CN110884819A - Power supply system, storage system and operation method of movable shelf - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a power supply system of a movable goods shelf, which comprises the goods shelf, a container and an external power supply, wherein the goods shelf is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, and the container on the goods shelf receives the power supply of the external power supply through the first electrode and the second electrode, so that the power supply can be provided for various equipment of the container to form various storage environments in the container. The warehousing system provided by the invention judges whether the electric quantity of the battery module is enough to supply power to the container in the moving process of the shelf to finish the work task before the shelf needs to be moved, so as to ensure that the storage environment in the container is maintained in the moving process of the shelf.

Description

Power supply system, storage system and operation method of movable shelf

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent storage, in particular to a power supply system, a storage system and an operation method of a movable shelf.

Background technique

With the development of intelligent warehousing technology in e-commerce, logistics and other industries, especially in the context of large-scale promotion and application of robotic automatic handling devices in China, transportation steps such as stacking, sorting, and distribution are realized through goods to people. The degree of automation is also increasing. However, how to further improve the transportation efficiency of diversified goods is still an urgent problem to be solved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a power supply system, a storage system and an operation method thereof for a movable shelf, so as to meet the needs of automatic handling of diverse goods and improve the transportation efficiency.

In order to achieve the above technical purpose, some embodiments of the present invention disclose a power supply system for a movable shelf, the power supply system includes a shelf, a container and an external power supply, the shelf is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, and the container is installed in the On the shelf, the power input end of the container is connected with the first electrode and the second electrode;

The external power supply has a third electrode and a fourth electrode and is arranged in the power supply area. When the shelf is located in the power supply area, the first electrode and the second electrode are respectively connected with the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the external power supply. connected, and the container receives power from the external power source through the first electrode and the second electrode.

The first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged at various positions of the shelf, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode may be arranged at various positions of the power supply area.

In one embodiment, a conductive mesh is provided at a predetermined height of the power supply area as the third electrode of the external power supply, and an elastic device is correspondingly provided on the top of the shelf as the first electrode of the shelf. In another embodiment, a conductive plate is set on the ground of the power supply area as the third electrode of the external power supply, and the foot of the shelf is correspondingly the first electrode of the shelf. The conductive mesh or conductive plate covers the entire above-mentioned power supply area, so that the container can be powered at any position in the power supply area.

In one embodiment, a plurality of conductive beams are set at a predetermined height of the power supply area as the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the external power supply, and elastic devices are correspondingly provided on the top of the shelf as the first electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the shelf. /or second electrode. In another embodiment, a plurality of conductive sheets are arranged on the ground of the above-mentioned power supply area as the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the above-mentioned external power supply, and the feet of the above-mentioned shelf are correspondingly used as the first electrode and/or the second electrode of the above-mentioned shelf. electrode. The conductive beams or conductive sheets can be set according to the actual shape of the power supply area, the arrangement is flexible, and the container can be charged with a limited area, and the cost is relatively low.

In one embodiment, when the shelf is located in the power supply area, the elastic device is connected to the conductive mesh or the conductive beam to receive power from the external power source; when the shelf is transported away from the power supply area, the elastic device It is disconnected from the above-mentioned conductive mesh or conductive beam, so as not to receive power from the above-mentioned external power source. The elastic device and the conductive mesh or the conductive beam can be detachably connected, so that the shelf does not need to follow a preset conductive path during transportation, which is convenient for flexible transportation.

In another embodiment, the above-mentioned conductive mesh or conductive beam includes a power transmission line and a power supply interface, and the power supply interface is arranged on the power transmission line to be connected with the above-mentioned elastic device, which is more reliable. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned elastic device includes an elastic antenna.

In one embodiment, when the above-mentioned shelf is parked in the above-mentioned power supply area, the feet of the above-mentioned shelf are connected to the above-mentioned conductive plate or conductive sheet to receive the power supply of the above-mentioned external power supply; when the above-mentioned shelf is lifted and transported, the above-mentioned shelf is The feet of the device are not connected to the above-mentioned conductive plates or conductive sheets, so that they do not receive power from the above-mentioned external power sources. In one embodiment, the bottom plate of the above-mentioned shelf is itself connected with a conductive plate or a conductive sheet. In one embodiment, electrical contacts are provided on the feet of the above-mentioned shelf to connect with the conductive plate or the conductive sheet. The conductive plate or sheet has a relatively large area to facilitate alignment of the feet therewith.

In one embodiment, the container is an insulated container. In another embodiment, the container is a fume hood. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned containers are other containers that need to be powered.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned power supply area is a warehouse stock area. In another embodiment, the above-mentioned power supply area is a sorting waiting area. The power supply area is located in the warehouse storage area or the sorting waiting area, and there is no need to transport the racks to the power supply area, thereby improving the operation efficiency.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned power supply system further includes a battery module, the battery module is installed on the above-mentioned shelf, and the input end of the battery module is connected to the above-mentioned first electrode and the above-mentioned second electrode;

When the shelf is parked in the power supply area, the battery module receives charging from the external power source through the first electrode and the second electrode; when the shelf leaves the power supply area, the battery module provides power for the container. A battery module is installed on the shelf. When the shelf is parked in the power supply area, the external power supply is connected to charge the battery module, which ensures the power supply of the shelf when it is moved away from the power supply area by the handling device, and realizes the power supply to the movable shelf to further adapt to various It can meet the needs of automatic handling of goods and improve the transportation efficiency of the handling link.

