Multilayer container cargo loading and unloading station yard and container loading and unloading method

Abstract

The application provides a multi-layer container cargo loading and unloading station yard and a container loading and unloading method. The multi-layer container cargo loading and unloading station yard comprises a plurality of yard units, the yard units extend along a first direction, and the plurality of yard units are arranged on the ground in a second direction at intervals, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, the yard unit comprises a loading and unloading station platform arranged at the middle of the yard unit along the first direction, the loading and unloading station platform comprises multiple layers, a container yard arranged on one side of the loading and unloading station platform, a warehouse arranged on the other side of the loading and unloading station platform and crossing the plurality of yard units along the second direction, the warehouse comprises multiple layers, and a transportation channel arranged outside the yard unit and used for transporting containers and cargos between the plurality of yard units or other places.

Description

A multi-level container loading and unloading station and container loading and unloading method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of container yard technology, and in particular to a multi-level container loading and unloading station and a container loading and unloading method. Background Technology

[0002] The main function of container cargo loading and unloading services is to consolidate and distribute export goods from different origins but with the same destination in a specific area, or to split and distribute import container goods from the same origin but with different destinations in a specific area.

[0003] The existing container loading / unloading terminals have several drawbacks: the container tallying terminals requiring loading / unloading are separated from the relevant import / export container yards. Some are separated from the front-end yards and rear-end tallying terminals within the port area, while others are separated from the port area's yards and external container tallying terminals. This necessitates additional container road transport and customs clearance services via trucks. However, the loading / unloading and waiting processes result in significant time constraints for trucks, or require additional equipment at the terminals for container handling, leading to resource waste. Furthermore, loading / unloading terminals and flatbed warehouses generally require substantial land area, hindering the development of container ports and yards with limited land resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a multi-level container cargo loading and unloading station and container loading and unloading method to solve the resource waste problem caused by the separation of container tallying station and yard.

[0005] This invention provides a multi-level container loading and unloading station, comprising:

[0006] Multiple storage units extend along a first direction, and are spaced apart on the ground along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each storage unit includes:

[0007] The loading and unloading platform is located in the middle of the warehouse unit along the first direction, and the loading and unloading platform includes multiple layers;

[0008] The container yard is located on one side of the loading and unloading platform;

[0009] The warehouse spans multiple storage units along the second direction and is located on the other side of the loading and unloading platform. The warehouse includes multiple levels.

[0010] Transport corridors are set around the outside of the storage units and are used to transport containers and goods between multiple storage units or between different locations.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-level container loading and unloading station further includes a handling device, which includes:

[0012] Rail-mounted gantry cranes are installed within the warehouse unit, and their working area includes the warehouse unit and the transport channel.

[0013] Forklifts are installed in storage units and warehouses;

[0014] An elevator is located inside the warehouse.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the loading and unloading platform includes a multi-level platform, which is stacked in a stepped shape. Each platform has a container workstation on the unobstructed side in the vertical direction, and each platform is equipped with a forklift. Each platform is connected to the corresponding level of the warehouse.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further includes:

[0017] The freight platform is located on the other side of the warehouse unit. The freight platform is connected to the warehouse and transport channel, and forklifts are provided at the freight platform.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the transport channel passes through the ground floor of the warehouse, and the transport channel includes:

[0019] The on-site passage and the truck passage are used for transportation between multiple warehouse units and between warehouse units and other locations, respectively. The on-site passage and the truck passage are set up alternately so that one side of each warehouse unit is the on-site passage and the other side is the truck passage. The transportation passage is equipped with loading and unloading stations, which are located near the container loading and unloading platform.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the warehouse includes:

[0021] The cargo handling area is located on the side of each floor of the warehouse adjacent to the loading and unloading platform, and on the ground floor of the warehouse adjacent to the truck platform.

[0022] Shelving is installed in the middle of each floor of the warehouse along the first direction and adjacent to the goods handling area.

[0023] The present invention also provides a container loading and unloading method, including a loading process, the loading process including:

[0024] Pick up the container and move it to the loading / unloading platform;

[0025] Retrieve goods from the warehouse, process the goods, and move the goods to be packed to the packing / unpacking station.

