Parcel sorting system and parcel sorting method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of parcel sorting technology, and particularly to a parcel sorting system and method. The parcel sorting system provided by this invention includes a sorting device for sorting parcels and a collecting device for collecting parcels sorted by the sorting device. The sorting device is located above the collecting device and has multiple drop-off ports. The collecting device includes multiple receiving devices corresponding to the drop-off ports. Parcels sorted by the sorting device fall from each drop-off port to the corresponding receiving device. In this invention, at least the sorting device no longer occupies floor space; therefore, it can effectively reduce the floor area occupied by the parcel sorting system, reduce the constraint of warehouse floor space size on the scale of the parcel sorting system, and improve the scalability of the parcel sorting system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of parcel sorting technology, and in particular to a parcel sorting system and parcel sorting method. Background Technology

[0002] Parcel sorting is a crucial part of the delivery process. It involves using sorting devices to group parcels destined for different locations and distribute them to various collection points, enabling the unified collection, storage, and transportation of parcels destined for the same destination. Parcel sorting efficiency significantly impacts the speed of the entire delivery process.

[0003] In existing technologies, parcel sorting is typically performed on cross-belt sorters. Cross-belt sorters utilize traversing carts positioned on a circular conveyor line to transport parcels to transfer containers located outside the conveyor line, thus achieving parcel sorting. Once the transfer containers are full, they are then transported to a buffer area.

[0004] Since the circular conveyor line and transfer containers of the cross-belt sorter are all located on the ground, it occupies a large area. Given a fixed amount of warehouse floor space, its scalability is poor, making it difficult to meet the needs of larger-scale and higher-efficiency sorting.

[0005] In addition, existing cross-belt sorting machines still require a significant amount of manual labor and are difficult to automate the sorting process. In particular, during the package feeding stage, all packages still need to be manually separated and the barcodes need to face upwards. Furthermore, the full transfer containers also need to be manually transported to the buffer area. This not only increases labor costs and the labor intensity of workers, but also restricts sorting efficiency and results in a high error rate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to reduce the footprint of the parcel sorting system and improve its scalability.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a parcel sorting system, which includes a sorting device for sorting parcels and a collection device for collecting parcels sorted by the sorting device. The sorting device is located above the collection device and has multiple drop ports. The collection device includes multiple receiving devices correspondingly arranged below the drop ports. Parcels sorted by the sorting device fall from each drop port to the corresponding receiving device.

[0008] Optionally, the parcel sorting system also includes a guiding device, which is located between the sorting device and the collecting device and is used to guide the parcels sorted by the sorting device from each drop port to the corresponding receiving device.

[0009] Optionally, the guiding device includes multiple chutes, each chute corresponding to a multiple unloading port, with each chute extending from its unloading port to its corresponding receiving device.

[0010] Optionally, the sorting device also includes an information acquisition device and a parcel sorting and transportation device. The information acquisition device is used to acquire parcel information of the parcels to be sorted, including destination information. The parcel sorting and transportation device sorts the parcels according to the parcel information acquired by the information acquisition device and transports the sorted parcels to the drop-off port corresponding to the parcel information.

[0011] Optionally, the information acquisition device includes a photo recognition device, which acquires the destination information of the package to be sorted by taking a picture of the barcode of the package.

[0012] Optionally, the photo recognition device can take pictures of each surface of the package to be sorted.

[0013] Optionally, the sorting device also includes an anomaly handling unit, where packages for which the destination information has not been successfully obtained by the information acquisition device are transported to the anomaly handling unit.

[0014] Optionally, the package information acquired by the information acquisition device may also include the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted.

[0015] Optionally, the information acquisition device includes a vision acquisition device that acquires the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted.

[0016] Optionally, the package information acquired by the information acquisition device also includes the size information of the packages to be sorted. The package sorting system determines whether the packages falling from the drop port to the receiving device have filled the receiving device based on the size information of the packages to be sorted.

[0017] Optionally, the parcel picking and transport device includes a parcel grabbing mechanism and a parcel transport mechanism. The parcel grabbing mechanism grabs parcels based on parcel information obtained by the information acquisition device, and the parcel transport mechanism transports the parcels grabbed by the parcel grabbing mechanism to the drop-off port corresponding to the parcel information.

[0018] Optionally, the package information acquired by the information acquisition device may also include the size information of the package to be sorted and / or its spatial location information before being sorted, and the package grabbing mechanism grabs the package based on the size information and / or spatial location information of the package to be sorted.

