WO2021098008A1

WO2021098008A1 - Product picking system and product picking method

Info

Publication number: WO2021098008A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/128508
Authority: WO
Inventors: 侯世国; 王怀博; 王丹
Original assignee: 浙江汉朔电子科技有限公司
Priority date: 2019-11-20
Filing date: 2019-12-26
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: CN112824278A

Abstract

A product picking system and a product picking method, the product picking system comprising: a first storage mechanism (1), used to place a target product; a removal mechanism (3) disposed at one side of the first storage mechanism (1), the removal mechanism (3) comprising a clamping assembly (36), a product pick-up area and a temporary placement area (32); the removal mechanism (3) being capable of moving along a horizontal and a vertical direction relative to the first storage mechanism (1), the removal mechanism (3) being configured so as to remove target objects in different positions on the first storage mechanism (1) to the product pick-up area; the clamping assembly (36) being capable of moving along a horizontal and a vertical direction relative to a frame, the clamping assembly (36) being configured so as to move a target product from the product pick-up area to the temporary placement area (32). The present product picking system greatly reduces a number of times a removal mechanism must return to a target location, thereby improving operational efficiency of a product picking task.

Description

Goods picking system and picking method

This disclosure claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office with an application number of 201911140349.4 on November 20, 2019, and the entire content of the above application is incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

Technical field

This application relates to the technical field of warehousing and logistics, for example, to a picking system and a picking method.

Background technique

The rapid development of e-commerce has driven the development of the logistics industry. The automation of logistics operations and unmanned solutions are important measures for enterprises to improve the efficiency of logistics operations and reduce logistics costs. In warehouse work, automated solutions for picking operations (the process of picking goods from their storage locations or other areas based on the customer’s order requirements or the distribution center’s work plan) are facing huge obstacles. This work is also one of the most labor-intensive parts of the e-commerce business. In most e-commerce distribution centers, picking is the link with the highest labor cost and one of the links with the lowest degree of automation.

In related technologies, the picking system in the warehouse is mainly composed of a machine base and an end grabbing mechanism. The clamping and placing components are fixed to the machine base, and the machine base is connected with the ground by bolts.

In the related technology, the picking system used in the warehouse, the base is connected to the ground and cannot be moved, and it can only solve the problem of moving goods from one picking point to a placing point, and when returning from the picking point to the placing point , Only one target item can be picked, the picking system has poor flexibility, small operation range, low work efficiency, and poor flexibility of the end grab mechanism, and low picking efficiency.

Summary of the invention

This application provides a picking system and a picking method, so as to improve the flexibility of the picking system, increase its operating range, and improve the work efficiency of the picking operation.

This application adopts the following technical solutions:

A picking system includes:

The first storage organization is used to store the target goods;

A pick-and-place mechanism, which is arranged on one side of the first storage mechanism, the pick-and-place mechanism includes a frame body, and a clamping assembly, a picking area, and a temporary storage area that are all arranged on the frame body;

The pick-and-place mechanism can move in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the first storage mechanism, and the pick-and-place mechanism is configured to take out the target goods at different positions on the first storage mechanism to the Pickup area

The clamping assembly can slide in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the frame, and the clamping assembly is configured to transfer the target cargo on the pickup area to the temporary storage area.

A picking method includes:

Step S1, the pick-and-place mechanism moves to the target position;

Step S2, the pick-and-place mechanism takes out the target goods located on the first storage mechanism at the target location to the pick-up area;

Step S3: The clamping and placing assembly of the pick-and-place mechanism moves along the horizontal and vertical directions to place the target goods on the pick-up area in the temporary storage area;

Step S4: Repeat the steps S1-step S3 until all the target goods are placed in the temporary storage area.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a picking system provided by Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

2 is a schematic structural diagram of a pick-and-place mechanism connected to a vertical sliding assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

3 is a schematic structural diagram of a manipulator provided by Embodiment 1 of the present invention from a first perspective;

4 is a schematic structural diagram of a manipulator provided by Embodiment 1 of the present invention from a second perspective;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the structure of the manipulator provided by Embodiment 1 of the present invention from a third perspective.

