Article picking system and picking method

Abstract

The application discloses an article picking system and a picking method, relates to the technical field of warehouse logistics equipment, and aims to solve the technical problem of low utilization of warehouse robots and low overall warehouse-out efficiency when the warehouse robots are in a double-cycle operation mode and slow-selling products also need to be put out of the warehouse. The article picking system comprises: a first type of bin used for containing a first type of article with a high picking frequency; a second type of bin used for containing a second type of article with a low picking frequency; a picking station used for picking a target article in the first type of bin or the second type of bin; the picking station comprises a conveying line; a temporary storage area used for temporarily storing the second type of bin after picking; a control module used for sending a picking instruction according to an order task; and a warehouse robot used for transferring the first type of bin or the second type of bin to the picking station according to the picking instruction and putting the first type of bin back into the warehouse. The article picking system disclosed by the application is used for picking articles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of warehousing and logistics equipment technology, and in particular to an item picking system and picking method. Background Technology

[0002] Warehouse robots are increasingly widely used in the warehousing field. The mainstream operation mode is the "bin-to-person" mode, which involves transporting bins to the picking station for workers to pick. This operation mode has a high degree of unitization.

[0003] The current mainstream "bin-to-person" work mode requires warehouse robots to perform two pick-and-place operations for each task: first, the bin is placed at the picking station, and then returned to its storage location after picking. This work mode is defined as a double-loop operation mode. However, when warehouse robots are operating in this double-loop mode and slow-moving goods also need to be shipped out, the utilization rate of the warehouse robots is low, resulting in low overall outbound efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this disclosure provides an item picking system and picking method that can improve the utilization rate of warehouse robots, thereby improving the overall outbound efficiency.

[0005] The item picking system and picking method provided in this disclosure have the following advantages;

[0006] The item picking system and method provided in this disclosure categorize items into first-class and second-class items based on their picking frequency, and place them in corresponding first-class and second-class bins. The picking station identifies the corresponding bins and completes the item picking operation. After the picking operation is completed, the first-class bins are returned to the warehouse via a warehouse robot, while the second-class bins are temporarily stored in a temporary storage area.

[0007] In related technologies, warehouse robots employ a dual-cycle operation mode. When outbound, the bins are first placed at the picking station for picking, and then returned to the warehouse. In this mode, bins containing frequently picked items are returned to the warehouse without distinction between them and bins containing frequently picked items. Especially during peak picking periods, using warehouse robots to return bins containing less frequently picked items consumes the robot's resources, preventing it from focusing its resources on picking frequently picked items, resulting in poor overall outbound efficiency.

[0008] The item picking system and method provided in this disclosure allow for the use of a warehouse robot to return the first type of item to the warehouse after the items in the first and second type of item bins have been picked. This means that the warehouse robot uses a double-cycle operation mode for the first type of item bin. Furthermore, the second type of item bin is temporarily stored in the temporary storage area of ​​the picking station to postpone the return of the second type of item bin to the warehouse. This means that the warehouse robot uses a single-cycle operation mode for the second type of item bin.

[0009] This setup allows more warehouse robots to return the first type of bins to the warehouse. Especially during peak picking periods, warehouse robots can be concentrated on handling the picking of frequently picked items, thereby improving the utilization rate of warehouse robots and enhancing overall outbound efficiency.

[0010] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure, 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 item picking system and picking method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, 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 implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure 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 disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 A top view of the item picking system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 A side view of an item picking system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the communication link between the control module and the electronic tag, warning device, and identification device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the steps of the item picking method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0016] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the steps of the item picking method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2 .

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0018] 10 - Picking Station;

[0019] 11-Conveyor line; 111-Feeding port; 112-Return to storage port;

[0020] 20 - Temporary storage shelves;

[0021] 21-Transfer Layer;

[0022] 22-Partition layer;

[0023] 23-Electronic tags;

[0024] 24- Warning device;

[0025] 30 - Identification device;

[0026] 40 - Control Module;

[0027] 50 - Second type of bin;

[0028] 100-Item Picking System. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In related technologies, when warehouse robots operate in a dual-cycle mode and slow-moving goods also need to be shipped out, the utilization rate of the warehouse robots is low, resulting in low overall outbound efficiency. The inventors discovered that this problem arises because the warehouse robots use a dual-cycle operation mode: when shipping out goods, the boxes must first be placed at the picking station for picking, and after picking, the boxes must be returned to the warehouse.

