A tote and warehousing system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a material bin and storage system, relating to the field of warehousing technology. It includes one or more compartments for placing materials, a control device, and multiple indicating devices, each corresponding to a compartment. The control terminal of each indicating device is electrically connected to the control device, which stores a pre-defined correspondence between materials and compartments. Based on received material information, the control device controls the indicating device of the corresponding compartment to issue an indication signal. This utility model can highlight the compartment location of materials, providing visual guidance and intuitively indicating the corresponding compartment. Pickers do not need to search for labels row by row, avoiding errors due to fatigue or negligence, significantly reducing manual search time, improving order processing efficiency, and substantially enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of warehousing operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of warehousing technology, specifically to a material bin and warehousing system. Background Technology

[0002] To improve utilization, the inside of the bin is divided into multiple compartments, each for different materials. After receiving an order, the robot moves to the corresponding bin, pulls it out, and places it on the picking platform. Operators then need to remove the materials from the bin's compartments and place them on the conveyor line or transport cart. However, operators cannot quickly determine which compartment to retrieve the material from, resulting in low order processing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to solve one of the technical problems in related technologies to a certain extent. Therefore, this utility model provides a material bin and storage system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a material bin, comprising one or more compartments for placing materials, and further comprising a control device and multiple indicating devices, wherein the indicating devices are respectively disposed on the compartments; the control terminal of each indicating device is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device pre-stores the correspondence between materials and compartments, and is used to control the indicating device of the corresponding compartment of the material to issue an indicating signal according to the received material information.

[0005] The application of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: This utility model can indicate the location of the material in the bin to the picking personnel through the indicating device. The indicating signal issued by the indicating device provides guidance and intuitively indicates the corresponding bin of the material. Picking personnel do not need to search for labels row by row, and will not make mistakes due to fatigue or negligence. This greatly reduces the time spent on manual searching, improves order processing efficiency, and significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of warehousing operations.

[0006] Optionally, it also includes a housing and a divider, the divider being disposed inside the housing to divide the internal space of the housing into multiple compartments, each compartment being formed by the divider and the side wall of the housing; the indicating device includes a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element being disposed on the top surface of the corresponding side wall of the housing in the compartment and electrically connected to the control device, for emitting light under the control of the control device.

[0007] Optionally, the housing includes a bottom plate, two side plates, and two end plates. The two end plates are respectively connected to both ends of the bottom plate along its length direction, and the two side plates are respectively connected to both sides of the bottom plate along its width direction. The partition includes a first partition and a second partition. The first partition extends along the length direction of the bottom plate, and the second partition extends along the width direction of the bottom plate. The first partition and the second partition are arranged intersectingly, and the first partition and the second partition divide the internal space of the housing into four compartments.

[0008] Optionally, the light-emitting element includes a first light strip and a second light strip. The first light strip is disposed on the top surface of the corresponding end plate of the box in the grid, and the second light strip is disposed on the top surface of the corresponding side plate of the box in the grid. The first light strip and the second light strip are connected to form an L-shaped structure.

[0009] Optionally, there are multiple second partitions, which are spaced apart along the length of the base plate. The first partition and the multiple second partitions divide the internal space of the box into multiple compartments. The light-emitting element includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the compartments located at both ends of the length of the base plate, and the second light-emitting element is disposed on the remaining compartments.

[0010] Optionally, the first light-emitting element includes a third light strip and a fourth light strip, the third light strip being disposed on the top surface of the corresponding box end plate of the grid, and the fourth light strip being disposed on the top surface of the corresponding box side plate of the grid, the third light strip and the fourth light strip being connected to form an L-shaped structure; the second light-emitting element includes a fifth light strip, the fifth light strip being disposed on the top surface of the corresponding box side plate of the grid.

[0011] Optionally, the internal space of the box forms the compartment, and the indicating device includes a light-emitting element disposed on the top surface of the side wall of the box and electrically connected to the control device for emitting light under the control of the control device.

[0012] Optionally, the light-emitting element includes four light strips, which are respectively disposed on the four side walls of the housing, and the four light strips are connected end to end to form a frame structure.

[0013] Optionally, it also includes a mounting frame that matches the top opening of the housing, the mounting frame engaging with the top opening of the housing, and the mounting frame being provided with the indicating device.