[0019] Optionally, the photo recognition device of the information acquisition device includes multiple cameras, which are respectively set in front of, behind, to the left, to the right, above and below the movement path of the package grasping mechanism, and are used to take pictures of each surface of the package to be sorted to obtain the barcode on the package to be sorted, so as to obtain the destination information of the package to be sorted.

[0020] Optionally, the parcel sorting system also includes a transfer unit for transporting fully loaded receiving units away.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a parcel sorting method using the parcel sorting system of the present invention, comprising:

[0022] Pre-determine the correspondence between different destinations and various cargo drop-off points;

[0023] Packages are sorted using sorting devices;

[0024] The sorted packages are dropped from the loading port to the corresponding receiving device.

[0025] Optionally, sorting packages using a sorting device includes:

[0026] The parcel picking and transport device of the sorting unit picks the parcels and uses a photo recognition device to take pictures of the barcodes of the parcels to obtain the destination information of the parcels to be sorted.

[0027] The parcel picking and transport device is used to transport the picked parcels to the drop-off point corresponding to the destination information obtained by the photo recognition device.

[0028] Optionally, taking a picture of the barcode on the package using a photo recognition device includes:

[0029] The package is photographed using a photo recognition device to obtain its barcode.

[0030] Optionally, the parcel picking and transporting device using the sorting unit includes:

[0031] Use visual acquisition devices to obtain the size information and / or spatial location information of packages to be sorted;

[0032] The parcel picking and transport device picks parcels based on the size information and / or spatial location information obtained by the vision acquisition device.

[0033] Optionally, after the parcel falls from the drop-off point to the corresponding receiving device, the parcel sorting method further includes:

[0034] The fully loaded receiving device is transported away using a transfer device.

[0035] Optionally, the parcel sorting method may also include: […]

[0036] Based on the size information of the packages loaded in the receiving device, determine whether the receiving device is fully loaded.

[0037] In this invention, the sorting device and the collection device of the parcel sorting system are arranged in layers, one above the other. Since the sorting device no longer occupies ground space, the floor area of ​​the parcel sorting system can be effectively reduced, the limitation of warehouse floor space size on the scale of the parcel sorting system can be reduced, and the scalability of the parcel sorting system can be improved.

[0038] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of a parcel sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A simplified top view of the sorting device.

[0042] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 The diagram shows the coordination between the transfer device and the buffer device in the package sorting system.

[0043] In the picture:

[0044] 1. Sorting device; 2. Guiding device; 3. Collection device; 4. Transfer device; 5. Buffer device;

[0045] 10. Support platform; 11. Package feeding platform; 12. Visual acquisition device; 13. Package gripping mechanism; 14. Photo recognition device; 141. Camera; 15. Package transportation mechanism; 16. Drop-off port;

[0046] 21. Slide groove;

[0047] 31. Support frame; 32. Receiving device. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0052] Figure 1-3 An embodiment of the parcel sorting system of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 1-3 The parcel sorting system provided by the present invention includes a sorting device 1 for sorting parcels and a collection device 3 for collecting parcels sorted by the sorting device 1. The sorting device 1 is located above the collection device 3 and has multiple drop ports 16. The collection device 3 includes multiple receiving devices 32 correspondingly arranged below the drop ports 16. Parcels sorted by the sorting device 1 fall from each drop port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32.

[0053] By arranging the sorting device 1 and the collection device 3 of the parcel sorting system in a vertically layered manner, the sorting device 1 no longer needs to occupy ground space. Therefore, it can effectively reduce the floor area of ​​the parcel sorting system, reduce the constraint of warehouse floor space size on the scale of the parcel sorting system, and help improve the scalability of the parcel sorting system.

[0054] In this invention, the sorting device 1 may further include an information acquisition device and a package picking and transporting device. The information acquisition device acquires package information, including destination information, of the packages to be sorted. The package picking and transporting device sorts the packages according to the package information acquired by the information acquisition device and transports the sorted packages to the corresponding drop-off point 16. Through the cooperation of the information acquisition device and the package picking and transporting device, the sorting device 1 can more accurately and efficiently transport packages to different drop-off points 16, thereby accelerating the sorting speed and improving sorting accuracy.

