Workstation, warehouse system and workstation control method

Abstract

The application provides a workstation, a warehouse system and a workstation control method. The workstation provided by the application comprises a sorting mechanism and a buffer mechanism. The sorting mechanism comprises a raw material box conveying line and an order box conveying line. The raw material box is used for storing goods to be sorted. The raw material box conveying line has at least one picking position. The order box is used for receiving the goods sorted from the raw material box. The order box conveying line has at least one delivery position. When the raw material box reaches the picking position, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in the order box on the delivery position. The buffer mechanism is located on the side of the sorting mechanism and is used for buffering the order boxes with unfinished sorting tasks and conveying the order boxes to the delivery position according to a conveying sequence. The conveying sequence is determined by the sequence in which the raw material boxes reach the picking position, thereby improving the sorting efficiency of the goods and avoiding order box congestion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Modern logistics centers are demanding increasingly higher efficiency in warehousing and distribution. As a crucial link in warehousing and distribution, ensuring consistently high-efficiency sorting can improve the overall outbound efficiency of goods.

[0003] In related technologies, logistics systems generally include storage racks, sorting workstations, and conveying equipment. Sorting workstations include sorting devices and sorting walls. When goods enter or leave the warehouse, sorting personnel can complete the sorting work. Goods are usually classified according to order tasks or types of goods, and are placed into storage slots in the sorting wall according to the corresponding classification results. The classified goods can be transported in and out of the warehouse by conveying equipment such as handling robots.

[0004] However, the current sorting stations have low sorting efficiency and are prone to missorting of goods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a workstation, a warehousing system, and a workstation control method, which can solve the technical problems of low sorting efficiency and easy missorting of goods in current sorting workstations.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a workstation, comprising:

[0007] The sorting mechanism includes:

[0008] A raw material bin conveyor line is configured to transport raw material bins for storing goods to be sorted, and the raw material bin conveyor line has at least one picking position; and

[0009] An order box conveyor line is configured to transport order boxes for receiving goods sorted from raw material boxes. The order box conveyor line has at least one delivery station. When a raw material box arrives at the delivery station, the goods to be sorted inside the raw material box are removed and placed into the order box at the delivery station.

[0010] The buffer mechanism, located to the side of the sorting mechanism, is used to buffer order boxes that have not completed their picking tasks and to transport the order boxes to the delivery position according to the conveying sequence, wherein the conveying sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position.

[0011] The workstation provided in this application embodiment can cache order boxes that have not completed their picking tasks during the order box picking process by setting up a caching mechanism. This allows the sorting mechanism to switch to other order boxes for order classification operations, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and avoiding order box congestion.

[0012] Secondly, this application provides a warehousing system including storage shelves, a handling mechanism, and a workstation. The handling mechanism is configured to move raw material boxes to be sorted from the storage shelves to the workstation, or to move sorted raw material boxes from the workstation to the storage shelves.

[0013] The warehousing system provided in this application embodiment can improve the efficiency of the entire process from goods leaving the warehouse to sorting.

[0014] Thirdly, this application provides a workstation control method, executed by the workstation's controller, the method comprising:

[0015] Obtain order tasks;

[0016] Control the raw material box conveyor line to transport the raw material box corresponding to the order task to the picking position of the raw material box conveyor line;

[0017] Control the order box conveyor line to transport the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line;

[0018] After confirming that the items in the raw material bin have been delivered to the order bin, determine whether the order bin has completed its picking task. If not, control the order bin conveyor line to transport the order bin to the buffer mechanism for temporary storage; and

[0019] The control buffer mechanism transports the temporarily stored order boxes to the delivery position according to the transport sequence, wherein the transport sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position.

[0020] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the workstation, warehousing system, and workstation control method provided by this application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 A front view of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 A top view of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a cache mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a second workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 A side view of a second workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the caching mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a third workstation structure provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 A side view of a third workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the caching mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the raw material box conveyor line in the workstation provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the raw material box conveyor line in the workstation provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating the multi-workstation coordination provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 16 A front view of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0039] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A partial view of position C in the middle;

[0040] Figure 19 for Figure 17 A partial view of position D in the middle;

[0041] Figure 20 A side view of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 21 for Figure 20 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0043] Figure 22 for Figure 21 A partial view of position E in the middle;

[0044] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 24 A side view of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second shelf in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 29 This is a bottom view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 30 This is a front view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0052] Figure 31Schematic diagram of the loading and unloading component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 32 Schematic diagram of the loading and unloading component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0054] Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 34 A front view of the telescopic component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0060] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the workstation control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0061] Figure 40 A detailed flowchart of the workstation control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0062] Figure 41 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the order processing method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0063] Figure 42 A flowchart illustrating the order processing method provided in this application embodiment.

[0064] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0065] 1-Workstation; 2-Buffer mechanism; 3-Sorting mechanism; 30-Sorting position; 31-Support column; 32-Adjusting component; 33-First connecting hole; 34-Second connecting hole; 4-Raw material box conveyor line; 40-Picking position; 41-Return mechanism; 42-Return sequencing area; 43-First conveyor; 44-First baffle; 45-Raw material box inlet; 46-Raw material box outlet; 5-Order box conveyor line; 50-Delivery position; 51-Picking channel; 52-Empty box line; 53-Full box line; 54-Second conveyor; 55-Second baffle; 56-Queue position; 57-Return position; 6-Return line; 7-Detection mechanism; 71-First weighing unit; 72-Second weighing unit; 73-First grating unit; 74-Second grating unit; 8-Cut box button;

[0066] 20 - Planar storage mechanism; 21 - Candidate channel; 22 - Queuing channel; 23a - First temporary storage bit; 23b - Second temporary storage bit; 24 - Transfer bit;

[0067] 10-Three-dimensional storage mechanism; 11-Storage layer; 111-Warehouse location; 12-Conveying layer; 13-Lifting channel; 14-Inbound / outbound channel;

[0068] 100 - First shelf; 110 - First conveyor line;

[0069] 200 - Second shelf; 220 - Second conveyor line;

[0070] 300-Lifting device; 301-Guide wheel; 310-Lifting body; 320-Side shift assembly; 321-Side shift bracket; 322-Conveying mechanism; 330-Loading assembly; 331-Fixing component; 332-Telescopic component; 3321-Telescopic body; 3322-Abutting component; 3323-Fourth drive unit; 333-Third guide rail; 334-Third drive assembly; 3341-Third drive unit; 3342-Third flexible transmission component; 3343-Third transmission wheel; 340-Second drive assembly; 341-Second drive unit; 342-Second flexible transmission component; 343-Second transmission wheel; 350-Second guide rail;

[0071] 400 - First drive assembly; 410 - First drive unit; 420 - First flexible transmission component; 430 - First transmission wheel;

[0072] 500 - First guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0073] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0074] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0075] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "inner", "outer", etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0076] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0077] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0078] Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) are widely used in warehousing and logistics due to their large storage capacity. AS / RS typically consist of multiple racks with high heights and multiple rows and columns of storage locations for boxes. Goods are usually retrieved from the racks using stacker cranes or robots. Because of the large storage capacity of the racks and the large floor space they occupy, large warehouses have relatively low floor efficiency. Floor efficiency refers to the ratio of inbound / outbound efficiency to the warehouse's floor area, i.e., the inbound / outbound efficiency per unit area.

[0079] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a workstation that, by setting up a caching mechanism, can cache order boxes that have not completed their picking tasks during the order box picking process. This allows the sorting mechanism to switch to other order boxes for order sorting operations, thereby improving goods sorting efficiency and avoiding order box congestion.

[0080] To facilitate understanding, the application scenarios applicable to the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0081] The workstations provided in this application can be applied to the inbound and outbound operations of inventory products in manufacturing plants and retail industries, as well as to various fields such as express delivery inbound and outbound sorting in e-commerce logistics. For example, the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in this application can be applied to the picking process to temporarily store semi-finished product orders, or to automated production lines with fluctuating production rhythms, or to automated inbound and outbound operations of multiple types of products to temporarily store and sort them.

[0082] Furthermore, the products involved in the transportation and warehousing of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in this application embodiment can be industrial parts, electronic accessories or products, pharmaceuticals, clothing and accessories, food, books, etc., while the goods referred to in this application can be the products listed above themselves, or material boxes or pallets loaded with the above products, etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0083] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a front view of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a top view of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a caching mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0084] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in the illustration, this application provides a workstation 1, which includes a sorting mechanism 3 and a buffer mechanism 2. The sorting mechanism 3 includes a raw material bin conveyor line 4 and an order bin conveyor line 5. The raw material bin conveyor line 4 is configured to convey raw material bins for storing goods to be sorted. The order bin conveyor line 5 is configured to convey order bins for receiving goods sorted from the raw material bins. The buffer mechanism 2 is used to buffer order bins that have not completed their picking tasks.

[0085] It is understood that the raw material box conveyor line 4 has at least one picking position 40 and the order box conveyor line 5 has at least one delivery position 50. When the raw material box arrives at the picking position 40, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in the order box on the delivery position 50.

[0086] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism 2 is located to the side of the sorting mechanism 3 and conveys the order boxes to the delivery position 50 in a conveying sequence, wherein the conveying sequence can be determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position 40.

[0087] It should be noted that after completing a sorting operation, the sorting mechanism 3 can switch between raw material boxes and order boxes. According to the assigned order tasks, there is a corresponding mapping relationship between the raw material boxes and the order boxes. According to the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the picking position 40, the corresponding order boxes can form a corresponding conveying sequence so that the mutually mapped raw material boxes and order boxes can reach the picking position 40 and the delivery position 50 simultaneously.

[0088] In the workstation 1 provided in this application embodiment, after an order box completes one order picking, its next flow will be determined according to the specific situation. If all the order tasks corresponding to the order box have been picked, the order box can be output from the sorting mechanism 3. If the order tasks corresponding to the order box have not been picked, the order box can be sent to the buffer mechanism 2 for temporary storage. The delivery position 50 can be switched to the next order box for sorting operation, without having to leave the unsorted order box at the delivery position 50 to wait, thereby improving the overall logistics efficiency of the workstation 1.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a second workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 This is a side view of a second workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the caching mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a third workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This is a side view of a third workstation structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the caching mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] In some embodiments, the cache mechanism 2 may include at least one of a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and a two-dimensional storage mechanism 20. For example, as shown... Figures 5 to 7 As shown, cache unit 2 may consist only of planar storage unit 20. Alternatively, as... Figures 8 to 10 As shown, cache mechanism 2 may consist only of three-dimensional storage mechanism 10. Alternatively, as... Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the cache mechanism 2 may include a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and a planar storage mechanism 20, but this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0091] The following is a detailed description of how the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 is configured.

