Automated loading and unloading conveyor system and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic loading and unloading conveying system and a working method thereof. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system comprises a first automatic loading and unloading machine and a second automatic loading and unloading machine which are arranged side by side at intervals, a first working station, a second working station and a warehouse returning conveying line which are arranged at one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine in a transverse extension mode. The feeding side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine is opposite to the discharging side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine. The inlet end of the first working station is connected with the discharging side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine. The inlet end of the second working station is connected with the discharging side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, and the second working station is staggered with the first working station in the height direction. The outlet end of the warehouse returning conveying line is connected with the feeding side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system has the advantages that two automatic loading and unloading machines are arranged side by side, the land occupation area of the automatic loading and unloading conveying system is reduced, and the utilization rate of the warehouse space can be improved. The two working stations are arranged at different heights, and the capacity of the working stations can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of warehouse logistics, and in particular to an automatic loading and unloading conveying system and a working method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, in the field of intelligent warehousing, an automatic loading and unloading machine is connected to 2-3 picking workstations through a ring conveying line, and the order handled by each workstation is independent of other workstations, and the same order cannot be completed by two workstations at the same time. When allocating tasks on the software system, one vehicle is responsible for carrying the bins required by one workstation, so that it is easy to appear that the bins carried by consecutive vehicles belong to the same workstation.

[0003] However, the above working mode has the following defects:

[0004] 1. The existing task allocation logic causes the ring line to be extremely prone to congestion

[0005] Since the automatic loading and unloading machine improves the bin turnover efficiency, an average of about 6 seconds is required to input one bin into the ring line system, and the speed of manual picking is usually 10-20 seconds per bin. If 3 consecutive vehicles carry bins for the same workstation, 18 bins for the same workstation are input within 108 seconds (6 bins / vehicle*6s / bin*3 vehicles), and the speed of manual processing is about 5-10 bins, the input is much greater than the output, and the system will be congested, greatly affecting the efficiency.

[0006] 2. Low utilization rate of workstation area

[0007] The connection mode of the automatic loading and unloading machine and the workstation is usually that the automatic loading and unloading machine is connected vertically to the conveying line, and connected to the workstation through the ring line, so that about 10m of space is occupied in the longitudinal direction, and 20%-30% of the space is wasted between the automatic loading and unloading machines. SUMMARY

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an automatic loading and unloading conveying system and a working method thereof for improving the utilization rate of warehouse space.

[0009] The technical scheme adopted by the present application to solve the technical problem is: an automatic loading and unloading conveying system is provided, which comprises a first automatic loading and unloading machine and a second automatic loading and unloading machine arranged side by side at intervals, a first workstation, a second workstation and a back-to-warehouse conveying line arranged transversely on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

[0010] The feeding side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine is opposite to the discharging side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

[0011] The inlet end of the first workstation is connected to the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine; the inlet end of the second workstation is connected to the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, and the second workstation is offset from the first workstation in the height direction; the first automatic loading and unloading machine receives goods from the warehouse area and delivers the goods to the first workstation and the second workstation respectively.

[0012] The outlet end of the return conveyor line is connected to the feed side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine, and the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are transported to the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

[0013] Preferably, the first workstation includes a first conveyor line and a first picking station; the input end of the first conveyor line is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, the conveying direction of the first conveyor line is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine and is located on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, the output end of the first conveyor line is located between the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine, and the first picking station is located at the output end of the first conveyor line.

[0014] The second workstation includes a second conveyor line and a second picking station; the input end of the second conveyor line is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, the conveying direction of the second conveyor line is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first and second automatic loading and unloading machines, and extends from one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine to one side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine; the output end of the second conveyor line is located between the first and second automatic loading and unloading machines, and is spaced apart from the output end of the first conveyor line, and the second picking station is located at the output end of the second conveyor line.

[0015] Preferably, the first workstation further includes a first turning machine; the first turning machine is connected between the inlet end of the first workstation and the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine;

[0016] The second workstation also includes a second turning machine; the second turning machine is connected between the inlet end of the second workstation and the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine.

