CN220663692U

CN220663692U - Sorting equipment and warehousing system

Info

Publication number: CN220663692U
Application number: CN202322291576.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 袭开俣
Original assignee: Beijing Jizhijia Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Beijing Jizhijia Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-08-24
Filing date: 2023-08-24
Publication date: 2024-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-24

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sorting apparatus and a warehousing system, the sorting apparatus including a handling mechanism and a detection sensor; the carrying mechanism is provided with a temporary storage position for storing objects, and is configured to move to the docking position so as to transfer the objects on the temporary storage position into the container; the detection sensor is disposed on the handling mechanism at a position corresponding to a predetermined loading height of the container and is configured to be triggered when an object in the container exceeds a cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container. In the sorting equipment of the present disclosure, since the detection sensor is provided on the sorting equipment, and can be triggered when the object exceeds the cross section of the container at a predetermined loading height, the sorting equipment can control the handling mechanism to work based on whether the detection sensor is triggered, and thus the working process of the sorting equipment can be optimized, and the situation that the object falls from the container in the sorting process is avoided. Since the detection sensor is arranged on the sorting equipment, the structure of the container is not required to be changed.

Description

Sorting equipment and warehousing system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of warehouse logistics technology, in particular, the present disclosure relates to a sorting apparatus; the present disclosure also relates to a warehousing system.

Background

In the working process of the present warehouse system, when sorting or seeding and other operations are performed, sorting equipment needs to deliver objects into containers such as a material box, a cage car and the like. After the sorting apparatus delivers a lot of objects in the container, the container may fill the entire container, and if the objects continue to be delivered, the objects may fall from the container, resulting in delivery failure. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an apparatus for detecting whether the container has been filled. When the container is provided with the equipment for detecting whether the container is full, the equipment requirement is high, and the cost required for modifying the container is high.

Disclosure of Invention

The utility model provides a sorting equipment and warehouse system in order to solve the problem that exists among the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sorting apparatus comprising:

a handling mechanism provided with a temporary storage location for storing objects, the handling mechanism being configured to move to a docking location to transfer objects on the temporary storage location into a container;

and a detection sensor provided on the carrying mechanism at a position corresponding to the predetermined loading height of the container, the detection range of the detection sensor being located at a section of the container at the predetermined loading height and configured to be triggered when an object in the container exceeds the section of the container at the predetermined loading height.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor is provided with at least one, the detection sensor being configured to transmit a detection signal in a straight direction and being configured to be triggered upon receipt of a return signal.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor is configured to move such that a detection range of the detection sensor is located at a section of the container at a predetermined loading height to be triggered when an object in the container exceeds the section of the container at the predetermined loading height.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container has an upper end opening through which the object is configured to be transferred into the container;

the detection sensor is configured to move such that a detection range of the detection sensor is located at the upper end opening of the container to be triggered when an object in the container exceeds the upper end opening of the container.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor is fixedly connected to the carrying mechanism, and the carrying mechanism is configured to move the detection sensor during movement so that a detection range of the detection sensor is located at a section of the container at a predetermined loading height.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sorting apparatus includes a chassis mechanism, the handling mechanism being coupled to the chassis mechanism; the chassis mechanism is configured to drive the handling mechanism to move on a work surface.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the chassis mechanism is configured to translate and/or rotate the handling mechanism such that the detection range of the detection sensor is located at a cross section of the container at a predetermined loading height.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism is configured to be connected above the chassis mechanism by a support; the carrying mechanism comprises a bearing seat, and the temporary storage position is formed on the bearing seat; the detection sensor is arranged at a position on the bearing seat, which is positioned at the outer side of the temporary storage position.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the chassis mechanism is configured to move the handling mechanism in a preset movement direction, the handling mechanism being configured to transfer an object from a preset transfer direction into a container; wherein the preset movement direction is perpendicular to the preset transfer direction.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism is configured to move the detection sensor during movement to or from the docking position such that a detection range of the detection sensor is located at a cross section of the container at a predetermined loading height.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism is configured to transfer objects into the container in first and second transfer directions that are opposite in direction; a first detection sensor is arranged on one side of the carrying mechanism, which is positioned in the first transferring direction, and is configured to detect an object in the container positioned in the first transferring direction; the carrying mechanism is provided with a second detection sensor on one side in the second transfer direction and is configured to detect an object in the container in the second transfer direction.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sorting apparatus further comprises a horizontal rail and/or a vertical rail, the handling mechanism is configured to move in a horizontal direction by the horizontal rail and in a height direction by the vertical rail to move the detection sensor.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor is configured to be connected to the handling mechanism by a movement mechanism configured to move the detection sensor relative to the handling mechanism such that a detection range of the detection sensor is located at a cross section of the container at a predetermined loading height in a case where the handling mechanism is moved to the docking position.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container is provided with at least one, and the detection sensor is configured to locate the detection range of the detection sensor at a cross section of at least one of the containers at a predetermined loading height by movement.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor is configured to detect an internal remaining space of the container by moving the detection sensor.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control unit is also included, in communication with the detection sensor, and configured to determine that an object within the container exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container upon a signal that the detection sensor is triggered.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism is configured to transfer the object at the staging position into the container when the detection sensor does not detect that the object in the container exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism is configured to transfer the object in the staging position into another container when the detection sensor detects that the object in the container exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor is configured to detect whether the object exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container after the transport mechanism transfers the object on the escrow location to the container.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a warehousing system comprising:

a container configured to hold an object;

sorting apparatus configured to transfer objects on a staging location into a container.

In the sorting equipment of the present disclosure, since the detection sensor is provided on the sorting equipment, and can be triggered when the object in the container exceeds the cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container, the sorting equipment can control the handling mechanism to work based on whether the detection sensor is triggered, and thus the working process of the sorting equipment can be optimized, and the situation that the object falls from the container in the sorting process is avoided. Moreover, as the detection sensor is arranged on the sorting equipment, the structure of the container is not required to be changed, and thus, the transformation cost can be effectively reduced.

Other features of the present disclosure and its advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a sorting apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a warehousing system provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a warehousing system provided by an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a further side schematic view of a warehousing system provided by embodiments of the disclosure;

fig. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a translational state of a sorting apparatus relative to a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which the sorting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure rotates with respect to the container;

fig. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a translational movement of a further sorting apparatus relative to a container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of yet another sorting apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of yet another sorting apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals in fig. 1 to 9 is as follows:

1. sorting equipment; 11. a carrying mechanism; 12. a detection sensor; 13. a chassis mechanism; 14. a support; 15. a bearing seat; 16. a horizontal rail; 17. a vertical rail; 2. a container; 3. an object.

Detailed Description

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that: the relative arrangement of the components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless it is specifically stated otherwise.

The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the specification.

It should be noted that: like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following figures, and thus once an item is defined in one figure, no further discussion thereof is necessary in subsequent figures.

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In this document, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", and the like are used merely to indicate relative positional relationships between the relevant portions, and do not limit the absolute positions of the relevant portions.

Herein, "first", "second", etc. are used only for distinguishing one another, and do not denote any order or importance, but rather denote a prerequisite of presence.

Herein, "equal," "same," etc. are not strictly mathematical and/or geometric limitations, but also include deviations that may be appreciated by those skilled in the art and allowed by fabrication or use, etc.

The technical scheme related to the disclosure can be applied to any scene of warehouse logistics, industrial manufacturing or other object picking function requirements.

The present disclosure provides a sorting apparatus comprising at least a handling mechanism provided with a temporary storage location for storing an object, the object generally comprising a package to be sorted or the article itself to be sorted, and a detection sensor, the handling mechanism being configured to be moved to a docking location to transfer the object on the temporary storage location into a container; the detection sensor is disposed on the carrying mechanism at a position corresponding to a predetermined loading height of the container, and a detection range of the detection sensor is located at a cross section of the container at the predetermined loading height and is configured to be triggered when an object in the container exceeds the cross section of the container at the predetermined loading height.

In this way, during operation of the sorting apparatus of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism is able to move to the docking station and transfer the objects on the temporary storage station into the container; the detection sensor is arranged on the carrying mechanism at a position corresponding to the predetermined loading height of the container and can be triggered when the object in the container exceeds the cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container.

For ease of understanding, the specific structure of the sorting apparatus of the present disclosure and its working principle will be described in detail below in connection with one embodiment with reference to fig. 1 to 9. It should be noted that, in order to keep the text concise, the present disclosure further provides a warehousing system, which is described together with the sorting equipment, and will not be separately described.

As shown in fig. 1, the present disclosure provides a sorting apparatus 1 including a carrying mechanism 11 and a detection sensor 12.

The handling mechanism 11 is provided with a temporary storage location for storing the objects 3, the handling mechanism 11 being configured to be moved to the docking location for transferring the objects 3 on the temporary storage location into the container 2. The object generally comprises the package to be sorted or the item itself to be sorted.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 1, a conveyor belt mechanism may be disposed on the carrying mechanism 11, and an area above the conveyor belt is a temporary storage position, so that when the conveyor belt mechanism works, the object 3 above the conveyor belt may be transferred to the container 2. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, a push rod, a finger, a roller, etc. may be used as the conveying mechanism 11, and the principle is similar and will not be repeated here. The transfer mechanism 11 of the present disclosure may have only the function of transferring the object 3 in the temporary storage position to the container 2, or may have both the function of transferring the object 3 in the temporary storage position to the container 2 and the function of transferring the external object 3 to the temporary storage position. The function of transferring the outer container 2 to the temporary storage position can be realized through a telescopic assembly structure, the telescopic assembly comprises a telescopic arm, a dial finger piece or a suction disc piece is arranged at the front end of the telescopic arm, and the specific principle is not repeated here.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the detection sensor 12 is provided at a position on the carrying mechanism 11 corresponding to a predetermined loading height of the container 2, and is configured to be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds a cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container 2. Wherein, the loading height refers to the height which can be reached by the objects after the objects 3 are stacked in the container 2; when fewer objects 3 are stacked in the container 2, the loading height is lower than the self-height of the container 2 when the objects 3 fail to reach the self-height of the container; when there are many objects 3 stacked in the container 2, the loading height may be higher than the self-height of the container 2, that is, the loading height may not be limited to the self-height of the container 2, when the objects 3 can exceed the self-height distance of the container.