[0092] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4 ,as well as Figure 23 and Figure 24 The automated storage and retrieval system 10 may include shelves, which include storage layers 11 and conveyor layers 12 arranged vertically. The storage layers 11 are used to temporarily store order boxes that have not yet completed picking tasks, and the conveyor layers 12 are connected to the order box conveyor line 5.

[0093] It is understandable that in the order box conveyor line 5, when the order box at the delivery position 50 has not completed the picking task and needs to be temporarily stored, the order box can be conveyed to the conveyor layer 12, and then the conveyor layer 12 will transfer it to the storage layer 11 for temporary storage.

[0094] For example, the conveyor layer 12 has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet connects to the upstream of the order box conveyor line 5, and the inlet connects to the downstream of the order box conveyor line 5. When an order box that has not completed its picking task is conveyed downstream along the order box conveyor line 5, it can enter the conveyor layer 12 of the automated storage mechanism 10 through the inlet, and then be conveyed to the storage layer 11 by the conveyor layer 12. When it is necessary to pick the temporarily stored order box again, the target order box can be taken out from the storage layer 11, first conveyed to the conveyor layer 12, and then conveyed to the upstream of the order box conveyor line 5 by the outlet of the output layer 12. The order box can then flow along the order box conveyor line 5 to the delivery position 50, so that the picking operation can continue.

[0095] It should be noted that transfer mechanisms are installed at both ends of the order box conveyor line 5 along the conveying direction, with the transfer mechanisms at both ends of the order box conveyor line 5 facing the inlet and outlet respectively. The transfer mechanisms can move order boxes from the outlet of the conveyor layer 12 to the order box conveyor line 5, or the transfer mechanisms can move order boxes from the order box conveyor line 5 to the inlet of the conveyor layer 12.

[0096] For example, the transfer mechanism may include one or more transfer structures such as transfer rollers and transfer belts, which are driven by a motor. The specific transmission form adopted by the transfer mechanism is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0097] The following is a detailed description of how the planar storage mechanism 20 is configured.

[0098] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, the planar storage mechanism 20 may include a candidate channel 21, the order box conveyor line 5 may include a picking channel 51, the candidate channel 21 is located to the side of the picking channel 51, and the delivery position 50 is disposed on the picking channel 51.

[0099] Candidate channel 21 is used to place candidate order boxes so that they can be transferred to picking channel 51 in the order of transport. Candidate order boxes may include order boxes that are transported directly from delivery position 50 to candidate channel 21, or order boxes that are transported from automated storage mechanism 10 to candidate channel 21.

[0100] Understandably, when order boxes that haven't completed their picking tasks are temporarily stored, the time required for the next picking of that order box can be determined or estimated based on its specific order details. If the interval between picking tasks is long, the order box can be temporarily stored in the large-capacity automated storage and retrieval system 10. When the order box is picked again, it can be retrieved from the automated storage and retrieval system 10 and transferred to the candidate channel 21. Conversely, if the interval between picking tasks is short, the order box can be directly transported to the candidate channel 21. This shortens the transport time required for the order box to enter the delivery position 50 when it is picked again, thus improving logistics efficiency.

[0101] It should be noted that when the workstation 1 provided in this application embodiment is equipped with both a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and a planar storage mechanism 20, the order boxes that need to be temporarily stored can be diverted, which can make full use of the temporary storage space and improve the efficiency of logistics.

[0102] In some embodiments, the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51 are parallel to each other. The candidate channel 21 is provided with a transfer mechanism for transferring the candidate order box to the picking channel 51 in a direction perpendicular to the picking channel 51, so that the candidate order box arrives at the delivery position 50 in the delivery sequence.

[0103] Understandably, the transfer mechanism is used to move and transfer order boxes between candidate channel 21 and picking channel 51. When candidate channel 21 and picking channel 51 are parallel to each other, the direction in which the transfer mechanism moves the order boxes is perpendicular to the direction in which the order boxes are transferred between candidate channel 21 and picking channel 51.

[0104] For example, the transfer mechanism may include one or more transfer structures such as transfer rollers and conveyor belts. The structure of the transfer mechanism may be the same as or similar to the aforementioned transfer mechanism, and will not be described in detail here.

[0105] In some embodiments, the planar storage mechanism 20 may further include a queuing channel 22 located between the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51, wherein order boxes to be picked in the candidate channel 21 are configured to pass through the queuing channel 22 before entering the picking channel 51.

[0106] Understandably, since order boxes need to form a preset conveying sequence when transported from candidate channel 21 to picking channel 51, this conveying sequence can be the same as or different from the order in which the order boxes enter the planar storage mechanism 20. Therefore, by setting up queuing channel 22, the order sequence and queuing position of the order boxes can be adjusted, so that when the order boxes enter picking channel 51 from candidate channel 21, the preset conveying sequence can be formed quickly and accurately, avoiding box jams or sorting errors.

[0107] For example, candidate channel 21, queuing channel 22 and picking channel 51 are parallel to each other. Candidate channel 21 is provided with a transfer mechanism for transferring candidate order boxes to queuing channel 22 in a direction perpendicular to queuing channel 22, so as to queue the candidate order boxes in queuing channel 22 according to the conveying order, and then convey them from queuing channel 22 to picking channel 51 in sequence.

[0108] It should be noted that the specific structure and configuration of the transfer mechanism between candidate channel 21 and queuing channel 22 can be the same as or similar to the transfer mechanism between candidate channel 21 and picking channel 51, and will not be elaborated here.

[0109] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the workstation 1 provided in this application may further include a return line 6, which is located at the end of the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51, and connects the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51. At least a portion of the order boxes that have not been picked in the picking channel 51 are returned to the candidate channel 21 via the return line 6.

[0110] Understandably, unpicked order boxes at delivery station 50 will be conveyed along the conveying direction of order box conveyor line 5 to return line 6, and then flow along return line 6 to candidate channel 21.

[0111] For example, the return line 6 may be perpendicular to the transport direction of the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51.

[0112] In some embodiments, the workstation 1 provided in this application may further include an empty box line 52 and a full box line 53. The empty box line 52 is connected to the input end of the picking channel 51 and is configured to deliver empty order boxes to the picking channel 51. The full box line 53 is connected to the output end of the picking channel 51 and is configured to receive order boxes that have been picked in the picking channel 51.

[0113] It should be noted that the empty box line 52 can interface with external equipment such as handling robots and conveyor lines to receive empty order boxes. The full box line 53 can also interface with external equipment such as handling robots and conveyor lines to transport picked order boxes to the outside for the next logistics process, such as packaging. The specific extension length and arrangement of the empty box line 52 and the full box line 53 can be set according to the actual layout of the workstation 1, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0114] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the raw material box conveyor line in the workstation provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 , Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the raw material box conveyor line in the workstation provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 .

[0115] Please refer to Figures 2 to 12 In some embodiments, both the order box conveyor line 5 and the raw material box conveyor line 4 are U-shaped and at least partially arranged around the buffer mechanism 2. This improves the space utilization of the workstation 1 and reduces the space occupancy of the order box conveyor line 5, the raw material box conveyor line 4, and the three-dimensional storage structure.

[0116] When order boxes are conveyed in different directions on order box conveyor line 5, different sides of the order boxes face the conveying direction of order box conveyor line 5. When raw material boxes are conveyed in different directions on raw material box conveyor line 4, different sides of the raw material boxes face the conveying direction of raw material box conveyor line 4.

[0117] For example, the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5 is parallel to the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line 4. The order box conveyor line 5 and the raw material box conveyor line 4 can be arranged in layers in the vertical direction to reduce the vertical footprint and thus improve space utilization.

[0118] It should be noted that a sorting position 30 is provided on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 away from the buffer mechanism 2. The sorting position 30 can be operated manually, or a sorting robot can be set up to perform the sorting operation. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0119] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 , Figure 15Schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 , Figure 16 This is a front view of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 17 for Figure 16 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction. Figure 18 for Figure 17 A partial view at position C. Figure 19 for Figure 17 A partial view at position D in the middle. Figure 20 This is a side view of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 21 for Figure 20 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction. Figure 22 for Figure 21 A partial view of position E in the middle.

[0120] The specific structure of the sorting mechanism 3 is described below as an example.

[0121] Please refer to Figures 14 to 16 In some embodiments, the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 are arranged vertically at intervals, with the raw material box conveyor line 4 located above the order box conveyor line 5.

[0122] The raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 are staggered in the horizontal direction so that the vertical projection of the order box does not at least partially overlap with the vertical projection of the raw material box. The distance between the side of the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the sorting station 30 is greater than the distance between the side of the order box conveyor line 5 and the sorting station 30.

[0123] Understandably, when sorting personnel or sorting robots are performing sorting operations at sorting station 30, the order box conveyor line 5 will not be obstructed vertically by the raw material box conveyor line 4, thereby improving the convenience of sorting operations.

[0124] In some embodiments, the raw material box conveyor line 4 has a raw material box inlet 45 and a raw material box outlet 46, which are located at opposite ends of the raw material box conveyor line 4. Figure 12 As shown, workstation 1 may also include a reflux mechanism 41, the two ends of which are connected to the raw material box inlet 45 and the raw material box outlet 46, respectively.

[0125] For raw material boxes that have completed the sorting task, if there are still goods left in the raw material box and the corresponding goods correspond to the order tasks of other order boxes, the raw material box can be returned from the raw material box outlet 46 to the raw material box inlet 45 through the return mechanism 41. In this way, the raw material box can return to the picking position 40 along the raw material box conveyor line 4 without having to send the raw material box back to the external storage device, thereby reducing the circulation path of the raw material box and improving logistics efficiency.

[0126] For example, a return and reordering area 42 is provided on the side of the raw material box inlet 45. The return and reordering area 42 is provided with a temporary storage position for the raw material boxes to adjust the conveying order of the raw material boxes. In this way, the conveying order of the corresponding raw material boxes can be adjusted according to the conveying order of the already formed order boxes, avoiding the congestion and delay of the conveying of raw material boxes and improving the smoothness of the flow of raw material boxes.

