Warehousing sorting apparatus

Abstract

A warehousing sorting apparatus, the warehousing sorting apparatus comprising a conveying mechanism (1), wherein the conveying mechanism (1) comprises a recirculation loop (11), the recirculation loop (11) is provided with an infeed station (1101) and an outfeed station (1102), and the outfeed station (1102) is arranged at an end of the recirculation loop (11) in a first direction; the recirculation loop (11) is of an annular structure, and the recirculation loop (11) is configured to be capable of driving a piece to be sorted (100) in a rotational movement around a centerline of the recirculation loop (11), so as to convey the piece to be sorted (100) from the infeed station (1101) to the outfeed station (1102), wherein the first direction is an extension direction of the recirculation loop (11). Because the recirculation loop (11) rotates about a centerline of said recirculation loop (11), an automated loop cycle is achieved without requiring additional switching mechanisms, enabling the recirculation loop (11) to traverse an infeed station (1101) and an outfeed station (1102), thereby improving conveying efficiency compared with manual handling methods in the prior art.

Description

Warehouse sorting equipment

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510127762.6, filed on January 27, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to the field of storage and transportation technology, and more specifically, to a storage and sorting device. Background Technology

[0004] In the field of logistics and warehousing management of apparel, as the scale and development of e-commerce business continue to grow, issues such as the storage and sorting of apparel products are gradually emerging.

[0005] In current technology, e-commerce companies rely on stacking for the storage of clothing. Because clothing comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and styles, stacking takes up a lot of space. When a customer places an order and the clothing needs to be picked out of the warehouse, manual handling and sorting are still the most common methods. Manual handling and picking are difficult, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, resulting in low outbound efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a warehouse sorting device that improves outbound efficiency.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a warehouse sorting apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0008] A conveying mechanism includes a circulating track, the circulating track having a feeding station and a picking station, the picking station being located at the end of the circulating track along a first direction;

[0009] The circulating track is a ring structure and is configured to drive the items to be sorted to rotate around the center line of the circulating track in order to transport the items to be sorted from the replenishment station to the picking station.

[0010] Wherein, the first direction is the extension direction of the circular track.

[0011] In some embodiments, the centerline of the loop track is arranged parallel to the second direction;

[0012] Alternatively, the centerline of the loop track may be set parallel to a third direction;

[0013] Wherein, the second direction is the height direction of the circular track, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

[0014] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism further includes a conveying drive wheel and a conveying driven wheel;

[0015] The circulating track includes a conveyor chain and a lifting device. The conveyor chain is wound around the conveyor drive wheel and the conveyor driven wheel. The lifting device is connected to the conveyor chain and is used to carry the items to be sorted.

[0016] The centerline of the circulating track is the centerline of the conveyor chain.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conveyor chain has two conveying sections and two connecting sections, the two connecting sections are disposed at both ends of the conveying sections along the first direction, the two conveying sections are connected by the connecting sections, one of the connecting sections is at least partially wrapped around the driving wheel, the other connecting section is at least partially wrapped around the driven wheel, and the lifting device is disposed on the conveying section and the connecting section;

[0018] Wherein, the two conveying units are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along the second direction; or, the two conveying units are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along the third direction.

[0019] Wherein, the second direction is the height direction of the circular track, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

[0020] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism further includes a conveying drive wheel and a conveying driven wheel;

[0021] The circulating track includes two conveyor chains and a suspension rod. The two conveyor chains are arranged in a third direction and are parallel and spaced apart. The conveyor chains are wound around the conveyor drive wheel and the conveyor driven wheel. The suspension rod is disposed between the two conveyor chains and connected to them. The suspension rod is used to support the items to be sorted.

[0022] Wherein, the centerline of the circulating track is the centerline of the conveyor chain, and the centerline of the circulating track is set parallel to the third direction, while the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0023] In some embodiments, the replenishment station is located at one end of the circulation track along the first direction and away from the picking station;

[0024] And / or, the replenishment station is located on at least one side of the circulation track in a third direction;

[0025] Wherein, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other, and the third direction is the width direction of the loop track.

[0026] In some embodiments, there are multiple circulating tracks, which are arranged along a second direction and spaced apart.

[0027] And / or, the number of the circulating tracks is multiple, and the multiple circulating tracks are arranged along a third direction and spaced apart;

[0028] Wherein, the second direction is the height direction of the circular track, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

[0029] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism further includes a drive assembly and a transmission assembly. The drive assembly is located at at least one end of the circulating track along the first direction, and the drive assembly is drively connected to a plurality of the circulating tracks through the transmission assembly, so that the plurality of circulating tracks move synchronously.

[0030] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism further includes a plurality of drive components, which are correspondingly driven to a plurality of circulating tracks, enabling the plurality of circulating tracks to move independently.

[0031] In some embodiments, a picking mechanism is also included, which is disposed at one end of the circulation track along the first direction and toward the picking station. The picking mechanism includes a picking component for picking up the item to be sorted located at the picking station.

[0032] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism further includes a carrier suspended from the circulating track, the carrier being used to carry the items to be sorted, and the carrier being provided with an identification code;

[0033] The picking mechanism also includes a detection component, which is disposed on the picking assembly and is used to identify the identification code.

