Workstation, warehousing system and workstation control method

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a workstation, a warehousing system and a workstation control method. The workstation provided by the present application comprises a sorting mechanism and a temporary storage mechanism. The sorting mechanism comprises a raw material box conveying line and an order box conveying line. Raw material boxes are used for storing goods to be sorted, the raw material box conveying line being provided with at least one goods retrieval position. Order boxes are used for receiving goods sorted from the raw material boxes, the order box conveying line being provided with at least one delivery position. When a raw material box reaches the goods retrieval position, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in an order box at the delivery position. The temporary storage mechanism is located to a side of the sorting mechanism and used for temporary storage of the order boxes for which a sorting task has not been executed and, on the basis of a conveying sequence, conveying the order boxes to the delivery position, the conveying sequence being determined on the basis of a sequence in which the raw material boxes reach the goods retrieval position. Thus, the present application improves goods sorting efficiency and avoids the congestion of order boxes.

Description

Workstation, storage system and workstation control method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on November 28, 2023, with application number 202311611534.3 and application name “Workstation, Warehousing System and Workstation Control Method”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of warehousing and logistics, and in particular to a workstation, a warehousing system and a workstation control method. Background Art

[0003] The current logistics centers have increasingly higher requirements for the efficiency of logistics warehousing and distribution. Logistics sorting is a very important link in logistics warehousing and distribution. Ensuring continuous and efficient sorting work can improve the overall efficiency of goods outbound.

[0004] In related technologies, logistics systems generally include storage shelves, sorting workstations, transportation equipment and other devices. The sorting workstations include sorting devices and seeding walls. When goods are entering and leaving the warehouse, the sorting work can be completed by sorting personnel. The goods are usually classified according to order tasks or types of goods, and the goods are placed in the storage slots of the seeding wall according to the corresponding classification results. The classified goods can be transported in and out of the warehouse by transportation equipment such as handling robots.

[0005] However, the sorting efficiency of current sorting workstations is low, and the problem of missorting goods easily occurs.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a workstation, a warehousing system and a workstation control method, which can solve the technical problems of low sorting efficiency and easy missorting of goods in current sorting workstations.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a workstation comprising a sorting mechanism and a caching mechanism. The sorting mechanism comprises a raw material box conveyor line and an order box conveyor line. The raw material box conveyor line is configured to convey raw material boxes, which are used to store goods to be sorted, and the raw material box conveyor line has at least one pickup position. The order box conveyor line is configured to convey order boxes, which are used to receive goods sorted from the raw material boxes, and the order box conveyor line has at least one delivery position; when the raw material box arrives at the pickup position, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in the order box on the delivery position. The caching mechanism is located on the side of the sorting mechanism, and is used to cache order boxes that have not completed the picking task, and to convey the order boxes to the delivery position in the conveying order, wherein the conveying order is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position.

[0009] The workstation provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a cache mechanism. During the order box picking process, order boxes with unfinished picking tasks can be cached, so that the sorting mechanism can switch to other order boxes for order grading operations, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and avoiding order box congestion.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present application provides a warehousing system comprising storage shelves, a transport mechanism and a workstation, wherein the transport mechanism is configured to transport boxes of raw materials to be sorted from the storage shelves to the workstation, or to transport boxes of raw materials after sorting from the workstation to the storage shelves.

[0011] The warehousing system provided in the embodiment of the present application can improve the efficiency of the entire process from goods shipment to sorting.

[0012] On the third aspect, the present application provides a workstation control method, which is executed by the controller of the workstation, and the method includes: obtaining an order task; controlling the raw material box conveyor line to convey the raw material box corresponding to the order task to the picking position of the raw material box conveyor line; controlling the order box conveyor line to convey the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line; after determining that the items in the raw material box are delivered to the order box, judging whether the order box has completed the picking task, if not, controlling the order box conveyor line to convey the order box to the cache mechanism for temporary storage; and controlling the cache mechanism to convey the temporarily stored order box to the delivery position in accordance with the conveying order, wherein the conveying order is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the picking position.

[0013] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application described above, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions, other technical problems that can be solved by the workstation, warehousing system and workstation control method provided by the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0015] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG2 is a front view of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG3 is a top view of a first structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a first structural example of a cache mechanism in a workstation provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG6 is a side view of a second structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a cache mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG9 is a side view of a third structure of a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of a cache mechanism in a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG11 is a structural diagram of a raw material box conveying line in a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG12 is a second structural diagram of a raw material box conveying line in a workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of multi-workstation coordination provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG14 is a structural diagram 1 of a sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG15 is a second structural diagram of a sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG16 is a front view of a sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction in FIG16 ;

[0032] FIG18 is a partial view of position C in FIG17;

[0033] FIG19 is a partial view of position D in FIG17;

[0034] FIG20 is a side view of a sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG20 ;

[0036] FIG22 is a partial view of position E in FIG21;

[0037] FIG23 is a schematic structural diagram of a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG24 is a side view of a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG25 is a first schematic diagram illustrating the coordination between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG26 is a second schematic diagram of the coordination between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG27 is a schematic structural diagram of a second shelf in a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG28 is a schematic structural diagram of a lifting device in a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG29 is a bottom view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG30 is a front view of a lifting device in a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG31 is a first structural diagram of a loading and unloading assembly in a three-dimensional storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG32 is a second structural diagram of a loading and unloading assembly in a three-dimensional storage mechanism according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG33 is a schematic structural diagram of a telescopic member in a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG34 is a front view of a telescopic member in a three-dimensional storage mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG35 is a schematic diagram of a first structural example of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG36 is a schematic diagram of a second structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG37 is a schematic diagram of a third structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG38 is a schematic diagram of a fourth structure of a planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG39 is a schematic diagram of the steps of a workstation control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG40 is a specific flow chart of a workstation control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG41 is a schematic diagram of the steps of the order processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 42 is a specific flow chart of the order processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Description of reference numerals:

[0058] 1-Workstation; 2-Cache mechanism; 3-Sorting mechanism; 30-Sorting position; 31-Support column; 32-Adjusting member; 33-First connecting hole; 34-Second connecting hole; 4-Raw material box conveyor line; 40-Picking position; 41-Return mechanism; 42-Return sequencing area; 43-First conveyor; 44-First baffle; 45-Raw material box entrance; 46-Raw material box exit; 5-Order box conveyor line; 50-Delivery position; 51-Picking channel; 52-Empty box line; 53-Full box line; 54-Second conveyor; 55-Second baffle; 56-Queuing position; 57-Return position; 6-Return line; 7-Detection mechanism; 71-First weighing unit; 72-Second weighing unit; 73-First grating unit; 74-Second grating unit; 8-Box cutting button;

[0059] 20- plane storage mechanism; 21- candidate channel; 22- queuing channel; 23a- first temporary storage location; 23b- second temporary storage location; 24- transfer location;

[0060] 10-three-dimensional storage structure; 11-storage layer; 111-storage location; 12-transportation layer; 13-lifting channel; 14-in and out of storage channel;

[0061] 100-first shelf; 110-first conveyor line;

[0062] 200-second shelf; 220-second conveyor line;

[0063] 300-lifting device; 301-guide wheel; 310-lifting body; 320-side shift assembly; 321-side shift bracket; 322-conveyor mechanism; 330-pickup and release assembly; 331-fixing member; 332-telescopic member; 3321-telescopic body; 3322-abutting member; 3323-fourth drive unit; 333-third guide rail; 334-third drive assembly; 3341-third drive unit; 3342-third flexible transmission member; 3343-third transmission wheel; 340-second drive assembly; 341-second drive unit; 342-second flexible transmission member; 343-second transmission wheel; 350-second guide rail;

[0064] 400 - first drive assembly; 410 - first drive unit; 420 - first flexible transmission member; 430 - first transmission wheel;

[0065] 500-First rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0067] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely used to explain the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art may adjust them as needed to suit specific applications.

[0068] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", "inside", and "outside" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0069] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0070] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0071] High-bay warehouses are widely used in warehousing and logistics due to their large storage capacity. They typically consist of multiple tall shelves with multiple rows and columns for storing material boxes. Stackers or robots are typically used to retrieve and place goods from the shelves when goods are in and out of the warehouse. Due to the large storage capacity of the shelves and the large floor space they occupy, large warehouses have low efficiency per square meter. Efficiency per square meter is the ratio of inbound and outbound efficiency to the warehouse's floor space, i.e., the efficiency of inbound and outbound operations per unit area.

[0072] In response to the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a workstation. By setting up a cache mechanism, order boxes with unfinished picking tasks can be cached during the picking process of order boxes, so that the sorting mechanism can switch to other order boxes for order sorting operations, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and avoiding congestion of order boxes.

[0073] To facilitate understanding, the application scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable are first described below.

[0074] The workstation provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the entry and exit of inventory products in manufacturing factories, the entry and exit of inventory products in the retail industry, and can also be applied to different fields such as express delivery entry and exit sorting in e-commerce logistics. For example, the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present application can be used in the picking process to temporarily store semi-finished product orders, or in automated production lines with fluctuating production rhythms, or in the automated entry and exit of multiple product categories to temporarily store and sort multiple product categories.

[0075] In addition, the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application involves the transportation and warehousing of products that may be industrial parts, electronic accessories or products, medicines, clothing accessories, food, books, etc., and the goods referred to in this application may be the products listed above themselves, or they may be material boxes or pallets loaded with the above products, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not make specific restrictions on this.

[0076] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a front view of the first structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 is a top view of the first structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the cache mechanism in the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0077] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, an embodiment of the present application provides a workstation 1 comprising a sorting mechanism 3 and a buffer mechanism 2. The sorting mechanism 3 comprises a raw material box conveyor line 4 and an order box conveyor line 5. The raw material box conveyor line 4 is configured to convey raw material boxes, which are used to store goods to be sorted. The order box conveyor line 5 is configured to convey order boxes, which are used to receive goods sorted from the raw material boxes. The buffer mechanism 2 is used to buffer order boxes for unfinished picking tasks.

[0078] It can be understood that the raw material box conveyor line 4 has at least one picking position 40, and the order box conveyor line 5 has at least one delivery position 50. When the raw material box arrives at the picking position 40, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in the order box on the delivery position 50.

[0079] In some embodiments, the cache mechanism 2 is located on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 and transports the order boxes to the delivery position 50 according to the transport sequence, wherein the transport sequence can be determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position 40.

[0080] It should be noted that the sorting mechanism 3 can switch the raw material box and the order box after completing a sorting operation. According to the assigned order task, there is a corresponding mapping relationship between the raw material box and the order box. According to the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position 40, the corresponding order boxes can form a corresponding transportation order so that the raw material boxes and order boxes mapped to each other can arrive at the pickup position 40 and the delivery position 50 synchronously.