[0030] In this operational mode, bins containing items with low picking frequency and bins containing items with high picking frequency are both returned to the warehouse without distinction. Especially during peak picking periods, using warehouse robots to return bins containing low-frequency picking items consumes the warehouse robot's resources, preventing the warehouse robot from focusing its resources on picking tasks for high-frequency picking items, resulting in poor overall outbound efficiency.

[0031] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides an item picking system and method. Items are categorized into a first category and a second category based on their picking frequency, and placed into corresponding first and second category bins. A picking station identifies the corresponding bins and completes the item picking operation. After the picking operation is completed, the first category bins are returned to the warehouse via a warehouse robot, while the second category bins are temporarily stored in a temporary storage area. In other words, the warehouse robot uses a dual-cycle operation mode for the first category bins and a single-cycle operation mode for the second category bins.

[0032] This setup allows more warehouse robots to return the first type of bins to the warehouse. Especially during peak picking periods, warehouse robots can be concentrated on handling the picking of frequently picked items, thereby improving the utilization rate of warehouse robots and enhancing overall outbound efficiency.

[0033] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0034] To facilitate the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the coordinate system in the accompanying drawings will be explained first. The X-axis direction is defined as the first direction, which is the forward and backward movement direction of the picking station. The Y-axis direction is defined as the second direction, which is the width direction of the picking station. The Z-axis direction is defined as the third direction, which is the height direction of the picking station.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the item picking system 100 provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure is used for picking items. The item picking system 100 includes a picking station 10, a temporary storage area, a warehouse robot (not shown in the figure), a first type of bin (not shown in the figure), and a second type of bin 50, wherein the first type of bin is used to hold items that are picked more frequently, and such items can be defined as first type items.

[0036] Furthermore, the first category of items is also called best-selling items. The items in the first category bin are not limited to the same type of item; they can also be different items, but all of them can be best-selling items. For example, items that are picked frequently, when their picking frequency exceeds a first threshold, are defined as best-selling items. Best-selling items whose picking frequency exceeds the first threshold can also be classified according to their picking frequency, but this is not limited here.

[0037] Correspondingly, the second type bin 50 is used to hold items that are picked less frequently. These items can be defined as second-category items, also known as slow-moving goods. The items in the second-category bin 50 are not limited to the same type of item; they can also be different items, but all different items are slow-moving goods. For example, second-category items with a picking frequency less than or equal to the first threshold are slow-moving goods. Slow-moving goods with a picking frequency less than or equal to the first threshold can also be classified according to their picking frequency, but this is not limited here.

[0038] Picking station 10 is used to pick target items from either the first type bin or the second type bin 50. Exemplarily, picking station 10 includes a conveyor line 11 and picking positions. The conveyor line 11 includes a drive unit and multiple conveyor rollers arranged along a transport path. The drive unit drives the conveyor rollers to rotate, allowing the bins to move along the transport path and pass through the picking positions. The conveyor line 11 may also be a conveyor belt; this is not limited thereto.

[0039] Furthermore, the conveyor line 11 extends along the first direction and includes a loading port 111 and a return port 112. The picking station is located between the loading port 111 and the return port 112, and the loading port 111 and the return port 112 cooperate with the warehouse robot. During outbound processing, the warehouse robot transfers the first type of bin or the second type of bin 50 from the storage rack to the picking station 10, and conveys the first type of bin or the second type of bin 50 to the conveyor line 11 through the loading port 111. The first type of bin or the second type of bin 50 is picked at the picking station. After the picking operation is completed, the first type of bin or the second type of bin 50 is transferred to the return port 112.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the item picking system 100 provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a control module 40 and an identification device 30. The control module 40 can be configured as a scheduling computer, which is located in a scheduling center. The control module 40 is used to receive order tasks and send picking instructions to the warehouse robot according to the order tasks. The warehouse robot transfers the first type of material box or the second type of material box to the picking station according to the picking instructions, and returns the picked first type of material box to the warehouse.