[0034] In some embodiments, there are multiple conveying mechanisms, which are arranged along a first direction and spaced apart.

[0035] The warehousing and sorting device further includes a first converging transmission mechanism, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms arranged along the first direction, and the picking station is disposed at one end of the two adjacent conveying mechanisms arranged along the first direction that are close to each other.

[0036] The first converging transmission mechanism is configured to receive the sorted items located at the picking station and transport the sorted items along a third direction;

[0037] Wherein, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0038] In some embodiments, the plurality of the conveying mechanisms are also arranged and spaced apart along the third direction;

[0039] The warehousing and sorting device further includes a second confluence transport mechanism, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms arranged along the third direction. The second confluence transport mechanism is configured to receive the items to be sorted located in the first confluence transport mechanism and transport the items to be sorted along the first direction.

[0040] One embodiment of this disclosure has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0041] The warehousing and sorting device provided in this embodiment involves manual replenishment or replenishment of items to be sorted at replenishment stations by a human or a replenishment robot. As the circulating track moves along a first direction, it transports the items to be sorted. When an item moves to the end of the circulating track along the first direction, it can be directly retrieved from the picking station located at the end of the circulating track. The circulating track serves to receive and transport the items to be sorted, improving outbound efficiency. Because the circulating track rotates around its centerline, it achieves an automatic circulation process without requiring additional switching mechanisms. The circulating track can traverse both replenishment and picking stations, significantly improving transport efficiency compared to existing manual handling methods. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To better understand this disclosure, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted to emphasize and clearly illustrate the technical features of this disclosure. Additionally, related elements or components may have different arrangements as known in the art. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components in various figures. The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments thereof in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0043] in:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a side view of a warehouse sorting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the conveyor chain in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the lifting device in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the carrier in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the picking mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 7 shows a second side view of the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 8 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0052] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the drive assembly and transmission assembly in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 10 shows a third side view of the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0054] Figure 11 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0055] Figure 12 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 13 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure;

[0057] Figure 14 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the storage and sorting device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure;

[0058] Figure 15 shows a front view of the storage and sorting device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure;

[0059] Figure 16 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the storage and sorting device of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 17 shows a second front view of the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 18 shows a top view of the conveying mechanism in the storage and sorting device of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the picking mechanism in the warehouse sorting device according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0063] Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of the picking mechanism in the warehouse sorting device of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.

[0064] The reference numerals in the attached drawings are explained as follows: 100, item to be sorted; 200, carrier; 201, identification code; 1, conveying mechanism; 2, picking mechanism; 3, first converging transmission mechanism; 4, second converging transmission mechanism; 5, replenishment shelf; 11, circulating track; 1101, replenishment station; 1102, picking station; 111, conveyor chain; 1111, conveying section; 1112, connecting section; 112, lifting device; 113, box body; 114, suspension rod; 12, conveyor drive wheel; 13, conveyor driven wheel; 14, drive assembly; 141, drive motor; 142, main gear; 143, driven gear; 144, rotating chain; 15, transmission assembly; 151, first bevel gear; 152, second bevel gear; 21, chuck; 22, picking drive source; 23, picking drive component; 24, pushing component; 241. First connecting part; 242, second connecting part; 243, limiting groove; 244, positioning part; 25, connecting rod; 26, rotating shaft; 27, detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0066] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term “multiple” refers to two or more; and the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In particular, references to “the / described” object or “a” object are also intended to indicate one of a possible plurality of such objects.

[0067] Unless otherwise specified or stated, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, an electrical connection, or a signal connection; "connection" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] Furthermore, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" described in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should also be understood that, in the context of a reference to an element or feature being connected to another element(s) "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer," it can be directly connected to the other element(s) "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer," or indirectly connected to the other element(s) "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" through an intermediate element.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] Currently, most garment sorting processes still rely on manual handling and sorting, which is not only slow and time-consuming, but also inefficient. Furthermore, the number of garments hanging on the racks needs to be recalculated when the garments are taken off the shelves, making packaging inconvenient.

[0072] Therefore, this embodiment provides a warehouse sorting device, as shown in Figure 1. The warehouse sorting device includes a conveying mechanism 1, which includes a circulating track 11. The shape of the circulating track 11 can be similar to a waist-shaped structure, a rectangular structure, etc. The first direction is the extension direction of the circulating track 11 (the first direction is identified by D1), the second direction is the height direction of the circulating track 11 (the second direction is identified by D2), and the third direction is the width direction of the circulating track 11 (the third direction is identified by D3). The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0073] The circulating track 11 has a replenishment station 1101 and a picking station 1102, with the picking station 1102 located at the end of the circulating track 11 along a first direction. The circulating track 11 is a ring structure; exemplarily, it is a waist-shaped ring or a rectangular ring. The circulating track 11 is configured to drive the item to be sorted 100 to rotate around its centerline (marked with O) to transport the item to be sorted 100 to the picking station 1102. Specifically, the item to be sorted 100 refers to clothing, which can be clothing of different colors and sizes stored in e-commerce warehouses, or costumes for various roles in large-scale performances.