Some embodiments of the present invention also disclose a storage system, the storage system includes a handling device, a controller, and a power supply system for the above-mentioned movable shelf, the power supply system includes a shelf, a container, a battery module and an external power supply, and the above-mentioned shelf is parked in the power supply area provided with the above-mentioned external power supply;

The controller is used to detect whether the power of the battery module installed on the shelf is less than a first predetermined threshold when the shelf needs to be transported. If it is confirmed that the power of the battery module is greater than the first predetermined threshold, the controller controls the transport device. Move the above racks away from the above power supply area to handle the goods.

Some embodiments of the present invention also disclose a method for operating a storage system, the storage system includes a handling device, a controller, and a power supply system for the above-mentioned movable rack, the power supply system includes a rack, a container, a battery module and an external power supply, The above-mentioned shelves are parked in the power supply area provided with the above-mentioned external power supply;

The above operation method includes the following steps:

When the shelf needs to be transported, the controller detects whether the power of the battery module installed on the shelf is less than a first predetermined threshold,

If it is confirmed that the power of the battery module is greater than the first predetermined threshold, the controller controls the conveying device to move the rack away from the power supply area to process the goods.

In one embodiment, the controller records the time after the transport device moves the shelf away from the power supply area. If it is confirmed that the shelf is moved away from the power supply area for more than a first predetermined time, the controller sends a first alarm signal. In one embodiment, the controller detects whether the power of the battery module is less than a second predetermined threshold, and if it is confirmed that the power of the battery module is less than the second predetermined threshold, the controller sends a second alarm signal, wherein the first predetermined threshold The threshold value is greater than the above-mentioned second predetermined threshold value. When the battery module has not been charged for a long time or the power of the battery module is low, an alarm signal will be issued so that the administrator can adjust it in time according to the actual warehouse operation.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned handling device is an automated guided transport vehicle.

Compared with the prior art, the main difference and effect of the embodiment of the present invention are:

In a power supply system for a movable shelf according to some embodiments of the present invention, the shelf is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, and the container receives power supply from an external power source through the first electrode and the second electrode, so that various types of containers can be supplied. The equipment provides power supply to form various storage environments in the container. Compared with the traditional tossing and turning in storage areas of different storage environments, it can meet the needs of automated handling of diverse goods and improve transportation efficiency.

The storage system according to some embodiments of the present invention determines whether the power of the battery module is sufficient to supply power to the container during the movement of the shelf to complete the work task before the shelf needs to be moved, so as to ensure that the storage environment in the container is maintained during the movement of the shelf. .

It should be understood that within the scope of the present invention, the above-mentioned technical features of the present invention and the technical features specifically described in the following (such as the embodiments) can be combined with each other (unless they are contradictory), thereby constituting new or preferred technical solution. Due to space limitations, it is not repeated here.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a schematic diagram of a power supply of a movable shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic diagram of the handling of a shelf according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a schematic working diagram of a power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a schematic working diagram of a power supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a system frame diagram of a storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation method of a storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an operation method of a storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an operation method of a storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, but not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

At present, although handling robots such as AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle, Automatic Guided Vehicle) have been applied to the logistics and transportation links, the degree of automation in the entire logistics and transportation process still needs to be improved, especially for the diversification of storage environments with different needs goods. However, at present, special working environments such as cold storage still require manpower to carry goods, which is costly and inefficient. However, there are many technical problems that need to be solved in the application of handling robots to move the shelves between the cold storage environment of minus ten degrees and the normal temperature environment. For example, in order to adapt to the environment of minus ten degrees, it is necessary to assemble low-temperature components. Switching between different temperatures may have additional effects on the handling robot. For example, condensed gas will reduce "visibility", and large temperature differences will accelerate certain components. fatigue, etc.

In view of the above situation, the present invention provides a power supply system, a storage system and an operation method of the movable shelf. Compared with the traditional centralized control of the storage environment in one warehouse area, the present invention forms different storage environments in each container by supplying power to the containers on each shelf through an external power supply, thereby modularizing the overall storage environment and improving the efficiency of the storage environment. The flexibility of the shelves meets the needs of automated handling of diverse goods. Since such containers can be placed in the same normal temperature warehouse area with ordinary containers, the transportation efficiency of diverse goods is improved.

In some embodiments, the power supply of the shelf in a moving state is realized by providing an external power supply to charge the battery module disposed on the shelf, and at the same time, the battery power and charging status of the shelf are monitored, so that the shelf is fully charged to complete the work. It can only be moved by handling equipment to maintain the storage environment in the container.

FIG. 1 shows a power supply system for a movable shelf according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , an example power supply system includes a shelf 3 , a container 4 and an external power source 2 .

