Carrying task creation method based on AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) transportation time

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of logistics and storage, and particularly discloses an AGV transport time-based carrying task creation method, which uses a WCS system, a WMS system, an AGV scheduling system, an AGV and a feeding device. The feeding equipment is provided with a cache area, and the time for carrying materials for one time by the AGV is fixed; the WMS system divides the warehouse into a plurality of areas from the near to the distant according to the distance between the WMS system and the feeding equipment, namely area 1-area N, and N is a positive integer; in each area, each material has one or more goods allocation, the carrying time of the AGV from the goods allocation farthest from the feeding equipment in the area n to the feeding equipment is Tn, and the value range of n is 1-N. According to the invention, the number of required AGVs in the scene of various types of stored materials in a large warehouse can be reduced, and the investment cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of logistics and warehousing, and specifically relates to a method for creating handling tasks based on AGV delivery time. Background Technology

[0002] AGV, or Automated Guided Vehicle, is a transport vehicle equipped with electromagnetic or optical automatic guidance devices, capable of traveling along a predetermined guide path, and possessing safety protection and various transfer functions. In modern warehousing and logistics, AGVs are one of the core pieces of equipment for automation and intelligent upgrading, significantly improving warehousing and handling efficiency. However, when dealing with large warehouses storing a wide variety of materials, the AGV quantity calculation algorithm often calculates based on the furthest distance, resulting in a large number of AGVs and a waste of equipment resources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for creating handling tasks based on AGV delivery time, so as to solve the problems existing in the AGV quantity calculation algorithm in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a method for creating handling tasks based on AGV transport time, using a WCS system, a WMS system, an AGV scheduling system, AGVs, and feeding equipment; The feeding equipment has a buffer area, and the material handling time of the AGV is fixed for each transport. The WMS system divides the warehouse into several zones, from zone 1 to zone N, where N is a positive integer, based on their distance from the feeding equipment. Within each zone, each type of material has one or more storage locations. The AGV's transport time from the furthest storage location in zone n to the feeding equipment is T. n The value of n ranges from 1 to N; The steps of this method are as follows: Step 1: The WCS system performs T and T in real time. n In the comparison, T represents the remaining material consumption time in the feeder's buffer area; If T≤T n Proceed to step 2; If T>T n The WCS system continues to compare in real time until the remaining material consumption time T in the feeder's buffer zone is ≤ T. n Then, proceed to step 2; Step 2: The WCS system detects idle AGVs. If an idle AGV is detected, proceed to step 3; if no idle AGV is detected, the WCS system repeatedly detects idle AGVs until an idle AGV is found, then proceed to step 3. Step 3: The WCS system selects the pickup area based on the material consumption time. The WCS system updates T to the consumption time of the remaining material in the feeder's buffer area, and compares T with the transport time of the AGV from the farthest storage location from the feeder's center in area n to the feeder, matches the optimal picking area, and sends the picking area to the WMS system. Step 4: The WMS system sets up pickup locations based on the pickup area. After receiving the pickup area from the WCS system, the WMS system sets the corresponding material location in the pickup area as the pickup location and sends the pickup location to the WCS system. Step 5: The WCS system receives the pickup location and generates a handling task. After receiving the pickup location from the WMS system, the WCS system generates a handling task. The handling task includes a task start point and a task end point. The task start point is the pickup location issued by the WMS system, and the task end point is the location of the feeding equipment. Step 6: The WCS system sends the handling task to the AGV scheduling system; Step 7: The AGV scheduling system assigns the task to the idle AGV closest to the task's starting point for execution; Step 8: The AGV performs the transport task.

[0005] As a further optimization of the present invention, in step 1, the AGV handling time = the length of the task path from the task start point to the task end point / average speed + AGV picking operation time + AGV putting operation time.

[0006] As a further optimization of the present invention, in step 3, (1) if T > T N-1 (2) If T K-1 <T≤T K , k takes values ​​from 2 to N-1, select area k as the pickup area; (3) if T ≤ T1, select area 1 as the pickup area.