[0017] Preferably, the first conveyor line includes at least two parallel conveyor sections connected end to end;

[0018] The input end of the first conveying section closest to the first automatic loading and unloading machine is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine; the conveying directions of each two adjacent first conveying sections are opposite;

[0019] The output end of the first conveying section furthest from the first automatic loading and unloading machine forms the output end of the first conveying line.

[0020] Preferably, the first conveying section is provided with a first steering conveying unit at its input end and output end, and the conveying direction of the first steering conveying unit is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first conveying section.

[0021] Preferably, the second conveyor line includes a second conveying section, a slope reduction section, a first horizontal conveying section, and a second horizontal conveying section;

[0022] The second conveying section is arranged parallel above the first conveying section, and the input end of the second conveying section is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, while the output end of the second conveying section extends to the outside of the first conveying section.

[0023] The first horizontal conveying section is parallel to the second conveying section, and the slope reduction section is connected between the output end of the second conveying section and the first horizontal conveying section;

[0024] The second horizontal conveying section is parallel to and side by side with the first horizontal conveying section, and their conveying directions are opposite; the output end of the second horizontal conveying section forms the output end of the second conveying line.

[0025] Preferably, the output end of the first horizontal conveying section is provided with a second turning conveying unit that delivers goods to the second horizontal conveying section, and the conveying direction of the second turning conveying unit is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first horizontal conveying section.

[0026] Preferably, the return conveyor line includes at least one third conveyor section and a receiving conveyor section that extend laterally on one side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine;

[0027] The output end of the third conveying section is connected to the discharge side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine;

[0028] The receiving conveyor section is vertically connected to one side of the input end of the third conveyor section and is located between the first picking station and the second picking station; the conveying direction of the receiving conveyor section is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyor section.

[0029] Preferably, the third conveying section is located on the side of the slope reduction section closer to the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

[0030] Preferably, the return conveyor line further includes a third turning machine; the third turning machine is connected between the output end of the third conveyor section and the feed side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

[0031] Preferably, the automated loading and unloading conveying system further includes a first handling robot that transfers goods from the warehouse area to the first automated loading and unloading machine, and a second handling robot that takes out goods from the second automated loading and unloading machine and transfers them to the warehouse area.

[0032] The present invention also provides a method for operating an automatic loading and unloading conveying system, comprising the following steps:

[0033] The first automatic loading and unloading machine outputs the received goods to the first and second workstations at different heights;

[0034] Goods are conveyed along the conveying direction of the first workstation to the first picking station of the first workstation, and along the conveying direction of the second workstation to the second picking station of the second workstation;

[0035] After being picked, the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are placed on the return conveyor line and enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine along the conveying direction of the return conveyor line.

[0036] Preferably, the goods from the first automatic loading and unloading machine are delivered to the first workstation and the second workstation via the first turning machine and the second turning machine, respectively.

[0037] In the first workstation, goods travel along the first conveyor line of the first workstation to the first picking station at the output end of the first conveyor line.

[0038] In the second workstation, goods travel along the second conveyor line of the second workstation to the second picking station at the output end of the second conveyor line.

[0039] Preferably, after picking, the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are placed on the receiving conveyor section between the first picking station and the second picking station, and then enter the third conveyor section along the receiving conveyor section, and then enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine along the third conveyor section and the third turning machine.

[0040] The beneficial effects of this invention are: the horizontal placement of two automatic loading and unloading machines reduces the floor space occupied by the automatic loading and unloading conveying system and also improves the utilization rate of warehouse space; the different heights of the two workstations can increase the capacity of the workstations.

[0041] In addition, the two workstations can implement two different business models: a) The two workstations are independent of each other and are two independent workstations in the system. They can be bound to two independent split screens to complete the picking of two independent sets of orders; b) The two workstations can be regarded as a whole in the system, with two picking workstations, sharing the split screen behind them to complete the picking of the same set of orders. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0043] Figure 1This is a top view of an automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a top view of the first workstation in an automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a top view of the second workstation in an automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a top view of the return conveyor line in an automatic loading and unloading conveyor system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] like Figures 1-4 As shown, an automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, a second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, a first workstation 10, a second workstation 20, and a return conveying line 30.