Various types of containers 4 such as boxes, baskets and cabinets are arranged on the shelves 3 to store goods. In some embodiments, the container 4 may be equipped with various types of equipment, such as refrigeration equipment, heating equipment, or ventilation equipment, etc., to form a desired storage environment in the container 4 . In one embodiment, only one container 4 may be provided on the shelf 3, so that all goods are stored in the same storage environment. In another embodiment, a plurality of containers 4 can be arranged on the shelf 3, and each container 4 has corresponding equipment to form different storage environments. In one embodiment, the storage temperature and/or humidity can be adjusted according to the goods to be stored in the container 4, for example, the refrigerating temperature is set for refrigerated goods, and the freezing temperature is set for frozen goods.

In one embodiment, the container 4 is installed with various types of sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc., to detect the internal environmental parameters (such as temperature parameters, humidity parameters) of the container 4 . Each sensor sends the internal environmental parameters of the container 4 to a controller (eg, the controller 11 shown in FIG. 6 ). When the internal environment parameters of the container 4 exceed the preset range, the controller adjusts the equipment operating parameters of the container 4 to maintain the required storage environment.

In one embodiment, the container 4 is a heat preservation cabinet, which is used for goods that need to be stored in an environment lower than or higher than the room temperature. The container 4 can be provided with partitions such as doors, strips, etc., so as to facilitate the operator to pick the goods and at the same time. The internal environment of the container 4 is isolated from the external environment. In another embodiment, the container 4 is a fume hood, and at least one side surface of the container 4 is provided with structures such as holes, grids, shutters, etc., so that the internal environment of the container 4 and the external environment can form air circulation. In other embodiments of the present invention, other structural designs of the container 4 may also be performed according to the needs of the internal storage environment of the container 4, which is not limited to the above-mentioned situation.

The container 4 supplies power to the above-mentioned equipment through the power input terminal. The shelf 3 has a first electrode and a second electrode, and the power input end of the container 4 is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the shelf 3 . The external power source 2 has a third electrode and a fourth electrode and is arranged in the power supply area 1. When the shelf 3 is parked in the power supply area 1, the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the external power source 2 are respectively connected with the first electrode and the fourth electrode of the shelf 3. When the second electrode is connected, the container 4 can be electrically powered by the external power source 2 via the first electrode and the second electrode of the shelf 3 .

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a power supply of a movable shelf according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2 , the shelf 3 may further include battery modules 7 . The input terminal of the battery module 7 is also connected to the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 of the shelf 3 .

When the shelf 3 is parked in the power supply area 1, the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 are connected to the external power source 2 to supply power to the container 4 to maintain the storage environment of the container 4, and the external power source 2 also passes through the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 4. The two electrodes 6 charge the battery module 7 . When the rack 3 is transported away from the power supply area 1, the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 are disconnected from the external power source 2, and the container 4 is powered by the battery module 7 at this time, which ensures that the rack 3 is not connected to the external power supply 2 during the movement. powered by.

In some embodiments, the entire storage area can be used as the power supply area 1, that is, the external power supply 2 is arranged in the entire storage area, and the container 4 on the shelf 3 will be continuously supplied with power during the operation of the entire system. In this case, the rack 3 may not include the battery module 7 . In some embodiments, power supply zones 1 may be provided in several specific areas of the warehouse according to the warehouse layout. The racks 3 are usually placed in the warehouse storage area for logistics transportation, and are transported to the power supply area 1 for charging when needed (for example, the power of the battery module 7 is low).

In one embodiment, one or more power supply areas 1 may be set directly in the warehouse storage area according to actual needs, for example, according to the proportion of goods that require a special storage environment. When the shelves 3 are parked in one power supply area 1 of the warehouse storage area That is, the external power supply 2 is used for power supply, and there is no need to set up another power supply area and transport the shelves 3 to the power supply area for charging, which improves the overall area utilization rate of the warehouse and the overall operation efficiency of the system. In this case, as long as it is ensured that the racks 3 leave the power supply area 1 to process goods within a certain period of time, for example, a high priority is set for such racks 3 that cannot leave the power supply area 1 for a long time to ensure that they can process goods in the shortest time. The battery module 7 may not be included. In another embodiment, it may be considered to set up a power supply area 1 on the path of the rack 3 or near the sorting station (eg, sorting waiting area) to maintain the internal storage environment of the container 4 . In one embodiment, the distance between one power supply area 1 and the other power supply area 1 is set such that the shelves 3 can reach the other power supply area 1 from one power supply area 1 within a preset time, so that in the absence of the battery module 7 The internal storage environment of the container 4 is maintained at the bottom.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of rack handling according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the rack 3 is moved and transported by the handling device 8 . When the battery modules 7 of the racks 3 are charged or the racks 3 need to be transported to process goods, the transport device 8 enters the power supply area 1 under the path planning to transport the racks 3 to be transported away from the power supply area 1 . When the battery modules 7 of the racks 3 need to be charged or the racks 3 have finished processing the goods, the transport device 8 transports the racks 3 into the power supply area 1 to receive the external power supply 2 to charge the battery modules 7 and/or to the containers 4 on the racks 3 . powered by.

The handling device 8 may be any type of handling device suitable for handling the racks shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this embodiment, the handling device 8 uses an AGV handling robot to perform the assigned task to complete the handling of the rack 3 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the handling device 8 may also use other handling devices such as an automatic guided forklift, a stacking robot, etc. to complete the handling of the rack 3 according to the actual goods.