In the picture:

1. The first storage mechanism; 11. Shelf; 12. Turnover box;

2. The second depository institution;

3. Pick and place mechanism; 31. Telescopic part; 32. Temporary place area; 33. Pick and place bracket; 34. Support plate; 36. Clamping and placing assembly; 361. First linear drive mechanism; 362. Second linear drive mechanism; 363. The third linear drive mechanism;

4. Manipulator;

41. Manipulator support;

42. Clamping department;

421. The first gripping hand; 422. The second gripping hand;

423. Clamping drive part; 4231, first connecting rod; 4232, second connecting rod; 4233, first intermediate connecting rod; 4234, second intermediate connecting rod; 4235, connecting rod driving part; 4236, first screw; 4237. The first nut;

43. Suction part; 44. Suction driving member; 45. First slide rail; 46. First connecting plate; 47. Second connecting plate; 48. Third connecting plate; 49. Fourth connecting plate;

5. Horizontal sliding component; 6. Vertical sliding component; 7. Sorting box.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions of the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and specific implementations. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the application, but not to limit the application. In addition, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the drawings only show parts related to the present application, but not all of them.

This application defines some position words. In the case of no explanation to the contrary, the position words used such as "up", "down", "left", and "right" mean that the picking system provided by this application is operating normally. As defined in the context of use, "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer parts relative to the contour of each part itself. These location words are used for ease of understanding, and therefore do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

In this application, unless expressly stipulated and defined otherwise, the "above" or "below" of the first feature of the second feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the first and second features Not in direct contact but through other features between them. Moreover, "above", "above" and "above" the second feature of the first feature include the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or it simply means that the level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The "below", "below" and "below" the first feature of the second feature include the first feature directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or it simply means that the level of the first feature is smaller than the second feature.

In the description of this application, unless expressly stipulated and limited otherwise, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" shall be interpreted broadly, for example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrated. ; It can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication between two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in this application can be understood under specific circumstances.

Example one

This embodiment provides a picking system for picking goods in an order, and can also be used for picking goods on other occasions, so as to improve the flexibility of the picking system, increase its operating range, and improve the efficiency of picking operations. Work efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the picking system provided in this embodiment includes a first storage mechanism 1 and a pick-and-place mechanism 3. The first storage mechanism 1 is used to store target goods. The pick-and-place mechanism 3 is arranged on one side of the first storage mechanism 1, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 includes a frame body, and a clamping assembly 36, a picking area and a temporary storage area 32 that are all arranged on the frame body. The pick-and-place mechanism 3 is configured to be able to move horizontally and vertically relative to the first storage mechanism 1 so that the pick-and-place mechanism 3 takes out target goods at different positions on the first storage mechanism 1 to the pick-up area. The clamping and placing assembly 36 is arranged on the frame body and can slide in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the frame, so that the clamping and placing assembly 36 transfers the target goods on the pick-up area to the temporary storage area 32.

The pick-and-place mechanism 3 of the picking system provided in this embodiment can move in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the first storage mechanism 1, so that the pick-and-place mechanism 3 moves to different target positions (that is, near the storage position of the target goods). Furthermore, all the target goods placed on the first storage mechanism 1 are obtained, thereby improving the flexibility of the picking system and increasing its application range. Since the pick-and-place mechanism 3 can move to different target positions and take out different target goods to the pick-up area, the clamping assembly 36 can slide in the horizontal and vertical directions relative to the frame, and the clamping assembly 36 can pick up the goods. The target goods on the area are transferred to the temporary storage area 32, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 transports all the target goods in the temporary storage area 32 to the destination, thereby avoiding the pick-and-place mechanism 3 from picking and placing one by one between a target location and the destination. Goods, greatly reducing the number of times to return to the destination, thereby improving the efficiency of the picking function. The clamping and placing assembly 36 is flexible and efficient in picking.

The picking system provided by this embodiment breaks the situation in the related art that the picking of the clamping and placing assembly 36 can only be picked up from one picking point to the destination, and the limitation that the clamping and placement assembly 36 cannot be moved, and expands the clamping and placement assembly. 36 The range of picking up goods at the same time increases the storage and retrieval rate of multiple target goods. The picking system provided in this embodiment has a wider range of use, small limitations, and strong adaptability to general e-commerce warehouses.

In order to expand the operating range of the pick-and-place mechanism 3, in some embodiments, the picking system further includes a second storage mechanism 2. The second storage mechanism 2 is arranged in parallel with the first storage mechanism 1, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 is arranged in the first storage mechanism. Between the mechanism 1 and the second storage mechanism 2, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 can also take out target goods in different positions on the second storage mechanism 2 to the pick-up area. In order to improve the degree of automation and simplify the structure of the picking system, optionally, the structures of the first storage mechanism 1 and the second storage mechanism 2 are the same. The following takes the first storage mechanism 1 as an example for description.

