Goods loading system and method for receiving and shipping goods using same

Abstract

Disclosed are a goods loading system and a method for receiving and shipping goods using same. A goods loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a loading unit in which a plurality of unit loading stands for loading goods are vertically stacked; and a loading stand lift that, while supporting a lower unit loading stand in the loading unit, widens the gap between the lower unit loading stand and an upper unit loading stand, which is disposed on the lower loading stand, to lift the upper unit loading stand.

Description

Goods loading system and method for receiving and shipping goods using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a goods loading system.

[0002] Companies with large inventory handling capacities have invested heavily in cost reduction and automation, utilizing advanced inventory handling equipment and processes. Conventional inventory handling systems are primarily limited to storage and warehouse movement. Therefore, automated inventory handling systems, which automatically load items and pick and transport them, have been relatively slow to develop.

[0003] According to one embodiment, a material loading system and a material storage and retrieval method using the same are proposed, which can load more materials in a smaller space, efficiently remove loaded materials, and minimize the weight that must be supported when lifting a loading platform to load or remove materials, thereby making the equipment lighter.

[0004] A product loading system according to one embodiment includes a loading section in which a plurality of unit loading sections for loading products are vertically stacked, and a loading section lift that supports a lower unit loading section within the loading section and raises the upper unit loading section by widening the gap between the lower unit loading section and the upper unit loading section above it.

[0005] The loading platform lift may include an upper movable body having at least one upper hook for lifting an upper unit loading platform by hanging an upper unit loading platform, and a lower movable body having at least one lower hook for hanging a lower unit loading platform by hanging a lower unit loading platform to support a lower unit loading platform.

[0006] The loading platform lift may further include a body that supports the entire upper movable body and the lower movable body, a body guide for vertically moving the body up and down, and a movable body guide for vertically moving at least one of the upper movable body and the lower movable body up and down.

[0007] The upper hook and the lower hook may include protrusions protruding from the upper movable body and the lower movable body in the direction of the unit loading platform, respectively, and each protrusion may be in the form of a latch that goes into the unit loading platform and hangs the corresponding unit loading platform.

[0008] The upper hanging member and the lower hanging member may be in the form of at least one rotating body that rotates on the upper moving body and the lower moving body, respectively, and each rotating body may rotate horizontally around a rotation axis and enter the corresponding unit loading platform so that it can be hung on the corresponding unit loading platform.

[0009] The rotating body is in a form where the protrusion of the rotating body is positioned in the opposite direction of the unit loading platform and is separated from the unit loading platform. When the rotating body rotates around the rotation axis and the protrusion of the rotating body moves to the unit loading platform and touches the unit loading platform, the loading platform lift can be switched to a state where the unit loading platform can be opened. The rotating body may be in a semicircular shape.

[0010] The material loading system may further include a unit stack block that hangs over the unit loading platform or into which the unit loading platform is inserted.

[0011] The product loading system may further include a stacking block guide that supports a plurality of unit stacking blocks and vertically moves at least one unit stacking block up and down, and even if a unit stacking block in the middle is removed, the stacking block guide supports other plurality of stacking blocks, so that other unit stacking blocks can be stably guided by the stacking block guide.

[0012] The goods loading system may further include an goods picking device that approaches a space opened by a loading platform lift and takes out or loads goods placed in the space.

[0013] The product picking device may include an orthogonal robot that moves up and down and left and right to a space opened by a loading platform lift, and a robot arm that is mounted on the orthogonal robot and adjusts the angle while moving horizontally left and right when the orthogonal robot moves to the opened space to load or take out a specified product between the opened spaces.

[0014] The item picking device may include a reference axis that moves up and down to a space opened by a loading platform lift, and a robot arm that is connected to a rotation axis based on the reference axis, and moves horizontally left and right while folding and then opening to load or take out a specified item between the opened spaces.

[0015] The item picking device may include a control unit that determines the location of an item to be picked within a unit loading platform or the location of an item to be loaded onto a unit loading platform by using at least one of information on the location of an item within a pre-stored unit loading platform, information on the location of an empty item within the unit loading platform, and information on the size of the item, and picks the item from the determined location or loads the item at the determined location.

[0016] The goods loading system may further include a management server having location information about which goods are located in which location in the loading section, and the goods picking device may include a recognition unit that obtains goods identification information about goods to be newly received or shipped, and a control unit that requests and obtains location information matching the recognized goods identification information from the management server.

[0017] The goods loading system may further include at least one of a first temporary loading section for temporarily placing at least one article to be loaded onto a unit loading platform from an entrance / exit and then moving it to the unit loading platform, and at least one second temporary loading section for temporarily placing an article to take out at least one article from the unit loading platform and move it to the entrance / exit.