Since the detection sensor 12 is provided on the carrying mechanism 11 at a position corresponding to the predetermined loading height of the container 2, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, so that the detection sensor 12 can be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container 2 by sending a detection signal to the container 2 and according to whether a return signal is received or according to specific information of the return signal. The detection signal transmitted by the detection sensor 12 may be a continuous signal or a discrete signal intermittently transmitted. Specifically, the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height may be covered with the detection range of the detection sensor 12, or only a part of the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height may be covered with the detection range of the detection sensor. In the case where the detection signal transmitted from the detection sensor 12 is a discrete signal intermittently transmitted, the detection range in which the detection sensor 12 transmits a continuous signal may be used as the detection range, or a plurality of intermittent detection ranges in which the discrete signal is scanned in an actual process may be used as the detection range, which is not limited.

In this way, during operation of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 is able to move to the docking station and transfer the objects 3 in the temporary storage station into the containers 2; the detection sensor 12 is provided on the carrying mechanism 11 at a position corresponding to a predetermined loading height of the container 2, and can be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds a cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container 2.

In the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, since the detection sensor 12 is provided on the sorting apparatus 1 and can be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the cross section of the predetermined loading height of the container 2, the sorting apparatus 1 can control the handling mechanism 11 to operate based on whether the detection sensor 12 is triggered or not, and thus the operation process of the sorting apparatus 1 can be optimized, avoiding the situation that the object 3 falls from the container 2 during sorting. Moreover, since the detection sensor 12 is provided on the sorting apparatus 1, there is no need to change the structure of the container 2, so that the modification cost can be effectively reduced.

Specifically, during operation of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 of the present disclosure may be continuously operated, or may be turned on in the case of approaching the area where the container 2 is located, and turned off in the case where the sorting apparatus 1 completes the sorting operation and leaves the area where the container 2 is located.

As shown in fig. 2-4, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 is provided with at least one, and the detection sensor 12 is configured to transmit a detection signal in a straight direction and is configured to be triggered upon receipt of a return signal.

Specifically, the detection sensor 12 may be a single-point detection sensor such as a diffuse reflection sensor or a point laser sensor. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the single-point detection sensor may send a detection signal such as light in a straight line direction, and when the object 3 is blocked within a preset distance, the object 3 returns the detection signal, so that the detection sensor 12 is triggered. Moreover, the preset distance can be adjusted as required.

In this way, the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure can control the range of the distance between the detection sensor 12 and the most distal end of the container 2 within the preset distance, so that the detection sensor 12 is disposed on the carrying mechanism 11 at a position corresponding to the predetermined loading height of the container 2, and when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2, the object 3 can return the detection signal, so that the single-point detection sensor is triggered in time to reach the above requirement.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the single-point detection type sensor may transmit a detection signal such as light in a straight line direction, and the object 3 may return the detection signal when the object 3 is blocked in front, and the single-point detection type sensor may determine a distance between the object 3 blocking the detection signal and the single-point detection type sensor according to a time difference between transmitting the detection signal and receiving the return signal.

In this way, the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure can control the range of the most distal distance of the detection sensor 12 from the container 2 within a preset distance, so that the detection sensor 12 is triggered if the detected distance between the object 3 blocking the detection signal and the single-point detection sensor is smaller than the preset distance, thereby ensuring that the detection sensor 12 can timely cause the single-point detection sensor to be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2, so as to reach the above-mentioned requirement.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 may use a sensor having an omni-directional scanning function, such as a structured light sensor, a laser radar, etc., so that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 may be directly located on a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height, for example, an upper end opening of the container 2, so that such a sensor may be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, so as to reach the above requirement, and the principle will not be repeated.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sorting apparatus of the present disclosure further comprises a control unit, which is in communication with the detection sensor 12 and is configured to determine that the object in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2 after the detection sensor 12 detects the signal triggered by the sensor 12, so that the control unit may perform operations such as exchanging the delivery container 2 or reporting the identification information corresponding to the container 2 after determining that the object in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2.

