An item sending and receiving device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an article receiving and dispatching device, comprising: one or more storage compartments for storing articles, each compartment having a first article moving device; and a transfer mechanism for carrying articles to be removed or placed, having a second article moving device. When the transfer mechanism is positioned opposite the storage compartments, the second article moving device cooperates with the first article moving device to move articles from the storage compartments into the transfer mechanism, or vice versa. By providing a simple transmission mechanism, the device can perform a variety of user operations, thereby improving device utilization, avoiding significant manual intervention, facilitating maintenance, and reducing operating costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of self-service equipment, and in particular to an item sending and receiving device. Background Art

[0002] Self-service terminals are typically operated by users following prompts on the device. They create an interactive environment through multimedia databases, providing users with a variety of services, including self-service vending machines, self-service libraries, and other devices with different functions and applications.

[0003] However, existing self-service devices are generally complex, requiring extensive manual intervention and resulting in high operating and maintenance costs. For example, the return mechanism of existing self-service book machines is poor. When users return books, they place them in a recycling bin, which requires additional manual work to sort through the collection and re-shelf. This is primarily due to the complex transmission mechanism, which results in insufficient intelligence.

[0004] Therefore, a simple-structured article receiving and sending device is needed to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an article sending and receiving device with a simple structure, easy to control, and a good transmission mechanism.

[0006] The present invention provides an article receiving and sending device, comprising: one or more storage compartments for storing articles, each storage compartment having a first article moving device; and a transfer mechanism for carrying articles to be taken out or put in, having a second article moving device.

[0007] When the transfer mechanism is opposite to the accommodating compartment, the second article moving device cooperates with the first article moving device to move the article from the accommodating compartment into the transfer mechanism or from the transfer mechanism into the accommodating compartment.

[0008] Preferably, the first article moving device includes a first conveyor belt for moving articles; and / or the second article moving device includes a second conveyor belt for moving articles.

[0009] Preferably, the second article moving device includes a driving mechanism, and when the transfer mechanism is opposite to the containing grid, the driving mechanism drives the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0010] Preferably, when the second article moving device cooperates with the first article moving device, the driving mechanism drives the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt to move synchronously in the same direction.

[0011] Preferably, the second article moving device further comprises a linkage mechanism connected to the driving mechanism, for moving the driving mechanism between the working position and the idle position.

[0012] Preferably, the linkage mechanism includes a driving motor, a connecting rod mechanism and a swing arm structure.

[0013] One end of the connecting rod mechanism is hinged to the swing arm structure, and the swing arm structure is fixedly connected to the driving mechanism. The driving motor pushes the connecting rod mechanism forward or backward along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt, so that the swing arm structure drives the driving mechanism to move between the working position and the idle position.

[0014] Preferably, the linkage mechanism further includes a slide rail arranged along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt and a slider sliding along the slide rail, the other end of the connecting rod mechanism is hinged to the slider, and the driving motor drives the slider to slide along the slide rail.

[0015] Preferably, the driving mechanism includes a driving motor and a driving wheel, and the second object moving device includes a triggering device.

[0016] When the linkage mechanism drives the driving mechanism to move to the working position, the driving wheel contacts the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, and the trigger device triggers the driving motor to work, thereby driving the driving wheel to rotate.

[0017] Preferably, the trigger device includes a pressure spring located inside the connecting rod mechanism. When the pressure spring is compressed to a set position, the trigger device triggers the drive motor to operate, thereby driving the drive wheel to rotate.

[0018] Preferably, the transfer mechanism further comprises a guiding mechanism for preventing the articles from tilting in the transfer mechanism.

[0019] Preferably, the article receiving and sending equipment further comprises: an entrance and exit for taking out or putting in articles; and a conveying mechanism for moving the transfer mechanism between the containing compartment and the entrance and exit.

[0020] Preferably, the conveying mechanism comprises: a vertical conveying module for moving the transfer mechanism in a vertical direction; and / or a horizontal conveying module for moving the transfer mechanism in a horizontal direction.

[0021] Preferably, the vertical transfer module includes a rotating mechanism to enable the vertical transfer module to rotate around a vertical axis.