[0049] The first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 are arranged side by side at intervals, also in a straight line. The feeding side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 is directly opposite the discharging side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, while the discharging side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 is opposite to the feeding side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200. The first workstation 10, the second workstation 20, and the return conveyor line 30 extend laterally on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, and connect the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200.

[0050] The first workstation 10 has its inlet end connected to the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100; the second workstation 20 has its inlet end connected to the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, and the second workstation 20 is offset from the first workstation 10 in the vertical direction. The first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 receives goods from the storage area and delivers the goods to the first workstation 10 and the second workstation 20 respectively. The outlet end of the return conveyor line 30 is connected to the inlet side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, transporting goods that need to be returned to the storage area to the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200.

[0051] The first workstation 10, the second workstation 20, and the return conveyor line 30 are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other.

[0052] In this invention, the feeding side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the discharging side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 are arranged facing each other, so that the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 are placed horizontally. Compared with the vertical arrangement where the feeding side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the discharging side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 face the same side to the outside, the width D of the entire automatic loading and unloading conveying system is effectively reduced, thereby effectively reducing the floor area occupied by the entire automatic loading and unloading conveying system.

[0053] Specifically, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first workstation 10 may include a first conveyor line 11, a first picking station 12, and a first turning machine 13.

[0054] The first conveyor line 11 is used to transport goods 110. Its two ends form an input end and an output end, respectively. The conveying direction of the first conveyor line 11 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 and is located on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100. The input end of the first conveyor line 11 is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, and the output end of the first conveyor line 11 is located between the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200. The first picking station 12 is set at the output end of the first conveyor line 11, where the operator picks the goods 110.

[0055] Since the conveying direction of the first conveyor line 11 is parallel to the horizontal placement direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, the orientation of the input end of the first conveyor line 11 and the orientation of the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 are not opposite, but rather towards one side of the conveying direction. Therefore, in order for the goods output by the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 to smoothly enter the first conveyor line 11, the first turning machine 13 is connected between the input end of the first conveyor line 11 and the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100.

[0056] The first turning mechanism 13 can be, but is not limited to, a 90° turning mechanism.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first conveyor line 11 includes at least two parallel conveyor sections 111 connected end-to-end. The input end of the first conveyor section 111 closest to the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, and the output end of the first conveyor section 111 furthest from the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 forms the output end of the first conveyor line 11. The conveying directions of any two adjacent first conveyor sections 111 are opposite.

[0058] by Figure 2The first conveyor line 11 shown includes three first conveyor sections 111, which are illustrated below. The three first conveyor sections 111 have the same height. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The arrows indicate the following: Three first conveyor sections 111 are arranged parallel to each other on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100. The input end of the first conveyor section 111 closest to the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 via the first turning mechanism 13. The conveying direction of this first conveyor section 111 is opposite to the discharge direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100. That is, after the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 outputs the goods 110 from its discharge side, it enters the first conveyor section 111 along the first turning mechanism 13 and travels on the first conveyor section 111 in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100. After the goods 110 reach the output end of the first conveyor section 111, they are fed into the middle first conveyor section 111 and travel along it until they reach their output end. Then, they are fed into the outer first conveyor section 111 away from the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 to continue traveling until they reach the first picking station 12. The first picking station 12 is equipped with a barcode reader 15, which can be used to read the barcode on the goods 110 and obtain relevant information about the goods 110.

[0059] The first conveyor section 111 where the first picking station 12 is located can serve as a buffer line for the first conveyor line 11. It has the same cargo placement position as other first conveyor sections 111, thus increasing the cargo buffer position.

[0060] Alternatively, the conveying of the first turning machine 13 can be achieved by rollers. Each first conveying section 111 can be a roller conveyor line, in which goods on the rollers are conveyed by the rotation of the rollers.