[0127] In some embodiments, the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 extend in the same direction, and the sorting position 30 arranged on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 is opposite to the picking position 40 and the delivery position 50.

[0128] The raw material box conveyor line 4 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction towards the sorting station 30. Since the raw material box conveyor line 4 is located above the order box conveyor line 5 and is farther from the sorting station 30, the raw material boxes on the inclined conveyor line 4 can slide a certain distance towards the sorting station 30 due to gravity. This facilitates the sorting personnel or sorting robots at the sorting station 30 to retrieve goods from the raw material boxes.

[0129] In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 may further include a plurality of support columns 31, with order box conveyor lines 5 connected between adjacent support columns 31. Raw material box conveyor lines 4 are located on top of the support columns 31 and are detachably connected to the support columns 31.

[0130] For example, the support column 31 can be supported on the periphery of the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5. Specifically, one or more support columns 31 can be provided at the end corners of the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5, as well as at the side positions along the length direction.

[0131] It should be noted that the material of the support column 31 can be metal or alloy such as iron or aluminum, or engineering plastic with high structural strength. For example, the support column 31 can be an aluminum alloy profile. Both the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 can be connected to the support column 31 via bolts or other fasteners and connecting components such as tripods. This application embodiment does not limit the specific material type of the support column 31.

[0132] Please refer to Figures 17 to 22In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 may further include an adjusting member 32. The adjusting member 32 is connected to the support column 31, and the raw material box conveyor line 4 is connected to the adjusting member 32. The adjusting member 32 is configured to adjust the position of the raw material box conveyor line 4 relative to the order box conveyor line 5.

[0133] The adjusting component 32 is provided with a first connecting hole 33, and the raw material box conveyor line 4 is provided with a plurality of second connecting holes 34 arranged along its width direction. When the first connecting hole 33 is opposite to different second connecting holes 34, the raw material box conveyor line 4 is located at different positions relative to the order box conveyor line 5. The sorting mechanism 3 may also include fasteners, which pass through the first connecting hole 33 and are screwed onto the second connecting holes 34.

[0134] Understandably, in different applications, by disassembling the fasteners and adjusting the alignment of the first connecting hole 33 with different second connecting holes 34 on the raw material box conveyor line 4, the relative position of the vertical projection of the raw material box conveyor line 4 with the vertical projection of the order box conveyor line 5 can be adjusted. That is, the size of the portion of the order box not obstructed by the raw material box in the vertical direction can be adjusted. For example, if the goods to be picked are large, the raw material box conveyor line 4 can be moved away from the sorting station 30 to make the unobstructed portion of the order box on the order box conveyor line 5 larger, providing sufficient space to place the goods into the order box. If the goods to be picked are small, the raw material box conveyor line 4 can be moved closer to the sorting station 30 to reduce the size of the unobstructed portion of the order box on the order box conveyor line 5, thereby reducing the workstation's floor space.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figures 17 to 20 As shown, the raw material box conveyor line 4 may include a first conveyor 43, with a first baffle 44 at one end of the first conveyor 43 facing the sorting position 30, and the first baffle 44 and the end of the first conveyor 43 being spaced apart. The order box conveyor line 5 may include a second conveyor 54, with a second baffle 55 at one end of the second conveyor 54 facing the sorting position 30, and the second baffle 55 and the end of the second conveyor 54 being spaced apart.

[0136] When the raw material box is located on the raw material box conveyor line 4, the raw material box is at least partially located outside the first conveyor 43 near the sorting position 30 and abuts against the first baffle 44. When the order box is located on the order box conveyor line 5, the order box is at least partially located outside the second conveyor 54 near the sorting position 30 and abuts against the second baffle 55.

[0137] Understandably, the first baffle 44 is located on the side of the raw material box conveyor line 4 closer to the sorting position 30, and the second baffle 55 is located on the side of the order box conveyor line 5 closer to the sorting position 30. Therefore, the raw material boxes at the picking position 40 and the order boxes at the delivery position 50 can be closer to the sorting position 30, thereby improving the convenience of sorting operations.

[0138] For example, the distance between the first baffle 44 and the first conveyor 43 facing the sorting position 30 can be greater than or equal to 40 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. For instance, the specific value of the distance between the first baffle 44 and the first conveyor 43 facing the sorting position 30 can include, but is not limited to, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 45 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it in this way.

[0139] For example, the distance between the second baffle 55 and the second conveyor 54 facing the sorting position 30 is greater than or equal to 40 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. For instance, the specific value of the distance between the second baffle 55 and the second conveyor 54 facing the sorting position 30 may include, but is not limited to, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 45 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, etc., and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it in this way.

[0140] Please continue to refer to Figures 14 to 16 In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 may further include a detection mechanism 7, which is configured to detect the sorting status of the goods at the picking position 40 and the delivery position 50, so as to switch the picking position 40 to the raw material box or to switch the delivery position 50 to the order box.

[0141] Understandably, the detection unit 7 can detect whether goods have been removed from the raw material bins and whether goods have been placed into the order bins. When it detects that goods have been removed from the raw material bins at the picking location 40, the picking location 40 can automatically perform a bin-cutting operation and switch to the next raw material bin. When it detects that goods have been placed into the order bins at the delivery location 50, the delivery location 50 can automatically perform a bin-cutting operation and switch to the next order bin. This improves the logistics efficiency of the sorting unit 3.

[0142] For example, the testing mechanism 7 may include a first weighing unit 71, which is disposed at the picking position 40. The first weighing unit 71 is configured to detect the weight information of the raw material box on the picking position 40 so that the picking position 40 switches the raw material box according to the weight information of the raw material box.

[0143] For example, the detection mechanism 7 may include a second weighing unit 72, which is disposed at the delivery position 50 and configured to detect the weight information of the order box on the delivery position 50 so that the delivery position 50 switches the order box according to the weight information of the order box.

[0144] For example, the detection mechanism 7 may include a first grating unit 73, which is disposed above the picking position 40 to form a detection area above the raw material box of the picking position 40. The first grating unit 73 is configured to detect the removal of goods from the raw material box on the picking position 40 so that the picking position 40 switches the raw material box after the goods in the raw material box are removed.

[0145] For example, the detection mechanism 7 may include a second grating unit 74, which is disposed above the delivery position 50 to form a detection area above the order box of the delivery position 50. The second grating unit 74 is configured to detect the loading action of the order box on the delivery position 50 so that the delivery position 50 switches the order box after the goods are loaded into the order box.

[0146] It should be noted that the first weighing unit 71 and the second weighing unit 72 can be pressure sensors or electronic scales with pressure sensors as the main component. The first grating unit 73 and the second grating unit 74 can be infrared sensors or laser sensors, etc. The picking position 40 can be equipped with either the first weighing unit 71 or the first grating unit 73, or the picking position 40 can be equipped with both the first weighing unit 71 and the first grating unit 73 to improve the accuracy of the detection results. The delivery position 50 can be equipped with either the second weighing unit 72 or the second grating unit 74, or the delivery position 50 can be equipped with both the second weighing unit 72 and the second grating unit 74 to improve the accuracy of the detection results. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0147] Please continue to refer to Figures 14 to 16 In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 is provided with a box-cutting button 8 on the side facing the sorting position 30. The box-cutting button 8 is configured to control the raw material box conveyor line 4 to switch the raw material box at the picking position 40, and / or control the order box conveyor line 5 to switch the order box at the delivery position 50.

[0148] Understandably, when sorting at sorting station 30 is done manually, after the sorting operation is completed, the sorting personnel can perform the box cutting operation by pressing the box cutting button 8.

[0149] For example, the box-cutting button 8 is located at the bottom of the sorting mechanism 3, allowing pickers to press it by foot. Alternatively, the box-cutting button 8 is located on the side of the sorting mechanism 3, allowing pickers to press it by knee. This eliminates the need for operators to press the button by hand, thus avoiding interference with their hand-operated sorting operations and improving sorting efficiency. For instance, when a picker removes goods from a raw material bin, they can press the box-cutting button 8 with their foot or knee to cut the raw material bin while simultaneously placing the goods into an order box by hand. Similarly, when a picker places goods into an order box, they can press the box-cutting button 8 with their foot or knee to cut the order box while simultaneously removing the goods from the raw material bin by hand.

[0150] In some embodiments, when a raw material box passes the picking position 40, it moves continuously along the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line 4, allowing the operator at the sorting position 30 to retrieve goods from the raw material box as it passes the picking position 40, thus improving the turnover efficiency of the raw material box. When an order box passes the delivery position 50, it moves continuously along the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5, allowing the operator at the sorting position 30 to place goods into the order box as it passes the delivery position 50, thus improving the turnover efficiency of the order box.

[0151] It is understandable that when the corresponding raw material boxes and order boxes are transferred, they can pass through the picking position 40 and the delivery position 50 simultaneously, or, since the picking operation precedes the delivery operation, the order box can lag slightly behind the raw material box. This embodiment does not specifically limit the conveying speed of the raw material boxes along the raw material box conveyor line 4, nor the conveying speed of the order boxes along the order box conveyor line 5, as long as the operator or robot at the sorting position 30 can complete the picking operation within the time it takes to pass through the picking position 40 and the delivery position 50.

[0152] It should be noted that sorting station 30 has a sorting operation range that covers both picking station 40 and delivery station 50. When goods in a raw material bin are not sorted into an order box, and either the raw material bin or the order box exceeds the sorting operation range, raw material bin conveyor line 4 stops conveying raw material bins, and order box conveyor line 5 stops conveying order boxes. For example, if multiple goods in a raw material bin at picking station 40 need to be simultaneously picked up and placed into an order box at delivery station 50, the sorting time at sorting station 30 may be insufficient. In this case, raw material bin conveyor line 4 and order box conveyor line 5 can be paused to allow the sorting personnel or robotic arms at the sorting station to complete the sorting operation. After the sorting operation is completed, raw material bin conveyor line 4 and order box conveyor line 5 can be restarted.

