Inventory system of tray dense warehouse
By combining in-warehouse and stacking inventory mechanisms and utilizing equipment such as laser rangefinders and industrial cameras, automated inventory counting in palletized high-density warehouses has been achieved, solving the problem of efficient and accurate inventory counting in high-density warehouses and improving the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423162883.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-20
AI Technical Summary
The high storage density of palletized warehouses makes inventory counting difficult and management challenging, and existing technologies struggle to perform efficient and accurate inventory counting.
The system combines in-warehouse inventory and stacking inventory mechanisms, utilizing equipment such as laser rangefinders, industrial cameras, and 3D cameras to achieve real-time monitoring and automatic inventory of goods. Data is recorded before goods enter the warehouse, quantities are verified in the warehouse, and a final inventory check is performed before goods leave the warehouse. Data is managed centrally by a main control unit.
It enables real-time monitoring and accurate inventory counting of goods, improves the efficiency of warehouse management, ensures inventory accuracy, reduces labor costs, and enhances the level of management sophistication.
Smart Images

Figure CN223501395U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of warehouse management, and in particular to a pallet-intensive inventory system. Background Technology
[0002] Palletized high-density warehouses are a common and efficient storage system in modern warehousing management, particularly suitable for environments requiring large quantities of goods and high space utilization. In this system, goods are stored uniformly on pallets, typically stacked multiple layers high. Warehouse inventory counting is a fundamental aspect of warehouse management; accurate inventory data supports other management decisions, such as purchasing, sales, and production scheduling. Regular or irregular inventory counts ensure that inventory records match actual inventory, reducing order errors or stockouts caused by misinformation. They also help identify overstocked, expired, or damaged goods, optimizing inventory levels and preventing resource waste. However, the high storage density of palletized high-density warehouses makes management more difficult, and inventory counting itself becomes challenging. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a palletized high-density warehouse inventory system to improve the efficiency of warehouse management.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a palletized high-density warehouse inventory system, wherein the high-density warehouse includes a storage area, an in-warehouse inventory area, and an out-of-warehouse inventory area. Goods are placed on pallets and stored in the storage area. The in-warehouse inventory area and the out-of-warehouse inventory area are located on opposite sides of the storage area. The system includes an in-warehouse inventory mechanism positioned above the pallets in the in-warehouse inventory area, with its detection end facing the storage area. The in-warehouse inventory mechanism is capable of detecting goods on the pallets within the storage area. The system includes: a counting mechanism measuring the distance from the nearest goods to the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism; a platform and a stacking inventory counting mechanism, the stacking inventory counting mechanism being located in the outbound inventory counting area and mounted on the platform; a stacker crane entering or leaving the storage area via the platform; and a main control mechanism connected to both the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism and the stacking inventory counting mechanism, capable of acquiring detection information from both the main control mechanism and the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism.
[0005] Furthermore, the inventory counting mechanism includes a base, a column, and a laser rangefinder sensor; the column is mounted on the base, the base is mounted on the tray, the laser rangefinder sensor is mounted on the column, and the detection end of the laser rangefinder sensor faces the storage area. The base contains a battery power supply module, a wireless communication module, and a lower-level control module. The lower-level control module and the battery power supply module are both connected to the laser rangefinder sensor, and the lower-level control module is connected to the main control mechanism through the wireless communication module.
[0006] Furthermore, the warehouse inventory mechanism also includes a first industrial camera, which is connected to both the battery power supply module and the laser rangefinder. The first industrial camera is mounted on the column and faces the storage area. The first industrial camera is capable of photographing the goods in the storage area.
[0007] Furthermore, the inventory counting mechanism also includes a first strip light source, which is mounted on the column and faces the storage area.
[0008] Furthermore, the number of columns is 2, the first strip light source is connected to the battery power supply module, the two columns are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the tray, and each column is provided with multiple first strip light sources.
[0009] Furthermore, the warehouse inventory mechanism also includes a second industrial camera, which is connected to both the battery power module and the laser rangefinder. The second industrial camera is located between the two columns and is connected to both columns simultaneously. The second industrial camera faces the storage area and is capable of photographing the goods in the storage area.
[0010] Furthermore, the platform includes a bottom frame, a support rod, and a top frame, wherein the bottom frame and the top frame are connected by the support rod.
