A method for quickly moving goods in a multi-depth stereoscopic warehouse based on a WCS system

Abstract

This invention provides a rapid cargo transfer method for multi-depth automated warehouses (AWWC) based on a WCS system, which solves the problem that existing transfer methods are not applicable to cargo removal at greater depths in multi-depth AWWs. The method includes: Step 1: Obtaining the storage location information of the cargo to be removed; Step 2: Determining if there are obstructions; if so, obtaining the storage sequence and proceeding to Step 3; if not, proceeding to Step 5; Step 3: Determining if there are empty storage locations; if so, forming an empty storage location sequence, calculating the distance between each empty storage location and the storage location of the obstruction with the highest sequence number, selecting the nearest empty storage location; creating a transfer task, removing the current obstruction's storage location information and occupying the empty storage location, and proceeding to Step 4; if not, providing feedback; Step 4: Determining if transfer tasks have been created for all obstruction storage locations; if so, executing all transfer tasks sequentially and then proceeding to Step 5; otherwise, returning to Step 3; Step 5: Idle transport equipment executes the outbound task.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for rapid transfer of goods, specifically a method for rapid transfer of goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS (Warehouse Control System). Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the level of automation and intelligence in the logistics and warehousing field is increasing, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) play a crucial role in intelligent warehousing, serving as an important component. AS / RS achieves automated and efficient storage and retrieval of goods through fixed racks, various automated mechanical equipment, and information technology systems. Aisles are typically set between adjacent rows of fixed racks, used by stacker cranes, shuttles, and other automated mechanical equipment to store and retrieve goods at designated locations. Depending on the type of fixed rack location, AS / RS can be categorized into single-depth, double-depth, and multi-depth AS / RS. For single-depth AS / RS, the location of each item on the fixed rack can be accurately located using row, column, and layer numbers. For double-depth and multi-depth AS / RS, a depth dimension is introduced to locate the target item. That is, a location is represented by four dimensions: row number, column number, layer number, and depth number. Two depths represent a double-depth AS / RS, and three or more represent a multi-depth AS / RS. In practical applications, double-depth automated storage and retrieval systems (AS / RS) are mostly used. When goods are being moved out of a double-depth AS / RS, if there is an obstruction in the storage space ahead, the method of finding an empty storage space to store the obstruction is usually used for the relocation. However, in scenarios where warehouse space is limited and more goods need to be stored in the same space, multi-depth AS / RS are required. The above relocation method is not suitable for moving goods at greater depths in multi-depth AS / RS. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problem that existing warehouse transfer methods are not applicable to the removal of goods from deeper levels in multi-depth automated warehouses, and to provide a rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in multi-depth automated warehouses based on the WCS system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system, characterized by the following steps:

[0006] Step 1: The WCS system receives the outbound task from the WMS system and obtains the storage location information of the outbound goods in the outbound task; the storage location information includes the row number, column number, layer number and depth number;

[0007] Step 2: Access the WCS system database based on the warehouse location information of the outbound goods to determine whether there are any obstructions in front of the warehouse location of the outbound goods;

[0008] If there are obstructions, obtain the storage location information of all obstructions and store them sequentially along the direction closest to the outbound goods to obtain the storage sequence of all obstruction storage location information, and then execute step 3;

[0009] If there are no obstructions, proceed to step 5;

[0010] Step 3: Access the database of the WCS system to determine if there are any empty storage locations in the fixed racks of the multi-depth automated warehouse;

[0011] If there are empty storage locations, obtain the storage location information of all empty storage locations whose row number, column number, and layer number are different from the row number, column number, and layer number of the first barrier storage location in the storage sequence. Then, sort the obtained empty storage locations in ascending order of row number, column number, layer number, and depth number to form an empty storage location sequence. Calculate the distance between each empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence and the first barrier storage location. Select the closest empty storage location. If there are multiple closest empty storage locations, select the first empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence. Create a transfer task based on the first barrier storage location and the selected empty storage location, and store it in the transfer task sequence table of the WCS system. Then, the WCS system removes the storage location information of the first barrier storage location from the storage sequence and sets the selected empty storage location to an occupied state. Then, execute step 4.

