A pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system

CN118753809BActive Publication Date: 2026-09-01江苏达实久信智慧物流系统有限公司 +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411151050.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-21
Publication Date
2026-09-01
Estimated Expiration
2044-08-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

其中,气动物流传输效率高传输速度快,但是所有的传输站点都要加设传输站,站点之间还要架设管道,难以覆盖医院全部科室,而AGV物流传输系统无法适用到跨越楼层的物品传输

Benefits of technology

[0035] The positive effects of this invention are: after adopting the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system and method of this invention, because this invention includes:

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Abstract

This invention relates to a pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system and method. Its innovation lies in the following: it includes a pneumatic logistics transmission system, an AGV transmission system, and pneumatic AGV transfer stations. The pneumatic logistics transmission system comprises a host computer, a network switch, and multiple domain groups. Each domain group includes a domain controller and several pneumatic stations communicatively connected to it. The domain controllers of each domain group communicate with each other through the network switch, which is also communicatively connected to the host computer. The AGV transmission system includes an AGV server and several AGV robots communicatively connected to it. The host computer and the AGV server communicate via network cables. The pneumatic stations connect with the AGV robots through the pneumatic AGV transfer stations. This invention combines the pneumatic logistics transmission system and the AGV logistics transmission system to establish full coverage of the receiving and sending areas, achieving not only high transmission efficiency but also wide coverage.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a logistics transportation system, specifically a pneumatic AGV logistics transportation system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, medical pneumatic transport systems connect various departments in a hospital through receiving and dispatching workstations and transport pipelines. Converters enable communication between different areas, and a computer-controlled fan system transfers items between departments using carriers.

[0003] Typically, hospitals have only 1-2 receiving and dispatching stations per floor. Using a pneumatic tube transport system, the carriers are transported via pipelines to various stations, departments, and workstations. However, having only 1-2 receiving and dispatching stations per floor makes receiving and dispatching items inconvenient, preventing medications from being delivered to every department and every workstation. This not only increases labor costs but also significantly reduces work efficiency.

[0004] In AGV logistics transport systems, AGVs can go to almost any department in a hospital, but due to the presence of pedestrians and independent elevators in the hospital, the efficiency is low and the transport is slow. The large-scale use of AGVs can easily cause congestion in hospital corridors and is also costly.

[0005] Therefore, existing pneumatic logistics transport systems and AGV logistics transport systems each have their advantages and disadvantages. Pneumatic logistics transport is highly efficient and fast, but each transport station requires additional facilities, and pipelines must be laid between stations, making it difficult to cover all departments in a hospital. AGV logistics transport systems, on the other hand, are not suitable for transporting goods across floors. When using either system independently, users always encounter the pain points of each system, thus making it difficult for users to be willing to use the logistics transport system due to its ease of use and efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a logistics transmission system that can not only meet the requirements of fast and efficient cross-floor transmission, but also improve the efficiency of receiving and sending, so that items can be delivered to every department and post, and the transmission system can cover a wide area. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pneumatic AGV logistics transport system that combines a pneumatic logistics transport system and an AGV logistics transport system to establish full coverage of the receiving and dispatching areas, which not only has high transport efficiency but also a wide coverage area.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is: a pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system, the innovation of which lies in: comprising:

[0009] A pneumatic logistics transport system, wherein the pneumatic logistics transport system uses air as power, uses carriers as logistics transport vehicles, and connects the logistics transport paths via pipelines.

[0010] An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transport system is an automated logistics transport system that uses a server network to control AGVs.

[0011] A pneumatic AGV transfer station, which serves as an interactive hub between the pneumatic logistics transport system and the AGV transport system.

[0012] The pneumatic logistics transport system includes a host computer, a network switch, and multiple domain groups. The host computer displays the operational status of the pneumatic logistics transport system. Each domain group includes a domain controller and several pneumatic stations. The pneumatic stations serve as the starting / ending points for pneumatic transport tasks, used for sending and receiving logistics tasks. Different pneumatic stations are connected via transmission pipelines.

