment, the three-dimensional sorting station further includes an item identification and collection device electrically connected to the control device, and the item identification and collection device is arranged at the input and output ports.

[0058] Compared with the prior art, the three-dimensional sorting station, sorting method and sorting out-of-warehouse method proposed in the present invention have the following significant beneficial effects:

[0059] 1) The three-dimensional sorting station changes the traditional plane layout of the sorting machine. It is based on three-dimensional warehousing and optimizes the design of the conveying and sorting vehicle (the conveying and sorting vehicle has a double-layer structure, which includes a first-layer trolley for conveying items (such as containers, single pieces of goods, etc.) and a second-layer trolley for conveying containers (such as empty turnover boxes, order boxes, etc.); the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley can be disassembled and used separately, or assembled as a whole. In addition to realizing the traditional storage and retrieval functions of items (such as containers, single pieces of goods, etc.); it can also realize automatic sorting operations, empty container input operations, and sorted order box outbound operations. The vertical space is fully utilized (the total layer height can be flexibly expanded), overcoming the problems of high cost, low efficiency, and large space occupation of traditional sorting machines.

[0060] 2) The three-dimensional sorting station can flexibly configure the conveying and sorting vehicles according to the needs. For example, the use of a conveying and sorting vehicle assembled into one piece can effectively reduce the number of carts to reduce costs; if the first-layer cart and the second-layer cart are used separately, the storage and retrieval operations and the sorting operations are carried out separately, which can further improve the efficiency; it is also possible to use both the first-layer cart and the second-layer cart used separately and the conveying and sorting vehicle assembled into one piece. This configuration can flexibly adjust the picking efficiency according to the changes in the order quantity. In addition, no matter which of the aforementioned structures the conveying and sorting vehicle adopts, it only occupies one channel in the plane direction to further save space in the plane direction. Compared with the technical solution described in the background technology of using a stacking crane to input empty containers and output order boxes, it effectively improves the utilization rate of space, and the empty container input efficiency and order box output efficiency are also higher, which can realize storage, retrieval, picking, and outbound operations in the smallest area.

[0061] 3) In this three-dimensional sorting station, items are transported by an elevator and docked with a conveying and sorting vehicle. The elevator can carry and transport multiple items or containers at the same time. While the elevator is transporting items (such as containers, single pieces of goods, etc.), the conveying and sorting vehicle can move horizontally. The conveying and sorting vehicle does not need to be lifted or moved, nor does it need to wait for items (such as containers, single pieces of goods, etc.). In this way, the coordinated operation of the elevator and the conveying and sorting vehicle greatly improves the sorting efficiency; it can realize the picking operation of super-large waves of product orders in the smallest plane space.

[0062] In summary, the three-dimensional sorting station, sorting method and sorting out-warehouse method have multiple functions, and can realize the efficient operation process from storage and retrieval, picking to out-warehouse in the minimum plane space, and make full use of the vertical space to realize the sorting and processing of ultra-large waves of product orders in the minimum plane space; through the ingenious cooperation between the elevator and the optimally designed conveying and sorting vehicle, the storage and retrieval efficiency, sorting efficiency and out-warehouse efficiency can be maximized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The accompanying drawings, which form part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be represented by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley operate independently) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2It is a side view of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley operate independently) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are integrated) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 4 It is a side view of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first layer trolley and the second layer trolley are integrated) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first layer trolley and the second layer trolley are integrated) according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 6 It is a schematic top view of a three-dimensional sorting station according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a conveying and sorting vehicle (the first-layer vehicle and the second-layer vehicle are integrated) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] In order to better understand the technical content of the present invention, specific embodiments are given and described as follows in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings.

[0072] The present invention proposes a three-dimensional sorting station, which changes the layout of the traditional flat-type sorting station and proposes for the first time a technical solution of a double-layer conveying and picking vehicle to enable the sorting station to have multiple functions; through the ingenious coordination between the elevator and the optimally designed conveying and sorting vehicle, the access efficiency, sorting efficiency and outbound efficiency can be maximized within the minimum plane space.