In some embodiments, the first storage mechanism 1 includes a shelf 11 and a plurality of turnover boxes 12 arranged on the shelf 11. The turnover boxes 12 are used to store target goods, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 can pick up goods from the turnover boxes 12. Optionally, a plurality of turnover boxes 12 are arranged horizontally and sequentially on the shelf 11, and a plurality of rows of turnover boxes 12 are provided on the shelf 11.

In some embodiments, to facilitate picking up, the types of goods stored in each turnover box 12 are the same, and the turnover box 12 can also be pasted with a QR code containing information about the type of goods. The pick-and-place mechanism 3 includes a two-dimensional code that can read Code information reading device. In some embodiments, the picking system may further include a controller in which the storage location of the target goods is stored, and the controller controls the pick-and-place mechanism 3 to move to the storage location of the target goods to obtain the target goods.

In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the movement of the pick-and-place mechanism 3, the picking system further includes a horizontal sliding assembly 5 and a vertical sliding assembly 6. The vertical sliding assembly 6 is slidably arranged on the horizontal sliding assembly 5, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 is slidably arranged. On the vertical sliding assembly 6.

In some embodiments, the length direction of the horizontal sliding assembly 5 is consistent with the length direction of the shelf 11. The horizontal sliding assembly 5 includes a horizontal sliding rail, a horizontal driving member, and a horizontal transmission member drivingly connected with the horizontal driving member.

In some embodiments, the vertical sliding assembly 6 includes a vertical column, a vertical driving member fixed on the vertical column, and a vertical transmission member. The lower end of the upright column is provided with a chute that is slidably connected with the horizontal sliding rail, and the upright column is drivingly connected with the horizontal transmission member. The vertical transmission member is drivingly connected with the pick-and-place mechanism 3 to drive the pick-and-place mechanism 3 to move up and down relative to the pillar.

In some embodiments, the horizontal driving member and the vertical driving member may both be motors or motors, and the horizontal driving member and the vertical driving member may both be transmission mechanisms such as a rack and pinion structure, a timing belt, or a screw-nut mechanism.

In some embodiments, the frame body includes a pick-and-place bracket 33, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 is connected to the vertical drive member through the pick-and-place bracket 33, that is, the pick-and-place bracket 33 is connected to the vertical drive member of the vertical sliding assembly 6.

In some embodiments, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 further includes a telescopic portion 31 located on the pick-up area, the telescopic portion 31 and the temporary storage area 32 are both provided on the pick-and-place support 33, and the telescopic portion 31 is provided on a side of the temporary storage area 32. side. Optionally, the telescopic portion 31 and the temporary storage area 32 are sequentially arranged along a direction parallel to the horizontal slide rail, and the telescopic portion 31 is located between the temporary storage area 32 and the vertical sliding assembly 6. The telescopic direction of the telescopic part 31 is perpendicular to the length direction of the horizontal slide rail, that is, the telescopic direction of the telescopic part 31 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the telescopic part 31 and the temporary storage area 32, which can extend into the first storage mechanism 1 and the second storage mechanism 2. In the shelf 11, the turnover box 12 is transferred between the telescopic part 31 and the shelf 11, that is, when the target product needs to be picked, the telescopic part 31 can take the turnover box 12 out of the shelf 11, so that the turnover box 12 is located on the telescopic part 31 . When the picking target product is selected, the telescopic part 31 puts the turnover box 12 on it back on the shelf 11. The arrangement of the telescopic part 31 makes the space in the aisle small when picking goods, and can reduce the blind area of the pick-and-place mechanism 3 for picking goods.

In some embodiments, in order to enable the turnover box 12 to be replaced between the shelf 11 and the telescopic part 31, the telescopic part 31 is slidably connected to the frame body up and down. In some embodiments, the telescopic part 31 is slidably connected to the pick-and-place support 33 and can be raised and lowered relative to the pick-and-place support 33, and the temporary storage area 32 is connected to the telescopic part 31. In some embodiments, the telescopic part 31 is a three-stage telescopic fork.

In some embodiments, the first storage mechanism 1 further includes a placement area at one end thereof, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 drives the sorting box 7 to be optionally disposed on one of the temporary placement area 32 and the placement area. Before the pick-and-place mechanism 3 selects the target goods, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 moves to the bottom of the placement area, the telescopic part 31 moves upwards, and drives the temporary storage area 32 to move upwards, thereby transferring the sorting box 7 from the placement area to the temporary storage area 32. When all the target products are sorted, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 moves to the top of the placement area, the telescopic part 31 moves downwards, and drives the temporary storage area 32 to move downwards, thereby turning the sorting box 7 from the temporary storage area 32 To the placement area. The telescopic part 31 is located between the temporary storage area 32 and the vertical sliding assembly 6 so as not to affect the temporary storage area 32 to pick up and place the sorting box 7.