[0013] Each domain group has several pneumatic stations that communicate with the domain controller of that group. The domain controller of each domain group serves as the control center for all devices within the pneumatic transmission line and communicates with each other through a network switch. The network switch also communicates with the host computer for demonstration purposes.

[0014] The AGV transport system includes an AGV server and several AGV robots. The AGV server serves as the control center for all AGV robots and coordinates various tasks of the AGV robots through network control. The AGV robots are automated vehicles that automatically drive or pull cargo trolleys to designated locations while loading goods and following a set route.

[0015] Each AGV robot is connected to the AGV server, and the host computer and the AGV server communicate via network cable.

[0016] The pneumatic station connects with the AGV robot through the pneumatic AGV transfer station, enabling pneumatic logistics to be integrated with AGV logistics.

[0017] The specific transmission steps are as follows:

[0018] Any pneumatic station issues a transmission task command, which is then uploaded to the display host computer via the domain controller. The display host computer synchronizes the transmission task command to the AGV server. Simultaneously, this pneumatic station acts as the originating station, and the pneumatic AGV transfer station receiving the carrier acts as the receiving station.

[0019] After receiving the instruction, the domain controller plans the transmission path. The carrier carrying the goods is released from the originating station into the pipeline and then transmitted to the pneumatic AGV transfer station according to the transmission path. After receiving the carrier, the pneumatic AGV transfer station will wait for the AGV robot.

[0020] The AGV server receives the transmission task instruction and sends a control signal to the corresponding AGV robot. After receiving the instruction, the AGV robot goes to the pneumatic AGV transfer station to wait.

[0021] After the AGV server confirms that the AGV robot has arrived at the designated location, the domain controller sends the corresponding instruction to the pneumatic AGV transfer station and releases the waiting carrier. The carrier falls onto the AGV robot, which then delivers the carrier to the designated destination department.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the pneumatic AGV transfer station includes a station housing, an upper connecting pipe, an intermediate conversion mechanism, and a lower connecting pipe.

[0023] The station enclosure is equipped with a support plate, which divides the internal space of the station enclosure into an upper chamber and a lower chamber.

[0024] The upper connecting pipe is located in the upper cavity of the station housing and is used to connect to the transmission pipeline. A section of the upper connecting pipe is located outside the station housing. The upper connecting pipe is equipped with a photoelectric sensor for sensing the carrier.

[0025] The lower connecting pipe is located in the lower cavity of the station housing and is used to connect with the AGV robot. A section of the lower connecting pipe extends out of the station housing.

[0026] The upper and lower connecting pipes are arranged coaxially on the station housing, forming a channel for the carrier to fall from the transmission pipe into the AGV robot. There is a gap between the upper and lower connecting pipes.

[0027] The pallet is equipped with an intermediate conversion mechanism, which includes a motor and a clamping plate for engaging the carrier. The drive shaft of the motor is connected to the clamping plate, allowing the clamping plate to slide linearly relative to the pallet. When the AGV robot has not reached the lower connecting pipe, the drive motor moves the clamping plate to the gap between the upper and lower connecting pipes to intercept the carrier that has fallen into the upper connecting pipe via the transmission pipeline and wait. At the same time, the pneumatic AGV transfer station confirms the carrier's position through a photoelectric sensor and sends feedback to the domain controller. When the AGV robot reaches the lower connecting pipe, the drive motor moves the clamping plate in the opposite direction again, and the carrier falls onto the AGV robot via the lower connecting pipe.