[0073] The following is a detailed description of a three-dimensional sorting station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is suitable for sorting and processing product orders with a small site area and a large number of waves.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the sorting station includes a multi-layer shelf 1, a track sorting device 2, an elevator 3 and a control device (not shown in the figure).

[0075] The multi-layer shelf 1 has a multi-layer cargo grid 14; each layer of the cargo grid has a plurality of cargo grids 141 for placing items 5 (such as goods and / or containers), and the cargo grids 141 can also be set as virtual cargo grids. When the sorting station is used for sorting, the cargo grids 141 are used to place containers (containers such as turnover boxes, cartons, etc., the tops of turnover boxes and cartons are open; used to load and select goods); when the sorting station is used for storage, the cargo grids 141 are used to place items 5 (such as single or multiple goods of any shape and size, order packages, containers, etc.). The three-dimensional sorting station is also provided with an input and output port 11 for inputting and / or outputting items 5. The input and output port 11 is generally arranged in the lower area of ​​the three-dimensional sorting station, and the number thereof can be set to one or more according to actual needs. The inner side of the input and output port 11 is connected to the elevator 3, and the outer side of the input and output port 11 is connected to the external conveying device 4. A person or a robot places an object 5 (such as goods of any shape and size, order packages, containers, etc.) on the external conveying device 4, and the object 5 is input into the sorting station from the input and output port 11. It is explained here that the object 5 mentioned later is goods of any shape and size, order packages, containers, etc.; the container mentioned later is a turnover box, a carton, etc., and includes an empty container and a container loaded with goods; it will not be described in detail below.

[0076] The multi-layer shelves 1 are modularly arranged, and there are usually multiple multi-layer shelves 1 . There is a gap between two adjacent multi-layer shelves 1 to form a channel 12 .

[0077] The track sorting device 2 includes a conveying and sorting vehicle 22 and a track 21. The track 21 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plane of the aforementioned channel 12, and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 travels along the track 21. The elevator 3 has a carrying platform 31 for carrying items 5. The carrying platform 31 can be vertically lifted and lowered, and the carrying platform 31 has a conveying device, such as a roller conveyor, to transfer the items 5 between the input and output ports 11 and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22. Of course, the elevator 3 can also be used for changing layers of items 5. It cooperates with the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 to change the layers of items 5 from one shelf to another; such as using an integrated elevator with Chinese patent application number CN202021561394.5. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a temporary storage table 6 is provided between the elevator and the transport and sorting vehicle. The temporary storage table 6 is used to temporarily store items. In this way, the transport efficiency of the transport and sorting vehicle can be further improved (even if there are a large number of transport and sorting vehicles, the transport and sorting vehicles do not need to wait and can directly store and retrieve items on the temporary storage table).