[0074] It should be noted that the extension direction of the circulation track 11 is parallel to the horizontal reference plane. That is, the circulation track 11 is not inclined, but horizontal. Specifically, the inclined setting of the circulation track 11 means that the height H1 of the material picking end relative to the horizontal reference plane is different from the height H2 of the material feeding end relative to the horizontal reference plane. For example, H1 is less than H2. Specifically, the horizontal setting of the circulation track 11 means that the height H1 of the material picking end relative to the horizontal reference plane is the same as the height H2 of the material feeding end relative to the horizontal reference plane.

[0075] For example, a person or a replenishment robot replenishes the items 100 to be sorted at the replenishment station 1101. As the circulating track 11 moves horizontally along the first direction, it transports the items 100. When the items 100 reach the end of the circulating track 11 along the first direction, they can be directly retrieved from the picking station 1102 located at the end of the circulating track 11. The circulating track 11 serves to receive and transport the items 100, improving outbound efficiency. Because the circulating track 11 rotates around its centerline, it achieves an automatic circulation process without requiring additional switching mechanisms. The circulating track 11 can traverse both the replenishment station 1101 and the picking station 1102, improving transport efficiency compared to existing manual handling methods.

[0076] It is understandable that the two steps of replenishing the sorted parts 100 at the replenishment station 1101 and retrieving the parts at the retrieval station 1102 can be performed simultaneously or separately. For example, the sorted parts on the circulation track 11 are only replenished at the replenishment station 1101 after they have been retrieved and consumed to a certain extent at the retrieval station 1102.

[0077] The circulating track 11 has a symmetrical structure. The center line of the circulating track 11 passes through the intersection of the axis of symmetry of the circulating track 11 along the first direction and the axis of symmetry of the circulating track 11 along the second direction. The center line of the circulating track 11 can be set parallel to or intersect with the third direction. The center line of the circulating track 11 is set at an angle to the plane containing the first and second directions. The circulating track 11 can rotate and circulate in this plane.

[0078] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-2, the replenishment station 1101 may be located at one end of the circulation track 11 along the first direction and away from the picking station 1102. Exemplarily, the replenishment station 1101 and the picking station 1102 are respectively located at opposite ends of the circulation track 11 along the first direction, and are relatively far apart, independent of each other, and do not interfere with one another.

[0079] In another embodiment, the replenishment station 1101 may be located on at least one side of the circulation track 11 along a third direction. For example, since the circulation track 11 is relatively long along the first direction, the replenishment station 1101 and the picking station 1102 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the area of ​​the replenishment station 1101 is relatively large, that is, the range of movement of the operator or the replenishment robot is relatively large, which facilitates replenishment.

[0080] It is understood that the replenishment station 1101 can have multiple locations simultaneously. For example, any location around the circulation track 11 that is not a material picking station 1102 can serve as a replenishment station 1101. That is, one side of the circulation track 11 is a material picking station 1102, and the other three sides are replenishment stations 1101. For example, a replenishment shelf 5 is provided outside the circulation track 11, and the replenishment shelf 5 partially surrounds the circulation track 11. The replenishment shelf 5 is the replenishment station.

[0081] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1, the conveying mechanism 1 further includes a conveying drive wheel 12 and a conveying driven wheel 13. The circulating track 11 includes a conveying chain 111, the length of which along a first direction is approximately 5m to 10m, for example, 5m, 8m, or 10m. The conveying chain 111 is wound around the conveying drive wheel 12 and the conveying driven wheel 13. The conveying drive wheel 12 can be driven to rotate by a drive assembly, providing driving force to the conveying chain 111. As the conveying drive wheel 12 rotates, it drives the rotation of the conveying driven wheel 13 and the movement of the conveying chain 111. The centerline of the circulating track 11 is the centerline of the conveying chain 111, enabling the conveying chain 111 to rotate cyclically.

[0082] The circulating track 11 also includes a lifting device 112, which is connected to the conveyor chain 111. The lifting device 112 is used to carry the item to be sorted 100. The lifting device 112 moves horizontally and rotates with the conveyor chain 111, thereby driving the item to be sorted 100 to achieve horizontal conveying and rotary reciprocating process.

[0083] In this manner, under the action of the conveyor chain 111 and the lifting device 112, when the item to be sorted 100 moves to the end of the conveyor chain 111 along the first direction and close to the replenishment station 1101, if the item to be sorted 100 needs to be retrieved and discharged, it can be taken out at the retrieval station 1102; if the item to be sorted 100 needs to be retrieved and discharged, it can rotate with the conveyor chain 111, and the retrieval and recycling process can be realized without the aid of other mechanisms.

[0084] Specifically, the conveyor chain 111 has two conveying sections 1111 and two connecting sections 1112. The two connecting sections 1112 are located at both ends of the conveying sections 1111 along the first direction. The two conveying sections 1111 are connected by the connecting sections 1112. One conveying section 1111, one connecting section 1112, the other conveying section 1111, and the other connecting section 1112 are connected end to end to form a closed loop structure, which facilitates rotational movement. One connecting section 1112 is at least partially wound around the conveying drive wheel 12, and the other connecting section 1112 is at least partially wound around the conveying driven wheel 13. The two connecting sections 1112 are in contact with the conveying drive wheel 12 and the conveying driven wheel 13 respectively, playing a conformal role and facilitating the movement and rotation of the conveyor chain 111.

