WO2022252333A1

WO2022252333A1 - Stereoscopic sorting station, sorting method, and order fulfillment method

Info

Publication number: WO2022252333A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/104418
Authority: WO
Inventors: 华聚良
Original assignee: 江苏华章物流科技股份有限公司
Priority date: 2021-06-02
Filing date: 2021-07-05
Publication date: 2022-12-08
Also published as: CN115432340A

Abstract

A stereoscopic sorting station. The sorting station comprises a multi-layer rack (1), a track sorting device (2), a lifting machine (3), and a control device. A carrying platform (31) can be lifted and lowered vertically. A conveying and sorting vehicle (22) has a first position (22a) and a second position (22b). The conveying and sorting vehicle (22) comprises a first-layer trolley (22-1) and a second-layer trolley (22-2). At the first position (22a), articles (5) can be transported between the first-layer trolley (22-1) and the carrying platform (31), and containers can be transported between the second-layer trolley (22-2) and the carrying platform (31). At the second position (22b), the articles (5) can be transported between the first-layer trolley (22-1) and a goods compartment (141), and the containers can be transported between the second-layer trolley (22-2) and the goods compartment (141). The sorting method makes full use of space in a vertical direction, such that a super-large number of product orders can be sorted and processed in the smallest plane space. The order fulfillment method can maximize access efficiency, sorting efficiency, and ex-warehousing efficiency by means of ingenious cooperation between the lifting machine (3) and the conveying and sorting vehicle (22) that is optimally designed.

Description

Three-dimensional sorting station, sorting method, and order fulfillment method

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of sorting in logistics storage, in particular to a three-dimensional sorting station, a sorting method and an order fulfillment method.

Background technique

In recent years, with the rapid development of Internet technology and e-commerce and the upgrading and transformation of consumption, especially the blowout development of business forms represented by e-commerce, this has brought rapid rise to the sorting operation of the automated logistics and warehousing industry. Opportunities have also brought unprecedented challenges to the sorting operations of the warehousing and logistics industry. There are three main types of traditional sorting machines: balance wheel sorter (efficiency 1500-5000 pieces/hour), slider sorter (6000 pieces/hour-10000 pieces/hour) and cross-belt sorter ( 15,000 pieces/hour-20,000 pieces/hour); the above-mentioned sorters occupy a large area, and the space utilization rate is generally very low; at the same time, when processing a large number of orders, either a lot of manpower or equipment investment is required, and the overall cost performance is average.

At present, some improved sorting machines have also appeared in the prior art, such as the Chinese patent application with the patent application number CN202010879675.3, which discloses a data processing system based on three-dimensional storage for automatic seeding through orbital robots, automatic seeding There is no record and consideration of the completed order box shipping out process (in the prior art, manual handling or robot handling is mostly used. Due to the limited length of manual and robot arm extensions, the number of layers of general shelves is also limited, and it has not achieved sufficient Using the effect of three-dimensional space); and the track robot itself moves along the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to transport the goods, and the transport efficiency is low, especially when the number of orders (orders) for centralized processing at one time increases, it can only be divided into large waves of orders. Batches are processed, and the picking efficiency is low. If you want to further increase the picking volume of a batch, you can only extend the layout range of the order box (target delivery location) horizontally, the floor space in the horizontal direction increases, and the system input cost also Increase.

In addition, there is also a technical solution in the prior art to transport the finished order boxes after sorting through a stacking crane. However, using a stacking crane to input empty turnover boxes and output order boxes to fulfill the order occupies a large proportion in the horizontal direction. The land area is large, the cost is high, and the transportation efficiency of the stacking crane is low, and the comprehensive cost performance is average.

Contents of the invention

The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a sorting station that can efficiently carry out storage, sorting, and delivery of items in a limited space, and can realize super-large wave product orders in the smallest area Sorting processing and order fulfillment.

In order to achieve the above object, the technical scheme adopted in the present invention is as follows:

A kind of three-dimensional sorting station, this sorting station comprises multilayer shelf, track sorting device, hoist, is used for inputting or/and the input and output port of outputting article, and control device, wherein:

The multi-layer shelf, each layer has a plurality of compartments for placing items, and the aforementioned items are goods and/or containers;

The track sorting device includes a conveying sorting car and a track,

The hoist has a carrying platform for carrying articles;

The carrying platform can be vertically lifted and moved to transfer items between the input and output ports and the conveying and sorting vehicle;

The conveying and sorting vehicle is movably arranged on the track, and has at least one first position and at least one second position; the conveying and sorting vehicle includes a first layer of trolleys and a second layer of trolleys; the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys The second-floor trolleys are arranged on their respective tracks and move independently on their respective tracks, and/or the first-floor trolleys and the second-floor trolleys are integrated and move on the tracks synchronously; in the first position, the second-floor trolleys Items can be transferred between the trolley on the first floor and the carrying platform, and containers can be transmitted between the trolley on the second floor and the loading platform; at the second position, articles can be transported between the trolley on the first floor and the cargo compartment The transmission of the container can be carried out between the second floor trolley and the said cargo box.

