A vertical sorting machine, a replenishment machine and a sorting machine capable of automatic replenishment

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of logistics sorting technology discloses a vertical sorting machine, replenishment machine and sorting machine of automatic replenishment, the vertical sorting machine includes a plurality of along first direction side -by -side arrangement's warehouse way and a plurality of along first direction side -by -side arrangement's guide mechanism, each guide mechanism all along second direction extension, and guide mechanism with warehouse way one -to -one, second direction is perpendicular to first direction, each warehouse way is close to the side of guide mechanism and set up replenishment mouth, and guide mechanism passes through replenishment mouth and corresponding warehouse intercommunication, each warehouse is provided with separable sub -warehouse in, sub -warehouse with guide mechanism sliding cooperation to facilitate warehouse way. Its beneficial effect lies in: when the vertical sorting machine needs replenishment, can replace empty warehouse sub -warehouse for full warehouse sub -warehouse in time, greatly improves the replenishment efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of logistics sorting technology, specifically a vertical sorting machine, a replenishment machine, and an automatic replenishment sorting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional vertical sorting systems primarily rely on fixed aisles to store and temporarily hold various materials awaiting sorting. Once the materials in the aisles have been completely sorted, new materials need to be manually added one by one to continue the sorting process. During this replenishment process, workers will identify the aisle location requiring replenishment based on prompts on the display screen, and then walk to the corresponding aisle with the appropriate materials to perform the replenishment operation.

[0003] However, vertical sorting systems often consist of multiple machines arranged side-by-side in a long, narrow layout, resulting in a relatively large distance between them. This means that when a particular aisle needs restocking, staff must spend considerable time and effort moving between multiple machines to complete the task. This limits restocking efficiency to some extent, especially during peak sorting periods, often making it impossible to promptly and quickly fulfill the restocking needs of all aisles, thus impacting overall sorting efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical sorting machine with detachable mother and child compartments to solve the problems of relatively low replenishment efficiency in existing vertical sorting machines mentioned in the background art.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a replenishment machine that can automatically replenish stock, effectively improving replenishment efficiency and accuracy.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a sorting machine that can automatically replenish stock, thereby effectively improving sorting efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A vertical sorting machine includes multiple driveways arranged side-by-side along a first direction and multiple guide mechanisms arranged side-by-side along the first direction. Each guide mechanism extends along a second direction and corresponds one-to-one with a driveway. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each driveway has a replenishment port on its side near the guide mechanism, and the guide mechanism is connected to the corresponding driveway through the replenishment port. Each driveway has separable sub-driveways, which slide with the guide mechanism to facilitate entry and exit from the driveway. When a sub-driveway in the vertical sorting machine is empty, the empty sub-driveway passes through the replenishment port and the guide mechanism in sequence and is transferred to the outside of the vertical sorting machine to wait for replenishment. Full sub-driveways waiting outside the vertical sorting machine pass through the guide mechanism and the replenishment port in sequence and enter the driveway to fill their positions. This setup allows for the installation of detachable sub-compartments within the sorting aisle. When the vertical sorting machine needs replenishment, empty sub-compartments can be promptly replaced with full ones, significantly improving replenishment efficiency. Furthermore, a guide mechanism is installed at the replenishment port. When a sub-compartment enters or exits the sorting aisle, it slides in conjunction with the guide mechanism, facilitating external force to push the sub-compartment in and out, thereby increasing the speed of sub-compartment replacement.

[0009] Furthermore, the guiding mechanism includes guide wheels, guide plates, and a base plate; two guide plates are respectively located on both sides of the base plate to form a guiding space between the guide plates and the base plate, and the guide wheels are rotatably mounted on the base plate and slightly higher than the upper surface of the base plate. The guiding mechanism has a simple structure. By setting the guide plates, the movement path of the sub-compartments is defined, allowing them to accurately enter and exit the corresponding compartments. The guide wheels facilitate the movement of the sub-compartments.