[0078] The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 is movably arranged on the track 21, and has at least one first position 22a and at least one second position 22b. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 includes a first-layer trolley 22-1 and a second-layer trolley 22-2. The first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 are respectively arranged on their own tracks and move independently on their own tracks, and / or the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 are integrated and move synchronously on the track 21. Therefore, when the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 are respectively independently operated, there are 2 tracks corresponding to each layer; when the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 are integrated, there is 1 track corresponding to each layer. At the first position 22a, the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the carrying platform 31 can transfer items 5, and the second-layer trolley 22-2 and the carrying platform 31 can transfer containers. At the second position 22b, articles 5 can be transferred between the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the cargo grid 141, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley 22-2 and the cargo grid 141.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first-layer trolley 22-1 includes a transmission mechanism, which includes a first drive device and a belt 22-11. The belt 22-11 is driven by the first drive device to transmit the items 5, and the belt 22-11 can transport the items in both directions. When the first-layer trolley 22-1 is used for picking, its belt 22-11 is higher than the top opening of the container of the cargo grid 141 so that the belt 22-11 can transport the items 5 placed thereon and drop them into the container placed in the cargo grid 141; of course, the technicians in this field can also select other structures or forms of transmission mechanisms according to actual needs, not limited to belt transmission, such as roller transmission. In some preferred embodiments, the cargo grid 141 of the shelf is also provided with a belt conveyor line, which is used to transport the items 5 placed thereon to the first-layer trolley 22-1 or receive the items transported from the first-layer trolley 22-1, and is usually used for storing and retrieving items; therefore, the cargo grid 141 is only provided with a belt conveyor line in some embodiments that require the first-layer trolley to store and retrieve. The working principle of the first-layer trolley when used for storage is introduced below: When the first-layer trolley 22-1 is used for storage, the height of the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22-1 is flush with the height of the belt conveyor line of the cargo box 141, so that the items 5 can be transferred from the first-layer trolley 22-1 to the cargo box 141 or the items 5 can be transferred from the cargo box 141 to the first-layer trolley 22-1. The second-layer trolley 22-2 includes a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork 22-21, and the telescopic turning fork 22-21 is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers; the telescopic turning fork 22-21 can be retracted in both directions. When the telescopic fork 22-21 of the second-layer trolley 22-2 is in a horizontal position, the height of the telescopic fork 22-21 is set at the middle area of ​​the container of the cargo grid 141; the telescopic fork 22-21 extends toward the cargo grid 141 to place the container on the cargo grid 141 to complete the storage operation or the telescopic fork 22-21 contracts to take the container out of the cargo grid 141; of course, the technicians in this field can also choose other structures or forms of storage and retrieval mechanisms according to actual needs, not limited to the storage and retrieval of the telescopic fork 22-21, such as the suction cup type storage and retrieval mechanism. In most embodiments, the storage and retrieval of the container is mainly achieved by the telescopic fork of the second-layer trolley, and the storage and retrieval and picking of the goods are mainly achieved by the first-layer trolley. If the first-layer trolley needs to store and retrieve goods, in general, the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are operated separately and independently. If the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are designed as an integrated whole, in general, the first-layer trolley is mainly used for picking goods, and the second-layer trolley is mainly used for the storage and retrieval of containers.

[0080] In this embodiment, there are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22, and the elevator 3 also has a layer-changing and lifting device for changing layers of the conveying and sorting vehicles 22, such as the integrated elevator with Chinese patent application number CN202021561394.5. Multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22 are reasonably arranged on each layer of shelves according to order requirements (sorting order requirements or access order requirements). When the order requirements change or adjust, multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22 can change layers and schedule through the layer-changing and lifting device to adapt to the changes in order requirements, so that the resources of the conveying and sorting vehicles 22 are fully utilized. Of course, the access and sorting efficiency of the entire sorting station is higher.

[0081] The control device sends instructions to the elevator 3 and the transport sorting vehicle 22 according to the order to control the elevator 3 and the transport sorting vehicle 22 to sort or store the items 5 into the cargo compartment 141, or take the items 5 out of the cargo compartment 141.

[0082] It should be understood that the aforementioned control device, hoist 3, telescopic fork 22-21, belt 22-11, and belt conveyor line are all technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and any existing or future developed appropriate structure may be used according to the disclosure of the present invention.

[0083] In some preferred embodiments, the conveying and sorting cart 22 is detachable, and the first-layer cart 22-1 and the second-layer cart 22-2 can be disassembled and run independently, or they can be assembled and run as a whole. When the first-layer cart 22-1 and the second-layer cart 22-2 are assembled as a whole, the first-layer cart 22-1 is arranged above the second-layer cart 22-2, and the height gap between the two allows at least one container to be placed. In this embodiment, the first-layer cart 22-1 and the second-layer cart 22-2 are detachably connected by a connector (such as a bolt). In this way, the technical personnel in this field can reasonably arrange the conveying and sorting carts 22 according to the order requirements. For example, if a conveying and sorting cart 22 assembled for use as a whole is used, the number of carts can be effectively reduced to reduce costs; if a first-layer cart 22-1 (which can be used to store and retrieve items 5 and to sort items 5) and a second-layer cart 22-2 (used to store and retrieve containers) are used separately, the storage and retrieval operations and the sorting operations are performed separately, which can further improve efficiency; it is also possible to use both the first-layer cart 22-1 and the second-layer cart 22-2 used separately and the conveying and sorting cart 22 assembled for use as a whole. This configuration can flexibly adjust the picking efficiency according to changes in the order quantity. In addition, no matter which of the aforementioned structures the conveying and sorting cart 22 adopts, it only occupies one channel 12 in the plane direction (such as Figure 6As shown), the space in the plane direction can be further saved. Compared with the technical solution of using a stacking crane to input empty containers and output order boxes as described in the background technology, the utilization rate of space is effectively improved, and the efficiency of empty container input and order box output is also higher, so that storage, picking and outbound operations can be realized in the smallest area.