[0153] It should be noted that the sorting mechanism provided in this application embodiment, through the structural design and relative position layout of the order box conveyor line and the raw material box conveyor line, ensures that the process of sorting goods from the raw material box to the order box is smooth and unobstructed, while shortening the path and process of goods transfer during the sorting process, improving the efficiency of goods sorting, and ensuring the accuracy of the sorting process.

[0154] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 24 This is a side view of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 , Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 , Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second shelf in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 29 This is a bottom view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 30 This is a front view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 31 Schematic diagram of the loading and unloading component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 , Figure 32 Schematic diagram of the loading and unloading component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 , Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 34 This is a front view of the telescopic component in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0155] The specific structure of the three-dimensional storage mechanism will be described in detail below.

[0156] Please refer to Figures 23 to 27 This application provides a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10, which includes a first shelf 100, a second shelf 200, and a lifting device 300. The first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 are used to store goods, and the lifting device 300 can retrieve or place goods on either the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200. The first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 are spaced apart, and a lifting channel 13 extending along a first direction is provided between the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. The lifting device 300 is located in the lifting channel 13 and can move along the lifting channel 13.

[0157] The first direction can be vertical, with the lifting channel 13 extending vertically. The lifting device 300 can move up and down along the first direction, meaning it can move up and down along the height of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. The lifting device 300 can be movably connected to at least one of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, allowing it to climb and move along the lifting channel 13 between the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200.

[0158] In some embodiments, both the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 include a plurality of storage layers 11 arranged along a first direction and at least one conveyor layer 12. The conveyor layer 12 is configured to receive goods from the side opposite to the lifting channel 13, or to convey goods to the side opposite to the lifting channel 13.

[0159] It is understood that the conveyor layer 12 can be any layer on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, and the side of the conveyor layer 12 away from the lifting channel 13 can be the exit or entrance of the goods. The three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 in this embodiment can receive goods transported by external equipment through the conveyor layer 12, or send the goods stored on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 to other external equipment through the conveyor layer 12.

[0160] For example, the lifting device 300 can be docked with the first shelf 100, and the side of the lifting device 300 away from the first shelf 100 can have a small gap with the side of the second shelf 200 facing the lifting channel 13; or, the lifting device 300 can be docked with the second shelf 200, and the side of the lifting device 300 away from the second shelf 200 can have a small gap with the side of the first shelf 100 facing the lifting channel 13; or, the opposite sides of the lifting device 300 can be docked with the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 respectively, and the width of the lifting device 300 can match the width of the lifting channel 13.

[0161] It should be noted that in the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 provided in this application embodiment, a lifting channel 13 is formed between the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. A lifting device 300 moves within the lifting channel 13 to retrieve and place goods. Furthermore, the shelves can directly receive or send goods through the conveyor layer 12. This improves the efficiency of goods entry and exit from the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10, and increases its floor space efficiency, while maintaining a relatively small footprint. Of course, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 can be equipped with more shelves; simply install a lifting device 300 between two adjacent shelves. This application embodiment does not limit the specific number of shelves; the following description will use two shelves as an example and will not be elaborated further.

[0162] Furthermore, the storage layers 11 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 can have the same height. The conveyor layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 can be located at the bottom, middle, or top, and the conveyor layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 can have the same height in the first direction. For example, the conveyor layers 12 on both shelves can be located at the bottom of the shelf. Alternatively, the conveyor layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 can have different heights in the first direction, as long as the side of the conveyor layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 facing away from the lifting channel 13 is convenient for docking with external equipment. For example, the side of the conveyor layers 12 facing away from the lifting channel 13 can dock with an external conveyor line or an external handling robot, etc.

[0163] Define the first direction as the X direction, which is the height direction of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. Define the second direction as the Y direction, which is the width direction of the lifting channel 13. Define the third direction as the Z direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0164] The following section will first provide a detailed explanation of the specific entry and exit methods and procedures of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10.

[0165] Please continue to refer to Figures 23 to 27 In some embodiments, when the lifting device 300 moves along the lifting channel 13 to be opposite any storage layer 11, the lifting device 300 can remove goods from the storage layer 11 or place goods into the storage layer 11. When the lifting device 300 moves along the lifting channel 13 to be opposite the conveyor layer 12, the lifting device 300 is configured to deliver goods into the conveyor layer 12 or receive goods from the conveyor layer 12. In this way, goods in the storage layer 11 can be removed and delivered from the conveyor layer 12, or goods in the conveyor layer 12 can be stored in the storage layer 11 by the lifting device 300, thereby improving the efficiency of goods handling.

[0166] Understandably, during the outbound process, the lifting device 300 can move along the lifting channel 13 to the storage layer 11 where the target goods are located, and retrieve the target goods from the storage layer 11. Subsequently, the lifting device 300 can move along the lifting channel 13 to a position opposite the conveyor layer 12, which can be the conveyor layer 12 of the first shelf 100 or the conveyor layer 12 of the second shelf 200, and the lifting device 300 can place the target goods onto the conveyor layer 12. The conveyor layer 12 then transports the target goods to the side opposite to the lifting channel 13, completing the outbound operation of the automated storage system 10.

[0167] In the warehousing process, upstream goods can be transported to the conveyor layer 12 via conveyor lines or handling robots. This conveyor layer 12 can be the conveyor layer 12 of the first shelf 100 or the conveyor layer 12 of the second shelf 200. Subsequently, the lifting device 300 can move along the lifting channel 13 to be opposite the conveyor layer 12, and the conveyor layer 12 can autonomously transfer goods onto the lifting device 300, or the lifting device 300 can remove goods from the conveyor layer 12. Then, the lifting device 300 can move along the lifting channel 13 to be opposite the target storage layer 11 and place the goods into the target storage layer 11.

[0168] To further improve the efficiency of inbound and outbound operations, the aforementioned outbound and inbound processes can be carried out simultaneously. The conveyor layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 are at the same height. When the lifting device 300 moves to the height position of the conveyor layer 12, the two sides of the lifting device 300 are respectively opposite to the conveyor layers 12 on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200.

[0169] In some embodiments, the conveyor layer 12 of the first shelf 100 has a first conveyor line 110, and the conveyor layer 12 of the second shelf 200 has a second conveyor line 220, wherein the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 have the same conveying direction. One of the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 is configured to receive goods from the side opposite to the lifting channel 13, and the other of the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 is configured to convey goods to the side opposite to the lifting channel 13.

[0170] It is understandable that both the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 can be unidirectional conveyor lines, with one responsible for receiving goods and the other for shipping goods, thereby improving the efficiency of goods entering the shelves by conveying goods in one direction.

[0171] For example, the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 are arranged opposite to each other. When the lifting device 300 moves between the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220, the first conveyor line 110, the second conveyor line 220 and the lifting device 300 together form the inbound and outbound channel 14, thereby enabling the simultaneous shipment and receipt of warehouse goods and improving logistics efficiency.

[0172] The following explanation uses the example of the first conveyor line 110 being responsible for outbound shipments and the second conveyor line 220 being responsible for inbound shipments.

[0173] When inbound and outbound processes are performed simultaneously, the lifting device 300 can retrieve goods to be shipped out from storage layer 11. Simultaneously, the second conveyor line 220 receives goods to be received from the outside and waits for entry on the second conveyor line 220. Afterward, the lifting device 300 moves along the lifting channel 13 to face the two conveyor layers 12. While the lifting device 300 sends goods to be shipped out onto the first conveyor line 110, the second conveyor line 220 sends goods to be received onto the lifting device 300. Subsequently, the first conveyor line 110 can send the goods to be shipped out to external equipment, while the lifting device 300 can move along the lifting channel 13 and place the goods to be received into the target storage layer 11. Repeating the above process, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 can achieve synchronous and continuous inbound and outbound operations.

[0174] It should be noted that the inbound / outbound channel 14 can extend along a second direction, that is, the inbound / outbound channel 14 extends along the Y direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, which is a vertical direction, and the inbound / outbound channel 14 extends horizontally. Through the conveyor layer 12, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 can move goods in and out of the warehouse horizontally, which facilitates the docking of the shelves with external conveyor lines and other devices.

[0175] The specific drive structure for the movement of the lifting device 300 along the lifting channel 13 will be described in detail below.

[0176] Please refer to Figures 28 to 30 and combined Figures 23 to 27 In some embodiments, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 may further include a first drive component 400, which may be disposed on either the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200. The first drive component 400 is configured to drive the lifting device 300 to move along the lifting channel 13, thereby improving the efficiency of the lifting device 300 moving along the lifting channel 13.

[0177] It is understood that the first drive component 400 can be installed on the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200. The shelf with the first drive component 400 is an active shelf, and the shelf without the first drive component 400 is a passive shelf. Alternatively, one first drive component 400 can be installed on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 respectively, synchronously driving the lifting device 300. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. The following detailed description takes the example of the first drive component 400 being installed on the first shelf 100.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 400 may include a first drive unit 410, a first flexible transmission member 420, and a plurality of first transmission wheels 430. The plurality of first transmission wheels 430 are respectively disposed at both ends of the first shelf 100 along a first direction. The first flexible transmission member 420 is wound around the plurality of first transmission wheels 430. The first drive unit 410 is disposed on the first shelf 100 and configured to drive the first flexible transmission member 420 to transmit power along the first direction. The lifting device 300 is connected to the first flexible transmission member 420 to drive the lifting device 300 to perform lifting movements via the first flexible transmission member 420.

[0179] It is understood that the multiple first drive wheels 430 can be divided into four groups, with at least one first drive wheel 430 in each group. The four groups of first drive wheels 430 can be respectively set on the crossbeams on both sides of the top of the first shelf 100 and on the crossbeams on both sides of the bottom of the first shelf 100. In this way, when the first flexible transmission member 420 is wound around the multiple first drive wheels 430, it can form a closed loop around the first shelf 100. For example, refer to Figure 24 When the first flexible transmission component 420 rotates counterclockwise, the lifting device 300 rises; when the first flexible transmission component 420 rotates clockwise, the lifting device 300 falls, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the lifting device 300 along the lifting channel 13.

[0180] Furthermore, the first drive unit 410 can be located on the side of the first shelf 100 opposite to the lifting channel 13, and the multiple first transmission wheels 430 located at the top and bottom of the first shelf 100 are driven wheels. The output end of the first drive unit 410 can be connected to a driving wheel, and the first drive unit 410 can provide power to the first flexible transmission component 420 through the driving wheel. The first drive unit 410 being located on the side opposite to the lifting channel 13 avoids occupying space within the lifting channel 13, allowing the lifting device 300 to fully utilize the space within the lifting channel 13 and improving the floor efficiency of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10.