[0022] Preferably, the article sending and receiving device further comprises: a control unit for controlling the operation of the article sending and receiving device, and in response to a user's request to recycle the first article, the control unit controls the conveying mechanism to move the transfer mechanism to move the first article to an empty storage compartment.

[0023] Preferably, the device further comprises a recycling box, and when there is no vacant storage compartment, in response to a user's request to recycle the first item, the control unit controls the conveying mechanism to move the transfer mechanism to move the second item in one storage compartment to the recycling box.

[0024] Preferably, the device moves the second object in the storage compartment where the second object has been placed for the longest time to a recycling box.

[0025] Preferably, the device further comprises an article identification device for acquiring information of the first article, and the control unit determines whether the first article meets a first predetermined specification, and moves the first article to an empty storage compartment when the first article meets the first predetermined specification.

[0026] Preferably, the device further comprises a label printing device, and the object identification device obtains information of the first object by scanning a label at a predetermined position on the first object.

[0027] When there is no label on the first article or the label does not meet the second predetermined specification, the control unit generates a label for the first article and controls the label printing device to print the label.

[0028] Through the above-mentioned device, by providing a transmission mechanism with a simple structure, the device can complete a variety of user operations, improve the equipment utilization rate, and at the same time avoid a lot of manual intervention in operation, easy maintenance and reduce operating costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally represent like components in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an article receiving and sending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an article receiving and sending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of an article sending and receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of synchronous driving of a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 7 A structural schematic diagram of a vertical transmission module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a book retrieval operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of a book storage operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0040] As described above, in order to make the self-service equipment easy to use and maintain, the present invention provides an item sending and receiving device, which makes the mechanical transmission structure of the device simple and has a better item sending and receiving mechanism.

[0041] The technical solution of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] refer to Figure 1-Figure 2 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a circular structure of an article receiving and sending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a square-shaped article receiving and sending device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] The square and round devices are functionally identical. The main difference lies in the square unit's interior, which features two rows of multi-layered rectangular racks with a central channel. This channel is driven by two synchronized linear guides, one above the other, for lateral movement. The internal channel is wide enough for maintenance personnel to access for basic servicing.

[0044] like Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the device may include one or more receiving compartments 100 for receiving items; and a transfer mechanism 200 for carrying items to be taken out or put in.

[0045] The size of the storage compartment 100 can be customized according to the shape and size of the items to be placed. For example, the device can be a self-service book device, and the storage compartment can be a shelf for placing and fixing books. The size of the shelf can be 4.5CM wide, 30CM high, and 30CM deep, which can accommodate most books. Each shelf can hold one book, which is convenient for positioning the books.

[0046] Figure 3 A partial schematic diagram of an article sending and receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, each storage compartment 100 has a first article moving device 110 , and the transfer mechanism 200 has a second article moving device 210 .

[0048] The first item moving device 110 and the second item moving device 200 may be conveyor belts, rollers, or a push mechanism. When the item moving device is a conveyor belt, each conveyor belt has a drive mechanism that can operate synchronously. However, this drive method requires a large number of drive mechanisms, resulting in resource waste. A single drive mechanism can simultaneously drive both conveyor belts to achieve item displacement. When the item moving device is a roller, multiple rollers can be arranged on an inclined plane that forms a certain angle with the bottom of the storage compartment. When the direction of item movement changes, the angle between the inclined plane and the bottom of the storage compartment changes accordingly. When the item moving device is a push mechanism, a contact or latch can be installed at one end of the storage compartment. The contact or latch can be a rubber strip for securing the item, and an elastic or mechanical push mechanism can be installed at the other end. The push mechanism of the first item moving device moves the item out of the storage compartment, while the push mechanism of the second item moving device moves the item out of the transfer mechanism.

[0049] When the transfer mechanism 200 is opposite to the storage compartment 100 , the second article moving device 210 cooperates with the first article moving device 110 to move articles from the storage compartment 100 into the transfer mechanism 200 or from the transfer mechanism 200 into the storage compartment 100 .

[0050] For example, the transfer mechanism and the conveyor belt at the bottom of the storage compartment are located on the same plane, or the inclined plane where the rollers on the transfer mechanism are located is located on the same plane as the inclined plane where the rollers on the storage compartment are located, so that the first item moving device can cooperate with the second item moving device.