[0081] In the workstation 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, after completing an order picking, the order box will determine its next flow direction according to the specific situation. If the order tasks corresponding to the order box have all been picked, the order box can be output from the sorting mechanism 3. If the order tasks corresponding to the order box have not all been picked, the order box can be transported to the cache mechanism 2 for temporary storage, and the delivery position 50 can switch to the next order box for sorting operations. There is no need to keep the unsorted order box waiting at the delivery position 50, thereby improving the overall logistics efficiency of the workstation 1.

[0082] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 is a side view of the second structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the cache mechanism in the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 9 is a side view of the third structure of the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the third structure of the cache mechanism in the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cache mechanism 2 may include at least one of a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and a planar storage mechanism 20. For example, as shown in Figures 5 to 7 , the cache mechanism 2 may include only the planar storage mechanism 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 8 to 10 , the cache mechanism 2 may include only the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 2 to 4 , the cache mechanism 2 may include both the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and the planar storage mechanism 20. This embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit this.

[0084] The following is a detailed description of the arrangement of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10.

[0085] Continuing with Figures 1 to 4, as well as Figures 23 and 24, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 may include shelves, each comprising a vertically arranged storage layer 11 and a conveying layer 12. The storage layer 11 is used to temporarily store order boxes that have not yet completed a picking task, and the conveying layer 12 is connected to the order box conveyor line 5.

[0086] It is understandable that in the order box conveyor line 5, when the order box at the delivery position 50 has not completed the picking task and needs to be temporarily stored, the order box can be conveyed to the conveying layer 12, and then the conveying layer 12 transfers it to the storage layer 11 for temporary storage.

[0087] Exemplarily, the conveying layer 12 has an inlet and an outlet, the outlet is connected to the upstream of the order box conveyor line 5, and the inlet is connected to the downstream of the order box conveyor line 5. When an order box that has not completed the picking task is transferred to the downstream along the order box conveyor line 5, it can enter the conveying layer 12 of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 through the inlet, and then be transferred to the storage layer 11 by the conveying layer 12. When the temporarily stored order box needs to be picked again, the target order box can be taken out from the storage layer 11, first transferred to the conveying layer 12, and then transferred to the upstream of the order box conveyor line 5 by the outlet of the output layer 12. The order box can flow along the order box conveyor line 5 to the delivery position 50, so that the picking operation can continue.

[0088] It should be noted that transfer mechanisms are installed at both ends of the order box conveyor line 5 along the conveying direction. The transfer mechanisms at both ends of the order box conveyor line 5 are respectively opposite the inlet and outlet. The transfer mechanisms can move order boxes from the outlet of the conveying layer 12 to the order box conveyor line 5, or they can move order boxes from the order box conveyor line 5 to the inlet of the conveying layer 12.

[0089] Illustratively, the transfer mechanism may include one or more transfer structures such as transfer rollers and conveyor belts, which are driven by a motor. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific transmission form adopted by the transfer mechanism.

[0090] The following is a detailed description of the configuration of the planar storage mechanism 20.

[0091] Please continue to refer to Figures 1 to 4. In some embodiments, the planar storage mechanism 20 may include a candidate channel 21, the order box conveyor line 5 may include a picking channel 51, the candidate channel 21 is located on the side of the picking channel 51, and the delivery position 50 is set on the picking channel 51.

[0092] The candidate channel 21 is used to place candidate order boxes so that they can be delivered to the picking channel 51 in the delivery sequence. The candidate order boxes can include order boxes that are directly delivered from the delivery position 50 to the candidate channel 21, or order boxes that are delivered from the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 to the candidate channel 21.

[0093] It is understood that when an order box with an unfinished picking task is temporarily stored, the time when the order box will be picked next time can be determined or estimated based on the specific order task content. If the time interval between pickings is long, the order box can be temporarily stored in a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 with a larger storage capacity. When the order box is picked next time, it can be taken out of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and transferred to the candidate channel 21. If the time interval between pickings is short, the order box can be directly transferred to the candidate channel 21. In this way, the time required for the order box to enter the delivery position 50 for the next picking can be shortened, thereby improving logistics efficiency.

[0094] It should be noted that in the workstation 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, when the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 and the planar storage mechanism 20 are set up at the same time, the order boxes that need to be temporarily stored can be diverted, while making full use of the temporary storage space and improving the efficiency of logistics.

[0095] In some embodiments, the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51 are parallel to each other, and the candidate channel 21 is provided with a transfer mechanism, which is used to transfer the candidate order box to the picking channel 51 in a direction perpendicular to the picking channel 51, so that the candidate order box arrives at the delivery position 50 in the conveying order.

[0096] It can be understood that the transfer mechanism is used to transfer and deliver order boxes between the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51. When the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51 are parallel to each other, the direction in which the order boxes are moved by the transfer mechanism is perpendicular to the direction in which the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51 deliver the order boxes.

[0097] Exemplarily, the transfer mechanism may include one or more transfer structures such as a transfer roller and a conveyor belt. The structure of the transfer mechanism may be the same as or similar to the aforementioned transfer mechanism, and will not be described in detail here.

[0098] In some embodiments, the planar storage mechanism 20 may further include a queuing channel 22, which is located between the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51. The order boxes to be picked in the candidate channel 21 are configured to first pass through the queuing channel 22 and then enter the picking channel 51.

[0099] It is understood that, since order boxes need to be transported in a predetermined order when they are transported from the candidate channel 21 to the picking channel 51, this ordering order can be the same as or different from the order in which the order boxes enter the planar storage mechanism 20. Therefore, by providing the queuing channel 22, the order box order and queue position can be adjusted, so that when the order boxes enter the picking channel 51 from the candidate channel 21, the predetermined ordering order can be quickly and accurately formed, thus avoiding jams or mis-sequencing.

[0100] Exemplarily, the candidate channel 21, the queuing channel 22 and the picking channel 51 are parallel to each other, and the candidate channel 21 is provided with a transferring mechanism, which is used to transfer the candidate order box to the queuing channel 22 in a direction perpendicular to the queuing channel 22, so as to queue the candidate order boxes in the queuing channel 22 according to the conveying order, and convey them from the queuing channel 22 to the picking channel 51 in sequence.

[0101] It should be noted that the specific structure and setting method of the transfer mechanism between the candidate channel 21 and the queuing channel 22 can be the same as or similar to the transfer mechanism between the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51, and will not be repeated here.

[0102] 2 to 4 , in some embodiments, the workstation 1 provided by the embodiments of the present application may further include a return line 6, which is located at the ends of the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51, and connects the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51. At least a portion of the order boxes that have not been picked in the picking channel 51 are returned to the candidate channel 21 via the return line 6.

[0103] It can be understood that the unfinished order box at the delivery position 50 will be transported to the return line 6 along the conveying direction of the order box conveying line 5, and then flow along the return line 6 to the candidate channel 21.

[0104] Exemplarily, the return line 6 may be perpendicular to the conveying direction of the candidate channel 21 and the picking channel 51 .

[0105] In some embodiments, the workstation 1 provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include an empty box line 52 and a full box line 53. The empty box line 52 is connected to the input end of the picking channel 51 and is configured to deliver empty order boxes to the picking channel 51. The full box line 53 is connected to the output end of the picking channel 51 and is configured to receive the order boxes that have been picked in the picking channel 51.

[0106] It should be noted that the empty box line 52 can be connected to equipment such as handling robots and conveyor lines outside the workstation 1 to receive empty order boxes. The full box line 53 can also be connected to equipment such as handling robots and conveyor lines outside the workstation 1 to transport the completed order boxes to the outside for the next logistics process, such as packaging. The specific extension length and layout of the empty box line 52 and the full box line 53 can be set according to the actual layout of the workstation 1 and are not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0107] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram 1 of the raw material box conveyor line in the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 12 is a structural schematic diagram 2 of the raw material box conveyor line in the workstation provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] Referring to Figures 2 to 12 , in some embodiments, the order box conveyor line 5 and the raw material box conveyor line 4 are both U-shaped and at least partially surround the buffer mechanism 2. This improves the space utilization of the workstation 1 and reduces the space occupied by the order box conveyor line 5, the raw material box conveyor line 4, and the three-dimensional storage structure.

[0109] When the order boxes are conveyed along different directions on the order box conveyor line 5, different sides of the order boxes face the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5. When the raw material boxes are conveyed along different directions on the raw material box conveyor line 4, different sides of the raw material boxes face the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line 4.

[0110] For example, the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5 is parallel to the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line 4. The order box conveyor line 5 and the raw material box conveyor line 4 can be arranged in layers in the vertical direction to reduce the floor space occupied by the vertical projection, thereby improving space utilization.

[0111] It should be noted that a sorting position 30 is provided on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 facing away from the buffer mechanism 2. The sorting position 30 can be manually sorted, or a sorting robot can be set to perform the sorting operation, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0112] Figure 14 is a structural schematic diagram 1 of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram 2 of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 16 is a front view of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 17 is a sectional view taken along the AA direction in Figure 16, Figure 18 is a partial view of the C position in Figure 17, Figure 19 is a partial view of the D position in Figure 17, Figure 20 is a side view of the sorting mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 21 is a sectional view taken along the BB direction in Figure 20, and Figure 22 is a partial view of the E position in Figure 21.

[0113] The specific structure of the sorting mechanism 3 is exemplarily described below.

[0114] Please refer to Figures 14 to 16. In some embodiments, the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, and the raw material box conveyor line 4 is located above the order box conveyor line 5.

[0115] The raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 are horizontally offset so that the vertical projections of the order boxes at least partially misalign with the vertical projections of the raw material boxes. The side of the raw material box conveyor line 4 closest to the sorting station 30 is farther away from the sorting station 30 than the side of the order box conveyor line 5 closest to the sorting station 30.

[0116] It is understandable that when the sorting personnel or sorting robot at the sorting position 30 performs sorting operations, the order box conveyor line 5 will not be blocked by the raw material box conveyor line 4 in the vertical direction, thereby improving the convenience of the sorting operation.

[0117] In some embodiments, the raw material box conveyor line 4 has a raw material box inlet 45 and a raw material box outlet 46, which are respectively located at the two ends of the raw material box conveyor line 4. As shown in FIG12 , the workstation 1 may further include a reflow mechanism 41, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the raw material box inlet 45 and the raw material box outlet 46.

[0118] Among them, for the raw material box that has completed the sorting task, if there are still goods left in the raw material box, and the corresponding goods correspond to the order tasks of other order boxes, the raw material box can be returned from the raw material box outlet 46 to the raw material box inlet 45 through the reflux mechanism 41. In this way, the raw material box can return to the picking position 40 along the raw material box conveyor line 4, and there is no need to send the raw material box back to the external storage device, thereby reducing the circulation path of the raw material box and improving logistics efficiency.