[0026] Preparing for container loading involves loading goods into the container and then moving the loaded container to the container yard or transport channel.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the container loading and unloading method further includes an unloading process, which includes:

[0028] Pick up the container and move it to the loading / unloading platform;

[0029] Prepare for unpacking of containers, unpack and retrieve the goods.

[0030] Transport goods to the warehouse and process them;

[0031] After unpacking, the containers are moved to the container yard or transport channel.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, retrieving the container includes:

[0033] Retrieve containers from the container yard;

[0034] Containers are transferred from the transport corridor to the loading and unloading station of the transport corridor, and then retrieved from the loading and unloading station.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the container loading and unloading method further includes a cargo receiving and dispatching process, which includes:

[0036] Retrieve goods from the warehouse, process the goods, move the goods to the truck platform, load the goods onto the truck and ship them out;

[0037] Pick up the goods from the trucks entering the freight station, move the goods to the warehouse, process and store the goods.

[0038] The beneficial effects of the above-described technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0039] The multi-level container loading / unloading station and container loading / unloading method according to embodiments of the present invention, through the integrated layout of loading / unloading platforms, container yards, and warehouses, enables containers and goods to enter and exit the station without obstruction, saving the circulation time between containers and the platform or yard, and between goods and the platform or warehouse. The multi-level design of the loading / unloading platforms and warehouses allows the yard to handle more containers and goods simultaneously, improving operational efficiency and saving floor space. The transport channel surrounds the yard unit, facilitating the transfer of containers and goods. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 is a top view of the multi-level container loading and unloading station warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is a top view of the ground floor of a multi-level container loading and unloading station warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 is a front view of the multi-level container loading and unloading station yard according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the cargo receiving and dispatching process of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 100. Warehouse unit; 110. Container loading / unloading platform; 111. Container workstation; 120. Container yard; 130. Truck platform;

[0049] 200. Warehouse; 210. Goods handling area; 220. Shelving;

[0050] 300. Transportation access road; 310. On-site access road; 320. Truck access road; 330. Loading and unloading station;

[0051] 400. Rail crane; 410. Forklift; 420. Elevator. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] The following section, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes in detail the multi-level container loading and unloading station yard according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 1 shows a top view of a multi-level container loading and unloading station warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a top view of the ground floor of a multi-level container loading and unloading station warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 shows a front view of a multi-level container loading and unloading station warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a multi-level container loading / unloading yard (hereinafter referred to as a multi-level yard) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: multiple yard units 100, a warehouse 200, and a transport channel 300. The yard units 100 extend along a first direction, and the multiple yard units 100 are spaced apart on the ground along a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Each yard unit 100 includes a loading / unloading platform 110 and a container yard 120. The loading / unloading platform 110 is located in the middle of the yard unit 100 along the first direction, and includes multiple levels, for loading and unloading containers, and for handling goods within the containers. The container yard 120 is located on one side of the loading / unloading platform 110 (the left side of the loading / unloading platform 110 in Figure 1), for storing and managing containers. The warehouse 200 spans across the multiple yard units 100 along the second direction and is located on the other side of the loading / unloading platform 110 (the right side in Figure 1). Warehouse 200 comprises multiple levels for sorting, receiving, dispatching, and storing goods. Transport aisles 300 are arranged around the outside of warehouse units 100 for transporting containers and goods between multiple warehouse units 100 or outside the warehouse.