Since the detection sensor 12 transmits the detection signal in a straight line direction, in order to avoid the occurrence of missed detection, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 is configured to locate the detection range of the detection sensor 12 at a section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height by movement to be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height. Thus, during the operation of the detection sensor 12 of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 may move to enable the detection range of the detection sensor 12 to be located at the section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, so that when any object 3 is located partially above the section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, the detection sensor 12 can be triggered, and the situation that the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height but the detection sensor 12 is not triggered can not occur, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the detection sensor 12.

Further, as shown in fig. 3 and 4, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container 2 has an upper end opening through which the object 3 is configured to be transferred into the container 2; the detection sensor 12 is configured to locate the detection range of the detection sensor 12 at the upper end opening of the container 2 by movement to be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the upper end opening of the container 2.

Thus, during the operation of the detection sensor 12 of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 may move to enable the detection range of the detection sensor 12 to be located at the upper end opening of the container 2, so that when any object 3 is located partially above the upper end opening of the container 2, the detection sensor 12 can be triggered, and the condition that the section of the body exceeds the preset loading height of the container 2 in the body but the detection sensor 12 is not triggered can not occur, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the detection sensor 12. Moreover, since the detection sensor 12 is triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the upper end opening of the container 2, the detection sensor 12 can be ensured to be in a full state when triggered, and can not accommodate more objects 3, thereby effectively improving the utilization efficiency of the space in the container 2.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 is fixedly connected to the handling mechanism 11, and the handling mechanism 11 is configured to move the detection sensor 12 during the movement, so that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height.

Because the detection sensor 12 is fixedly connected with the carrying mechanism 11, in the working process of the sorting equipment 1, the carrying mechanism 11 drives the detection sensor 12 to move in the moving process, so that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is positioned on the section of the container 2 at the preset loading height, and the detection sensor 12 is not required to be provided with a movement mechanism independently, so that the structure of the sorting equipment 1 is simpler, and the cost of parts of the sorting equipment 1 is effectively reduced.

As shown in fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sorting apparatus 1 includes a chassis mechanism 13, and a carrying mechanism 11 is connected to the chassis mechanism 13; the chassis mechanism 13 is configured to move the carrying mechanism 11 on the work surface. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, two road wheels for powering the movement of the sorting apparatus 1 and one steering wheel for controlling the steering of the sorting apparatus 1 may be provided on the chassis. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, two road wheels and an auxiliary wheel may be provided on the chassis, the auxiliary wheel being used to maintain balance of the handling mechanism 11 together with the road wheels, the two steering wheels being used to control steering and movement of the sorting apparatus 1 by adjusting the rotational speed.

Further, as shown in fig. 5, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the chassis mechanism 13 is configured to translate the carrying mechanism 11 such that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height. In the process that the chassis mechanism 13 drives the carrying mechanism 11 to translate, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 forms a square detection surface which is positioned on the section of the container 2 at the preset loading height, so that the detection sensor 12 can be triggered when any object 3 is ensured to be positioned above the section of the container 2 at the preset loading height.

Similarly, as shown in fig. 6, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the chassis mechanism 13 is configured to rotate the carrying mechanism 11 such that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height. During the rotation of the handling means 11 by the chassis means 13, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 forms a detection surface in the form of a sector or a similar sector, which is located in the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading level, so that it is ensured that the detection sensor 12 is triggered when any object 3 is partly located above the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading level.

It will be appreciated that in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the chassis mechanism 13 is configured to translate and rotate the handling mechanism 11 such that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height. The principle is similar to the previous process and will not be described again here.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 is configured to be connected above the chassis mechanism 13 by a support 14; the carrying mechanism 11 comprises a bearing seat 15, and temporary storage positions are formed on the bearing seat 15; the detection sensor 12 is disposed at a position outside the temporary storage position on the carrying seat 15. Since the detecting sensor 12 is disposed at the position outside the temporary storage position on the carrying seat 15, the detecting sensor 12 can use the space of the carrying seat 15, and the detecting sensor 12 and the carrying mechanism 11 can be at a similar height, so that when the carrying mechanism 11 is at a height capable of transferring the object 3 into the container 2, the detecting sensor 12 can also be at a height flush with the upper end opening of the container 2 or slightly higher than the upper end opening of the container 2, and thus the detecting range of the detecting sensor 12 can be conveniently located at the upper end opening of the container 2, so that the detecting sensor 12 is triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the upper end opening of the container 2, and the height of the carrying mechanism 11 or the detecting sensor 12 is not required to be independently adjusted before and after the carrying mechanism 11 transfers the object 3 into the container 2 and the detecting sensor 12 works.