[0119] For example, a reflow reordering area 42 is provided to the side of the raw material box entrance 45. This area is equipped with a temporary storage area for raw material boxes to adjust the delivery order of the raw material boxes. In this way, the delivery order of the corresponding raw material boxes can be adjusted according to the delivery order of the already placed order boxes, avoiding the problem of raw material box blockage and transportation jams, and improving the smooth flow of raw material boxes.

[0120] In some embodiments, the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 extend in the same direction, and the sorting position 30 arranged on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 is opposite to the picking position 40 and the delivery position 50.

[0121] The raw material box conveyor line 4 is tilted relative to the horizontal toward the sorting station 30. Because the raw material box conveyor line 4 is located above the order box conveyor line 5 and is farther away from the sorting station 30, the raw material boxes on the tilted raw material box conveyor line 4 can slide slightly toward the sorting station 30 due to gravity. This makes it easier for sorters or sorting robots at the sorting station 30 to remove goods from the raw material boxes.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 may further include a plurality of support columns 31, and the order box conveyor line 5 is connected between adjacent support columns 31. The raw material box conveyor line 4 is located on top of the support columns 31 and is detachably connected to the support columns 31.

[0123] For example, the support columns 31 can be supported on the sides of the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5. One or more support columns 31 can be respectively provided at the end corners and the side edges of the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5.

[0124] It should be noted that the support column 31 can be made of a metal or alloy such as iron or aluminum, or an engineering plastic with high structural strength. For example, the support column 31 can be an aluminum alloy profile. Both the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 can be connected to the support column 31 using fasteners such as bolts and connecting components such as tripods. The specific material type of the support column 31 is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0125] 17 to 22 , in some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 may further include an adjusting member 32 . The adjusting member 32 is connected to the support column 31 , and the raw material box conveyor line 4 is connected to the adjusting member 32 . The adjusting member 32 is configured to adjust the position of the raw material box conveyor line 4 relative to the order box conveyor line 5 .

[0126] The adjusting member 32 is provided with a first connection hole 33, and the raw material box conveyor line 4 is provided with a plurality of second connection holes 34 arranged along its width. When the first connection hole 33 is aligned with different second connection holes 34, the raw material box conveyor line 4 is positioned at different positions relative to the order box conveyor line 5. The sorting mechanism 3 may further include a fastener that passes through the first connection hole 33 and is screwed into the second connection hole 34.

[0127] It is understood that in different applications, the first connecting hole 33 can be adjusted relative to a different second connecting hole 34 on the raw material box conveyor line 4 by removing the fasteners, thereby adjusting the relative position of the vertical projection of the raw material box conveyor line 4 relative to the vertical projection of the order box conveyor line 5. In other words, the size of the portion of the order box not obscured by the raw material box in the vertical direction can be adjusted. For example, if the goods to be picked are larger, the raw material box conveyor line 4 can be moved away from the sorting position 30 to increase the size of the unobstructed portion of the order box on the order box conveyor line 5, thereby ensuring sufficient space for placing the goods into the order box. If the goods to be picked are smaller, the raw material box conveyor line 4 can be moved closer to the sorting position 30 to reduce the size of the unobstructed portion of the order box on the order box conveyor line 5, thereby reducing the workstation's footprint.

[0128] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17 to 20 , the raw material box conveyor line 4 may include a first conveyor member 43, a first baffle 44 being provided at one end of the first conveyor member 43 facing the sorting position 30, and a gap between the first baffle 44 and the end of the first conveyor member 43. The order box conveyor line 5 may include a second conveyor member 54, a second baffle 55 being provided at one end of the second conveyor member 54 facing the sorting position 30, and a gap between the second baffle 55 and the end of the second conveyor member 54.

[0129] When the raw material box is on the raw material box conveyor line 4, at least a portion of the raw material box is located outside the first conveyor member 43 on the side close to the sorting position 30 and abuts against the first baffle 44. When the order box is on the order box conveyor line 5, at least a portion of the order box is located outside the second conveyor member 54 on the side close to the sorting position 30 and abuts against the second baffle 55.

[0130] It can be understood that the first baffle 44 is located on the side of the raw material box conveyor line 4 closer to the sorting position 30, and the second baffle 55 is located on the side of the order box conveyor line 5 closer to the sorting position 30. Therefore, the raw material box at the pickup position 40 and the order box at the delivery position 50 can be closer to the sorting position 30, thereby improving the convenience of sorting operations.

[0131] For example, the distance between the first baffle 44 and the end of the first conveying member 43 facing the sorting position 30 may be greater than or equal to 40 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. For example, the specific value of the distance between the first baffle 44 and the end of the first conveying member 43 facing the sorting position 30 may include, but is not limited to, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 45 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, etc., and is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0132] For example, the distance between the second baffle 55 and the end of the second conveying member 54 facing the sorting position 30 is greater than or equal to 40 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. For example, the specific value of the distance between the second baffle 55 and the end of the second conveying member 54 facing the sorting position 30 may include, but is not limited to, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 45 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, etc., and is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0133] Please continue to refer to Figures 14 to 16. In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 3 may further include a detection mechanism 7, which is configured to detect the cargo sorting status of the pickup position 40 and the delivery position 50, so that the pickup position 40 switches the raw material box or the delivery position 50 switches the order box.

[0134] It will be appreciated that the detection mechanism 7 can detect whether goods have been removed from the raw material box and whether goods have been placed in the order box. Upon detecting that goods have been removed from the raw material box at the pickup position 40, the pickup position 40 can automatically cut the box and switch to the next raw material box. Upon detecting that goods have been placed in the order box at the delivery position 50, the delivery position 50 can automatically cut the box and switch to the next order box. This improves the logistics efficiency of the sorting mechanism 3.

[0135] Exemplarily, the detection mechanism 7 may include a first weighing unit 71, which is arranged at the picking position 40, and the first weighing unit 71 is configured to detect the weight information of the raw material box on the picking position 40, so that the picking position 40 switches the raw material box according to the weight information of the raw material box.

[0136] Exemplarily, the detection mechanism 7 may include a second weighing unit 72, which is arranged at the delivery position 50, and the second weighing unit 72 is configured to detect the weight information of the order box on the delivery position 50, so that the delivery position 50 switches the order box according to the weight information of the order box.

[0137] Exemplarily, the detection mechanism 7 may include a first grating unit 73, which is arranged above the picking position 40 to form a detection area above the raw material box of the picking position 40. The first grating unit 73 is configured to detect the action of removing goods from the raw material box on the picking position 40, so that the picking position 40 switches the raw material box after the goods in the raw material box are taken out.

[0138] Exemplarily, the detection mechanism 7 may include a second grating unit 74, which is arranged above the delivery position 50 to form a detection area above the order box of the delivery position 50. The second grating unit 74 is configured to detect the action of placing goods into the order box on the delivery position 50, so that the delivery position 50 switches the order box after the goods are placed into the order box.

[0139] It should be noted that the first weighing unit 71 and the second weighing unit 72 can be pressure sensors or electronic scales with pressure sensors as main components. The first grating unit 73 and the second grating unit 74 can be infrared sensors or laser sensors, etc. The picking position 40 can be provided with either the first weighing unit 71 or the first grating unit 73, or the picking position 40 can be provided with both the first weighing unit 71 and the first grating unit 73 to improve the accuracy of the detection results. The delivery position 50 can be provided with either the second weighing unit 72 and the second grating unit 74, or the delivery position 50 can be provided with both the second weighing unit 72 and the second grating unit 74 to improve the accuracy of the detection results. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this.

[0140] Please continue to refer to Figures 14 to 16. In some embodiments, a box cutting button 8 is provided on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 facing the sorting position 30. The box cutting button 8 is configured to control the raw material box conveyor line 4 to switch the raw material box to the pickup position 40, and / or control the order box conveyor line 5 to switch the order box to the delivery position 50.

[0141] It is understandable that when the sorting position 30 is manually sorted, after completing the goods sorting operation, the sorting personnel can press the box cutting button 8 to perform the box cutting operation.

[0142] Exemplarily, the cut box button 8 is located at the bottom of the sorting mechanism 3 so that the picker can press the cut box button 8 by stepping on it. Alternatively, the cut box button 8 is located on the side of the sorting mechanism 3 so that the picker can press the cut box button 8 by kneeling. In this way, the operator does not need to press the cut box button manually, which will not interfere with the operator's manual sorting operation, thereby helping to improve sorting efficiency. For example, after the picker takes the goods out of the raw material box, he can press the cut box button 8 with his foot or knee to cut the raw material box while he can put the goods into the order box by hand. After the picker puts the goods into the order box, he can press the cut box button 8 with his foot or knee to cut the order box while he can take the goods out of the raw material box by hand.

[0143] In some embodiments, when a raw material box passes through the pickup position 40, it continuously moves along the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line 4. This allows the operator at the sorting position 30 to remove goods from the raw material box while the raw material box passes through the pickup position 40, thereby improving the flow efficiency of the raw material box. When an order box passes through the delivery position 50, it continuously moves along the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5. This allows the operator at the sorting position 30 to place goods into the order box while the order box passes through the delivery position 50, thereby improving the flow efficiency of the order box.

[0144] It is understood that the corresponding raw material boxes and order boxes can pass through the pickup position 40 and delivery position 50 simultaneously during their circulation, or the order box can lag slightly behind the raw material box because the pickup operation precedes the delivery operation. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the conveying speed of the raw material boxes along the raw material box conveyor line 4 or the conveying speed of the order boxes along the order box conveyor line 5. It is only necessary that the operator or robot at the sorting position 30 can complete the picking operation within the time it passes through the pickup position 40 and delivery position 50.

[0145] It should be noted that sorting station 30 has a sorting operation range that covers pickup station 40 and delivery station 50. When the goods in the raw material box have not been sorted to the order box, and either the raw material box or the order box is outside the sorting operation range, the raw material box conveyor line 4 stops conveying the raw material box, and the order box conveyor line 5 stops conveying the order box. For example, if multiple goods from a raw material box at pickup station 40 need to be simultaneously picked up and placed into the order box at delivery station 50, sorting station 30 may not have enough time to perform the sorting operation. In this case, the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 can be paused to allow the operator or robotic arm at the sorting station to complete the corresponding sorting operation. After the sorting operation is completed, the raw material box conveyor line 4 and the order box conveyor line 5 can be restarted.

[0146] It should be noted that the sorting mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application, through the structural design and relative position layout of the order box conveyor line and the raw material box conveyor line, ensures that the process of sorting goods from the raw material box to the order box is smooth and unobstructed, while shortening the path and process of goods transfer during the sorting process, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and ensuring the accuracy of the sorting process.