The control device is configured to control the elevator and the conveying sorting vehicle in response to the sorting order, so as to sort or store the items into the shelf, or take the item out of the shelf.

In a further embodiment, the trolley on the first floor includes a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism includes a first driving device and a belt, and the belt is driven by the first driving device to transport the articles;

The trolley on the second floor includes a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork, and the telescopic turning fork is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers.

In a further embodiment, the conveying and sorting carts are detachable, and the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys can be disassembled and run independently, or can be assembled to run as one.

In a further embodiment, there are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles;

In a further embodiment, the hoist also has a layer-changing lifting device for transporting the sorting vehicle to change layers.

In a further embodiment, the loading platform is configured to allow multiple items to be loaded at the same time.

In a further embodiment, the track is arranged horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the multi-storey shelf, and has a first end and a second end;

The number of the hoists is at least two;

When the number of elevators is two, the two elevators are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end, and the elevator arranged at the first end is used for the transmission of items to be picked and/or to be stored; The elevator at the end is used for the transport of the container.

In a further embodiment, the three-dimensional sorting station further includes an item identifying and collecting device electrically connected to the control device, and the item identifying and collecting device is arranged at the input and output ports.

According to the improvement of the present invention, a sorting method is also proposed, which is based on the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and an empty container is placed at the target compartment, and the method includes:

Transport items from the input and output port to the carrying platform of the hoist;

The carrying platform moves up and down to the height of the sorting target layer; the conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the first position along the track;

Transfer items from the carrying platform to the delivery sorting vehicle;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the second position along the track, and the conveying and sorting vehicle transports and sorts the aforementioned items into the empty container of the target compartment.

According to the improvement of the present invention, an order fulfillment method is also proposed, which is based on the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and empty containers are placed at the target compartment, and the method includes:

Transfer items from the carrying platform to the delivery sorting vehicle;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the second position along the track, and conveys and sorts the aforementioned items into the empty container of the target compartment;

Repeat the preceding steps until the current sorting order of the target grid is completed or the container of the target grid is full;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the second position along the track, and takes out the container of the target compartment;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the first position along the track;

Transfer the container from the conveyor sorting vehicle to the carrying platform;

The carrying platform moves up and down to the height of the input and output ports;

Transfer the container from the carrying platform to the input and output port to complete the outbound;

Repeat the preceding method until the order is fulfilled.

Compared with the prior art, the three-dimensional sorting station, sorting method and order fulfillment method proposed by the present invention have significant beneficial effects in that:

1) The three-dimensional sorting station has changed the plane layout of the traditional sorting machine, which is based on the three-dimensional storage, by optimizing the design of the conveying sorting vehicle (the conveying sorting vehicle has a double-layer structure, which includes Such as containers, single-piece goods, etc.), and the second-tier trolleys for transporting containers (such as empty turnover boxes, order boxes, etc.); the first-tier trolleys and the second-tier trolleys can be disassembled It can be used alone or assembled as a whole. In addition to realizing the access function of traditional items (such as containers, single-piece goods, etc.), it can also realize automatic sorting operations, input operations of empty containers, and order boxes after sorting The out-of-warehouse operation, the vertical space has been fully utilized (the total floor height can be flexibly expanded), and the problems of high cost, low efficiency, and large space occupation of traditional sorting machines have been overcome.

2) The three-dimensional sorting station can flexibly configure the conveying and sorting vehicles according to the needs. If the conveying and sorting vehicles assembled into one are used, the number of trolleys can be effectively reduced to reduce costs; if the first layer of trolleys and The second layer of trolleys, the access operation and the sorting operation are carried out separately, which can further improve the efficiency; it is also possible to use both the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys that are used separately, and the conveying and sorting carts that are assembled and used. This configuration can flexibly adjust the picking efficiency according to the change of order quantity. In addition, no matter which structure the conveying and sorting vehicle adopts, it only occupies one channel in the plane direction to further save space in the plane direction. The technical solution effectively improves the utilization rate of space, the efficiency of empty container input and order box output is also higher, and the access and order fulfillment operations (picking and outbound operations) can be realized in the smallest area.

3) In the three-dimensional sorting station, the items are transported by the elevator and docked with the conveying sorting vehicle. The elevator can carry and transport multiple items or containers at the same time. The conveying and sorting vehicle can move horizontally, and the conveying and sorting vehicle does not need to move up and down or wait for items (such as containers, single-piece goods, etc.). In this way, the cooperation between the elevator and the conveying and sorting vehicle greatly improves the sorting efficiency ; It can realize the picking operation of super-large wave product orders in the smallest plane space.