[0085] The conveying section 1111 and the connecting section 1112 can be integrally molded, saving assembly steps and ensuring good overall consistency, which is beneficial for the rotation and movement of the conveyor chain 111. The lifting device 112 is set on the conveying section 1111 and the connecting section 1112. The lifting device 112 can move and rotate along the first direction to realize the conveying and recycling process.

[0086] As shown in Figure 1, two conveyor sections 1111 are arranged parallel to each other along the second direction. That is, the two conveyor sections 1111 are located on the upper and lower sides of the conveyor drive wheel 12 along the second direction. The height of the items to be sorted 100 along the second direction varies depending on their position on the conveyor chain 111; the items to be sorted 100 corresponding to the upper conveyor section 1111 are at their highest height, and those corresponding to the lower conveyor section 1111 are at their lowest height, resulting in a staggered arrangement of the multiple items to be sorted 100 conveyed by the conveyor chain 111. Because there is a gap between the two conveyor sections 1111 along the second direction, when the items to be sorted 100 are suspended from the upper conveyor section 1111 by the hanger 112, the items to be sorted 100 can utilize this gap, achieving space utilization and improving space efficiency.

[0087] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3, the circulating track 11 further includes a box 113, which has a cavity. The conveyor chain 111 passes through the cavity, which provides a space for the conveyor chain 111. While providing isolation and protection, the cavity also guides the conveyor chain 111 to a certain extent. As shown in FIG3-FIG4, one end of the lifting device 112 along the second direction is connected to the conveyor chain 111 via a connecting shaft, and the other end is provided with a hanging hole for hanging the items 100 to be sorted.

[0088] It should be noted that the lifting device 112 is located on the side of the conveyor chain 111 along the third direction. The lifting device 112 should not be located on the side of the conveyor chain 111 that is in contact with the conveyor drive wheel 12 or the conveyor driven wheel 13 to avoid transmission interference.

[0089] The system includes multiple lifting devices 112, which are spaced apart on the conveyor chain 111. Multiple items 100 to be sorted are correspondingly suspended on the multiple lifting devices 112, and the multiple items 100 to be sorted are stored by hanging, which improves the sealing of the storage. For example, the distance between two adjacent lifting devices 112 is about 5cm, so that the multiple items 100 to be sorted can be arranged closely.

[0090] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the warehouse sorting device further includes a carrier 200, which is suspended on the loop track 11 and is used to carry the items 100 to be sorted.

[0091] For example, the carrier 200 may optionally have a hanger for supporting the item 100 to be sorted. Specifically, the top of the hanger is provided with a hook that can be inserted into the hanging hole of the hanger 112, so that the item 100 to be sorted is in a natural hanging state.

[0092] It is understood that the carrier 200 includes, but is not limited to, a clothes hanger. The carrier 200 may also be a hanging hook, a clamp, a magnet, or an elastic element. This embodiment does not limit the actual structure and type of the carrier 200. Any structure that can suspend the item to be sorted 100 to the hanging rod 114 is within the protection scope of this embodiment.

[0093] It should be noted that the items to be sorted 100 can be folded and packaged garments. The packaging itself can be soft or hard packaging. After the garments are folded and packaged, their sizes are relatively uniform, which further saves space. At the same time, there is no need for a large carrier 200, such as a clothes hanger, as a fixed support mechanism. The carrier 200 can be small and diverse in form and can be relatively easy to remove from the garments.

[0094] In one embodiment, the warehousing and sorting device further includes a picking mechanism 2, which is disposed at one end of the circulation track 11 along the first direction and toward the picking station 1102. The picking mechanism 2 and the picking station 1102 are correspondingly disposed, and the picking mechanism 2 can grab the item 100 to be sorted located at the picking station 1102.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, the picking mechanism 2 includes a picking component, which is used to pick up the parts 100 to be sorted located at the picking station 1102. Specifically, the picking component includes a picking drive source 22 and two grippers 21. The picking drive source 22 is mounted on a moving guide rail. The picking drive source 22 can be optionally a clamping cylinder. The output end of the picking drive source 22 is connected to the two grippers 21. The picking drive source 22 can drive the two grippers 21 to move closer to or further away from each other.

[0096] When it is necessary to pick up the item 100 to be sorted, the picking drive source 22 drives the two grippers 21 to move towards each other to clamp the item 100. After the item 100 leaves the hanging hole, the picking drive source 22 drives the two grippers 21 to move away from each other to release the item 100, allowing it to fall naturally. In this way, the picking assembly is a mechanical clamp that clamps the item 100 to be sorted, causing it to detach from the hanging hole.

[0097] The material handling drive source 22 and the gripper 21 are rotatably connected to increase the degree of freedom of the gripper 21 and increase the flexibility of the gripper 21 in holding the parts to be sorted 100.

