Order sorting method

Abstract

The invention provides an order sorting method, and belongs to the field of logistics order sorting, and the method specifically comprises the steps: firstly, distributing a plurality of orders to a goods picking area for the same wave processing, distributing a physical position for each order, and obtaining an order data set containing the order position, the number of needed SKUs, and the type; secondly, according to the type of the SKU required by the wave, the corresponding SKU is picked out from the storage area and transferred to the cache area, and an SKU position data set is formed; and finally, through the position prompts of the cache region and the delivery region and the number prompts of required SKUs, each type of SKU in the cache region is allocated to a corresponding order in sequence until all SKUs are allocated. According to the method, through a systematized sorting process, manual intervention is reduced, and the sorting accuracy and efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of logistics order sorting, and particularly to an order sorting method. Background Art

[0002] Order sorting refers to the process of quickly and accurately selecting the goods required for an order from the inventory and allocating them to the corresponding order in logistics or warehousing operations.

[0003] An automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS), also known as an automated storage warehouse, is a highly automated warehousing system mainly used for storing and retrieving goods.

[0004] The Chinese patent application with the publication number CN118701547A discloses a warehousing system, which belongs to a type of automated storage warehouse. Through a fixed-rail transfer device and a freight robot, it greatly improves the utilization rate of the warehousing space, the goods in-and-out speed, and the sorting efficiency of the existing shelf warehousing system.

[0005] The Chinese patent application with the publication number CN113830485A discloses a loading and unloading device fixed on a shelf, providing a specific implementation of the fixed-rail transfer device, which can automatically take out goods from the shelf or store goods on the shelf. Using an automated storage warehouse can reduce the participation of manual labor and greatly improve the picking efficiency. However, the main function of the automated storage warehouse is still warehousing and batch in-and-out of goods, and it is difficult to achieve the final refined sorting. The final sorting still requires the participation of manual labor, and manual sorting operations will bring problems such as easy errors and low efficiency.

[0006] At the same time, most logistics suppliers still mainly adopt the traditional manual picking method when shipping. In the traditional manual picking method, multiple orders are corresponding to a sorting vehicle. The operator needs to search for SKUs one by one on the shelf and scan the codes, and then sort them to the corresponding orders on the sorting vehicle until the order is completed. This method not only has a low sorting order efficiency, but also due to the lack of instructions, manual operations are prone to errors and it is difficult to meet the growing order processing requirements.

[0007] In response to the above problems, Comparative Document 1 (CN112849875A) proposes an intelligent warehousing sorting system, including a storage area, a quick sorting area, a six-axis robot, and a stepped gravity rack. The six-axis robot is equipped with two grasping methods, negative pressure adsorption and mechanical clamping, and can flexibly grasp different containers. The sorting method transports the containers to the sorting area through a four-way vehicle and a hoist, and the final sorting is completed manually. Although Comparative Document 1 can improve the picking efficiency, the final sorting still needs to be completed manually, and no method for optimizing manual sorting operations is given. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide an order sorting method to reduce sorting errors of operators and improve the efficiency of sorting orders.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, this application provides an order sorting method, including: Allocating a number of orders in the picking area for processing as the same wave, allocating a physical location in the picking area to each order in this wave, obtaining an order data set of this wave of orders, where the order data set at least includes the location information of each order in the picking area in this wave of orders, the quantity of each SKU required by each order, and the types of all SKUs required by this wave of orders; According to the types of all SKUs required by this wave of orders, picking out all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area, and the quantity N of any one SKU picked out 11 ≥ the required quantity N of this SKU 10 ; and at least obtaining the location data of each SKU in the buffer area to form an SKU location data set; Allocating a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave, specifically including: sequentially and sufficiently allocating any one SKU to be sorted in the buffer area to each order that requires this SKU until the allocation of this SKU required by this wave of orders is completed; then sequentially and sufficiently allocating the next SKU to each order that requires this next SKU until the allocation of this next SKU required by this wave of orders is completed; and so on until a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area is allocated to the orders corresponding to this wave.