To sum up, the three-dimensional sorting station, sorting method, and order fulfillment method have multiple functions, and can efficiently carry out the order fulfillment operation process from the access, picking, and delivery of items in the smallest plane space , make full use of the space in the vertical direction to realize the sorting and processing of super-large waves of product orders in the smallest plane space; through the ingenious cooperation between the hoist and the optimized design of the transport sorting car, the access efficiency can be improved to the greatest extent , Sorting efficiency and delivery efficiency.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of this disclosure, are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like reference numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first floor trolley and the second floor trolley operate independently) in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the three-dimensional sorting station (the first floor trolley and the second floor trolley run independently) of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the three-dimensional sorting station (the first floor trolley and the second floor trolley are integrated) of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys are integrated) in another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a three-dimensional sorting station (the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys are integrated) in another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of a three-dimensional sorting station in another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a conveying and sorting vehicle (the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys are integrated) in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In order to better understand the technical content of the present invention, specific embodiments are given together with the accompanying drawings for description as follows.

The present invention proposes a three-dimensional sorting station, which changes the layout of the traditional tiled sorting station, and for the first time proposes a technical solution for double-layer conveying and sorting vehicles so that the sorting station has multiple functions; through the hoist and the optimally designed The ingenious cooperation between the conveying and sorting vehicles can maximize the access efficiency and order fulfillment efficiency (sorting efficiency and delivery efficiency) in the smallest plane space.

The three-dimensional sorting station of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below, and the three-dimensional sorting station is suitable for product order sorting processing and order fulfillment processing with a small site area and super large waves.

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the sorting station includes a multi-layer shelf 1, a track sorting device 2, a lifter 3 and a control device (not shown in the drawings).

Multi-layer shelf 1 has multi-layer cargo grid 14; each layer of cargo grid has multiple cargo grids 141 for placing items 5 (such as goods and/or containers), and cargo grids 141 can also be set as virtual price. When the sorting station is used for sorting, the grid 141 is used to place containers (containers such as turnover boxes, cartons, etc., and the tops of the turnover boxes and cartons are open; for loading selected goods); when the sorting station is used for During storage, the compartment 141 is used to place items 5 (such as single or multiple items of any shape and size, order packages, containers, etc.). The three-dimensional sorting station is also provided with an input and output port 11 for inputting or/and outputting articles 5 . The input and output ports 11 are generally arranged in the lower area of the three-dimensional sorting station, and the number of them can be set to one or more according to actual needs. The inner side of the input and output port 11 is connected to the hoist 3 , and the outer side of the input and output port 11 is connected to the external conveying device 4 . Manuals or robots place items 5 (such as goods of any shape and size, order packages, containers, etc.) on the external conveying device 4, and the items 5 are input from the input and output ports 11 to the interior of the sorting station. Note here that the items 5 described later are goods of any shape and size, order packages, containers, etc.; the containers described later are turnover boxes, cartons, etc., and include empty containers and containers loaded with goods; the following will not repeat them.

The multi-layer racks 1 are arranged in a modular manner, usually in multiples, and there is an interval between two adjacent multi-layer racks 1 to form a channel 12 .

The track sorting device 2 includes a transport sorting vehicle 22 and a track 21 . The track 21 is arranged along the plane longitudinal direction of the aforementioned channel 12 , and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 runs along the track 21 . The hoist 3 has a carrying platform 31 for carrying objects 5 . The carrying platform 31 can be moved vertically. The carrying platform 31 has a conveying device, such as a roller conveyor, to transport the items 5 between the input and output port 11 and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 . Of course, the hoist 3 can also be used for changing the layer of the article 5, and it cooperates with the conveying sorting vehicle 22 to change the layer of the article 5 from a certain shelf to another shelf; if the Chinese patent application number is CN202021561394.5 Integrated hoist. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3, a temporary storage platform 6 is also provided between the elevator and the transport sorting vehicle, and the temporary storage platform 6 is used to temporarily store items, so that the transportation can be further improved. The conveying efficiency of the sorting vehicle (even if the number of conveying sorting vehicles is large, the conveying sorting vehicle does not need to wait, and can directly access items on the temporary storage table).

The conveying and sorting cart 22 is movably arranged on the track 21 and has at least one first position 22a and at least one second position 22b. The conveying and sorting cart 22 includes a first floor trolley 22-1 and a second floor trolley 22-2. The first floor trolley 22-1 and the second floor trolley 22-2 are arranged on respective tracks and independently move on the respective tracks, and/or the first floor trolley 22-1 and the second floor trolley 22-2 form a It is integrated and moved on the track 21 synchronously. Therefore, when the first floor trolley 22-1 and the second floor trolley 22-2 run independently, there are 2 tracks corresponding to each floor; when the first floor trolley 22-2 1 is integrated with the second floor trolley 22-2, there is one track corresponding to each floor. In the first position 22a, the objects 5 can be transferred between the first layer trolley 22-1 and the carrying platform 31, and the containers can be transferred between the second layer trolley 22-2 and the carrying platform 31. In the second position 22b, the transmission of the articles 5 can be carried out between the trolley 22 - 1 on the first floor and the compartment 141 , and the transmission of the container can be carried out between the trolley 22 - 2 on the second floor and the compartment 141 .