[0098] In one embodiment, the picking mechanism 2 further includes a detection element 27 disposed on the picking component, the detection element 27 being used to identify the identification code 201.

[0099] For example, the detection component 27 is disposed on the picking drive source 22, and the carrier 200 is provided with an identification code 201. The detection component 27 is used to identify the identification code 201. Specifically, the identification code 201 is an RFID tag, which carries information such as garment item number, color, and size, enabling functions such as automatic replenishment, picking location, and automatic inventory counting. Based on the order information and location requirements, the picking component can pick the corresponding item 100 to be sorted by identifying the identification code 201 through the detection component 27, thus completing the subsequent outbound process.

[0100] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7, there are multiple circulating tracks 11, which are arranged along the second direction and spaced apart. The multiple circulating tracks 11 are stacked along the second direction to make full use of the height space and improve space utilization.

[0101] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8, there are multiple circulating tracks 11, which are arranged along a third direction and spaced apart to make full use of the horizontal footprint and improve space utilization. For example, the distance between two adjacent circulating tracks 11 along the third direction is approximately 0.2 meters to 0.6 meters, such as 0.2 meters, 0.4 meters, 0.6 meters, etc.

[0102] Understandably, multiple circulating tracks 11 can be arranged simultaneously along the second and third directions to further improve space utilization and increase the storage density of items to be sorted.

[0103] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG9, the conveying mechanism 1 further includes a drive component 14 and a transmission component 15. The drive component 14 is located at at least one end of the circulating track 11 along a first direction. The drive component 14 is connected to multiple circulating tracks 11 through the transmission component 15, so that the multiple circulating tracks 11 move synchronously.

[0104] In this way, when it is necessary to sort the items 100 located on multiple circulation tracks 11, a single drive assembly 14 is used to move the multiple circulation tracks 11, which can sort the items 100 on multiple circulation tracks 11 at the same time, thereby improving the conveying and sorting efficiency.

[0105] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the drive assembly 14 includes a drive motor 141, a main gear 142, a driven gear 143, and a rotating chain 144. The output end of the drive motor 141 is connected to the main gear 142. The rotating chain 144 is wound around the main gear 142 and the driven gear 143, and the extension direction of the rotating chain 144 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the conveyor chain 111. The transmission assembly 15 includes a first bevel gear 151 and a second bevel gear 152. The first bevel gear 151 and the driven gear 143 are coaxially arranged and mesh with each other. The second bevel gear 152 is coaxially arranged with the conveyor drive wheel 12.

[0106] For example, the drive motor 141 drives the main gear 142 to rotate, which in turn moves the rotating rack and rotates the driven gear 143. As the driven gear 143 rotates, it drives the first bevel gear 151 to rotate. Under the meshing action of the first bevel gear 151 and the second bevel gear 152, the rotational drive direction is changed. The second bevel gear 152 drives the conveyor drive wheel 12 to rotate, thereby realizing the movement and rotation of the conveyor chain 111.

[0107] The first bevel gear 151 and the second bevel gear 152 are multiple, and the gear 143 and the multiple first bevel gears 151 are coaxially arranged. The multiple first bevel gears 151 and the multiple second bevel gears 152 are meshed with each other. The multiple second bevel gears 152 and the conveying drive wheel 12 corresponding to the multiple circulating tracks 11 are coaxially arranged, thereby realizing the synchronous movement of the multiple circulating tracks 11.

[0108] In another embodiment, the conveying mechanism 1 further includes multiple drive components 14, which are correspondingly connected to multiple circulating tracks 11, enabling the multiple circulating tracks 11 to move independently. Using this method, only the corresponding drive component 14 needs to be controlled individually to sort the items 100 located on a specific circulating track 11, without requiring coordination with other circulating tracks 11. This provides good flexibility and reduces the power consumption of the drive components 14, saving production costs. For example, when it is necessary to retrieve items 100 at different positions on different circulating tracks 11, each circulating track 11 can individually set the rotation direction and speed of each item 100, as well as the starting point and duration of rotation, based on the position of the target item 100, thereby improving the overall retrieval level and efficiency.

[0109] Specifically, the drive assembly 14 includes a rotary drive source and an output shaft, with the output end of the rotary drive source connected to the conveyor drive wheel 12 via the output shaft.

[0110] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 10-11, the conveying mechanism 1 has a modular structure, and there are multiple conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along a first direction and spaced apart. The conveying directions of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction are the same or opposite. The material picking station 1102 can be set at one end of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction that are close to each other, so that material can be picked up between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1.

[0111] In one embodiment, the warehousing and sorting device further includes a first converging transport mechanism 3, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along a first direction. The first converging transport mechanism 3 is configured to receive the items 100 to be sorted located at the picking station 1102 and transport the items 100 to be sorted along a third direction.

[0112] With this configuration, the first converging transmission mechanism 3 serves as a converging mechanism. The first converging transmission mechanism 3 can be the conveyor line for two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1. By using the same first converging transmission mechanism 3, the sorting items 100 of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 can be output simultaneously, saving conveying equipment and reducing production costs.