[0056] Specifically, when containers and cargo need to be processed, multiple storage units 100 in the multi-level storage yard can operate simultaneously. The integrated layout of the loading / unloading platform 110, container yard 120, and warehouse 200 allows containers and cargo to enter and exit the platform without obstruction, saving transit time between containers and the platform or yard, and between cargo and the platform or warehouse. The multi-level design of the loading / unloading platform 110 and warehouse 200 enables the storage yard to handle more containers and cargo simultaneously, improving operational efficiency and saving floor space. A transport corridor 300 surrounds the storage unit 100, facilitating the transfer of containers and cargo.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-layer warehouse may include four warehouse units 100. In other embodiments, the multi-layer warehouse may also include other numbers of warehouse units 100, such as two, three, or five. This invention does not limit the number of warehouse units to a single number.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-level warehouse may further include a handling device, which includes a rail-mounted crane 400, a forklift 410, and an elevator 420. The rail-mounted crane 400 is installed within the warehouse unit 100, and its working area includes the warehouse unit 100 and the transport channel 300. The forklift 410 is installed within the warehouse unit 100 and the warehouse 200. The elevator 420 is installed within the warehouse 200. The rail-mounted crane 400, forklift 410, and elevator 420 facilitate the movement of containers or goods, improving circulation efficiency.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the container loading / unloading platform 110 includes multiple platforms stacked in a stepped shape. Each platform has a container workstation 111 on its unobstructed vertical side (as shown in Figure 2, the left side of each level of the container loading / unloading platform 110). Each platform is equipped with a forklift 410, and each platform connects to a corresponding floor of the warehouse 200. A rail-mounted crane 400 can place containers on or retrieve containers from the container workstation 111. The forklift 410 can transport goods between the connected floors of the container loading / unloading platform 110 and the warehouse 200. By setting up multiple platforms and connecting them to the warehouse 200 via relevant passageways, a compact multi-level three-dimensional structure of the container loading / unloading platform 110 and warehouse 200 is formed. The container loading / unloading platform 110 can handle a larger number of containers simultaneously, improving operational efficiency and saving space.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the warehouse unit 100 may further include a truck platform 130, which is located on the other side of the warehouse unit 100. The truck platform 130 is connected to the warehouse 200 and the transport channel 300, and is equipped with a forklift 410. The truck platform 130 is used to realize real-time transportation of goods and improve the efficiency of goods circulation.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the present invention, the transport channel 300 passes through the ground floor of the warehouse 200. The transport channel 300 includes an internal channel 310 and a truck channel 320, which are used for transport between multiple warehouse units 100 and between warehouse units 100 and other locations, respectively. The internal channel 310 and the truck channel 320 are spaced apart, so that one side of each warehouse unit 100 is the internal channel 310 and the other side is the truck channel 320. The transport channel 300 is equipped with loading and unloading stations 330, which are adjacent to the container loading and unloading platform 110. Trucks at the loading and unloading stations 330 can directly transport containers to other locations or other warehouse units 100, or transport containers from other locations or other warehouse units 100 to the loading and unloading stations 330. The transport channel 300 enables real-time container transport, improving the efficiency of container circulation.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the warehouse 200 includes a goods handling area 210 and shelves 220. The goods handling area 210 is located on one side of each floor of the warehouse 200 adjacent to the loading / unloading platform 110, and on the ground floor of the warehouse 200 adjacent to the truck platform 130. The shelves 220 are located in the middle of each floor of the warehouse 200 along a first direction, adjacent to the goods handling area 210. The goods handling area 210 is used for distributing, picking, and inspecting goods. The adjacent design of the goods handling area 210 with the shelves 220, the loading / unloading platform 110, and the truck platform 130 improves the efficiency of goods handling.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the loading and unloading platform 110 and the warehouse 200 include three floors. In other embodiments, the loading and unloading platform 110 and the warehouse 200 may also include other numbers of floors, such as two, four, or five floors. This invention does not limit the number of floors to a single number.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the container yard 120 can stack both full container load (FCL) containers and less-than-container load (LCL) containers, and is also equipped with temporary storage spaces for LCL containers, thus realizing the multi-functional use of the yard.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the truck platform 130 is used for loading and unloading of goods from non-container trucks such as flatbed trucks and box trucks, as well as temporary loading and unloading of container trucks.

[0066] The following section, in conjunction with the multi-level warehouse structure illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, explains the methods for loading and unloading containerized cargo.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4 shows a flowchart of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 4, the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a loading process, which includes steps S100-S120.

[0069] S100, retrieve the container and move it to the loading / unloading platform 110.

[0070] In step S100, the container is retrieved by the rail-mounted crane 400 and can be transported to the container workstation 111 on any floor of the loading and unloading platform 110.