As shown in FIG. 2, in order to facilitate the clamping and placing assembly 36 to take and place the target goods, in some embodiments, the telescopic part 31 and the temporary storage area 32 are both located below the clamping and placement assembly 36.

In some embodiments, the frame body further includes a supporting plate 34 connected to the pick-and-place bracket 33, and the supporting plate 34 is disposed above the telescopic portion 31 and the temporary storage area 32.

In some embodiments, the clamping and placing assembly 36 includes a first linear driving mechanism 361, a second linear driving mechanism 362, a third linear driving mechanism 363, and a robot 4. The first linear drive mechanism 361 is connected to the pick-and-place bracket 33, and optionally, the first linear drive mechanism 361 is connected to the support plate 34. The second linear drive mechanism 362 is connected to the first linear drive mechanism 361. The first linear drive mechanism 361 can drive the second linear drive mechanism 362 to move in the X direction; the third linear drive mechanism 363 is connected to the second linear drive mechanism 362. The two linear drive mechanisms 362 can drive the first linear drive mechanism 361 to move in the Y direction; the manipulator 4 is used to clamp and place target goods and is connected to the third linear drive mechanism 363, and the third linear drive mechanism 363 can drive the manipulator 4 in the Z direction Movement; X direction, Y direction and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

Optionally, the first linear drive mechanism 361, the second linear drive mechanism 362, and the third linear drive mechanism 363 are all linear motors. Of course, the first linear drive mechanism 361, the second linear drive mechanism 362, and the third linear drive mechanism 363 can also be other driving mechanisms.

When the target goods need to be picked from the turnover box 12, the first linear drive mechanism 361, the second linear drive mechanism 362 drive the third linear drive mechanism 363 and the manipulator 4 to be located directly above the turnover box 12. The third linear drive mechanism 363 drives the robotic arm 361 to move downward to pick up the target cargo. After the robot 4 grips the target goods, the third linear drive mechanism 363 drives the robot arm 361 to move upward, the third linear drive mechanism 363 and the robot 4 move to just above the sorting box 7, and the third linear drive mechanism 363 drives the robot arm 361 Move down to put the target goods into the sorting box 7.

This embodiment also provides a manipulator 4 to improve the stability of the manipulator 4 when grabbing target goods, avoiding the problem of goods falling off due to improper grabbing, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the picking function.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in some embodiments, the manipulator 4 includes a manipulator support 41, a clamping portion 42 and a suction portion 43. The manipulator support 41 is connected to one end of the manipulator 361. The clamping portion 42 includes a first clamping hand 421 and a second clamping hand 422 that are spaced apart and arranged directly on the manipulator support 41. The first clamping hand 421 and the second clamping hand 422 are configured to be able to approach or move away from each other to clamp Take or release the target cargo; the adsorption part 43 is arranged on the manipulator support 41 and is configured to adsorb or release the target cargo.

The manipulator 4 provided in this embodiment includes a clamping part 42 and a suction part 43. When the manipulator 4 picks up target goods, it can clamp and adsorb the target goods at the same time, thereby improving the gripping force and stability of the manipulator 4, thereby avoiding Target goods fall off, improve the efficiency and safety of picking. The adsorption part 43 is highly adaptable to the shape of the target goods, and can be adapted to target goods in the form of barrels, bags, bottles, boxes, etc. And for the target cargo with regular shape and small mass, it can be directly sucked by the suction part 43. For products with irregular shapes and uneven surfaces, the gripping portion 42 can be used to directly grab the goods, thereby avoiding the problem that the robot 4 cannot grab the goods due to the shape of the target goods.

In order to avoid interference between the clamping portion 42 and the suction portion 43 and reduce the volume of the manipulator 4, optionally, the suction portion 43 is disposed between the first clamping hand 421 and the second clamping hand 422. The suction part 43 may include a vacuum generator connected with the suction cup and the suction cup, and the vacuum generator controls the opening/closing of the suction cup to realize the sucking/lowering action of the target cargo.

In this embodiment, in order to enable the suction part 43 to adsorb target goods of different heights, and when adsorbing the target goods, the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 will not interfere with the suction part 43, the manipulator 4 also includes a suction drive The output end of the suction driving member 44 is drivingly connected with the suction part 43 and can drive the suction part 43 to rise and fall. Wherein, the adsorption driving member 44 may be an air cylinder, an oil cylinder, or a screw nut mechanism.