[0055] To acquire destination information, the information acquisition device can be implemented in various ways. One such method includes a photographic recognition device 14, which acquires the destination information of the packages to be sorted by photographing their barcodes. Using the photographic recognition device 14 to photograph the barcodes of the packages to be sorted allows for rapid and accurate acquisition of destination information, facilitating more accurate and efficient delivery of sorted packages to the corresponding drop-off point 16 by the package picking and transport device.

[0056] Since the barcode on each package is typically only located on one surface in a fixed position, and during sorting, the surface with the barcode may not be in an easily accessible position for photographing, the photo recognition device 14 can be configured to photograph each surface of the package to be sorted to improve the success rate of capturing the package barcode. This way, regardless of the package's actual position during the photographing process, the surface with the barcode will be captured by the photo recognition device 14, effectively increasing the success rate of barcode capture. During operation, the photo recognition device 14 can photograph each surface of the package sequentially, stopping photographing other surfaces once a barcode is captured, or it can photograph all surfaces simultaneously and then select the image of the surface with the barcode later.

[0057] In actual operation, due to various reasons such as the barcode not being successfully affixed to the package or the barcode falling off in the early stages, the information acquisition device may ultimately fail to obtain the destination information of the package to be sorted. In order to strengthen the supervision and handling of this situation, in this invention, the sorting device 1 may further include an anomaly handling unit. The anomaly handling unit is used to receive packages whose destination information has not been successfully obtained by the information acquisition device. That is, packages whose destination information has not been successfully obtained by the information acquisition device can be transported to the anomaly handling unit for further processing.

[0058] Furthermore, in this invention, the package information acquired by the information acquisition device may further include the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted. That is, the information acquisition device of this invention may be further configured to acquire the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted. For example, the vision acquisition device 12 can be used to acquire the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted. Based on this, the package picking and transport device can more accurately and efficiently separate the target package from other packages to be sorted, which is beneficial to further improve sorting efficiency. Moreover, the size information of the packages to be sorted can also be used as a basis for judging whether the receiving device 32 is fully loaded. During operation, the package sorting system can determine whether the packages falling from the drop port 16 to the receiving device 32 have filled the receiving device 32 based on the size information of the packages to be sorted, so that the fully loaded receiving device 32 can be transported away and replaced with another receiving device 32 to continue receiving packages falling from the drop port 16, thereby speeding up the production cycle.

[0059] In order to enable packages to fall more accurately and quickly from the drop port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32, the package sorting system in this invention may also include a guiding device 2. The guiding device 2 is located between the sorting device 1 and the collecting device 3 and is used to guide the packages sorted by the sorting device 1 from each drop port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32. Based on this, the sorted packages can be guided more accurately and efficiently from the drop port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32 under the guidance of the guiding device 2. Compared with the case where the package falls directly from the drop port 16 without the guiding device 2, it can effectively prevent the package from deviating from the predetermined trajectory due to interference from external environmental factors such as wind and failing to reach the receiving device 32. This can improve the package collection efficiency and reliability, and is conducive to further improving the package sorting efficiency. In addition, it also means that the receiving device 32 does not have to be strictly arranged directly below the drop port 16, which can reduce the requirements for the relative arrangement of the receiving device 32 and the drop port 16. This not only helps to reduce the design and processing costs of the package sorting system, but also facilitates the flexible arrangement of more receiving devices 32, which is conducive to further accelerating the operation cycle of the package sorting system.

[0060] The following is combined with Figure 1-3 The embodiments shown are used to further illustrate the present invention.

[0061] like Figure 1-3As shown, in this embodiment, the package sorting system includes a sorting device 1, a guiding device 2, a collecting device 3, a transfer device 4, and a buffer device 5. Packages flow sequentially between the sorting device 1, the guiding device 2, the collecting device 3, the transfer device 4, and the buffer device 5. Specifically, the sorting device 1 is used to sort packages; the collecting device 3 is used to collect packages sorted by the sorting device 1; the buffer device 5 is used to receive and buffer the packages collected by the collecting device 3 for subsequent transportation to different destinations; the guiding device 2 is used to guide the sorted packages to the collecting device 3; and the transfer device 4 is used to transport packages from the collecting device 3 to the buffer device 5.

[0062] Depend on Figure 1 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the sorting device 1, the collecting device 3, and the buffer device 5 are arranged in layers, one above the other. Specifically, the collecting device 3 and the buffer device 5 are both located on the ground, while the sorting device 1 is arranged above the collecting device 3.