The first electrode and the second electrode of the shelf 3 can be arranged on various positions of the shelf 3 in various forms, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the external power source 2 can be arranged on corresponding positions in the power supply area 1 in corresponding forms.

Optionally, the first electrode and/or the second electrode may be provided on the top of the shelf 3 . In one embodiment, elastic means are provided on the top of the shelf 3 as the first electrode and/or the second electrode. In one embodiment, a conductive mesh is arranged on the ceiling or at a predetermined height of the power supply area 1 as the third electrode of the external power supply 2 , and the conductive mesh can cover the entire power supply area 1 , so that the shelf 3 can be moved to any position in the power supply area 1 The container 4 is powered. In one embodiment, the conductive mesh may cover a part of the power supply area 1 according to the layout of the shelf 3 .

In another embodiment, a plurality of conductive beams are arranged on the ceiling or at a predetermined height of the power supply area 1 as the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the external power supply 2 . In one embodiment, the plurality of conductive beams are arranged according to the shape of the power supply area 1 and/or the layout of the rack 3 . In other embodiments, the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode may also be arranged on the ceiling or at a predetermined height of the power supply area 1 in other structural forms.

In some embodiments, the elastic means described above comprise elastic antennas, elastic cables or other elastic structures suitable for receiving power from the external power source 2 . The above-mentioned conductive mesh and the above-mentioned conductive beams can be made of any conductive material. The circuit can be formed in any known form in the shelf 3 and the electrodes of the circuit can be drawn from the elastic means, and the external power source 2 can also be of any known form and the electrodes can be drawn from the conductive mesh or the conductive beam.

In some embodiments, the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the external power supply 2 are arranged at the same height of the power supply area 1, and the elastic device is arranged on the top of the shelf 3 with different heights, so that the height of the elastic device is suitable for the external The third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the power source 2 are electrically connected. In some embodiments, according to the actual terrain of the warehouse, the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the external power supply 2 are arranged at different heights of the power supply area 1, and then elastic devices of different heights are arranged on the top of the racks 3 of the same height. , and/or set elastic devices of the same height on the tops of the shelves 3 of different heights to adapt to different terrains. In this case, different parts of the power supply area 1 will be suitable for powering the containers 4 on the shelves 3 arranged at different heights. In some embodiments, a telescopic member may be provided on the top of the shelf 3 to adjust the height of the elastic device so as to be suitable for electrical connection with the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode provided at different heights.

Optionally, when the shelf 3 is located in the power supply area 1, the elastic device is detachably connected to the conductive mesh or the conductive beam, so that the shelf 3 does not need to follow a preset conductive path during transportation, which is convenient for flexible transportation. In one embodiment, the elastic device can be in direct frictional contact with the conductive mesh or the conductive beam like an antenna bumper car, and is electrically connected. In another embodiment, the elastic device can be electrically connected to the conductive mesh or the conductive beam by using a hook structure. In other embodiments, the above-mentioned elastic device may also adopt other connection structures to be detachably electrically connected to the above-mentioned conductive mesh or conductive beam. The specific operation of the detachable connection will be described in detail in conjunction with the two examples in FIGS. 4 to 5 .

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned elastic device can also be fixedly and electrically connected to the above-mentioned conductive mesh or conductive beam. The above-mentioned conductive mesh or the above-mentioned conductive beam includes a power transmission line and a power supply interface, and the power supply interface is arranged on the power transmission line to be connected with the elastic device. In this case, the controller will control the handling device 8 to transport the racks 3 along the pre-arranged conductive mesh or conductive beams.

Optionally, the first electrode and/or the second electrode may be provided at the bottom of the shelf 3 . In one embodiment, the bottom sheet of the shelf 3 itself is used as the first electrode. In this case, insulating members need to be provided in the rack 3 to electrically isolate the feet of the rack 3 from other parts. In another embodiment, electrical contacts are provided on the feet of the shelf 3 as the first electrode and/or the second electrode. In one embodiment, a conductive plate is set on the ground of the power supply area 1 as the third electrode of the external power supply 2 , and the conductive plate can cover the entire power supply area 1 , so that the shelf 3 can be moved to any position in the power supply area 1 for the container 4 . powered by. In one embodiment, the conductive plate may cover a part of the power supply area 1 according to the layout of the shelf 3 .

In another embodiment, a plurality of conductive sheets are arranged on the ground of the power supply area 1 as the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode of the external power supply 2 . In one embodiment, the plurality of conductive sheets are arranged according to the shape of the power supply area 1 and/or the layout of the shelf 3 . In other embodiments, the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode may also be arranged on the ground of the power supply area 1 in other structural forms. The above-mentioned conductive plate and the above-mentioned conductive sheet may be made of any conductive material. Since the area of the conductive plate or the conductive sheet is relatively large, it is convenient for the foot to align with it.

It can be understood that the circuit can be formed in any known form in the shelf 3 and the electrodes can be drawn out from the electrical contacts provided on the bottom plate itself or the bottom feet. Similarly, the external power supply 2 can be in any known form and lead out from the conductive plate or the conductive sheet. electrode.

