A warehouse dispatching system and method

Abstract

The application provides a warehouse scheduling system and method, the system comprising a control server, a carrying device, a container operation device, a container for loading goods; the control server is configured to determine a first container and a second container according to a task to be executed, determine a first carrying device for carrying the first container, a second carrying device for carrying the second container and a target container operation device, and send a first carrying instruction to the first carrying device, a second carrying instruction to the second carrying device and a container operation instruction to the target container operation device; the first carrying device is configured to carry the first container to the target container operation device in response to the first carrying instruction; the second carrying device is configured to carry the second container to the target container operation device in response to the second carrying instruction; and the target container operation device is configured to move the goods in the second container to the first container in response to the container operation instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of warehousing technology, and in particular to a warehousing scheduling system and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of e-commerce, it is playing an increasingly important role in consumers' lives. The number of user orders is growing exponentially every year. At the same time, as e-commerce becomes more mature, users are placing higher demands on the quality of e-commerce services, and the processing capacity of warehousing and scheduling is also undergoing severe tests.

[0003] In warehouse scheduling systems, after manual picking, the picked order containers require further processing, such as order consolidation, temporary storage, and sorting. Currently, this post-picking processing is done manually, which involves a large work area, low efficiency, and low accuracy. A verification step is needed to ensure accuracy. In complex order situations, managing the picked order containers becomes very difficult, requiring high verification standards. Therefore, automating the clearing of leftover boxes is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a warehouse scheduling system and method to address the technical deficiencies existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a warehouse scheduling system is provided, the system including a control server, handling equipment, container handling equipment, and containers for loading goods;

[0006] The control server is configured to determine a first container and a second container based on the task to be executed, and simultaneously determine a first handling device for handling the first container, a second handling device for handling the second container, and a target container operation device, and send a first handling instruction to the first handling device, a second handling instruction to the second handling device, and a container operation instruction to the target container operation device;

[0007] The first handling device is configured to handle the first container to the target container handling device in response to the first handling command;

[0008] The second handling device is configured to, in response to the second handling command, handle the second container to the target container handling device;

[0009] The target container operating device is configured to move goods from the second container to the first container in response to the container operating command.

[0010] Optionally, the control server is further configured to identify a third handling device and send a third handling instruction to the third handling device;

[0011] The third handling device is configured to handle the first container to a designated location in response to the third handling command.

[0012] Optionally, the system further includes an inventory area comprising multiple container carriers, each container carrier including at least one storage location, each storage location being capable of accommodating at least one container.

[0013] The control server is further configured to determine, based on the task to be executed, a first container located in a first container carrier and a second container located in a second container carrier.

[0014] Optionally, the first handling device is further configured to, in response to the first handling command, remove the first target container from the first container carrier and handle it to the target container handling device, or handle the first container carrier to the target container handling device;

[0015] The second handling device is further configured to, in response to the second handling command, remove the second target container from the second container carrier and handle it to the target container handling device, or handle the second container carrier to the target container handling device.

[0016] Optionally, the container operation device is provided with a container buffer area and a container operation area;

[0017] The first handling device is further configured to place the first container in the container buffer area;

[0018] The target container operating device is further configured to move the first container from the container buffer area to the container operating area in response to the container operating instruction, and to move the goods in the second container to the first container.

[0019] Optionally, the system may also include an operation object;

[0020] The object being operated on is configured to be located at the container operating device to pick or dump goods from the second container into the first container.

[0021] Optionally, the object of the operation can be a worker, a robotic arm, or a container loading and unloading device.

[0022] Optionally, the system also includes a container waiting area;

[0023] The first handling device is further configured to, in response to the first handling instruction, handle the first container to the container waiting area, and after the second container arrives at the container waiting area, handle the first container to the target container handling device;

[0024] The second handling device is further configured to, in response to the second handling command, handle the second container to the container waiting area, and, after the first container arrives at the container waiting area, handle the second container to the target container handling device.

[0025] Optionally, the container is provided with a container identifier, which contains container information for assisting in the identification of the container, including a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code or other recognizable graphic.

[0026] Optionally, the control server is also configured to update and save the container information of the container.

[0027] Optionally, the first handling device is further configured to move to the first container based on the container information of the first container;

[0028] The second handling device is also configured to move to the second container based on the container information of the second container.

[0029] Optionally, the first handling device is further configured to retrieve or store in the first container based on the container identifier of the first container;

[0030] The second container handling device is also configured to retrieve or store the second container based on the container identifier of the second container.

[0031] Optionally, the container handling device is equipped with an identification device;

[0032] The target container operating device is further configured to identify the container identifier of the first container and obtain the container information of the first container through the identification device, identify the container identifier of the second container and obtain the container information of the second container, and assist in identifying whether the goods and / or quantity of the first container are accurate with the goods and / or quantity of the second container.

[0033] Optionally, the container carrier includes a carrier identifier, which contains carrier information for assisting in the identification of the container carrier. The carrier information includes a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code, or other identifiable graphic.

[0034] Optionally, the control server is also configured to update and save the vehicle information of the container vehicle.