[0014] A second aspect of this utility model provides a warehousing system, including a robot, a sorting table, a storage rack, and a plurality of bins disposed on the storage rack. The robot is configured to pick up and place the bins between the storage rack and the sorting table. The bins are the bins provided in the first aspect of this utility model.

[0015] These features and advantages of this utility model will be disclosed in detail in the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments or means of this utility model will be shown in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but are not intended to limit the technical solutions of this utility model. In addition, each of these features, elements and components appearing in the following text and drawings is multiple and is labeled with different symbols or numbers for convenience, but all represent parts with the same or similar structure or function. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of material box in this utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of material box in this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of material box in this utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of material box in this utility model.

[0021] Among them, 10 is the compartment; 20 is the indicator device; 30 is the box body; 41 is the first partition; and 42 is the second partition. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described are intended to explain this utility model and should not be construed as limiting it.

[0023] The terms "an embodiment," "example," or "trademark" used in this specification refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment itself that may be included in at least one embodiment disclosed in this patent. The phrase "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0024] In related technologies, to improve utilization, the interior of a tote box is divided into multiple compartments. A shelf robot moves to the corresponding tote box, pulls it out, and then retrieves the material from the corresponding compartment and places it on a ground robot. However, the shelf robot can only identify the tote box; manual removal of the material from the compartment and placement on the corresponding robot is still required. Traditional picking relies on manual label verification, and operators cannot quickly determine which compartment to retrieve the material from, making them prone to errors due to fatigue or negligence.

[0025] In view of this, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first aspect of this utility model provides a material bin, including one or more compartments 10 for placing materials. The bin is characterized by further including a control device and a plurality of indicating devices 20, each indicating device 20 being disposed one-to-one with the compartment 10. The control terminal of each indicating device 20 is electrically connected to the control device. The control device has a pre-stored correspondence between materials and compartments 10, and is used to control the indicating device 20 of the corresponding compartment 10 to issue an indicating signal based on received material information.

[0026] This invention enables the indicator device 20 of the corresponding compartment 10 to emit an indication signal based on the material information in the order. The indication signal, such as a light signal, highlights the location of the corresponding compartment. Operators locate the compartment according to the indication signal, verify the material information, and complete the picking or processing. This visual guidance reduces manual search time, improves order processing efficiency (expected to increase picking speed by over 30%), and significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of warehousing operations.

[0027] In some embodiments, the device further includes a housing 30 and a partition. The partition is disposed within the housing 30, dividing the internal space of the housing 30 into multiple compartments 10. Each compartment 10 is formed by the partition and the side wall of the housing 30. The indicating device 20 includes a light-emitting element disposed on the top surface of the corresponding side wall of the housing 30 in each compartment 10 and electrically connected to the control device for emitting light under the control of the control device. The light emitted by the light-emitting element provides guidance, reducing manual search time and improving order processing efficiency.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown in the first embodiment of the bin structure, the bin body 30 includes a bottom plate, two side plates, and two end plates. The two end plates are respectively connected to both ends of the bottom plate along its length direction, and the two side plates are respectively connected to both sides of the bottom plate along its width direction. The partition includes a first partition 41 and a second partition 42. The first partition 41 extends along the length direction of the bottom plate, and the second partition 42 extends along the width direction of the bottom plate. The first partition 41 and the second partition 42 are intersecting and divide the internal space of the bin body 30 into four compartments 10. The light-emitting element includes a first light strip and a second light strip. The first light strip is disposed on the top surface of the end plate of the bin body 30 corresponding to the compartment 10, and the second light strip is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the bin body 30 corresponding to the compartment 10. The first light strip and the second light strip are connected to form an L-shaped structure. During the picking process, the light strip on the corresponding compartment 10 lights up to indicate the position of the material to be picked in compartment 10 of the bin, enabling the operator to complete the picking quickly.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of the second bin structure, there are two second partitions 42, which are spaced apart along the length of the bottom plate. The first partition 41 and the two second partitions 42 divide the internal space of the bin 30 into six compartments 10. The light-emitting element includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the compartments 10 located at both ends of the length of the bottom plate, and the second light-emitting element is disposed on the remaining compartments 10. The first light-emitting element includes a third light strip and a fourth light strip. The third light strip is disposed on the top surface of the end plate of the bin 30 corresponding to the compartment 10, and the fourth light strip is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the bin 30 corresponding to the compartment 10. The third light strip and the fourth light strip are connected to form an L-shaped structure. The second light-emitting element includes a fifth light strip, which is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the bin 30 corresponding to the compartment 10.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown in the embodiment of the third type of bin structure, there are three second partitions 42, which are spaced apart along the length of the bottom plate. The first partition 41 and the two second partitions 42 divide the internal space of the bin 30 into eight compartments 10. The light-emitting element includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the compartments 10 located at both ends of the length of the bottom plate, and the second light-emitting element is disposed on the remaining compartments 10. The first light-emitting element includes a third light strip and a fourth light strip. The third light strip is disposed on the top surface of the end plate of the bin 30 corresponding to the compartment 10, and the fourth light strip is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the bin 30 corresponding to the compartment 10. The third light strip and the fourth light strip are connected to form an L-shaped structure. The second light-emitting element includes a fifth light strip, which is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the bin 30 corresponding to the compartment 10.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of the fourth type of bin structure, the internal space of the bin body 30 forms the compartment 10. The indicating device 20 includes a light-emitting element, which is disposed on the top surface of the side wall of the bin body 30 and electrically connected to the control device for emitting light under the control of the control device. The light-emitting element includes four light strips, which are respectively disposed on the four side walls of the bin body 30 and connected end to end to form a frame structure.