[0051] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of synchronous driving of a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the first article moving device 110 may include a first conveyor belt 111 for moving articles, and the second article moving device 210 may include a second conveyor belt 211 for moving articles. The conveyor belt in each storage compartment is independently detachable for easy maintenance.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the second article moving device 210 may further include a driving mechanism 201 . When the transfer mechanism 200 is opposite to the containing compartment 100 , the driving mechanism 201 drives the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211 .

[0054] like Figure 4 or Figure 5 As shown, the driving mechanism 201 may include a driving motor 301 and a driving wheel 302 .

[0055] For example, the drive mechanism 201 can simultaneously drive the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211 through the friction between the drive wheel 302 and the conveyor belt. Alternatively, the drive mechanism 201 can drive the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211 through other transmission methods such as gear transmission, transmitting power through the engagement of the driving member and the driven member or through the engagement of an intermediate member. The drive mechanism 201 can also be a chain drive, a worm gear drive, or a cam drive mechanism.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, when the second article moving device 210 cooperates with the first article moving device 110 , the driving mechanism 201 drives the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211 to move synchronously in the same direction.

[0057] Belt drive is a synchronous drive used to transmit power or motion, enabling the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211 to maintain synchronous and unidirectional motion. Synchronous belt drive can also be used. Compared with friction belt drive, there is no relative slip between the pulley and the transmission belt, which can ensure a strict transmission ratio.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the second article moving device 210 may further include a linkage mechanism 202 connected to the driving mechanism 201 for moving the driving mechanism 201 between a working position and an idle position.

[0059] For example, when the driving mechanism is in the idle position, the driving motor 301 does not work; when the driving mechanism is in the working position, the driving motor 301 works to drive the driving wheel 302 to rotate.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the linkage mechanism 202 may include a driving motor 311, a connecting rod mechanism 312 and a swing arm structure 313, one end of the connecting rod mechanism 312 and the swing arm structure 313 are hinged, and the swing arm structure 313 is fixedly connected to the driving mechanism 201.

[0061] The driving motor 311 drives the connecting rod mechanism 312 to move forward or backward along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt 211, so that the swing arm structure 313 drives the driving mechanism 201 to move between the working position and the idle position.

[0062] For example, Figure 3As shown, when the push motor 311 pushes the connecting rod mechanism forward along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt 211, the connecting rod mechanism 312 is driven by pressure to drive one end of the swing arm mechanism 313 to move downward, thereby causing the driving mechanism 201 to push up and press the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211. When the push motor 311 pushes the connecting rod mechanism 312 backward along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt 211, the connecting rod mechanism 312 drives one end of the swing arm mechanism 313 to move upward, thereby preventing the driving mechanism 201 from contacting the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the linkage mechanism 202 can also include a slide rail 314 arranged along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt 211 and a slider 315 sliding along the slide rail 314. The other end of the connecting rod mechanism 312 is hinged to the slider 315, and the driving motor 311 pushes the slider 315 to slide along the slide rail 314.

[0064] Figure 5 A structural schematic diagram of a transfer mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the second article moving device 210 includes a trigger device, which may be a pressure spring 316 located inside the link mechanism 312 . When the pressure spring 316 is compressed to a set position, the trigger device triggers the drive motor 301 to operate, thereby driving the drive wheel 302 to rotate.

[0066] For example, under the push of the pushing motor 311, the spring in the connecting rod mechanism 312 is compressed, and the distance between the two ends of the connecting rod mechanism 312 is also compressed during the compression of the spring. When it is compressed to the set position, it means that the driving wheel 302 is pressed on the first conveyor belt 111 or the second conveyor belt 211 by appropriate force, and the pushing motor 311 stops moving at this time.

[0067] When the linkage mechanism 202 drives the driving mechanism 201 to move to the working position, the driving wheel 302 contacts the first conveyor belt 111 and the second conveyor belt 211, and the trigger device triggers the driving motor 301 to work, thereby driving the driving wheel 302 to rotate.