[0007] Beneficial Effects: This invention addresses the challenges of large warehouses storing a wide variety of materials. The WMS system divides warehouse areas by distance, while the WCS system monitors the material consumption time in the feeder buffer zone. Once the consumption time is less than or equal to the AGV transport time in the furthest area, an idle AGV is detected. The optimal retrieval area is then matched based on the material consumption time in the feeder buffer zone. The WMS system then assigns the nearest idle AGV to the retrieval area based on its location, and the AGV scheduling system dispatches the AGV to perform the retrieval. This system-wide collaboration enables efficient replenishment across multiple material scenarios, while avoiding ineffective AGV configuration and redundant investment. This significantly reduces the number of AGVs required in large warehouses, effectively lowering the customer's equipment investment costs. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are performed in accordance with the techniques and conditions described in the literature in the art or according to the product instructions. Materials, instruments, or equipment used, unless otherwise specified, are all conventional products that can be purchased.

[0010] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for creating a material handling task based on AGV delivery time, using a WCS system, a WMS system, an AGV scheduling system, AGVs, and material feeding equipment; The feeding equipment has a buffer area, and the material handling time of the AGV is fixed for each transport. The WMS system divides the warehouse into several zones, from zone 1 to zone N, where N is a positive integer, based on their distance from the feeding equipment. Within each zone, each type of material has one or more storage locations. The AGV's transport time from the furthest storage location in zone n to the feeding equipment is T. n The value of n ranges from 1 to N; The steps of this method are as follows: Step 1: The WCS system performs T and T in real time. n In the comparison, T represents the remaining material consumption time in the feeder's buffer area; If T≤T n Proceed to step 2; If T>T n The WCS system continues to compare in real time until the remaining material consumption time T in the feeder's buffer zone is ≤ T. nThen, proceed to step 2; Step 2: The WCS system detects idle AGVs. If an idle AGV is detected, proceed to step 3; if no idle AGV is detected, the WCS system repeatedly detects idle AGVs until an idle AGV is found, then proceed to step 3. Step 3: The WCS system selects the pickup area based on the material consumption time. The WCS system updates T to the consumption time of the remaining material in the feeder's buffer area, and compares T with the transport time of the AGV from the farthest storage location from the feeder's center in area n to the feeder, matches the optimal picking area, and sends the picking area to the WMS system. Step 4: The WMS system sets up pickup locations based on the pickup area. After receiving the pickup area from the WCS system, the WMS system sets the corresponding material location in the pickup area as the pickup location and sends the pickup location to the WCS system. Step 5: The WCS system receives the pickup location and generates a handling task. After receiving the pickup location from the WMS system, the WCS system generates a handling task. The handling task includes a task start point and a task end point. The task start point is the pickup location issued by the WMS system, and the task end point is the location of the feeding equipment. Step 6: The WCS system sends the handling task to the AGV scheduling system; Step 7: The AGV scheduling system assigns the task to the idle AGV closest to the task's starting point for execution; Step 8: The AGV performs the transport task.

[0011] As a further implementation of this plan, in step 1, the AGV handling time = the length of the task path from the task start point to the task end point / average speed + AGV picking operation time + AGV unloading operation time.

[0012] As a further implementation of this plan, in step 3, (1) if T > T N-1 (2) If T K-1 <T≤T K , k takes values ​​from 2 to N-1, select area k as the pickup area; (3) if T ≤ T1, select area 1 as the pickup area. Example 1

[0013] The following is combined Figure 2 The method of the present invention will be explained in detail with specific examples.

[0014] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, the warehouse is divided into three areas according to the distance from the feeding equipment, namely Area 1 - Area 3. Area 1 is the closest area, and the storage locations are divided into a1 - a3; the storage locations in Area 2 are divided into b1 - b3; Area 3 is the farthest area, and the storage locations are divided into c1 - c3; Materials 1 are stored in storage locations a1, b1, and c1, Materials 2 are stored in storage locations a2, b2, and c2, and Materials 3 are stored in storage locations a3, b3, and c3; the feeding equipment ① consumes Material 1, and the lengths of Path 1 - 3 are 180 meters, 360 meters, and 540 meters respectively; the AGV takes and places goods in 1 minute and 2 minutes respectively, and the average speed of the AGV is 1 m / s; therefore, the time for the AGV to transport materials from the farthest storage locations a3, b3, and c3 in each area to the feeding equipment ① is: T1 = 6 minutes, T2 = 9 minutes, and T3 = 12 minutes.