[0012] If there are no empty storage locations, the information about insufficient empty storage locations will be fed back to the WMS system, and then the WMS system will control the WCS system to terminate the outbound task.

[0013] Step 4: Determine if a transfer task has been created for all locations with obstructions;

[0014] If a database migration task has already been created, then execute all database migration tasks in the database migration task sequence list described in step 3 in sequence, and then execute step 5; otherwise, return to step 3.

[0015] Step 5: The WCS system selects an idle transport device close to the outbound goods and issues an outbound task to the idle transport device. The idle transport device executes the outbound task and feeds back the outbound task completion information to the WMS system through the WCS system, thus completing the rapid transfer of goods in the multi-depth automated warehouse.

[0016] Further, in step 3, the distance D between each empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence and the first-order barrier storage location is calculated according to the following formula:

[0017] D=ABS(Ax-Bx)+ABS(Ay-By)+ABS(As+Bs)

[0018] Where Ax, Ay, and As are the column number, layer number, and depth number of the first-order barrier storage location, respectively; Bx, By, and Bs are the column number, layer number, and depth number of the empty storage location, respectively; and ABS is the absolute value.

[0019] Furthermore, step 4 specifically includes the following steps:

[0020] Step 4.1: Determine if a transfer task has been created for all locations with obstructions;

[0021] If a database migration task has already been created, proceed to step 4.2; otherwise, return to step 3.

[0022] Step 4.2: The WCS system selects an idle transport device that corresponds to the obstruction of the transfer task with the earliest sequence number in the transfer task sequence list of Step 3, and issues the transfer task to the idle transport device. The idle transport device executes the transfer task and feeds back the transfer task completion information to the WCS system, and then proceeds to Step 4.3.

[0023] Step 4.3: Determine whether all data transfer tasks in the data transfer task sequence list have been completed;

[0024] If the process is complete, proceed to step 5; otherwise, return to step 4.2.

[0025] Further, in step 4.2, the WCS system selects the idle transport equipment corresponding to the obstruction of the transfer task with the earliest sequence number in the transfer task sequence list of step 3, specifically as follows:

[0026] The WCS system converts the location information of the obstruction corresponding to the first-order obstruction task in the step 3 obstruction task sequence table into the obstruction location information, calculates the distance between the obstruction location and each available transport equipment location, and selects the nearest available transport equipment.

[0027] Furthermore, in step 5, the WCS system selects an available transport device close to the outbound goods specifically as follows:

[0028] The WCS system converts the warehouse location information of outbound goods into the location information of outbound goods, calculates the distance between the location of the outbound goods and each available transport equipment location, and selects the nearest available transport equipment.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0030] 1. This invention provides a method for rapid cargo transfer in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system. This method achieves rapid cargo transfer in a multi-depth automated warehouse by analyzing the obstruction information, empty storage space information, and idle transport equipment information of the outbound cargo. When executing an outbound task, the WCS system selects the idle transport equipment closest to the outbound cargo, reducing the empty running time and waiting time of the transport equipment, improving the overall efficiency of the transfer operation, and reducing operating costs.

[0031] 2. By creating a transfer task and combining it with the WCS system to select the idle transport equipment closest to the obstruction corresponding to the transfer task, this invention significantly reduces the number of times and distances the obstruction needs to be moved, lowers the handling cost, and further improves the speed and accuracy of outbound goods transfer.

[0032] 3. This invention enables precise positioning of goods within an automated warehouse, avoiding errors caused by human error. It is highly adaptable, suitable for automated warehouses of different sizes and layouts, and can meet the needs of goods relocation in multi-depth automated warehouses across various industries and scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of a rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a top view of the fixed shelving of the multi-depth automated warehouse in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a front view of the fixed shelving of the multi-depth automated warehouse in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for rapid transfer of goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system includes the following steps:

[0037] Step 1: The WCS system receives the outbound task issued by the WMS system and obtains the storage location information of the outbound goods in the outbound task; the storage location information includes the row number, column number, layer number and depth number.

[0038] Step 2: Access the WCS system database based on the warehouse location information of the outbound goods to determine whether there are any obstructions in front of the warehouse location of the outbound goods.

