A method for managing inbound and outbound storage in intelligent warehousing

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for managing inbound and outbound storage of intelligent warehousing, whose structure includes collecting panoramic image information of the warehouse through WMS, AGV, robot, conveyor line, code scanning and binding equipment of the inbound workstation and conveyor line, code scanning and binding equipment, unloader and loader of the outbound workstation for signal connection through WMS, positioning of shelves and storing information through WMS. The present invention has the following beneficial effects: tracing components (such as QR codes) used in conjunction with robots are arranged on the outside of the shelves, and the robots are provided with QR code scanners to ensure accuracy and stability when picking and placing goods; classification of reasons for returns is obtained and then loaded into cage cars for subsequent sorting; damage is checked when changing boxes for storage to prevent damaged items from entering the warehouse; a warehouse sorting process is added to sort multiple different goods in the cargo boxes into the same goods for placement, and to facilitate the subsequent inventory process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of warehouse management, and in particular relates to an intelligent warehouse entry and exit management method. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of e-commerce, the requirements for its supporting logistics and warehousing systems are becoming increasingly higher. The current logistics and warehousing systems mainly use warehouse management systems to maintain warehouse inventory data and issue sorting and storage tasks, which are performed by humans. With the increasing degree of automation, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) can be used. These are transport vehicles equipped with automatic guidance devices such as electromagnetic or optical devices, which can travel along a specified guide path and have safety protection and various transfer functions.

[0003] Intelligent three-dimensional warehousing can achieve high-level rationalization of warehouses, automatic access and simplified operation by using three-dimensional warehouse equipment. The main body is composed of shelves, aisle stacking cranes, storage and retrieval workbenches and automatic conveying systems, operation control systems, and communication systems. The shelves are usually modular steel-structured buildings or structures with standard-sized cargo spaces inside. Aisle stacking cranes travel through the aisles between the aisles to complete the storage and retrieval work. The entrances and exits use various conveyors or self-propelled trolleys to connect to the aisle stacking cranes to realize the fully automatic operation of the entire warehousing logistics.

[0004] At the current stage, the entire industrialization is not mature enough; the existing warehousing and warehousing methods generally include the process steps of handling returned goods, changing boxes for warehousing, picking and warehousing, and inventorying of goods, but the specific usage methods are not perfect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (1) Technical issues to be resolved

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, a method for intelligent warehousing inbound and outbound management is proposed.

[0007] (2) Technical solution

[0008] The present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions: The present invention proposes an intelligent warehousing inbound and outbound management method, comprising the following steps:

[0009] The WMS collects panoramic images of the warehouse, including the location of storage shelves, shelf aisles, inbound workstations, outbound workstations, aisles between shelves and inbound and outbound workstations, AGV locations, and robot locations.

[0010] AGVs, robots, conveyor lines, code scanning and binding equipment of the inbound workstations and conveyor lines, code scanning and binding equipment, unloaders, and loaders of the outbound workstations used for signal connection through WMS;

[0011] Locate the shelves and store information through WMS;

[0012] Return handling steps:

[0013] Returned items are manually sorted and loaded into cage carts; the operator calls the AGV to move the cage cart to the storage area; and calls the AGV to move the empty cage cart back to the return storage area; the operator operates the box exchange and storage;

[0014] Steps for changing boxes and warehousing:

[0015] The operator issues a replenishment order through the WMS. The items to be stored are transported to the storage workstation. The storage order controls the robot to move the empty boxes to the conveyor line of the storage workstation, bind them, remove the boxes, and transport them to the warehouse area. The robot then places the boxes on the shelves and, upon completion, updates the inventory information and feeds it back to the WMS.

[0016] Picking out steps:

[0017] The operator issues a storage task through the WMS; selects the outbound operation; dispatches the robot to move the picking bins to the outbound workstation; the robot docks with the unloader, which removes the robot's bins one at a time and sequentially delivers them to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation, where they flow to the picking station; the operator follows the prompts on the WMS interface, picks items from the bins, and scans them for confirmation; the picked bins flow out of the outbound workstation's conveyor line to the loader, where the robot docks and loads the bins, moving them back to the warehouse; after picking is complete, the operator collects the items and sends them downstream for secondary sorting or review and packaging;

[0018] Inventory process steps:

[0019] The operator selects an inventory operation through the WMS and creates an inventory task. The robot moves the bin to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation according to the task requirements and flows into the operation station. The operator removes the goods, scans them, counts the quantity in the bin, and confirms the completion. The counted bin is then transported back to the warehouse by the robot via the conveyor line and loader of the outbound workstation. The next bin flows in and continues the inventory until all the inventory tasks are completed.

[0020] Warehouse sorting process steps:

[0021] The operator selects the sorting operation through the WMS and creates a sorting task; the robot moves the material box to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation according to the task requirements; the operator combines the goods in the material box and packs them into boxes according to the same items; the material box that has been sorted is transported back to the warehouse by the robot via the conveyor line and loader of the outbound workstation; the next box flows in to continue sorting until all the sorting tasks are completed.