[0011] Furthermore, the stacking and inventory mechanism includes a third industrial camera and a second strip light source. The third industrial camera is mounted on the top frame, and there are two third industrial cameras. The two third industrial cameras are arranged opposite each other, and both third industrial cameras face the bottom of the platform. The second strip light source is mounted on the support rod.
[0012] Furthermore, the stacking and inventory mechanism also includes a 3D camera, which is located on the top of the platform and faces vertically toward the bottom of the platform.
[0013] Furthermore, the stacking and inventory mechanism also includes an electrical control cabinet, which is connected to the main control mechanism, the third industrial camera, and the 3D camera. The electrical control cabinet can receive and process the shooting data from the third industrial camera and the 3D camera, and can transmit the processed data to the main control mechanism.
[0014] Analysis reveals that this utility model discloses a palletized high-density warehouse inventory system. During non-inventory periods, the in-warehouse inventory mechanism can store goods in a specific location within the warehouse, similar to regular goods. Upon receiving an inventory task, a stacker crane forks the goods onto a platform, and the system moves the goods to the target location for inventory counting. The system automatically counts the specifications and quantities of goods entering and leaving the warehouse. Furthermore, it can detect any instances of loose stacks or dropped boxes during the stacker crane's movement. Real-time monitoring of goods data enables effective risk management. Through the coordinated operation of the in-warehouse and stacker inventory mechanisms, an inventory check is performed before goods enter the warehouse to record the data, another check is conducted during the warehouse to verify the quantity, and a final check is conducted before goods leave the warehouse to verify the information. This achieves full-process informatization of inbound and outbound processes, improving the efficiency of warehouse management. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Wherein:
[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an in-warehouse inventory mechanism according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the stacking and inventory mechanism according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the layout of a pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. First industrial camera; 2. Second industrial camera; 3. First strip light source; 4. Column; 5. Base; 6. Platform; 7. Third industrial camera; 8. 3D camera; 9. Second strip light source; 10. Electrical control cabinet. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Various examples are provided by way of explanation of the present invention and not by way of limitation. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desirable that the present invention encompass such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0021] In the description of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not require that this utility model be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "connected," "linked," and "set up" used in this utility model should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection through intermediate components; a wired connection, a radio connection, or a wireless communication signal connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.
[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more examples of the present invention. The detailed description uses numerals and letters to refer to features in the drawings. Similar or analogous reference numerals in the drawings and description have been used to refer to similar or analogous parts of the present invention. As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth,” etc., are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of a single component.
[0023] like Figures 1-3 As shown, according to an embodiment of this utility model, a palletized high-density warehouse inventory system is provided. The high-density warehouse includes a storage area, an in-warehouse inventory area, and an out-of-warehouse inventory area. Goods are placed on pallets and stored in the storage area. The in-warehouse inventory area and the out-of-warehouse inventory area are located on opposite sides of the storage area, respectively.
[0024] The in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism is located above the pallet and in the in-warehouse inventory counting area. The detection end of the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism faces the storage area. The in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism can detect the distance from the nearest goods to the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism.
[0025] The inventory counting mechanism includes a base 5, a column 4, and a laser rangefinder sensor. The column 4 is mounted on the base 5, the base 5 is mounted on the tray, and the laser rangefinder sensor is mounted on the column 4 with its detection end facing the storage area. The base 5 contains a battery power supply module, a wireless communication module, and a lower-level control module. The lower-level control module and the battery power supply module are connected to the laser rangefinder sensor, and the lower-level control module is connected to the main control mechanism through the wireless communication module.
[0026] The aforementioned laser rangefinder can detect the distance between the inventory counting mechanism in the warehouse and the nearest goods, thereby determining the stacking status of the goods and the quantity of goods.
[0027] The aforementioned warehouse inventory mechanism also includes a first industrial camera 1, which is connected to both the battery power supply module and the laser rangefinder. The first industrial camera 1 is mounted on the column 4 and faces the storage area. The first industrial camera 1 is capable of photographing the goods in the storage area.
[0028] The first industrial camera 1 can directly acquire images of the goods, thereby determining the quantity of the goods from the perspective of image recognition.
[0029] The inventory counting mechanism also includes a first bar light source 3, which is connected to the battery power supply module. The first bar light source 3 is mounted on the column 4 and faces the storage area.