Of course, when the predetermined loading height of the container 2 is lower than the height of the upper end opening of the container 2, the detection sensor 12 may be disposed at a position below the carrying seat 15, so that when the carrying mechanism 11 is at a height capable of transferring the object 3 to the container 2, the detection sensor 12 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the predetermined height, and the height of the carrying mechanism 11 or the detection sensor 12 may not be independently adjusted before or after the carrying mechanism 11 transfers the object 3 to the container 2 and the detection sensor 12 is operated.

It will be appreciated that in another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 7, the detection sensor 12 is located at a position that is centered on and below the scratch pad. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 may also be provided at other locations of the sorting apparatus 1, without limitation.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, the chassis mechanism 13 is configured to drive the carrying mechanism 11 to move in a preset movement direction, and the carrying mechanism 11 is configured to transfer the object 3 from the preset transfer direction into the container 2; wherein the preset movement direction is perpendicular to the preset transfer direction. Since the preset moving direction is perpendicular to the preset transferring direction, the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure can be moved to the side position of the container 2 and deliver the object 3 into the container 2 during the operation of the sorting apparatus 1, and can be further advanced or retracted after the delivery is completed, thereby being separated from the container 2. In this way, the sorting apparatus 1 does not need to perform a long time-consuming turning operation in the entire delivery process of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, so that the working efficiency of the sorting apparatus 1 can be effectively improved.

Further, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 is configured to move the detection sensor 12 during movement to the docking position such that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height.

That is, during the operation of the sorting apparatus 1, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 can be located at the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height during the movement of the carrying mechanism 11 to the docking position by directly controlling the movement of the carrying mechanism 11 to the docking position, and the related steps for controlling the movement of the detection sensor 12 do not need to be separately provided, so that the detection efficiency of the sorting apparatus 1 can be effectively improved.

Taking the sorting apparatus 1 in fig. 5 as an example, since the detection sensor 12 is provided at a position on the carrying seat 15 outside the temporary storage position, and the preset moving direction of the sorting apparatus 1 is perpendicular to the preset transferring direction, the preset transferring direction of the sorting apparatus 1 is parallel to the detection direction of the detection sensor 12, and the detection sensor 12 is moved in the direction 1 in the drawing in the process of moving the sorting apparatus 1 in the state of being located on the front side of the carrying mechanism 11, when the carrying mechanism 11 is just moved to the docking position, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is also already located on the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, without separately providing the relevant steps for controlling the movement of the detection sensor 12.

Similarly, taking the sorting apparatus 1 in fig. 5 as an example, since the detection sensor 12 is provided at a position on the carrying seat 15 outside the temporary storage position, and the preset moving direction of the sorting apparatus 1 is perpendicular to the preset transferring direction, the preset transferring direction of the sorting apparatus 1 is parallel to the detection direction of the detection sensor 12, and the detection sensor 12 is moved in the direction 2 in the drawing in the process of moving the sorting apparatus 1 in the state of being located at the rear side of the handling mechanism 11, when the handling mechanism 11 is just completed from the docking position, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is also already located at the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, without separately providing the relevant step of controlling the movement of the detection sensor 12.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, taking the sorting apparatus 1 in fig. 6 as an example, since the detection sensor 12 is disposed on the carrying seat 15 at a position located outside the temporary storage position and adjacent to the side of the container 2, the preset transfer direction of the sorting apparatus 1 is parallel to the detection direction of the detection sensor 12, and during the rotation of the sorting apparatus 1 in the direction 3 in the drawing, that is, clockwise, when the handling mechanism 11 is just rotated to be in a state of facing the container 2, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is also located on the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, without separately providing the relevant step of controlling the movement of the detection sensor 12.

Similarly, taking the sorting apparatus 1 of fig. 6 as an example, since the detection sensor 12 is disposed on the carrying seat 15 at a position on the outer side of the temporary storage position adjacent to the right side of the container 2, the preset transfer direction of the sorting apparatus 1 is parallel to the detection direction of the detection sensor 12, and during the rotation of the sorting apparatus 1 in the direction 4 in the drawing, that is, counterclockwise, when the carrying mechanism 11 faces the container 2 right with the side, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is already located on the cross section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, without separately providing the relevant step of controlling the movement of the detection sensor 12.

Of course, in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the setting position of the detection sensor 12 and the movement manner of the handling mechanism 11 may also be adjusted, so that the handling mechanism 11 is configured to drive the detection sensor 12 to move during the movement to the docking position or the movement away from the docking position, so that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located in the section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, which is similar in principle and will not be described herein.

As shown in fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 is configured to transfer the object 3 into the container 2 in a first transfer direction, a second transfer direction, opposite in direction; the carrying mechanism 11 is provided with a first detection sensor 12 on one side in the first transfer direction and is configured to detect the object 3 in the container 2 in the first transfer direction; the conveying mechanism 11 is provided with a second detection sensor 12 on one side in the second transfer direction, and is configured to detect the object 3 in the container 2 in the second transfer direction.