[0028] In the above technical solution, the intermediate conversion mechanism further includes a support plate and a guide plate. The support plate is fixed on the support plate, and the clamping plate is disposed between the support plate and the support plate. The motor is mounted on the support plate, and the drive shaft of the motor is connected to one end of the guide plate. The other end of the guide plate is provided with a guide block that is inserted into the limiting groove of the clamping plate. Under the action of the guide plate, the drive motor can make the clamping plate slide linearly back and forth relative to the support plate.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the support plate is provided with two position sensors arranged separately along its length direction for detecting the position of the card plate. One position sensor is close to the limiting groove of the card plate, and the other position sensor is close to the upper connecting pipe. The card plate is provided with a magnet that can undergo magnetic induction change with the position sensor.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the support plate has a cavity for accommodating the card plate, and the card plate is disposed in the space formed by the support plate and the cavity of the support plate.

[0031] In the above technical solution, the flange at one end of the upper connecting pipe is detachably connected to the support plate, and the other end passes through the top plate of the station box. The flange at one end of the lower connecting pipe is fixed to the support plate by fasteners, and the other end passes through the bottom plate of the station box.

[0032] In the above technical solution, the card plate has a U-shaped bayonet for holding the transfer bottle, and the inner diameter of the U-shaped bayonet of the card plate is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower connecting pipe.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the inner walls at both ends of the station box are provided with tray supports, and the two ends of the tray are detachably connected to the corresponding tray supports.

[0034] In the above technical solution, several pneumatic stations in each domain group are connected to the domain controller of the group via a CAN communication bus.

[0035] The positive effects of this invention are: after adopting the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system and method of this invention, because this invention includes:

[0036] A pneumatic logistics transport system, wherein the pneumatic logistics transport system uses air as power, uses carriers as logistics transport vehicles, and connects the logistics transport paths via pipelines.

[0037] An AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transport system is an automated logistics transport system that uses a server network to control AGVs.

[0038] A pneumatic AGV transfer station, which serves as an interactive hub between the pneumatic logistics transport system and the AGV transport system.

[0039] The pneumatic logistics transport system includes a host computer, a network switch, and multiple domain groups. The host computer displays the operational status of the pneumatic logistics transport system. Each domain group includes a domain controller and several pneumatic stations. The pneumatic stations serve as the starting / ending points for pneumatic transport tasks, used for sending and receiving logistics tasks. Different pneumatic stations are connected via transmission pipelines.

[0040] Each domain group has several pneumatic stations that communicate with the domain controller of that group. The domain controller of each domain group serves as the control center for all devices within the pneumatic transmission line and communicates with each other through a network switch. The network switch also communicates with the host computer for demonstration purposes.

[0041] The AGV transport system includes an AGV server and several AGV robots. The AGV server serves as the control center for all AGV robots and coordinates various tasks of the AGV robots through network control. The AGV robots are automated vehicles that automatically drive or pull cargo trolleys to designated locations while loading goods and following a set route.

[0042] Each AGV robot is connected to the AGV server, and the host computer and the AGV server communicate via network cable.

[0043] The pneumatic station connects with the AGV robot through the pneumatic AGV transfer station, enabling pneumatic logistics to be integrated with AGV logistics.

[0044] The specific transmission steps are as follows:

[0045] Any pneumatic station issues a transmission task command, which is then uploaded to the display host computer via the domain controller. The display host computer synchronizes the transmission task command to the AGV server. Simultaneously, this pneumatic station acts as the originating station, and the pneumatic AGV transfer station receiving the carrier acts as the receiving station.

[0046] After receiving the instruction, the domain controller plans the transmission path. The carrier carrying the goods is released from the originating station into the pipeline and then transmitted to the pneumatic AGV transfer station according to the transmission path. After receiving the carrier, the pneumatic AGV transfer station will wait for the AGV robot.

[0047] The AGV server receives the transmission task instruction and sends a control signal to the corresponding AGV robot. After receiving the instruction, the AGV robot goes to the pneumatic AGV transfer station to wait.

[0048] After the AGV server confirms that the AGV robot has arrived at the designated location, the pneumatic AGV transfer station releases the waiting carrier, and the carrier falls onto the AGV robot, which then delivers the carrier to the designated destination department.