In this embodiment, the first layer of trolley 22-1 includes a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism includes a first driving device and a belt 22-11, and the belt 22-11 is driven by the first driving device to transmit the article 5, and the belt 22-11 It can transport items in both forward and reverse directions. When the first floor trolley 22-1 is used for picking, its belt 22-11 is higher than the top opening of the container of the cargo grid 141 so that the belt 22-11 transmits the article 5 placed on it and falls into the container placed by the cargo grid 141 Of course, those skilled in the art can also choose other structures or forms of transmission mechanisms according to actual needs, not limited to belt transmission, such as roller transmission. In some preferred embodiments, the cargo grid 141 of the shelf is also provided with a belt conveyor line, which is used to transport the articles 5 placed on it to the first floor trolley 22-1 or receive the goods from the first floor trolley 22-1. 1. The transported items are usually used for the access of items; therefore, the cargo compartment 141 is only provided with a belt conveyor line in some embodiments that require access by first-floor trolleys. The working principle when the first floor dolly is used for storage is introduced below: when the first floor dolly 22-1 is used for storage, the height of the belt 22-11 of the first floor dolly 22-1 is the same as the belt conveying of the cargo grid 141 The heights of the lines are even, so that the items 5 can be transferred from the first floor trolley 22-1 to the cargo compartment 141 or the items 5 can be transported from the cargo compartment 141 to the first floor trolley 22-1. The second floor dolly 22-2 comprises the second driving device and telescopic turning fork 22-21, and telescopic turning fork 22-21 is driven by the second driving device to deposit and take the container; When the telescopic turning fork 22-21 of the second floor trolley 22-2 was in a horizontal position, the height of the telescopic turning fork 22-21 was set in the middle area of the container of the cargo lattice 141; The container is placed on the cargo grid 141 to complete the storage operation or the telescopic turning fork 22-21 shrinks to take the container out of the cargo grid 141; of course, those skilled in the art can also choose other structures or forms of deposit and withdrawal mechanisms according to actual needs , is not limited to telescopic turning fork 22-21 access, as the access mechanism of sucker type. In most of the embodiments, the access of containers is mainly realized by the telescopic turning fork of the second-tier trolley, and the access and picking of goods are mainly realized by the first-tier trolley. If the trolleys on the first floor need to access goods, in general, the trolleys on the first floor and the trolleys on the second floor operate independently. If the first-tier trolleys and the second-tier trolleys are integrated, generally, the first-tier trolleys are mainly used for picking goods, and the second-tier trolleys are mainly used for container access.

In this embodiment, there are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22, and the hoist 3 also has a layer-changing lifting device for the conveying and sorting vehicles 22 to change layers, such as the integrated hoist with Chinese patent application number CN202021561394.5. Multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22 are reasonably arranged on shelves on each floor according to order requirements (sorting order requirements or access order requirements). When the order demand changes or is adjusted, multiple conveying and sorting vehicles 22 can change layers and schedule through the layer-changing lifting device to adapt to the change of order demand, so that the resources of the conveying and sorting vehicles 22 can be fully utilized. Of course, the entire sorting The access and sorting efficiency of the picking station is higher.

The control device sends instructions to the elevator 3 and the transport sorting vehicle 22 according to the order to control the elevator 3 and the transport sorting vehicle 22, so as to sort or store the items 5 into the compartment 141, or transfer the items 5 from Cargo grid 141 is taken out.

It should be understood that the aforementioned control device, hoist 3, telescopic turning fork 22-21, belt 22-11, and belt conveying line are all technologies well known to those skilled in the art, and existing ones can be used according to the disclosure of the present invention. , or any appropriate structure for future development.