[0181] For example, the first drive unit 410 can be a motor, and the output end of the motor can be equipped with a reducer. The first flexible transmission member 420 can be a flexible component such as a belt, synchronous belt, wire rope, or chain. The first transmission wheel 430 can be a pulley, synchronous pulley, wire spool, sprocket, or other transmission wheel. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. The output end of the first drive unit 410 is equipped with a drive wheel. The first flexible transmission member 420 can pass around the drive wheel. Furthermore, a pressure wheel can be provided on the side of the first flexible transmission member away from the drive wheel. The pressure wheel can be positioned to ensure that the first flexible transmission member 420 and the drive wheel always maintain effective contact, avoid slippage, and thus ensure the accuracy of the moving position of the lifting device 300.

[0182] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 may further include a first guide rail 500, which is disposed on the first shelf 100 and extends along a first direction. The lifting device 300 is movably connected to the first guide rail 500, thereby improving the stability of the lifting device 300 moving along the lifting channel 13.

[0183] It is understood that the first guide rail 500 may extend along the X direction, and the length of the first guide rail 500 may match the height of the first shelf 100. The first guide rail 500 may be connected to the edge post of the first shelf 100 facing the lifting channel 13, or the edge post of the first shelf 100 facing the lifting channel 13 may form the first guide rail 500. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0184] There may be two first guide rails 500, located on opposite sides of the first shelf 100. Both first guide rails 500 extend along the X-direction and are parallel to each other. The lifting device 300 is movably connected to the two first guide rails 500 on its side facing the first shelf 100. The lifting device 300 can be slidably connected to the first guide rails 500 by means of a slider, or rollingly connected to the first guide rails 500 by means of rollers; this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific connection.

[0185] For example, the lifting device 300 may include at least two guide wheel sets, each of which is respectively disposed opposite to two first guide rails 500. Please refer to... Figure 28 Each guide wheel assembly may include multiple guide wheels 301, which abut against different sides of the guide rail. For example, the axles of some guide wheels 301 are parallel to the X direction, and the axles of some guide wheels 301 are parallel to the Z direction, so as to keep the lifting device 300 abutting against the first guide rail 500 and prevent the lifting device 300 from shaking relative to the first guide rail 500.

[0186] It should be noted that each guide wheel group can be provided with three guide wheels 301. Two guide wheel groups can be provided on each side of the lifting device 300 along the X direction, and an independent guide wheel 301 can be provided between the two guide wheel groups. In this way, each side of the lifting device 300 can be provided with at least seven guide wheels 301 to cooperate with the first guide rail 500, so as to ensure that the lifting device 300 can clamp the first guide rail 500 through the guide wheels 301, thereby improving the stability of the lifting device 300 in lifting and moving.

[0187] The specific structure of the lifting device 300 will be described in detail below.

[0188] Please continue to refer to Figures 23 to 30In some embodiments, the lifting device 300 may include a lifting body 310, a lateral shifting assembly 320, and a picking and placing assembly 330. The lifting body 310 is movably connected to at least one of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200.

[0189] The structure in which the lifting body 310 is movably connected to the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 is the same as the aforementioned movably connected structure between the lifting device 300 and the first guide rail 500, and will not be described again here.

[0190] It is understood that the storage layer 11 has multiple storage locations 111 arranged along a third direction. The lateral shifting component 320 is movably connected to the lifting body 310, and the lateral shifting component 320 can move relative to the lifting body 310 along a third direction so that the lateral shifting component 320 is opposite to different storage locations 111. The picking and placing component 330 is connected to the lateral shifting component 320, thereby improving the storage density of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10, and the picking and placing component 330 can pick and place goods in different storage locations 111.

[0191] For example, the storage locations 111 of each storage layer 11 are arranged along the Z direction. Each storage layer 11 may have two, three, four, or more storage locations 111, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. Each storage location 111 may be inclined inward relative to the horizontal direction to prevent goods stored in the storage location 111 from slipping out. In addition, the bottom of each storage location 111 can be supported by rollers to reduce the friction between the goods and the bottom of the storage location 111 when dragging the goods out of the storage location 111 or when placing the goods into the storage location 111, thereby improving the smoothness of goods entering and leaving the storage location 111.

[0192] The specific drive structure of the lateral displacement component 320 in the lifting device 300 will be described in detail below.

[0193] Please continue to refer to Figures 23 to 30 In some embodiments, the lifting device 300 may further include a second drive component 340 and a second guide rail 350, the second guide rail 350 being connected to the lifting body 310 and extending along a third direction, and the lateral displacement component 320 being slidably connected to the second guide rail 350; the second drive component 340 is disposed on the lifting body 310, and the second drive component 340 is configured to drive the lateral displacement component 320 to move along the second guide rail 350.

[0194] It is understood that the second guide rail 350 extends along the Z direction. The second guide rail 350 can provide guidance and support for the movement of the lateral shift component 320 relative to the lifting body 310. There can be multiple second guide rails 350, including but not limited to two, three or more, thereby improving the stability of the movement of the lateral shift component 320 relative to the lifting body 310.

[0195] In some embodiments, such as Figure 29 As shown, the second drive assembly 340 may include a second drive unit 341, a second flexible transmission member 342, and a plurality of second transmission wheels 343. The plurality of second transmission wheels 343 are respectively disposed at both ends of the lifting body 310 along a third direction. The second flexible transmission member 342 is wound around the plurality of second transmission wheels 343. The second drive unit 341 is configured to drive the second flexible transmission member 342 along a third direction. The lateral movement assembly 320 is connected to the second flexible transmission member 342, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the lateral movement assembly 320 relative to the lifting body 310.

[0196] There can be two second transmission wheels 343, which can be respectively set at both ends of the lifting body 310. One of the two second transmission wheels 343 can be the driving wheel and the other is the driven wheel. The driving unit can be set on the same side of the lifting body 310 as the driving wheel and drive the driving wheel to rotate.

[0197] For example, the second drive unit 341 can be a motor, and the output end of the motor can be equipped with a reducer. The second flexible transmission component 342 can be a flexible component such as a belt, timing belt, wire rope, or chain. The second transmission wheel 343 can be a pulley, timing wheel, wire drum, sprocket, or other transmission wheel. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0198] When the lateral shift component 320 moves on the lifting body 310 to be opposite to the opening of the corresponding target storage location 111, the picking and placing of goods can be completed by the picking and placing component 330 set on the lateral shift component 320. The specific structure of the picking and placing component 330 will be described in detail below.

[0199] Please refer to Figure 31 and Figure 32 and combined Figures 23 to 30 In some embodiments, the picking and placing assembly 330 may include a fixing member 331, a telescopic member 332, a third guide rail 333, and a third drive assembly 334. The fixing member 331 is connected to the lateral shift assembly 320, the third guide rail 333 is connected to the fixing member 331, and the telescopic member 332 is movably connected to the third guide rail 333. The third drive assembly 334 is disposed on the fixing member 331 and is configured to drive the telescopic member 332 to move bidirectionally telescopically relative to the fixing member 331, so that the telescopic member 332 picks up and places goods from the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200.

[0200] It is understandable that the telescopic member 332 can move relative to the fixed member 331 in the Y direction, the third guide rail 333 can extend in the Y direction, the telescopic member 332 can be slidably connected to the third guide rail 333 by a slider, and the third guide rail 333 provides guidance for the movement of the telescopic member 332 relative to the fixed member 331.

[0201] The telescopic component 332 can move forward or backward relative to the fixed component 331 in the Y direction to achieve bidirectional telescopic movement. Thus, by moving the telescopic component 332, goods can be picked up and placed on both the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, reducing production costs and improving warehousing efficiency.

[0202] For example, the fixing member 331 can be a plate-like structure set on the top of the side-moving component 320, and the telescopic member 332 is a telescopic arm with a picking structure. The telescopic arm is equipped with picking components such as joint fingers and suction cups, which are used to cooperate with the goods or bins in the storage location 111 to realize the picking operation.

[0203] In some embodiments, such as Figure 32 As shown, the third drive assembly 334 may include a third drive unit 3341, a third flexible transmission member 3342, and a plurality of third transmission wheels 3343. The plurality of third transmission wheels 3343 are respectively disposed at both ends of the fixed member 331, and the third flexible transmission member...

[0204] 3342 is wound around multiple third transmission wheels 3343. The third drive unit 3341 is configured to drive the third flexible transmission member 3342 to drive the goods picking and placing assembly 330 in the picking and placing direction. The telescopic member 332 is connected to the third flexible transmission member 3342, thereby improving the smoothness and stability of the movement of the telescopic member 332 relative to the fixed member 331.

[0205] It is understood that there can be two third transmission wheels 3343, which can be located at both ends of the fixed member 331 along the Y direction. The third drive unit 3341 can be located in the middle of the fixed member 331. The two third transmission wheels 3343 can drive the wheels. The output end of the third drive unit 3341 can be provided with a drive wheel, which can mesh with the third flexible transmission member 3342 to drive the third flexible transmission member 3342 to move along the Y direction. In addition, pressure wheels can be provided on both sides of the drive wheel to press the third flexible transmission member 3342 on the side away from the drive wheel, so as to prevent slippage and misalignment between the drive wheel and the third flexible transmission member 3342, thereby improving the positional accuracy of the telescopic member 332 when moving relative to the fixed member 331 to pick up and put down goods.

[0206] For example, the third drive unit 3341 can be a motor, and the output end of the motor can be equipped with a reducer. The third flexible transmission component 3342 can be a flexible component such as a belt, synchronous belt, wire rope, or chain. The third transmission wheel 3343 can be a pulley, synchronous wheel, wire drum, sprocket, or other transmission wheel. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0207] The following is a detailed description of the picking-up structure on the telescopic component 332.

[0208] Please refer to Figures 33 to 34 and combined Figures 23 to 30 In some embodiments, the telescopic member 332 may include a telescopic body 3321, an abutment member 3322, and a fourth drive unit 3323. The abutment member 3322 is rotatably connected to the telescopic body 3321, and the fourth drive unit 3323 is configured to drive the abutment member 3322 to rotate relative to the telescopic body 3321, which can realize the picking and putting of goods by pushing and pulling, thereby improving the efficiency of picking and putting out goods.