[0041] Furthermore, the control module 40 is signal-linked with the identification device 30 to establish communication between them. The identification device 30 is mounted on the conveyor line 11 and is used to identify the hoppers on the conveyor line 11. For example, the identification device 30 is configured as a barcode reader, which can identify the pattern on the hopper to determine whether the current hopper is a first-type hopper or a second-type hopper 50. The identified patterns of the first-type hopper and the second-type hopper 50 are different, and the identified pattern can be a barcode or a QR code.

[0042] For example, if the selected bin on the current conveyor line 11 is a first-type bin, the control module 40 issues an instruction to the warehouse robot to return the first-type bin to the warehouse. The warehouse robot then moves to the return port 112 and can further transfer the first-type bin to the warehouse shelf. Conversely, if the selected bin on the current conveyor line 11 is a second-type bin 50, the second-type bin 50 is configured to be temporarily stored in the temporary storage area. Furthermore, the control module 40 can issue an instruction to the warehouse robot to continue executing the next instruction, such as returning or taking out the first-type bin.

[0043] In this embodiment, the temporary storage area is located near the return port 112 and is used to temporarily store the second type of material box 50 after it has been picked. The temporary storage area includes at least one temporary storage shelf 20, which is located on one side of the conveyor line 11 along the second direction and is connected to the return port 112.

[0044] For example, a transplanting mechanism is installed near the return port 112 of the conveyor line 11. The transplanting mechanism can communicate with the control module 40. When the material box on the conveyor line 11 is a second type of material box 50, the transplanting mechanism is activated, which can tilt some of the transmission rollers toward one side of the temporary storage shelf 20 so that the second type of material box 50 is transferred to the temporary storage shelf 20 and further buffered on the temporary storage shelf 20.

[0045] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the second type of material bin 50 can be manually transferred to the temporary storage shelf 20, and this disclosure does not limit this method. Preferably, the second type of material bin 50 is transferred to the temporary storage shelf 20 using a transfer mechanism to improve operational efficiency.

[0046] In related technologies, warehouse robots employ a dual-cycle operation mode. When outbound, the bins are first placed at the picking station for picking, and then returned to the warehouse. In this mode, bins containing second-category items (slow-moving items) and first-category items (hot-selling items) are returned to the warehouse without distinction. Especially during peak picking periods, using warehouse robots to return second-category bins consumes their resources, resulting in low robot utilization. This prevents the focus on picking hot-selling items, leading to poor overall outbound efficiency.

[0047] The item picking system 100 provided in this embodiment can use a warehouse robot to return the first type of material box to the warehouse after the items in the first type of material box and the second type of material box 50 are picked. That is, the warehouse robot adopts a double-cycle operation mode for the first type of material box. Furthermore, the second type of material box 50 is temporarily stored in the temporary storage area of ​​the picking station 10 to postpone the return of the second type of material box 50 to the warehouse. That is, the warehouse robot adopts a single-cycle operation mode for the second type of material box 50.

[0048] This setup allows more warehouse robots to return the first type of bins to the warehouse. Especially during peak picking periods, warehouse robots can be concentrated on handling the picking of frequently picked items, thereby improving the utilization rate of warehouse robots and enhancing overall outbound efficiency.

[0049] To further improve the utilization rate of warehouse robots and enhance overall outbound efficiency, this embodiment of the present disclosure can configure warehouse robots as a first warehouse robot and a second warehouse robot. Accordingly, the picking instructions issued by the control module include a first picking instruction and a second picking instruction, which are respectively sent to the first warehouse robot and the second warehouse robot.

[0050] The first warehouse robot transfers the first type of bins to the picking station according to the first picking instruction. After the first type of bins are picked, they can be returned to the warehouse. That is, the first warehouse robot operates in a dual-cycle mode and is used to carry out outbound and return of the first type of bins.

[0051] The second warehouse robot transfers the second type of boxes to the picking station according to the second picking instruction, thus completing its task. This means the second warehouse robot operates in a single-cycle mode, used for outbound processing of the second type of boxes. Understandably, after completing its task, the second warehouse robot can receive further instructions to return the first type of boxes to the warehouse. When it is necessary to return the second type of boxes from the temporary storage area, the second warehouse robot can be controlled to do so.