In some embodiments, a accommodating cavity is opened on the manipulator support 41, and the suction driving member 44 is disposed in the accommodating cavity.

In some embodiments, the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 are both flexible grippers. Exemplarily, the flexible grip may include a leather sleeve made of rubber or flexible plastic, the leather sleeve is filled with air, and the shape of the flexible grip can be changed by changing the air pressure in the leather sleeve. The flexible gripper will not cause damage to the target goods, and the flexible gripper supports sorting operations in an environment of -20°C. In some embodiments, the sides of the first gripping hand 421 and the second gripping hand 422 close to each other are both horizontal, so as to increase the contact area with the target cargo and improve the gripping stability.

In some embodiments, the clamping portion 42 includes a clamping driving portion 423 disposed on the manipulator support 41, and the clamping driving portion 423 is configured to drive the first clamping hand 421 and the second clamping hand 422 to approach or move away from each other, that is, The clamping driving part 423 controls the opening and closing degree of the first clamping hand 421 and the second clamping hand 422 to clamp or release the target cargo.

In order to reduce the force of the clamping driving portion 423, in some embodiments, the clamping portion 42 further includes a first connecting plate 46 and a second connecting plate 47. One end of the first connecting plate 46 is rotatably connected to the manipulator support 41 , The other end is rotatably connected to one end of the second connecting plate 47, and the other end of the second connecting plate 47 is connected to the first gripper 421.

In some embodiments, the clamping portion 42 further includes a third connecting plate 48 and a fourth connecting plate 49. The first connecting plate 46 and the third connecting plate 48 are symmetrically arranged, and the fourth connecting plate 49 and the second connecting plate 47 are symmetrical. Setting, one end of the third connecting plate 48 is rotatably connected to the manipulator support 41, the other end is rotatably connected to one end of the fourth connecting plate 49, and the other end of the fourth connecting plate 49 is connected to the second gripper 422.

In some embodiments, the clamping drive portion 423 further includes a link mechanism, the link mechanism is a parallelogram planar link mechanism, and the manipulator support 41, the first gripper 421, and the second gripper 422 are all rotatably connected to the link mechanism. .

In some embodiments, the link mechanism includes a link and an intermediate link. The connecting rod includes a first connecting rod 4231 and a second connecting rod 4232. One end of the first connecting rod 4231 is rotatably connected with the manipulator support 41, and the other end is rotatably connected with the second connecting plate 47, that is, the first connecting rod 4231 The other end is rotatably connected to the first gripper 421 through the second connecting plate 47. One end of the second link 4232 is rotatably connected with the manipulator support 41, and the other end is rotatably connected with the fourth connecting plate 49. That is, the other end of the second link 4232 is rotatably connected to the second gripper 422 through the fourth connecting plate 49.

The middle link includes a first middle link 4233 and a second middle link 4234. One end of the first intermediate link 4233 is rotatably connected with the first link 4231, and the other end is rotatably connected with the suction driving member 44. One end of the second intermediate link 4234 is rotatably connected with the second link 4232, and the other end is rotatably connected with the suction driving member 44.

In some embodiments, the first middle link 4233 is connected to the middle position of the first link 4231 in the length direction, and the second middle link 4234 is connected to the middle position of the second link 4232 in the length direction. The first intermediate link 4233, the second intermediate link 4234, a section of the first link 4231, and a section of the second link 4232 form a parallelogram.

The other end of the first intermediate link 4233 and the other end of the second intermediate link 4234 can both move up and down relative to the manipulator support 41, thereby adjusting the angle between the first link 4231 and the second link 4232, and then The distance between the first gripping hand 421 and the second gripping hand 422 is adjusted so that the first gripping hand 421 can grip or release the target cargo. In some embodiments, in order to realize the relative up and down movement of the other end of the first intermediate link 4233 and the other end of the second intermediate link 4234 and the manipulator support 41, the suction drive 44 is slidably connected to the manipulator support 41.

Of course, in other embodiments, the other end of the first intermediate link 4233 may be directly rotatably connected with the manipulator support 41, and the other end of the second intermediate link 4234 may be directly rotatably connected with the manipulator support 41. The other end of the 4233 and the second intermediate link 4234 slide up and down on the manipulator support 41, thereby adjusting the angle between the first link 4231 and the second link 4232.

In addition, in other embodiments, it is also possible that the other end of the first intermediate link 4233 and the other end of the second intermediate link 4234 cannot slide up and down relative to the manipulator support 41, but one end of the link is slidably connected to the manipulator. The bracket 41 can move up and down relative to the manipulator bracket 41, thereby adjusting the angle between the first connecting rod 4231 and the second connecting rod 4232.