In other embodiments, the first electrode and/or the second electrode may also be provided on the side of the shelf 3 , and the third electrode and/or the fourth electrode may be provided on the wall of the power supply area 1 correspondingly, or in other positions. As long as the first electrode and the second electrode of the shelf 3 can be connected to the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the external power supply 2 , the electrodes need only be connected.

The above-mentioned setting methods of the electrodes can be combined with each other, and can be combined according to the actual ground and ceiling conditions of the warehouse. For example, if the warehouse floor is relatively flat, the floor setting method is preferred; if the ceiling is easy to set, the warehouse top setting method is preferred; or the ceiling setting and floor setting are respectively performed according to different warehouse areas. Figures 4-5 show two of these combinations, but it is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention, other combinations of electrode arrangements may also be used.

FIG. 4 shows a working schematic diagram of a power supply system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4 , the third electrode 9 of the external power supply 2 is set at a predetermined height of the power supply area 1 , and the fourth electrode 10 of the external power supply 2 is set above the ground of the power supply area 1 .

The third electrode 9 of the external power source 2 uses a transmission line to form a conductive mesh for current transmission. The conductive mesh covers the power supply area 1 and is used for active connection with the first electrode 5 of the shelf 3 . When the shelf 3 is parked in the power supply area 1, the first electrode 5 is connected to the conductive mesh to receive current input; when the shelf 3 leaves the power supply area 1 and stops receiving power supply, the first electrode 5 is disconnected from the conductive mesh to stop receiving current input.

The fourth electrode 10 of the external power supply 2 uses a conductive plate to transmit current, and the conductive plate covers the ground of the power supply area 1 . When the shelf 3 enters the power supply area 1 and parks, the second electrode 6 is connected to the conductive plate to receive current input. When the shelf 3 leaves the power supply area 1 and stops receiving power supply, the second electrode 6 is disconnected from the conductive plate to stop receiving current input.

Optionally, the first electrode 5 may include an elastic antenna, the elastic antenna is installed on the top of the container 4, one end of the elastic antenna is connected and fixed to the top of the container 4, and the other end of the elastic antenna is connected with the conductive mesh. In one embodiment, the other end of the elastic antenna is directly connected to the conductive mesh like an antenna bumper car, and the other end of the elastic antenna can travel along any path on the conductive mesh. The second electrode 6 can be disposed in the bottom of the container 4 and exposed to the bottom surface of the bottom of the bottom, and the second electrode 6 is connected with the conductive plate.

In this embodiment, the bottom of the rack 3 is provided with a space for accommodating the entry of the transport device 8 , and the transport device 8 is provided with a jacking mechanism to lift the rack 3 for transport.

When the carrying device 8 carries the rack 3 away from the power supply area 1 , the carrying device 8 first enters the power supply area 1 and enters the bottom of the designated shelf 3 . Then the jacking mechanism starts to operate to lift the rack 3, and the elastic antenna can be properly bent at this time. At the same time, under the action of the jacking mechanism, the feet of the shelf 3 leave the conductive plate after the shelf 3 is lifted, which cuts off the connection between the feet and the conductive plate, and stops the power supply of the external power source 2 to the container 4. After the carrier device 8 moves the rack 3 away from the power supply area 1, the elastic antenna is disconnected from the conductive mesh.

When the carrying device 8 carries the rack 3 into the power supply area 1, the elastic antenna is in contact with the conductive mesh. After the carrying device 8 enters the power supply area 1 and transports the rack 3 to the designated position, the jacking mechanism starts to operate to lower the height of the rack 3 and place the rack 3 on the ground. At this time, the elastic antenna is still in contact with the conductive mesh. At the same time, under the action of the jacking mechanism, after the rack 3 is lowered, the bottom surface of the bottom of the rack 3 contacts the conductive plate 10, thus establishing the connection with the external power source 2, and the external power source 2 starts to supply power to the container 4.

In this embodiment, the elastic antenna is directly connected to the conductive mesh. In other embodiments of the present invention, the elastic antenna can also be detachably connected to the conductive mesh through devices such as hooks or pantographs.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic working diagram of a power supply system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5 , both the third electrode 9 and the fourth electrode 10 of the external power source 2 are disposed at a predetermined height of the power supply area 1 .

In this embodiment, the third electrode 9 and the fourth electrode 10 of the external power source 2 are a plurality of metal beams arranged at intervals, as shown in FIG. 5 . When the rack 3 is parked in the power supply area 1, the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 of the rack 3 are respectively connected with the two conductive beams to establish a connection with the external power source 2 to receive current input.

Optionally, the first electrode 5 and the second electrode 6 of the shelf 3 are both elastic antennas, the two elastic antennas are respectively installed on the top of the container 4, one end of each elastic antenna is fixedly connected to the container 4, and the other end is connected to the container 4 through a hook. The corresponding conductive beams are connected to receive power from an external power source 2 .

In this embodiment, the bottom of the rack 3 is provided with a space for accommodating the entry of the transport device 8 , and the transport device 8 is provided with a jacking mechanism to lift the rack 3 for transport.