[0035] Optionally, the first handling device is further configured to move to the first container carrier based on the carrier information of the first container carrier;

[0036] The second handling device is further configured to move to the second container carrier based on the carrier information of the second container carrier.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a warehouse scheduling method is provided, applied to a warehouse scheduling system, the system including a control server, handling equipment, container operating equipment, and containers for loading goods;

[0038] The control server determines the first container and the second container based on the task to be executed, and simultaneously determines the first handling device for handling the first container, the second handling device for handling the second container, and the target container operation device, and sends a first handling instruction to the first handling device, a second handling instruction to the second handling device, and a container operation instruction to the target container operation device;

[0039] In response to the first handling command, the first handling device handles the first container to the target container handling device;

[0040] The second handling device responds to the second handling command by handling the second container to the target container operating device;

[0041] The target container operating device, in response to the container operating command, moves the goods in the second container to the first container.

[0042] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0043] The control server identifies the third handling device and sends a third handling instruction to the third handling device;

[0044] The third handling device responds to the third handling command and moves the first container to a designated location.

[0045] Optionally, the system further includes an inventory area comprising multiple container carriers, each container carrier including at least one storage location, each storage location being capable of accommodating at least one container.

[0046] The control server determines the first container located in the first container carrier and the second container located in the second container carrier based on the task to be executed.

[0047] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0048] In response to the first handling command, the first handling device removes the first target container from the first container carrier and transports it to the target container operating device, or transports the first container carrier to the target container operating device;

[0049] In response to the second handling command, the second handling device removes the second target container from the second container carrier and transports it to the target container operating device, or transports the second container carrier to the target container operating device.

[0050] Optionally, the container operation device is provided with a container buffer area and a container operation area;

[0051] The method further includes:

[0052] The first handling device places the first container in the container buffer area;

[0053] The target container operating device, in response to the container operating command, moves the first container from the container buffer area to the container operating area, and moves the goods in the second container to the first container.

[0054] Optionally, the system may also include an operation object;

[0055] The method further includes:

[0056] The object of operation is located at the container operation device, and the goods in the second container are picked or poured into the first container.

[0057] Optionally, the object of the operation can be a worker, a robotic arm, or a container loading and unloading device.

[0058] Optionally, the system also includes a container waiting area;

[0059] The method further includes:

[0060] In response to the first handling command, the first handling device handles the first container to the container waiting area, and after the second container arrives at the container waiting area, it handles the first container to the target container handling device.

[0061] The second handling device responds to the second handling command by handling the second container to the container waiting area, and after the first container arrives at the container waiting area, it handles the second container to the target container handling device.

[0062] Optionally, the container is provided with a container identifier, which contains container information for assisting in the identification of the container, including a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code or other recognizable graphic.

[0063] Optionally, the method further includes: the control server updating and saving the container information of the container.

[0064] Optionally, the method further includes: the first handling device moving to the first container according to the container information of the first container;

[0065] The second handling device moves to the location of the second container based on the container information of the second container.

[0066] Optionally, the method further includes: the first handling device taking out or storing the first container according to the container identifier of the first container;

[0067] The second container handling equipment removes or stores the second container according to the container identifier of the second container.

[0068] Optionally, the container handling device is equipped with an identification device;

[0069] The method further includes:

[0070] The target container operating device identifies the container identifier of the first container and obtains the container information of the first container through the identification device, identifies the container identifier of the second container and obtains the container information of the second container, and assists in identifying whether the goods and / or quantity of the first container are accurate with the goods and / or quantity of the second container.

[0071] Optionally, the container carrier includes a carrier identifier, which contains carrier information for assisting in the identification of the container carrier. The carrier information includes a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code, or other identifiable graphic.

[0072] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0073] The control server updates and saves the vehicle information of the container vehicle.

[0074] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0075] The first handling equipment moves to the first container carrier based on the carrier information of the first container carrier;

[0076] The second handling equipment moves to the location of the second container carrier based on the carrier information of the second container carrier.

[0077] The warehousing scheduling system provided in this application includes a control server, handling equipment, container operating equipment, and containers for loading goods. The control server is configured to determine a first container and a second container based on a task to be executed, and simultaneously determine a first handling device for handling the first container, a second handling device for handling the second container, and a target container operating device. It then sends a first handling instruction to the first handling device, a second handling instruction to the second handling device, and a container operating instruction to the target container operating device. The first handling device is configured to, in response to the first handling instruction, handle the first container to the target container operating device. The second handling device is configured to, in response to the second handling instruction, handle the second container to the target container operating device. The target container operating device is configured to, in response to the container operating instruction, move the goods in the second container to the first container. Through the warehousing scheduling system provided in this application, the control server controls the first and second handling devices to handle the first and second containers to the target container operating device, respectively. The target container operating device then facilitates the transfer of goods between the first and second containers, thereby completing the end-of-life clearance, saving manpower and resources, and improving efficiency and accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of a warehouse scheduling system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the warehouse scheduling system provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of the warehouse scheduling system provided in the second embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a warehouse scheduling method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure Labels

[0083] 110-Control server, 111-Processor, 112-Memory, 113-Order pool, 114-Operating console, 120-Transfer equipment, 1201-First transfer equipment, 1202-Second transfer equipment, 130-Container handling equipment, 140-Container, 1401-First container, 1402-Second container, 150-Inventory area, 160-Container carrier, 1601-Container carrier for loading the first container, 1602-Container carrier for loading the second container, Container buffer 170. Detailed Implementation

[0084] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of this application; therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0085] The terminology used in one or more embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of one or more embodiments of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in one or more embodiments of this application and in the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” used in one or more embodiments of this application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0086] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., may be used to describe various information in one or more embodiments of this application, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first may also be referred to as second without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of this application, and similarly, second may also be referred to as first. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to a determination."