[0209] It is understandable that the abutment 3322 can be rod-shaped, allowing it to rotate relative to the telescopic body 3321 to form a finger joint structure. Taking a material box as an example, when the telescopic part 332 extends relative to the fixed part 331 to retrieve goods, the abutment 3322 is horizontally positioned during the extension process to avoid interference with the material box. When the telescopic part 332 extends to a preset position, the abutment 3322 rotates relative to the telescopic body 3321 to make it vertical. Thus, when the telescopic part 332 retracts relative to the fixed part 331, the abutment 3322 can abut against the inner wall of the material box and drag the material box out of the storage location 111. When the telescopic part 332 extends relative to the fixed part 331 to release goods, the abutment 3322 can abut against the outer wall of the material box and push the material box into the storage location 111, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0210] For example, there can be two abutment members 3322, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the telescopic body 3321 along the picking and placing direction of the picking and placing assembly 330. The two abutment members 3322 can be used for picking and placing goods on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, respectively, to improve the efficiency of picking and placing goods. In addition, the two abutment members 3322 can be independently driven by a fourth drive unit 3323, which can be a motor disposed on the telescopic member 332.

[0211] In this embodiment, the lateral shifting component 320 may include a lateral shifting bracket 321 and a conveying mechanism 322; the conveying mechanism 322 is disposed at the bottom of the lateral shifting bracket 321, and the picking and placing component 330 is disposed at the top of the lateral shifting bracket 321; the conveying mechanism 322 is used to carry goods, and the conveying mechanism 322 is configured to drive goods to move in or out of the lateral shifting component 320, thereby providing driving force for goods to enter and exit the lateral shifting component 320 through the conveying mechanism 322, thereby improving the efficiency of goods entering and exiting the warehouse.

[0212] For example, the conveying structure may include multiple drive rollers that can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when the goods are moved into or out of the side-shifting assembly 320, thereby driving the goods to move by the frictional force of the drive rollers on the bottom of the goods.

[0213] It should be noted that the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in this application embodiment includes a first shelf, a second shelf, and a lifting device. The first shelf and the second shelf are spaced apart, and there is a lifting channel extending along a first direction between the first shelf and the second shelf. The lifting device is located in the lifting channel and can move along the lifting channel. Both the first shelf and the second shelf include multiple storage layers and at least one conveying layer arranged along the first direction. The conveying layer is configured to receive goods from the side away from the lifting channel or to convey goods to the side away from the lifting channel. Thus, the efficiency of goods entering and leaving the three-dimensional storage mechanism is improved while the area occupied by the three-dimensional storage mechanism is small, thereby improving the space efficiency of the three-dimensional storage mechanism.

[0214] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 36 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the planar storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 37 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the planar storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 38 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0215] The following is a detailed description of the specific structure of the planar storage mechanism 20 and the specific cooperation method between the planar storage mechanism 20 and the order box conveyor line 5.

[0216] Please refer to Figure 35 and combined Figures 1 to 7 In the workstation provided in this application embodiment, the planar storage mechanism 20 is located on the side of the order box conveyor line 5. The planar storage mechanism 20 includes a candidate channel 21 and a queuing channel 22. The candidate channel 21 is used to buffer order boxes that have not completed picking tasks. The order boxes in the candidate channel 21 are configured to pass through the queuing channel 22 before entering the order box conveyor line 5.

[0217] Understandably, storing order boxes with incomplete picking tasks in candidate channel 21 allows order box conveyor line 5 to pick other order boxes without leaving incomplete picking tasks on the line, thus maintaining continuous picking operations and improving logistics efficiency. Queuing channel 22, serving as a transition between candidate channel 21 and order box conveyor line 5, allows for adjustments to the order box order boxes entering and exiting order box conveyor line 5 and candidate channel 21, ensuring smooth flow of order boxes between different channels according to their transport sequence.

[0218] In some embodiments, the queuing channel 22 may include a plurality of transfer positions 24, each transfer position 24 being provided with a transfer mechanism. Order boxes on the transfer positions 24 may be transferred between adjacent transfer positions 24, or the order boxes on the transfer positions 24 may be moved into or out of the queuing channel 22 by means of the transfer mechanism.

[0219] The queuing channel 22 has a conveyor line, such as a conveyor belt or drive rollers, that transports order boxes along its length. The conveyor line facilitates the transfer of order boxes between different transfer positions 24 within the queuing channel 22. When an order box needs to be moved into or out of the queuing channel 22, it can be done using a transfer mechanism at the corresponding transfer position 24.

[0220] For example, the transfer mechanism can be a push plate, suction cup, hook, or other structure driven by a power unit such as a motor or cylinder. The specific structural type of the transfer mechanism is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0221] Please continue to refer to Figure 35 and combined Figures 1 to 7 In some embodiments, the candidate channel 21 may include a plurality of first temporary storage positions 23a, which are arranged sequentially along the length of the queuing channel 22 on the side of the queuing channel 22 away from the order box conveyor line 5; the plurality of first temporary storage positions 23a are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of transfer positions 24.

[0222] Each first temporary storage position 23a can hold at least one order box that has not completed the picking task. Order boxes on different first temporary storage positions 23a can be moved in or out through the transfer mechanism on the temporary storage position of their corresponding queuing channel 22.

[0223] For example, the order box conveyor line 5 has a picking channel 51, a candidate channel 21, a queuing channel 22 and the picking channel 51 are parallel to each other, and the direction in which the transfer mechanism moves the order box into or out of the transfer position 24 is perpendicular to the direction of the queuing channel 22, that is, the direction in which the transfer mechanism moves the order box is perpendicular to the length direction of the queuing channel 22.

[0224] The following detailed explanation of the specific order box temporary storage method of the planar storage mechanism 20 is provided through different specific examples.

[0225] Please refer to Figure 35 In some embodiments, the candidate channel 21 may further include at least one second temporary storage position 23b, which is located on the same side of the queuing channel 22 as the order box conveyor line 5, and the second temporary storage position 23b and the order box conveyor line 5 are opposite to different transfer positions 24.

[0226] It is understood that the temporary storage positions of the candidate channel 21 include at least two rows, with at least one row being the first temporary storage position 23a and at least one row being the second temporary storage position 23b. The first temporary storage position 23a and the second temporary storage position 23b are respectively arranged on both sides of the queuing channel 22. In this way, when the length of the picking channel 51 of the order box conveyor line 5 is less than the length of the queuing channel 22, the remaining space of the queuing channel 22 facing the order box conveyor line 5 can be utilized, thereby increasing the order box storage capacity of the candidate channel 21 and improving the space utilization rate.

[0227] It should be noted that the picking channel 51 is parallel to the queuing channel 22, and the picking channel 51 includes a queuing position 56, a return position 57, and at least one delivery position 50. The raw material box conveyor line 4 has at least one picking position 40; when the raw material box arrives at the picking position 40, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in the order box on the delivery position 50.

[0228] Queuing position 56 is used to receive order boxes output from transfer position 24 or to receive empty order boxes, and then transfer the order boxes to delivery position 50. Return position 57 is used to receive order boxes output from delivery position 50 and then transfer the order boxes to queuing channel 22.

[0229] Furthermore, order boxes can also be directly transferred between the delivery station 50 and the queuing channel 22. That is, the transfer station 24 opposite to the delivery station 50 can directly receive the order box from the delivery station 50 or transfer the order box to the delivery station 50. The specific order box transport path can be designed during queuing according to the transport order of the order boxes, which will not be elaborated here.

[0230] For example, in the figure, A, B, C, D, E, F are the first temporary storage bits 23a of candidate channel 21, P, Q, R are the second temporary storage bits 23b of candidate channel 21, G, H, I, J, K, L are the transfer bits 24 of queuing channel 22, M is the queuing bit 56, N is the delivery bit 50, and O is the return bit 57.

[0231] Please refer to Figure 36In some embodiments, the picking channel 51 may include multiple delivery positions 50, which are arranged at intervals along the length of the queuing channel 22, and each delivery position 50 is opposite to a different transfer position 24. Each delivery position 50 has a queuing position 56 and a return position 57 on both sides.

[0232] It is understandable that multiple delivery stations 50 can perform sorting work simultaneously on the same side of the queuing channel 22, and the order boxes to be picked by different delivery stations 50 can be adjusted in the conveying order of the queuing channel 22.

[0233] For example, A, B, C, D, E, and F are the first temporary storage bits 23a of candidate channel 21, G, H, I, J, K, and L are the transfer bits 24 of queuing channel 22, M, N, and Q are a group, M is the queuing bit 56, N is the delivery bit 50, and O is the return bit 57, and P, Q, and R are a group, P is the queuing bit 56, Q is the delivery bit 50, and R is the return bit 57.

[0234] Please refer to Figure 37 In some embodiments, there can be multiple queue positions 56, which are arranged sequentially on the same side of the delivery position 50, and each queue position 56 is opposite to a different transfer position 24.

[0235] It is understandable that order boxes on multiple queuing positions 56 can flow into delivery positions 50 sequentially along the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5, so that multiple order boxes can be pre-arranged in the picking channel 51 on the order box conveyor line 5. This includes not only order boxes that have not completed sorting tasks and those that have been transferred from the transfer position 24, but also empty order boxes.

[0236] For example, A, B, C, and D are the first temporary storage bits 23a of candidate channel 21, E, F, G, and H are the transfer bits 24 of queuing channel 22, I and J are queuing bits 56, K is the delivery bit 50, and L is the return bit 57.

[0237] Please refer to Figure 38 In some embodiments, the order box conveyor line 5 may include a plurality of delivery positions 50, which are arranged sequentially along the transmission direction of the order box conveyor line 5 on the side of the order box conveyor line 5; at least some of the plurality of delivery positions 50 are used as temporary storage positions.

[0238] It is understandable that when the corresponding order or collection order in the order box in some delivery positions 50 is a multi-line order, after the order box completes the current sorting task, it can stay in the delivery position 50 and wait until all the order sorting tasks corresponding to the order box are completed and the order box is output. In this way, there will be other delivery positions 50 for other order boxes to perform sorting tasks.