When the transport device 8 transports the rack 3 away from the power supply area 1 , the transport device 8 first enters the power supply area 1 and enters the bottom of the designated rack 3 . Then the jacking mechanism starts to operate to lift the rack 3. At this time, the hooks of the two elastic antennas are disengaged from the conductive beam, and the connection with the metal beam can be disconnected. In this way, the connection between the two elastic antennas and the conductive beam is cut off, and the power supply of the external power source 2 to the container 4 is stopped.

When the transport device 8 transports the rack 3 into the power supply area 1, after the transport device 8 enters the power supply area 1 and transports the rack 3 to the designated position, the lifting mechanism starts to operate to lower the height of the rack 3 and place the rack 3 on the ground. The hooks of the two elastic antennas can be respectively connected with the metal beams. In this way, the connection to the external power source 2 is established, and the external power source 2 starts to supply power to the container 4 .

In other embodiments, both the third electrode 9 and the fourth electrode 10 of the external power supply 2 may be arranged on the ground of the power supply area 1 . Correspondingly, the first electrodes 5 and the second electrodes 6 are provided on the feet of the shelf 3 . 4 and 5 exemplarily show the battery module 7 , however, the shelf 3 may also not include the battery module 7 .

Figure 6 shows a storage system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6 , the storage system includes a handling device 8 , a controller 11 , a rack 3 , a container 4 , a battery module 7 and an external power source 2 . In some embodiments, the handling device 8, the rack 3, the container 4, the battery module 7 and the external power source 2 may be the handling device 8, the rack 3, the container 4, the battery module 7 and the external power source described above with respect to Figures 1-5 2.

The rack 3 is parked in the power supply area 1 provided with the external power source 2 , and the rack 3 is moved and conveyed by the conveying device 8 . In one embodiment, the handling device 8 uses an AGV handling robot to perform the assigned task to complete the handling of the rack 3 . In one embodiment, the racks 3 are parked in the power supply area 1 to receive power from the external power supply 2. When the AGV handling robot performs the handling task, it enters the power supply area 1 under the control of the controller to transport the racks 3 to be transported out. The power supply area 1 performs subsequent operations; when the handling task is completed, the controller controls the AGV handling robot to transport the rack 3 back to the power supply area 1 to receive power from the external power supply 2 and charge the battery module 7 again. In other embodiments, the racks 3 may not be parked in the power supply area 1, and are transported to the power supply area 1 by the carrying device 8 for charging when charging is required; and returned to the storage area after charging is completed.

In one embodiment, the controller 11 is configured to detect whether the power of the battery modules 7 installed on the rack 3 is less than a first predetermined threshold before the rack 3 is transported. If it is confirmed that the power of the battery module 7 is greater than the above-mentioned first predetermined threshold, the controller 11 controls the transport device 8 to transport the rack 3 away from the power supply area 1 to process the goods. In one embodiment, when the power of the battery module 7 is less than the above-mentioned first predetermined threshold, the controller 11 selects other racks 3 to process goods. Confirming that the power of the battery module 7 is greater than the first predetermined threshold before transportation can ensure that the storage environment in the container 4 is maintained during the movement of the shelf 3 . The first predetermined threshold can be set according to the specific conditions of the warehouse, such as how many shelves, how many workstations are running, etc., or the first predetermined threshold and specific warehouse operation parameters (such as the number of workstations in operation, the number of shelves in operation) can be pre-stored and adjust the first predetermined threshold in real time or periodically according to changes in specific warehouse operation parameters, which not only ensures the maintenance of the storage environment in the container 4 but also maximizes the overall operation efficiency of the warehouse. The corresponding relationship between the first predetermined threshold and the warehouse operation parameter can be set based on experience.

In one embodiment, the controller 11 sends an alarm signal when any of the following conditions are encountered: 1) The controller 11 detects that the power of the battery module 7 is less than the second predetermined threshold, that is, the power of the battery module 7 is too small to be unable to To maintain the storage environment in the container 4, the second predetermined threshold is generally smaller than the first predetermined threshold; 2) the controller 11 confirms that the shelf 3 is moved away from the power supply area 1 for more than the first predetermined time, so that the power greater than the first predetermined threshold will not be stored Continue to maintain the storage environment in the container 4 during the movement of the shelf 3; 3) the controller 11 receives the internal environmental parameters of the container 4 from the sensor of the container 4, and confirms that any of the internal environmental parameters exceeds the preset range. The preset range can be based on The actual storage of goods is set. In other embodiments, the controller may also send an alarm signal under other abnormal conditions, which are not limited to the above three situations.

When the rack 3 does not contain the battery module 7, the controller 11 sends an alarm signal when confirming that the rack 3 is moved away from the power supply area 1 for more than a first predetermined time to ensure that the internal environmental parameters of the container 4 do not deviate too much. In the case where the shelf 3 does not include the battery module 7, in one embodiment, the controller 11 can directly receive the internal environmental parameters of the container 4 from the sensor of the container 4 in real time, and confirm whether any of the internal environmental parameters exceeds the preset range , if it exceeds the preset range, an alarm signal will be issued.