[0063] Because the sorting device 1 in this embodiment is mounted on an elevated platform, it no longer occupies floor space. From one perspective, this allows the floor space that would otherwise have been reserved for the sorting device 1 to be used for other equipment, enabling more efficient use of floor space without affecting the functionality of the parcel sorting system. Furthermore, when more receiving devices 32 and / or transfer devices 4 are arranged within the available floor space, it further accelerates the pace of parcel collection and / or transfer, improving the efficiency of the parcel sorting system. From another perspective, this also effectively reduces the floor space occupied by the parcel sorting system, lessening the constraint of warehouse floor space size on the scale of the parcel sorting system. This makes the parcel sorting system highly scalable, allowing for convenient expansion based on actual capacity requirements without increasing the floor space, thereby improving sorting efficiency. For example, sorting efficiency can be improved by increasing the number of layers of the sorting device 1. Specifically, to improve sorting efficiency, this embodiment can have two or more layers of sorting devices 1 above the receiving device 1, resulting in a parcel sorting system comprising at least two layers of sorting devices 1.

[0064] The following sections will explain each part separately.

[0065] First, regarding the combination Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sorting device 1 will be described.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the sorting device 1 includes a support platform 10, a package feeding platform 11, an information acquisition device, a package picking and transport device, and a loading port 16. The information acquisition device includes a visual acquisition device 12 and a photo recognition device 14. The package picking and transport device includes a package gripping mechanism 13 and a package transport mechanism 15.

[0067] The support platform 10 provides support for other structural components of the sorting device 1, such as the package feeding station 11 and the package picking and transport device. The package feeding station 11, information acquisition device, package picking and transport device, and loading dock 16 are all mounted on and supported by the support platform 10. The support platform 10 can be supported on the ground by columns or the like, or it can be suspended from the roof of the warehouse, further reducing the space occupied by the sorting device 1. Alternatively, the support platform 10 can be made of metal (e.g., steel plate), or it can be made of reinforced concrete or other structural forms.

[0068] A parcel feeding station 11 is mounted on the support platform 10 and is used to store parcels awaiting sorting. Parcels awaiting sorting can be transported to the feeding station 11 by a transport device for picking by the parcel picking transport device. Figure 2 As can be seen, the parcel feeding platform 11 is arranged on one side of the support platform 10. In this way, the unloading port 16 and the parcel picking and transport device can be arranged more centrally on the other side of the support platform 10, so that the parcel picking and transport device only needs to move on one side of the parcel feeding platform 11 to realize parcel sorting and delivery, shorten the movement path of the parcel picking and transport device, and improve sorting efficiency.

[0069] Multiple drop-off ports 16 are located on the support platform 10 and are relatively concentrated on one side of the package supply station 11. Packages sorted by the package picking and transport device fall from each drop-off port 16 to the collection device 3. Each drop-off port 16 can correspond to a different destination, which facilitates the efficient and differentiated delivery of packages that need to be delivered to different destinations to the collection device 3.

[0070] The parcel picking and transport device is used to pick parcels from the parcel feeding station 11 and transport parcels to different destinations to different drop-off points 16. Specifically, the parcel gripping mechanism 13 is used to grip the parcels; the parcel transport mechanism 15 is used to transport the parcels gripped by the parcel gripping mechanism 13 to the drop-off point 16. Figure 2 As shown, the parcel gripping mechanism 13 in this embodiment includes a multi-axis robot, which is arranged on one side of the parcel feeding platform 11 and on the same side as the delivery port 16. Using a multi-axis robot allows for the automatic gripping of multiple parcels at once, resulting in high picking efficiency. The multi-axis robot can also conveniently and automatically place parcels onto the parcel transport mechanism 15. The parcel transport mechanism 15 in this embodiment includes transfer robots. Multiple transfer robots are arranged on the support platform 10 to receive parcels transferred by the multi-axis robot and transport them to the corresponding delivery port 16 for delivery. After completing parcel delivery, the transfer robots can be automatically assigned to a specific parcel feeding platform 11 to prepare for the next sorting task.

[0071] The information acquisition device is used to acquire package information as a basis for the package picking and transportation device to sort different packages. Among them, the visual acquisition device 12 is used to acquire information such as the size and spatial location information of the packages to be sorted, and transmit the corresponding information to the package gripping mechanism 13, so that the package gripping mechanism 13 can grasp the packages according to the package information (specifically the size and spatial location information) acquired by the information acquisition device; while the photo recognition device 14 is used to acquire the destination information of the packages to be sorted, and transmit the corresponding information to the package transportation mechanism 15, so that the package transportation mechanism 15 can transport the packages grasped by the package gripping mechanism 13 to the unloading port 16 corresponding to the package information (specifically the destination information).