[0147] Figure 23 is a structural schematic diagram of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 24 is a side view of the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 25 is a schematic diagram 1 of the coordination between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 26 is a schematic diagram 2 of the coordination between the first shelf and the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 27 is a structural schematic diagram of the second shelf in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 28 is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 29 is a bottom view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 30 is a front view of the lifting device in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 31 is a structural schematic diagram 1 of the picking and placing assembly in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 32 is a structural schematic diagram 2 of the picking and placing assembly in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 33 is a structural schematic diagram of the telescopic part in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 34 is a front view of the telescopic part in the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0148] The specific structure of the three-dimensional storage mechanism is described in detail below.

[0149] Referring to Figures 23 to 27 , an embodiment of the present application provides a three-dimensional storage mechanism 10, which includes a first shelf 100, a second shelf 200, and a lifting device 300. The first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 are used to store goods, and the lifting device 300 can pick up and place goods on the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200. The first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 are spaced apart, and a lifting channel 13 extending in a first direction is defined between the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. The lifting device 300 is located in the lifting channel 13 and is movable along the lifting channel 13.

[0150] The first direction may be a vertical direction, and the lifting channel 13 extends in the vertical direction. The lifting device 300 can be lifted and moved in the first direction, that is, the lifting device 300 can be lifted and moved in the height direction of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. The lifting device 300 can be movably connected to at least one of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, so that the lifting device 300 can climb and move along the lifting channel 13 between the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 each include a plurality of storage layers 11 arranged along a first direction and at least one transport layer 12. The transport layer 12 is configured to receive goods from a side away from the elevator channel 13 or to transport goods to a side away from the elevator channel 13.

[0152] It is understood that the conveying layer 12 can be any layer on the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200, and the side of the conveying layer 12 facing away from the lifting channel 13 can be the exit or entrance of the goods. The three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 in the embodiment of the present application can receive goods delivered by external equipment through the conveying layer 12, or send goods stored on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 to other external equipment through the conveying layer 12.

[0153] Illustratively, the lifting device 300 can be docked with the first shelf 100, and the side of the lifting device 300 facing away from the first shelf 100 can have a slight gap with the side of the second shelf 200 facing the lifting channel 13; alternatively, the lifting device 300 can be docked with the second shelf 200, and the side of the lifting device 300 facing away from the second shelf 200 can have a slight gap with the side of the first shelf 100 facing the lifting channel 13; alternatively, the opposite sides of the lifting device 300 can be docked with the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 respectively, and the width of the lifting device 300 can match the width of the lifting channel 13.

[0154] It should be noted that in the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application, a lifting channel 13 is formed between the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, and a lifting device 300 is used to move in the lifting channel 13 to pick up and place goods, and the shelves can directly receive or send out goods through the conveying layer 12. When the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 occupies a small area, the efficiency of goods in and out of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 is improved, and the efficiency per square meter of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 is improved. Of course, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 can be provided with more shelves, and it is only necessary to set a lifting device 300 between two adjacent shelves. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific number of shelves. The following description will take two shelves as an example and will not be repeated.

[0155] In addition, the storage layers 11 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 may have the same height. The conveying layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 may be located at the bottom, middle, or top, and the conveying layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 may have the same height in the first direction. For example, the conveying layers 12 on both shelves are located at the bottom of the shelves. Alternatively, the conveying layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 may have different heights in the first direction. It is only necessary that the side of the conveying layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 facing away from the lifting channel 13 is convenient for docking with external equipment. For example, the side of the conveying layer 12 facing away from the lifting channel 13 can be docked with an external conveyor line, or with an external transport robot, etc.

[0156] The first direction is defined as the X direction, which is the height direction of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200. The second direction is defined as the Y direction, which is the width direction of the lifting channel 13. The third direction is defined as the Z direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0157] First, the specific storage and retrieval methods and processes of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 are described in detail below.

[0158] Continuing with Figures 23 to 27, in some embodiments, when the lifting device 300 moves along the elevator channel 13 to face any storage layer 11, the lifting device 300 can remove goods from the storage layer 11 or place goods into the storage layer 11. When the lifting device 300 moves along the elevator channel 13 to face the conveying layer 12, the lifting device 300 is configured to deliver goods into the conveying layer 12 or receive goods from the conveying layer 12. In this way, the lifting device 300 can remove goods from the storage layer 11 and deliver them to the conveying layer 12, or store goods from the conveying layer 12 in the storage layer 11, thereby improving the efficiency of goods entry and exit.

[0159] It is understood that during the outbound process, the lifting device 300 can move along the elevator channel 13 to the storage layer 11 where the target goods are located and remove the target goods from the storage layer 11. Thereafter, the lifting device 300 can move along the elevator channel 13 to a position opposite the conveying layer 12, which can be the conveying layer 12 of the first shelf 100 or the conveying layer 12 of the second shelf 200, and place the target goods on the conveying layer 12. The conveying layer 12 can then transfer the target goods to a side away from the elevator channel 13, completing the outbound operation of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10.

[0160] During the warehousing process, upstream goods can be delivered to the transport layer 12 via a conveyor line or a handling robot. This transport layer 12 can be the transport layer 12 of the first shelf 100 or the transport layer 12 of the second shelf 200. Subsequently, the lifting device 300 can move along the elevator aisle 13 to face the transport layer 12. The transport layer 12 can then autonomously transfer goods to the lifting device 300, or the lifting device 300 can remove goods from the transport layer 12. Subsequently, the lifting device 300 can move along the elevator aisle 13 to face the target storage layer 11 and place the goods there.

[0161] To further improve the efficiency of warehousing, the above-mentioned warehousing and warehousing processes can be carried out simultaneously. The conveying layers 12 of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 are located at the same height. When the lifting device 300 moves to the height position where the conveying layer 12 is located, the two sides of the lifting device 300 are respectively opposite to the conveying layers 12 on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200.

[0162] In some embodiments, the conveying layer 12 of the first shelf 100 has a first conveyor line 110, and the conveying layer 12 of the second shelf 200 has a second conveyor line 220. The first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 have the same conveying direction. One of the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 is configured to receive goods from a side facing away from the elevator channel 13, and the other of the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 is configured to convey goods to a side facing away from the elevator channel 13.

[0163] It is understandable that the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 can both be unidirectional conveyor lines, one of which is responsible for warehousing and the other is responsible for outbound delivery, thereby improving the efficiency of goods entering the shelves by transporting goods in one direction.

[0164] For example, the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220 are arranged relative to each other. When the lifting device 300 moves between the first conveyor line 110 and the second conveyor line 220, the first conveyor line 110, the second conveyor line 220 and the lifting device 300 jointly form an inbound and outbound channel 14, so that the warehouse goods can be shipped and received simultaneously, thereby improving logistics efficiency.

[0165] The following description will be made by taking the example that the first conveyor line 110 is responsible for outbound storage and the second conveyor line 220 is responsible for inbound storage.

[0166] When the inbound and outbound processes are being performed simultaneously, the lifting device 300 can remove goods to be shipped from the storage layer 11. At the same time, the second conveyor line 220 receives goods to be shipped in from the outside and waits for storage on the second conveyor line 220. Thereafter, the lifting device 300 moves along the elevator channel 13 to face the two conveyor layers 12. While the lifting device 300 delivers the goods to be shipped to the first conveyor line 110, the second conveyor line 220 delivers the goods to be shipped into the storage layer 11. The first conveyor line 110 can then deliver the goods to be shipped to an external device. At the same time, the lifting device 300 can move along the elevator channel 13 and place the goods to be shipped into the target storage layer 11. By repeating the above process, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 can achieve synchronous and continuous goods inbound and outbound operations.

[0167] It should be noted that the access channel 14 can extend along a second direction, namely, along the Y direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, which is the vertical direction, and the access channel 14 extends horizontally. Through the conveyor layer 12, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 can transport goods in and out of the warehouse horizontally, facilitating the docking of the shelves with external equipment such as conveyor lines.

[0168] The specific driving structure for the lifting device 300 to move along the lifting channel 13 will be described in detail below.

[0169] Please refer to Figures 28 to 30, and in combination with Figures 23 to 27, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 may further include a first drive component 400, which can be arranged on either the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200. The first drive component 400 is configured to drive the lifting device 300 to move along the lifting channel 13, thereby improving the efficiency of the lifting device 300 moving along the lifting channel 13.

[0170] It is understood that the first drive assembly 400 can be installed on the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200. The shelf equipped with the first drive assembly 400 is an active shelf, and the shelf not equipped with the first drive assembly 400 is a passive shelf. Alternatively, a first drive assembly 400 can be installed on each of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 to synchronously drive the lifting device 300. This embodiment of the present application is not specifically limited to this. The following detailed description takes the first drive assembly 400 installed on the first shelf 100 as an example.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 400 may include a first drive unit 410, a first flexible transmission member 420, and a plurality of first transmission wheels 430. The plurality of first transmission wheels 430 are respectively disposed at both ends of the first shelf 100 along the first direction, the first flexible transmission member 420 is wound around the plurality of first transmission wheels 430, the first drive unit 410 is disposed on the first shelf 100, and is configured to drive the first flexible transmission member 420 to transmit in the first direction, and the lifting device 300 is connected to the first flexible transmission member 420 to drive the lifting device 300 to perform lifting motion via the first flexible transmission member 420.

[0172] It is understood that the multiple first transmission wheels 430 can be divided into four groups, each group having at least one first transmission wheel 430, and the four groups of first transmission wheels 430 can be respectively arranged on the crossbeams on both sides of the top of the first shelf 100 and on the crossbeams on both sides of the bottom of the first shelf 100. In this way, when the first flexible transmission member 420 is wound around the multiple first transmission wheels 430, it can form a closed loop around the first shelf 100. For example, with reference to FIG24, when the first flexible transmission member 420 is driven counterclockwise, the lifting device 300 rises; when the first flexible transmission member 420 is driven clockwise, the lifting device 300 descends, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the lifting device 300 along the lifting channel 13.

[0173] In addition, the first drive unit 410 can be arranged on a side of the first shelf 100 away from the lifting channel 13, and the multiple first transmission wheels 430 arranged at the top and bottom of the first shelf 100 are driven wheels. The output end of the first drive unit 410 can be connected to a driving wheel, and the first drive unit 410 can provide power for the transmission of the first flexible transmission member 420 through the driving wheel. The first drive unit 410 is arranged on the side away from the lifting channel 13, which can prevent the first drive unit 410 from occupying the space within the lifting channel 13, allowing the lifting device 300 to fully utilize the space within the lifting channel 13 and improve the efficiency of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10.