[0018] The goods loading system may further include at least one of a goods supply section for supplying goods one by one to a goods picking device, and a discharge chute for discharging at least one goods picked through the goods picking device.

[0019] The goods loading system may further include a temperature control device that self-regulates the temperature of the goods loaded in the loading section and the loading space.

[0020] A method for storing goods using a goods loading system according to another embodiment includes a step of a recognition unit obtaining goods identification information for goods to be newly stored, a step of a goods picking device picking recognized goods using the obtained goods identification information, a step of a control unit determining a lower unit loading platform on which to load picked goods, a step of a loading platform lift lifting an upper unit loading platform while supporting the determined lower unit loading platform and widening a gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it, a step of a goods picking device loading picked goods onto the lower unit loading platform in the space widened by the loading platform lift, and a step of a storage unit storing loaded location information.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a method for retrieving goods using a goods loading system includes a step of a recognition unit obtaining goods identification information for goods to be retrieved, a step of a control unit searching for a location of a lower unit loading platform on which goods to be retrieved are loaded using the obtained goods identification information, a step of a loading platform lift lifting an upper unit loading platform by widening a gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it while supporting the searched lower unit loading platform, a step of a goods picking device approaching a space where the gap has been widened by the loading platform lift and picking goods loaded on the lower unit loading platform in the space, a step of the goods picking device moving the picked goods to a discharge chute, and a step of the discharge chute discharging the goods.

[0022] A product loading system and a product storage and retrieval method using the same according to one embodiment can load more products in a smaller space and efficiently remove the loaded products. For example, multiple unit loading platforms can be arranged in multiple layers, eliminating the need for separate space for retrieving products, as required in drawer-type systems, thereby improving space efficiency. Furthermore, by utilizing a product picking device to pick products within a loading platform, processing speed can be improved and the structure can be simplified.

[0023] Furthermore, the equipment can be made lighter by minimizing the weight it must withstand when lifting the loading platform to load or unload items.

[0024] For example, if a loading platform lift has a hook extending from a single movable body and only lifting the individual loads, the loads of the lifted individual loads are all borne by the single movable body, which can easily cause the movable body's axle to bend. Therefore, the movable body must be made sturdy to prevent this axle bending. This increases the movable body's volume and costs.

[0025] In contrast, according to one embodiment, a loading platform lift comprises an upper movable member and a lower movable member, and the upper movable member and the lower movable member span the upper unit loading platform and the lower unit loading platform, respectively, and then space the upper unit loading platform and the lower unit loading platform between them. Accordingly, since only the small movable member that spaced the two unit loading platforms needs to bear the load of the unit loading platform above it, the equipment can be made lighter.

[0026] Figures 1 and 2 are drawings showing the structure of a loading section of a goods loading system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figures 3 and 4 are drawings showing a unit loading platform according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of spacing between unit loading platforms using a loading platform lift according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating an item picking device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings showing an article picking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a goods loading system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the configuration of a moving body in the loading platform lift of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an operation of a hook part of a movable body in a loading platform lift of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention to hang a unit loading platform.

[0034] FIGS. 12 to 14 are cross-sectional views of an article loading system to explain the operation of the loading platform lift of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a loading platform lift according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 16 is a side view of the loading platform lift of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing the operation of the red-light lift of FIGS. 15 and 16 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a unit laminate block according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a method for storing goods using a goods loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a flow chart of a method for shipping goods using a goods loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0042] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. The terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in embodiments of the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0043] Additionally, it should be noted that each block or step may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for performing specific logical functions, and that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the blocks or steps may occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps depicted in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocks or steps may be performed in the reverse order of their corresponding functions, as desired.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention exemplified below may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0045] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are drawings showing the structure of a loading section of a goods loading system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the goods loading system includes a loading section (10) on which a plurality of unit loading platforms (100) are vertically loaded. Each unit loading platform (100) has a loading space in which goods can be loaded, and a plurality of goods can be loaded onto each unit loading platform (100). The unit loading platform (100) of FIG. 1 is in the form of a loading box, and the unit loading platform (100) of FIG. 2 is in the form of a unit loading plate.

[0047] When stacking items vertically on shelves, drawers, etc. and removing them, separate space is required. For example, shelves require sufficient height to access items inside. Drawers also require space in front, requiring at least twice the space required for storing items.

[0048] However, the product loading system according to one embodiment can load and unload products without the aforementioned separate space, thereby enabling efficient use of space. At this time, the product loading system can load a large number of products in a small space or unload products. For example, the product loading system vertically loads unit loading platforms (100), but stacks the unit loading platforms (100) without space for unloading products. In order to unload products, the product loading system lifts at least one unit loading platform vertically stacked above a predetermined unit loading platform to create space, and then unloads products from the unit loading platform in the created space.