[0015] At this time, there are two idle AGVs, namely AGV1 and AGV2. The remaining material consumption time in the buffer area of the current feeding equipment ① is 11 minutes, and there is inventory in Areas 1 - 3.

[0016] The steps of a method for creating a handling task based on the AGV transportation time in the present invention are as follows: (1) The WCS system compares the remaining material consumption time T in the buffer area of the feeding equipment ① with the handling time T3 for the AGV to transport materials from the c3 storage location in Area 3 to the feeding equipment ①; The remaining material consumption time T in the buffer area of the feeding equipment ① is 11 minutes, T < T3, and (2) is executed; (2) The WCS system detects idle AGVs Two eligible idle AGVs are detected, and (3) is executed; (3) The WCS system selects the picking area according to the material consumption time The remaining material consumption time T of the current remaining materials in the buffer area of the feeding equipment ① is 11 minutes, T1 < T ≤ T2; therefore, Area 2 is selected as the picking area, and the WCS system sends the picking area to the WMS system; (4) The WMS system sets the picking storage location according to the picking area The WMS system receives the picking area sent by the WCS system, sets b1 as the picking storage location, and sends the picking storage location to the WCS system; (5) The WCS system receives the picking storage location and generates a handling task After the WCS system receives the picking storage location b1 sent by the WMS system, the WCS generates a handling task. The handling task includes the task start point and the task end point. The task start point is b1, and the task end point is the location of the feeding equipment ①; (6) The WCS system sends the handling task to the AGV scheduling system; (7) For example Figure 2 As shown, AGV1 is closest to b1, therefore, the AGV scheduling system will assign the task to AGV1 for execution; (8) AGV1 performs transport tasks.

[0017] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any minor modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for creating a material handling task based on AGV delivery time, characterized in that, Use WCS system, WMS system, AGV scheduling system, AGV and feeding equipment; The feeding equipment has a buffer area, and the material handling time of the AGV is fixed for each transport. The WMS system divides the warehouse into several zones, from zone 1 to zone N, where N is a positive integer, based on their distance from the feeding equipment. Within each zone, each type of material has one or more storage locations. The AGV's transport time from the furthest storage location in zone n to the feeding equipment is T. n The value of n ranges from 1 to N; The steps of this method are as follows: Step 1: The WCS system performs T and T in real time. n In the comparison, T represents the remaining material consumption time in the feeder's buffer area; If T≤T n Proceed to step 2; If T>T n The WCS system continues to compare in real time until the remaining material consumption time T in the feeder's buffer zone is ≤ T. n Then, proceed to step 2; Step 2: The WCS system detects idle AGVs. If an idle AGV is detected, proceed to step 3; if no idle AGV is detected, the WCS system repeatedly detects idle AGVs until an idle AGV is found, then proceed to step 3. Step 3: The WCS system selects the pickup area based on the material consumption time. The WCS system updates T to the consumption time of the remaining material in the feeder's buffer area, and compares T with the transport time of the AGV from the farthest storage location from the feeder's center in area n to the feeder, matches the optimal picking area, and sends the picking area to the WMS system. Step 4: The WMS system sets up pickup locations based on the pickup area. After receiving the pickup area from the WCS system, the WMS system sets the corresponding material location in the pickup area as the pickup location and sends the pickup location to the WCS system. Step 5: The WCS system receives the pickup location and generates a handling task. After receiving the pickup location from the WMS system, the WCS system generates a handling task. The handling task includes a task start point and a task end point. The task start point is the pickup location issued by the WMS system, and the task end point is the location of the feeding equipment. Step 6: The WCS system sends the handling task to the AGV scheduling system; Step 7: The AGV scheduling system assigns the task to the idle AGV closest to the task's starting point for execution; Step 8: The AGV performs the transport task.

2. The method for creating a handling task based on AGV delivery time according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the AGV handling time = the length of the task path from the task start point to the task end point / average speed + AGV picking operation time + AGV unloading operation time.

3. The method for creating a handling task based on AGV delivery time according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 3, (1) if T > T N-1 (2) If T K-1 <T≤T K , k takes values ​​from 2 to N-1, select area k as the pickup area; (3) if T ≤ T1, select area 1 as the pickup area.

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