[0049] Because this invention adds a pneumatic AGV transfer station, it combines the pneumatic logistics transmission system and the AGV logistics transmission system. This allows the carriers of goods to be transported across floors via the pneumatic logistics transmission system and also carried and distributed via the AGV logistics transmission system. This enables goods to be delivered to every department and work station, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies where too few receiving and dispatching stations prevent goods from being delivered to every department and work station. It also avoids the problems of congestion in hospital corridors caused by excessive AGV use, as well as the drawbacks of low distribution efficiency and high costs. This invention achieves full coverage of the distribution area, not only reducing labor transportation costs but also improving work efficiency and effectively solving the problem of inadequate transmission in large systems. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a topological diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transmission process of the system of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the pneumatic AGV transfer station of the present invention (with one side plate removed);

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the intermediate conversion mechanism in the process;

[0054] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure after removing the support plate;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a specific embodiment provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and the given embodiments, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, a pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system includes:

[0058] A pneumatic logistics transport system 1, which uses air as power, a carrier as the transport medium, and a pipeline connecting the transport paths, is a logistics transport system.

[0059] AGV transport system 2 is an automated logistics transport system that controls AGVs through a server network.

[0060] Pneumatic AGV transfer station 3, which serves as an interactive hub between pneumatic logistics transmission system 1 and AGV transmission system 2.

[0061] The pneumatic logistics transmission system 1 includes a host computer 11, a network switch 12, and multiple domain groups. The host computer 11 is used to display the operational status of the pneumatic logistics transmission system. Each domain group includes a domain controller 13 and several pneumatic stations 14. The pneumatic stations 14 serve as the starting / ending points for pneumatic transmission tasks, used for receiving and sending logistics tasks. Different pneumatic stations 14 are connected to each other through transmission pipelines.

[0062] Each domain group has several pneumatic stations 14 that are communicatively connected to the domain controller 13 of that group. The domain controller 13 of each domain group serves as the control center for all devices within the pneumatic transmission line and communicates with each other through a network switch 12. The network switch 12 is also communicatively connected to the host computer 11.

[0063] The AGV transport system 2 includes an AGV server 21 and several AGV robots 22. The AGV server 21 serves as the control center for all AGV robots and coordinates various tasks of the AGV robots through network control. The AGV robots 22 are automated vehicles that automatically drive or pull cargo carts to designated locations while loading goods and following a set route.

[0064] Each AGV robot 22 is connected to the AGV server 21, and the host computer 11 communicates with the AGV server 21 via a network cable.

[0065] The pneumatic station 14 connects with the AGV robot 22 through the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3, enabling pneumatic logistics to connect with AGV logistics.

[0066] The specific transmission steps are as follows:

[0067] Any pneumatic station 14 issues a transmission task command and uploads it to the display host computer 11 via the domain controller 13. The display host computer 11 then synchronizes the transmission task command to the AGV server 21. Simultaneously, this pneumatic station acts as the originating station, and the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 acts as the receiving station.

[0068] After receiving the instruction, the domain controller 13 plans the transmission path. The carrier carrying the goods is released from the originating station into the pipeline and then transmitted to the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 according to the transmission path. After receiving the carrier, the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 will wait for the AGV robot 22.

[0069] The AGV server 21 receives the transmission task instruction and sends a control signal to the corresponding AGV robot 22. After receiving the instruction, the AGV robot 22 goes to the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 to wait.

[0070] After the AGV server 21 confirms that the AGV robot 22 has arrived at the designated location, the domain controller 13 sends the corresponding instruction to the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 and releases the waiting carrier. The carrier falls onto the AGV robot 22, and the AGV robot 22 delivers the carrier to the designated destination department.