[0010] Furthermore, the guide wheels are multiple and arranged sequentially along the second direction. Increasing the number of guide wheels increases the sliding contact between the sub-compartment and the guide wheels, facilitating the movement of the sub-compartment.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a limiting mechanism located within each of the storage channels and on the opposite side of the replenishment port to prevent the sub-storage from detaching from the storage channel.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes photoelectric sensors, with each of the said storage channels equipped with photoelectric sensors to detect the condition of goods in the sub-storage.

[0013] Furthermore, the vertical sorting machine also includes a base, and the storage channel and the guiding mechanism are both disposed on the base.

[0014] A replenishment machine includes a replenishment box and a traveling mechanism. The replenishment box has a receiving space for accommodating sub-warehouses. The receiving space has at least two sub-warehouse access channels, which are arranged side-by-side along a first direction, and each sub-warehouse access channel is continuous along a second direction. The replenishment box is mounted on the traveling mechanism to move along a preset path, where the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. This configuration allows the replenishment machine to move along the preset path, eliminating the need for manual handling of sub-warehouses and effectively improving replenishment efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a clamping mechanism, which is correspondingly arranged in the sub-compartment entry and exit channel, for transferring empty sub-compartments outside the sub-compartment entry and exit channel to the receiving space or transferring full sub-compartments in the receiving space to the outside of the sub-compartment entry and exit channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the walking mechanism includes an AGV robot and multiple LiDAR sensors, which are evenly distributed around the AGV robot, and the replenishment box is mounted on the AGV robot. By using multiple LiDAR sensors, the AGV robot can achieve high-precision positioning and move along a preset path.

[0017] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes telescopic forks; the telescopic arms of the telescopic forks move in a second direction to transfer empty sub-compartments in the storage aisle to the receiving space or to transfer full sub-compartments in the receiving space to the storage aisle.

[0018] Furthermore, the head end of the telescopic arm has a fork assembly for contacting the sub-compartment to facilitate the movement of the sub-compartment.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom end of the sub-bin entry / exit channel is flush with the height of the bottom plate in the guide mechanism. This arrangement allows for smooth exchange of sub-bins between the replenishment machine and the vertical sorting machine.

[0020] An automated replenishment sorting machine includes the aforementioned vertical sorting machine and the aforementioned replenishment machine. The vertical sorting machine and the replenishment machine work together to transfer empty sub-bins from the vertical sorting machine to the replenishment machine, and simultaneously transfer full sub-bins from the replenishment machine to the vertical sorting machine for replenishment. This achieves automated replenishment while significantly improving replenishment efficiency and avoiding errors caused by manual operation.

[0021] Furthermore, the sorting machine capable of automatic replenishment also includes a control system. The photoelectric sensors of the vertical sorting machine, as well as the AGV robot, lidar, and clamping mechanism of the replenishment machine, are all connected to the control system and cooperate with each other to complete automatic replenishment according to the instructions of the control system.

[0022] This invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0023] 1. This utility model discloses a vertical sorting machine with detachable sub-bins within the sorting aisle. A guide mechanism is installed in front of the replenishment port of the aisle. When the sub-bins enter or exit the aisle, they slide in cooperation with the guide mechanism, facilitating external force to push the sub-bins in and out, thus increasing the speed of sub-bin replacement. By incorporating detachable sub-bins within the sorting aisle, this utility model enables the timely replacement of empty sub-bins with full ones, significantly improving replenishment efficiency and ensuring smooth sorting operations.

[0024] 2. This utility model's replenishment machine includes a replenishment box and a traveling mechanism. The replenishment box has a receiving space for accommodating sub-warehouses, and the receiving space has at least two sub-warehouse entry / exit channels for empty or full sub-warehouses to enter and exit the receiving space. The replenishment box is mounted on the traveling mechanism, enabling it to move together with the traveling mechanism along a preset path, thereby transferring the sub-warehouses within the receiving space to a designated location. This replenishment machine can move along a preset path, eliminating the need for manual handling of sub-warehouses and effectively improving replenishment efficiency.