[0113] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG12, multiple conveying mechanisms 1 are arranged and spaced apart along a third direction. The warehousing and sorting device also includes a second confluence transport mechanism 4, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along a third direction. The second confluence transport mechanism 4 is configured to receive the items 100 to be sorted located at the first confluence transport mechanism 3 and transport the items 100 to be sorted along the first direction. That is, the second confluence transport mechanism 4 can be a conveying line of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along a third direction.

[0114] For example, there are four conveying mechanisms 1, which are arranged simultaneously along the first direction and the third direction in a rectangular array, meaning that each row and column of the rectangular array has two conveying mechanisms 1. The conveying directions of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the third direction are the same, meaning the picking station 1102 is located on the same side of the two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the third direction. The conveying directions of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction are opposite, meaning the picking station 1102 is located at the end of the two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction that are close to each other.

[0115] With this configuration, two adjacent conveyor mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction transport the items 100 to the picking station 1102, and the items are output by the first converging transmission mechanism 3 along the third direction. The items 100 output by the two first converging transmission mechanisms 3 arranged along the third direction are then output by the second converging transmission mechanism 4 along the first direction, which acts as a converging mechanism. By using the same second converging transmission mechanism 4, items 100 from four conveyor mechanisms 1 can be output simultaneously, saving on conveying equipment and reducing production costs.

[0116] It is understood that the warehousing and sorting device provided in this embodiment may have only the first confluence transmission mechanism 3, or it may have both the first confluence transmission mechanism 3 and the second confluence transmission mechanism 4; the second confluence transmission mechanism 4 may also operate independently of the first confluence transmission mechanism 3 to transport the items to be sorted 100 to different directions.

[0117] It is understood that the number of conveying mechanisms 1 is not limited in this embodiment. As long as the application scenarios of the first confluence transmission mechanism 3 and the second confluence transmission mechanism 4 can be realized, the number can be adjusted according to the actual production situation.

[0118] Example 2

[0119] This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1, except for the arrangement of the loop track 11.

[0120] As shown in Figure 13, the center line of the circular track 11 provided in this embodiment is set parallel to the second direction.

[0121] The circular track 11 has a symmetrical structure. The center line of the circular track 11 passes through the intersection of the first axis of symmetry of the circular track 11 along the first direction and the third axis of symmetry of the circular track 11 along the third direction. The center line of the circular track 11 can be set parallel to or intersect with the second direction. The center line of the circular track 11 is set at an angle to the plane containing the first direction and the third direction. The circular track 11 can rotate and circulate in this plane.

[0122] Specifically, the conveyor chain 111 has two conveying sections 1111 and two connecting sections 1112. The two connecting sections 1112 are located at both ends of the conveying sections 1111 along a first direction. The two conveying sections 1111 are connected by the connecting sections 1112. One conveying section 1111, one connecting section 1112, the other conveying section 1111, and the other connecting section 1112 are connected end to end to form a closed loop structure, which facilitates rotational movement. The connecting section 1112 has an arc structure, and the outline shape of the connecting section 1112 is adapted to the conveying drive wheel 12 and the conveying driven wheel 13. One connecting section 1112 is at least partially wrapped around the conveying drive wheel 12, and the other connecting section 1112 is at least partially wrapped around the conveying driven wheel 13. The two connecting sections 1112 are in contact with the conveying drive wheel 12 and the conveying driven wheel 13 respectively, playing a conformal effect, which facilitates the movement and rotation of the conveyor chain 111.

[0123] The two conveying units 1111 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along a third direction. That is, the two conveying units 1111 are located on the left and right sides of the conveying drive wheel 12 along the third direction. The sorted items 100 are at different positions on the conveyor chain 111, and the height position of the sorted items 100 along the second direction is the same, so that the multiple sorted items 100 conveyed by the conveyor chain 111 are at the same height, which is aesthetically pleasing and neat.

[0124] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG14, the number of conveying drive wheels 12 is at least one, and the number of conveying driven wheels 13 is at least one. For example, the number of conveying drive wheels 12 is two, the number of conveying driven wheels 13 is two, the two conveying drive wheels 12 and the two conveying driven wheels 13 are arranged in a rectangular shape, and the conveying chain 111 is respectively wound around the two conveying drive wheels 12 and the two conveying driven wheels 13. In this case, the conveying chain 111 is similar to a rectangular structure.

[0125] With this configuration, the connecting part 1112 is not entirely an arc structure; only the corner where the connecting part 1112 connects to the conveying part 1111 is an arc structure. Since the connecting part 1112 does not completely enclose the conveying drive wheel 12 and the conveying driven wheel 13, the length of the connecting part 1112 along the third direction is relatively long, increasing the setting range of the picking station 1102. For example, multiple pieces 100 to be sorted can be picked up simultaneously at the picking station 1102.

[0126] Example 3

[0127] The conveying principle in this embodiment differs from that in Embodiment 1.

[0128] As shown in Figure 15, the conveying mechanism 1 includes a conveying drive wheel 12 and a conveying driven wheel 13. The output end of the conveying drive source or drive assembly is connected to the conveying drive wheel 12. The circulating track 11 includes a conveying chain 111, which is wound around the conveying drive wheel 12 and the conveying driven wheel 13. The conveying drive source drives the conveying drive wheel 12 to rotate, thereby moving the conveying chain 111 and rotating the conveying driven wheel 13.