[0239] For example, A, B, C, D and E, F, G, H are order box conveyor lines 5, and the order boxes can be moved from D to H by a transfer mechanism. I, J, K, L are four delivery positions 50.

[0240] It should be noted that the above-mentioned various planar storage mechanisms 20 and order box conveyor line 5 can be arranged in one or more ways, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0241] The workstation 1 provided in this embodiment may further include an empty box line 52 and a full box line 53. The empty box line 52 is connected to at least one of the order box conveyor line 5 and the queuing channel 22. The full box line 53 is connected to at least one of the order box conveyor line 5 and the queuing channel 22.

[0242] This application provides a warehousing system, which includes storage shelves, workstations, and a handling mechanism. The storage shelves are used to store raw material boxes, the workstations are used to sort the goods in the raw material boxes into order boxes, and the handling mechanism is configured to move the raw material boxes to be sorted from the storage shelves to the workstations, or to move the sorted raw material boxes from the workstations to the storage shelves.

[0243] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the multi-workstation coordination provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0244] For example, please refer to Figure 13 In the warehousing system, there can be multiple workstations 1, and the raw material box conveyor lines 4 of adjacent workstations 1 are interconnected. The order box conveyor lines 5 of adjacent workstations are also interconnected. In this way, at least one of the raw material boxes and order boxes between adjacent workstations 1 can circulate among them.

[0245] It should be noted that the warehousing system can include all the technical solutions and effects of the aforementioned workstations, sorting mechanisms, and automated storage mechanisms, which will not be elaborated here.

[0246] The control methods for the workstation are explained in detail below.

[0247] Figure 39 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the workstation control method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 40 A flowchart illustrating the workstation control method provided in this application embodiment.

[0248] Please refer to Figure 39 and Figure 40 and combined Figures 1 to 38 This application provides a workstation control method, which is executed by the workstation's controller and includes:

[0249] S101, Obtain order task.

[0250] The order tasks can be obtained from the control center of the warehousing system. Each order task can be associated with an order number, and each order number can be associated with a mapping table of goods information. This mapping table stores the address where the goods corresponding to the order are stored.

[0251] S102. Control the raw material box conveyor line to transport the raw material box corresponding to the order task to the picking position of the raw material box conveyor line; control the order box conveyor line to transport the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line.

[0252] Each order task can store the goods to be sorted in one or more raw material boxes. When sorting an order task at the workstation, an order box will be selected to correspond to that order task.

[0253] The workstation controller can send control commands to the raw material box conveyor line and the order box conveyor line respectively. The raw material box conveyor line can perform the task of conveying raw material boxes and the order box conveyor line can perform the task of conveying order boxes simultaneously.

[0254] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the order box conveyor line to transport the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line further includes:

[0255] Determine whether the order corresponding to the raw material bin is an order that has been processed but not yet completed. If so, control the buffer mechanism to provide the order bin corresponding to the order to the order bin conveyor line, which is temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism; otherwise, control the order bin conveyor line to obtain an empty order bin and transport it to the delivery position for order processing.

[0256] S103. After confirming that the items in the raw material box have been delivered to the order box, determine whether the order box has completed the picking task. If not, control the order box conveyor line to transport the order box to the buffer mechanism for temporary storage.

[0257] When the cache mechanism can include a planar storage mechanism and a three-dimensional storage mechanism, the time when an order box that has passed the delivery position but has not been picked is hit again is determined.

[0258] If the time it takes to be hit again is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the corresponding order box is cached in the candidate channel and / or queuing channel; if the time it takes to be hit again is greater than the preset threshold, the corresponding order box is cached in the three-dimensional storage mechanism.

[0259] Understandably, if all the picking tasks for the order boxes are completed, the order boxes will not enter the buffer mechanism, but will flow directly out of the workstation from the order box conveyor line to complete the outbound process.

[0260] In some embodiments, after determining that the items in the raw material box have been delivered to the order box, the method further includes:

[0261] Determine whether the raw material box contains goods for other orders within a preset time period. If so, control the raw material box conveyor line to transport the raw material box to the return mechanism; otherwise, control the raw material box conveyor line to send the raw material box out of the workstation to put the raw material box into storage.

[0262] S104. The control buffer mechanism transports the temporarily stored order boxes to the delivery position according to the transport sequence, wherein the transport sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the picking position.

[0263] It should be noted that after an order box retrieved from the caching mechanism completes an order picking task, it will be checked again to see if all picking tasks have been completed. If all picking tasks are completed, the order box can flow directly out of the workstation to enter the next process. If the picking task corresponding to the order box is still not completed, the order box can be sent back to the caching mechanism for caching, that is, the above steps S103 and S104 are repeated until all picking tasks corresponding to the order box are completed.

[0264] The control methods for workstations during order processing are explained below.

[0265] Figure 41 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the steps of the order processing method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 42 A flowchart illustrating the order processing method provided in this application embodiment.

[0266] Please refer to Figures 41 to 42 and combined Figures 1 to 38 This application provides an order processing method, which is executed by a processor and includes:

[0267] S201. Receive multiple orders to be sorted, group the orders to be sorted into order groups, and assign the order groups to workstations.

[0268] An order group comprises one or more orders. For example, multiple orders to be sorted can be categorized into multiple order groups based on the overlap rate of goods, and orders in the same order group are assigned to the same workstation.

[0269] It is understood that the goods overlap rate refers to the overlap rate of target goods from different orders located in the same raw material bin or raw material bins with close storage locations. The workstation controller can preset a goods overlap rate threshold, such as 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. When the goods overlap rate of multiple received orders reaches or exceeds the threshold, the corresponding multiple orders are assigned to form an order group.

[0270] It should be noted that the warehousing system can be set up with multiple workstations, and orders in an order group can be assigned to the same workstation, thereby improving the efficiency of order processing. Furthermore, when moving the raw material boxes corresponding to the orders in the order group, the number of handling operations can be reduced and the handling path can be shortened, thus improving logistics efficiency.

[0271] S202. Send multiple handling tasks to the handling organization based on the cargo information of the orders to be sorted in the order group assigned to the workstation.

[0272] The handling equipment can be a handling robot or other mobile automated handling device. The controller of the workstation can send control commands to the handling equipment via wireless communication. Each control command can include one or more handling tasks.

[0273] In some embodiments, sending multiple handling tasks to the handling mechanism based on the goods information of the orders to be sorted in the order group assigned to the workstation may include the following steps:

[0274] Step 1: Obtain the average line-to-order ratio and average order overlap rate for all current orders on the workstation.

[0275] Step 2: Determine the number of handling tasks based on the number of orders at the workstation, the average line-to-order ratio, and the average order overlap rate.

[0276] The number of handling tasks can be calculated using the formula M = N * R * α, where M is the number of handling tasks, N is the number of orders, R is the average line-to-order ratio, and α is the average order overlap rate. The average line-to-order ratio is the average of the line-to-order ratios of all orders; for example, the line-to-order ratio for a single-line order is 1, and the line-to-order ratio for two-line orders is 2. The average order overlap rate is the average overlap rate of goods across all orders.

[0277] S203. Select the current handling task to be executed based on the number of vacant storage locations in the workstation's buffer mechanism, and control the handling mechanism to execute the current handling task; wherein, the buffer mechanism is used to store order boxes for which picking tasks have not been completed.

[0278] Understandably, the number of vacant storage locations in the caching facility will change dynamically as the workstation sorting task progresses. The workstation controller can obtain and monitor the number of vacant storage locations in the caching facility in real time, select a handling task based on the real-time value of the number of vacant storage locations, and send the selected handling task to the handling facility through control commands.

[0279] In some embodiments, selecting the current transfer task to be performed based on the number of vacant storage locations in the workstation's cache organization may include the following steps:

[0280] Determine if the number of vacant storage locations in the cache organization is greater than the dynamic warning value. If so, select the transfer task indiscriminately; otherwise, select the transfer task that will not occupy vacant storage locations.

[0281] Thus, when the number of vacant storage locations exceeds the dynamic warning value, it indicates that there are enough vacant locations in the caching facility to accommodate new order boxes. Therefore, the transport task can be selected indiscriminately. However, when the number of vacant storage locations is less than or equal to the dynamic warning value, it indicates that there are insufficient vacant storage locations in the caching facility. If the order boxes corresponding to the selected transport task occupy new vacant storage locations, it may lead to the caching facility becoming full and overloaded. Therefore, in this case, selecting transport tasks that will not occupy vacant storage locations ensures the continuous and stable operation of the workstations while avoiding the risk of the caching facility becoming overloaded.

[0282] It should be noted that the dynamic warning value can be a preset value in the controller of the workstation, and can be set or adjusted according to the specific logistics rate of the workstation. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the dynamic warning value.

[0283] In some embodiments, when an order is a single-line single-item order, multiple single-line single-item orders are combined into a single aggregate order and processed as a single order. The aggregate order includes single-line aggregate orders and multi-line aggregate orders.

[0284] For example, a handling task that does not occupy an empty storage space may include a handling task corresponding to a single-line multi-item order or a single-line collection order, or a handling task corresponding to the last and middle lines of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order.

[0285] It is understandable that a single-line, single-item order refers to an order containing only one target item. A single-line, multi-item order refers to an order containing multiple target items, and these multiple target items can be sorted in a single sorting operation; for example, multiple target items are located in the same material bin. A multi-line, multi-item order refers to an order containing multiple target items, and these multiple target items require multiple sorting operations to be sorted; for example, multiple target items are located in multiple different material bins.

[0286] In some embodiments, determining whether the number of vacant storage locations in the caching facility exceeds a dynamic warning value may specifically include the following steps:

[0287] Step 1: Obtain the number of empty storage spaces in the cache mechanism that the current handling task will occupy after sorting, and the number of empty storage spaces that will be generated.

[0288] Step 2: Determine the dynamic warning value based on the number of vacant storage spaces that will be occupied and the number of vacant storage spaces that will be generated.

[0289] For example, a dynamic warning value is determined based on the number of vacant storage spaces that will be occupied and the number of vacant storage spaces that will be generated, specifically including:

[0290] The dynamic warning value is determined according to the formula ST = Q, where S is the number of empty storage locations in the buffer facility that the current handling task will occupy after sorting, T is the number of empty storage locations that the current handling task will generate after sorting, and Q is the dynamic warning value.