[0087] This application provides a warehouse scheduling system and method, which will be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0088] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system structure of a warehouse scheduling system provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The system includes a control server 110, a handling device 120, a container handling device 130, and a container 140 for loading goods.

[0089] The control server 110 is wirelessly connected to the handling equipment 120 and the container handling equipment 130. The operator operates the control server 110 through the control console 114. The control server 110 is a software system running on a server with data storage and information processing capabilities. It can be wirelessly connected to the handling equipment 120, the container handling equipment 130, etc. The control server 110 may include one or more servers, and can be a centralized control architecture or a distributed computing architecture. The control server 110 has a processor 111 and a memory 112. The memory 112 may contain an order pool 113, which stores order information.

[0090] Material handling equipment is used to move containers to a designated location. After receiving a material handling instruction, the material handling equipment responds by moving the target container to the target location. Material handling equipment may include material handling robots, unmanned forklifts, and other equipment.

[0091] Containers are used to load goods. If a container still contains some goods after the goods have been picked, it can be considered a tail box and needs to be cleaned to avoid wasting resources.

[0092] In this application, a control server is configured to determine a first container 1401 and a second container 1402 based on a task to be executed, and simultaneously determine a first handling device 1201 for handling the first container 1401, a second handling device 1202 for handling the second container 1402, and a target container operation device 130, and send a first handling instruction to the first handling device 1201, a second handling instruction to the second handling device 1202, and a container operation instruction to the target container operation device 130;

[0093] The first handling device 1201 is configured to handle the first container 1401 to the target container operating device in response to the first handling command;

[0094] The second handling device 1202 is configured to handle the second container 1402 to the target container operating device in response to the second handling command;

[0095] The target container operating device 130 is configured to move goods in the second container 1402 to the first container 1401 in response to the container operating command.

[0096] In the warehouse scheduling system provided in this application, the control server determines a first container and a second container, a first handling device for moving the first container, a second handling device for moving the second container, and a target container operating device based on the task to be executed. The first handling device, in response to a first handling instruction, moves the first container to the target container operating device; the second handling device, in response to a second handling instruction, moves the second container to the target container operating device; and the target container operating device, in response to a container operating instruction, moves the goods in the second container to the first container. This achieves automatic container cleaning, saves manpower, and improves processing efficiency.

[0097] In practical applications, after the container handling equipment moves the goods in the second container to the first container, the third handling equipment can move the first container to a designated location, which may include an operating area, a storage area, or other locations where containers can be placed.

[0098] Based on this, the control server also needs to identify the third handling device and send handling instructions to the third handling device. Specifically, the control server is also configured to identify the third handling device and send third handling instructions to the third handling device.

[0099] The third handling device is configured to handle the first container to a designated location in response to the third handling command.

[0100] The third handling device can be either the first or the second handling device. In the scenario of cleaning the tail box, after transferring the goods from the second container to the first container, the first container needs to be moved to a designated location for further processing of the goods in the first container.

[0101] In one embodiment of this application, after the container operating device moves the goods collected in the second container to the first container, the control server determines the third handling device and sends a third handling instruction to the third handling device. In response to the third handling instruction, the third handling device moves the first container to the storage area.

[0102] Further, see Figure 1 The system also includes an inventory area 150, which includes a plurality of container carriers 160, each container carrier including at least one storage location, each storage location being capable of accommodating at least one container.

[0103] The control server is further configured to determine, based on the task to be executed, a first container located in a first container carrier and a second container located in a second container carrier.

[0104] The storage area 150 can be either a high-density storage area or a low-density storage area. Multiple container carriers 160 are provided within the storage area 150. In practical applications, these container carriers can be fixed shelves, cage carts, pallet supports, mobile shelves, etc. The specific form of the container carrier 160 depends on the actual application and is not limited in this application. When the container carrier is a fixed shelf, the fixed shelf includes at least one partition, dividing the fixed shelf into at least two layers. Each partition of the fixed shelf has at least one storage space, and each storage space can hold at least one order container capable of holding ordered goods. Specifically, an order container refers to a container that has completed the order picking process and contains ordered goods. Each container carrier 160 has at least one storage space, and each storage space can hold at least one order container capable of holding ordered goods.

[0105] In practical applications, containers loaded with goods are stored in container carriers. That is, when the control server determines the first container and the second container, it can determine the first container carrier storing the first container and the second container carrier storing the second container.

[0106] When the handling equipment handles the first container and the second container, it can choose to handle the first container carrier and the second container carrier. Specifically, the first handling equipment is further configured to, in response to the first handling command, remove the first target container from the first container carrier and handle it to the target container operating equipment, or handle the first container carrier to the target container operating equipment.