[0129] The centerline of the circulating track 11 is the centerline of the conveyor chain 111. The centerline of the circulating track 11 is set parallel to the third direction. The circulating track 11 rotates in the plane containing the first direction and the second direction.

[0130] As shown in Figures 15-16, the circulating track 11 also includes a suspension rod 114. The two conveyor chains 111 are arranged in a third direction and are parallel and spaced apart. The suspension rod 114 is located between the two conveyor chains 111 and connected to them. The suspension rod 114 is used to carry the items 100 to be sorted.

[0131] For example, the replenishment station 1101 and the picking station 1102 are respectively located at both ends of the conveyor chain 111 along the first direction. As the conveyor chain 111 moves along the first direction, the hanging rod 114 drives the sorted item 100 to move, so as to transport the sorted item 100 from the replenishment station 1101 to the picking station 1102.

[0132] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 17-18, there are multiple conveying mechanisms 1, which are arranged along a first direction and spaced apart. The conveying directions of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction are opposite, that is, the material picking station 1102 is located at the end of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along the first direction that are close to each other.

[0133] The warehousing and sorting device also includes a first converging transmission mechanism 3, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 arranged along a first direction. The first converging transmission mechanism 3 is configured to receive the sorted item 100 located at the picking station 1102 and convey the sorted item 100 along a third direction.

[0134] With this configuration, the first converging transmission mechanism 3 serves as a converging mechanism. The first converging transmission mechanism 3 can be the conveyor line for two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1. By using the same first converging transmission mechanism 3, the sorting items 100 of two adjacent conveying mechanisms 1 can be output simultaneously, saving conveying equipment and reducing production costs.

[0135] As shown in Figure 19, the material handling assembly may further include a material handling drive 23 and a pusher 24, with the output end of the material handling drive 23 connected to the pusher 24. The material handling drive 23 can drive the pusher 24 to move closer to the carrier 200, causing the pusher 24 to abut against the hook and push the hook to disengage from the suspension hole of the suspension rod 114.

[0136] With this configuration, the material handling component is a linear moving mechanism. Under the driving action of the material handling drive source 22, the pusher 24 pushes the hook of the carrier 200 out of the suspension hole, causing the item to be sorted 100 to detach from the suspension rod 114, thereby realizing the process of sorting the item to be sorted 100 from the suspension rod 114.

[0137] Specifically, the pusher 24 includes a first connecting portion 241 and a second connecting portion 242. The first connecting portion 241 is connected to the output end of the material handling drive source 22, and the second connecting portion 242 is perpendicular to and connected to the first connecting portion 241. Thus, the cross-section of the pusher 24 is similar to an L-shape. A limiting groove 243 is formed between the first connecting portion 241 and the second connecting portion 242, providing a space for the hook to be accommodated.

[0138] The inner wall of the limiting groove 243 includes a bottom wall and a side wall, and the connection between the bottom wall and the side wall can abut against the hook. When the pusher 24 pushes the hook of the carrier 200, the bottom wall of the limiting groove 243 contacts the hook, preventing the hook from slipping or deviating along the surface of the pusher 24, and facilitating the hook to detach from the suspension hole.

[0139] Additionally, a positioning part 244 may be provided at the end of the second connecting part 242 away from the first connecting part 241. The positioning part 244 and the second connecting part 242 are arranged at an angle for positioning between the material picking assembly and the suspension rod 114. When the positioning part 244 abuts against the suspension rod 114, it means that the material picking assembly has moved to the contact position with the suspension rod 114, which serves as a positioning reminder and facilitates the subsequent driving of the material picking drive source 22 to drive the pusher 24.

[0140] In one embodiment, the material handling assembly may further include a connecting rod 25. The connecting rod 25 may be a straight structure, a broken line structure, etc. The connecting rod 25 is disposed between the material handling drive 23 and the pusher 24. The output end of the material handling drive 23 is connected to the pusher 24 through the connecting rod 25. The connecting rod 25 serves as an intermediate connection.

[0141] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG20, the material handling assembly may further include a mounting plate (not shown in the figure), the mounting plate being used to mount the material handling drive 23, the output end of the material handling drive 23 being connected to the connecting rod 25, one end of the pusher 24 being connected to the connecting rod 25, and the other end being rotatably connected to the mounting plate via a rotating shaft 26.

[0142] When the material handling component approaches the carrier 200, the material handling drive component 23 drives one end of the push component 24 to move through the connecting rod 25, causing the push component 24 to rotate relative to the mounting plate through the rotating shaft. By rotating and lifting, the hook of the carrier 200 is pushed out and disengaged from the suspension hole.

[0143] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 19-20, the picking mechanism 2 further includes a detection element 27, which is disposed on the picking component. Exemplarily, the detection element 27 is disposed on the connecting rod 25, and the carrier 200 is provided with an identification code 201. The detection element 27 is used to identify the identification code 201. Specifically, the identification code 201 is an RFID tag, which carries information such as clothing item number, color, and size, enabling functions such as automatic replenishment, picking location, and automatic inventory counting. Based on the order information and location requirements, the picking component can pick the corresponding item 100 to be sorted by identifying the identification code 201 through the detection element 27, thus completing the subsequent outbound shipment.