In this way, during the movement of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, not only can the handling mechanism 11 be enabled to transfer the objects 3 into the containers 2 in two transfer directions opposite in direction, thereby reducing the moving steps required by the handling mechanism 11, but also the sorting apparatus 1 can always select the detection sensor 12 located on one side of the selected transfer direction to detect the containers 2, thereby reducing the moving steps required by the detection sensor 12, and improving the working efficiency of the sorting apparatus 1.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sorting apparatus 1 further comprises a horizontal rail 16 and/or a vertical rail 17, and the handling mechanism 11 is configured to move in the horizontal direction by the horizontal rail 16 and in the height direction by the vertical rail 17 to move the detection sensor 12.

Specifically, in the sorting apparatus 1 shown in fig. 8 and 9, a horizontal rail 16 and a vertical rail 17 are provided on the frame of the sorting apparatus 1, and the carrying mechanism 11 can move in the horizontal direction through the horizontal rail 16 and in the height direction through the vertical rail 17 to drive the detection sensor 12 to move. When the carrying mechanism 11 moves along the horizontal direction through the horizontal rail 16, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 can be driven to be positioned on the section of the container 2 at the preset loading height. When the carrying mechanism 11 moves along the height direction through the vertical track 17, the position of the detection sensor 12 corresponding to the preset loading height of different containers 2 can be driven, so that the detection sensor 12 can be matched with a plurality of containers 2 with different heights for use, and the adaptability of the detection sensor 12 is effectively improved.

Specifically, as shown in fig. 9, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrying mechanism 11 may be provided on a vertical rail 17, and the vertical rail 17 may be moved in a horizontal direction on a horizontal rail 16, so that the sorting apparatus 1 can be moved in the horizontal direction by the horizontal rail 16 and in the height direction by the vertical rail 17. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 may be disposed on a horizontal rail 16, and the horizontal rail 16 may be moved in a height direction on a vertical rail 17, and the principle is similar and will not be repeated herein. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 is configured to be connected to the handling mechanism 11 by a movement mechanism, which is configured to move the detection sensor 12 relative to the handling mechanism 11 in a state where the handling mechanism 11 is moved to the docking position, so that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located at a cross section of the container 2 at a predetermined loading height. In the process that the movement mechanism drives the detection sensor 12 to move relative to the carrying mechanism 11, the detection range of the detection sensor 12 also forms a detection surface in a fan shape or an approximate fan shape, and the principle is similar and will not be described herein.

In this way, when the carrying mechanism 11 moves to the docking position, the movement mechanism can drive the detection sensor 12 to move relative to the carrying mechanism 11, so that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located on the section of the container 2 at the predetermined loading height, and the carrying mechanism 11 does not need to drive the detection sensor 12 to move, so that when the carrying mechanism 11 is inconvenient to move in a narrow space, the detection sensor 12 can also acquire whether the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2 through the movement mechanism in the container 2.

Further, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container 2 is provided with at least one, and the detection sensor 12 is configured to locate the detection range of the detection sensor 12 at a cross section of the at least one container 2 at a predetermined loading height by the movement.

It will be appreciated that in the warehouse system, the containers 2 may be not only stacked in a scattered manner, but also stacked in rows; not only can be stacked on the work surface, but also on a carrier for storing the containers 2. In this way, when the containers 2 are stacked in rows on the working surface or the carrier, the detection sensor 12 can move to enable the detection range of the detection sensor 12 to be located on the section of each container 2 at the predetermined loading height, so that whether the objects 3 in the containers 2 exceed the predetermined loading height of the containers 2 in each container 2 can be respectively obtained, and the subsequent other sorting devices 1 can be conveniently arranged for delivery.

Specifically, as described above, the detection sensor 12 may make the detection range of the detection sensor 12 sequentially located on the section of each container 2 at the predetermined loading height through translation, or make the detection range of the detection sensor 12 located on the section of each container 2 at the predetermined loading height through rotation.

It will be appreciated that for containers 2 that are remote, the detection sensor 12 may not be accurate. To improve the accuracy of the result of the detection sensor 12, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 may be moved such that the detection range of the detection sensor 12 is located after the section of each container 2 at the predetermined loading height, the distance between the object 3 exceeding the predetermined loading height of the container 2 and the detection sensor 12 may be acquired, and the result may be adopted in a case where the distance between the object 3 and the detection sensor 12 is smaller than the set distance; if the distance between the object 3 and the detection sensor 12 is greater than the set distance, it is negligible.

Further, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 is configured such that the detection sensor 12 detects the internal remaining space of the container 2 by movement. Specifically, the detecting sensor 12 may move relative to the carrying mechanism 11, so that the detecting sensor 12 may detect the inside of the container 2, thereby detecting the internal remaining space of the container 2, and the sorting apparatus 1 may determine how many objects 3 to be delivered can be accommodated in the remaining space according to the internal remaining space, thereby arranging the delivery process of the remaining sorting apparatuses 1 in advance.