[0291] The order processing method provided in this application embodiment, after controlling the handling mechanism to execute the handling task to be performed, further includes the following steps:

[0292] If the handling task is a handling task corresponding to a single-line multi-item order or a single-line aggregate order, the control workstation obtains an empty order box. After all the goods corresponding to the single-line multi-item order or the single-line aggregate order are delivered to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the workstation exit.

[0293] In this case, single-line multi-item orders or single-line combined orders can be completed with only one picking operation, without the need for temporary storage. The workstation exit refers to the downstream exit of the order conveyor line along its conveying direction. Order boxes flowing out of the workstation exit can enter the next logistics process, such as packaging.

[0294] It is understandable that a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order may include a first line and a last line, or a first line, a middle line and a last line. When picking an order, each line of the order corresponds to a handling task, and the handling tasks corresponding to the first line, the middle line and the last line can be executed sequentially.

[0295] For example, when a multi-line order or multi-line collection order includes a first line, a second line, a third line, and a fourth line, there are four corresponding handling tasks. The first line is the first line, the second and third lines are the middle lines, and the fourth line is the last line.

[0296] If the handling task is the handling task corresponding to the last line of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order, the control workstation obtains the order box corresponding to the multi-line order or multi-line collection order from the cache mechanism. After delivering the goods corresponding to the last line to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the workstation exit.

[0297] If the handling task is the handling task corresponding to the middle row of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order, the control workstation obtains the order box corresponding to the order or multi-line collection order from the caching mechanism. After delivering the goods corresponding to the middle row to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the caching mechanism for caching.

[0298] If the handling task is the handling task corresponding to the first line of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order, the control workstation obtains an empty order box. After delivering the goods corresponding to the first line to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the caching mechanism for caching.

[0299] In some embodiments, before sending multiple handling tasks to the handling mechanism based on the goods information of the orders to be sorted at the workstation, the following steps may also be included:

[0300] Step 1: Obtain the sorting efficiency of the workstation and the handling efficiency of the handling mechanism.

[0301] Step 2: Determine the number of handling mechanisms based on sorting efficiency and handling efficiency.

[0302] It is understandable that handling mechanisms can be of different types, and different similar handling mechanisms can have different handling efficiencies. When determining the number of handling mechanisms based on sorting efficiency and handling efficiency, different combinations of handling mechanisms can be used.

[0303] For example, if the average time a raw material box stays at the picking position for picking is 6 seconds, meaning the workstation consumes one raw material box every 6 seconds, then the handling mechanism needs to complete one handling task within 6 seconds. The first handling mechanism has a handling efficiency of 80 boxes / hour (45 seconds / box), and the second handling mechanism has a handling efficiency of 20 boxes / hour (180 seconds / box). To meet the workstation's 6-second / box rate, 7.5 units of the first handling mechanism and 30 units of the second handling mechanism are needed. In practice, allocating 8 units of the first handling mechanism and 30 units of the second handling mechanism is sufficient to meet the workstation's raw material box requirements. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the workstation's raw material box consumption rate or the handling efficiency of the handling mechanism.

[0304] It should be noted that the order processing method provided in this application embodiment can select the corresponding handling task according to the dynamic changes in the number of vacant storage locations in the caching institution, thereby avoiding the situation of the caching institution being overwhelmed during the goods sorting process, so as to ensure that the goods outbound sorting process can run continuously and efficiently and improve the sorting efficiency of goods.

[0305] This application also provides a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When executed, these instructions are used to implement the workstation control method described above. They are also used to implement the order processing method described above.

[0306] The storage medium can be a computer-readable storage medium or a communication medium. A communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, a computer-readable storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the computer-readable storage medium. Of course, the computer-readable storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the computer-readable storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the ASIC can be located in a user equipment. Furthermore, the processor and the computer-readable storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a communication device.

[0307] For example, the storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as Static Random-Access Memory (SRAM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0308] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A workstation, characterized in that, include: Sorting mechanism, the sorting mechanism comprising: A raw material bin conveyor line is configured to convey raw material bins for storing goods to be sorted, and the raw material bin conveyor line has at least one picking position; and An order box conveyor line is configured to transport order boxes for receiving goods sorted from raw material boxes. The order box conveyor line has at least one delivery position. When the raw material box arrives at the delivery position, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are removed and placed into the order box at the delivery position. A buffer mechanism, located to the side of the sorting mechanism, is used to buffer order boxes that have not completed their picking tasks and to transport the order boxes to the delivery position according to the conveying sequence, wherein the conveying sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position; The caching mechanism includes a three-dimensional storage mechanism and a two-dimensional storage mechanism; The planar storage mechanism includes a candidate channel, the order box conveyor line includes a picking channel, the candidate channel is located to the side of the picking channel, the delivery position is set on the picking channel, and the candidate channel is used to place candidate order boxes so as to transfer the candidate order boxes to the picking channel according to the conveying sequence; the candidate order boxes include order boxes that are directly conveyed from the delivery position to the candidate channel, or order boxes that are conveyed from the three-dimensional storage mechanism to the candidate channel.

2. The workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The three-dimensional storage mechanism includes a shelf, which includes a storage layer and a conveyor layer arranged vertically; the storage layer is used to temporarily store the order boxes that have not completed the picking task, and the conveyor layer is connected to the order box conveyor line.

3. The workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveyor layer has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the upstream of the order box conveyor line, and the inlet is connected to the downstream of the order box conveyor line.

4. The workstation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The order box conveyor line is equipped with transfer mechanisms at both ends along the conveying direction, and the transfer mechanisms at both ends of the order box conveyor line are respectively opposite to the inlet and the outlet.

5. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The candidate channel and the picking channel are parallel to each other. The candidate channel is equipped with a transfer mechanism, which is used to transfer the candidate order box to the picking channel in a direction perpendicular to the picking channel, so that the candidate order box arrives at the delivery position in the conveying order.

6. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The planar storage mechanism also includes a queuing channel located between the candidate channel and the picking channel, wherein the order boxes to be picked in the candidate channel are configured to pass through the queuing channel before entering the picking channel.

7. The workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that, The candidate channel, the queuing channel, and the picking channel are parallel to each other. The candidate channel is equipped with a transfer mechanism, which is used to transfer the candidate order box to the queuing channel in a direction perpendicular to the queuing channel, so as to queue the candidate order boxes in the queuing channel according to the conveying order, and then transport them from the queuing channel to the picking channel in sequence.

8. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a return line, which is located at the end of the candidate channel and the picking channel, and the return line connects the candidate channel and the picking channel; At least a portion of the order boxes that were not picked in the picking channel are returned to the candidate channel via the return line.

9. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes an empty box line and a full box line, wherein the empty box line is connected to the input end of the picking channel and is configured to deliver empty order boxes to the picking channel; The full box line is connected to the output end of the picking channel and is configured to receive the order boxes that have been picked in the picking channel.

10. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Both the order box conveyor line and the raw material box conveyor line are U-shaped and are arranged at least partially around the buffer mechanism.

11. The workstation according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the order box is conveyed in different directions on the order box conveyor line, different sides of the order box face the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line; and / or, when the raw material box is conveyed in different directions on the raw material box conveyor line, different sides of the raw material box face the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line.

12. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The conveying direction of the order box conveyor line is parallel to the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line.

13. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The sorting mechanism has a sorting position on the side opposite to the buffer mechanism.

14. The workstation according to claim 13, characterized in that, The raw material box conveyor line is located above the order box conveyor line; the raw material box conveyor line and the order box conveyor line are staggered in the horizontal direction, and the distance between the side of the raw material box conveyor line near the sorting position and the sorting position is greater than the distance between the side of the order box conveyor line near the sorting position and the sorting position.

15. The workstation according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The raw material box conveyor line has a raw material box inlet and a raw material box outlet, which are located at opposite ends of the raw material box conveyor line. The workstation also includes a return mechanism, which is connected at both ends to the raw material box inlet and the raw material box outlet, respectively.

16. The workstation according to claim 15, characterized in that, A reflux adjustment area is provided on the side of the raw material box inlet, and the reflux adjustment area is provided with a raw material box temporary storage position to adjust the conveying order of the raw material boxes.

17. A warehousing system, characterized in that, The system includes storage shelves, a handling mechanism, and a workstation as described in any one of claims 1-16, wherein the handling mechanism is configured to move raw material boxes to be sorted from the storage shelves to the workstation, or to move the sorted raw material boxes from the workstation to the storage shelves.

18. The warehousing system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The workstations are multiple, and the raw material box conveyor lines of the sorting mechanisms of adjacent workstations are interconnected; and / or, the order box conveyor lines of the sorting mechanisms of adjacent workstations are interconnected.

19. A workstation control method, characterized in that, The method, executed by the controller of the workstation, includes: Obtain order tasks; Control the raw material box conveyor line to transport the raw material box corresponding to the order task to the picking position of the raw material box conveyor line; Control the order box conveyor line to transport the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line; After confirming that the items in the raw material bin have been delivered to the order bin, it is determined whether the order bin has completed the picking task. If not, the order bin conveyor line is controlled to transport the order bin to the buffer mechanism for temporary storage; and The buffer mechanism is controlled to transport the temporarily stored order boxes to the delivery position according to the transport sequence, wherein the transport sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position; The step of controlling the order box conveyor line to transport the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line further includes: Determine whether the order corresponding to the raw material box is an order that has been processed but not yet completed; If so, the cache mechanism is controlled to provide the order box corresponding to the order to the order box conveyor line, which is temporarily stored in the cache mechanism; If not, the order box conveyor line is controlled to obtain an empty order box and transport it to the delivery position for processing the order; When the cache mechanism includes a planar storage mechanism and a three-dimensional storage mechanism, the time when an order box that has passed the delivery position but has not been picked is hit again is determined. If the time it takes to be hit again is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the corresponding order box will be cached in the candidate channel and / or the queuing channel. If the time it takes for the order to be hit again exceeds a preset threshold, the corresponding order box will be cached in the three-dimensional storage mechanism.

20. The workstation control method according to claim 19, characterized in that, After determining that the items in the raw material box have been delivered to the order box, the process further includes: If the raw material box contains goods for other orders within a preset time period, the system controls the raw material box conveyor line to transport the raw material box to the return mechanism; otherwise, the system controls the raw material box conveyor line to send the raw material box out of the workstation to put the raw material box into storage.

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