[0052] Continue reading Figure 2 The temporary storage rack 20 provided in this embodiment includes at least one partition layer 22 spaced apart along its height direction. Each partition layer 22 has at least one temporary storage location for temporarily storing second type of material boxes on the temporary storage rack 20. It is understood that one of the partition layers 22 is connected to a conveyor line to facilitate the transfer of second type of material boxes from the conveyor line to the temporary storage rack.

[0053] In another embodiment, the temporary storage rack further includes at least one transfer layer 21 disposed along the height of the conveyor line, the transfer layer 21 being configured as a flow floor; or, one of the partition layers 22 being configured as the transfer layer 21.

[0054] Preferably, along the height direction of the temporary storage rack (which is consistent with the third direction), the flow layer and the partition layer 22 can be arranged at intervals, wherein the height between two adjacent layers needs to match the height of the material bins. For example, along the third direction, the height of the flow layer matches the conveyor line 11, and the flow layer is connected to the return port 112. Under the action of the transfer mechanism, the second type of material bin 50 can be transferred to the flow layer through the return port 112.

[0055] In some embodiments, at least one partition layer 22 is provided above and below the flow layer along a third direction, and each partition layer 22 is used to temporarily store the second type of material box 50. For example, the flow layer has a flow strip, and the second type of material box 50 can move on the flow strip. The flow strip may or may not be equipped with a power source, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0056] Furthermore, the temporary storage rack 20 is also equipped with a lifting mechanism to transfer the second type of material box 50 between the flow layer and the partition layer 22. The lifting mechanism can be configured according to conventional mechanisms in the art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment. The transfer layer 21 can also be other forms, such as a conveyor belt, as long as it can transport the second type of material box, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0057] Based on the above embodiments, the second type of material box 50 in this embodiment is temporarily stored on the temporary storage shelf 20. In order to ensure that the second type of items can be picked again while they are temporarily stored on the temporary storage shelf 20, an electronic tag 23 is provided in each temporary storage location in this embodiment, and the electronic tag 23 is associated with the second type of material box 50.

[0058] Specifically, the temporary storage rack 20 has at least one temporary storage location, which can be arranged on the partition layer 22, and each temporary storage location has one or more corresponding electronic tags 23, which are associated with the second type of bin 50.

[0059] Electronic tag 23 is communicatively linked to control module 40. When the item in the picking order issued by control module 40 is a second-category item, and this second-category item is located in the second-category bin 50 of the temporary storage area, the corresponding electronic tag 23 is illuminated. That is, when the second-category item in the second-category bin 50 corresponding to electronic tag 23 needs to be picked, electronic tag 23 illuminates. This setting can remind picking operators to proceed to the next step to pick from the second-category bin 50.

[0060] And / or, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic tag 23 can be used as a trigger switch. When it is necessary to return the second type of material box 50 on the temporary storage shelf 20 to the warehouse, the electronic tag 23 can be pressed. When the electronic tag 23 is triggered, the control module 40 controls the warehouse robot to transfer the second type of material box 50 corresponding to the electronic tag 23 back to the warehouse. The warehouse robot will preferentially select the second warehouse robot.

[0061] For example, when the second type of material box 50 on the temporary storage shelf 20 needs to be returned to the warehouse, the flow rails and lifting mechanism on the temporary storage shelf 20 will move the second type of material box 50 to be transferred to the exit of the transfer layer 21. At the same time, the control module 40 controls the warehouse robot to move to the exit and further transfer the second type of material box 50 to the warehouse shelf.

[0062] Based on the above embodiments, the item picking system 100 provided in this disclosure also includes an alarm device 24. The alarm device 24 is signal-linked to the control module 40. The alarm device 24 is configured to work when a second type of item is picked on the temporary storage shelf 20, so as to remind the picking operator to perform the next operation to pick the second type of material box 50.