[0030] Preferably, the warehouse inventory mechanism further includes a second industrial camera 2, which is connected to both the battery power supply module and the laser rangefinder. The second industrial camera 2 is located between the two columns 4 and is connected to both columns 4. The second industrial camera 2 faces the storage area and is capable of photographing the goods in the storage area.
[0031] The aforementioned second industrial camera 2 can work together with the first industrial camera 1 to photograph the goods in the storage area.
[0032] The number of the aforementioned columns 4 is 2, and the two columns 4 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the tray. Each column 4 is provided with multiple first strip light sources 3, which can provide sufficient illumination for the first industrial camera 1 and the second industrial camera 2.
[0033] The aforementioned battery power supply module provides power to the laser rangefinder, the first industrial camera 1, the second industrial camera 2, the first industrial camera 1, the lower-level control module, and the first strip light source 3. The lower-level control module can transmit the information collected by the laser rangefinder, the first industrial camera 1, the second industrial camera 2, and the first industrial camera 1 to the main control mechanism through the wireless communication module.
[0034] The upper base 5 typically has a slot for matching pallets, thus securing the pallet to itself. The warehouse inventory mechanism uses a laser rangefinder to read the distance to the nearest palletized goods surface and calculates the number of pallets in the warehouse based on the pallet length. A first industrial camera 1 and a second industrial camera 2 capture and record side information of the goods to be inventoried for item identification and matching. A uniformly bright first strip light source 3 ensures that the first industrial camera 1 and the second industrial camera 2 can capture clear images of the goods under any conditions. The above equipment can be connected to a main control mechanism, which typically has a warehouse logistics management system (WCS). When idle, the warehouse inventory mechanism exists as palletized goods in a specific location, and the battery in the base 5 is charged. When an inventory task is required, the stacker crane is controlled to fork the goods out and place them on the stacker crane platform 6, moving with the stacker crane to achieve inventory at the specific location.
[0035] A stacking and inventory mechanism is located in the outbound inventory area. The stacking and inventory mechanism is mounted on the platform 6. The stacker crane enters or leaves the storage area via the platform 6. The stacking and inventory mechanism can detect the goods on the stacker crane that pass through the platform 6.
[0036] The platform 6 includes a bottom frame, a support rod, and a top frame, which are connected by the support rod.
[0037] The stacking and inventory mechanism includes a third industrial camera 7 and a second strip light source 9. The third industrial camera 7 is mounted on the top frame. There are two third industrial cameras 7, which are arranged opposite each other and both face the bottom of the platform 6. The second strip light source 9 is mounted on the support rod.
[0038] The stacking and inventory mechanism also includes a 3D camera 8, which is located on the top of the platform 6 and faces vertically toward the bottom of the platform 6.
[0039] The stacking and inventory mechanism also includes an electrical control cabinet 10, which is connected to the main control mechanism, the third industrial camera 7, and the 3D camera 8. The electrical control cabinet 10 can receive and process the shooting data of the third industrial camera 7 and the 3D camera 8, and can transmit the processed data to the main control mechanism.
[0040] The electrical control cabinet 10 is equipped with an industrial control computer, which can receive and process the shooting data of the third industrial camera 7 and the 3D camera 8, and transmit the processed data to the main control mechanism.
[0041] Each time the stacker crane performs an inbound or outbound operation, the 3D camera 8 and the third industrial camera 7 respectively capture the top and side features of the palletized goods. Then, the industrial control computer in the electrical control cabinet 10 uses a visual recognition algorithm to perform an inventory check on the goods. This equipment is fixed to the stacker crane and always moves with it.
[0042] The main control mechanism is connected to the in-warehouse inventory mechanism and the stacking inventory mechanism, and the main control mechanism is able to acquire the detection information of the main control mechanism and the in-warehouse inventory mechanism.
[0043] From the above description, it can be seen that the above embodiments of this utility model achieve the following technical effects: This utility model utilizes an in-warehouse inventory mechanism and a stacking inventory mechanism to perform visual recognition at both the goods entering and leaving the warehouse, determining the specifications and quantity of the target goods, and recording the inventory data in the database. Upon receiving a periodic inventory instruction, the pallet-type inventory equipment moves to the target location along with the stacker crane. Using laser distance sensor data, the number of pallets at that location is calculated, and the side of the goods is photographed using a first industrial camera 1 and a second industrial camera 2. This serves two purposes: verifying the specifications of the goods and storing the inventory data. Through the above method, this utility model performs three different forms of inventory checks on the goods in the warehouse: recording the information and location of the goods upon entry, checking the specifications and pallet quantity of the goods in the warehouse, and verifying the specifications and quantity of the goods again upon leaving the warehouse. Because such dense warehouses often follow the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle, the method of this utility model allows for accurate real-time information about the goods in the warehouse when needed. The solution is expected to take less than 1 minute to inventory a train of goods, with an accuracy rate of over 99%. It can not only ensure the accuracy of inventory, but also update warehouse data in real time, reduce labor costs, and improve the level of precision in warehouse management.