In one embodiment, the controller 11 may issue an alarm signal by means of an indicator light, a buzzer, or by sending alarm information to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or an IPAD of an administrator. In one embodiment, the controller 11 may use any scheduling strategy to ensure that the racks 3 are returned to the power zone 1 within the aforementioned first predetermined time. In one embodiment, a power supply area 1 may be provided on the path of the rack 3 or near a sorting station (eg, a sorting waiting area) to maintain the internal storage environment of the container 4 .

It should be noted that each unit and/or module mentioned in each system embodiment of the present invention is a logical unit and/or module, and physically, a logical unit and/or module may be a physical unit and/or module , can also be part of a physical unit and/or module, or can be implemented in a combination of multiple physical units and/or modules. The physical implementation of these logical units and/or modules themselves is not the most important, these logical units. And/or the combination of functions implemented by the modules is the key to solving the technical problem proposed by the present invention. In addition, in order to highlight the innovative part of the present invention, the above-mentioned system embodiments of the present invention do not introduce units and/or modules that are not closely related to solving the technical problems proposed by the present invention, which does not mean that the above-mentioned system embodiments do not No other units and/or modules are present.

FIG. 7 shows an operation method of a storage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method of operation of FIG. 7 may be implemented with the storage system of FIG. 6 and thus may be described with respect to FIG. 6 . As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, the operation method includes the following steps:

In step 701, when the rack 3 needs to be transported, the controller 11 detects whether the power of the battery modules 7 installed on the rack 3 is less than a first predetermined threshold. If it is greater than the first predetermined threshold, go to step 702; if it is less than the first predetermined threshold, go to step 703. The first predetermined threshold can be set according to the specific conditions of the warehouse, such as how many shelves and how many workstations are in operation, or the relationship between the first predetermined threshold and specific warehouse parameters (such as the number of workstations in operation) can be stored in advance, The first predetermined threshold is adjusted in real time or periodically according to changes in specific warehouse parameters, which not only ensures the maintenance of the storage environment in the container 4 but also maximizes the overall operation efficiency of the warehouse.

In step 702, the controller 11 controls the handling device 8 to move the rack 3 away from the power supply area 1 to process the goods.

Optionally, in step 703, the controller 11 selects other racks 3 to process the goods.

During the warehousing operation, the controller 11 monitors the state of the shelf 3 and issues an alarm signal in the event of an abnormal situation. Figures 8 and 9 show two example alarm flows for the controller 11.

As shown in FIG. 8 , in step 801 , the controller 11 records the time after the transport device 8 moves the rack 3 away from the power supply area 1 , and determines whether the rack 3 is moved away from the power supply area 1 for more than a first predetermined time. If it exceeds the first predetermined time, go to step 802 ; otherwise, continue to judge until the rack 3 returns to the power supply area 1 .

In step 802, the controller 11 sends a first alarm signal.

As shown in FIG. 9 , in step 901 , the controller 11 detects whether the power of the battery module 7 is less than a second predetermined threshold. If it is less than the second predetermined threshold, go to step 902; otherwise, continue to perform power detection.

In step 902, the controller 11 sends a second alarm signal.

In addition to the alarm process shown in FIGS. 8-9 , in one embodiment, the controller 11 can also receive the internal environmental parameters of the container 4 from the sensor of the container 4, and confirm whether any of the internal environmental parameters exceeds the preset range, If it exceeds the preset range, an alarm signal will be issued.

In one embodiment, the controller 11 may issue an alarm signal by means of an indicator light, a buzzer, or by sending alarm information to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or an IPAD of an administrator. In one embodiment, the controller 11 may use any scheduling strategy to ensure that the racks 3 are returned to the power zone 1 within the aforementioned first predetermined time. In one embodiment, a power supply area 1 may be provided on the path of the rack 3 or near a sorting station (eg, a sorting waiting area) to maintain the internal storage environment of the container 4 .

Each of the above-described processes can be used individually as shown above, but it is understood that the above-described processes can also be used in combination in various ways. In particular, certain procedures are also applicable in the case where the battery module 7 is not included.

Each method embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, and the like. Regardless of whether the invention is implemented in software, hardware, or firmware, the instruction code may be stored in any type of computer-accessible memory (eg, permanent or modifiable, volatile or non-volatile, solid-state solid or non-solid, fixed or replaceable media, etc.). Likewise, the memory may be, for example, a programmable array logic (Programmable ArrayLogic, referred to as "PAL"), a random access memory (Random Access Memory, referred to as "RAM"), a programmable read only memory (Programmable Read Only Memory, referred to as "PROM") ), Read-Only Memory (Read-OnlyMemory, referred to as "ROM"), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM, referred to as "EEPROM"), magnetic disk, CD, Digital Versatile Disc (Digital Versatile Disc, referred to as "DVD" ")and many more.

It should be noted that, in the claims and description of this patent, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or Any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations is implied. Moreover, the terms "comprising", "comprising" or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article or device that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes not explicitly listed or other elements inherent to such a process, method, article or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element qualified by the phrase "comprising a" does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article or device that includes the element

All documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in this application as if each document were individually incorporated by reference. In addition, it should be understood that after reading the above teaching content of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims of the present application.