[0049] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are drawings illustrating a unit loading platform according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] In more detail, Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating a unit loading box, and Fig. 4 is a drawing illustrating a unit loading plate. The unit loading platform (100) may be in the form of a unit loading box as illustrated in Fig. 3, or in the form of a unit loading plate as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of widening the space between unit loading platforms using a loading platform lift according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 5, each unit loading platform (100) can be spaced apart by using a loading platform lift (9) provided in the loading section (10). As illustrated in Fig. 5, the loading platform lift (9) includes a guide (51) and can vertically move up and down along the guide (51). The guide (51) is arranged to extend a certain length on one side of the upper surface of the loading section (10) or on both sides of the side to guide the loading platform lift (9) to move up and down along the guide (51). The unit loading platform (100) has a protrusion formed on the outside or a receiving portion formed with a groove, so that the protrusion or receiving portion of the unit loading platform (100) can be lifted up by being caught on the loading platform lift (9). As another example, the loading platform lift (9) can be vertically lifted and lowered in a vertically stacked state without the guide (51).

[0053] By using the loading platform lift (9) to widen the gap between the unit loading platforms and push up a predetermined upper unit loading platform, all unit loading platforms on the upper unit loading platform can be raised at the same time. In addition, if necessary, a fixing member (104) that can fix each lifted unit loading platform can be installed to prevent the lifted unit loading platforms from going down. The loading platform lift (9) can sequentially raise the unit loading platforms one by one, and can also lift all unit loading platforms above a specific position at the same time. The lifted unit loading platforms can be lowered again using the loading platform lift (9).

[0054] The loading platform lift (9) is equipped with a hook for hanging a unit loading platform (100) on a rack and pinion gear, screw gear, timing belt, etc., and can move the unit loading platform up and down by hanging it using the hook. The unit loading platform (100) has a space for loading an article (A).

[0055] The goods loading system may include at least one of a first temporary loading section for temporarily placing at least one article to be loaded onto a unit loading platform from an entrance / exit and then moving it to the unit loading platform, and at least one second temporary loading section for temporarily placing an article to remove at least one article from the unit loading platform and move it to the entrance / exit. The first temporary loading section may be a buffer shelf. The second temporary loading section may be a buffer shelf or a basket. The first temporary loading section and the second temporary loading section may be physically identical or physically separate.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an item picking device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the product loading system uses a loading platform lift to widen the space between the unit loading platforms in order to take out products from a predetermined unit loading platform, and then uses a product picking device (12a) to have a robot arm (122) enter the space between the unit loading platforms and take out products. The product picking device (12a) for this purpose may include an x, y, z-axis orthogonal robot that moves left and right and up and down, and a robot arm that can move horizontally. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the orthogonal robot includes a first body (120) that moves up and down and a second body (121) that moves left and right, and the robot arm (122) mounted on the orthogonal robot can adjust the angle while horizontally moving left and right to pick a product to be taken out or load a product that is being held into a corresponding position. When the orthogonal robot moves up and down and left and right to the space opened by the loading platform lift, the robot arm adjusts the angle while horizontally moving left and right to load or take out a predetermined product between the opened spaces.

[0058] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings illustrating an item picking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] In more detail, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the upper surface of the item picking device (12b), and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the side surface of the item picking device (12b).

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the product picking device (12b) includes a reference axis (123), a rotation axis (124), and a robot arm (125). There may be a plurality of rotation axes (124) and robot arms (125). The reference axis (123) moves up and down to a space opened by a loading platform lift. The robot arm (125) is connected to the reference axis (123) through the rotation axis (124), and moves horizontally left and right while being folded and then opened to load or take out a predetermined product between the opened spaces.

[0061] The product picking device (12b) can approach any position in a two-dimensional plane by attaching a robot arm (125) that can be bent left and right through a rotation axis (124) that acts as a joint to a reference axis (123) that moves only up and down.

[0062] The robot arm (125) can enter a vertically extended space and retrieve or place items at specific locations. The robot arm (125) folds when moving up and down to a specific unit loading platform location, and then unfolds to the location of the item within the unit loading platform upon entering the unit loading platform location, thereby allowing access to the item.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of a goods loading system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 9, the goods loading system (1) includes a loading unit (10), a loading platform lift (9), and an goods picking device (12). In addition, the goods loading system (1) may include a processor and a storage unit in terms of software, and the processor may include a recognition unit and a control unit.