[0107] The second handling device is further configured to, in response to the second handling command, remove the second target container from the second container carrier and handle it to the target container handling device, or handle the second container carrier to the target container handling device.

[0108] In practical applications, when handling equipment responds to a handling command and needs to move a container to the container handling equipment, the handling equipment can choose to either remove the container from the container carrier and move it, or it can choose to directly move the container carrier to the container handling equipment for container handling. The specific choice depends on the actual form of the container carrier. When the container carrier is a fixed carrier, the handling equipment can choose to remove the container from the fixed carrier and move it; when the container carrier is a movable carrier, the handling equipment can choose to move the movable carrier.

[0109] In one embodiment of this application, the container carrier is a fixed shelf. The first handling device responds to the first handling command, takes out the first target container from the fixed shelf and transports it to the target container operating device. The second handling device responds to the second handling command, takes out the second target container from the fixed shelf and transports it to the target container operating device.

[0110] In another embodiment of this application, the container carrier is a movable shelf. A first handling device responds to a first handling command by moving the movable shelf storing the first target container to the target container operating device. A second handling device responds to a second handling command by moving the movable shelf storing the second target container to the target container operating device. The target container operating device removes the first target container from the movable shelf storing the first target container and removes the second target container from the movable shelf storing the second target container.

[0111] In practical applications, when the first handling device responds to the first handling command and prepares to move the first container to the target container operating device so that the target container operating device can operate on it, if there is already a container performing a cleaning operation in the container operating area of ​​the target container operating device, the first handling device will place the first container in the container buffer area of ​​the container operating device.

[0112] Based on this, the container operation device is provided with a container buffer area and a container operation area;

[0113] The first handling device is further configured to place the first container in the container buffer area;

[0114] The target container operating device is further configured to move the first container from the container buffer area to the container operating area in response to the container operating instruction, and to move the goods in the second container to the first container.

[0115] In practical applications, there may be situations where multiple handling devices handle multiple containers simultaneously. Therefore, when the first handling device handles the first container to the container operating device, there may be other containers already in the operating area of ​​the container operating device. In this case, the first handling device can place the first container in the container buffer area. After the second handling device arrives, it will also place the second container in the container buffer area.

[0116] In one embodiment of this application, the first handling device moves the first container to the container buffer area. At this time, the first container is a buffer container in the buffer area. If other containers enter the container buffer area, they will be queued according to the order of first-come, first-served operation. After the container in the container operation area completes the cleaning operation, the container operation device responds to the container operation command and moves the first container from the container buffer area to the container operation area. When the second container arrives, the goods in the second container are moved to the first container.

[0117] In another embodiment of this application, the first handling device and the second handling device arrive at the container operating device at the same time, place the first container and the second container in the container buffer area, and after the container in the container operating area has completed the cleaning operation, the first container and the second container are moved from the container buffer area to the container operating area at the same time, and the goods in the second container are moved to the first container.

[0118] In practical applications, moving goods from the second container to the first container can be accomplished either by picking the goods from the second container into the first container or by dumping the goods from the second container into the first container. Specifically, the system also includes an object to be operated on.

[0119] The object being operated on is configured to be located at the container operating device to pick or dump goods from the second container into the first container.

[0120] The picking or dumping of goods can be done manually or automatically by machines. Specifically, the objects of the operation are workers, robotic arms, container loading and unloading equipment, or other equipment that can pick or dump goods. This application does not impose any specific restrictions on these.

[0121] In one embodiment of this application, the operator is a staff member. When both the first container and the second container are located in the container operation area, the staff member can either pick the goods in the second container into the first container or choose to directly pour the goods from the second container into the first container.

[0122] In another embodiment of this application, the object of operation is a robotic arm. When both the first container and the second container are located in the container operation area, the robotic arm can pick the goods in the second container into the first container, or it can choose to directly pour the goods from the second container into the first container.

[0123] In scenarios where multiple handling devices move multiple containers simultaneously, the first handling device will place the first container in the container waiting area. After the second handling device arrives at the container waiting area, the two handling devices will move the container together to the container operating device. Similarly, if the second handling device arrives at the container waiting area first, it will wait for the first handling device to arrive before the two devices move the container together to the container operating device.

[0124] Specifically, the system also includes a container waiting area;

[0125] The first handling device is further configured to, in response to the first handling instruction, handle the first container to the container waiting area, and after the second container arrives at the container waiting area, handle the first container to the target container handling device;

[0126] The second handling device is further configured to, in response to the second handling command, handle the second container to the container waiting area, and, after the first container arrives at the container waiting area, handle the second container to the target container handling device.

[0127] In one embodiment of this application, a first handling device responds to a first handling command by moving a first container to a container waiting area. After a second handling device moves a second container to the container waiting area, the first handling device and the second handling device respectively move the first container and the second container to the target container operating device.