[0068] For example, the drive motor drives the second conveyor belt on the transfer mechanism and the first conveyor belt on the storage compartment to move synchronously in the same direction, causing the items to be moved and exchanged between the transfer mechanism and the storage compartment. After the exchange is completed, the motor is driven to move in the opposite direction to return the slider, connecting rod mechanism, and drive mechanism to their original position along the slide rail.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the transfer mechanism 200 further includes a guide mechanism 212 for preventing the articles from tilting in the transfer mechanism 200 .

[0070] The guiding mechanism 212 may be an elastic guiding plate located on the side wall of the transfer mechanism, and may be one or two.

[0071] like Figure 1-Figure 2 As shown, the device may also include: an entrance and exit 400 for taking out or putting in items; and a conveying mechanism 300 for moving the transfer mechanism 200 between the containing compartment 100 and the entrance and exit 400.

[0072] The entrance and exit can be two independent entrances or combined into one. The entrance and exit can adopt a powered or unpowered structure. When an unpowered structure is adopted, a synchronous transmission structure such as a conveyor belt or roller can be used to cooperate with the driving wheel on the transfer mechanism for synchronous transmission.

[0073] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the conveying mechanism 300 may include: a vertical conveying module 410 for moving the transfer mechanism 200 in a vertical direction; and / or a horizontal conveying module 420 for moving the vertical conveying module 410 in a horizontal direction.

[0075] For example, when the device is a circular structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transmission mechanism includes a vertical transmission module, and does not require a horizontal transmission module. The vertical transmission module can be directly fixed on the central axis of the equipment housing and the load-bearing mechanism. When the equipment is square, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the conveying mechanism requires a horizontal conveying module to fix and horizontally move the vertical conveying module.

[0076] The vertical transfer module 410 includes a rotating mechanism to rotate the vertical transfer module around a vertical axis. Figure 7 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a vertical transmission module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the vertical conveying module 410 may include a slider 412, a rotating shaft 413, a first drive motor 414 and a second drive motor 415. The transfer mechanism 200 is connected to the vertical guide rail 411 through the slider 412. The first drive motor 414 can be a vertical drive motor, which drives the slider 412 to make the transfer mechanism 200 move back and forth in the vertical direction. The second drive motor 415 can be a rotary drive motor, which drives the rotating shaft 413 to make the vertical conveying module as a whole move back and forth in a circular motion between -180 degrees and +180 degrees.

[0077] Under the joint action of the first drive motor 414 and the second drive motor 415 , the transfer mechanism 200 can be shifted to a corresponding position of any accommodating unit of the accommodating grid 100 .

[0078] The horizontal transfer module 420 may include a third driving motor for driving the vertical transfer module to move horizontally.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown, the device may further include: a control unit 500, which is used to control the operation of the item sending and receiving device.

[0080] The control unit can be a computer-controlled system, including a hardware control system, accompanying system control software, and a network transmission system. It can be connected to a central database via a network or connected in parallel via multiple groups within an internal local area network. The hardware control system and accompanying software system can control the operation of the equipment according to on-site operating instructions or remote control instructions. The network transmission system can process and transmit data and remote instructions through a communication interface, sending information about items and users within the equipment to a remote server. It can also be used for operations such as remote fault reporting and remote reset and restart.

[0081] In response to the user's request to reclaim the first object, the control unit 500 controls the conveying mechanism 300 to move the transfer mechanism 200 to move the first object to an empty receiving compartment 100 .

[0082] For example, in a self-service library, the control unit records book shelf information, prioritizes books, and places them in different locations based on their priority. It also records the book's location and shelf time. The control unit controls the opening and closing of entrance and exit doors, as well as the coordinated operation of the conveyor and transfer mechanisms. The coordinated operation of sensors enables the movement and entry and exit of books.

[0083] When the book retrieval instruction is issued, the transmission mechanism moves the transfer mechanism to the storage compartment where the book is located according to the system instruction. When the transfer mechanism is facing the storage compartment of the book to be taken out, the driving wheel of the transfer mechanism drives the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt to move the book from the storage compartment to the transfer mechanism. The transmission mechanism and the transfer mechanism deliver the book to the position corresponding to the book entrance and exit. The entrance and exit doors open and the book is sent out of the entrance and exit, thereby completing the book retrieval instruction. At the same time, the system leaves the original book storage compartment empty and transmits the book retrieval information and corresponding user information back to the background database through the network transmission system.