[0061] In addition, in the first conveyor line 11, a first deflecting conveyor unit 14 is provided at both the input and output ends of the first conveyor section 111. The conveying direction of the first deflecting conveyor unit 14 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first conveyor section 111, and it is used to push the goods conveyed to the output end of the first conveyor section 111 to an adjacent first conveyor section 111. The deflecting conveying of the first deflecting conveyor unit 14 can be achieved by rollers or by lifting relative to the first conveyor section 111 through a lifting mechanism. When it is necessary to push goods, the lifting mechanism rises to the surface protruding from the first conveyor section 111, pushes the goods on it to an adjacent first conveyor section 111, and then descends below the first conveyor section 111 after completion.

[0062] The first steering conveying unit 14 does not need to be installed at the input and output ends of the first conveying section 111. It only needs to be installed at the output end of the former first conveying section 111 when pushing goods from the output end of one first conveying section 111 to another first conveying section 111.

[0063] Combination Figures 1 to 3 The second workstation 20 may include a second conveyor line 21, a second picking station 22, and a second turning machine 23.

[0064] The second conveyor line 21 is used to transport goods 110. Its two ends form an input end and an output end, respectively. The conveying direction of the second conveyor line 21 is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, and extends from one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 to the other side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200. The input end of the second conveyor line 21 is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, and the output end of the second conveyor line 21 is located between the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, and is spaced apart from the output end of the first conveyor line 11. The second picking station 22 is located at the output end of the second conveyor line 21, and is spaced apart from the first picking station 12, preferably on the same straight line. Workers pick goods 210 at this second picking station 22.

[0065] Since the conveying direction of the second conveyor line 21 is parallel to the horizontal placement direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, the orientation of the input end of the second conveyor line 21 and the orientation of the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 are not opposite, but rather towards one side of the conveying direction. Therefore, in order for the goods output by the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 to smoothly enter the second conveyor line 21, the second turning machine 23 is connected between the input end of the second conveyor line 21 and the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100.

[0066] The second turning mechanism 23 can be, but is not limited to, a 90° turning mechanism.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the second conveyor line 21 further includes a second conveyor section 211, a slope section 212, a first horizontal conveyor section 213, and a second horizontal conveyor section 214.

[0068] The second conveying section 211 is arranged parallel above the first conveying section 111, and the input end of the second conveying section 211 is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, while the output end of the second conveying section 211 extends to the outside of the first conveying section 111. Since the second conveying section 211 and the first conveying section 111 are at different heights, the input ends of the second conveying section 211 and the first conveying section 111 are also connected to different height positions on the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100.

[0069] The extension direction of the second conveying section 211 is consistent with the extension direction of the first conveying section 111, and the length of the second conveying section 211 is greater than the length of the first conveying section 111. This allows the output end of the second conveying section 211 to extend beyond the outside of the first conveying section 111, and its projection is not on the first conveying section 111.

[0070] The sloping section 212 is parallel to the second conveying section 211 and connected to the output end of the second conveying section 211. The first horizontal conveying section 213 is parallel to the sloping section 212 and connected to the sloping section 212, so that the second conveying section 211, the sloping section 212, and the first horizontal conveying section 213 are connected sequentially in the length direction and are in one conveying direction. Furthermore, the sloping section 212 and the first horizontal conveying section 213 are located on one side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 and outside the first workstation 10. The height of the first horizontal conveying section 213 can be the same as the height of the first conveying section 111. The sloping section 212 is connected between the second conveying section 211 and the first horizontal conveying section 213 in a sloping form. The goods 210 conveyed on the second conveying section 211 are conveyed along the sloping section 212 to the first horizontal conveying section 213, so that they can be at the same height as the goods 110 conveyed on the first conveyor line 11.