It will be appreciated that there are a variety of situations in the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure in which the order of the delivery process and detection sensors 12 of the sorting apparatus 1. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 is configured to transfer the object 3 in the escrow position into the container 2 when the detection sensor 12 does not detect that the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2. Similarly, the carrying mechanism 11 is configured to transfer the object 3 in the escrow position into another container 2 when the detection sensor 12 detects that the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the container 2 by a predetermined loading height.

That is, during the operation of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, the sorting apparatus 1 first detects the container 2 with the detection sensor 12, and controls the carrying mechanism 11 to transfer the object 3 on the temporary storage position into the container 2 in the case where the detection sensor 12 does not detect that the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2. In this way, the detection of the containers 2 prior to delivery effectively avoids the occurrence of objects 3 falling from the containers 2 during sorting.

In the case where the detection sensor 12 does not detect that the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2, the conveyance mechanism 11 is controlled to transfer the object 3 in the temporary storage position into the other container 2. Of course, before the handling mechanism 11 is controlled to transfer the object 3 in the temporary storage position to the other container 2, the other container 2 needs to be inspected to avoid the situation that the other container 2 cannot continuously hold the object 3.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 12 is configured to detect whether the object 3 exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container 2 after the transfer mechanism 11 transfers the object 3 on the temporary storage position to the container 2.

It will be appreciated that each container 2 is empty before the delivery process begins, there being no case where the objects 3 in the container 2 exceed the predetermined loading height of the container 2. Thus, in the operation of the sorting apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, after the sorting apparatus 1 controls the carrying mechanism 11 to transfer the object 3 on the temporary storage position into the container 2, it is detected whether the object 3 exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container 2. In case the detection sensor 12 does not detect that an object 3 in a container 2 exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container 2, the subsequent other sorting apparatuses 1 may continue to deliver objects 3 to that container 2. In case the detection sensor 12 detects that an object 3 in a container 2 exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container 2, the other sorting apparatus 1 will not deliver the object 3 to the container 2 any more, the container 2 can be transported away, and after emptying and homing the sorting apparatus 1 will continue to deliver the object 3 to the container 2. It can be seen that the above-mentioned process can also effectively avoid the situation that the objects 3 fall from the containers 2 during sorting, ensuring that the delivery process is performed normally.

The present disclosure also provides a warehousing system comprising a container 2 and a sorting apparatus 1, wherein the container 2 is configured for holding objects 3; the sorting apparatus 1 is configured to transfer objects 3 on a scratch pad into the container 2.

In this way, during use of the warehouse system of the present disclosure, the handling mechanism 11 on the sorting apparatus 1 can move to the docking station and transfer the objects 3 on the temporary storage station into the containers 2; the detection sensor 12 on the sorting apparatus 1 is arranged on the handling mechanism 11 in a position corresponding to the predetermined loading height of the containers 2 and can be triggered when the objects 3 in the containers 2 exceed the cross section of the predetermined loading height of the containers 2.

In the warehouse system of the present disclosure, since the detection sensor 12 is disposed on the sorting apparatus 1 and can be triggered when the object 3 in the container 2 exceeds the section of the predetermined loading height of the container 2, the sorting apparatus 1 can control the handling mechanism 11 to operate based on whether the detection sensor 12 is triggered or not, and thus the working process of the sorting apparatus 1 can be optimized, and the situation that the object 3 falls from the container 2 during the sorting process is avoided. Moreover, since the detection sensor 12 is provided on the sorting apparatus 1, there is no need to change the structure of the container 2, so that the modification cost can be effectively reduced.

It will be appreciated that the warehouse system of the present disclosure may further include a carrier for placing the containers 2, i.e. the carrier includes at least one storage layer, where each container 2 is placed on the storage layer, so that the detection sensor 12 may be moved to enable the detection range of the detection sensor 12 to be located on the same storage layer in a section of each container 2 at a predetermined loading height, so as to respectively obtain whether the objects 3 in each container 2 on the same storage layer exceed the predetermined loading height of the container 2, so as to facilitate the subsequent delivery by other sorting apparatuses 1.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the various embodiments described. The terminology used herein was chosen in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or the technical improvements in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sorting apparatus, comprising:

-a handling mechanism (11), the handling mechanism (11) being provided with a temporary storage location for storing objects (3), the handling mechanism (11) being configured to be moved to a docking location for transferring objects (3) on the temporary storage location into a container (2);

-a detection sensor (12), the detection sensor (12) being arranged on the handling means (11) in a position corresponding to a predetermined loading height of the container (2), the detection range of the detection sensor (12) being located in a section of the container (2) at the predetermined loading height and being configured to be triggered when an object (3) in the container (2) exceeds the section of the container (2) at the predetermined loading height.