[0144] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely one example of the application of the principles of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the principles of this disclosure are not limited to any details or components of the apparatus shown in the drawings or described in the specification.

[0145] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the detailed structure and arrangement of the components presented in this specification. This disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be implemented and performed in various ways. The foregoing variations and modifications fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure, as disclosed and defined in this specification, extends to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned or apparent in the text and / or drawings. All these different combinations constitute multiple alternative aspects of this disclosure. The embodiments described in this specification illustrate the best known mode for implementing this disclosure and will enable those skilled in the art to utilize this disclosure.

[0146] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the inventions disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and exemplary embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

[0147] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of protection of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A warehouse sorting device, comprising: A conveying mechanism includes a circulating track, the circulating track having a feeding station and a picking station, the picking station being located at the end of the circulating track along a first direction; The circulating track is a ring structure and is configured to drive the items to be sorted to rotate around the center line of the circulating track in order to transport the items to be sorted to the picking station. Wherein, the first direction is the extension direction of the circular track.

2. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The centerline of the loop track is set parallel to the second direction; Alternatively, the centerline of the loop track may be set parallel to a third direction; Wherein, the second direction is the height direction of the circular track, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

3. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The conveying mechanism also includes a conveying drive wheel and a conveying driven wheel; The circulating track includes a conveyor chain and a lifting device. The conveyor chain is wound around the conveyor drive wheel and the conveyor driven wheel. The lifting device is connected to the conveyor chain and is used to carry the items to be sorted. The centerline of the circulating track is the centerline of the conveyor chain.

4. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The conveyor chain has two conveying sections and two connecting sections. The two connecting sections are disposed at both ends of the conveying sections along the first direction. The two conveying sections are connected by the connecting sections. One connecting section is at least partially wrapped around the conveying drive wheel, and the other connecting section is at least partially wrapped around the conveying driven wheel. The lifting device is disposed on the conveying section and the connecting section. Wherein, the two conveying units are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along the second direction; or, the two conveying units are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along the third direction. Wherein, the second direction is the height direction of the circular track, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

5. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The conveying mechanism also includes a conveying drive wheel and a conveying driven wheel; The circulating track includes two conveyor chains and a suspension rod. The two conveyor chains are arranged in a third direction and are parallel and spaced apart. The conveyor chains are wound around the conveyor drive wheel and the conveyor driven wheel. The suspension rod is disposed between the two conveyor chains and connected to them. The suspension rod is used to support the items to be sorted. Wherein, the centerline of the circulating track is the centerline of the conveyor chain, and the centerline of the circulating track is set parallel to the third direction, while the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

6. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The replenishment station is located at one end of the circulation track along the first direction and away from the material picking station; And / or, the replenishment station is located on at least one side of the circulation track in a third direction; Wherein, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other, and the third direction is the width direction of the loop track.

7. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The number of the circulating tracks is multiple, and the multiple circulating tracks are arranged along the second direction and spaced apart; And / or, the number of the circulating tracks is multiple, and the multiple circulating tracks are arranged along a third direction and spaced apart; Wherein, the second direction is the height direction of the circular track, and the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other.

8. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The conveying mechanism further includes a drive component and a transmission component. The drive component is located at at least one end of the circulating track along the first direction. The drive component is connected to multiple circulating tracks via the transmission component, so that the multiple circulating tracks move synchronously.

9. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The conveying mechanism also includes multiple drive components, which are correspondingly connected to multiple circulating tracks, enabling the multiple circulating tracks to move independently.

10. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a picking mechanism, which is disposed at one end of the circulation track along the first direction and toward the picking station. The picking mechanism includes a picking component for picking up the items to be sorted located at the picking station.

11. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The conveying mechanism further includes a carrier suspended from the circulating track, the carrier being used to carry the items to be sorted, and the carrier being equipped with an identification code; and The picking mechanism also includes a detection component, which is disposed on the picking assembly and is used to identify the identification code.

12. The warehouse sortation apparatus of any of claims 1-10, wherein, The number of the conveying mechanisms is multiple, and the multiple conveying mechanisms are arranged along a first direction and spaced apart; and The warehousing and sorting device further includes a first converging transmission mechanism, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms arranged along the first direction, and the picking station is disposed at one end of the two adjacent conveying mechanisms arranged along the first direction that are close to each other. The first converging transmission mechanism is configured to receive the sorted items located at the picking station and transport the sorted items along a third direction; Wherein, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

13. The warehouse sortation apparatus of claim 12, wherein, Multiple conveying mechanisms are arranged and spaced apart along the third direction; and The warehousing and sorting device further includes a second confluence transport mechanism, which is disposed between two adjacent conveying mechanisms arranged along the third direction. The second confluence transport mechanism is configured to receive the items to be sorted located in the first confluence transport mechanism and transport the items to be sorted along the first direction.

Images