In this embodiment, the suction driving member 44 is fixedly connected to the robot arm 361, so as to avoid driving the suction part 43 to go up and down when the manipulator support 41 moves up and down relative to the suction driving member 44.

In order to realize the lifting of the manipulator support 41, in some embodiments, the clamping and placing driving portion 423 further includes a connecting rod driving member 4235. The connecting rod driver 4235 controls the manipulator support 41 to slide up and down, so that one end of the first connecting rod 4231 and the second connecting rod 4232 is raised and lowered, thereby changing the angle between the first connecting rod 4231 and the second connecting rod 4232 to realize the first clamping The opening and closing degree of the hand 421 and the second gripping hand 422 is changed.

The link driving parts 4235 are all connected with the manipulator support 41 and the suction driving part 44 to drive the manipulator support 41 and the suction driving part 44 to move relative to each other. In some embodiments, the connecting rod driver 4235 includes a first screw 4236 rotatably connected to the manipulator support 41, a first nut 4237 screwed to the first screw 4236, and a drive motor drivingly connected to the first screw 4236. A nut 4237 is fixedly connected to the suction driving member 44 to drive the motor forward and reverse to drive the manipulator support 41 to rise and fall.

In order to improve the lifting stability of the manipulator support 41, in some embodiments, one of the suction driving member 44 and the manipulator support 41 is provided with a first slide rail 45, and the other is provided with a sliding connection with the first slide rail 45. The first chute. In this embodiment, the first sliding rail 45 is disposed on the suction driving member 44, and the first sliding groove is disposed on the manipulator support 41.

When the manipulator 4 grips the target cargo, it adopts a "sucking + grasping" method. In some embodiments, it has two working modes, namely "sucking first and then grasping" and "sucking while grasping".

When the manipulator 4 adopts the "suck first and then grasp" working mode, its working steps are as follows:

1. When starting to grab the target cargo, the robotic arm 361 drives the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 to move directly above the target cargo to be grabbed;

2. The connecting rod driver 4235 controls the connecting rod mechanism to change the opening and closing of the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 until the opening is consistent with the width of the target cargo;

3. The vacuum generator works, the suction part 43 generates suction, and the suction driving member 44 drives the suction part 43 to descend to the surface of the target cargo at the same time;

4. After the suction part 43 sucks the target cargo, the suction driving member 44 drives the suction part 43 to rise, and at the same time the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 perform a clamping action, thereby fixing the target cargo and preventing the target cargo from falling off;

5. After grabbing the target goods, the robotic arm 361 starts to rotate, driving the first gripping hand 421 and the second gripping hand 422 to directly above the sorting box 7. After that, the first gripping hand 421 and the second gripping hand 422 are opened, the suction driving member 44 drives the suction part 43 to drop into position, the vacuum generator stops, and the target goods fall off into the sorting box 7. At this point, a fetching action is completed.

When the manipulator 4 adopts the working mode of “sucking while grabbing”, its working steps are as follows:

1. The first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 move to directly above the target cargo to be grasped;

2. The connecting rod driver 4235 controls the connecting rod mechanism to drive the opening of the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 to be consistent with the width of the target cargo;

3. When the vacuum generator works, the suction part 43 generates suction, and the suction driving member 44 drives the suction part 43 to descend and close to the surface of the target cargo, and at the same time, the clamping part 42 descends to close to the target cargo;

4. The suction part 43 sucks the target cargo, while the clamping part 42 clamps the target cargo;

5. After picking up the target goods, the manipulator 4 moves in the direction of the sorting box 7;

6. When the manipulator 4 reaches directly above the sorting box 7, the clamping part 42 performs an opening action, the suction part 43 is lowered to the position, and the vacuum generator stops, so that the target goods fall off into the sorting box 7. At this point, a fetching action is completed.

Of course, the picking system that sorts the goods in the sorting box 7 to the turnover box 12 is also within the protection scope of this application.

Example two

The second embodiment provides a picking method, which can use the picking system as in the first embodiment, and can also be used in any other picking system that can implement the method.

The picking method includes the following steps: step S1, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 moves to a target position; the target position in this embodiment means that the telescopic part 31 at the target position can transfer the turnover box 12 on the shelf 11 to it.

Step S2, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 takes out the target goods located on the first storage mechanism 1 at the target position to the pick-up area; of course, in this step, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 can also be taken out on the second storage mechanism 2. Target cargo.