[0039] If there are obstructions, obtain the storage location information of all obstructions and store them sequentially along the direction closest to the outbound goods to obtain the storage sequence of all obstruction storage location information, and then execute step 3;

[0040] If there are no obstructions, proceed to step 5.

[0041] Step 3: Access the WCS system database to determine if there are any empty storage locations in the fixed racking of the multi-depth automated warehouse; see the structural diagram of the fixed racking of the multi-depth automated warehouse. Figures 2-3 ;

[0042] If there are empty storage locations, obtain the storage location information for all empty storage locations whose row number, column number, and layer number differ from the first-order barrier storage location in the storage sequence. Then, sort the obtained empty storage locations in ascending order of row number, column number, layer number, and depth number to form an empty storage location sequence. Calculate the distance D between each empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence and the first-order barrier storage location using the following formula: D = ABS(Ax-Bx) + ABS(Ay-By) + ABS(As+Bs), where Ax, Ay, and As are the distances between the first-order barrier storage location and the first-order barrier storage location, respectively. The column number, layer number, and depth number of the obstruction storage location are used; Bx, By, and Bs are the column number, layer number, and depth number of the empty storage location, respectively; ABS is the absolute value. The nearest empty storage location is selected. If there are multiple nearest empty storage locations, the first empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence is selected. A transfer task is created based on the storage location of the obstruction with the highest sequence number and the selected empty storage location, and stored in the transfer task sequence table of the WCS system. Then, the WCS system removes the storage location information of the obstruction with the highest sequence number from the storage sequence, and sets the selected empty storage location to an occupied state. Then, step 4 is executed.

[0043] If there are no empty storage locations, the information about insufficient empty storage locations will be fed back to the WMS system, and then the WMS system will control the WCS system to terminate the outbound task.

[0044] Calculation Example: The first barrier storage location is: Row 1, Column 2, Layer 2, Depth 1. The empty storage locations in the empty storage location sequence are: Row 1, Column 1, Layer 2, Depth 2; Row 1, Column 2, Layer 1, Depth 2; Row 2, Column 2, Layer 2, Depth 2. Calculations are performed using the formula above, and the results are as follows:

[0045] The distance D between an empty storage space in row 1, column 1, layer 2, depth 2 and a barrier storage space in row 1, column 2, layer 2, depth 1 is: ABS(2-1)+ABS(2-2)+ABS(1+2)=4;

[0046] The distance D between the empty storage space in row 1, column 2, layer 1, depth 2 and the barrier storage space in row 1, column 2, layer 2, depth 1 is: ABS(2-2)+ABS(2-1)+ABS(1+2)=4;

[0047] The distance D between the empty storage space in row 2, column 2, layer 2 with a depth of 2 and the barrier storage space in row 2, column 2, layer 1 with a depth of 1 is: ABS(2-2)+ABS(2-2)+ABS(1+2)=3;

[0048] Therefore, it can be concluded that the empty storage space with a depth of 2 in 2 rows and 2 columns is the closest.

[0049] Step 4.1: Determine if a transfer task has been created for all locations with obstructions;

[0050] If a database migration task has already been created, proceed to step 4.2; otherwise, return to step 3.

[0051] Step 4.2: The WCS system converts the location information of the obstruction corresponding to the first-order relocation task in the relocation task sequence table of Step 3 into the location information of the obstruction. It calculates the distance between the location of the obstruction and the location of each available transport device, selects the nearest available transport device, and sends the relocation task to the available transport device. The available transport device executes the relocation task and feeds back the relocation task completion information to the WCS system. Then, Step 4.3 is executed.

[0052] Step 4.3: Determine whether all data transfer tasks in the data transfer task sequence list have been completed;

[0053] If the process is complete, proceed to step 5; otherwise, return to step 4.2.

[0054] Step 5: The WCS system converts the warehouse location information of outbound goods into the location information of outbound goods, calculates the distance between the location of the outbound goods and each available transport equipment location, selects the nearest available transport equipment, and issues an outbound task to the available transport equipment through the WCS system. The available transport equipment executes the outbound task and feeds back the outbound task completion information to the WMS system through the WCS system, thus completing the rapid transfer of goods in the multi-depth automated warehouse.