[0022] Furthermore, the shelf is provided with a plurality of storage layers, each storage layer is provided with at least one storage space, and the storage space is used for placing material boxes.

[0023] Furthermore, the warehousing workstation has two conveyor lines which are arranged one above the other.

[0024] Furthermore, the robot is used to pick up and place boxes on the transport shelves.

[0025] Furthermore, the AGV and the robot move in the shelf aisles and the aisles between the shelves and the inbound workstations and the outbound workstations.

[0026] (3) Beneficial effects

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] When handling returned goods, scan the code in advance using a binding device. Based on the different forms of returned goods, the reasons for the return can be classified and then loaded into a cage truck for subsequent sorting.

[0029] The shelves are positioned (by numbering the shelves at fixed locations) and the information is stored through the WMS. Traceability components (such as QR codes) are installed on the outside of the shelves to work with the robots. The robots are equipped with QR code scanners to ensure accuracy and stability when picking and placing goods.

[0030] When changing boxes and putting them into storage, check whether the items are damaged. If they are damaged, take them out and put them away to prevent damaged items from being put into storage.

[0031] Add a warehouse sorting process to sort the various different goods in the cargo box into the same goods and place them in a convenient place for subsequent inventory counting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the warehouse structure of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] See also Figure 1 The present invention provides an intelligent warehousing inbound and outbound management method, comprising the following steps:

[0035] The WMS collects panoramic image information of the warehouse, including the location of storage shelves, shelf aisles, inbound workstation locations, outbound workstation locations, aisles between shelves and inbound and outbound workstation locations, AGV locations, and robot locations.

[0036] Wherein, the robot is used to pick up and place the material boxes on the transport shelf;

[0037] The AGVs and robots move along the aisles between the shelves and the inbound and outbound workstations, with routes pre-set and movement controlled by the WMS.

[0038] By installing multiple panoramic cameras in the warehouse, under fixed light sources, real-time images of the above components in the warehouse are collected;

[0039] AGVs, robots, conveyor lines, code scanning and binding equipment of the inbound workstations and conveyor lines, code scanning and binding equipment, unloaders, and loaders of the outbound workstations used for signal connection through WMS;

[0040] The shelves are positioned (by numbering the shelves at fixed locations) and the information is stored through the WMS. Traceability components (such as QR codes) are installed on the outside of the shelves to work with the robots. The robots are equipped with QR code scanners to ensure accuracy and stability when picking and placing goods.

[0041] The shelf is provided with multiple storage layers, each storage layer is provided with at least one storage space, and the storage space is used to place the material box;

[0042] Return handling steps:

[0043] Returned items are manually sorted and loaded into cage carts: Based on the different forms of returns, the code is scanned using a binding device to obtain a classification of the return reason, and then the items are loaded into cage carts;

[0044] The operator calls (via WMS or mobile control equipment connected to the AGV signal) the AGV to transport the cage car to the storage area; and calls the AGV to move the empty cage car back to the return storage area; the operator then operates the box exchange and storage;

[0045] Steps for changing boxes and warehousing:

[0046] The operator issues a replenishment task through the WMS. The items to be stored are transported to the storage workstation. The storage task controls the robot to move the empty boxes to the storage workstation's conveyor line, bind them, remove the boxes, and transport them to the warehouse area. The robot then places the boxes on the shelves and, upon completion, updates the inventory information and feeds it back to the WMS.

[0047] There are two conveyor lines at the warehousing workstation, which are arranged one above the other.

[0048] Empty material boxes flow into the upper line for temporary storage;

[0049] The operator takes the empty boxes from the upper line, unpacks the boxes to be stored (during this process, check whether the items are damaged, and if damaged, remove them and place them aside), scans the product code and binds the boxes, loads the boxes, and then moves the bound boxes to the lower conveyor line;

[0050] The robot takes the boxes from the lower line connection port and transports them to the warehouse area.

[0051] Picking out steps:

[0052] The operator issues a warehouse dispatch task through the WMS; selects the warehouse dispatch operation; dispatches the robot to move the selected bins to the warehouse dispatch workstation; the robot docks with the unloader, which removes the bins from the robot and delivers them to the conveyor line of the warehouse dispatch workstation in sequence;

[0053] The delivery workstation is provided with a plurality of conveying lines;

[0054] The bins flow to the picking station; the operator picks items from the bins and scans them for confirmation according to the WMS interface prompts; the picked bins flow out through the conveyor line of the outbound workstation to the loader, where the robot docks and loads the bins, transporting them back to the warehouse.

[0055] After picking is completed, the operator collects the items to the downstream for secondary sorting or rechecking and packaging to prevent items from being missed;

[0056] Warehouse sorting process steps:

[0057] When a container contains a variety of goods, the operator selects the sorting operation through the WMS and creates a sorting task. The robot moves the container to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation according to the task requirements.