[0128] In practical applications, containers have independent ID information that identifies themselves. This ID information can be readable auxiliary components such as RFID readers and magnetic readers, visually identifiable barcodes, QR codes, or special graphics that integrate ID information to assist in identifying the container information. Specifically, the container is equipped with a container identifier, which contains container information to assist in identifying the container. The container identifier includes readable magnetic stripes, barcodes, QR codes, or other identifiable graphics.

[0129] In container handling scenarios, if a container's location changes, its corresponding container information also changes. Therefore, the control server needs to update and save this container information promptly, including its location information. This allows the handling equipment to move to the appropriate location and transport the corresponding container based on the container information.

[0130] Specifically, the control server is also configured to update and save the container information of the container. Furthermore, the first handling device is also configured to move to the location of the first container based on the container information of the first container.

[0131] The second handling device is also configured to move to the second container based on the container information of the second container.

[0132] In one embodiment of this application, the first handling device responds to the handling command and navigates to the first container corresponding to the container information according to the container information in the handling command. When handling the first container, the first handling device also identifies whether the identification of the first container is correct. If it is incorrect, it performs abnormal handling or reports to the control server. If it is correct, it proceeds with the handling process.

[0133] Furthermore, when a container is placed on a container carrier, after the handling equipment moves to the target location, it can identify the container information corresponding to the container based on the container's identification information, and retrieve the target container from the container carrier based on the container information. Correspondingly, it can also store the target container into the corresponding container carrier based on the container's identification information.

[0134] Specifically, the first handling device is also configured to retrieve or store in the first container based on the container identifier of the first container;

[0135] The second container handling device is also configured to retrieve or store the second container based on the container identifier of the second container.

[0136] In one embodiment of this application, the first handling device identifies the container identifier of the first container, obtains the container information of the first container, and moves the first container to a fixed shelf for storing the first container according to the container information of the first container.

[0137] In another embodiment of this application, the second handling device removes the second container from a fixed shelf storing the second container based on the container information of the second container.

[0138] Furthermore, after the first and second containers are transported to the container handling equipment, the container handling equipment can identify whether the type of goods in the containers is correct and whether the quantity of goods meets the requirements for container cleaning based on the container information.

[0139] Specifically, the container operating device is equipped with an identification device;

[0140] The target container operating device is further configured to identify the container identifier of the first container and obtain the container information of the first container through the identification device, identify the container identifier of the second container and obtain the container information of the second container, and assist in identifying whether the goods and / or quantity of the first container are accurate with the goods and / or quantity of the second container.

[0141] The container handling equipment is equipped with an identification device that identifies the container markings on the container to obtain the corresponding container information.

[0142] In one embodiment of this application, the target container operating device identifies the container identifier of the first container and the container identifier of the second container through an identification device, obtains the container information of the first container and the container information of the second container, identifies the quantity of goods in the first container through the container information of the first container and identifies the quantity of goods in the second container through the container information of the second container, thereby determining that the quantity of goods in the first container and the second container is accurate.

[0143] In another embodiment of this application, during the process of the handling equipment transporting the movable carrier to the container operating equipment, when the movable carrier is the next operation target, the container operating equipment can determine the location information of the target container based on the container information of the target container and move the position in advance, thereby improving efficiency.

[0144] In practical applications, when containers are stored on container carriers, handling equipment can also obtain relevant information about the containers stored on the container carriers by identifying the carrier identifiers.

[0145] Specifically, the container carrier includes a carrier identifier, which contains carrier information for assisting in the identification of the container carrier. The carrier information includes a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code, or other identifiable graphic.

[0146] Furthermore, the control server is also configured to update and save the carrier information of the container carrier. The first handling device is also configured to move to the first container carrier according to the carrier information of the first container carrier; the second handling device is also configured to move to the second container carrier according to the carrier information of the second container carrier.

[0147] In one embodiment of this application, when the handling equipment moves the mobile carrier to the container operating equipment, the carrier information of the mobile carrier changes. At this time, the control server updates and saves the carrier information of the mobile carrier. When other handling equipment needs to move the mobile carrier information, it will directly wait at the container operating equipment and prepare to move the mobile equipment, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0148] The warehousing scheduling system provided in this application includes a control server, handling equipment, container handling equipment, and containers for loading goods;

[0149] The control server is configured to determine a first container and a second container based on the task to be executed, and simultaneously determine a first handling device for moving the first container, a second handling device for moving the second container, and a target container operating device. It then sends a first handling instruction to the first handling device, a second handling instruction to the second handling device, and a container operating instruction to the target container operating device. The first handling device is configured to, in response to the first handling instruction, move the first container to the target container operating device. The second handling device is configured to, in response to the second handling instruction, move the second container to the target container operating device. The target container operating device is configured to, in response to the container operating instruction, move the goods in the second container to the first container. Through the warehousing scheduling system provided in this application, the handling equipment moves the target container to the container operating device, enabling the container operating device to automatically complete operations such as goods transfer and inventory, saving manpower and resources, and improving efficiency and accuracy.

[0150] Secondly, the warehousing scheduling system provided in this application can also set identification information on containers or containers. The handling equipment can accurately identify the target container or target container carrier and obtain the corresponding location information through the identification information. The container operation equipment can accurately identify the goods loaded in the target container through the identification information, thereby improving the efficiency of end-of-life container clearing and reducing the operating cost of the warehousing system.