[0010] Preferably, the allocating a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave specifically includes, Step 1), prompting the location information of any one SKU to be sorted in the buffer area, prompting the location information of any one order that requires this SKU in the picking area and the quantity of this SKU required by this order, and sufficiently transferring this SKU from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the picking area according to the location information prompts in the buffer area and the picking area; Step 2), canceling the location information prompt of this order, prompting the location information of the next order that requires this SKU in the picking area and the quantity of this SKU required by this next order, and similarly, sufficiently transferring this SKU from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the picking area according to the location information prompts in the buffer area and the picking area; Step 3), and so on until this SKU is sufficiently allocated to the last order that requires this SKU through the location prompt in the buffer area and the location information and required SKU quantity prompts in the picking area; Step 4), then cancel the location information prompt of this SKU in the buffer area, start the location information prompt of the next SKU in the buffer area, prompt the location information of any order of the next SKU required in the picking area and the quantity of the next SKU required by this order, and transfer the next SKU from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the picking area in sufficient quantity according to the location information prompts of the buffer area and the picking area; Step 5), repeat Step 2) and Step 3), and allocate the next SKU in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this next SKU until the last SKU to be sorted in the buffer area is sequentially allocated in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this last SKU.

[0011] Preferably, the sufficient allocation of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave specifically includes, Step a), the sorting mobile device obtains the location data of any SKU from the SKU location data set, and obtains the location information of any order that requires this SKU and the quantity of this SKU required by this order from the order data set. The sorting mobile device takes this SKU in sufficient quantity from the location of this SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the location of this order in the picking area; Step b), the sorting mobile device obtains the location information of the next order that requires this SKU and the corresponding quantity of this SKU required. The sorting mobile device takes this SKU in sufficient quantity from the location of this SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the location of the next order in the picking area; Step c), and proceed in sequence until the location information of the last order that requires this SKU and the corresponding quantity of this SKU required are obtained through the sorting mobile device, and transfer this SKU in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this SKU; Step d), the sorting mobile device obtains the location data of the next SKU from the SKU location data set, and obtains the location information of any order that requires this next SKU and the quantity of this next SKU required by this order from the order data set. The sorting mobile device takes this next SKU in sufficient quantity from the location of this next SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the location of this order in the picking area; Step e), repeat Step b) and Step c), and allocate the next SKU in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this next SKU until the last SKU to be sorted in the buffer area is sequentially allocated in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this last SKU.

[0012] Preferably, the SKU is stored in the SKU storage area in the form of storage bins. The total picking of all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area specifically includes, Pick out the required SKUs in whole from the SKU storage area in the form of bin storage, and transfer the bin storing the SKUs to the buffer area as a whole; After sufficient quantities of each SKU in the buffer area are allocated to the orders corresponding to this wave, if there is a surplus of any SKU in the buffer, return it to the SKU storage area in the form of raw material bins; if any SKU in the buffer is completely allocated and there is no surplus, take out the empty bin corresponding to this SKU to avoid returning the empty bin to the SKU storage area.

[0013] Preferably, the order sorting method further includes, The SKU storage area stores SKUs in the form of an automated high-rise warehouse; The automated high-rise warehouse includes several shelves, and realizes the automated storage of the automated high-rise warehouse through a robotic bin handling system; The buffer area at least includes flow racks; the flow racks are placed in the shipping area of the automated high-rise warehouse, The picking out of all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area specifically includes, Continuously pick out the required SKUs from the automated high-rise warehouse in the form of bin storage through the robotic bin handling system, and directly transfer them to the flow racks for full-bin buffering.

[0014] Preferably, the robotic bin handling system specifically includes, Loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelves, which moves at least in the height direction, can send the bin storing the SKU to the automated high-rise warehouse for storage, and can also take out the bin from the automated high-rise warehouse and transfer it to the flow racks; A ground freight robot that moves on the ground and connects with the loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelves to realize the movement of the bin in three dimensions of X, Y, and Z.

[0015] Preferably, the flow rack includes several storage locations, each storage location can buffer at least one bin, and only one type of SKU is stored in each bin. The bin realizes automatic conveyance from high to low on the flow rack by its own weight.

[0016] Preferably, when the number C of the types of SKUs picked out in total 21 ≥ the number L of the storage locations of the flow rack 20 , and there is a bin in each storage location of the flow rack, the subsequently picked SKU bins queue up for buffering on the storage locations.

[0017] Preferably, the process of allocating several orders in the picking area for processing as the same wave specifically includes, Process at least any two orders with at least one same SKU as the same batch; further preferably, process at least two orders with at least two same SKUs as the same batch.