[0174] For example, the first drive unit 410 can be a motor, and the output end of the motor can be provided with a reducer. The first flexible transmission member 420 can be a flexible member such as a belt, a synchronous belt, a wire rope, or a chain. The first transmission wheel 430 can correspondingly be a transmission wheel such as a pulley, a synchronous wheel, a wire drum, or a sprocket. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. The output end of the first drive unit 410 is provided with a driving wheel, and the first flexible transmission member 420 can be wound around the driving wheel. In addition, a pressure wheel can be provided on the side of the first flexible transmission away from the driving wheel. The pressure wheel can be located to ensure that the first flexible transmission member 420 always maintains effective contact with the driving wheel to avoid slipping, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the moving position of the lifting device 300.

[0175] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10 may further include a first guide rail 500 disposed on the first shelf 100 and extending along a first direction. The lifting device 300 is movably connected to the first guide rail 500, thereby improving the stability of the lifting device 300 moving along the lifting channel 13.

[0176] It is understood that the first guide rail 500 may extend along the X-direction, and the length of the first guide rail 500 may match the height of the first shelf 100. The first guide rail 500 may be connected to an edge column of the first shelf 100 facing the lifting channel 13, or the first guide rail 500 may be formed by an edge column of the first shelf 100 facing the lifting channel 13, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0177] There may be two first guide rails 500, one located on each side of the first shelf 100. The two first guide rails 500 extend in the X-direction and are parallel to each other. The two sides of the lifting device 300 facing the first shelf 100 are movably connected to the two first guide rails 500. The lifting device 300 may be slidably connected to the first guide rails 500 via a slider or rollingly connected to the first guide rails 500 via rollers, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0178] Exemplarily, the lifting device 300 may include at least two guide wheel assemblies, each of which is disposed opposite the two first guide rails 500. Referring to FIG. 28 , each guide wheel assembly may include multiple guide wheels 301, each of which abuts against different sides of the guide rail. For example, the axles of some guide wheels 301 are parallel to the X direction, while the axles of some guide wheels 301 are parallel to the Z direction. This maintains contact between the lifting device 300 and the first guide rails 500, preventing the lifting device 300 from shaking relative to the first guide rails 500.

[0179] It should be noted that each guide wheel group can be provided with three guide wheels 301, two guide wheel groups arranged along the X direction can be provided on each side of the lifting device 300, and an independent guide wheel 301 can be provided between the two guide wheel groups. In this way, each side of the lifting device 300 can be provided with at least seven guide wheels 301 to cooperate with the first guide rail 500 to ensure that the lifting device 300 can clamp the first guide rail 500 through the guide wheels 301, thereby improving the stability of the lifting device 300 in lifting and lowering movement.

[0180] The specific structure of the lifting device 300 is described in detail below.

[0181] 23 to 30 , in some embodiments, the lifting device 300 may include a lifting body 310 , a side shift assembly 320 , and a cargo pick-up and placement assembly 330 . The lifting body 310 is movably connected to at least one of the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 .

[0182] The structure of the movable connection between the lifting body 310 and the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200 is consistent with the movable connection between the aforementioned lifting device 300 and the first guide rail 500, and will not be repeated here.

[0183] It can be understood that the storage layer 11 has multiple storage locations 111 arranged along the third direction, the side shift component 320 is movably connected to the lifting body 310, and the side shift component 320 can be moved along the third direction relative to the lifting body 310, so that the side shift component 320 is opposite to different storage locations 111, and the picking and placing component 330 is connected to the side shift component 320, thereby improving the storage density of the three-dimensional storage mechanism 10, and the picking and placing component 330 can realize the picking and placing of goods in different storage locations 111.

[0184] Exemplarily, the storage locations 111 of each storage layer 11 are arranged along the Z direction, and each storage layer 11 may have two, three, four, or more storage locations 111, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. Each storage location 111 may be tilted toward the inside of the storage location 111 relative to the horizontal direction to prevent the goods stored in the storage location 111 from slipping out. In addition, the bottom of each storage location 111 may support the goods through rollers, so that when dragging the goods out of the storage location 111, or when placing the goods into the storage location 111, the friction between the goods and the bottom of the storage location 111 can be reduced, thereby improving the smoothness of the goods entering and exiting the storage location 111.

[0185] The specific driving structure of the side shift assembly 320 in the lifting device 300 is described in detail below.

[0186] Please continue to refer to Figures 23 to 30. In some embodiments, the lifting device 300 may also include a second drive assembly 340 and a second guide rail 350. The second guide rail 350 is connected to the lifting body 310 and extends along the third direction. The side shift assembly 320 is slidingly connected to the second guide rail 350. The second drive assembly 340 is arranged on the lifting body 310, and the second drive assembly 340 is configured to drive the side shift assembly 320 to move along the second guide rail 350.

[0187] It can be understood that the second guide rail 350 extends along the Z direction, and the second guide rail 350 can provide guidance and support for the movement of the side shift assembly 320 relative to the lifting body 310. The number of second guide rails 350 can be multiple, including but not limited to two, three or more, so as to improve the stability of the side shift assembly 320 relative to the lifting body 310.

[0188] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG29 , the second drive assembly 340 may include a second drive unit 341, a second flexible transmission member 342, and a plurality of second transmission wheels 343. The plurality of second transmission wheels 343 are respectively disposed at both ends of the lifting body 310 along the third direction. The second flexible transmission member 342 is wound around the plurality of second transmission wheels 343. The second drive unit 341 is configured to drive the second flexible transmission member 342 along the third direction. The side shift assembly 320 is connected to the second flexible transmission member 342, thereby improving the smoothness of the movement of the side shift assembly 320 relative to the lifting body 310.

[0189] Among them, there can be two second transmission wheels 343, and the two second transmission wheels 343 can be respectively set at the two ends of the lifting body 310, one of the two second transmission wheels 343 can be a driving wheel, and the other can be a driven wheel. The driving unit can be set on the same side of the lifting body 310 as the driving wheel and drive the driving wheel to rotate.

[0190] Exemplarily, the second drive unit 341 can be a motor, the output end of the motor can be provided with a reducer, the second flexible transmission member 342 can be a flexible component such as a belt, a synchronous belt, a wire rope, a chain, etc., and the second transmission wheel 343 can correspondingly be a pulley, a synchronous wheel, a wire drum, a sprocket or other transmission wheel. The embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0191] When the side shift assembly 320 moves on the lifting body 310 to a position opposite to the storage opening of the corresponding target storage location 111, the cargo picking and placing operation can be completed by the cargo picking and placing assembly 330 arranged on the side shift assembly 320. The specific structure of the cargo picking and placing assembly 330 is described in detail below.

[0192] Referring to Figures 31 and 32 , and in conjunction with Figures 23 to 30 , in some embodiments, the cargo pick-up and placement assembly 330 may include a fixed member 331, a telescopic member 332, a third guide rail 333, and a third drive assembly 334. The fixed member 331 is connected to the side shift assembly 320, the third guide rail 333 is connected to the fixed member 331, and the telescopic member 332 is movably connected to the third guide rail 333. The third drive assembly 334 is disposed on the fixed member 331 and is configured to drive the telescopic member 332 to telescopically move bidirectionally relative to the fixed member 331, so that the telescopic member 332 can pick up and place cargo from the first shelf 100 or the second shelf 200.

[0193] It can be understood that the telescopic member 332 can move along the Y direction relative to the fixed member 331, the third guide rail 333 can extend along the Y direction, the telescopic member 332 can be slidably connected to the third guide rail 333 through a slider, and the third guide rail 333 provides a guiding function for the movement of the telescopic member 332 relative to the fixed member 331.

[0194] The telescopic member 332 can move forward or backward along the Y direction relative to the fixed member 331 to achieve bidirectional telescopic movement. Therefore, through the movement of the telescopic member 332, goods can be taken and placed on the first shelf 100 and on the second shelf 200, reducing production costs and improving warehousing efficiency.

[0195] Exemplarily, the fixing part 331 can be a plate-like structure arranged on the top of the side shift assembly 320, and the telescopic part 332 is a telescopic arm with a picking structure. The telescopic arm is provided with joint fingers, suction cups and other picking parts for cooperating with the goods or material boxes in the storage location 111 to realize the picking operation.

[0196] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 32, the third drive assembly 334 may include a third drive unit 3341, a third flexible transmission member 3342 and multiple third transmission wheels 3343, the multiple third transmission wheels 3343 are respectively arranged at both ends of the fixed member 331, the third flexible transmission member 3342 is wound around the multiple third transmission wheels 3343, the third drive unit 3341 is configured to drive the third flexible transmission member 3342 to transmit along the picking and placing direction of the picking and placing assembly 330, the telescopic member 332 is connected to the third flexible transmission member 3342, so as to improve the smoothness and stability of the movement of the telescopic member 332 relative to the fixed member 331.

[0197] It is understood that there may be two third transmission wheels 3343, and the two third transmission wheels 3343 may be arranged at both ends of the fixed member 331 along the Y direction. The third drive unit 3341 may be arranged in the middle of the fixed member 331. The two third transmission wheels 3343 may be transmission wheels, and the output end of the third drive unit 3341 may be provided with a driving wheel, which may engage with the third flexible transmission member 3342 to drive the third flexible transmission member 3342 along the Y direction. In addition, pressure wheels may be provided on both sides of the driving wheel to press the third flexible transmission member 3342 on the side of the third flexible transmission member 3342 facing away from the driving wheel, thereby preventing slippage and misalignment between the driving wheel and the third flexible transmission member 3342, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the telescopic member 332 relative to the fixed member 331 when picking up and placing goods.

[0198] Exemplarily, the third drive unit 3341 can be a motor, the output end of the motor can be provided with a reducer, the third flexible transmission member 3342 can be a flexible component such as a belt, a synchronous belt, a wire rope, a chain, etc., and the third transmission wheel 3343 can correspondingly be a pulley, a synchronous wheel, a wire drum, a sprocket or other transmission wheel. The embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0199] The following is a detailed description of the cargo pickup structure on the telescopic member 332.

[0200] Please refer to Figures 33 to 34, and in combination with Figures 23 to 30, in some embodiments, the telescopic member 332 may include a telescopic body 3321, an abutment member 3322 and a fourth drive unit 3323, the abutment member 3322 is rotatably connected to the telescopic body 3321, and the fourth drive unit 3323 is configured to drive the abutment member 3322 to rotate relative to the telescopic body 3321, so that goods can be taken in and out by pushing and pulling, thereby improving the efficiency of cargo entry and exit.