[0071] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, in order to connect the pneumatic transport logistics system and the AGV transport logistics system and integrate them into a single system, the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 includes a station housing 31, an upper connecting pipe 32, an intermediate conversion mechanism 33, and a lower connecting pipe 34.

[0072] The station housing 31 is equipped with a tray 311 inside, which divides the internal space of the station housing 31 into an upper chamber and a lower chamber.

[0073] The upper connecting pipe 32 is located in the upper cavity of the station housing 31 and is used to connect to the transmission pipeline. A section of the upper connecting pipe 32 is located outside the station housing 31. The upper connecting pipe 32 is equipped with a photoelectric sensor for sensing the carrier.

[0074] The lower connecting pipe 34 is located in the lower cavity of the station housing 31 and is used to connect with the AGV robot. A section of the lower connecting pipe 34 extends out of the station housing 31.

[0075] The upper connecting pipe 32 and the lower connecting pipe 34 are arranged coaxially on the station housing 31, forming a channel for the carrier to fall from the transmission pipe into the AGV robot. There is a gap between the upper connecting pipe 32 and the lower connecting pipe 34.

[0076] The pallet 311 is equipped with an intermediate conversion mechanism 33, which includes a motor 331 and a clamping plate 332 for engaging the carrier. The drive shaft of the motor 331 is connected to the clamping plate 332, allowing the clamping plate 332 to slide linearly relative to the pallet 311. When the AGV robot has not reached the lower connecting pipe 34, the drive motor 331 moves the clamping plate 332 to the gap between the upper connecting pipe 32 and the lower connecting pipe 34 to intercept the carrier that has fallen into the upper connecting pipe 32 through the transmission pipeline and wait. At the same time, the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 confirms the carrier's position through a photoelectric sensor and feeds back to the domain controller 13. When the AGV robot reaches the lower connecting pipe 34, the drive motor 331 moves the clamping plate 332 in the opposite direction again, and the carrier falls onto the AGV robot through the lower connecting pipe 34. Specifically, when the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 does not receive any transmission instructions, the clamping plate 332 is always stuck in the gap between the upper connecting pipe 32 and the lower connecting pipe 34. When any pneumatic station issues a transmission task instruction, the carrier will move to the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 under the conveying action of the pneumatic logistics transmission system 1 and fall into the upper connecting pipe 32. The clamping plate 332 prevents the carrier from falling. After the photoelectric sensor confirms that the carrier is in place, it sends a corresponding signal to the domain controller 13. When the AGV server 21 confirms that the AGV robot 22 has reached the designated position, the domain controller 13 controls the drive motor 331 to move, causing the clamping plate 332 to move in the opposite direction. The pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 releases the waiting carrier, which falls into the AGV robot 22.

[0077] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown, to ensure structural compactness and the stability of the linear motion of the pallet, the intermediate conversion mechanism 33 further includes a support plate 333 and a guide plate 334. The support plate 333 is fixed on the support plate 311, and the pallet 332 is disposed between the support plate 311 and the support plate 333. The motor 331 is mounted on the support plate 333, and the drive shaft of the motor 331 is connected to one end of the guide plate 334. The other end of the guide plate 334 is provided with a guide block that is inserted into the limiting groove 3321 of the pallet 332. Under the action of the guide plate 334, the drive motor 331 can make the pallet 332 slide linearly back and forth relative to the support plate 311.

[0078] like Figure 4As shown, in order to monitor the current position of the pallet and prevent damage to the carrier due to misoperation caused by the pallet failing to effectively intercept the AGV robot before it arrives, the support plate 333 is equipped with two position sensors 335 arranged separately along its length to detect the position of the pallet 332. One position sensor 335 is close to the limiting groove 3321 of the pallet 332, and the other position sensor 335 is close to the upper connecting pipe 32. The pallet 332 is equipped with a magnet that can undergo magnetic induction changes with the position sensors 35. Specifically, the two position sensors send corresponding signals to the domain controller to reflect the current position information of the pallet 332, further ensuring the passage status of the current pneumatic AGV transfer station 3.