[0018] Preferably, the location information prompts for the buffer area and the picking area can be given by at least one of the ways of lighting, voice or display screen.

[0019] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages: 1. Through the location prompts of the buffer area and the picking area and the prompt of the required number of SKUs, transfer the sufficient quantity of the SKU from the buffer area to the picking area correspondingly, saving the time for finding the location of the SKU and the location of the order (the target location for SKU sorting). Such a design can assist the operator in sorting during the sorting process of the operator. On the one hand, it improves the sorting speed of the operator, and on the other hand, it reduces the probability of the operator making mistakes; 2. The combined use of the automated storage and retrieval system and the flow rack enables the total picking and sorting to be operated separately in terms of time sequence. The robotic bin handling system can realize the automatic total picking of bins from the automated storage and retrieval system and place the total picked bins in the flow rack buffer, enabling the total picking and sorting to be operated separately in terms of time sequence. For example, the total picking can be carried out at night, while the operator only needs to perform the sorting operation during the day, improving the work flexibility and work efficiency at the same time; 3. In the prior art, when the SKU in the sorting area has not been processed, the next SKU to be sorted is not allowed to reach the sorting area, which belongs to a mode where one SKU corresponds to one order or one SKU corresponds to multiple orders; while in this application, the flow rack can cache several total picked bins, which belongs to a processing mode where multiple SKUs correspond to multiple orders and can improve the sorting efficiency; 4. Using a sorting mobile device to replace the operator for sorting can improve the degree of automation. The sorting mobile device works strictly according to the program, with high accuracy, and at the same time avoids the mistakes caused by manual operation. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the automated storage and retrieval system, flow rack and sorting vehicle provided in the first embodiment of the present application; Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of sorting using picking lights in the first embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a flow rack in the first embodiment of the present application.

[0022] In the figure: 1. Flow rack, 11. Storage location, 12. Flow bar, 2. Automated storage, 3. Sorting vehicle, 4. Loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf, 5. Ground freight robot, 6. Bin, 7a. Picking lights in the buffer area (painted to indicate lit), 7b. Picking lights in the picking-up area (painted to indicate lit). Specific implementation manners

[0023] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments of the present application are only partial embodiments of the present application, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] Embodiment 1 An order sorting method includes: Allocating a number of orders in the picking-up area for processing as the same wave. Taking Order 1, Order 2, and Order 3 as examples, allocating Order 1, Order 2, and Order 3 in the picking-up area for processing as the same wave. Order 1 requires 5 SKU1s, 3 SKU2s, and 1 SKU4. Order 2 requires 1 SKU1, 1 SKU2, and 1 SKU3. Order 3 requires 2 SKU1s, 1 SKU3, and 1 SKU4; allocating a physical location to each order in this wave in the picking-up area. The physical address of Order 1 is A1, the physical address of Order 2 is A2, and the physical address of Order 3 is A3. Obtaining an order data set for this wave of orders, where the order data set includes the location information of Order 1, Order 2, and Order 3 in the picking-up area, the quantity of each SKU required by each order, and the types of all SKUs required by this wave of orders; Among them, the order can be an external order or an internal picking list, that is to say, the order sorting method can be used in the outbound management process of external transactions or in the internal production management process; SKU is the abbreviation of "Stock Keeping Unit", and its Chinese meaning is "the basic unit for measuring inventory in and out". In the logistics, warehousing and retail industries, SKU is widely used to refer to a specific commodity or product. It is a unit used to identify and manage inventory, and is usually used to record detailed information such as the specifications, models, colors, sizes, etc. of commodities. In the logistics scenario: SKU is used to distinguish different goods for storage, retrieval and sorting in the warehouse. For example, one SKU represents a product of a specific color, size and model. For example, the black, 64GB iPhone 15 is SKU001; the silver, 64GB iPhone 15 is SKU002. In this application, SKU refers to the specific commodity or goods unit in the storage and sorting process.