In some preferred embodiments, the conveying and sorting carts 22 are detachable, and the first-layer trolley 22-1 and the second-layer trolley 22-2 can be disassembled and run independently, or can be assembled to run as one. When the first floor trolley 22-1 and the second floor trolley 22-2 are assembled into one, the first floor trolley 22-1 is arranged above the second floor trolley 22-2, and the height gap between the two can allow to place at least a container. In this embodiment, the first layer of trolleys 22-1 and the second layer of trolleys 22-2 are detachably connected by connecting members (such as bolts). In this way, those skilled in the art can rationally arrange the conveying and sorting carts 22 according to the order requirements, such as adopting the conveying and sorting carts 22 that are assembled and used, which can effectively reduce the number of carts to reduce costs; The first floor trolley 22-1 (which can be used to access the items 5 and sort the items 5) and the second floor trolley 22-2 (used to access the container), the access operation and the sorting operation are carried out separately , can further improve the efficiency; it is also possible to use both the first floor trolley 22-1 and the second floor trolley 22-2 used separately, and the conveying and sorting trolley 22 assembled and used. This configuration changes according to the order quantity The picking efficiency can be adjusted flexibly. In addition, regardless of the aforementioned arbitrary structure, the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 only occupies one channel 12 in the plane direction (as shown in FIG. 6 ), so as to further save space in the plane direction. The technical solution of stacking cranes for inputting empty containers and outputting order boxes has effectively improved the utilization rate of space, and the efficiency of empty container input and order box output is also higher, enabling access, picking, and outbound operations in the smallest area.

In some preferred embodiments, the carrying platform 31 is set to allow multiple items 5 to be carried at the same time to play a buffering role, such as the integrated elevator with the Chinese patent application number CN202021561394.5; thus, no additional temporary storage is required 6, reducing the cost, while the hoist 3 conveys the article 5, the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 can move horizontally, and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 does not need to move up and down and does not need to wait for the article 5. In this way, the hoist 3 and the conveying and sorting vehicle The cooperative operation of the picking cart 22 greatly improves the sorting efficiency, and can realize the picking operation of super large waves of product orders in the smallest plane space.

In some embodiments, the track 21 is arranged horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the multi-storey shelf 1 (as shown in FIG. 6 ), and has a first end and a second end. The quantity of hoist 3 is at least two; And/or the transmission of the article 5 to be stored, that is, the input and output for the article 5 (the article 5 mainly refers to the article 5 except the container, such as the goods itself); the hoist 3 arranged at the second end is used for the container (Empty container or loaded container) transport, that is, for the input and output of containers. In this way, the sorting and storage operations are carried out more orderly, and the double hoist 3 can meet the picking operation of super large waves of product orders, further improving the operating efficiency. Of course, the number of hoists is not particularly limited, and one hoist can also realize sorting and access operations.

Preferably, the three-dimensional sorting station further includes an item identification collection device (not shown in the drawings) electrically connected to the control device. The article identification collection device is arranged at the input and output port 11, and is used to collect information of the input or output article 5 (such as scanning a two-dimensional code, identifying the unique identifier of the article 5), and performing verification to prevent errors.

In order to make the technical solution protected by the embodiment of the present invention clearer, a preferred embodiment is given to illustrate the working method flow of the three-dimensional sorting station:

The sorting station, as shown in Figure 5 in conjunction with Figure 6, includes four elevators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), two modular multi-layer shelves 1 (1a, 1b), and multiple conveyors Sorting cart 22. A plurality of conveying and sorting vehicles 22, some of which are first-floor trolleys 22-1 and second-floor trolleys 22-2 that operate separately and independently, and the other part is assembled by first-floor trolleys 22-1 and second-floor trolleys 22-2. An all-in-one car. The first floor dolly 22-1 is a belt conveying dolly, and the second floor dolly 22-2 is a telescopic turning fork dolly. Two modular multi-layer shelves 1 (1a, 1b) are arranged in parallel with a channel 12 formed between them, and one layer of rails 21 or two layers of rails 21 are correspondingly arranged on each layer of racks. Wherein, one layer of track 21 corresponds to the aforementioned integrated trolley. The two-layer track 21 corresponds to a first floor dolly 22-1 and a second floor dolly 22-2 that operate independently, the first floor dolly 22-1 is arranged on the upper track, and the second floor dolly 22-2 is arranged on the lower track. In this embodiment, in order to ensure the full utilization of the rails 21 and the conveying and sorting carts 22, the conveying and sorting carts 22 corresponding to the same layer of shelves are the same kind of trolleys (either the first floor trolleys and the second floor trolleys that are independently operated separately) , or an integrated car). Four elevators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end of the track 21, and the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b) defined at the first end is defined as being arranged at The second end is the second hoist 3 (3c, 3d). There are two input and output ports 11 (11a, 11b) below the multi-layer shelf 1, and the input and output ports 11a correspond to the elevators 3 (3a, 3b); the input and output ports 11b correspond to the elevators 3 (3c, 3d). The input and output port 11 is provided with an item identification collection device. An external conveying device 4 is arranged outside the input and output port 11. In this embodiment, the external conveying device 4 corresponding to the input and output port 11a is a belt conveyor, and the external conveying device 4 corresponding to the input and output port 11b is a roller conveyor. The external conveying device 4 can be respectively docked with the bearing platforms 31 of the four elevators 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d), and the bearing platforms 31 can place multiple items 5 at the same time. In this embodiment, a temporary storage platform 6 is arranged between the hoist 3 and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22, and the temporary storage platform 6 has a conveyor; the target cargo grid 141 is provided with an item transmission device, so that the first layer of trolleys can also Access to items.