[0079] Furthermore, in order to ensure the smooth sliding of the card plate between the support plate and the tray, the support plate 333 has a cavity for accommodating the card plate 332, and the card plate 332 is disposed in the space formed by the tray 311 and the cavity of the support plate 333.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to make the structure more reasonable and to facilitate the assembly of components and the fixing of connecting pipes, the flange at one end of the upper connecting pipe 32 is detachably connected to the support plate 333, and the other end passes through the top plate of the station box 31. The flange at one end of the lower connecting pipe 34 is fixed to the support plate 311 by fasteners, and the other end passes through the bottom plate of the station box 31.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to effectively engage and intercept the transfer bottle, the clamping plate 332 has a U-shaped opening for engaging the transfer bottle, and the inner diameter of the U-shaped opening of the clamping plate 332 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower connecting pipe 34.

[0082] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, in order to facilitate the fixing of the tray, tray support seats 312 are provided on the inner walls at both ends of the station box 31, and the two ends of the tray 311 are detachably connected to the corresponding tray support seats 312.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, in order to achieve high-speed information exchange between pneumatic stations and domain controllers, several pneumatic stations 14 in each domain group are connected to the domain controller 13 of that group via a CAN communication bus.

[0084] The pneumatic stations in the pneumatic logistics transmission system 1 of the present invention can be compared to bus stops, and each pneumatic station is equipped with an operable human-machine interface. Users can send pneumatic transmission tasks through the human-machine interface and also confirm the receipt of the carrier through the human-machine interface.

[0085] The pneumatic logistics transmission system 1 also includes a wind pressure switch 15 for providing power and a three-way converter 16 for switching connecting pipes, wherein,

[0086] The air pressure switcher uses a turbine fan to power the system and features both blowing and suction airflow directions, as well as two speed settings: fast and sufficient. The blowing and suction modes are switched by changing the fan's ductwork, thus pushing the carrier back within the transmission duct. The air pressure is also adjustable.

[0087] The three-way converter switches the air duct connection to the corresponding transmission pipeline. Specifically, it adopts a design with one inlet and three outlets. Both the inlet and outlet are connected to the external transmission pipeline. The converter is equipped with a movable connecting pipe, which is controlled by a motor to connect the inlet to the designated outlet.

[0088] The AGV robot 22 in the AGV transmission system 2 of the present invention is called an automated guided vehicle, and several AGV robots 22 are parked in the designated AGV parking area.

[0089] This invention establishes multiple domain groups within a hospital building, with each domain group containing several pneumatic stations. These pneumatic stations are managed by a domain controller. Specific embodiments of this invention are provided for further explanation of the system.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, taking the transfer of items from the outpatient department on the first floor to the operating room on the third floor as an example,

[0091] The user issues a transmission task command to the operating room on the third floor via the human-machine interface on the outpatient pneumatic station 14. After receiving the command, the domain controller 13 plans the transmission path. Simultaneously, the domain controller 13 uploads the command to the display host computer 11, and the display host computer 11 synchronizes the transmission task command to the AGV server 21.

[0092] After the carrier is released from the outpatient pneumatic station into the pipeline, the domain controller 13 controls the three-way converter to switch to position 0 to connect to the outpatient pneumatic station.

[0093] The domain controller 13 controls the air pressure switcher to use a rapid suction mode to draw the carrier into the buffer pipe between the three-way converter and the air pressure switcher. After the carrier trigger sensor is in position, the domain controller 13 controls the air pressure switcher to stop working again.

[0094] The domain controller 13 controls the three-way converter to switch to position 1, and controls the air pressure switch to use a slow suction mode to blow the carrier into the station box 31 of the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 set up in the operating room on the third floor.

[0095] The AGV server 21 receives the transmission task instruction and sends a control signal to the corresponding AGV robot 22. After receiving the instruction, the AGV robot 22 goes to the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 to wait.