[0025] According to the types of all SKUs required for this wave order, that is, according to SKU1, SKU2, SKU3, and SKU4, pick out and transfer SKU1, SKU2, SKU3, and SKU4 from the total SKU storage area to the buffer area. The quantity N of any one SKU picked out in total 11 ≥ the required quantity N of this SKU 10 , for example: the required quantity of SKU1 is 8. Then at least 8 SKU1s need to be picked out in total. If the quantity of SKU1 in one bin is greater than 8, then picking out one bin is enough. If the quantity of SKU1 in one bin is less than 8, at least 2 bins need to be picked out in total to meet the quantity greater than or equal to 8; and obtain the position data of each SKU in the buffer area. The position data of SKU1 is B1, the position data of SKU2 is B2, the position data of SKU3 is B3, and the position data of SKU4 is B4. Form an SKU position data set based on the position data of each SKU; Among them, picking out all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area, the total picking operation can be completed in the same wave or in multiple waves. The "wave" in this application can be understood as a batch.

[0026] Allocate each SKU in the buffer area in sufficient quantity to the order corresponding to this wave, specifically including: sequentially allocate the SKU1 to be sorted in the buffer area to Order One, Order Two, and Order Three in sufficient quantity; then sequentially allocate the SKU2 to be sorted to Order One and Order Two; then sequentially allocate the SKU3 to be sorted to Order Two and Order Three; finally, sequentially allocate the SKU4 to be sorted to Order One and Order Three.

[0027] Among them, "sufficient quantity" means that the quantity of the corresponding SKU allocated to the order is consistent with the quantity of the SKU required by the order. For example, when allocating SKU1 to be sorted in the buffer area to Order One in sufficient quantity, 5 of the SKU1 to be sorted in the buffer area are allocated to Order One.

[0028] Specifically, the step of allocating each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave includes: Step 1): As Figure 2 , prompt the location information of SKU1 in the buffer area, prompt the location information of Order One and the quantity of SKU1 required by Order One in the picking area. According to the location information prompts of the buffer area and the picking area, transfer the SKU1 from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the picking area in sufficient quantity. Step 2): Cancel the location information prompt of Order One, prompt the location information of Order Two and the quantity of SKU1 required by Order Two in the picking area. Similarly, according to the location information prompts of the buffer area and the picking area, transfer the SKU1 from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the picking area in sufficient quantity. Step 3): Allocate SKU1 to Order One and Order Two in sufficient quantity in sequence until, through the location prompt of the buffer area, and the location information and the quantity prompt of SKU1 required in the picking area, SKU1 is allocated to Order Three (the last order) that requires SKU1 in sufficient quantity. Step 4): Then cancel the location information prompt of SKU1 in the buffer area, start the location information prompt of SKU2 in the buffer area, prompt the location information of Order One that requires SKU2 and the quantity of SKU2 required by Order One in the picking area. According to the location information prompts of the buffer area and the picking area, transfer SKU2 from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the picking area in sufficient quantity. Step 5): Repeat Step 2) and Step 3), allocate SKU2 to the last order that requires SKU2 in sufficient quantity. Here, the last order is Order Two; referring to the foregoing steps, until SKU3 and SKU4 are allocated to the corresponding orders in sufficient quantity in sequence, that is, SKU3 is allocated to Order Two and Order Three in sufficient quantity in sequence, and then SKU4 is allocated to Order One and Order Three in sufficient quantity in sequence.

[0029] Refer to Figure 2, the location information prompts for the buffer area and the picking area can be completed by picking lights, that is, each picking light corresponds to a location information. When the picking light 7a in the buffer area lights up, it means picking goods from the corresponding location, and when the picking light 7b in the picking area lights up, it means putting goods at the corresponding location; the quantity of the SKU required can be displayed on the mobile terminal or can also be displayed on the display device in the buffer area; after each picking or putting operation is completed, press the picking light, and the picking light goes out. When the picking lights 7a in the buffer area of the same group and the corresponding picking lights 7b in the picking area are all off, update the picking lights, that is, the picking lights in the next group of buffer areas and the corresponding picking lights in the picking area light up, and at the same time, the quantity of the SKU required on the mobile terminal or the display device is updated; in addition, the allocation methods involved above include but are not limited to manual allocation.

[0030] Refer to Figure 2 , the picking area can be the sorting vehicle 3 or the sowing wall. Each bin corresponds to an order, and several bins are stored on the sorting vehicle or the sowing wall. Allocating physical positions to each order of this wave in the picking area can be understood as: allocating the bin for each order of this wave by using the sorting vehicle.