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the visual acquisition device 12 is arranged on one side and above the package feeding platform 1. Based on the principle of visual acquisition technology, it can acquire the size information and spatial position information of the packages to be sorted. Specifically, the visual acquisition device 12 may include a binocular camera to scan each package to be sorted, calculate and determine the three-dimensional coordinates and size parameters of each package on the package feeding platform 11, and transmit the corresponding information to the package gripping mechanism 13. The package gripping mechanism 13 distinguishes different packages on the package feeding platform 11 and executes corresponding gripping strategies according to the size and position of different packages, thus completing the picking action more efficiently. Among them, for packages in different spatial positions, the package gripping mechanism 13 can design corresponding movement paths and automatically reach the corresponding spatial positions along the designed movement paths; and for packages with different sizes, the package gripping mechanism 13 can control the opening and closing size of the gripping part to stably and reliably grip the packages and prevent the packages from falling due to excessive or insufficient opening and closing. Of course, the package gripping mechanism 13 can also grip the packages based on only one of size and spatial position.

[0073] The photo recognition device 14 obtains barcodes by taking pictures of each surface of the package to be sorted, thereby acquiring the destination information of the package. To achieve the goal of taking pictures of each surface, the photo recognition device 14 may include multiple cameras 141 arranged in various directions, with each camera responsible for taking pictures of one surface of the package, thus achieving the goal of taking pictures of each surface of the package; alternatively, the photo recognition device 14 may only include a camera 141 arranged in one direction, and the package gripping mechanism 13 rotates the gripped package during the photo taking process, so that each surface of the package faces the camera 141 one by one, thereby achieving the goal of taking pictures of each surface of the package.

[0074] Specifically, by Figure 2As can be seen, in this embodiment, the photo recognition device 14 includes multiple cameras 141, which are respectively positioned in front of, behind, to the left, to the right, above, and below the movement path of the package gripping mechanism 13. These cameras are used to take pictures of each surface of the package to be sorted to obtain the barcode on the package, thereby acquiring the destination information of the package. Thus, during the process of the package gripping mechanism 13 gripping the package and placing it on the package transport mechanism 15, the photo recognition device 14 can take pictures of the package from six sides, recognize the barcode, and obtain the destination information with a high success rate. Furthermore, the package gripping mechanism 13 does not need to rotate the package, making the operation relatively simple. More specifically, in this embodiment, the photo recognition device 14 can first use the camera 141 positioned above to photograph the package during the barcode acquisition process. If the surface of the package with the barcode is facing upwards, the barcode can be directly captured, obtaining the destination information. In this case, it is unnecessary for other cameras 141 to photograph other surfaces of the package subsequently. If the camera 141 fails to capture the barcode, other cameras 141 can continue to photograph the remaining surfaces of the package until the barcode is obtained. After obtaining the destination information, the photo recognition device 14 transmits the destination information to the package transport mechanism 15 carrying the corresponding package, enabling the package transport mechanism 15 to automatically navigate to the corresponding drop-off point 16 for package delivery.

[0075] When the sorting device 1 in this embodiment is working, the visual acquisition device 12 acquires the size information and spatial location information of the package and transmits it to the package gripping mechanism 13. The package gripping mechanism 13 automatically grips the package from the feeding platform 11 according to the size information and spatial location information transmitted by the visual acquisition device 12 and automatically places the package on the package transport mechanism 15. During the process of the package gripping mechanism 13 placing the package on the package transport mechanism 15, the photo recognition device 14 automatically takes a picture of the package, obtains the barcode information, and transmits the barcode information to the package transport mechanism 15. After receiving the package, the package transport mechanism 15 can automatically transport the package to the corresponding delivery port 16 for delivery according to the destination information. Thus, one package sorting process is completed.

[0076] As can be seen, the sorting device in this embodiment, based on the cooperation of the visual acquisition device 12, the package gripping mechanism 13, the photo recognition device 14, and the package transportation mechanism 15, can realize an automated package sorting process with less human intervention, higher efficiency, and lower error rate.

[0077] Next, combine Figure 1 The collecting device 3 and the guiding device 2 will be described.