[0201] It is understood that the abutment 3322 can be rod-shaped, so that the abutment 3322 rotates relative to the telescopic body 3321 to form a finger joint structure. Taking the material box as an example, when the telescopic member 332 is extended relative to the fixed member 331 to pick up goods, the abutment 3322 is positioned horizontally during the extension process to avoid interference with the material box. When the telescopic member 332 is extended to a preset position, the abutment 3322 rotates relative to the telescopic body 3321 so that the abutment 3322 is positioned vertically. In this way, when the telescopic member 332 is retracted relative to the fixed member 331, the abutment 3322 can abut against the inner wall of the material box and pull the material box out of the storage location 111. When the telescopic member 332 is extended relative to the fixed member 331 to release goods, the abutment 3322 can abut against the outer wall of the material box and push the material box into the storage location 111. This will not be described in detail here.

[0202] For example, there may be two abutting members 3322, each disposed at either end of the telescopic body 3321 along the direction of the cargo pickup and placement assembly 330. These two abutting members 3322 can be used to pick up and place cargo on the first shelf 100 and the second shelf 200, respectively, thereby improving cargo loading and unloading efficiency. Furthermore, the two abutting members 3322 can each be independently driven by a fourth drive unit 3323, which can be a motor disposed on the telescopic member 332.

[0203] In an embodiment of the present application, the side shift assembly 320 may include a side shift bracket 321 and a conveying mechanism 322; the conveying mechanism 322 is arranged at the bottom of the side shift bracket 321, and the cargo picking and placing assembly 330 is arranged at the top of the side shift bracket 321; the conveying mechanism 322 is used to carry cargo, and the conveying mechanism 322 is configured to drive the cargo to move in or out of the side shift assembly 320, so that the conveying mechanism 322 can provide driving force for the cargo to enter and exit the side shift assembly 320, thereby improving the efficiency of cargo entering and exiting the warehouse.

[0204] For example, the conveying structure may include a plurality of drive rollers. When the cargo moves into or out of the side shift assembly 320 , the drive rollers may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby driving the cargo to move through the friction force of the drive rollers on the bottom of the cargo.

[0205] It should be noted that the three-dimensional storage mechanism provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a first shelf, a second shelf and a lifting device. The first shelf and the second shelf are arranged at intervals, and there is a lifting channel extending along a first direction between the first shelf and the second shelf; the lifting device is located in the lifting channel, and the lifting device can move along the lifting channel. The first shelf and the second shelf both include multiple storage layers and at least one conveying layer arranged along the first direction; the conveying layer is configured to receive goods from the side away from the lifting channel, or to convey goods to the side away from the lifting channel, thereby improving the efficiency of goods in and out of the three-dimensional storage mechanism when the three-dimensional storage mechanism occupies a small area, thereby improving the efficiency of the three-dimensional storage mechanism in and out of the warehouse, thereby improving the efficiency of the three-dimensional storage mechanism in terms of floor space.

[0206] Figure 35 is a first structural schematic diagram of the planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 36 is a second structural schematic diagram of the planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 37 is a third structural schematic diagram of the planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 38 is a fourth structural schematic diagram of the planar storage mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0207] The specific structure of the planar storage mechanism 20 and the specific cooperation between the planar storage mechanism 20 and the order box conveyor line 5 are described in detail below.

[0208] Please refer to Figure 35, and in combination with Figures 1 to 7, in the workstation provided in the embodiment of the present application, the planar storage mechanism 20 is located on the side of the order box conveyor line 5, and the planar storage mechanism 20 includes a candidate channel 21 and a queuing channel 22. The candidate channel 21 is used to cache order boxes with unfinished picking tasks, and the order boxes in the candidate channel 21 are configured to pass through the queuing channel 22 before entering the order box conveyor line 5.

[0209] It is understood that storing unfinished order boxes in candidate aisles 21 allows the order box conveyor line 5 to proceed with the picking of other order boxes, eliminating the need for these unfinished order boxes to remain on the order box conveyor line 5, thereby maintaining continuous picking operations on the order box conveyor line 5 and improving logistics efficiency. The queuing aisle 22, serving as a transition between the candidate aisles 21 and the order box conveyor line 5, can adjust the sorting positions of order boxes entering and exiting the order box conveyor line 5 and the candidate aisles 21, ensuring smooth, sequential flow of order boxes between the different aisles.

[0210] In some embodiments, the queuing channel 22 may include multiple transfer positions 24, and the transfer positions 24 are provided with transfer mechanisms. The order boxes on the transfer positions 24 can be transferred between adjacent transfer positions 24, or the order boxes on the transfer positions 24 can be moved into or out of the queuing channel 22 through the transfer mechanism.

[0211] The queuing channel 22 includes a conveyor line along its length, such as a conveyor belt or rollers, for transporting order boxes. This conveyor line transfers order boxes between the various transfer stations 24 within the queuing channel 22. When order boxes need to be moved into and out of the queuing channel 22, this is accomplished using a transfer mechanism at the corresponding transfer station 24.

[0212] Exemplarily, the transfer mechanism may be a push plate, a suction cup, a hook, or the like driven by a power unit such as a motor or a cylinder. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific structural type of the transfer mechanism.

[0213] Please continue to refer to Figure 35, and in combination with Figures 1 to 7, in some embodiments, the candidate channel 21 may include multiple first temporary storage positions 23a, and the multiple first temporary storage positions 23a are arranged in sequence along the length direction of the queuing channel 22 on the side of the queuing channel 22 away from the order box conveyor line 5; the multiple first temporary storage positions 23a are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple transfer positions 24.

[0214] Among them, each first temporary storage position 23a can store at least one order box with an unfinished picking task, and the order boxes on different first temporary storage positions 23a can be moved in or out through the transfer mechanism on the temporary storage position of the queuing channel 22 relative to it.

[0215] Exemplarily, the order box conveyor line 5 has a picking channel 51, the candidate channel 21, the queuing channel 22 and the picking channel 51 are parallel to each other, and the direction in which the transfer mechanism moves the order box into or out of the transfer position 24 is perpendicular to the direction of the queuing channel 22, that is, the direction in which the transfer mechanism drives the order box to move is perpendicular to the length direction of the queuing channel 22.

[0216] The specific order box temporary storage method of the planar storage mechanism 20 is described in detail below through different specific examples.

[0217] Please refer to Figure 35. In some embodiments, the candidate channel 21 may further include at least one second temporary storage position 23b, the second temporary storage position 23b and the order box conveyor line 5 are located on the same side of the queuing channel 22, and the second temporary storage position 23b and the order box conveyor line 5 are opposite to different transfer positions 24.

[0218] It can be understood that the temporary storage positions of the candidate channel 21 include at least two rows, and at least one row is the first temporary storage position 23a, and at least one row is the second temporary storage position 23b. The first temporary storage position 23a and the second temporary storage position 23b are respectively arranged on both sides of the queuing channel 22. In this way, when the length of the picking channel 51 of the order box conveyor line 5 is less than the length of the queuing channel 22, the remaining space of the queuing channel 22 facing the order box conveyor line 5 can be utilized, thereby increasing the order box storage capacity of the candidate channel 21 and improving space utilization.

[0219] It should be noted that the picking channel 51 is parallel to the queuing channel 22 and includes a queuing position 56, a return position 57, and at least one delivery position 50. The raw material box conveyor line 4 has at least one pickup position 40; when a raw material box arrives at the pickup position 40, the goods to be sorted are removed from the raw material box and placed in the order box on the delivery position 50.

[0220] The queuing position 56 is used to receive the order box output by the transfer position 24 or receive an empty order box and pass the order box to the delivery position 50. The return position 57 is used to receive the order box output by the delivery position 50 and pass the order box to the queuing channel 22.

[0221] In addition, the delivery position 50 and the queuing channel 22 can also directly transfer order boxes. That is, the transfer position 24 opposite the delivery position 50 can directly receive the order box from the delivery position 50 or transfer the order box to the delivery position 50. The specific order box conveying path can be designed according to the order box delivery sequence when queuing, and will not be detailed here.

[0222] For example, in the figure, A, B, C, D, E, and F are the first temporary storage positions 23a of the candidate channel 21, P, Q, and R are the second temporary storage positions 23b of the candidate channel 21, G, H, I, J, K, and L are the transfer positions 24 of the queuing channel 22, M is the queuing position 56, N is the delivery position 50, and O is the return position 57.

[0223] Please refer to Figure 36. In some embodiments, the picking channel 51 may include multiple delivery positions 50, and the multiple delivery positions 50 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the queuing channel 22, and the multiple delivery positions 50 are respectively opposite to different transfer positions 24. A queuing position 56 and a return position 57 are provided on both sides of each delivery position 50.

[0224] It is understandable that there can be multiple delivery positions 50 performing sorting work at the same time on the same side of the queuing channel 22, and the order boxes that need to be picked by different delivery positions 50 can be adjusted in the delivery order in the queuing channel 22.

[0225] For example, A, B, C, D, E, and F are the first temporary storage positions 23a of the candidate channel 21, G, H, I, J, K, and L are the transfer positions 24 of the queuing channel 22, M, N, and Q are a group, M is the queuing position 56, N is the delivery position 50, and O is the return position 57, and P, Q, and R are a group, P is the queuing position 56, Q is the delivery position 50, and R is the return position 57.

[0226] 37 , in some embodiments, there may be multiple queuing positions 56 , which are arranged in sequence on the same side of the delivery position 50 , and the multiple queuing positions 56 are respectively opposite to different transfer positions 24 .

[0227] It can be understood that the order boxes on multiple queue positions 56 can flow into the delivery position 50 in sequence along the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line 5, so that multiple order boxes can be pre-arranged in the picking channel 51 on the order box conveyor line 5, not only the order boxes with unfinished sorting tasks transferred from the transfer position 24, but also the empty order boxes can be arranged.

[0228] Exemplarily, A, B, C, and D are the first temporary storage positions 23a of the candidate channel 21, E, F, G, and H are the transfer positions 24 of the queuing channel 22, I and J are the queuing positions 56, K is the delivery position 50, and L is the return position 57.

[0229] Please refer to Figure 38. In some embodiments, the order box conveyor line 5 may include multiple delivery positions 50, and the multiple delivery positions 50 are arranged in sequence on the side of the order box conveyor line 5 along the transmission direction of the order box conveyor line 5; at least some of the multiple delivery positions 50 are used as temporary storage positions.

[0230] It can be understood that when the corresponding orders or collection orders in the order boxes in some delivery positions 50 are multi-line orders, the order box can stay in the delivery position 50 and wait after completing the current sorting task until all the order sorting tasks corresponding to the order box are completed and the order box is output. In this way, there will be other delivery positions 50 for other order boxes to perform sorting tasks.

[0231] For example, A, B, C, D and E, F, G, H are order box conveyor lines 5, and the order box can be moved from D to H by a transfer mechanism. I, J, K, L are four delivery positions 50.