[0065] The loading section (10) includes a plurality of vertically stacked unit loading platforms (100), each of which has a flat loading space for loading multiple items. Each unit loading platform (100) is stacked vertically. Stacking each unit loading platform (100) in multiple layers can increase loading efficiency.

[0066] The loading platform lift (9) supports the lower unit loading platform within the loading section (10) and raises the upper unit loading platform by widening the gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it.

[0067] For example, the loading platform lift (9) includes an upper hook for hanging an upper unit loading platform, and a lower hook for hanging a lower unit loading platform. At this time, the upper hook and the lower hook may each be in the form of a protrusion. Each protrusion may be in the form of a latch for hanging a predetermined unit loading platform. At this time, the upper unit loading platform and the lower unit loading platform do not have to be directly connected.

[0068] Since the weight lifted by the loading platform lift (9) can be supported by the lower unit loading platform, the weight applied to the axis of the loading platform lift (9) does not need to be large. In this method, the loading platform lift (9) is structured to support the lower unit loading platform while lifting the upper unit loading platform, so it plays a role in hanging and widening the space between the upper and lower unit loading platforms. In this way, since only the upper moving body that plays a role in widening the space between the upper and lower unit loading platforms has to support the load, there is an advantage in that the loading platform lift (9) can be made lighter.

[0069] Furthermore, in Fig. 9, each unit loading unit is provided with a unit stacking block (50) that hangs over the unit loading unit or into which the unit loading unit is inserted, and the upper hanging part (93a) is inserted into the hole of the upper unit stacking block and the lower hanging part (93b) is inserted into the hole of the lower unit stacking block and hung.

[0070] An embodiment of the loading platform lift (9) is described below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0071] The product picking device (12) approaches the space created by the loading platform lift (9) and loads or removes products placed in the space. The product picking device (12) includes a picking arm, a picking robot, etc. The picking robot includes a Cartesian coordinate robot, a single-axis robot, etc. When using a single-axis robot, one coordinate is determined according to the degree of removal of the unit loading platform (100), and the robot arm of the single-axis robot can be configured to move only left and right (horizontal direction).

[0072] The item picking device (12) can pick items from a predetermined unit loading platform or place items on the unit loading platform. Vision technology can be used to pick or load desired items, but the device can also use location information, empty location information, and item size information within the unit loading platform already stored in the system to pick or load desired items. The item picking device (12) can be operated in conjunction with the loading platform lift (9).

[0073] The location where the item picking device (12) picks up and places the item using the robot arm can be determined based on the picking and discharge plan. In addition, the location where the item is to be placed can be determined using information on empty spaces within the unit loading platform known to the system. When the item picking device (12) picks up the item at the corresponding location, an air suction method can be used. The item picking device (12) can also place the picked item on the discharge chute. In order to facilitate coordinate designation, the item picking device (12) can have a structure that moves along the x and y axes and a configuration that moves only up and down.

[0074] The item picking device (12) can temporarily place items on the second temporary loading section (14) to take out at least one item from the unit loading platform and move it to the entrance / exit.

[0075] The goods picking device (12) can pick goods between the spaces opened by the loading platform lift (9) and then discharge the goods by placing them directly on the discharge chute or dropping them down.

[0076] The product picking device (12) may include a recognition unit and a control unit.

[0077] The recognition unit can obtain product identification information for newly received or shipped items. The recognition unit can obtain product identification information for newly received or shipped items. The product identification information can be a barcode, RFID, or other type of information. The recognition unit can be a scanner, vision camera, barcode reader, RFID reader, or other type of device.

[0078] The control unit obtains location information matching the item identification information recognized by the recognition unit by requesting it from the management server. Using at least one of the pre-stored item location information within the unit loading bay, the location information of empty items within the unit loading bay, and the item size information, the control unit determines the location of the item to be picked within the unit loading bay or the location of the item to be loaded onto the unit loading bay, and controls the picking or loading of the item at the determined location. Furthermore, when receiving (loading) an item, the control unit can determine the type (or ID) and size of the item, and then control the loading of the item at a location selected based on the loading location evaluation criteria (considering distance, movement path, etc.) among empty locations within the unit loading bay. The loading location can be anywhere the system remembers, so it can be any location, thereby improving loading efficiency. The loading can be done to shorten the movement path, and if there are few large orders, there is no need to load identical items together.

[0079] The product loading system (1) may further include a product supply unit that supplies products one by one to a product picking device, and a discharge chute that discharges at least one product picked by the product picking device. The product supply unit may be in the form of a conveyor, etc.