[0151] The warehouse scheduling system provided in this application will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the example is that the order picking task is completed in the workstation area. In this application, the task of moving inventory containers from the inventory area to the workstation area to complete the order picking is not limited.

[0152] Example 1

[0153] See Figure 2 , Figure 2This application illustrates a warehouse scheduling system provided in an embodiment of the present application. The warehouse scheduling system provided in this embodiment includes a control server 110, a first handling device 1201, a second handling device 1202, a container handling device 130, a first container 1401, a second container 1402, a storage area 150, and a container carrier 160.

[0154] The control server 110 determines the first handling device 1201 and the second handling device 1202 based on the task to be executed, and sends a first handling instruction to the first handling device 1201 and a second handling instruction to the second handling device 1202.

[0155] In response to a first handling instruction, the first handling device 1201 determines the location of the container carrier 1601 where the first container 1401 is located in the storage area 150 based on the container information of the first container 1401 carried in the instruction, takes the first container 1401 off the container carrier 1601 and transports it to the container handling device.

[0156] In response to the second handling command, the second handling device 1202 determines the position of the container carrier 1602 where the second container 1402 is located in the storage area 150 according to the container information of the second container 1401 carried in the command, takes the second container 1402 out of the container carrier 1602 and transports it to the container handling device.

[0157] In response to a container operation command, when the first container 1401 and the second container 1402 are placed in the container operation area, the target container operation device 130 first identifies the container identifiers of the first container 1401 and the second container 1402, determines the type and quantity of goods in the first container 1401 and the second container 1402, and after confirming that the type and quantity of goods are correct, pours the goods in the second container 1402 into the first container 1401, thereby completing the cleaning of the containers.

[0158] Example 2

[0159] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This application illustrates a warehouse scheduling system provided in an embodiment of the present application. The warehouse scheduling system provided in this embodiment includes a control service 150, a first handling equipment 1201, a second handling equipment 1202, a container handling equipment 130, a first container 1401, a second container 1402, a storage area 150, and a container carrier 160.

[0160] The control server 110 determines the first handling device 1201 and the second handling device 1202 based on the task to be executed, and sends a first handling instruction to the first handling device 1201 and a second handling instruction to the second handling device 1202.

[0161] In response to a first handling instruction, the first handling device 1201 determines the location of the container carrier 1601 where the first container 1401 is located in the storage area 150 based on the container information of the first container 1401 carried in the instruction. It then removes the first container 1401 from the container carrier 1601 and prepares to transport it to the container operating device. When other containers are being processed at the container operating device, the first handling device 1201 transports the first container 1401 to the container buffer area 170 and waits for the second handling device 1202.

[0162] In response to the second handling instruction, the second handling device 1202 determines the position of the container carrier 1602 where the second container 1402 is located in the storage area 150 according to the container information of the second container 1401 carried in the instruction, takes the second container 1402 out of the container carrier 1602 and transports it to the container buffer area 170 where the first handling device is located.

[0163] After the target container handling equipment has finished handling other containers, the first handling equipment 1201 and the second handling equipment 1202 respectively transport the first container 1401 and the second container 1402 to the target container handling equipment 130.

[0164] In response to a container operation command, when the first container 1401 and the second container 1402 are placed in the container operation area, the target container operation device 130 first identifies the container identifiers of the first container 1401 and the second container 1402, determines the type and quantity of goods in the first container 1401 and the second container 1402, and after confirming that the type and quantity of goods are correct, pours the goods in the second container 1402 into the first container 1401, thereby completing the cleaning of the containers.

[0165] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 A flowchart of a warehouse scheduling method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The warehouse scheduling method is applied to a warehouse scheduling system, which includes a control server, handling equipment, container handling equipment, and containers for loading goods.

[0166] Step 402: The control server determines the first container and the second container according to the task to be executed, and at the same time determines the first handling device for handling the first container, the second handling device for handling the second container, and the target container operation device, and sends a first handling instruction to the first handling device, a second handling instruction to the second handling device, and a container operation instruction to the target container operation device.

[0167] Step 404: In response to the first handling instruction, the first handling device handles the first container to the target container operating device; in response to the second handling instruction, the second handling device handles the second container to the target container operating device.

[0168] Step 406: The target container operating device moves the goods in the second container to the first container in response to the container operating command.

[0169] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes:

[0170] The control server identifies the third handling device and sends a third handling instruction to the third handling device;

[0171] The third handling device responds to the third handling command and moves the first container to a designated location.

[0172] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the system further includes an inventory area, which includes a plurality of container carriers, each container carrier including at least one storage location, and each storage location being capable of accommodating at least one container.

[0173] The control server determines the first container located in the first container carrier and the second container located in the second container carrier based on the task to be executed.

[0174] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes:

[0175] In response to the first handling command, the first handling device removes the first target container from the first container carrier and transports it to the target container operating device, or transports the first container carrier to the target container operating device;

[0176] In response to the second handling command, the second handling device removes the second target container from the second container carrier and transports it to the target container operating device, or transports the second container carrier to the target container operating device.