[0055] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for rapid transfer of goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The WCS system receives the outbound task from the WMS system and obtains the storage location information of the outbound goods in the outbound task; the storage location information includes the row number, column number, layer number and depth number. Step 2: Access the WCS system database based on the warehouse location information of the outbound goods to determine whether there are any obstructions in front of the warehouse location of the outbound goods; If there are obstructions, obtain the storage location information of all obstructions and store them sequentially along the direction closest to the outbound goods to obtain the storage sequence of all obstruction storage location information, and then execute step 3; If there are no obstructions, proceed to step 5; Step 3: Access the database of the WCS system to determine if there are any empty storage locations in the fixed racks of the multi-depth automated warehouse; If there are empty storage locations, obtain the storage location information of all empty storage locations whose row number, column number, and layer number are different from the row number, column number, and layer number of the first barrier storage location in the storage sequence. Then, sort the obtained empty storage locations in ascending order of row number, column number, layer number, and depth number to form an empty storage location sequence. Calculate the distance between each empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence and the first barrier storage location. Select the closest empty storage location. If there are multiple closest empty storage locations, select the first empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence. Create a transfer task based on the first barrier storage location and the selected empty storage location, and store it in the transfer task sequence table of the WCS system. Then, the WCS system removes the storage location information of the first barrier storage location from the storage sequence and sets the selected empty storage location to an occupied state. Then, execute step 4. If there are no empty storage locations, the information about insufficient empty storage locations will be fed back to the WMS system, and then the WMS system will control the WCS system to terminate the outbound task. Step 4: Determine if a transfer task has been created for all locations with obstructions; If a database migration task has already been created, then execute all database migration tasks in the database migration task sequence list described in step 3 in sequence, and then execute step 5; otherwise, return to step 3. Step 5: The WCS system selects an idle transport device close to the outbound goods and issues an outbound task to the idle transport device. The idle transport device executes the outbound task and feeds back the outbound task completion information to the WMS system through the WCS system, thus completing the rapid transfer of goods in the multi-depth automated warehouse.

2. The rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step 3, the distance D between each empty storage location in the empty storage location sequence and the first-order barrier storage location is calculated according to the following formula: D=ABS(Ax-Bx)+ABS(Ay-By)+ABS(As+Bs) Where Ax, Ay, and As are the column number, layer number, and depth number of the first-order barrier storage location, respectively; Bx, By, and Bs are the column number, layer number, and depth number of the empty storage location, respectively; and ABS is the absolute value.

3. A rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system, as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... Step 4 specifically includes the following steps: Step 4.1: Determine if a transfer task has been created for all locations with obstructions; If a database migration task has already been created, proceed to step 4.2; otherwise, return to step 3. Step 4.2: The WCS system selects an idle transport device that corresponds to the obstruction of the transfer task with the earliest sequence number in the transfer task sequence list of Step 3, and issues the transfer task to the idle transport device. The idle transport device executes the transfer task and feeds back the transfer task completion information to the WCS system, and then proceeds to Step 4.

3. Step 4.3: Determine whether all data transfer tasks in the data transfer task sequence list have been completed; If the process is complete, proceed to step 5; otherwise, return to step 4.

2.

4. The rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step 4.2, the WCS system selects the idle transport equipment corresponding to the obstruction of the transfer task with the earliest sequence number in the transfer task sequence list of step 3, specifically as follows: The WCS system converts the location information of the obstruction corresponding to the first-order obstruction task in the step 3 obstruction task sequence table into the obstruction location information, calculates the distance between the obstruction location and each available transport equipment location, and selects the nearest available transport equipment.

5. The rapid warehouse transfer method for goods in a multi-depth automated warehouse based on a WCS system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 5, the WCS system selects an available transport device close to the outbound goods, specifically as follows: The WCS system converts the warehouse location information of outbound goods into the location information of outbound goods, calculates the distance between the location of the outbound goods and each available transport equipment location, and selects the nearest available transport equipment.

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