[0063] For example, the warning device 24 includes a warning light and a speaker. When the second type of bin 50 is cached on the cache shelf, the item picking system 100 will still identify it as a bin in stock. When the second type of item in the second type of bin 50 is picked, the warning light will light up and an alarm sound will be emitted. At this time, the electronic tag 23 of the selected second type of bin 50 will light up.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides a picking method based on the above-described item picking system 100, including the following steps:

[0065] Step S100: Define the first category and the second category of items based on the frequency of item picking. Specifically, the item picking system 100 obtains the frequency of item picking based on historical order information, and classifies the items into the first category and the second category according to the picking frequency.

[0066] For example, the control module 40 of the item picking system 100 divides all items into multiple levels, namely A to F, according to the frequency of picking. Among them, the items of levels A to D are defined as the first category of items, also known as hot-selling items, and the items of levels E and F are defined as the second category of items, also known as slow-moving items. That is, the picking frequency of items of levels A to D is higher than the first threshold, and the picking frequency of items of levels E and F is equal to or lower than the first threshold.

[0067] Step S200: Define a first-class container and a second-class container 50 according to the types of items contained in the container. Specifically, when the items contained in the container are defined as first-class goods, the container is defined as a first-class container. The items in the first-class container are not limited to the same type of items, but can also be different items, as long as the different items are all best-selling products.

[0068] Similarly, when the items contained in the bin are defined as Class II goods, the bin is defined as Class II bin 50. The items in Class II bin 50 are not limited to the same type of goods; they can also be different items, but all of them must be slow-moving goods. To distinguish between Class I bins and Class II bins 50, the identification patterns on Class I bins and Class II bins 50 are different. These identification patterns can be barcodes or QR codes.

[0069] Step S300: Receive picking instructions, and the warehouse robot will transfer the first type of bin or the second type of bin to the picking station.

[0070] Specifically, the control module sends picking instructions to the warehouse robot based on the order task. The warehouse robot can then transfer either the first or second type of bins to the picking station according to the picking instructions. For example, the warehouse robot can transfer either the first or second type of bins to the conveyor line via the loading port.

[0071] Step S400: Determine whether the currently selected bin is a first-class bin.

[0072] Specifically, the picking station 10 includes a conveyor line 11 and picking positions, and the identification device 30 can be installed on the conveyor line 11. The identification device 30 is a code reader, which can identify the pattern of the material box to obtain the pattern information of the current material box, and transmit the pattern information of the identified pattern to the control module 40. The control module 40 determines whether the material box being picked is a first-type material box based on the pattern information.

[0073] If the currently picked bin is a type 1 bin, then step S410 is executed: the warehouse robot is dispatched to return the picked type 1 bin to the warehouse. For example, if the currently picked bin on the conveyor line 11 is a type 1 bin, then the control module 40 issues an instruction to the warehouse robot to return the type 1 bin to the warehouse. The warehouse robot then moves to the return port 112 and further moves the type 1 bin to the warehouse shelf, i.e., the type 1 bin is returned to the warehouse.

[0074] If the currently picked bin is a second type bin 50, then step S420 is executed: the second type bin 50 is transferred to the temporary storage area. For example, if the currently picked bin on the conveyor line 11 is a second type bin 50, then the second type bin 50 is transferred to the temporary storage shelf 20 in the temporary storage area; for example, the second type bin 50 can be transferred to the temporary storage shelf 20 manually.

[0075] Alternatively, a transfer mechanism can be installed near the return port 112 on the conveyor line 11. This transfer mechanism can communicate with the control module 40. When the material box on the conveyor line 11 is a second-type material box 50, the transfer mechanism can tilt some of the drive rollers towards one side of the temporary storage shelf 20, so that the second-type material box 50 is transferred onto the temporary storage shelf 20, i.e., the second-type material box 50 is buffered on the temporary storage shelf 20. At the same time, the control module 40 issues a command to the warehouse robot to continue executing the next instruction, i.e., the warehouse robot transfers the second-type material box 50 to the conveyor line 11, thus completing the task and continuing to execute the next task, which could be returning the first-type material box to the warehouse. This improves the utilization efficiency of the warehouse robot.

[0076] The picking method provided in this embodiment allows for the use of a warehouse robot to return the first type of bin to the warehouse after the items in the first and second type of bins 50 have been picked. This means the warehouse robot uses a double-cycle operation mode for the first type of bin. Furthermore, the second type of bin 50 is temporarily stored in the temporary storage area of ​​the picking station 10 to postpone the return of the second type of bin 50 to the warehouse. This means the warehouse robot uses a single-cycle operation mode for the second type of bin 50.