[0177] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the container operating device is provided with a container buffer area and a container operating area;

[0178] The method further includes:

[0179] The first handling device places the first container in the container buffer area;

[0180] The target container operating device, in response to the container operating command, moves the first container from the container buffer area to the container operating area, and moves the goods in the second container to the first container.

[0181] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the system further includes an operation object;

[0182] The method further includes:

[0183] The object of operation is located at the container operation device, and the goods in the second container are picked or poured into the first container.

[0184] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the object of operation is a worker, a robotic arm, or a container loading and unloading device.

[0185] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the system further includes a container waiting area;

[0186] The method further includes:

[0187] In response to the first handling command, the first handling device moves the first container to the container waiting area, and after the second container arrives at the container waiting area, moves the first container to the target container operating device;

[0188] The second handling device responds to the second handling command by handling the second container to the container waiting area, and after the first container arrives at the container waiting area, it handles the second container to the target container handling device.

[0189] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the container is provided with a container identifier, which contains container information for assisting in the identification of the container. The container identifier includes a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code or other recognizable graphic.

[0190] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes: the control server updating and saving the container information of the container.

[0191] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes: the first handling device moving to the first container according to the container information of the first container;

[0192] The second handling device moves to the location of the second container based on the container information of the second container.

[0193] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes: the first handling device taking out or storing the first container according to the container identifier of the first container;

[0194] The second container handling equipment removes or stores the second container according to the container identifier of the second container.

[0195] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the container operating device is provided with an identification device;

[0196] The method further includes:

[0197] The target container operating device identifies the container identifier of the first container and obtains the container information of the first container through the identification device, identifies the container identifier of the second container and obtains the container information of the second container, and assists in identifying whether the goods and / or quantity of the first container are accurate with the goods and / or quantity of the second container.

[0198] In one optional embodiment provided in this application, the container carrier includes a carrier identifier, which contains carrier information for assisting in the identification of the container carrier. The carrier information includes a readable magnetic stripe, barcode, QR code, or other identifiable graphic.

[0199] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes:

[0200] The control server updates and saves the vehicle information of the container vehicle.

[0201] In an optional embodiment provided in this application, the method further includes:

[0202] The first handling equipment moves to the first container carrier based on the carrier information of the first container carrier;

[0203] The second handling equipment moves to the location of the second container carrier based on the carrier information of the second container carrier.

[0204] The warehousing scheduling method provided in this application is applied to a warehousing scheduling system. Through this system, handling equipment is used to move target containers to container operating equipment, enabling the equipment to automatically complete operations such as goods transfer and inventory, saving manpower and resources and improving efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the warehousing scheduling system can also set identification information on containers or containers. Handling equipment can accurately identify target containers or their carriers and obtain corresponding location information through this identification information. Container operating equipment can accurately identify the goods loaded in the target containers through this identification information, improving the efficiency of container clearing and reducing the operating costs of the warehousing system.

[0205] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this application. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired results. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired results. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.

[0206] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0207] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0208] The preferred embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative of this application. The optional embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this application. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this application to better explain the principles and practical applications of this application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize this application. This application is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A warehousing dispatch system characterized by, The system comprises a control server, a carrying device, a container handling device, a container for loading goods; The control server is configured to determine a first container and a second container located in a storage area according to a to-be-executed task, determine a first carrying device for carrying the first container, a second carrying device for carrying the second container, and a target container handling device, and send a first carrying instruction to the first carrying device, a second carrying instruction to the second carrying device, and a container handling instruction to the target container handling device, wherein the to-be-executed task is a tail box cleaning task, and the tail box is a container loaded with goods after goods picking; The first carrying device is configured to carry the first container to the target container handling device in response to the first carrying instruction; The second carrying device is configured to carry the second container to the target container handling device in response to the second carrying instruction; The target container handling device is configured to move the goods in the second container to the first container in response to the container handling instruction.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The control server is further configured to determine a third carrying device and send a third carrying instruction to the third carrying device; The third carrying device is configured to carry the first container to a specified position in response to the third carrying instruction.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a storage area, and the storage area comprises a plurality of container carriers, and one container carrier comprises at least one storage site, and one storage site can accommodate at least one container; The control server is further configured to determine a first container located in a first container carrier and a second container located in a second container carrier according to a to-be-executed task.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein, The first carrying device is further configured to take out a first target container from the first container carrier and carry it to the target container handling device or carry the first container carrier to the target container handling device in response to the first carrying instruction; The second carrying device is further configured to take out a second target container from the second container carrier and carry it to the target container handling device or carry the second container carrier to the target container handling device in response to the second carrying instruction.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The container handling device is provided with a container buffer area and a container handling area; The first carrying device is further configured to place the first container in the container buffer area; The target container handling device is further configured to move the first container from the container buffer area to the container handling area and move the goods in the second container to the first container in response to the container handling instruction.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises an operation object; The operation object is configured to be located at the container handling device, and pick or dump the goods in the second container to the first container.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein, The operation object is a worker, a mechanical arm, or a container loading and unloading device.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein, The system further comprises a container waiting area; The first carrying device is further configured to carry the first container to the container waiting area in response to the first carrying instruction, and carry the first container to the target container operation device after the second container arrives at the container waiting area. The second carrying device is further configured to carry the second container to the container waiting area in response to the second carrying instruction, and carry the second container to the target container operation device after the first container arrives at the container waiting area.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein, The container is provided with a container identifier containing container information for assisting in identifying the container, and the container identifier includes a readable magnetic stripe, a barcode, a two-dimensional code or other identifiable graphics.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, The control server is further configured to update and save the container information of the container.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, The first carrying device is further configured to move to the first container according to the container information of the first container. The second carrying device is further configured to move to the second container according to the container information of the second container.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein, The first carrying device is further configured to take out or store the first container according to the container identifier of the first container. The second carrying device is further configured to take out or store the second container according to the container identifier of the second container.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein, The container operation device is provided with an identification device. The target container operation device is further configured to identify the container identifier of the first container through the identification device, obtain the container information of the first container, identify the container identifier of the second container, obtain the container information of the second container, and assist in identifying whether the goods and / or quantity of the first container and the goods and / or quantity of the second container are accurate.