The sorting station is mainly used for sorting and outbound operations. Of course, it can also be used for traditional access operations. Based on the sorting station, the following briefly explains the order fulfillment operation method, access operation, and operation of the sorting station. process and empty container resupply operation process.

Typically, the order fulfillment operation method flow includes sorting operations and performing the outbound operation of containers after the completion of the sorting task.

Sorting operation: manually or robots place the items 5 (generally a single item 52) on the external conveying device 4 one after another, the item identification collection device collects the item information and feeds it back to the control device, and the control device receives the sorting order and the item information, and issue instructions to the first hoist 3 (3a, 3b), the temporary storage platform, and the corresponding conveying and sorting vehicle 22. The instruction includes sorting target layer, target compartment 141 , sorting item information (such as item type) and sorting item quantity. An empty container 51 is placed at the target cargo compartment 141 . The carrying platform 31 of the first hoist 3 (3a, 3b) lifts and moves to the carrying platform 31 according to the instruction to dock with the external conveying device 4, and the article 5 (generally refers to the article to be sorted, is a single piece of goods 52 or multiple pieces of goods) 52) Pass through the input and output port 11 from the external conveying device 4, and transfer to the carrying platform 31 inside the sorting station, and the carrying platform 31 rises to the height of the corresponding sorting target layer to place the items 5 (single goods 52 or multiple pieces) The goods 52) are transported to the temporary storage platform 6 of the sorting target layer, and the transport sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a (here refers to the first position corresponding to the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b)) according to the instruction. position); the belt 22-11 of the first floor trolley 22-1 docks with the temporary storage platform 6, and the article 5 (single piece of goods 52 or multiple pieces of goods 52) is transferred from the temporary storage platform 6 to the first conveyor of the sorting vehicle 22. on the belt 22-11 of the first floor dolly 22-1 (no matter it is the first floor dolly 22-1 or the integrated dolly running independently); the first floor dolly 22-1 (or the integrated dolly) moves along the track 21 to the second Position 22b (the position corresponding to the target grid 141), the first floor trolley 22-1 transports and sorts the aforementioned items 5 (single item 52 or multiple items 52) into the empty container 51 of the target grid 141; The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 executes the above steps until the sorting task of the order is completed or the container 51 of the target grid 141 is full.

Execute the outbound operation of the container after the sorting task is completed: when the container 51 of the target compartment 141 is full or the sorting operation of the order has been completed, the control device issues a warehouse command to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) With the corresponding conveying and sorting cart 22, the second floor trolley 22-2 (or integrated trolley) moves to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target cargo grid 141) along the track 21, and the expansion and contraction of the second floor trolley 22-2 The container 51 is taken out from the cargo grid 141 by turning over the fork 22-21 toward the cargo grid 141, and the telescopic turning over fork 22-21 shrinks and the article 5 is temporarily placed on the second floor dolly 22-2, and the second floor dolly 22-2 ( Or the integrated trolley) moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a (here refers to the first position corresponding to the second hoist 3 (3c, 3d)) the telescopic turning fork 22-21 extends towards the temporary storage platform 6 to move the container 51 Place on the temporary storage platform 6; the carrying platform 31 of the second hoist 3 (3c, 3d) moves up and down according to the command until it docks with the temporary storage platform 6, and transfers the container from the temporary storage platform 6 to the carrying platform 31. The carrying platform 31 of the second hoist 3 (3c, 3d) descends to the input and output port 11 and docks with the external conveying device 4. The container 51 passes through the input and output port 11 and is transported to the external conveying device 4 to complete the outbound task. When all the containers 51 corresponding to the order are out of the warehouse, the order is fulfilled.

Empty container replenishment operation: it is the reverse process of the container outbound operation. The empty container 51 is transported by the external conveying device 4 to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d), and then transported by the elevator 3 (3c, 3d) to the replenishment target layer Temporary storage platform 6; then transmitted to the second floor dolly 22-2 (or integrated dolly) by the temporary storage platform 6, the second floor dolly 22-2 moves to the second position 22b; the second floor dolly 22-2 The telescopic turning over fork 22-21 replenishes the empty container 51 and places it in the cargo grid 141, so it will not be repeated here.