[0032] The light strip visually indicates the target compartment 10 corresponding to the material, eliminating the need for pickers to search for labels row by row, significantly reducing the time spent searching for materials. Through visual cues, the light strip highlights the compartment location, allowing operators to locate the compartment and complete the picking or processing. Traditional picking relies on manual label verification, which is prone to errors due to fatigue or negligence. The light strip provides visual cues, enabling pickers to operate by following the indicator lights, avoiding missed or incorrect picks.

[0033] In some embodiments, the light strip is an LED light strip, and the hopper also includes a mounting frame that matches the top opening of the hopper body 30. The mounting frame engages with the top opening of the hopper body 30, and the indicator device 20 is provided on the mounting frame. The LED light strip is bonded to the mounting frame with thermally conductive tape, or fixed to the top surface of the mounting frame using an embedded slot. The mounting frame and light strip can be customized in length and bending angle, and are positioned at the top opening of the hopper to fit the shape of the hopper without occupying additional space.

[0034] Understandably, LED light strips need to be installed directly above the mounting frame to ensure that the light shines directly into the operator's line of sight; LED light strips consume only 10%-20% of the power of traditional indicator lights and have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours, reducing the cost of frequent replacements.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control device includes:

[0036] The signal input interface is used to receive order information from external sources, which includes material information.

[0037] The processing module is connected to the signal input interface. The processing module has a pre-stored correspondence between the material and the grid 10, which is used to determine the corresponding grid 10 information based on the material information.

[0038] An indicator interface, connected to the processing module, is provided to receive grid information transmitted by the processing module and control the indicator device 20 corresponding to the material's grid 10 to issue an indicator signal. This invention does not involve improvements to the control device; a conventional control device well-known to those skilled in the art is sufficient. This invention solves the core pain points of slow item finding and error-prone processes in the picking process, and is particularly suitable for warehousing scenarios with high order volumes.

[0039] A second aspect of this utility model provides a warehousing system, including a robot, a sorting table, storage shelves, and multiple bins disposed on the storage shelves. The robot is configured to pick up and place the bins between the storage shelves and the sorting table. Each bin includes one or more compartments 10 for placing materials. The system also includes a control device and multiple indicating devices 20, each corresponding to a compartment 10. The control terminal of each indicating device 20 is electrically connected to the control device. The control device stores a correspondence between materials and compartments 10, and controls the indicating device 20 corresponding to the compartment 10 to issue an indication signal based on received material information. Each indicating device 20 corresponds to one compartment 10, and the control device controls the indicating device 20 to issue an indication signal, quickly indicating the compartment information of the material.