[0071] The second horizontal conveyor section 214 is parallel to and side-by-side with the first horizontal conveyor section 213, and they are connected end-to-end with opposite conveying directions. The output end of the second horizontal conveyor section 214 forms the output end of the second conveyor line 21. The length of the second horizontal conveyor section 214 is shorter than that of the second conveyor section 211, and it is located on the side of the first horizontal conveyor section 213 away from the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200. After the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 outputs the goods 210 from its discharge side, it enters the second conveyor section 211 along the second turning machine 23 and travels on the second conveyor section 211 in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100. Goods 210 enter the descent section 212 from the second conveyor section 211, gradually descending along the descent section 212 until they enter the first horizontal conveyor section 213. After reaching the output end of the first horizontal conveyor section 213, they are fed onto the second horizontal conveyor section 214, and then travel along the second horizontal conveyor section 214 in the opposite direction to the first horizontal conveyor section 213 until they reach the second picking station 22 at its output end. The second picking station 22 is equipped with a barcode reader 25, which can be used to read the barcode on the goods 210 to obtain relevant information about the goods 210.

[0072] The second horizontal conveyor section 214, where the second picking station 22 is located, can serve as a buffer line for the second conveyor line 21, providing sufficient buffer spaces for goods. The buffer spaces for the first station 10 and the second station 20 are relatively independent, improving the system's buffering capacity and enabling it to cope with more extreme input fluctuations.

[0073] Alternatively, the conveying of the second turning machine 23 can be achieved by roller conveyors. The second conveying section 211, the first horizontal conveying section 213, and the second horizontal conveying section 214 can be roller conveyor lines, which transport goods on the rollers by the rotation of the rollers. The descent section 212 can be a belt conveyor line.

[0074] Additionally, a second steering conveying unit 24 may be provided at the output end of the first horizontal conveying section 213. The conveying direction of the second steering conveying unit 24 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first horizontal conveying section 213, and it is used to push the goods conveyed to the output end of the first horizontal conveying section 213 onto the adjacent second horizontal conveying section 214. The steering conveying of the second steering conveying unit 24 can be achieved by rollers or by lifting relative to the first horizontal conveying section 213 through a lifting mechanism. When it is necessary to push goods, the lifting mechanism rises to the surface protruding from the first horizontal conveying section 213, pushes the goods on it onto the second horizontal conveying section 214, and then descends below the first horizontal conveying section 213.

[0075] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 4 The return conveyor line 30 may further include at least a third conveyor section 31, a receiving conveyor section 32, and a third turning machine 33 that extend laterally to one side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200.

[0076] The output end of the third conveyor section 31 is connected to the discharge side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200; the receiving conveyor section 32 is vertically connected to the input side of the third conveyor section 31 and is located between the first picking station 12 and the second picking station 22. The conveying direction of the receiving conveyor section 32 is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyor section 31. It is used to receive goods that need to be returned to the warehouse and convey the goods to the third conveyor section 31, and then the goods are conveyed along the third conveyor section 31 into the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200.

[0077] Since the conveying direction of the third conveying section 31 is parallel to the horizontal placement direction of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, the orientation of the output end of the third conveying section 31 is not opposite to the orientation of the feed side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, but rather towards one side of the conveying direction. Therefore, in order for the goods conveyed by the third conveying section 31 to smoothly enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, the third turning machine 33 is connected between the output end of the third conveying section 31 and the feed side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200.

[0078] The third turning mechanism 33 can be, but is not limited to, a 90° turning mechanism.

[0079] The conveying of the third turning machine 33 can be achieved by rollers. The third conveying section 31 and the receiving conveying section 32 can be roller conveyor lines, where goods on the rollers are conveyed by rotation. The output end of the third conveying section 31 can be equipped with a third turning conveying unit 34, the conveying direction of which is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveying section 31, and is used to push the goods conveyed to the output end of the third conveying section 31 onto the third turning machine 33. The turning conveying of the third turning conveying unit 34 can be achieved by rollers, or by lifting relative to the third conveying section 31 through a lifting mechanism.