[0031] Specifically, the SKUs are stored in the SKU storage area in the form of bins. The total picking of all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area specifically includes, Continuously picking the required SKUs as a whole in batches from the SKU storage area in the form of bins, and transferring the bin storing the SKUs as a whole to the buffer area; After allocating a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave, if there is a surplus in the quantity of any SKU in the buffer, return it to the SKU storage area in the form of the original bin; if any SKU in the buffer is allocated completely and there is no surplus, take out the empty bin corresponding to the SKU to avoid returning the empty bin to the SKU storage area.

[0032] Specifically, the order sorting method further includes, The SKU storage area stores SKUs in the form of an automated warehouse; The automated warehouse includes several shelves, and realizes the automated storage of the automated warehouse through the robotic bin handling system; The buffer area at least includes a flow rack; the flow rack is placed in the shipping area of the automated warehouse, The total picking of all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area, where the total picking operation can be carried out in batches, specifically includes, Continuously picking the required SKUs from the automated warehouse in the form of bins through the robotic bin handling system, and directly transferring them to the flow rack for full-bin buffering.

[0033] Specifically, the robot box handling system comprises: The cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf moves in height and horizontal direction, and can deliver the material boxes storing SKUs to the automated vertical warehouse for storage, and can also take out the material boxes from the automated vertical warehouse and transfer them to the flow rack; A ground freight robot moves on the ground and connects with the cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf to realize the movement of the material box in three dimensions: X, Y, and Z.

[0034] The specific implementation method of the cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf can refer to the cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf disclosed in the Chinese patent application disclosure specification (CN113830485A); the specific implementation method of the cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf cooperating with the ground freight robot to realize the movement of the material box in the three dimensions of X, Y, and Z can refer to the coordination method of the fixed track transmission equipment and the ground freight robot in the Chinese patent application disclosure specification (CN118701547A).

[0035] See also Figure 3 The flow rack 1 is the abbreviation of the flow rack (or roller rack). The flow rack 1 is equipped with a flow bar 12 (composed of a number of rollers arranged side by side). The flow rack presents a certain inclination slope, so that the goods can slide down to the shipping end by their own weight.

[0036] Combined with reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 When the cargo loading and unloading equipment 4 fixed on the shelf places the material box 6 on one end of the flow rack 1a, the material box 6 slides down to the other end by its own weight and waits for sorting; when the sorting is completed and there are remaining SKUs in the material box, the SKU needs to be returned to the SKU storage area in the form of raw material box storage, and can be returned through the flow rack 1b in the opposite direction, and taken away by the cargo loading and unloading equipment 4 fixed on the shelf, and directly stored on the shelf of the automated vertical warehouse 2, or stored on the shelf of the automated vertical warehouse 2 by cooperating with the ground freight robot 5. Among them, the inclination directions of the flow rack 1a and the flow rack 1b are opposite.

[0037] For details, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The flow rack 1 includes a plurality of storage locations 11. Figure 1 Four storage locations 11 are shown, each of which can cache at least one material box 6, and only one SKU is stored in the material box 6. The flow rack 1 can realize automatic transportation of the cached material boxes 6, wherein the storage location 11 is the core component of the flow rack 1, and the storage location 11 is the specific location on the flow rack 1 for storing goods.

[0038] Specifically, when the number C of types of the total picked SKUs 21 ≥ the number L of storage locations 11 of the flow rack 1 20 , and there is a bin 6 in each storage location 11 of the flow rack 1, the subsequent picked SKU bins are queued and cached at the storage location 11.

[0039] Specifically, the position information prompt of the buffer area and the picking area can also be prompted by at least one of the ways of voice or display screen.

[0040] Embodiment 2 An order sorting method, including:[[]] Allocating a number of orders in the picking area for processing as the same wave, allocating a physical position to each order of this wave in the picking area, obtaining an order data set of this wave of orders, and the order data set at least includes the position information of each order of this wave of orders in the picking area, the quantity of each SKU required by each order, and the types of all SKUs required by this wave of orders; According to the types of all SKUs required by this wave of orders, picking out all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area, and the quantity N of any one picked SKU 11 ≥ the required quantity N of this SKU 10 ; and at least obtaining the position data of each SKU in the buffer area to form a SKU position data set; Allocating a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave, specifically including: sequentially allocating a sufficient quantity of any one SKU to be sorted in the buffer area to each order that requires this SKU until the allocation of this SKU required by this wave of orders is completed; then sequentially allocating the next SKU to each order that requires this next SKU until the allocation of this next SKU required by this wave of orders is completed; and so on until a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area is allocated to the orders corresponding to this wave.