2. Sorting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection sensor (12) is provided with at least one, the detection sensor (12) being configured to send a detection signal in a linear direction and being configured to be triggered upon receipt of a return signal.

3. Sorting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection sensor (12) is configured to, by means of a movement, have the detection range of the detection sensor (12) situated in a section of the container (2) at a predetermined loading height, to be triggered when an object (3) in the container (2) exceeds the section of the container (2) at the predetermined loading height.

4. A sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the container (2) has an upper end opening, through which the objects (3) are arranged to be transferred into the container (2);

the detection sensor (12) is configured to position a detection range of the detection sensor (12) at an upper end opening of the container (2) by a movement to be triggered when an object (3) in the container (2) exceeds the upper end opening of the container (2).

5. A sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection sensor (12) is fixedly connected to the handling means (11), the handling means (11) being configured to move the detection sensor (12) during movement such that the detection range of the detection sensor (12) is located in the cross section of the container (2) at a predetermined loading height.

6. Sorting apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the sorting apparatus (1) comprises a chassis mechanism (13), the handling mechanism (11) being connected to the chassis mechanism (13); the chassis mechanism (13) is configured to drive the carrying mechanism (11) to move on a working surface.

7. Sorting apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the chassis means (13) are configured to bring the handling means (11) into translation and/or rotation so that the detection range of the detection sensor (12) is located in the cross section of the container (2) at a predetermined loading height.

8. Sorting apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the handling means (11) are configured to be connected above the chassis means (13) by means of a support (14); the carrying mechanism (11) comprises a bearing seat (15), and the temporary storage position is formed on the bearing seat (15); the detection sensor (12) is arranged at a position on the bearing seat (15) and positioned at the outer side of the temporary storage position.

9. Sorting apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the chassis means (13) are configured to bring the handling means (11) into motion in a preset direction of movement, the handling means (11) being configured to transfer the objects (3) from a preset transfer direction into the containers (2); wherein the preset movement direction is perpendicular to the preset transfer direction.

10. Sorting apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the handling means (11) are configured to bring the detection sensor (12) into motion during movement to the docking station or away from the docking station, so that the detection range of the detection sensor (12) is located in the cross section of the container (2) at a predetermined loading height.

11. Sorting apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the handling means (11) are configured to transfer objects (3) into containers (2) in a first transfer direction, a second transfer direction, which are opposite in direction; a first detection sensor (12) is arranged on one side of the carrying mechanism (11) in the first transfer direction and is configured to detect an object (3) in the container (2) in the first transfer direction; the carrying mechanism (11) is provided with a second detection sensor (12) on one side in the second transfer direction and is configured to detect an object (3) in the container (2) in the second transfer direction.

12. A sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the sorting apparatus (1) further comprises a horizontal rail (16) and/or a vertical rail (17), the handling mechanism (11) being configured to be moved in a horizontal direction by the horizontal rail (16) and to be moved in a height direction by the vertical rail (17) to bring about a movement of the detection sensor (12).

13. A sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection sensor (12) is arranged to be connected to the handling means (11) by means of a movement means, which is configured to bring the detection sensor (12) into movement relative to the handling means (11) in such a way that the detection range of the detection sensor (12) is located in the cross section of the container (2) at a predetermined loading height, in the event that the handling means (11) is moved into the docking position.

14. A sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the containers (2) are provided with at least one, the detection sensor (12) being configured to, by means of movement, have a detection range of the detection sensor (12) situated in a cross section of at least one of the containers (2) at a predetermined loading height.

15. Sorting apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the detection sensor (12) is configured such that the detection sensor (12) detects the internal remaining space of the container (2) by means of a movement.

16. Sorting apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit in communication with the detection sensor (12) and configured to determine that an object within the container (2) exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container (2) after a signal that the detection sensor (12) is triggered.

17. Sorting apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the handling means (11) are configured to transfer the objects (3) in the staging position into the container (2) when the detection sensor (12) does not detect that an object (3) in the container (2) exceeds the predetermined loading height of the container (2).

18. Sorting apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the handling means (11) are configured to transfer the objects (3) in the staging position into another container (2) when the detection sensor (12) detects that an object (3) in a container (2) exceeds a predetermined loading height of the container (2).

19. Sorting apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the detection sensor (12) is configured to detect whether the objects (3) exceed a predetermined loading height of the container (2) after the transfer mechanism (11) transfers the objects (3) on the staging position to the container (2).

20. A warehousing system, comprising:

-a container (2), the container (2) being configured for accommodating an object (3);

the sorting apparatus (1) of any one of claims 1 to 19, the sorting apparatus (1) being configured to transfer objects (3) in the escrow position into containers (2).