Step S3, the clamping and placing assembly 36 moves along the horizontal and vertical directions to place the target goods on the pick-up area in the temporary storage area 32;

Step S4: Repeat steps S1-S3 until all the target goods are placed in the temporary storage area 32.

In some embodiments, the first storage mechanism 1 includes a turnover box 12 for storing target goods, and the pick-and-place mechanism 3 includes a clamping and placing assembly 36 and a telescopic part 31 located on the pick-up area. Step S2 includes: the telescopic part 31 extends from the original position, so that the turnover box 12 storing the target goods is located on the telescopic part 31; the telescopic part 31 is retracted to return to the original position; the clamping assembly 36 grabs the target located in the turnover box 12 goods.

In some embodiments, the order picking system further includes a placement area, and the placement area is provided with a sorting box 7. Before step S1, it further includes: the pick-and-place mechanism 3 is moved to the placement area, and the sorting box 7 is set in the temporary storage area. District 32. In step S3, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 places the target goods in the sorting box 7 located on the temporary storage area 32.

Compared with the manual picking method, the picking method provided in this embodiment can greatly improve the picking efficiency. The automatic storage and retrieval of the target goods uses machinery and automation equipment, the operation and processing speed is fast, and the labor intensity of the operators is reduced, and at the same time It saves labor costs and also reduces the error rate.

Of course, the picking method of sorting the goods in the sorting box 7 to the turnover box 12 is also within the protection scope of this application.

Illustratively, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 is located between the first storage mechanism 1 and the second storage mechanism 2, and a turnover box 12 is placed on each of the shelves 11 of the first storage mechanism 1 and the second storage mechanism 2. A sorting box 7 is placed at one end of the shelf 11. The sorting box 7 is used to temporarily store the captured target goods. The pick-and-place mechanism 3 is driven by PLC control. The picking method can include the following steps:

1. After the user places an order, the pick-and-place mechanism 3 first picks the sorting box 7 from one end of the shelf 11;

2. The pick-and-place mechanism 3 moves to the desired target position;

3. The telescopic part 31 extends deep to the bottom of the turnover box 12, and then as the pick-and-place mechanism 3 moves up, the turnover box 12 is lifted, the telescopic part 31 is retracted to the original position, and the turnover box 12 is taken to the telescopic part 31 , Complete the box-taking operation;

4. After taking out the turnover box 12, the manipulator 4 moves to the top of the turnover box 12, and then the manipulator 4 moves downwards and moves to the coordinate position of the target goods. The goods in the turnover box 12 can be partitioned according to the grid, which is convenient for positioning the coordinates;

5. The manipulator 4 adopts the method of "sucking first and then grasping" to grip the target cargo. The first gripping hand 421 and the second gripping hand 422 adjust the opening and closing degree to adapt to the size of the target cargo. The suction driving member 44 descends to drive the suction part 43 to approach On the surface of the target cargo, after the adsorption part 43 sucks the target cargo, the adsorption driving member 44 drives the adsorption part 43 to rise, and at the same time the first gripper 421 and the second gripper 422 are tightened, thereby fixing the target cargo;

6. The manipulator 4 moves to just above the sorting box 7, and then the manipulator 4 moves downwards and puts the target goods into the sorting box 7;

7. The telescopic part 31 returns the turnover box 12 to the original shelf 11;

8. Repeat step 2-step 7 to complete the pickup of the target goods in the order;

9. The pick-and-place mechanism 3 returns the picked-up sorting box 7 to the storage area of the shelf 11;

10. The staff will take away all the target goods in the sorting box 7 and pack them for distribution.

The pick-and-place mechanism of the picking system provided in the present application can move horizontally and vertically relative to the first storage mechanism, so that the pick-and-place mechanism moves to a different target position (that is, near the storage location of the target goods), and then obtains the first storage mechanism All the target goods placed on the board, thereby improving the flexibility of the picking system and increasing its application area. Since the pick-and-place mechanism can move to different target positions and take out different target goods to the pick-up area, the clamping and placing assembly can slide in the horizontal and vertical directions relative to the frame, and the clamping and placing assembly can be moved to the pick-up area. The target goods are transferred to the temporary storage area, and then the pick-and-place organization transports all the target goods in the temporary storage area to the destination, thereby avoiding the pick-and-place organization from picking and placing the goods one by one between a target location and the destination, which greatly reduces The number of times to return to the destination, thereby improving the efficiency of the picking function. The clamping and placing components are flexible and the picking efficiency is high.