[0080] The goods loading system (1) may further include a temperature control device that automatically controls the temperature of goods loaded in the loading section (10) and the loading space. The temperature control device can be used for refrigeration, freezing, constant temperature, etc. In this case, it can also be used as a device that automatically manages the entry and exit of goods.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the configuration of a moving body in the loading platform lift of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the upper hook (93a) of the upper movable body (91a) inside the loading platform lift can move forward and backward of the upper unit loading platform, and when it moves forward toward the upper unit loading platform, it can enter the inside of the upper unit loading platform and hang the upper unit loading platform.

[0083] The upper moving body (91a) can move vertically up and down along the moving body guide (92), and the belt (95) rotates by the rotation of the hook driving motor (94). Then, when the upper moving body (91a) moves forward toward the upper unit loading platform by the rotation of the belt (95), it enters the inside of the upper unit loading platform and can hook the upper unit loading platform. The belt (95) can be replaced with a rack and pinion gear, a screw gear, etc.

[0084] For ease of explanation, Fig. 10 illustrates an upper movable body (91a) on which an upper hook (93a) hangs an upper unit loading platform. However, the material loading system further includes a lower movable body on which a lower hook (93a) hangs a lower unit loading platform. The operation of the lower movable body hanging the lower unit loading platform is similar to that of the upper movable body.

[0085] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an operation of a hook part of a movable body in a loading platform lift of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention to hang a unit loading platform.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the material loading system configures right-angle plate gears (73a, 73b) and hooks (93a, 93b) in the shapes of 'ㄱ' and 'ㄴ', respectively, and then the hooks (93a, 93b) are meshed with the right-angle plate gears (73a, 73b) to rotate simultaneously. As the hook drive motor is driven, the hooks (93a, 93b) rotate 90 degrees around a rotation axis that rotates in a horizontal direction, and the hooks (93a, 93b) enter the unit loading platform, thereby allowing the unit loading platform to be hung.

[0087] As another example, it is also possible to place the rotation axis vertically and have the hanging member (93a, 93b) rotate laterally and enter each unit loading platform to hang the corresponding unit loading platform.

[0088] FIGS. 12 to 14 are cross-sectional views of an article loading system to explain the operation of the loading platform lift of FIG. 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] First, the configuration of the loading platform lift will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 12, and 14.

[0090] A loading platform lift (9) that widens the gap between the upper unit loading platform (101) and the lower unit loading platform (102) can vertically move up and down in synchronization on both the left and right sides. The loading platform lift (9) includes an upper moving body (91a) and a lower moving body (91b).

[0091] The upper moving body (91a) includes at least one upper hook (93a) for lifting the upper unit loading platform (101) by hanging on the upper unit loading platform (101). Two upper hooks (93a) are illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0092] The lower moving body (91b) includes at least one lower hanging member (93b) for hanging the lower unit loading platform (102) and supporting the lower unit loading platform (102). Figures 12 to 14 illustrate two lower hanging members (93b).

[0093] The body (96) supports the entire upper movable body (91a) and the lower movable body (91b), and the body guide (98) vertically moves the body (96) up and down. To this end, the body guide (98) may be inserted into a hole of the body (96) in a rod shape, so that the body (96) can be provided in a form that can vertically move up and down along the body guide (98).

[0094] The movable body guide (92) vertically moves at least one of the upper movable body (91a) and the lower movable body (91b) up and down. To this end, the movable body guide (92) may be inserted in a rod shape into a hole of an upper connecting portion connected to the upper movable body (91a) and a hole of a lower connecting portion connected to the lower movable body (91b), so that at least one of the upper movable body (91a) and the lower movable body (91b) can be provided in a form that can vertically move up and down along the movable body guide (92).

[0095] Hereinafter, the operation of the loading platform lift will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 12, the loading platform lift reaches the target point while the body (96) moves up and down along the body guide (98) in a separated state in which the upper hook part (93a) and the lower hook part (93b) are separated from the upper unit loading platform (101) and the lower unit loading platform (102).

[0097] When the body (96) reaches the target point, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the loading platform lift has an upper hook (93a) and a lower hook (93b) that enter the upper unit loading platform (101) and the lower unit loading platform (102), respectively. For example, the two hooks (93a, 93b) may be inserted into the hole portions of the loading platforms (101, 102), respectively, and the two hooks (93a, 93b) may also hang between the loading platforms (101, 102) or on the lower portions of the loading platforms (101, 102), respectively.

[0098] Next, as shown in Fig. 14, when the loading platform lift widens the gap between the upper hook part (93a) and the lower hook part (93b), the lower hook part (93b) naturally supports the lower unit loading platform (102), while the upper hook part (93a) lifts the upper unit loading platform (101), and the gap between the upper unit loading platform (101) and the lower unit loading platform (102) widens.