[0084] In some preferred embodiments, the carrying platform 31 is configured to allow multiple items 5 to be carried at the same time, acting as a cache, such as the integrated elevator with Chinese patent application number CN202021561394.5; in this way, there is no need to set up a temporary storage table 6, which reduces costs. At the same time, when the elevator 3 transports the items 5, the transport and sorting vehicle 22 can move horizontally, and the transport and sorting vehicle 22 does not need to be lifted or moved, nor does it need to wait for the items 5. In this way, the coordinated operation of the elevator 3 and the transport and sorting vehicle 22 greatly improves the sorting efficiency, and can realize the picking operation of ultra-large waves of product orders in the smallest plane space.

[0085] In some embodiments, the rail 21 is horizontally arranged along the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer shelf 1 (eg Figure 6 As shown), it has a first end and a second end. The number of elevators 3 is at least two; when the number of elevators 3 is two, the two elevators 3 are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end, and the elevator 3 arranged at the first end is used for the transmission of items 5 to be picked and / or stored, that is, for the input and output of items 5 (here, items 5 mainly refer to items 5 other than containers, such as goods themselves); the elevator 3 arranged at the second end is used for the transmission of containers (empty containers or containers filled with goods), that is, for the input and output of containers. In this way, the sorting and storage operations are carried out more orderly, and the double elevators 3 can meet the picking operations of super-large waves of product orders, further improving the operation efficiency. Of course, the number of elevators is not particularly limited, and one elevator can also realize sorting and storage and retrieval operations.

[0086] Preferably, the three-dimensional sorting station also includes an item identification and collection device (not shown in the drawings) electrically connected to the control device. The item identification and collection device is arranged at the input and output port 11, and is used to collect information of the input or output item 5 (such as scanning a QR code to identify the unique identification of the item 5), and perform verification to prevent errors.

[0087] In order to make the technical solution protected by the embodiment of the present invention clearer, a preferred embodiment is now given to illustrate the operation method flow of the three-dimensional sorting station:

[0088] Sorting stations, such as Figure 5 Combination Figure 6As shown, the sorting station includes four elevators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), two modular multi-layer shelves 1 (1a, 1b), and multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22. The multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22 are partially composed of the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 that operate separately and independently, and the other part is an integrated trolley in which the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 are assembled into one. The first-layer trolley 22-1 is a belt conveyor trolley, and the second-layer trolley 22-2 is a telescopic forklift trolley. The two modular multi-layer shelves 1 (1a, 1b) are arranged in parallel and a channel 12 is formed between them. One layer of track 21 or two layers of track 21 are correspondingly arranged on each layer of the shelves. Among them, one layer of track 21 corresponds to the aforementioned integrated trolley. The two layers of track 21 correspond to the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 that operate separately and independently, the first-layer trolley 22-1 is arranged on the upper track, and the second-layer trolley 22-2 is arranged on the lower track. In this embodiment, in order to ensure full utilization of the track 21 and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22, the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 corresponding to the same layer of shelves is the same type of trolley (either a first layer trolley and a second layer trolley that operate separately and independently, or an integrated trolley). Four elevators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are arranged at the first end and the second end of the track 21, respectively. The first end is defined as the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b), and the second end is defined as the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d). Two input and output ports 11 (11a, 11b) are provided under the multi-layer shelf 1. The input and output port 11a corresponds to the elevator 3 (3a, 3b); the input and output port 11b corresponds to the elevator 3 (3c, 3d). The input and output port 11 is provided with an item identification and collection device. An external conveying device 4 is provided outside the input and output port 11. In this embodiment, the external conveying device 4 corresponding to the input and output port 11a is a belt conveyor, and the external conveying device 4 corresponding to the input and output port 11b is a roller conveyor. The external conveying device 4 can be connected to the load-bearing platforms 31 of the four elevators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) respectively, and the load-bearing platforms 31 can simultaneously place multiple articles 5. In this embodiment, a temporary storage platform 6 is arranged between the elevator 3 and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22, and the temporary storage platform 6 has a conveyor; the target cargo compartment 141 is provided with an article transmission device, so that the first-layer trolley can also store and retrieve articles.