[0084] The article sending and receiving device also includes a recycling box 600. When there is no vacant storage compartment, in response to the user's request to recycle the first article, the control unit 500 controls the transmission mechanism 300 to move the transfer mechanism 200 to move the second article in a storage compartment to the recycling box 600.

[0085] The second object in the storage compartment where the second object has been placed for the longest time is moved to the return box 600 .

[0086] For example, in self-service book collection systems, the recycling bin has two functions. One is for collecting books that have been removed from the shelves. When the bin is full and there are requests to deposit books from the system, the system automatically removes the books that have been on the shelf the longest and places them on the shelves. This function automatically assesses the frequency of book placement—that is, user preferences—and removes unpopular books. It can also be used to remove books in batches. The backend system can use statistical data to remove books with low access frequency or that meet certain requirements.

[0087] Another function is to store books outside the system, meaning those that don't have a pre-existing authentication system. A device can have more than one recycling bin, each categorized into two groups: one for books within the system and another for books outside the system. When the system indicates a bin is full, operations and maintenance personnel can remove the books from the bin for sorting and disposal.

[0088] Therefore, each book returned by a user does not need to be manually processed and rearranged on the shelves. This device can improve equipment utilization and significantly reduce unnecessary operation and maintenance work.

[0089] The device further includes an object identification device 700 for obtaining information about the first object. The object identification device 700 obtains the information about the first object by scanning a tag at a predetermined position on the first object.

[0090] For example, the information of the first item may be an information tag authenticated by the system, which may be a barcode, a QR code, or other forms of identification codes, and the item identification device may be an image recognition scanner for identifying these tags.

[0091] The control unit 500 determines whether the first object meets a first predetermined specification, and moves the first object to an empty storage compartment when the first object meets the first predetermined specification.

[0092] For example, in a self-service library device, the first predefined requirement might be that books placed in the device must be placed into a book access opening in a specified orientation, spine facing outward. An image recognition scanner, located at a fixed location within the access opening, verifies the book's information and simultaneously locates the book. If a book is placed into the access opening in an orientation that doesn't meet the specified requirements, the image recognition scanner will be unable to scan the book's information tag. The system will prompt the user to place the book in the specified orientation until the information is confirmed, at which point the book will be moved to an available storage compartment or placed in a recycling bin.

[0093] The apparatus further includes a label printing device 800. When there is no label on the first article or the label does not meet the second predetermined specification, the control unit 500 generates a label for the first article and controls the label printing device to print the label.

[0094] For example, the second predefined requirement could be that when a user deposits a book outside the system, they must first authenticate themselves using an image scanner. The label printing device can print a user information label. The user follows the system's instructions and affixes the label to the designated location on the book. The location of the label should correspond to the location of the image scanner. After authentication, the device moves the book outside the system into a recycling bin and transmits the information back to the backend database.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the device also includes a touchscreen display as a human-machine interface. Multiple screens can be used to display different information, facilitating simultaneous service for multiple users. Users and device administrators can view item information and shelf locations on the screen, as well as issue access instructions. Furthermore, device administrators can use the screen to remove items from shelves in batches, placing them in a recycling bin.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the device also includes a transfer mechanism sensor, which may be composed of a camera switch for sensing whether the item is on the transfer mechanism, and an import and export sensor for sensing the entry and exit of the item, which may be composed of two internal and external camera sensing switches.