[0058] The delivery workstation has multiple conveyor lines, which are equipped with multiple groups of empty boxes, and then the goods in the delivered boxes are sorted into the same type.

[0059] The goods are consolidated and packed together; the boxes that have been sorted are transported back to the warehouse by robots via the conveyor line and loader at the outbound workstation; the next box is transported in and sorting continues until all the sorting tasks are completed;

[0060] Inventory process steps:

[0061] The operator selects the inventory operation through the WMS and creates an inventory task. The robot moves the material box to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation according to the task requirements and flows into the operation station.

[0062] The operator takes out the goods, scans them, and counts the quantity of goods in the material box. After completion, the operator confirms the number of goods (according to the above, similar sorting is performed in advance) to facilitate the inventory. The material box after the inventory is completed is then transported back to the warehouse by the robot through the conveyor line and loader of the outbound workstation. The next box flows in and continues to be counted until all inventory tasks are completed.

[0063] WMS is a warehouse management system that integrates batch management, material correspondence, inventory counting, quality inspection management, virtual warehouse management and real-time inventory management through functions such as incoming warehousing, outgoing warehousing, warehouse transfer, inventory transfer and virtual warehouse management. It effectively controls and tracks the entire process of logistics and cost management of warehouse operations, and realizes or improves the company's warehousing information management.

[0064] The control method of the present invention is automatic control through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by a person skilled in the art. The provision of power is also common knowledge in the art. The present invention is mainly used to protect mechanical devices, so the control method and circuit connection are not explained in detail in the present invention.

[0065] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, from all perspectives, the embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, not the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claim to which they relate.

[0066] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for managing inbound and outbound storage in intelligent warehousing, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: The WMS collects panoramic image information of the warehouse, including the location of storage shelves, shelf aisles, inbound workstation locations, outbound workstation locations, aisles between shelves and inbound and outbound workstation locations, AGV locations, and robot locations. AGVs, robots, conveyor lines, code scanning and binding equipment of the inbound workstations and conveyor lines, code scanning and binding equipment, unloaders, and loaders of the outbound workstations used for signal connection through WMS; Locate the shelves and store information through WMS; Return handling steps: Returned items are manually sorted and loaded into cage carts; the operator calls the AGV to move the cage cart to the storage area; and calls the AGV to move the empty cage cart back to the return storage area; the operator operates the box exchange and storage; Steps for changing boxes and warehousing: The operator issues a replenishment order through the WMS. The items to be stored are transported to the storage workstation. The storage order controls the robot to move the empty boxes to the conveyor line of the storage workstation, bind them, remove the boxes, and transport them to the warehouse area. The robot then places the boxes on the shelves and, upon completion, updates the inventory information and feeds it back to the WMS. Picking out steps: The operator issues a storage task through the WMS; selects the outbound operation; dispatches the robot to move the picking bins to the outbound workstation; the robot docks with the unloader, which removes the robot's bins one at a time and sequentially delivers them to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation, where they flow to the picking station; the operator follows the prompts on the WMS interface, picks items from the bins, and scans them for confirmation; the picked bins flow out of the outbound workstation's conveyor line to the loader, where the robot docks and loads the bins, moving them back to the warehouse; after picking is complete, the operator collects the items and sends them downstream for secondary sorting or review and packaging; Inventory process steps: The operator selects an inventory operation through the WMS and creates an inventory task. The robot moves the bin to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation according to the task requirements and flows into the operation station. The operator removes the goods, scans them, counts the quantity in the bin, and confirms the completion. The counted bin is then transported back to the warehouse by the robot via the conveyor line and loader of the outbound workstation. The next bin flows in and continues the inventory until all the inventory tasks are completed. Warehouse sorting process steps: The operator selects the sorting operation through the WMS and creates a sorting task; the robot moves the material box to the conveyor line of the outbound workstation according to the task requirements; the operator combines the goods in the material box and packs them into boxes according to the same items; the material box that has been sorted is transported back to the warehouse by the robot via the conveyor line and loader of the outbound workstation; the next box flows in to continue sorting until all the sorting tasks are completed.

2. The method for managing inbound and outbound storage of intelligent warehousing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shelf is provided with a plurality of storage layers, and each storage layer is provided with at least one storage space, and the storage space is used for placing material boxes.

3. The method for managing inbound and outbound storage of intelligent warehousing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying lines of the warehousing workstation are divided into two groups and are arranged one above the other.

4. The method for managing inbound and outbound storage of intelligent warehousing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The robot is used to pick up and place boxes on the transport shelves.

5. The method for managing inbound and outbound storage of intelligent warehousing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The AGV and the robot all move in the shelf aisles, the aisles between the shelves and the inbound workstations and the outbound workstations.

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