Storage operation: When the stored item 5 is a regular-shaped item such as a container, the storage operation process is the same as the empty container replenishment operation process. The external conveying device 4 inputs the container 51, and the item identification collection device collects the information of the container 51 and feeds it back to the control device. , the control device receives the storage order and container information, and sends instructions to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d), temporary storage platform and corresponding transport sorting vehicle 22. The container 51 is transported to the second hoist 3 (3c, 3d) by the external conveying device 4, then transferred to the temporary storage platform 6 by the second hoist 3 (3c, 3d), and then the second floor trolley 22-2 (or integrated dolly) takes out the container 51 from the temporary storage platform, the second floor dolly 22-2 moves to the second position 22b, and the telescopic turning fork 22-21 of the second floor dolly 22-2 stores the container 51 in the cargo grid 141, I won't repeat them here. When the stored items 5 are irregular items such as goods (single piece of goods 52 or multiple pieces of goods 52), the storage operation is similar to the sorting operation, and the carrying platform 31 of the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b) operates according to the instruction. Lifting and moving until it docks with the external conveying device 4 and transports the goods 52 from the external conveying device 4 through the input and output ports 11 to the carrying platform 31 of the first elevator inside the sorting station, and the carrying platform 31 rises to the corresponding The height of the sorting target layer and the goods 52 are transferred to the temporary storage platform 6, and the transport sorting vehicle 22 moves to the first position 22a along the track 21 according to the instruction; the belt 22-11 of the first floor trolley 22-1 and the temporary storage platform 6 docking, the goods 52 are transferred from the temporary storage platform 6 to the belt 22-11 of the first floor trolley 22-1 of the conveying sorting vehicle 22 (whether it is the independently operated first floor trolley 22-1 or the integrated trolley); The first floor dolly 22-1 (or the integrated dolly) moves to the second position 22b (position corresponding to the target cargo grid 141) along the track 21, and the belt 22-11 of the first floor dolly 22-1 is in contact with the target cargo grid 141 ( That is, the object transmission device of the target cargo grid 141) is directly docked, and the aforementioned cargo 52 is transferred to the target cargo grid 141 to complete the storage; of course, the first floor trolley 22-1 can also realize the storage operation of regular-shaped items such as containers. This technical solution This is not specifically limited, and those skilled in the art can make adjustments and scheduling according to actual order requirements.

Take-out operation: when the taken-out article 5 is a regular-shaped article such as a container, the container 51 is taken out from the cargo grid 141 by the telescopic turning fork 22-21 of the second floor trolley 22-2 with the aforementioned container outbound operation. The second-floor trolley 22-2 is transferred to the temporary storage platform 5, then transferred to the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) by the temporary storage platform 5, and then transferred to the external conveying device by the second elevator 3 (3c, 3d) 4, which will not be repeated here. When the article 5 taken out was an irregular item such as goods, this taking-out operation was the reverse flow of the above-mentioned first floor dolly 22-1 storage operation, and the belt 22-11 of the first floor dolly 22-1 was connected to the target cargo grid 141 ( That is, the object transmission device of the target cargo grid 141) is directly docked, and the aforementioned cargo 52 is transferred from the target cargo grid 141 to the belt 22-11 of the first floor trolley 22-1; the cargo 52 is then transported by the second floor trolley 22-2 On the temporary storage platform 6, the temporary storage platform 6 transmits the goods 52 to the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b), and then is transmitted to the external conveying device 4 by the first elevator 3 (3a, 3b). To repeat, of course, the trolley 22-1 on the first floor can also realize the take-out operation of regular-shaped items such as containers, which is not specifically limited in this technical solution, and those skilled in the art can adjust and schedule according to actual order requirements.

It should be understood that the functions and uses of the aforementioned first hoist 3 (3a, 3b) and second hoist 3 (3c, 3d) are for illustration only, and are not limited thereto, and can be flexibly adjusted and dispatched according to actual order requirements . In actual application, the multi-layer shelf 1 can be divided according to the storage area and the sorting area, for example, some layers are used for access, and some layers are used for sorting; another example is a partially modular multi-layer shelf 1 for access, Partially modular multi-layer shelves 1 are used for picking; the storage area can also be divided according to the storage of regular-shaped items and the storage of irregular-shaped items; The two layers of sorting and conveying vehicles that operate independently can also facilitate the reasonable layout of the track and the height of the track. In short, those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust according to actual needs, so that the sorting station has wider application scenarios, good flexibility and wide adaptability.

According to the improvement of the present invention, a sorting method is also proposed, which is based on the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and an empty container 51 is placed in the target compartment 141 . The method includes: transferring the item 5 from the input and output port 11 to the carrying platform 31 of the elevator 3 . The carrying platform 31 moves up and down to the height of the sorting target layer; the conveying and sorting cart 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a. The items 5 are transferred from the carrying platform 31 to the transport sorting vehicle 22 . The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target compartment 141 ), and the conveying and sorting vehicle 22 transports and sorts the aforementioned items 5 into the empty container 51 of the target compartment 141 . The more detailed sorting method is the same as the aforementioned sorting operation flow of the three-dimensional sorting station, and will not be repeated here.