[0044] Compared to existing technologies, this utility model's in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism allows goods to be stored in a specific location within the warehouse like regular goods during non-inventory periods. Upon receiving an inventory task, the goods are forked onto a platform by a stacker crane and moved to the target location for inventory counting. The mechanism automatically counts the specifications and quantities of goods when they enter or leave the warehouse. Furthermore, it can detect any instances of loose stacks or dropped boxes during the stacker crane's movement. Real-time monitoring of goods data enables effective risk management. This utility model, through the coordinated operation of the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism and the stacker inventory counting mechanism, allows for a pre-warehouse inventory count to record the incoming data, a warehouse inventory count to verify the quantity, and a final inventory count to verify the outgoing goods information, achieving full-process information management and improving warehouse management efficiency.
[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system, characterized in that, The compact warehouse includes a storage area, an in-warehouse inventory area, and an outbound inventory area. Goods are placed on pallets and stored in the storage area. The in-warehouse inventory area and the outbound inventory area are located on opposite sides of the storage area, respectively. An in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism is located above the pallet and in the in-warehouse inventory counting area. The detection end of the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism faces the storage area. The in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism can detect the distance from the nearest goods to the in-warehouse inventory counting mechanism. The system includes a platform and a stacking inventory mechanism. The stacking inventory mechanism is located in the outbound inventory area and is mounted on the platform. The stacker crane enters or leaves the storage area via the platform, and the stacking inventory mechanism can detect the goods on the stacker crane that pass through the platform. The main control mechanism is connected to both the in-warehouse inventory mechanism and the stacking inventory mechanism, and is capable of acquiring detection information from both the main control mechanism and the in-warehouse inventory mechanism.
2. The pallet-based high-density inventory system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warehouse inventory mechanism includes a base, a column, and a laser rangefinder sensor; The column is mounted on the base, the base is mounted on the tray, the laser rangefinder is mounted on the column, and the detection end of the laser rangefinder faces the storage area. The base is equipped with a battery power supply module, a wireless communication module, and a lower-level control module. The lower-level control module and the battery power supply module are both connected to the laser rangefinder. The lower-level control module is connected to the main control mechanism through the wireless communication module.
3. The pallet-based high-density inventory system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The warehouse inventory mechanism also includes a first industrial camera, which is connected to both the battery power module and the laser rangefinder. The first industrial camera is mounted on the column and faces the storage area. The first industrial camera is capable of photographing the goods in the storage area.
4. The pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inventory counting mechanism also includes a first strip light source, which is mounted on the column and faces the storage area.
5. The pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of columns is 2. The first strip light source is connected to the battery power supply module. The two columns are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center line of the tray. Each column is provided with multiple first strip light sources.
6. The pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The warehouse inventory mechanism also includes a second industrial camera, which is connected to both the battery power module and the laser rangefinder. The second industrial camera is located between the two columns and is connected to both columns. The second industrial camera faces the storage area and is capable of photographing the goods in the storage area.
7. The pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The platform includes a bottom frame, a support rod, and a top frame, with the bottom frame and the top frame connected by the support rod.
8. The pallet-based high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stacking and inventory mechanism includes a third industrial camera and a second strip light source. The third industrial camera is mounted on the top frame. There are two third industrial cameras, which are arranged opposite each other and both face the bottom of the platform. The second strip light source is mounted on the support rod.
9. A palletized high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The stacking and inventory mechanism also includes a 3D camera, which is located on the top of the platform and faces vertically toward the bottom of the platform.
10. A palletized high-density warehouse inventory system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The stacking and inventory mechanism also includes an electrical control cabinet, which is connected to the main control mechanism, the third industrial camera, and the 3D camera. The electrical control cabinet can receive and process the shooting data from the third industrial camera and the 3D camera, and can transmit the processed data to the main control mechanism.