14. The system of claim 4, wherein, The container carrier includes a carrier identifier containing carrier information for assisting in identifying the container carrier, and the carrier information includes a readable magnetic stripe, a barcode, a two-dimensional code or other identifiable graphics.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, The control server is further configured to update and save the carrier information of the container carrier.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein, The first carrying device is further configured to move to the first container carrier according to the carrier information of the first container carrier. The second carrying device is further configured to move to the second container carrier according to the carrier information of the second container carrier.

17. A warehouse dispatching method characterized by, The system is applied to a warehouse scheduling system, and the system includes a control server, a carrying device, a container operation device, and a container for loading goods. The control server determines a first container and a second container located in a storage area according to a to-be-executed task, determines a first carrying device for carrying the first container, a second carrying device for carrying the second container, and a target container operation device, sends a first carrying instruction to the first carrying device, sends a second carrying instruction to the second carrying device, and sends a container operation instruction to the target container operation device, wherein the to-be-executed task is a tail box cleaning task, and the tail box is a container loaded with goods after goods are picked. The first carrying device carries the first container to the target container operation device in response to the first carrying instruction. The second carrying device carries the second container to the target container operation device in response to the second carrying instruction; The target container operation device moves the goods in the second container to the first container in response to the container operation instruction.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: The control server determines a third carrying device and sends a third carrying instruction to the third carrying device; The third carrying device carries the first container to a designated position in response to the third carrying instruction.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, The system further comprises an inventory area comprising a plurality of container carriers, one container carrier comprising at least one storage site, one storage site being capable of accommodating at least one container; The control server determines, according to the task to be executed, a first container located at a first container carrier and a second container located at a second container carrier.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The method further comprises: The first carrying device takes out a first target container from the first container carrier and carries it to the target container operation device or carries the first container carrier to the target container operation device in response to the first carrying instruction; The second carrying device takes out a second target container from the second container carrier and carries it to the target container operation device or carries the second container carrier to the target container operation device in response to the second carrying instruction.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein, The container operation device is provided with a container buffer area and a container operation area; The method further comprises: The first carrying device places the first container in the container buffer area; The target container operation device moves the first container from the container buffer area to the container operation area and moves the goods in the second container to the first container in response to the container operation instruction.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein, The system further comprises an operation object; The method further comprises: The operation object located at the container operation device picks or pours the goods in the second container to the first container.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The operation object is a worker, a mechanical arm or a container handling device.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein, The system further comprises a container waiting area; The method further comprises: The first carrying device carries the first container to the container waiting area in response to the first carrying instruction, and carries the first container to the target container operation device after the second container arrives at the container waiting area; The second carrying device carries the second container to the container waiting area in response to the second carrying instruction, and carries the second container to the target container operation device after the first container arrives at the container waiting area.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein, The container is provided with a container identifier containing container information used to assist in identifying the container, the container identifier comprising a readable magnetic stripe, a barcode, a two-dimensional code or other identifiable graphics.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The method further comprises: the control server updates and saves the container information of the container.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The method further comprises: the first carrying device moves to the first container according to the container information of the first container; The second carrying device moves to the second container according to the container information of the second container.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein, The method further comprises: the first handling equipment taking out or storing the first container according to the container identification of the first container; The second container handling equipment takes out or stores the second container according to the container identification of the second container.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein, The container handling equipment is provided with an identification device; The method further comprises: The target container handling equipment identifies the container identification of the first container through the identification device, acquires the container information of the first container, identifies the container identification of the second container, acquires the container information of the second container, and assists in identifying whether the goods and / or quantity of the first container and the goods and / or quantity of the second container are accurate.

30. The method of claim 20, wherein, The container carrier comprises a carrier identification, which contains carrier information used for assisting in identifying the container carrier, and the carrier information comprises a readable magnetic stripe, a barcode, a two-dimensional code or other identifiable graphics.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The method further comprises: The control server updates and saves the carrier information of the container carrier.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein, The method further comprises: The first handling equipment moves to the first container carrier according to the carrier information of the first container carrier; The second handling equipment moves to the second container carrier according to the carrier information of the second container carrier.

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