According to the improvement of the present invention, an order fulfillment method is also proposed, which is based on the aforementioned three-dimensional sorting station, and empty containers are placed in the target compartment 141 . The method includes: transferring the item 5 from the input and output port 11 to the carrying platform 31 of the elevator 3 . The carrying platform 31 moves up and down to the height of the sorting target layer. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a. The items 5 are transferred from the carrying platform 31 to the transport sorting vehicle 22 . The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the second position 22b (the position corresponding to the target compartment 141 ), and transports and sorts the aforementioned items 5 into the empty containers of the target compartment 141 . The foregoing steps are repeated until the current sorting order of the target grid 141 is completed or the container of the target grid 141 is full; the sorting is completed. The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the position corresponding to the target grid 141 , and takes out the container of the target grid 141 . The conveying and sorting vehicle 22 moves along the track 21 to the first position 22a. The container is transferred from the transport sorting cart 22 to the carrying platform 31 . The carrying platform 31 moves up and down to the height of the input and output port 11 . Transport the container 51 from the carrying platform 31 to the input and output port 11; complete the outbound. When all the containers 51 corresponding to the order are out of the warehouse, the order is fulfilled. The more detailed order fulfillment method is the same as the sorting operation and outbound operation process of the three-dimensional sorting station mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art of the present invention can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the claims. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art of the present invention can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

A kind of three-dimensional sorting station, it is characterized in that, this sorting station comprises multilayer shelf, track sorting device, hoist, control device and the input and output port for inputting or/and outputting article, wherein:

The multi-layer shelf, each layer has a plurality of compartments for placing items, and the aforementioned items are goods and/or containers;

The track sorting device includes a conveying sorting car and a track,

The hoist has a carrying platform for carrying articles;

The carrying platform can be vertically lifted and moved to transfer items between the input and output ports and the conveying and sorting vehicle;

The conveying and sorting vehicle is movably arranged on the track, and has at least one first position and at least one second position; the conveying and sorting vehicle includes a first layer of trolleys and a second layer of trolleys; the first layer of trolleys and the second layer of trolleys The second-floor trolleys are arranged on their respective tracks and move independently on their respective tracks, and/or the first-floor trolleys and the second-floor trolleys are integrated and move on the tracks synchronously; in the first position, the second-floor trolleys Items can be transferred between the trolley on the first floor and the carrying platform, and containers can be transmitted between the trolley on the second floor and the loading platform; at the second position, articles can be transported between the trolley on the first floor and the cargo compartment. The transmission of the container can be carried out between the second layer of trolley and the said cargo box;

The control device is configured to control the elevator and the transport sorting vehicle in response to the order, so as to sort or store the items into the shelf, or take the item out of the shelf.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1, characterized in that,

The trolley on the first floor includes a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism includes a first driving device and a belt, and the belt is driven by the first driving device to transfer the articles;

The trolley on the second floor includes a second driving device and a telescopic turning fork, and the telescopic turning fork is driven by the second driving device to store and retrieve containers.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveying and sorting vehicle is detachable, and the first layer trolley and the second layer trolley can be disassembled and run independently, or can be assembled into one run.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

There are multiple conveying and sorting vehicles.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The hoist also has a layer-changing lifting device for conveying the sorting vehicle to change layers.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The loading platform is configured to allow multiple items to be loaded at the same time.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

The track is arranged horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the multi-storey shelf, and has a first end and a second end;

The number of the elevators is at least two;

When there are two hoists, the two hoists are respectively arranged at the first end and the second end.
The three-dimensional sorting station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the three-dimensional sorting station further comprises an item identification collection device electrically connected to the control device, and the item identification collection device is arranged at the input and output ports.
A sorting method, which is based on the three-dimensional sorting station described in any one of the preceding claims 1-8, where an empty container is placed at the target grid, it is characterized in that the method comprises:

Transport items from the input and output port to the carrying platform of the hoist;

The carrying platform moves up and down to the height of the sorting target layer; the conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the first position along the track;

Transfer items from the carrying platform to the delivery sorting vehicle;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the second position along the track, and the conveying and sorting vehicle transports and sorts the aforementioned items into the empty container of the target compartment.
An order fulfillment method, which is based on the three-dimensional sorting station described in any one of the preceding claims 1-8, where an empty container is placed at the target compartment, characterized in that the method comprises:

Transport items from the input and output port to the carrying platform of the hoist;

The carrying platform moves up and down to the height of the sorting target layer; the conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the first position along the track;

Transfer items from the carrying platform to the delivery sorting vehicle;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the second position along the track, and conveys and sorts the aforementioned items into the empty container of the target compartment;

Repeat the preceding steps until the current sorting order of the target grid is completed or the container of the target grid is full;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the second position along the track, and takes out the container of the target compartment;

The conveying and sorting vehicle moves to the first position along the track;

Transfer the container from the conveyor sorting vehicle to the carrying platform;

The carrying platform moves up and down to the height of the input and output ports;

Transfer the container from the carrying platform to the input and output port to complete the outbound;

Repeat the preceding method until the order is fulfilled.