[0040] After the warehousing system receives order information (which includes material information), a robot moves the bin containing the material from the storage shelf to the sorting station (this part is an existing mature technology solution and will not be elaborated here). Then, the control device, based on the pre-stored correspondence between materials and slots 10, controls the indicator device on the corresponding slot 10 to emit an indication signal, such as a brightly lit light strip, to remind the operator to find the slot 10 according to the guidance, verify the material information, and complete the picking or processing. This can be applied to the rapid picking of small items (such as cosmetics and 3C accessories), or in the production line side warehouse, to guide operators to quickly obtain the parts needed for assembly, improving picking efficiency by 30%-50%. Alternatively, in cold chain warehousing, it can stably illuminate in low-temperature environments to indicate the slot where frozen products are located, reducing the time personnel spend in low-temperature environments.

[0041] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model includes, but is not limited to, the contents described in the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments above. Any modifications that do not depart from the functional and structural principles of this utility model will be included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A material bin comprising one or more compartments (10) for placing materials, characterized in that, It also includes a control device and multiple indicator devices (20), each of which is correspondingly set on the grid (10); the control terminal of each indicator device (20) is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device has a pre-stored correspondence between materials and grids (10), which is used to control the indicator device (20) of the corresponding grid (10) to issue an indicator signal according to the received material information.

2. The material bin according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing (30) and a partition, the partition being disposed inside the housing (30) to divide the internal space of the housing (30) into a plurality of compartments (10), each compartment (10) being formed by the partition and the side wall of the housing (30); the indicating device (20) includes a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element being disposed on the top surface of the side wall of the housing (30) corresponding to the compartment (10) and electrically connected to the control device, for emitting light under the control of the control device.

3. The material bin according to claim 2, characterized in that, The box (30) includes a bottom plate, two side plates and two end plates. The two end plates are respectively connected to the two ends of the bottom plate along its length direction, and the two side plates are respectively connected to the two sides of the bottom plate along its width direction. The partition includes a first partition (41) and a second partition (42). The first partition (41) extends along the length direction of the bottom plate, and the second partition (42) extends along the width direction of the bottom plate. The first partition (41) and the second partition (42) are arranged crosswise. The first partition (41) and the second partition (42) divide the internal space of the box (30) into four compartments (10).

4. The material bin according to claim 3, characterized in that, The light-emitting element includes a first light strip and a second light strip. The first light strip is disposed on the top surface of the end plate of the corresponding box (30) of the grid (10), and the second light strip is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the corresponding box (30) of the grid (10). The first light strip and the second light strip are connected to form an L-shaped structure.

5. The material bin according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of second partitions (42) is multiple, and the multiple second partitions (42) are spaced apart along the length direction of the bottom plate. The first partition (41) and the multiple second partitions (42) divide the internal space of the box (30) into multiple compartments (10). The light-emitting element includes a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element. The first light-emitting element is disposed on the compartments (10) located at both ends of the length direction of the bottom plate, and the second light-emitting element is disposed on the remaining compartments (10).

6. The material bin according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first light-emitting element includes a third light strip and a fourth light strip. The third light strip is disposed on the top surface of the end plate of the corresponding box (30) of the grid (10), and the fourth light strip is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the corresponding box (30) of the grid (10). The third light strip and the fourth light strip are connected to form an L-shaped structure. The second light-emitting element includes a fifth light strip, which is disposed on the top surface of the side plate of the corresponding box (30) of the grid (10).

7. The material bin according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing (30), the internal space of which forms the compartment (10), and the indicating device (20) includes a light-emitting element, which is disposed on the top surface of the side wall of the housing (30) and electrically connected to the control device for emitting light under the control of the control device.

8. The material bin according to claim 7, characterized in that, The light-emitting element includes four light strips, which are respectively disposed on the four side walls of the housing (30) and connected end to end to form a frame structure.

9. The hopper according to any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting frame that matches the top opening of the housing (30), the mounting frame engaging with the top opening of the housing (30), and the mounting frame being provided with the indicator device (20).

10. A warehousing system comprising a robot, a sorting table, storage racks, and a plurality of bins disposed on the storage racks, the robot being configured to pick up and place the bins between the storage racks and the sorting table, characterized in that, The hopper is the hopper described in any one of claims 1-9.

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