[0025] 3. The automatic replenishment sorting machine of this utility model includes a vertical sorting machine with separable sub-bins and a replenishment machine that can move along a preset path. The vertical sorting machine and the replenishment machine cooperate with each other to transfer empty sub-bins in the vertical sorting machine to the replenishment machine, and at the same time transfer full sub-bins in the replenishment machine to the vertical sorting machine for replenishment. This achieves automatic replenishment and greatly improves replenishment efficiency, avoiding the error rate caused by manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the vertical sorting machine in the embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic replenishment sorting machine in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of the automatic replenishment sorting machine in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Vertical sorting machine; 2. Warehouse aisle; 3. Sub-warehouse; 4. Replenishment machine; 5. Replenishment box; 6. Clamping mechanism; 7. Traveling mechanism; 8. Replenishment port; 9. Guiding mechanism; 10. Guide wheel; 11. Guide plate; 12. Base plate; 13. Sub-warehouse in / out passage; 14. Base. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of this utility model, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various components shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0033] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined or described in one figure, it will not need to be further discussed and described in the description of the subsequent figures.

[0034] Example:

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a vertical sorting machine 1, which includes multiple storage lanes 2 arranged side by side along a first direction, and multiple guide mechanisms 9 arranged side by side along the first direction. Each guide mechanism 9 extends along a second direction and corresponds one-to-one with a storage lane 2. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each storage lane 2 has a replenishment port 8 on the side near the guide mechanism 9, and the guide mechanism 9 is connected to the corresponding storage lane 2 through the replenishment port 8. Each storage lane 2 is provided with a separable sub-storage 3, and the sub-storage 3 slides with the guide mechanism 9 to facilitate entry and exit from the storage lane 2. When the sub-storage 3 in the vertical sorting machine 1 is empty, the empty sub-storage is transferred to the outside of the vertical sorting machine 1 to wait for replenishment after passing through the replenishment port 8 and the guide mechanism 9. The full sub-storage waiting outside the vertical sorting machine 1 enters the storage lane 2 to fill the position after passing through the guide mechanism 9 and the replenishment port 8.

[0036] This invention proposes a separate parent-child compartment design, changing the traditional storage and replenishment mode of vertical sorting mechanisms. It transforms the originally integrated storage channel into multiple independent and separable sub-compartments. When the vertical sorting mechanism needs replenishment, empty sub-compartments can be promptly replaced with full ones, greatly improving replenishment efficiency. A guide mechanism is also installed at the replenishment port. When sub-compartments enter or exit the channel, they slide in conjunction with the guide mechanism, facilitating external force to push the sub-compartments in and out, thus increasing the speed of sub-compartment replacement.

[0037] Specifically, the guiding mechanism 9 in this embodiment includes a guide wheel 10, a guide plate 11, and a base plate 12. Two guide plates 11 are located on opposite sides of the base plate 12 to form a guiding space between the guide plates 11 and the base plate 12. The guide wheel 10 is rotatably mounted on the base plate 12 and slightly higher than its upper surface. This guiding mechanism 9 has a simple structure. The guide space is defined by the cooperation between the guide plate 11 and the base plate 12. The sub-compartment 3 can move precisely into and out of its corresponding compartment 2 along the guiding space. Furthermore, a guide wheel 10 slightly higher than the plane of the base plate 12 is mounted on the base plate 12, allowing the sub-compartment 3 to slide and engage with the guide wheel 10 when entering or exiting the compartment 2, facilitating the movement of the sub-compartment 3 into and out of the compartment 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, there are multiple guide wheels 10 arranged sequentially along the second direction, and two or more rows of guide wheels 10 can also be arranged along the second direction. By increasing the number of guide wheels 10, the sliding contact between the sub-compartment 3 and the guide wheels 10 is increased, facilitating the movement of the sub-compartment 3.

[0039] This embodiment also includes a limiting mechanism (not shown in the figure), which is located within each of the storage channels 2 and on the opposite side of the replenishment port 8 to prevent the sub-storage 3 from detaching from the storage channel 2. Specifically, the limiting mechanism can be a limiting baffle. The storage channel 2 extends along the second direction, with the replenishment port 8 on the side of the storage channel 2 closest to the guide mechanism 9, and the limiting baffle on the side away from the guide mechanism 9 to prevent the sub-storage 3 from being pushed out of the storage channel 2 when replacing the sub-storage 3.