[0077] This setup allows more warehouse robots to return the first type of bins to the warehouse. Especially during peak picking periods, warehouse robots can be concentrated on picking items that are picked frequently, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of warehouse robots and the overall outbound efficiency.

[0078] Based on the above embodiments, the picking method provided in this disclosure can configure the warehouse robot as a first warehouse robot and a second warehouse robot. Accordingly, the picking instructions issued by the control unit include a first picking instruction and a second picking instruction, wherein the first picking instruction can be received by the first warehouse robot and the second picking instruction can be received by the second warehouse robot.

[0079] Furthermore, the first warehouse robot receives the first picking instruction and transfers the first type of bins to the picking station. After the first type of bins are picked, they can be returned to the warehouse. That is, the first warehouse robot uses a dual operation mode to transfer the first type of bins.

[0080] After receiving the second picking instruction, the second warehouse robot transfers the second type of bins to the picking station, thus completing its task. In other words, the second warehouse robot adopts a single-cycle operation mode for outbound processing of the second type of bins. After completing its task, the second warehouse robot can further receive instructions from the control module to return the first type of bins to the warehouse or execute other task instructions. With this configuration, the picking method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure dedicates the allocation of slow-moving and fast-moving product orders to dedicated warehouse robots, which can further improve the utilization rate of warehouse robots and thus improve overall outbound efficiency.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the picking method provided in this embodiment further includes step S500: determining whether the current warehouse robot's task is saturated; if yes, scheduling the warehouse robot to execute the order to be picked; if no, scheduling the warehouse robot to return the second type of material box 50 temporarily stored in the temporary storage area to the warehouse.

[0082] Specifically, the control module 40 determines whether the warehouse robots are saturated with their tasks based on the current number of orders to be picked and the number of warehouse robots. For example, the control module 40 of the scheduling system calculates the number of boxes each warehouse robot should be assigned to handle based on the number of orders to be picked, or even the number of orders to be picked in the future, and the number of warehouse robots in the current work area, and determines whether the warehouse robots are saturated with their tasks based on the working capacity of each warehouse robot.

[0083] For example, the efficiency of each warehouse robot docking with the conveyor line 11 in a double-cycle operation is generally 23 to 28 boxes / hour. If the number of boxes transferred by the current warehouse robot is close to or exceeds its working capacity, it is judged that the warehouse robot is in a saturated state; otherwise, it is in an unsaturated state.

[0084] If the warehouse robot is under full load, then step S510 is executed: the warehouse robot is scheduled to execute the picking orders, and the second type of material box 50 temporarily stored on the warehouse shelf is not returned to the warehouse. If the warehouse robot is not under full load, then step S520 is executed: the warehouse robot is scheduled to return the second type of material box 50 temporarily stored in the temporary storage area to the warehouse, which will not be elaborated here.

[0085] Based on the above embodiments, the picking method provided in this disclosure further includes actively returning the second type of material boxes 50 temporarily stored in the temporary storage area to the warehouse. For example, picking personnel actively return the second type of material boxes 50 to the warehouse based on the storage status of the second type of material boxes 50 in the temporary storage area and the picking status.

[0086] Specifically, when the second type of material box 50 on the temporary storage shelf 20 needs to be returned to the warehouse, the picking operator can press the electronic tag 23. The electronic tag 23 is triggered and transmitted to the control module 40. Upon receiving the instruction that the electronic tag has been triggered, the control module 40 controls the warehouse robot to transfer the second type of material box 50 corresponding to the electronic tag 23 back to the warehouse. With this configuration, the second type of material box 50 temporarily stored in the temporary storage area in this embodiment of the disclosure provides different return methods to ensure the smooth completion of the overall outbound task.

[0087] The various embodiments or implementation methods described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0088] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0089] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0090] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "below," "under," "above," and "above" may be used to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to other elements or features as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0091] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although this disclosure 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 disclosure.