[0232] It should be noted that the docking arrangement of the above-mentioned multiple planar storage mechanisms 20 and the order box conveyor line 5 can adopt one of them, or can adopt a combination of multiple of them, and the embodiment of the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0233] The workstation 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include an empty box line 52 and a full box line 53. The empty box line 52 is connected to at least one of the order box conveying line 5 and the queuing channel 22. The full box line 53 is connected to at least one of the order box conveying line 5 and the queuing channel 22.

[0234] An embodiment of the present application provides a warehousing system, which includes storage shelves, workstations and a transport mechanism. The storage shelves are used to store raw material boxes, the workstations are used to sort the goods in the raw material boxes into order boxes, and the transport mechanism is configured to transport the raw material boxes to be sorted from the storage shelves to the workstations, or to transport the sorted raw material boxes from the workstations to the storage shelves.

[0235] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of multi-workstation coordination provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0236] For example, referring to Figure 13 , a warehousing system may include multiple workstations 1. The raw material box conveyor lines 4 of adjacent workstations 1 are interconnected. The order box conveyor lines 5 of adjacent workstations are interconnected. This allows for the exchange of at least one of the raw material boxes and order boxes between adjacent workstations 1.

[0237] It should be noted that the warehousing system can include all the technical solutions and technical effects of the aforementioned workstations, sorting mechanisms, and three-dimensional storage mechanisms, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] The following is a detailed description of the control method of the workstation.

[0239] Figure 39 is a schematic diagram of the steps of the workstation control method provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 40 is a specific flow chart of the workstation control method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 , and in combination with FIG. 1 to FIG. 38 , an embodiment of the present application provides a workstation control method, which is executed by a controller of the workstation and includes:

[0241] S101. Obtain order tasks.

[0242] Among them, the order task can be obtained from the control center of the warehousing system. Each order task obtained can correspond to an order number. Each order number corresponds to a mapping table of goods information. The mapping table of the goods information stores the storage address of the goods corresponding to the order.

[0243] S102, controlling the raw material box conveyor line to convey the raw material box corresponding to the order task to the pick-up position of the raw material box conveyor line; controlling the order box conveyor line to convey the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line.

[0244] Among them, the goods to be sorted corresponding to each order task can be stored in one or more raw material boxes. When sorting an order task at a workstation, an order box will be selected to correspond to the order task.

[0245] The controller of the workstation can send control instructions to the raw material box conveyor line and the order box conveyor line respectively. The raw material box conveyor line can perform the raw material box conveying task and the order box conveyor line can perform the order box conveying task at the same time.

[0246] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the order box conveyor line to convey the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line further includes:

[0247] Determine whether the order corresponding to the raw material box is an order that has been processed but not yet completed. If so, control the buffer mechanism to provide the order box corresponding to the order temporarily stored in the buffer mechanism to the order box conveyor line. If not, control the order box conveyor line to obtain an empty order box and deliver it to the delivery location for order processing.

[0248] S103: After determining that the items in the raw material box are delivered to the order box, determine whether the order box has completed the picking task. If not, control the order box conveyor line to convey the order box to the cache mechanism for temporary storage.

[0249] Wherein, when the cache mechanism may include a planar storage mechanism and a three-dimensional storage mechanism, it is judged when the order box that has passed the delivery position but has not completed the picking is hit again;

[0250] If the time of being hit again is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the corresponding order box is cached in the candidate channel and / or queue channel; if the time of being hit again is greater than the preset threshold, the corresponding order box is cached in the three-dimensional storage mechanism.

[0251] It is understandable that if all the picking tasks of the order box are completed, the order box will not enter the cache mechanism, but will directly flow out of the workstation from the order box conveyor line to complete the outbound delivery.

[0252] In some embodiments, after determining that the items in the raw material box are delivered to the order box, the method further includes:

[0253] Determine whether the raw material box is loaded with goods for other order tasks within the preset time. If so, control the raw material box conveyor line to transport the raw material box to the return flow mechanism; if not, control the raw material box conveyor line to send the raw material box out of the workstation to put the raw material box into storage.

[0254] S104: Control the buffer mechanism to deliver the temporarily stored order boxes to the delivery location according to the delivery sequence, wherein the delivery sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup location.

[0255] It should be noted that after completing an order picking task, the order box taken out from the cache mechanism will be judged again to see whether all picking tasks have been completed. If all picking tasks are completed, the order box can directly flow out of the workstation and enter the next process; if the picking task corresponding to the order box is still not completed, the order box can be transported to the cache mechanism again for caching, that is, repeat the above steps S103 and S104 until all picking tasks corresponding to the order box are completed.

[0256] The following describes the control method of the workstation during order processing.

[0257] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram of the steps of the order processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 42 is a specific flow chart of the order processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0258] Referring to FIG. 41 to FIG. 42 , and in combination with FIG. 1 to FIG. 38 , an embodiment of the present application provides an order processing method, which is executed by a processor and includes:

[0259] S201: Receive multiple orders to be sorted, group the orders to be sorted to obtain order groups, and assign the order groups to workstations.

[0260] An order group includes one or more orders. For example, multiple orders to be sorted can be classified into multiple order groups based on the goods overlap rate, and orders in the same order group are assigned to the same workstation.

[0261] It is understood that the cargo overlap rate refers to the overlap rate of target cargo from different orders being located in the same raw material bin or in closely spaced raw material bins. The workstation controller may preset a cargo overlap rate threshold, for example, a cargo overlap rate of 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, etc., which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. When the cargo overlap rate of multiple received orders reaches or exceeds the threshold, the corresponding multiple orders are assigned to form an order group.

[0262] It should be noted that multiple workstations can be set up in the warehousing system, and the orders in an order group can be assigned to the same workstation, thereby improving the efficiency of order processing. In addition, when transporting the raw material boxes corresponding to the orders in the order group, the number of transports can be reduced and the transport path can be shortened, thereby improving logistics efficiency.

[0263] S202 : Send multiple transport tasks to a transport mechanism according to the cargo information of the order to be sorted in the order group allocated to the workstation.

[0264] The handling equipment may be a handling robot or other movable automatic handling devices, and the controller of the workstation may send control instructions to the handling equipment via wireless communication, and each control instruction may include one or more handling tasks.

[0265] In some embodiments, sending multiple transport tasks to a transport mechanism based on cargo information of the orders to be sorted in the order group assigned to the workstation may include the following steps:

[0266] Step 1: Obtain the average order-to-line ratio and average order overlap rate for all current orders on the workstation.

[0267] Step 2: Determine the number of handling tasks based on the number of orders at the workstation, the average row-to-order ratio, and the average order overlap rate.

[0268] The number of handling tasks can be calculated using the formula M = N * R * α, where M is the number of handling tasks, N is the number of orders, R is the average row-to-order ratio, and α is the average order overlap rate. The average row-to-order ratio is the average of all order ratios. For example, a single-row order has a row-to-order ratio of 1, while a two-row order has a row-to-order ratio of 2. The average order overlap rate is the average cargo overlap rate for all orders.

[0269] S203. Select the current transport task to be executed according to the number of vacant storage locations of the workstation's cache mechanism, and control the transport mechanism to execute the current transport task to be executed; wherein the cache mechanism is used to store order boxes of unfinished picking tasks.

[0270] It is understandable that the number of vacant storage locations in the cache mechanism will be in dynamic change as the sorting tasks of the workstation proceed. The controller of the workstation can obtain and monitor the number of vacant storage locations in the cache mechanism in real time, and select the handling tasks according to the real-time numerical value of the number of vacant storage locations, and send the selected handling tasks to the handling mechanism in the form of control instructions.

[0271] In some embodiments, selecting the current transport task to be executed based on the number of vacant storage locations of the buffer mechanism of the workstation may include the following steps:

[0272] Determine whether the number of vacant storage locations in the cache organization is greater than the dynamic warning value. If so, select the handling task indiscriminately. If not, select the handling task that will not occupy the vacant storage locations.

[0273] In this way, when the number of vacant storage locations is greater than the dynamic warning value, it means that there are enough vacant storage locations in the cache mechanism to place new order boxes, so the handling tasks can be selected indiscriminately. When the number of vacant storage locations is less than or equal to the dynamic warning value, it means that the number of vacant storage locations in the cache mechanism is insufficient. If the order boxes corresponding to the selected handling tasks occupy new vacant storage locations, the cache mechanism may be full and overflow. Therefore, at this time, selecting handling tasks that will not occupy vacant storage locations can not only ensure the continuous and stable operation of the workstation, but also avoid the risk of overflowing the cache mechanism.

[0274] It should be noted that the dynamic alert value can be a preset value in the controller of the workstation and can be set or adjusted according to the specific logistics rate of the workstation. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific value of the dynamic alert value.

[0275] In some embodiments, when the order is a single-line single-item order, multiple single-line single-item orders are combined into a collection order, and the collection order is processed as an order, wherein the collection order includes a single-line collection order and a multi-line collection order.

[0276] Exemplarily, the handling tasks that do not occupy vacant storage spaces may include handling tasks corresponding to a single-line multi-piece order or a single-line collection order, and handling tasks corresponding to the last and middle rows of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order.

[0277] It is understood that a single-line, single-piece order refers to an order with only one target item. A single-line, multiple-piece order refers to an order with multiple target items that can be sorted in a single sorting operation, for example, if the multiple target items are in the same raw material bin. A multi-line, multi-piece order refers to an order with multiple target items that require multiple sorting operations to sort, for example, if the multiple target items are in different raw material bins.

[0278] In some embodiments, determining whether the number of vacant storage locations of a cache mechanism is greater than a dynamic warning value may specifically include the following steps:

[0279] Step 1: Obtain the number of vacant storage locations of the cache mechanism that will be occupied by the current transport task after sorting, as well as the number of vacant storage locations that will be generated.

[0280] Step 2: Determine the dynamic warning value based on the number of vacant storage locations to be occupied and the number of vacant storage locations to be generated.

[0281] Exemplarily, the dynamic alert value is determined based on the number of vacant storage locations to be occupied and the number of vacant storage locations to be generated, specifically including:

[0282] The dynamic warning value is determined according to the formula ST=Q, where S is the number of vacant storage locations in the cache mechanism that will be occupied by the current handling task after sorting, T is the number of vacant storage locations that will be generated by the current handling task after sorting, and Q is the dynamic warning value.

[0283] In the order processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application, after controlling the transport mechanism to execute the current transport task to be executed, the following steps are further included:

[0284] If the handling task is a handling task corresponding to a single-line multiple-piece order or a single-line collection order, the control workstation obtains an empty order box. After all the goods corresponding to the single-line multiple-piece order or the single-line collection order are delivered to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the workstation exit.