[0040] In this embodiment, a photoelectric sensor (not shown in the figure) is also included. Each of the storage channels 2 is equipped with a photoelectric sensor to detect the status of goods in the sub-storage. When a sub-storage is empty, the photoelectric sensor can promptly remind the user to change the sub-storage 3.

[0041] In practical implementation: This vertical sorting machine may also include a base 14, with the storage lane 2 and the guiding mechanism 9 both located on the base 14. When a sub-bin of the vertical sorting machine becomes empty, a photoelectric sensor prompts a replacement sub-bin. A full sub-bin moves to the front of the vertical sorting machine, the empty sub-bin is first pushed out via the guiding mechanism, and then the full sub-bin is pushed in via the guiding mechanism, completing replenishment promptly. This vertical sorting machine can quickly replace empty and full sub-bins, eliminating the need for staff to manually replenish materials, greatly improving replenishment efficiency and ensuring smooth sorting operations.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment also provides a replenishment machine 4, which includes a replenishment box 5 and a traveling mechanism 7. The replenishment box 5 has a receiving space for accommodating sub-warehouses 3. The receiving space has at least two sub-warehouse access channels 13. The at least two sub-warehouse access channels 13 are arranged side by side along a first direction, and each sub-warehouse access channel 13 is connected along a second direction. The replenishment box 5 is mounted on the traveling mechanism 7 so that the replenishment box 5 moves along a preset path, and the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, the storage space is divided into two sub-warehouse entry / exit channels 13 arranged side-by-side along a first direction. One sub-warehouse entry / exit channel 13 is used for empty sub-warehouses to enter the storage space, and the other sub-warehouse entry / exit channel 13 is used for full sub-warehouses to exit the storage space. This replenishment machine, by placing the replenishment box 5 on the traveling mechanism 7, allows the replenishment box to move along a preset path with the traveling mechanism, eliminating the need for manual handling of sub-warehouses and effectively improving replenishment efficiency.

[0044] The system also includes a clamping mechanism 6, which is correspondingly disposed within the sub-compartment access channel 13. This mechanism is used to transfer empty sub-compartments outside the access channel 13 to the receiving space, or to transfer full sub-compartments within the receiving space to the outside of the access channel 13. By using the clamping mechanism 6, manual transfer of sub-compartments is eliminated, saving time and effort. Specifically, the clamping mechanism includes a telescopic fork; the telescopic arm of the telescopic fork moves in a second direction to transfer empty sub-compartments within the access channel to the receiving space, or to transfer full sub-compartments within the receiving space to the access channel. The head end of the telescopic arm has a fork assembly for contacting the sub-compartment, facilitating its movement. In practical implementation, the clamping mechanism can be disposed at both the upper and lower ends of the sub-compartment access channel 13 to ensure operational stability. Existing telescopic forks capable of performing the above functions can be used for the clamping mechanism 6.

[0045] In this embodiment, the walking mechanism 7 includes an AGV robot and multiple LiDAR sensors. The multiple LiDAR sensors are evenly distributed around the AGV robot, and the replenishment box 5 is mounted on the AGV robot. By using multiple LiDAR sensors, the AGV robot can achieve high-precision positioning and move along a preset path.

[0046] In this embodiment, the replenishment machine can reach the docking position according to the set route during operation, transfer the empty sub-warehouse to the replenishment box, and transfer the full sub-warehouse in the replenishment box to the target position to complete automatic replenishment.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an automatically replenishable sorting machine includes the aforementioned vertical sorting machine 1 and the aforementioned replenishment machine 4. The bottom end of the sub-bin entry / exit channel 13 is flush with the height of the base plate 12 in the guide mechanism 9, facilitating the movement of the sub-bin 3. Specifically, the automatically replenishable sorting machine also includes a control system. The photoelectric sensors of the vertical sorting machine, as well as the AGV robot, lidar, and clamping mechanism of the replenishment machine, are all connected to the control system and cooperate to complete automatic replenishment according to the instructions of the control system. The vertical sorting machine and the replenishment machine work together to transfer empty sub-bins from the vertical sorting machine to the replenishment machine, and simultaneously transfer full sub-bins from the replenishment machine to the vertical sorting machine for replenishment, achieving automatic replenishment while greatly improving replenishment efficiency and avoiding errors caused by manual operation.