[0089] The sorting station is mainly used for sorting and outbound operations. Of course, it can also be used for traditional storage and retrieval operations. Based on this sorting station, the following briefly describes the operating method flow of the sorting station.

[0090] Sorting operation: Manual or robot places the items 5 (generally single items 52) on the external conveying device 4 one after another, the item identification and collection device collects the item information and feeds it back to the control device, the control device receives the sorting order and item information, and sends instructions to the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b), the temporary storage table, and the corresponding conveying and sorting vehicle 22. The instructions include the sorting target layer, the target cargo grid 141, the sorting item information (such as the type of item) and the number of sorted items. An empty container 51 is placed at the target cargo grid 141. The carrying platform 31 of the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b) is lifted and moved according to the command until the carrying platform 31 is docked with the external conveying device 4, and the items 5 (generally referring to the items to be sorted, which are single items 52 or multiple items 52) are transferred from the external conveying device 4 through the input and output ports 11 to the carrying platform 31 inside the sorting station. The carrying platform 31 rises to the height of the corresponding sorting target layer to transport the items 5 (single items 52 or multiple items 52) to the temporary storage table 6 of the sorting target layer. The transport sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a (here refers to the first position corresponding to the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b)) according to the command; the belt 22-1 of the first layer vehicle 22-1 is 11 is docked with the temporary storage table 6, and the items 5 (single item 52 or multiple items 52) are transferred from the temporary storage table 6 to the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22-1 (whether it is an independently operated first-layer trolley 22-1 or an integrated trolley) of the conveying and sorting vehicle 22; the first-layer trolley 22-1 (or the integrated trolley) moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target cargo grid 141), and the first-layer trolley 22-1 transfers and sorts the aforementioned items 5 (single item 52 or multiple items 52) into the empty container 51 of the target cargo grid 141; each conveying and sorting vehicle 22 executes the above steps until the sorting task of the order is completed or the container 51 of the target cargo grid 141 is full.

[0091] After the sorting task is completed, the container is taken out of the warehouse: when the container 51 of the target cargo grid 141 is full or the sorting operation of the order has been completed, the control device sends a warehouse instruction to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) and the corresponding conveying and sorting vehicle 22, and the second-layer trolley 22-2 (or the integrated trolley) moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target cargo grid 141), and the telescopic fork 22-21 of the second-layer trolley 22-2 extends toward the cargo grid 141 to take the container 51 out of the cargo grid 141, and then extends to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) and the corresponding conveying and sorting vehicle 22. The retractable turning fork 22-21 retracts to temporarily place the article 5 on the second-layer trolley 22-2. The second-layer trolley 22-2 (or the integrated trolley) moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a (here, the first position corresponding to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d)). The retractable turning fork 22-21 extends toward the temporary storage platform 6 to place the container 51 on the temporary storage platform 6. The carrying platform 31 of the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) moves up and down according to the command until it docks with the temporary storage platform 6, and transfers the container from the temporary storage platform 6 to the carrying platform 31. The carrying platform 31 of the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) descends to the input and output port 11 and docks with the external conveying device 4. The container 51 passes through the input and output port 11 and is transferred to the external conveying device 4 to complete the outbound task.