[0071] S110. Retrieve goods from warehouse 200, process the goods, and move the goods to be packed to the packing / unpacking platform 110.

[0072] In step S110, the goods are transported to the goods processing area 210 of the warehouse 200 by forklift 410 and elevator 420 for counting, sorting and packaging. Then, the sorted and packaged goods to be boxed are transported out of the warehouse 200 by forklift 410 and moved to the container workstation 111 of the loading and unloading platform 110.

[0073] S120. Prepare the containers to be loaded before loading, load the goods into the containers, and move the loaded containers to the container yard 120 or transport channel 300.

[0074] In step S120, the tally personnel perform pre-loading preparations such as verification, recording, and cleaning of the containers to be loaded. If there are containers to be inspected by customs, the inspection work must be completed before loading.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, steps S100-S120 can realize the container loading process, simplify the transportation and handling of containers and goods, and improve circulation efficiency.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5, Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a container unloading process, which includes steps S200-S230.

[0078] S200, retrieve the container and move it to the loading / unloading platform 110.

[0079] In step S200, the container is retrieved by the rail-mounted crane 400 and can be transported to the container workstation 111 on any floor of the loading and unloading platform 110.

[0080] S210. Prepare for unpacking of containers to be unpacked, unpack and retrieve the goods.

[0081] In step S210, the cargo handlers perform pre-unpacking preparations for the containers to be unloaded, including verification, unsealing, disinfection, and recording. If there are containers to be inspected by customs, the cargo inspection must be completed before unpacking.

[0082] S220. Transport the goods to warehouse 200 and process the goods.

[0083] In step S220, the goods are transported to the goods handling area 210 of the warehouse 200 by forklift 410 for inspection and sorting, and then the sorted and unpacked goods are transported from the goods handling area 210 to the shelf 220 for storage by forklift 410 and elevator 420.

[0084] S230, Move the unpacked container to container yard 120 or transport channel 300.

[0085] In step S230, the empty container after unpacking is lifted from the container work station 111 on the loading / unloading platform 110 by the rail crane 400 and transported to the container yard 120 for storage, or to the loading / unloading work station 330 on the transport channel 300.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, steps S200-S230 can realize the unpacking process of the container and simplify the transportation and handling of containers and goods, thereby improving circulation efficiency.

[0087] Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6, in one embodiment of the present invention, the retrieval of the container includes S300 and S310.

[0089] S300, retrieve container from container yard 120.

[0090] S310, Transfer the container through transport channel 300 to loading / unloading station 330 of transport channel 300, and retrieve the container from loading / unloading station 330.

[0091] In steps S300 and S310, the container is retrieved using a rail-mounted crane 400.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, steps S300-S310 enable the retrieval of containers and facilitate the gantry crane 400 to retrieve containers from more channels, thereby improving the flexibility of container transportation.

[0093] Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the cargo receiving and dispatching process of the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7, the container loading and unloading method according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a cargo receiving and dispatching process, which includes S400 and S410.

[0095] S400: Retrieve goods from warehouse 200, process the goods, move the goods to truck platform 130, load the goods onto the truck and ship them.

[0096] In step S400, the warehouse staff retrieves the goods to be loaded from the shelves 220 of the warehouse 200, and transports the goods to the goods processing area 210 for counting, sorting and packaging via forklift 410 and elevator 420. Then, the sorted and packaged goods to be loaded are transported out of the warehouse 200 by forklift 410 and moved to the vehicles to be loaded in the relevant work area of ​​the truck platform 130.

[0097] S410. Pick up the goods from the freight trucks entering the station at freight platform 130, move the goods to warehouse 200, process and store the goods.

[0098] In step S410, the warehouse staff retrieves the goods to be unloaded from the truck waiting to be unloaded vehicle in the truck platform 130, and transports the goods to the goods processing area 210 of the warehouse 200 for counting and sorting by forklift 410. Then, the sorted goods are transported from the goods processing area 210 to the shelf 220 for storage by forklift 410 and elevator 420.