[0099] Next, the item picking device can approach the gap between the unit loading platforms to take out items on the lower unit loading platform (102) or load items on the lower unit loading platform (102). In this structure, the weight of the entire lifting load is not applied to the body guide (98), but only to the body (96) portion having the moving body guide (92). Therefore, if the body (96) portion is configured to be sturdy, the system can be operated stably.

[0100] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a loading platform lift according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 15, a rotating upper hook (93a') and a lower hook (93b') can be used as a method for increasing the gap between unit loading platforms. The upper hook (93a) and the lower hook (93b) described above with reference to Figs. 9 to 14 are hook-shaped and can be inserted into holes, etc. by moving forward and backward of the unit loading platform. The upper hook (93a') and the lower hook (93b') of Fig. 15 differ in that they are rotating. The rotating body can be in a semicircular shape, as illustrated in Fig. 15.

[0102] The upper hanging part (93a') and the lower hanging part (93b') in a semicircular shape have holes inside, and a hanging part guide (60) is inserted into the holes. The hanging part guide (60) can rotate horizontally based on the axis of the hanging part guide (60), and can also move vertically up and down based on the axis of the hanging part guide (60).

[0103] Below, the operation of the upper hanging part (93a') and the lower hanging part (93b') will be described.

[0104] When the hook guide (60) rotates while the motor (94) is driven, the upper hook (93a') and the lower hook (93b') are rotated horizontally with the hook guide (60) as an axis. Since the upper hook (93a') and the lower hook (93b') are in a semicircular shape, when the semicircular protrusion is positioned in the opposite direction of the unit loading platform, it is separated from the unit loading platform. In contrast, when the protrusion is positioned between the unit loading platforms and hangs due to the rotation of the upper hook (93a') and the lower hook (93b'), the corresponding unit loading platforms are switched to a state in which they can be opened.

[0105] In Fig. 15, the upper hanging portion (93a') and the lower hanging portion (93b') are shown as one group including three horizontally, but the number within the group is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the operating environment of the system.

[0106] In Fig. 15, the upper hook part (93a') and the lower hook part (93b') are shown as being one group each vertically, but this expression is used to distinguish the positional relationship of the upper hook part (93a') and the lower hook part (93b'), and the loading platform lift (9) can be expanded to three or more hook parts having a vertical up-down positional relationship.

[0107] When the upper hook (93a') hangs on the upper unit loading platform, the upper movable body (91a') located below the upper hook (93a') can lift the upper unit loading platform. In addition, when the lower hook (93b') hangs on the lower unit loading platform, the lower movable body (93b') located below the lower hook (93b') can support the lower unit loading platform. The vertical movement of the upper movable body (91a') and the lower movable body (93b') up and down can be performed based on the axis of the movable body guide (92).

[0108] The rotor may be a semicircular shape as illustrated in Fig. 15, but may be transformed into any other shape as long as the protrusion is separated from the unit loading platform and the structure allows the protrusion to span the unit loading platform by rotation. The rotor may be made of POM (polyacetal or polyoxymethylene), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] FIG. 16 is a side view of the loading platform lift of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the upper hanging member (93a') and the lower hanging member (93b') are in the form of a rotating body, and when the protrusions are positioned on the upper unit loading platform and the lower unit loading platform by rotation, the upper unit loading platform and the lower unit loading platform can be supported.

[0111] Furthermore, FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a form in which each unit loading unit has a unit stacking block (50) that hangs over the unit loading unit or into which the unit loading unit is inserted, with the upper hanging portion (93a') hanging over the upper unit stacking block (50a) and the lower hanging portion (93b') hanging over the lower unit stacking block (50b).

[0112] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating the operation of the red-light district lift of FIGS. 15 and 16 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, as shown in (a) of FIG. 17, the upper hanging part (93a') and the lower hanging part (93b') are semicircular rotating bodies, so when the semicircular protrusion is located in the opposite direction of the unit loading platform, it is separated from the unit loading platform.

[0114] Next, when the motor (94) is driven and the hook guide (60) rotates, the upper hook (93a') and the lower hook (93b') rotate horizontally around the hook guide (60) as an axis, as shown in (b) of Fig. 17.

[0115] Next, as shown in (c) of Fig. 17, when the upper hook part (93a') and the lower hook part (93b') are further rotated, the protrusions of the upper hook part (93a') and the lower hook part (93b') respectively come to rest on the upper unit loading platform (101) and the lower unit loading platform (102), and the state is switched to one in which the gap between the corresponding unit loading platforms (101, 102) can be widened.