The picking system provided in this application breaks the status quo that the pick-up components can only be picked up from one picking point to the destination in the related technology, and the limitation that the pick-up components cannot be moved, and expands the pick-up of the pick-and-place components Range, and at the same time increase the access rate to multiple target cargoes. The picking system provided in this application has a wider range of use, small limitations, and strong adaptability to general e-commerce warehouses.

Claims

A picking system includes:

The first storage organization (1) is used to store target goods;

The pick-and-place mechanism (3) is arranged on one side of the first storage mechanism (1), and the pick-and-place mechanism (3) includes a frame body and clamping and placing components (36) all arranged on the frame body , Pick-up area and staging area (32);

The pick-and-place mechanism (3) can move in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the first storage mechanism (1), and the pick-and-place mechanism (3) is configured to place the first storage mechanism (1) on The target goods in different locations of are taken out to the pickup area;

The clamping assembly (36) can slide in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the frame, and the clamping assembly (36) is configured to transfer the target cargo on the pickup area to the Temporary area (32).
The picking system according to claim 1, wherein the first storage mechanism (1) includes a shelf (11) and a plurality of turnover boxes (12) arranged on the shelf (11), and the turnover box (12) For storing the target goods, the pick-and-place mechanism (3) is configured to pick up the goods from the turnover box (12).
The picking system according to claim 2, wherein the pick-and-place mechanism (3) further comprises a telescopic part (31) located on the pick-up area, and the telescopic part (31) is arranged in the temporary storage area. On one side of the area (32), the telescopic portion (31) can extend into the shelf (11), and the telescopic portion (31) is configured to make the turnover box (12) in the telescopic portion ( 31) and transfer between the shelf (11).
The picking system according to claim 3, wherein the rack body includes a picking and placing bracket (33), and the clamping and placing assembly (36) includes:

The first linear drive mechanism (361) is connected to the pick-and-place bracket (33);

The second linear drive mechanism (362) is connected to the first linear drive mechanism (361), and the first linear drive mechanism (361) is configured to drive the second linear drive mechanism (362) to move in the X direction ；

The third linear drive mechanism (363) is connected to the second linear drive mechanism (362), and the second linear drive mechanism (362) is configured to drive the first linear drive mechanism (361) to move in the Y direction ；

The manipulator (4) is configured to clamp the target cargo and is connected to the third linear drive mechanism (363), and the third linear drive mechanism (363) is configured to drive the manipulator (4) along Z direction movement;

The X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction are perpendicular to each other, and the telescopic portion (31) and the temporary storage area (32) are all arranged on the pick-and-place support (33) and are located in the clamping assembly (36) below.
The picking system according to claim 2, wherein the first storage mechanism (1) further comprises a placement area at one end thereof, and the pick-and-place mechanism (3) is configured to drive the sorting box (7) to It is selectively arranged on one of the temporary storage area (32) and the placement area.
The picking system according to claim 1, wherein the picking system further comprises a horizontal sliding component (5) and a vertical sliding component (6), and the vertical sliding component (6) is slidably arranged at the horizontal On the sliding component (5), the pick-and-place mechanism (3) is slidably arranged on the vertical sliding component (6).
The picking system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the picking system further comprises a second storage mechanism (2), which is arranged in parallel with the first storage mechanism (1), and the pick-and-place The mechanism (3) is arranged between the first storage mechanism (1) and the second storage mechanism (2), and the pick-and-place mechanism (3) is also configured to store the second storage mechanism (2) The target goods in different positions on the upper side are taken out to the pickup area.
A picking method includes:

Step S1, the pick-and-place mechanism (3) moves to the target position;

Step S2, the pick-and-place mechanism (3) takes out the target goods located on the first storage mechanism (1) at the target location to the pick-up area;

Step S3: The clamping and placing assembly (36) of the pick-and-place mechanism (3) moves along the horizontal and vertical directions to place the target goods on the pick-up area in the temporary storage area (32);

Step S4: Repeat the steps S1-step S3 until all the target goods are placed in the temporary storage area (32).
The picking method according to claim 8, wherein the first storage mechanism (1) comprises a turnover box (12) for storing the target goods, and the pick-and-place mechanism (3) comprises a clamping and placing assembly ( 36) and the telescopic part (31) located on the pickup area;

The step S2 includes:

The telescopic part (31) is extended so that the turnover box (12) storing the target goods is located on the telescopic part (31); the telescopic part (31) is retracted to the original position;

The clamping assembly (36) grabs the target goods located in the turnover box (12).
The picking method according to claim 8, before step S1, the method further comprises: the pick-and-place mechanism (3) is moved to the placement area, and the sorting box (7) is set in the temporary placement area (32) On.