Claims (20)

1. A power supply system of a movable shelf is characterized by comprising the shelf, a container and an external power supply, wherein the shelf is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode, the container is arranged on the shelf, and the power supply input end of the container is connected with the first electrode and the second electrode;

the external power supply is provided with a third electrode and a fourth electrode and is arranged in a power supply area, when the shelf is positioned in the power supply area, the first electrode and the second electrode of the shelf are respectively connected with the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the external power supply, and the container receives power supply of the external power supply through the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein a conductive net is disposed at a predetermined height of the power supply area as a third electrode of the external power supply, and a resilient means is disposed on a top of the shelf as a first electrode of the shelf, the conductive net covering the entire power supply area.

3. The power supply system of claim 2, wherein said resilient means is releasably connected to said conductive mesh to receive power from said external power source when said shelf is positioned within said power supply area,

when the goods shelf is carried out of the power supply area, the elastic device is disconnected from the conductive net, so that the power supply of the external power supply is not received.

4. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of conductive beams are disposed at a predetermined height of the power supply area as a third electrode and/or a fourth electrode of the external power source, and the top of the shelf is disposed with an elastic device as a first electrode and/or a second electrode of the shelf.

5. The power supply system of claim 4, wherein the resilient means is releasably coupled to one of the plurality of conductive beams to receive power from the external power source when the shelf is within the power zone;

when the goods shelf is carried out of the power supply area, the elastic device is disconnected with the conductive cross beams, so that the power supply of the external power supply is not received.

6. The power supply system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the conductive mesh or the plurality of conductive beams includes a power transmission line and a power supply interface, and the power supply interface is disposed on the power transmission line to be connected to the elastic device.

7. Power supply system according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the elastic means comprise an elastic antenna.

8. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein a conductive plate is disposed on the ground of the power supply area as a third electrode of the external power supply, a foot of the shelf is a first electrode of the shelf, and the conductive plate covers the entire power supply area;

when the goods shelf is placed at the power supply area, the feet of the goods shelf are connected with the conductive plate to receive power supply of the external power supply;

when the goods shelf is lifted for carrying, the feet of the goods shelf are not connected with the conductive plates, so that the power supply of the external power supply is not received.

9. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of conductive sheets are arranged on the ground of the power supply area to serve as a third electrode and/or a fourth electrode of the external power supply, and the bottom of the shelf serves as a first electrode and/or a second electrode of the shelf;

when the goods shelf is parked in the power supply area, the foot of the goods shelf is connected with one of the plurality of conductive sheets to receive power supply of the external power supply;

when the goods shelf is lifted for carrying, the feet of the goods shelf are not connected with the plurality of conducting strips, so that the power supply of the external power supply is not received.

10. The power supply system of claim 1, wherein the container is a thermal container.

11. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply area is a warehouse inventory area and/or a sorting waiting area.

12. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 8 to 11, further comprising a battery module mounted on the shelf, wherein an input end of the battery module is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode;

when the shelf is located in the power supply area, the battery module receives charging of the external power supply through the first electrode and the second electrode, and when the shelf is carried away from the power supply area, the battery module supplies power to the container.

13. A warehousing system characterized in that it comprises handling means, a controller and a power supply system of the movable racks according to claim 12, comprising racks, containers, battery modules and an external power source, the racks being parked in a power supply zone provided with the external power source;

the controller is used for detecting whether the electric quantity of the battery module installed on the goods shelf is smaller than a first preset threshold value when the goods shelf needs to be transported, and controlling the transporting device to transport the goods shelf away from the power supply area to process goods if the electric quantity of the battery module is confirmed to be larger than the first preset threshold value.

14. The warehousing system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to record a time after the handling device moves the rack away from the power zone, and the controller is configured to issue a first alarm signal if it is determined that the rack is moved away from the power zone for more than a first predetermined time.

15. The warehousing system of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to detect whether the amount of power of the battery module is less than a second predetermined threshold, and to send a second alarm signal if it is determined that the amount of power of the battery module is less than the second predetermined threshold, wherein the first predetermined threshold is greater than the second predetermined threshold.

16. The warehousing system of any of claims 13-15, characterized in that the handling device is an automated guided vehicle.

17. A method for operating a warehousing system, characterized in that the warehousing system comprises a handling device, a controller and a power supply system of the movable rack according to claim 12, the power supply system comprising a rack, a container, a battery module and an external power supply, the rack being parked in a power supply area provided with the external power supply;

the operation method comprises the following steps:

when the goods shelf needs to be carried, the controller detects whether the electric quantity of the battery module installed on the goods shelf is smaller than a first preset threshold value,

and if the electric quantity of the battery module is confirmed to be larger than the first preset threshold value, the controller controls the carrying device to carry the goods shelf away from the power supply area so as to process goods.

18. The method of operation of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

the controller records time after the carrying device carries the goods shelf away from the power supply area;

and if the goods shelf is confirmed to be moved away from the power supply area for more than a first preset time, the controller sends out a first alarm signal.

19. The method of operation of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

the controller detects whether the electric quantity of the battery module is smaller than a second preset threshold value;

if the electric quantity of the battery module is confirmed to be smaller than the second preset threshold value, the controller sends out a second alarm signal,

wherein the first predetermined threshold is greater than the second predetermined threshold.

20. Operating method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterised in that the handling device is an automated guided vehicle.

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