[0092] Empty container replenishment operation: It is the reverse process of the container outbound operation. The empty container 51 is transferred by the external conveying device 4 to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d), and then transferred by the elevator 3 (3c, 3d) to the temporary storage table 6 of the replenishment target layer; then it is transferred by the temporary storage table 6 to the second-layer trolley 22-2 (or integrated trolley), and the second-layer trolley 22-2 moves to the second position 22b; the telescopic turning fork 22-21 of the second-layer trolley 22-2 replenishes the empty container 51 and places it in the cargo grid 141, which will not be repeated here.

[0093] Storage operation: When the stored articles 5 are regular-shaped articles such as containers, the storage operation process is the same as the empty container replenishment operation process. The external conveying device 4 inputs the container 51, and the article identification and collection device collects the information of the container 51 and feeds it back to the control device. The control device receives the storage order and the container information, and issues instructions to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d), the temporary storage platform, and the corresponding conveying and sorting vehicle 22. The container 51 is transferred to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) by the external conveying device 4, and then transferred to the temporary storage platform 6 by the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d). Then the second-layer trolley 22-2 (or the integrated trolley) takes out the container 51 from the temporary storage platform, and the second-layer trolley 22-2 moves to the second position 22b. The telescopic fork 22-21 of the second-layer trolley 22-2 stores the container 51 in the cargo grid 141, which will not be described in detail here. When the stored articles 5 are irregular articles such as goods (single piece of goods 52 or multiple pieces of goods 52), this storage operation is similar to the sorting operation. The carrying platform 31 of the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b) is lifted and moved according to the command until it docks with the external conveying device 4 and transfers the goods 52 from the external conveying device 4 through the input and output ports 11 to the carrying platform 31 of the first elevator inside the sorting station. The carrying platform 31 rises to the height of the corresponding sorting target layer and transfers the goods 52 to the temporary storage platform 6. The transport sorting vehicle 22 moves to the first position 22a along the track 21 according to the command; the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22-1 docks with the temporary storage platform 6, and the goods 52 are transferred from the temporary storage platform 6 to the transport sorting vehicle. The first-layer trolley 22-1 (regardless of whether it is an independently operated first-layer trolley 22-1 or an integrated trolley) is on the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22; the first-layer trolley 22-1 (or the integrated trolley) moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target cargo compartment 141), and the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22-1 is directly connected with the target cargo compartment 141 (that is, the article conveying device of the target cargo compartment 141), and the aforementioned goods 52 are conveyed to the target cargo compartment 141 to complete the storage; of course, the first-layer trolley 22-1 can also realize the storage operation of regular-shaped articles such as containers, and the present technical solution does not make specific limitations on this. Technical personnel in this field can adjust and schedule according to actual order requirements.

[0094] Removal operation: When the object 5 to be taken out is an object of regular shape such as a container, the container 51 is taken out from the cargo grid 141 by the telescopic fork 22-21 of the second-layer trolley 22-2 as in the aforementioned container outbound operation, and the second-layer trolley 22-2 transfers the container to the temporary storage table 5, and then transfers the container from the temporary storage table 5 to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d), and then transfers the container from the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) to the external conveying device 4, which will not be repeated here. When the taken-out article 5 is an irregular article such as goods, this taking-out operation is the reverse process of the storage operation of the above-mentioned first-layer trolley 22-1, and the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22-1 is directly connected to the target cargo compartment 141 (i.e., the article transmission device of the target cargo compartment 141), and the aforementioned goods 52 are transmitted from the target cargo compartment 141 to the belt 22-11 of the first-layer trolley 22-1; the goods 52 are then transmitted to the temporary storage table 6 by the second-layer trolley 22-2, and the temporary storage table 6 transmits the goods 52 to the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b), and then transmitted to the external conveying device 4 by the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b), which will not be repeated here. Of course, the first-layer trolley 22-1 can also realize the taking-out operation of regular-shaped articles such as containers, and the present technical solution does not make specific limitations on this. Technical personnel in this field can adjust and schedule according to actual order requirements.