[0285] Single-line orders with multiple items or single-line aggregate orders can be completed with a single picking operation, eliminating the need for temporary storage. A workstation exit is the downstream exit of the order conveyor line along its conveying direction. Order boxes leaving the workstation exit can enter the next logistics process, such as packaging.

[0286] It can be understood that a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order may include a first line and a last line, or include a first line, a middle line and a last line. When picking an order, each line of the order corresponds to a handling task, and the handling tasks corresponding to the first line, the middle line and the last line can be executed in sequence.

[0287] For example, when a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order includes the first line, the second line, the third line and the fourth line, it corresponds to four handling tasks, the first line is the first line, the second line and the third line are the middle lines, and the fourth line is the last line.

[0288] If the handling task is the handling task corresponding to the last line of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order, the control workstation obtains the order box corresponding to the multi-line order or the multi-line collection order from the cache mechanism, and after delivering the goods corresponding to the last line to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the workstation exit.

[0289] If the handling task is a handling task corresponding to the middle line of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order, the control workstation obtains the order box corresponding to the order or the multi-line collection order from the cache mechanism. After delivering the goods corresponding to the middle line to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the cache mechanism for caching.

[0290] If the handling task is the handling task corresponding to the first line of a multi-line order or a multi-line collection order, the control workstation obtains an empty order box. After delivering the goods corresponding to the first line to the order box, the control workstation transports the order box to the cache mechanism for caching.

[0291] In some embodiments, before sending multiple transport tasks to the transport mechanism based on the cargo information of the order to be sorted at the workstation, the following steps may be included:

[0292] Step 1: Obtain the sorting efficiency of the workstation and the handling efficiency of the handling mechanism.

[0293] Step 2: Determine the number of transport mechanisms based on sorting efficiency and transport efficiency.

[0294] It is understandable that the transport mechanisms may be of different types, and different similar transport mechanisms may have different transport efficiencies. When the number of transport mechanisms is determined based on the sorting efficiency and the transport efficiency, a combination of different transport mechanisms may be used.

[0295] For example, the average time that a raw material box stays at a pickup location for pickup is 6 seconds, that is, a workstation consumes a raw material box every 6 seconds, and the transport mechanism needs to complete a transport task within 6 seconds, wherein the transport efficiency of the first transport mechanism is 80 boxes / h, that is, 45 seconds / box, and the transport efficiency of the second transport mechanism is 20 boxes / h, that is, 180 seconds / box. In order to meet the workstation's 6S / box rate, 7.5 first-type transport mechanisms and 30 second-type transport mechanisms are required. In the actual process, allocating 8 first-type transport mechanisms and 30 second-type transport mechanisms can meet the workstation's raw material box needs. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the specific raw material box consumption rate of the workstation and the transport efficiency of the transport mechanism.

[0296] It should be noted that the order processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application can select corresponding handling tasks according to the dynamic changes in the number of vacant storage locations of the cache mechanism, thereby avoiding the situation where the cache mechanism is overloaded during the goods sorting process, so as to ensure that the sorting process of goods out of the warehouse can run continuously and efficiently, thereby improving the sorting efficiency of goods.

[0297] The present application also provides a storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When executed, the computer-executable instructions implement the workstation control method and order processing method described in the technical solution.

[0298] Among them, the storage medium can be a computer-readable storage medium or a communication medium. The communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, a computer-readable storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the computer-readable storage medium and write information to the computer-readable storage medium. Of course, the computer-readable storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the computer-readable storage medium can be located in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the ASIC can be located in a user device. In addition, the processor and the computer-readable storage medium can also exist in a communication device as discrete components.

[0299] Exemplarily, the storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile memory device or a combination thereof, such as static random-access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0300] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A workstation, characterized in that: include: A sorting mechanism, the sorting mechanism comprising: A material box conveyor line, configured to convey material boxes, the material boxes being used to store goods to be sorted, the material box conveyor line having at least one pick-up position; and an order box conveyor line configured to convey an order box, the order box being used to receive the goods sorted from the raw material box, the order box conveyor line having at least one delivery position; when the raw material box arrives at the pickup position, the goods to be sorted in the raw material box are taken out and placed in the order box on the delivery position; and The cache mechanism is located on the side of the sorting mechanism, and is used to cache the order boxes of unfinished picking tasks, and transport the order boxes to the delivery position according to the transport sequence, wherein the transport sequence is determined by the order in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position.

2. The workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that The cache mechanism includes a three-dimensional storage mechanism and / or a planar storage mechanism.

3. The workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that The three-dimensional storage mechanism includes a shelf, and the shelf includes a storage layer and a conveying layer arranged in a vertical direction; the storage layer is used to temporarily store the order boxes that have not completed the picking task, and the conveying layer is connected to the order box conveyor line.

4. The workstation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The conveying layer has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the upstream of the order box conveying line, and the inlet is connected to the downstream of the order box conveying line.

5. The workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that Transfer mechanisms are provided at both ends of the order box conveyor line along the conveying direction, and the transfer mechanisms at both ends of the order box conveyor line are respectively opposite to the storage entrance and the storage exit.

6. The workstation according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The planar storage mechanism includes a candidate channel, the order box conveyor line includes a picking channel, the candidate channel is located on the side of the picking channel, the delivery position is set on the picking channel, and the candidate channel is used to place candidate order boxes so as to transfer the candidate order boxes to the picking channel according to the conveying sequence; the candidate order boxes include order boxes that are directly conveyed from the delivery position to the candidate channel, or order boxes that are conveyed from the three-dimensional storage mechanism to the candidate channel.

7. The workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that The candidate channel and the picking channel are parallel to each other. The candidate channel is provided with a transfer mechanism, which is used to transfer the candidate order box to the picking channel along a direction perpendicular to the picking channel, so that the candidate order box arrives at the delivery position according to the conveying order.

8. The workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that The planar storage mechanism also includes a queuing channel, which is located between the candidate channel and the picking channel. The order boxes to be picked in the candidate channel are configured to pass through the queuing channel first and then enter the picking channel.

9. The workstation according to claim 8, characterized in that The candidate channel, the queuing channel and the picking channel are parallel to each other. The candidate channel is provided with a transferring mechanism, and the transferring mechanism is used to transfer the candidate order box to the queuing channel in a direction perpendicular to the queuing channel, so as to queue the candidate order boxes in the queuing channel according to the conveying order, and convey them from the queuing channel to the picking channel in sequence.

10. The workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that It also includes a return line, which is located at the ends of the candidate channel and the picking channel, and the return line connects the candidate channel and the picking channel; At least part of the order boxes that have not been picked up by the picking channel flow back to the candidate channel through the return line.

11. The workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that It also includes an empty box line and a full box line, wherein the empty box line is connected to the input end of the picking channel and is configured to transport the empty order boxes to the picking channel; The full box line is connected to the output end of the picking channel and is configured to receive the order boxes that have been picked in the picking channel.

12. The workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The order box conveyor line and the raw material box conveyor line are both U-shaped and are at least partially arranged around the buffer mechanism.

13. The workstation according to claim 12, characterized in that When the order box is conveyed along different directions on the order box conveyor line, different sides of the order box face the conveying direction of the order box conveyor line; and / or, when the raw material box is conveyed along different directions on the raw material box conveyor line, different sides of the raw material box face the conveying direction of the raw material box conveyor line.

14. The workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The conveying direction of the order box conveying line is parallel to the conveying direction of the raw material box conveying line.

15. The workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A sorting position is arranged on a side of the sorting mechanism away from the buffer mechanism.

16. The workstation according to claim 15, characterized in that The raw material box conveyor line is located above the order box conveyor line; the raw material box conveyor line and the order box conveyor line are staggered in the horizontal direction, and the distance between the side of the raw material box conveyor line close to the sorting position and the sorting position is greater than the distance between the side of the order box conveyor line close to the sorting position and the sorting position.

17. The workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The raw material box conveyor line has a raw material box inlet and a raw material box outlet, and the raw material box inlet and the raw material box outlet are respectively located at two ends of the raw material box conveyor line; the workstation also includes a reflux mechanism, and the two ends of the reflux mechanism are respectively connected to the raw material box inlet and the raw material box outlet.

18. The workstation according to claim 17, characterized in that A reflux reordering area is provided on the side of the raw material box entrance, and a temporary storage position for the raw material boxes is provided in the reflux reordering area to adjust the conveying sequence of the raw material boxes.

19. A storage system, characterized in that: It comprises a storage shelf, a transport mechanism and a workstation as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the transport mechanism is configured to transport the raw material boxes to be sorted from the storage shelf to the workstation, or to transport the sorted raw material boxes from the workstation to the storage shelf.

20. The storage system according to claim 19, characterized in that: There are multiple workstations, and the raw material box conveying lines of the sorting mechanisms of adjacent workstations are interconnected; and / or the order box conveying lines of the sorting mechanisms of adjacent workstations are interconnected.

21. A workstation control method, characterized in that: Executed by a controller of a workstation, the method includes: Get order tasks; Control the raw material box conveyor line to convey the raw material box corresponding to the order task to the pickup position of the raw material box conveyor line; Control the order box conveyor line to convey the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line; After determining that the items in the raw material box are delivered to the order box, determining whether the order box has completed the picking task, if not, controlling the order box conveyor line to convey the order box to a cache mechanism for temporary storage; and The buffer mechanism is controlled to convey the temporarily stored order boxes to the delivery position according to a conveying sequence, wherein the conveying sequence is determined by the sequence in which the raw material boxes arrive at the pickup position.

22. The workstation control method according to claim 21, characterized in that: The step of controlling the order box conveyor line to convey the order box corresponding to the raw material box to the delivery position of the order box conveyor line also includes: Determining whether the order corresponding to the raw material box is an order that has been processed but not fully processed; If yes, controlling the cache mechanism to provide the order box corresponding to the order temporarily stored in the cache mechanism to the order box conveyor line; If not, the order box conveying line is controlled to obtain an empty order box and convey it to the delivery location for processing the order.

23. The workstation control method according to claim 22, characterized in that: When the cache mechanism includes a flat storage mechanism and a three-dimensional storage mechanism, the time when the order box that has passed the delivery position but has not completed picking is hit again is determined; If the time of being hit again is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the corresponding order box is cached in the candidate channel and / or the queue channel; If the time of being hit again is greater than a preset threshold, the corresponding order box is cached in a three-dimensional storage mechanism.

24. The workstation control method according to claim 21, characterized in that: After determining that the items in the raw material box are delivered to the order box, the method further includes: Determine whether the raw material box is loaded with goods of other order tasks within a preset time. If so, control the raw material box conveyor line to convey the raw material box to the return mechanism; if not, control the raw material box conveyor line to send the raw material box out of the workstation to put the raw material box into storage.

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