[0097] The following will take a self-service library device as an example to describe the method of using the device to store and retrieve items. Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a book retrieval operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0098] like Figure 8As shown, in step S800, user identity authentication is performed. The self-service library device may include a card reader and an image recognition sensor. Users can authenticate their identity by inserting a library card into the card reader slot, or by using the image recognition sensor to recognize the user's mobile phone QR code. Only after authentication can the user issue a book retrieval instruction. In step S810, the shelf number is entered. The user issues a book retrieval instruction by entering the shelf number of the book to be retrieved. For example, shelf numbers are marked on the shelves. Users can use the device's touchscreen display to view and borrow books on the shelf by selecting the shelf number. They can also search for books on the shelf using the touchscreen display or remotely pre-borrow books using their mobile phone. Steps S820-S850 are coordinated and completed by the transfer rack, conveyor mechanism, shelves, and book access under the control of the control unit. In step S820, the transfer rack moves to the corresponding shelf. For example, upon receiving the user's book retrieval instruction, the control unit controls the conveyor mechanism to move the transfer rack to the shelf where the book to be retrieved is located. In step S830, the book is moved from the shelf to the transfer rack. The shifting of books can be accomplished by cooperating with the item moving device on the transfer mechanism and the item moving device on the book shelf. In step S840, the transfer rack is shifted to the entrance and exit position. The transfer rack is moved to the entrance and exit position by the conveying mechanism. In step S850, the entrance and exit doors are opened, and the books are moved from the transfer rack to the exit. In step S860, the on-shelf data of the removed books is cleared and the data is uploaded to the remote cloud. This completes the user's book retrieval operation.

[0099] Figure 9 FIG1 shows a schematic flow chart of a book storage operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, user book deposit instructions can be categorized as depositing books within the system or depositing books outside the system. Books outside the system refer to user-owned books that do not have pre-existing authentication within the system. If a user deposits a book within the system, in step S900, the book label information is scanned and verified. This information can be verified using an image recognition scanner. If the book is placed into the book entrance and exit in an orientation that does not conform to regulations, the book information cannot be scanned. The touchscreen display prompts the user to place the book in the specified orientation to complete book information verification. The door to the book entrance and exit is opened only after the book information is confirmed. In step S910, the book shelves are checked for vacancies. If vacancies are available, the book is moved to a vacant shelf. If not, the book with the longest shelf life is moved to a recycling bin. Moving books to vacant shelves and / or moving books with the longest shelf life to the recycling bin requires coordinated actions by the conveyor mechanism, transfer rack, and book shelves, all under the control of a control unit. In step S920, the information about the deposited book is recorded and the data is uploaded to the cloud.

[0100] Alternatively, if a user deposits a book outside the system, user identity authentication is performed in step S901. The user can insert a library card into the card slot of the card reader to perform user identity authentication, or the user's mobile phone user's QR code can be recognized by the image recognition sensor to perform identity authentication. In step S902, the user information label is printed. The user information label can be printed by a label printer and can be a generated QR code, barcode, or other form of identifiable label. In step S903, the user affixes the label to the specified location. For example, the user can follow the prompts on the touch screen or the voice prompts on the device to affix the user information label to the specified location of the book, and then place the book in the corresponding position of the book entrance with the spine facing outward in the specified direction, so that the position of the user information label corresponds to the corresponding position of the image recognition sensor. In step S904, the book label information is scanned and verified. In step S905, the deposited book outside the system is moved to the recycling bin, and the data is uploaded to the remote cloud to complete the book deposit operation.

[0101] The device can also be equipped with multiple functional modules, such as monitoring, voice services, advertising, and fault detection and warning modules, making it more intelligent and user-friendly. By integrating internet and IoT technologies, it can timely transmit borrowing and returning information and the location of books on the shelves to the backend, allowing the backend to check the shelf status and remove books in batches on-site or remotely.

[0102] This device can operate in multiple modes, including self-service borrowing and returning books, self-service book exchange, unmanned book vending, book rentals, remote access, and book sharing. By integrating internet and IoT technologies, it can be connected to a central database to form a large- and medium-sized library system. This device's structure and functionality are also suitable for other products that fit into the shelf.

[0103] In self-service vending machines, different priorities can be set for site and shelf locations. The turnover period of different goods can be calculated through big data comparison. Priorities are calculated based on the goods' profit margin, shelf life, and expiration date. This intelligently determines product placement based on the products being promoted and the sensitivity of different products to site and shelf locations. Expired items can be automatically removed from shelves, and items with relatively short remaining expiration dates can be relocated to locations easily visible to customers. Promotional items can be arranged in the backend, and intelligent robots, carts, and other related devices can be controlled through the backend system to automatically optimize product placement, thereby improving product turnover, increasing sales, and reducing unnecessary waste.