[0095] It should be understood that the functional use of the aforementioned first elevator 3 (3a, 3b) and the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) is only for illustration and is not limited thereto, and can be flexibly adjusted and scheduled according to actual order requirements. In actual application, the multi-layer shelf 1 can be divided according to storage areas and sorting areas, for example, some layers are used for storage and retrieval, and some layers are used for sorting; for example, some modular multi-layer shelves 1 are used for storage and retrieval, and some modular multi-layer shelves 1 are used for picking; the storage area can also be divided according to the storage of regular-shaped items and the storage of irregular-shaped items; in this way, it is convenient to reasonably layout the integrated sorting and conveying vehicles in the entire sorting station and the sorting and conveying vehicles that operate independently on two layers, and it is also convenient to reasonably layout the tracks and the height of the tracks. In short, technicians in this field can flexibly adjust according to actual needs, so that the sorting station has a wider application scenario, good flexibility, and wide adaptability.

[0096] According to the improvement of the present invention, a sorting method is also proposed, which is based on the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and an empty container 51 is placed at the target cargo compartment 141. The method includes: transferring the item 5 from the input and output port 11 to the load-bearing platform 31 of the elevator 3. The load-bearing platform 31 is lifted and moved to the height of the sorting target layer; the transport sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a. Transfer the item 5 from the load-bearing platform 31 to the transport sorting vehicle 22. The transport sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target cargo compartment 141), and the transport sorting vehicle 22 transfers and sorts the aforementioned item 5 to the empty container 51 of the target cargo compartment 141. A more detailed sorting method is the same as the sorting operation process of the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] According to the improvement of the present invention, a sorting and unloading method is also proposed, which is based on the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and an empty container is placed at the target cargo compartment 141. The method includes: transferring the article 5 from the input and output port 11 to the load-bearing platform 31 of the elevator 3. The load-bearing platform 31 is lifted and moved to the height of the sorting target layer. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a. Transfer the article 5 from the load-bearing platform 31 to the conveying and sorting vehicle 22. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target cargo compartment 141), and conveys and sorts the aforementioned article 5 to the empty container of the target cargo compartment 141. Repeat the aforementioned steps until the current sorting order of the target cargo compartment 141 is completed or the target cargo compartment 141 is full; sorting is completed. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the position corresponding to the target cargo compartment 141, and takes out the container of the target cargo compartment 141. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a. The container is transferred from the transport sorting vehicle 22 to the carrying platform 31. The carrying platform 31 is lifted and moved to the height of the input and output port 11. The article 5 is transferred from the carrying platform 31 to the input and output port 11. A more detailed sorting and outbound method is the same as the sorting operation and outbound process of the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, which will not be repeated here.

[0098] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. A person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the claims. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. A person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sorting method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a three-dimensional sorting station, wherein the three-dimensional sorting station includes multi-layer shelves, a track sorting device, an elevator, a control device, and an input and output port for inputting and / or outputting articles, wherein: The multi-layer shelf has multiple cargo compartments on each layer for placing items, and the aforementioned items are goods and / or containers; The track sorting device comprises a conveying and sorting vehicle and a track. The elevator has a carrying platform for carrying articles; The carrying platform can be lifted and lowered vertically to transfer items between the input and output ports and the conveying and sorting vehicle; The conveying and sorting vehicle is movably arranged on the track and has at least one first position and at least one second position; the conveying and sorting vehicle comprises a first-layer trolley and a second-layer trolley; the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are respectively arranged on their own tracks and move independently on their own tracks, and / or the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are integrated and move synchronously on the track; in the first position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform; in the second position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the cargo grid, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the cargo grid; The control device is configured to control the elevator and the conveying and sorting vehicle in response to the order to sort or store the items into the cargo compartment, or to take the items out of the cargo compartment; An empty container is placed at the target cargo compartment, and the method includes: Transfer items from the input and output ports to the load platform of the elevator; The carrying platform is lifted and moved to the height of the sorting target layer; the transport sorting vehicle moves along the track to the first position; Transfer items from the carrying platform to the conveying and sorting vehicle; The transport and sorting vehicle moves along the track to the second position, and the transport and sorting vehicle transports and sorts the aforementioned articles into the empty container of the target cargo grid.