[0116] Next, as shown in (d) and (e) of FIG. 17, the upper movable body (91a') positioned below the upper hanging member (93a') can lift the upper unit loading platform (101). In addition, when the lower hanging member (93b') hangs on the lower unit loading platform (102), the lower movable body (93b') positioned below the lower hanging member (93b') can support the lower unit loading platform (102). The vertical movement of the upper movable body (91a') and the lower movable body (93b') up and down can be performed with the moving body guide (92) as an axis.

[0117] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a unit laminate block according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 18, the material loading system may further include a unit stacking block (50) and a stacking block guide.

[0119] The unit stacking block (50) is in the form of a block that can be hung on top of or inserted into a unit loading platform (100). The object loading portion of the unit loading platform (100) and the stacking block guides on both sides are made separate, so that the unit stacking block (50) is used to secure a gap and lift, and the unit loading platform (100) is assembled by hanging on top of or being inserted into the unit stacking block (50). This makes it easy to take out one of the unit loading blocks in the middle, and assembly and separation are also easy.

[0120] In Fig. 18, the unit loading platform (100) is configured in the form of a thin loading plate, but depending on the size of the product, the height of the unit loading platform (100) can be increased, and it is also possible to secure the spacing between the unit loading platforms by simply adding a unit stacking block (50) in the middle.

[0121] The unit stacked blocks (50) are designed to be stacked one on top of the other, and have an open stacked block guide so that when there is no unit stacking platform, the unit stacked blocks in the middle can be removed. The stacked block guide supports the unit stacked blocks and can move the unit stacked blocks vertically up and down. The open portions (30) on both sides of the unit stacked blocks (50) are positions where the rod-shaped stacked block guides are hung. When the stacked block guides are hung here, the unit stacked blocks (50) are stably guided and can be moved. Therefore, after a predetermined unit stacking platform is pulled out, the unit stacked blocks in the middle can be pulled out. For example, even if the unit stacked blocks in the middle are pulled out, the stacked block guides support a plurality of other stacked blocks, so that other unit stacked blocks can be stably guided by the stacked block guides.

[0122] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a method for storing goods using a goods loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to Figure 19, the recognition unit obtains product identification information for newly received items (1910). At this time, product identification information can be input and measured. Product identification information refers to information that can identify an item, such as a barcode or RFID. The management server maintains location information regarding the location of each item in the loading area. Therefore, the control unit of the product picking device can request the management server with the product identification information and obtain location information matching the product identification information.

[0124] Next, the item picking device picks the recognized item using the acquired item identification information (1920).

[0125] Next, the control unit determines the lower unit loading platform on which to load the picked incoming goods (1930).

[0126] Next, the loading platform lift lifts the upper unit loading platform by widening the gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it while supporting the determined lower unit loading platform (1940). Next, the item picking device loads the picked items onto the lower unit loading platform in the space widened by the loading platform lift (1950).

[0127] Next, the storage unit stores the loaded location information (1960).

[0128] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a flow chart of a method for shipping goods using a goods loading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to Figure 20, the recognition unit obtains product identification information for the goods to be shipped (2010). At this time, product identification information can be input and measured. Product identification information refers to information that can identify the goods, such as barcodes and RFID tags.

[0130] Next, the control unit uses the acquired item identification information to search for the location of the unit loading platform where the outgoing item is loaded (2020). Knowing the item identification information, the control unit can request location information from the management server, identifying the location of the item within the loading platform.

[0131] Next, the loading platform lift lifts the upper unit loading platform by widening the gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it while supporting the searched lower unit loading platform (2030). Then, the item picking device approaches the space widened by the loading platform lift and picks the items loaded on the lower unit loading platform in that space (2040).

[0132] Next, the goods picking device moves the picked goods to the discharge chute (2050), and the discharge chute discharges the goods (2060).

[0133] The present invention has been described above, focusing on specific embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A loading section in which multiple unit loading platforms for loading goods are vertically stacked; and A loading platform lift that supports a lower unit loading platform within a loading section and raises the upper unit loading platform by widening the gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it; A goods loading system characterized by including:

2. In paragraph 1, the loading platform lift An upper moving body having at least one upper hook for lifting the upper unit loading platform by walking on the upper unit loading platform; and A lower moving body having at least one lower hanging part for supporting a lower unit loading platform by walking on a lower unit loading platform; A goods loading system characterized by including:

3. In paragraph 2, the loading platform lift A body that supports the entire upper and lower moving bodies; A body guide for vertically moving the body up and down; and A moving body guide for vertically moving at least one upper moving body and one lower moving body up and down; A goods loading system characterized by further including:

4. In paragraph 2, the upper hanging part and the lower hanging part Each of the upper and lower moving bodies includes a protrusion protruding in the direction of the unit loading platform, A material loading system characterized in that each protrusion is in the form of a latch that goes into the inside of the unit loading platform and hangs the corresponding unit loading platform.