[0104] The article receiving and sending device and the method for storing and retrieving articles using the same according to the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0105] Through the above-mentioned device, by providing a transmission mechanism with a simple structure, the device can complete a variety of user operations, improve the equipment utilization rate, and at the same time avoid a lot of manual intervention in operation, easy maintenance and reduce operating costs.

[0106] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both.

[0107] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings show the possible implementation architecture, functions and operations of the systems and methods according to multiple embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, program segment or part of code, and the part of the module, program segment or code contains one or more executable instructions for realizing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in a different order than that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive boxes can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0108] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, non-exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or improvements to existing technologies, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An article sending and receiving device, characterized in that: include: One or more storage compartments for storing articles, each of the storage compartments having a first article moving device; as well as The transfer mechanism is used to carry the items to be taken out or put in, and has a second item moving device. When the transfer mechanism is opposite to the storage compartment, the second article moving device cooperates with the first article moving device to move the article from the storage compartment into the transfer mechanism or from the transfer mechanism into the storage compartment. The first article moving device includes a first conveyor belt for moving the articles. The second article moving device includes a second conveyor belt for moving the articles. The second article moving device includes a driving mechanism. When the second article moving device cooperates with the first article moving device, the driving mechanism drives the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt to move synchronously in the same direction. The second article moving device also includes a linkage mechanism, which is connected to the driving mechanism and is used to move the driving mechanism between a working position and an idle position. The driving mechanism pushes up and presses the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt in the working position, and the driving mechanism does not contact the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt in the idle position.

2. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage mechanism includes a driving motor, a connecting rod mechanism and a swing arm structure. One end of the connecting rod mechanism is hinged to the swing arm structure, and the swing arm structure is fixedly connected to the driving mechanism. The pushing motor pushes the connecting rod mechanism forward or backward along the traveling direction of the second conveyor belt, so that the swing arm structure drives the driving mechanism to move between the working position and the idle position.

3. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linkage mechanism further includes a slide rail provided along the travel direction of the second conveyor belt and a slider sliding along the slide rail, and the other end of the link mechanism is hinged to the slider. The pushing motor pushes the sliding block to slide along the sliding rail.

4. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a driving motor and a driving wheel. The second object moving device includes a trigger device, When the linkage mechanism drives the driving mechanism to move to the working position, the driving wheel contacts the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, and the trigger device triggers the driving motor to operate, so as to drive the driving wheel to rotate.

5. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The trigger device includes a pressure spring located inside the connecting rod mechanism, When the pressure spring is compressed to a set position, the trigger device triggers the drive motor to operate, so as to drive the drive wheel to rotate.

6. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer mechanism also includes: The guiding mechanism is used to prevent the articles from tilting in the transfer mechanism.

7. The article sending and receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Entrance and exit, used to take out or put in items; as well as A conveying mechanism is used to move the transfer mechanism between the containing compartment and the entrance and exit.

8. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism comprises: A vertical transfer module for moving the transfer mechanism in a vertical direction; and / or The horizontal transmission module is used to move the transfer mechanism horizontally.

9. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The vertical conveying module includes a rotating mechanism to rotate the vertical conveying module around a vertical axis.

10. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also includes: A control unit, used to control the operation of the item sending and receiving device, In response to a user's request to reclaim the first article, the control unit controls the conveying mechanism to move the transfer mechanism to move the first article to an empty storage compartment.

11. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 10, characterized in that: Also includes recycling bins, When there is no free storage compartment, in response to a user's request to recycle the first article, the control unit controls the conveying mechanism to move the transfer mechanism to move the second article in one storage compartment to the recycle box.

12. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second item in the storage space where the second item has been placed for the longest time is moved to the recycling box.

13. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 10, characterized in that: Also includes: an object identification device, configured to obtain information about the first object, The control unit determines whether the first object meets a first predetermined specification, and moves the first object to the empty storage compartment when the first object meets the first predetermined specification.

14. The article sending and receiving device according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes a label printing device, The object identification device obtains information about the first object by scanning a tag at a predetermined position on the first object. When the first article does not have the label or the label does not meet a second predetermined specification, the control unit generates a label for the first article and controls the label printing device to print the label.

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