2. The sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first-layer trolley includes a transmission mechanism, which includes a first driving device and a belt, and the belt is driven by the first driving device to transmit the article; The second layer trolley comprises a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork, and the telescopic turning fork is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers.

3. The sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conveying and sorting vehicle is detachable. The first-layer vehicle and the second-layer vehicle can be disassembled and run independently, or they can be assembled into an integrated unit and run.

4. The sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: There are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles.

5. The sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The elevator also has a layer-changing elevator device for conveying the sorting vehicle to change layers.

6. The sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The carrying platform is configured to allow multiple articles to be carried simultaneously.

7. The sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The track is horizontally arranged along the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer shelf, and has a first end and a second end; the number of the elevators is at least two; When there are two elevators, the two elevators are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end.

8. The sorting method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The three-dimensional sorting station also includes an article identification and collection device electrically connected to the control device, and the article identification and collection device is arranged at the input and output ports.

9. A method for sorting out of warehouse, characterized in that: The sorting and unloading method is applied to a three-dimensional sorting station, wherein the three-dimensional sorting station includes a multi-layer shelf, a track sorting device, a hoist, a control device, and an input and output port for inputting or / and outputting articles, wherein: The multi-layer shelf has multiple cargo compartments on each layer for placing items, and the aforementioned items are goods and / or containers; The track sorting device comprises a conveying and sorting vehicle and a track. The elevator has a carrying platform for carrying articles; The carrying platform can be lifted and lowered vertically to transfer items between the input and output ports and the conveying and sorting vehicle; The conveying and sorting vehicle is movably arranged on the track and has at least one first position and at least one second position; the conveying and sorting vehicle comprises a first-layer trolley and a second-layer trolley; the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are respectively arranged on their own tracks and move independently on their own tracks, and / or the first-layer trolley and the second-layer trolley are integrated and move synchronously on the track; in the first position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the load-bearing platform; in the second position, articles can be transferred between the first-layer trolley and the cargo grid, and containers can be transferred between the second-layer trolley and the cargo grid; The control device is configured to control the elevator and the conveying and sorting vehicle in response to the order to sort or store the items into the cargo compartment, or to take the items out of the cargo compartment; An empty container is placed at the target cargo compartment, and the method includes: Transfer items from the input and output ports to the load platform of the elevator; The carrying platform is lifted and moved to the height of the sorting target layer; the transport sorting vehicle moves along the track to the first position; Transfer items from the carrying platform to the conveying and sorting vehicle; The transport and sorting vehicle moves along the track to the second position, and transports and sorts the aforementioned items into the empty container of the target cargo compartment; Repeat the above steps until the current sorting order of the target cargo compartment is completed or the target cargo compartment is full; The conveying and sorting vehicle moves along the track to the second position and takes out the container of the target cargo grid; The conveying and sorting vehicle moves along the track to a first position; The container is transferred from the conveying and sorting vehicle to the carrying platform; The carrying platform is lifted and moved to the height of the input and output ports; Transfer items from the carrying platform to the input and output ports to complete the shipment.

10. The sorting and unloading method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first-layer trolley includes a transmission mechanism, which includes a first driving device and a belt, and the belt is driven by the first driving device to transmit the article; The second layer trolley comprises a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork, and the telescopic turning fork is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers.

11. The sorting out method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The conveying and sorting vehicle is detachable. The first-layer vehicle and the second-layer vehicle can be disassembled and run independently, or they can be assembled into an integrated unit and run.

12. The sorting out method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: There are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles.

13. The sorting out method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The elevator also has a layer-changing elevator device for conveying the sorting vehicle to change layers.

14. The sorting out method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The carrying platform is configured to allow multiple articles to be carried simultaneously.

15. The sorting out method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The track is horizontally arranged along the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer shelf, and has a first end and a second end; The number of the elevators is at least two; When there are two elevators, the two elevators are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end.

16. The sorting out method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The three-dimensional sorting station also includes an article identification and collection device electrically connected to the control device, and the article identification and collection device is arranged at the input and output ports.

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