[0048] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sorting machine with automatic replenishment function can automatically replace sub-warehouses during operation.

[0049] The specific process is as follows:

[0050] When the materials in a sub-bin of the vertical sorting machine are about to run out and need to be replenished, the control system can automatically identify the location of the empty sub-bin that needs replenishment and immediately send a precise replenishment command to the AGV robot. After receiving the command, the AGV robot responds quickly, loading a pre-filled sub-bin, and travels precisely to the designated location along the preset path.

[0051] To ensure accurate docking, the AGV robot is equipped with a high-precision LiDAR, ensuring that it can accurately dock with the vertical sorting machine's aisle upon reaching the docking position. After successful docking, the clamping mechanism operates, gently pushing the empty sub-bin out of the aisle, guiding it through the guide mechanism and sub-bin entry / exit channel, and placing it steadily onto the replenishment box. Subsequently, the AGV robot makes slight adjustments to its position and docks again precisely, smoothly pushing the full sub-bin from the replenishment box into the empty bin's aisle, completing the sub-bin replacement and replenishment operation.

[0052] The entire process requires no human intervention and is fully automated, significantly improving replenishment efficiency and reducing the possibility of human error. After replenishment is completed, the AGV robot carries the replaced empty warehouse back to the replenishment point along the original route, ready for the next round of replenishment, thus ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the sorting operation.

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vertical sorting machine, characterized in that, The vertical sorting machine includes multiple aisles arranged side by side along a first direction, and multiple guide mechanisms arranged side by side along the first direction. Each guide mechanism extends along a second direction, and each guide mechanism corresponds to one aisle. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. Each aisle has a replenishment port on the side near the guide mechanism, and the guide mechanism is connected to the corresponding aisle through the replenishment port. Each aisle has a separable sub-account, and the sub-account slides with the guide mechanism to facilitate entry and exit from the aisle. When the sub-bins inside the vertical sorting machine are empty, the empty sub-bins are transferred to the outside of the vertical sorting machine to wait for replenishment after passing through the replenishment port and the guide mechanism. The full sub-bins waiting outside the vertical sorting machine are transferred to the warehouse channel to be replenished after passing through the guide mechanism and the replenishment port.

2. The vertical sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism includes a guide wheel, a guide plate, and a base plate; the two guide plates are located on both sides of the base plate to form a guiding space between the guide plates and the base plate, and the guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the base plate and slightly higher than the upper surface of the base plate.

3. The vertical sorting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide wheels are multiple in number and arranged sequentially along the second direction.

4. The vertical sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a limiting mechanism located within each of the storage channels and on the opposite side of the replenishment port to prevent the sub-storage from detaching from the storage channel.

5. The vertical sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes photoelectric sensors, with each of the storage channels equipped with photoelectric sensors to detect the condition of goods in the sub-storage.

6. The vertical sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vertical sorting machine also includes a base, and the storage channel and the guiding mechanism are both located on the base.

7. A replenishment machine, characterized in that: The replenishment machine includes a replenishment box and a traveling mechanism. The replenishment box has a receiving space for accommodating sub-warehouses. The receiving space has at least two sub-warehouse access channels. The at least two sub-warehouse access channels are arranged side by side along a first direction, and each sub-warehouse access channel is connected along a second direction. The replenishment box is mounted on the traveling mechanism so that the replenishment box moves along a preset path. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

8. The replenishment machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a clamping mechanism, which is correspondingly installed in the sub-compartment entry and exit channel, and is used to transfer empty sub-compartments outside the sub-compartment entry and exit channel to the sub-accommodation space or to transfer full sub-compartments in the accommodation space to the outside of the sub-compartment entry and exit channel.

9. The replenishment machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The walking mechanism includes an AGV robot and multiple LiDARs, which are evenly distributed around the AGV robot. The replenishment box is mounted on the AGV robot.

10. A sorting machine capable of automatic replenishment, characterized in that: It includes the vertical sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the replenishment machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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