[0041] Specifically, the allocating a sufficient quantity of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to this wave specifically includes Step a), the sorting mobile device obtains the position data of any one SKU from the SKU position data set, and obtains the position information of any order that requires this SKU and the quantity of this SKU required by this order from the order data set, and the sorting mobile device picks up a sufficient quantity of this SKU from the position of this SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the position of this order in the picking area; Step b), the sorting mobile device obtains the position information of the next order that requires this SKU and the corresponding quantity of this SKU required, and the sorting mobile device picks up a sufficient quantity of this SKU from the position of this SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the position of this next order in the picking area; Step c) is carried out successively until the position information of the last order that requires this SKU and the corresponding quantity of this SKU required are obtained through the sorting mobile device, and then this SKU is transferred in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this SKU. Step d): The sorting mobile device obtains the position data of the next SKU from the SKU position data set, and obtains the position information of any order that requires this next SKU and the quantity of this next SKU required by this order from the order data set. The sorting mobile device takes this next SKU in sufficient quantity from the position of this next SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the pick-up area at the position of this order. Step e): Repeat Step b) and Step c) to allocate this next SKU in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this next SKU until the last SKU to be sorted in the buffer area is successively allocated in sufficient quantity to the last order that requires this last SKU.

[0042] Among them, the sorting mobile device automatically obtains the specified SKU from the buffer area by reading the SKU position data and order data, and allocates it in sufficient quantity to the corresponding order position. The sorting mobile device can continuously process multiple SKUs and orders, and successively complete the sorting tasks according to the path and order planned by the system. The automated operation reduces manual intervention and operation errors, improves the sorting efficiency and accuracy, optimizes the utilization of warehouse space, reduces the labor intensity, enhances the data management ability, and significantly improves the overall performance and management level of the logistics system.

[0043] It should also be noted that in this specification, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including a..." does not exclude the existence of another identical element in the process, method, article or device including the said element.

Claims

1. An order sorting method, characterized in that: include: Allocate a number of orders to a pickup area as the same wave, assign a physical location to each order of the wave in the pickup area, and obtain an order data set of orders of the wave, wherein the order data set at least includes location information of each order in the wave of orders in the pickup area, the quantity of each SKU required for each order, and the types of all SKUs required for the wave of orders; According to the types of all SKUs required for the wave order, all the required SKUs are picked out from the SKU storage area and transferred to the buffer area. The total number of any SKU picked out is N. 11 ≥ the required quantity of this SKU N 10 ; and obtain at least the location data of each SKU in the cache area to form a SKU location data set; Allocate sufficient quantities of each SKU in the buffer area to the orders corresponding to the wave, specifically including: allocating sufficient quantities of any SKU to be sorted in the buffer area to each order requiring the SKU in sequence, until the SKU required for the order of the wave is allocated; Then, the next SKU is allocated in sufficient quantity to each order that requires the next SKU in sequence until the next SKU required for the orders of this wave is allocated; this process is repeated until each SKU in the cache is allocated in sufficient quantity to the orders corresponding to this wave.

2. The order sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of allocating sufficient quantities of each SKU in the cache to the orders corresponding to the wave specifically includes: Step 1), prompting the location information of any SKU to be sorted in the buffer area, prompting the location information of any order requiring the SKU and the quantity of the SKU required for the order in the pick-up area, and transferring the SKU from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the pick-up area in sufficient quantity according to the location information prompts of the buffer area and the pick-up area; Step 2), cancel the location information prompt of the order, prompt the location information of the next order that needs the SKU and the quantity of the SKU required for the next order in the pickup area, and similarly, according to the location information prompts of the buffer area and the pickup area, transfer the SKU from the location prompted in the buffer area to the location prompted in the pickup area in sufficient quantity; Step 3) is performed sequentially until the SKU is fully allocated to the last order requiring the SKU through the location prompt of the cache area, the location information of the pickup area and the required SKU quantity prompt; Step 4), then cancel the location information prompt of the SKU in the cache area, start the location information prompt of the next SKU in the cache area, prompt the location information of any order of the next SKU and the quantity of the next SKU required for the order in the pick-up area, and transfer the next SKU from the location prompted in the cache area to the location prompted in the pick-up area in sufficient quantity according to the location information prompt of the cache area and the pick-up area; Step 5), repeat step 2) and step 3), and allocate the next SKU in sufficient quantity to the last order of the next SKU required, until the last SKU to be sorted in the buffer area is allocated in sufficient quantity to the last order of the last SKU required.