5. In paragraph 2, the upper hanging part and the lower hanging part At least one rotating body shape that rotates in the upper and lower moving bodies, respectively, An item loading system characterized in that each rotating body rotates horizontally around a rotation axis and enters the corresponding unit loading platform, thereby hanging on the corresponding unit loading platform.

6. In paragraph 5, the rotating body A goods loading system characterized in that the protrusion of the rotating body is located in the opposite direction of the unit loading platform and is separated from the unit loading platform, and when the rotating body rotates around the rotation axis and the protrusion of the rotating body moves to the unit loading platform and touches the unit loading platform, the loading platform lift is switched to a state in which the unit loading platform can be opened.

7. In paragraph 5, the rotating body A goods loading system characterized by a semicircular shape.

8. In paragraph 1, the goods loading system A unit stack block that is hung on top of a unit stack or into which a unit stack is inserted; A goods loading system characterized by further including:

9. In paragraph 8, the goods loading system Further comprising a stacking block guide that supports a plurality of unit stacking blocks and vertically moves at least one unit stacking block up and down; A product loading system characterized in that even if a unit stacked block in the middle is removed, the stacked block guide supports other multiple stacked blocks, thereby stably guiding the other unit stacked blocks by the stacked block guide.

10. In paragraph 1, the goods loading system A goods picking device that approaches a space created by a loading platform lift and takes out or loads goods placed in that space; A goods loading system characterized by further including:

11. In paragraph 10, the product picking device An orthogonal robot that moves up and down and left and right to the space created by the loading platform lift; and A robot arm mounted on an orthogonal robot that moves horizontally left and right while adjusting the angle to load or take out a specified item between the opened spaces when the orthogonal robot moves to the opened space; A material loading system characterized by including:

12. In paragraph 10, the product picking device A reference axis that moves up and down to the space created by the loading platform lift; and A robot arm that is connected to a rotation axis based on a reference axis, folds and then spreads out to move horizontally left and right to load or take out a specified item between the opened spaces; A material loading system characterized by including:

13. In paragraph 10, the product picking device A control unit that determines the location of an item to be picked within a unit loading bay or the location of an item to be loaded onto a unit loading bay by using at least one of the location information of an item within a pre-stored unit loading bay, location information of an empty item within the unit loading bay, and size information of the item, and picks the item from the determined location or loads the item at the determined location; A goods loading system characterized by including:

14. In paragraph 10, the goods loading system It further includes a management server having location information on which items are located in which locations of the loading area; The goods picking device A recognition unit that obtains product identification information for new items to be received or shipped; and An article loading system characterized by including a control unit that requests and obtains location information matching recognized article identification information from a management server.

15. In paragraph 1, the goods loading system A first temporary loading section for receiving at least one item to be loaded onto a unit loading platform from the entrance / exit and temporarily placing it thereon and then moving it to the unit loading platform; and At least one second temporary loading section for temporarily placing items in order to remove at least one item from the unit loading section and move it to the entrance / exit; A goods loading system characterized by further comprising at least one of:

16. In paragraph 1, the goods loading system A material supply unit that supplies materials one by one to the material picking device; and A discharge chute for discharging at least one item picked through an item picking device; A goods loading system characterized by further comprising at least one of:

17. In paragraph 1, the goods loading system A temperature control device that automatically controls the temperature of the items loaded in the loading area and the loading space; A goods loading system characterized by further including:

18. In the method of receiving goods using the goods loading system, A step in which the recognition department obtains product identification information for newly received products; A step in which a product picking device picks a recognized product using the acquired product identification information; A step in which the control unit determines a lower unit loading platform on which to load picked incoming goods; A step of lifting the upper unit loading platform by widening the gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it while supporting the determined lower unit loading platform; A step in which the goods picking device loads the picked goods onto the lower unit loading platform of the space created by the loading platform lift; and A step of storing the loaded location information in the storage unit; A method for receiving goods, characterized by including:

19. In the method of shipping goods using the goods loading system, A step in which the recognition department obtains product identification information for the product to be shipped; A step in which the control unit searches for the location of the lower unit loading platform where the shipped goods are loaded using the acquired goods identification information; A step of lifting the upper unit loading platform by widening the gap between the lower unit loading platform and the upper unit loading platform above it while supporting the lower unit loading platform searched above; A step in which a goods picking device approaches a space created by a loading platform lift and picks goods loaded on a lower unit loading platform of the space; A step in which the goods picking device moves the picked goods to the discharge chute; and The discharge chute is a step for discharging items; A method for shipping goods using a goods loading system characterized by including a .

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