[0099] In one embodiment of the present invention, steps S400-S410 can realize the cargo receiving and dispatching process, simplify the transportation and handling of trucks and cargo, and improve circulation efficiency.

[0100] In summary, the multi-level container cargo loading / unloading station and container loading / unloading method according to embodiments of the present invention, by integrating container yards, loading / unloading platforms, and warehouses, reduces the circulation time between containers and platforms or yards, and between goods and platforms or warehouses. Furthermore, the multi-level loading / unloading platforms and warehouses increase the number of containers and goods that can be handled simultaneously, improving operational efficiency and saving space. The multi-level container cargo loading / unloading station integrates container receiving, dispatching, unloading, loading, cargo storage, and container stacking functions, greatly expanding the scale of container cargo operations and facilitating the realization of intelligent operation management.

[0101] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship also changes accordingly.

[0102] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-level container loading and unloading station / warehouse, characterized in that, include: Multiple storage units extend along a first direction and are spaced apart on the ground along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each storage unit includes: a container loading / unloading platform located at the center of the storage unit along the first direction, the platform comprising multiple levels; a container yard located on one side of the loading / unloading platform; a warehouse spanning the multiple storage units along the second direction and located on the other side of the loading / unloading platform, the warehouse comprising multiple levels; and a transport channel surrounding the outside of the storage unit for... The system transports the containers and goods between the multiple warehouse units or between different locations; the handling device includes: a rail-mounted gantry crane, which is installed within the warehouse unit and whose working area includes the warehouse unit and the transport channel; a forklift, which is installed within the warehouse unit and the warehouse; an elevator, which is installed within the warehouse; and a loading / unloading platform comprising multiple platforms stacked in a stepped shape, each platform having a container workstation on its unobstructed vertical side, each platform having a forklift, and each platform connecting to the corresponding level of the warehouse.

2. The multi-level container loading and unloading yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warehouse unit also includes a truck platform, which is located on the other side of the warehouse unit. The truck platform is connected to the warehouse and the transport channel, and the truck platform is equipped with the forklift.

3. The multi-level container loading and unloading yard according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport channel passes through the ground floor of the warehouse and includes an internal channel and a truck channel, which are used for transport between the multiple warehouse units and between the warehouse units and the external location, respectively. The internal channel and the truck channel are spaced apart so that one side of each warehouse unit is the internal channel and the other side is the truck channel. The transport channel is equipped with loading and unloading stations, which are adjacent to the container loading and unloading platform.

4. The multi-level container loading and unloading station / warehouse according to claim 2, characterized in that, The warehouse includes: a cargo handling area located on one side of each floor of the warehouse adjacent to the loading / unloading platform, and on the ground floor of the warehouse adjacent to the truck platform; and shelving located in the middle of each floor of the warehouse along the first direction, adjacent to the cargo handling area.

5. A method for loading and unloading containers, characterized in that, The invention is applied to a multi-level container cargo loading and unloading station as described in any one of claims 1-4, and includes a loading process, the loading process comprising: retrieving the container and transporting it to the loading and unloading station; retrieving goods from the warehouse, processing the goods, and transporting the goods to be loaded to the loading and unloading station; performing pre-loading preparation work on the container to be loaded, loading the goods into the container, and transporting the loaded container to the container yard or the transport channel.

6. The container loading and unloading method according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a decontamination process, which includes: retrieving the container and transporting it to the loading / unloading platform; performing pre-decontamination preparation work on the container to be decontaminated, decontaminating and retrieving the goods; transporting the goods to the warehouse and processing the goods; and transporting the decontaminated container to the container yard or the transportation channel.

7. The container loading and unloading method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retrieval of the container includes: retrieving the container from the container yard; transferring the container through the transport channel to the loading and unloading station of the transport channel; and retrieving the container from the loading and unloading station.

8. The container loading and unloading method according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a cargo receiving and dispatching process, which includes: retrieving goods from the warehouse, processing the goods, transporting the goods to the freight car platform, loading the goods onto a truck and dispatching them; retrieving the goods from a truck entering the freight car platform, transporting the goods to the warehouse, processing the goods and storing them.

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