Claims

1. An item picking system, characterized in that, include: The first type of bin is used to hold first type items that are picked more than the first threshold. The second type of bin is used to hold second type items whose picking frequency does not exceed the first threshold. A picking station is used to pick target items from the first type of bin or the second type of bin; the picking station includes a conveyor line, which has a loading port and a return port; A temporary storage area is located near the return port, and the temporary storage area is used to temporarily store the second type of material bins after they have been picked. The control module is used to receive order tasks and send picking instructions according to the order tasks; A warehouse robot is used to transfer the first type of bin or the second type of bin to the picking station according to the picking instruction, and to return the first type of bin to the warehouse from the return port; The control module determines whether the warehouse robots are saturated based on the current number of orders to be picked and the number of warehouse robots. If so, the warehouse robots are scheduled to execute the orders to be picked, and the second type of material boxes temporarily stored in the temporary storage area are not returned to the warehouse. If not, the warehouse robots are scheduled to return the second type of material boxes temporarily stored in the temporary storage area to the warehouse.

2. The item picking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The picking instructions sent by the control module include a first picking instruction and a second picking instruction; The warehouse robot includes a first warehouse robot and a second warehouse robot; The first warehouse robot is used to transfer the first type of bins to the picking station according to the first picking instruction, and to return the first type of bins to the warehouse. The second warehouse robot is used to transfer the second type of bins to the picking station according to the second picking instruction, and to return the first type of bins to the warehouse.

3. The item picking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temporary storage area includes at least one temporary storage shelf; The temporary storage rack includes at least one shelf layer spaced apart along its height; the shelf layer is connected to the conveyor line; The partition layer includes at least one temporary storage location for temporarily storing the second type of material bins.

4. The item picking system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temporary storage rack also includes at least one transfer layer disposed along the height of the conveyor line; The transfer layer is connected to the conveyor line to transfer the second type of hopper to the partition layer.

5. The item picking system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The temporary storage rack also includes an alarm device that is signal-linked to the control module; The warning device is configured to activate when a second type of item is picked from the temporary storage shelf.

6. The item picking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The item picking system also includes an identification device that is signal-linked to the control module; The identification device is installed on the conveyor line and is used to identify the type of the bin being picked.

7. A picking method based on the item picking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, include: Based on the frequency of item picking, a first category and a second category of items are defined; items with a picking frequency higher than a first threshold are classified as first category items; items with a picking frequency lower than the first threshold are classified as second category items. Based on the types of items contained in the bins, we define Class I bins and Class II bins; Upon receiving a picking instruction, the warehouse robot transfers either the first or second type of bin to the picking station. Determine whether the currently selected bin is a first-class bin; If yes, the warehouse robot will be dispatched to return the first type of bins to the warehouse after they have been picked; otherwise, the second type of bins will be transferred to the temporary storage area.

8. The picking method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The picking instructions include a first picking instruction and a second picking instruction; The warehouse robot includes a first warehouse robot and a second warehouse robot; The first warehouse robot transfers the first type of bin to the picking station according to the first picking instruction and returns it to the warehouse; The second warehouse robot transfers the second type of bin to the picking station according to the second picking instruction.

9. The picking method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The item picking system includes a control module; The picking method further includes: the control module determines whether the warehouse robot's task is saturated based on the current number of orders to be picked and the number of warehouse robots; if so, the warehouse robot is scheduled to execute the orders to be picked, and the second type of material boxes temporarily stored in the temporary storage area are not returned to the warehouse; if not, the warehouse robot is scheduled to return the second type of material boxes temporarily stored in the temporary storage area to the warehouse.

10. The picking method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temporary storage area includes at least one temporary storage shelf, and the temporary storage shelf also includes at least one temporary storage location, with each temporary storage location corresponding to an electronic tag; The electronic tag is communicatively linked to the control module of the item picking system; When the control module receives an instruction that the electronic tag has been triggered, the control module controls the warehouse robot to transfer the second type of material box corresponding to the electronic tag back to the warehouse.

11. The picking method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The item picking system also includes an identification device and a control module linked to its signal; The determination of whether the currently selected bin is a first-type bin includes: The identification device identifies the material box and transmits the identification information to the control module; The control module determines the type of the currently selected bin based on the identification information.

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