[0080] To facilitate the placement of picked goods that need to be returned to the warehouse on the return conveyor line 30, the receiving conveyor section 32 is located between the first picking station 12 and the second picking station 22. It is at the same height as the first conveyor section 111 where the first picking station 12 is located, and at the same height as the second horizontal conveyor section 214 where the second picking station 22 is located, while also being below the second conveyor section 211 in the vertical direction. The third conveyor section 31 is also at the same height as the receiving conveyor section 32, so that it can receive the goods conveyed by the receiving conveyor section 32 in the horizontal direction.

[0081] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the return conveyor line 30 includes a third conveyor section 31. Combined with... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The third conveying section 31 is located on the side of the slope section 212 near the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200.

[0082] Furthermore, for retrieving goods from the warehouse area to the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 and for sending goods that need to be returned to the warehouse area, the automatic loading and unloading conveying system of the present invention may also include a first handling robot 300 and a second handling robot 400.

[0083] The first handling robot 300 works in conjunction with the first automated loading and unloading machine 100 to transfer goods from the warehouse area to the first automated loading and unloading machine 100. The second handling robot 400 works in conjunction with the second automated loading and unloading machine 200 to retrieve goods that have been transported back to the second automated loading and unloading machine 200 and transfer them to the warehouse area. Of course, the number of first handling robots 300 is not limited to one; multiple robots can work together. Similarly, the number of second handling robots 400 is not limited to one; multiple robots can work together.

[0084] In addition, the loading and unloading device and the handling robot disclosed in the invention patent CN111634597A can be referred to the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200, the first handling robot 300 and the second handling robot 400 in this invention, which will not be described in detail here.

[0085] Combination Figures 1-4The working method of the automatic loading and unloading conveying system of the present invention may include the following steps:

[0086] The first automatic loading and unloading machine 100 outputs the received goods to the first workstation 10 and the second workstation 20 at different heights respectively;

[0087] The goods are conveyed along the conveying direction of the first workstation 10 to the first picking station 12 of the first workstation 10, and along the conveying direction of the second workstation 20 to the second picking station 22 of the second workstation 20.

[0088] After being picked, the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are placed on the return conveyor line 30 and enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 along the conveying direction of the return conveyor line 30.

[0089] During the output process of the first automatic loading and unloading machine 100, the goods are delivered to the first workstation 10 and the second workstation 20 respectively via the first turning machine 13 and the second turning machine 2.

[0090] In the first workstation 10, goods travel along the first conveyor line 11 to the first picking station 12 at the output end of the first conveyor line 11. At this first picking station 12, workers pick the goods. The first picking station 12 is equipped with a barcode reader 15, which reads the barcodes on the goods to obtain relevant information. If the received goods are not the desired items, they are placed on the return conveyor line 30 for return to the warehouse.

[0091] In the second workstation 20, goods travel along the second conveyor line 21 to the second picking station 22 at the output end of the second conveyor line 21. At this second picking station 22, workers pick the goods 210. The second picking station 22 is equipped with a barcode reader 25, which reads the barcodes on the goods to obtain relevant information. If the received goods are not the desired items, they are placed on the return conveyor line 30 for return to the warehouse.

[0092] After picking, the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are placed on the receiving conveyor section 32 between the first picking station 12 and the second picking station 22, and then enter the third conveyor section 31 along the receiving conveyor section 32, and then enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine 200 along the third conveyor section 31 and the third turning machine 33.

[0093] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated loading and unloading conveying system, characterized in that, It includes a first automatic loading and unloading machine and a second automatic loading and unloading machine arranged side by side at intervals, a first workstation and a second workstation arranged laterally on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine, and a return conveyor line; The feed side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine is directly opposite the discharge side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine; The inlet end of the first workstation is connected to the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine; the inlet end of the second workstation is connected to the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, and the second workstation is offset from the first workstation in the height direction; the first automatic loading and unloading machine receives goods from the warehouse area and delivers the goods to the first workstation and the second workstation respectively. The outlet end of the return conveyor line is connected to the feed side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine, and transports the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse to the second automatic loading and unloading machine; The first workstation includes a first conveyor line and a first picking station; the input end of the first conveyor line is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, the conveying direction of the first conveyor line is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine and is located on one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, the output end of the first conveyor line is located between the first automatic loading and unloading machine and the second automatic loading and unloading machine, and the first picking station is located at the output end of the first conveyor line. The second workstation includes a second conveyor line and a second picking station; the input end of the second conveyor line is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, the conveying direction of the second conveyor line is parallel to the arrangement direction of the first and second automatic loading and unloading machines, and extends from one side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine to one side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine; the output end of the second conveyor line is located between the first and second automatic loading and unloading machines, and is spaced apart from the output end of the first conveyor line, and the second picking station is located at the output end of the second conveyor line.

2. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first workstation also includes a first turning machine; the first turning machine is connected between the inlet end of the first workstation and the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine. The second workstation also includes a second turning machine; the second turning machine is connected between the inlet end of the second workstation and the outlet side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine.

3. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveyor line includes at least two parallel conveyor sections connected end to end; The input end of the first conveying section closest to the first automatic loading and unloading machine is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine; the conveying directions of each two adjacent first conveying sections are opposite; The output end of the first conveying section furthest from the first automatic loading and unloading machine forms the output end of the first conveying line.

4. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first conveying section is provided with a first steering conveying unit at its input end and output end, and the conveying direction of the first steering conveying unit is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first conveying section.

5. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second conveyor line includes a second conveying section, a slope reduction section, a first horizontal conveying section, and a second horizontal conveying section; The second conveying section is arranged parallel above the first conveying section, and the input end of the second conveying section is connected to the discharge side of the first automatic loading and unloading machine, while the output end of the second conveying section extends to the outside of the first conveying section. The first horizontal conveying section is parallel to the second conveying section, and the slope reduction section is connected between the output end of the second conveying section and the first horizontal conveying section; The second horizontal conveying section is parallel to and side by side with the first horizontal conveying section, and their conveying directions are opposite; the output end of the second horizontal conveying section forms the output end of the second conveying line.

6. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The output end of the first horizontal conveying section is provided with a second turning conveying unit that delivers goods to the second horizontal conveying section. The conveying direction of the second turning conveying unit is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first horizontal conveying section.

7. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The return conveyor line includes at least one third conveyor section and a receiving conveyor section that extend laterally and are located on one side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine; The output end of the third conveying section is connected to the discharge side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine; The receiving conveyor section is vertically connected to one side of the input end of the third conveyor section and is located between the first picking station and the second picking station; the conveying direction of the receiving conveyor section is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyor section.

8. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third conveying section is located on the side of the slope reduction section closest to the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

9. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The return conveyor line also includes a third turning machine; the third turning machine is connected between the output end of the third conveyor section and the feed side of the second automatic loading and unloading machine.

10. The automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The automated loading and unloading conveying system also includes a first handling robot that transfers goods from the warehouse area to the first automated loading and unloading machine, and a second handling robot that takes out goods from the second automated loading and unloading machine and transfers them to the warehouse area.

11. A method of operating the automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The first automatic loading and unloading machine outputs the received goods to the first and second workstations at different heights; Goods are conveyed along the conveying direction of the first workstation to the first picking station of the first workstation, and along the conveying direction of the second workstation to the second picking station of the second workstation; in the first workstation, goods travel along the first conveyor line of the first workstation to the first picking station at the output end of the first conveyor line; In the second workstation, the goods travel along the second conveyor line of the second workstation to the second picking station at the output end of the second conveyor line; After being picked, the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are placed on the return conveyor line and enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine along the conveying direction of the return conveyor line.

12. The operating method of the automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The goods from the first automatic loading and unloading machine are delivered to the first workstation and the second workstation via the first turning machine and the second turning machine, respectively.

13. The operating method of the automatic loading and unloading conveying system according to claim 12, characterized in that, After picking, the goods that need to be returned to the warehouse are placed on the receiving conveyor section between the first picking station and the second picking station, and then enter the third conveyor section along the receiving conveyor section, and then enter the second automatic loading and unloading machine along the third conveyor section and the third turning machine.

Images