3. The order sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of allocating sufficient quantities of each SKU in the cache to the orders corresponding to the wave specifically includes: Step a), the sorting mobile device obtains the location data of any SKU from the SKU location data set, and obtains the location information of any order of the SKU required and the quantity of the SKU required for the order from the order data set, and the sorting mobile device takes the SKU in sufficient quantity from the SKU location in the buffer area and transfers it to the order location in the pickup area; Step b), the sorting mobile device obtains the location information of the next order that needs the SKU and the corresponding quantity of the SKU required, and the sorting mobile device takes a sufficient amount of the SKU from the SKU location in the buffer area and transfers it to the next order location in the pickup area; Step c) is performed sequentially until the location information of the last order requiring the SKU and the quantity of the SKU required are obtained through the sorting mobile device, and the SKU is transferred in sufficient quantity to the last order requiring the SKU; Step d), the sorting mobile device obtains the location data of the next SKU from the SKU location data set, and obtains the location information of any order of the next SKU required and the quantity of the next SKU required for the order from the order data set, and the sorting mobile device takes a sufficient amount of the next SKU from the location of the next SKU in the buffer area and transfers it to the order location in the pickup area; Step e), repeat step b) and step c), and allocate the next SKU in sufficient quantity to the last order of the next SKU required, until the last SKU to be sorted in the buffer area is allocated in sufficient quantity to the last order of the last SKU required.

4. The order sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The SKUs are stored in the SKU storage area in a bin storage manner, and all the required SKUs are picked out from the SKU storage area and transferred to the buffer area, specifically including: Pick out the required SKUs from the SKU storage area in a bin storage manner, and transfer the bins storing the SKUs to the buffer area; After allocating sufficient quantities of each SKU in the cache area to the orders corresponding to the wave, if any of the cached SKUs have any remaining quantity, it will be returned to the SKU storage area in the form of raw material box storage; if any of the cached SKUs have been allocated and there is no remaining quantity, the empty material box corresponding to the SKU will be taken out to avoid returning the empty box to the SKU storage area.

5. The order sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes, The SKU storage area stores SKUs in an automated vertical warehouse manner; The automated vertical warehouse includes a number of shelves, and the automated storage of the automated vertical warehouse is realized through a robot material box handling system; The buffer area at least includes a flow rack; the flow rack is placed in the shipping area of ​​the automated warehouse. The method of picking out all the required SKUs from the SKU storage area and transferring them to the buffer area specifically includes: The required SKUs are picked out from the automated vertical warehouse in the form of box storage through the robotic box handling system and directly transferred to the flow rack full box cache.

6. The order sorting method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The robot box handling system specifically includes: The cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf is movable at least in the height direction, and can deliver the material boxes storing the SKU to the automated vertical warehouse for storage, and can also take out the material boxes from the automated vertical warehouse and transfer them to the flow rack; A ground freight robot moves on the ground and connects with the cargo loading and unloading equipment fixed on the shelf to realize the movement of the material box in three dimensions: X, Y, and Z.

7. The order sorting method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flow rack includes a plurality of storage locations, each of which can cache at least one material box. Each material box stores only one SKU, and the material boxes are automatically transported from a high place to a low place on the flow rack by their own weight.

8. The order sorting method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the total number of SKU types picked out is C 21 ≥The number of storage locations of the flow rack L 20 , and when there is a material box at each storage location of the flow rack, the SKU material boxes picked out subsequently are queued and cached at the storage location.

9. The order sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The allocation of several orders to the pickup area as the same wave of processing specifically includes: Any two orders that have at least one identical SKU will be processed as the same wave.

10. The order sorting method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The location information of the cache area and the pickup area may be prompted by at least one of lighting, voice or display screen.

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