[0096] After the AGV server 21 confirms that the AGV robot 22 has arrived at the designated location, it opens the top cover. At this time, the domain controller 13 sends the corresponding instruction to the pneumatic AGV transfer station 3 and releases the waiting carrier. The carrier falls into the AGV robot 22 and closes the cover. The AGV robot 22 delivers the carrier to the designated destination department. A licensed person or a person using a specific IC card opens the unlock door, takes out the carrier, and closes the unlock door after confirming that it has been taken out. One pneumatic AGV logistics transfer task is completed.

[0097] Because this invention adds a pneumatic AGV transfer station, it combines the pneumatic logistics transmission system and the AGV logistics transmission system. This allows the carriers of goods to be transported across floors via the pneumatic logistics transmission system and also carried and distributed via the AGV logistics transmission system. This enables goods to be delivered to every department and work station, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies where too few receiving and dispatching stations prevent goods from being delivered to every department and work station. It also avoids the problems of congestion in hospital corridors caused by excessive AGV use, as well as the drawbacks of low distribution efficiency and high costs. This invention achieves full coverage of the distribution area, not only reducing labor transportation costs but also improving work efficiency and effectively solving the problem of inadequate transmission in large systems.

[0098] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A transmission method for a pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system, characterized in that: The transmission system includes: A pneumatic logistics transport system (1), wherein the pneumatic logistics transport system (1) uses air as power, uses a carrier as a logistics transport vehicle, and uses pipelines to connect the logistics transport paths. AGV transmission system (2), wherein the AGV transmission system (2) controls AGVs through server networking to perform automated logistics transmission. A pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) is used to establish an interactive hub between the pneumatic logistics transmission system (1) and the AGV transmission system (2). The pneumatic logistics transmission system (1) includes a display host computer (11), a network switch (12), and multiple domain groups. The display host computer (11) is used to display the operating status of the pneumatic logistics transmission system. Each domain group includes a domain controller (13) and several pneumatic stations (14). The pneumatic stations (14) serve as the starting / ending points for pneumatic transmission tasks and are used for receiving and sending logistics tasks. Different pneumatic stations (14) are connected to each other through transmission pipelines. Several pneumatic stations (14) in each domain group are communicatively connected to the domain controller (13) of that group. The domain controller (13) of each domain group serves as the control center for all devices within the pneumatic transmission line and communicates with each other through a network switch (12). The network switch (12) is also communicatively connected to the host computer (11). The AGV transmission system (2) includes an AGV server (21) and several AGV robots (22). The AGV server (21) serves as the control center for all AGV robots and coordinates various tasks of the AGV robots through network control. The AGV robots (22) are automated vehicles that load goods and automatically drive or pull cargo carts to designated locations along a set route. Each AGV robot (22) is connected to the AGV server (21), and the host computer (11) communicates with the AGV server (21) via a network cable. The pneumatic station (14) is connected to the AGV robot (22) through the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3), enabling pneumatic logistics to connect with AGV logistics. The specific transmission steps are as follows: Any pneumatic station (14) issues a transmission task instruction and uploads it to the display host computer (11) through the domain controller (13). The display host computer (11) then synchronizes the transmission task instruction to the AGV server (21). At the same time, the pneumatic station acts as the originating station, and the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) of the receiving carrier acts as the receiving station. After receiving the instruction, the domain controller (13) plans the transmission path. After the carrier carrying the goods is released from the originating station into the pipeline, it is transmitted to the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) according to the transmission path. After receiving the carrier, the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) will start waiting for the AGV robot (22). The AGV server (21) receives the transmission task instruction and sends a control signal to the corresponding AGV robot (22). After receiving the instruction, the AGV robot (22) goes to the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) to wait. After the AGV server (21) confirms that the AGV robot (22) has arrived at the designated location, the domain controller (13) sends the corresponding instruction to the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) and releases the waiting carrier. The carrier falls onto the AGV robot (22), and the AGV robot (22) delivers the carrier to the designated destination department.

2. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) includes a station housing (31), an upper connecting pipe (32), an intermediate conversion mechanism (33), and a lower connecting pipe (34). The station housing (31) is provided with a tray (311) inside, and the tray (311) divides the internal space of the station housing (31) into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper connecting pipe (32) is located in the upper cavity of the station box (31) and is used to connect to the transmission pipeline. A section of the upper connecting pipe (32) is located outside the station box (31). The upper connecting pipe (32) is equipped with a photoelectric sensor for sensing the carrier. The lower connecting pipe (34) is located in the lower cavity of the station housing (31) and is used to connect with the AGV robot. A section of the lower connecting pipe (34) extends out of the station housing (31). The upper connecting pipe (32) and the lower connecting pipe (34) are arranged coaxially on the station box (31), forming a channel for the carrier to fall from the transmission pipe into the AGV robot. There is a gap between the upper connecting pipe (32) and the lower connecting pipe (34). The pallet (311) is provided with an intermediate conversion mechanism (33), which includes a motor (331) and a clamping plate (332) for clamping the carrier. The drive shaft of the motor (331) is connected to the clamping plate (332) for transmission, so that the clamping plate (332) slides linearly relative to the pallet (311). When the AGV robot has not reached the lower connecting pipe (34), the drive motor (331) moves the clamping plate (332) to the gap between the upper connecting pipe (32) and the lower connecting pipe (34) to intercept the carrier that has fallen into the upper connecting pipe (32) through the transmission pipeline and wait. At the same time, the pneumatic AGV transfer station (3) confirms the carrier is in place through the photoelectric sensor and feeds back to the domain controller (13). When the AGV robot reaches the lower connecting pipe (34), the drive motor (331) moves the clamping plate (332) in the opposite direction again, and the carrier falls onto the AGV robot through the lower connecting pipe (34).

3. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The intermediate conversion mechanism (33) further includes a support plate (333) and a guide plate (334). The support plate (333) is fixed on the support plate (311). The clamping plate (332) is located between the support plate (311) and the support plate (333). The motor (331) is mounted on the support plate (333), and the drive shaft of the motor (331) is connected to one end of the guide plate (334). The other end of the guide plate (334) is provided with a guide block that is inserted into the limiting groove (3321) of the clamping plate (332). Under the action of the guide plate (334), the drive motor (331) can make the clamping plate (332) slide linearly back and forth relative to the support plate (311).

4. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support plate (333) is provided with two position sensors (335) arranged separately along its length direction for detecting the position of the card plate (332). One position sensor (335) is close to the limiting groove (3321) of the card plate (332), and the other position sensor (335) is close to the upper connecting pipe (32). The card plate (332) is provided with a magnet that can undergo magnetic induction change with the position sensor (335).

5. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support plate (333) has a cavity for accommodating the card plate (332), and the card plate (332) is disposed in the space formed by the support plate (311) and the cavity of the support plate (333).

6. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flange at one end of the upper connecting pipe (32) is detachably connected to the support plate (333), and the other end passes through the top plate of the station box (31). The flange at one end of the lower connecting pipe (34) is fixed to the support plate (311) by fasteners, and the other end passes through the bottom plate of the station box (31).

7. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The card plate (332) has a U-shaped bayonet for holding the transfer bottle, and the inner diameter of the U-shaped bayonet of the card plate (332) is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower connecting pipe (34).

8. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner walls at both ends of the station box (31) are provided with tray support seats (312), and the two ends of the tray (311) are respectively detachably connected to the corresponding tray support seats (312).

9. The transmission method of the pneumatic AGV logistics transmission system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several pneumatic stations (14) in each domain group communicate with the domain controller (13) of the group via a CAN communication bus.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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