[0078] like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the collection device 3 is arranged on the ground and located below the sorting device 1, and includes multiple supports 31 and multiple receiving devices 32. The guiding device 2 is arranged between the collection device 3 and the sorting device 1, and includes multiple chutes 21.

[0079] Depend on Figure 1 It can be seen that each bracket 31 is set up in a one-to-one correspondence with each receiving port 16, and each bracket 31 is equipped with a receiving device 32. Each chute 21 is set up in a one-to-one correspondence with each dropping port 16, and each chute 21 extends from each dropping port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32 to guide the packages of each dropping port 16 to the receiving device 32.

[0080] Because of the guiding device 2, the receiving device 32 in this embodiment does not need to be located directly below the corresponding delivery port 16. Specifically, in this embodiment, each support 31 is not located directly below the corresponding delivery port 16, which also means that the receiving device 32 located on the support 31 is not located directly below the corresponding delivery port 16; and each chute 21 is inclined, extending inclined downwards from the delivery port 16 to the receiving device 32 located on the corresponding support 31. Under the action of gravity, the sorted packages can automatically slide from the delivery port 16 along the chute 21 to the corresponding receiving device 32, which is convenient, fast, and less likely to fall outside the receiving device 32. Furthermore, as Figure 1 As shown, a spare receiving device 32 can be arranged between two adjacent supports 31, so that when the receiving device 32 on the support 31 is fully loaded, the receiving device 32 can be replaced in a timely manner to achieve continuous collection and further improve efficiency. Moreover, using the space between two adjacent supports 31 to arrange the spare receiving device 32 can also make fuller use of the ground space and improve the utilization rate of the ground space.

[0081] The bracket 31 supports the receiving device 32, allowing the receiving device 32 to be supported at a certain height. This not only facilitates the receiving device 32 in receiving packages falling from the delivery port 16, but also facilitates the subsequent transfer device 4 in transferring the receiving device 32.

[0082] In this embodiment, the receiving device 32 is specifically a receiving container with a hollow space for receiving packages. This container can be various types of containers, such as baskets, boxes, or woven bags. Packages falling from the discharge port 16 reach the hollow space of the corresponding receiving device 32, thus achieving package collection. Of course, the receiving device 32 may not have a hollow space; for example, it could be a single plate that can still receive a certain number of packages. This embodiment, however, designes the receiving device 32 with a hollow space. This increases the package collection capacity of the receiving device 32 and prevents packages from falling outside, resulting in a more reliable package collection process.

[0083] Once the receiving device 32 is full, it can be transported away by the transfer device 4. This embodiment determines whether the receiving device 32 is full based on the size information of the packages acquired by the visual acquisition device 2. Specifically, the package acquisition system can automatically record the size information of the packages acquired by the visual acquisition device 2 and calculate the sum of the volumes of all packages that fall into the receiving device 32. By comparing the sum of volumes with the size of the empty space in the receiving device 32, it can detect whether the receiving device 32 is full.

[0084] Finally combined Figure 1 and Figure 3 The transfer device 4 and the buffer device 5 will be described.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the transfer device 4 and the buffer device 5 are also arranged on the ground. The transfer device 4 can move back and forth between the collection device 3 and the buffer device 5, automatically transporting the fully loaded receiving device 32 to the buffer device 5, where the buffer device 5 buffers the package for subsequent transportation to the destination.

[0086] The transfer device 4 can be a transfer robot, which can normally dock at the collection device 3, or it can dock in certain designated areas. When the receiving device 32 is full, the transfer device 4 automatically travels to under the receiving device 32 and lifts it up, then transports the receiving device 32 to the corresponding buffer device 5, thus realizing the transportation of the fully loaded receiving device 32. At the same time, another transfer device 4 can send a spare receiving device 32 to the support 31, and yet another transfer device 4 can transport an empty receiving device 32 between two adjacent supports 31 for backup, thereby improving work continuity and speeding up the operating cycle.

[0087] The buffer device 5 can be a buffer conveyor line, such as a chain mechanism, belt mechanism, roller mechanism, or stepping conveyor, etc. It can be arranged near the collection device 3 to shorten the movement distance of the transfer device 4, save time, and increase efficiency. After the transfer device 4 transports the fully loaded receiving device 32 to the buffer device 5, the transfer device 4 can first stop at the entrance of the buffer device 5. After the transfer device 4 is stable, the lateral movement function of the transfer device 4 is activated, and the buffer device 5 starts, matching the speed of the transfer device 4 and the buffer device 5 to move the receiving device 32 onto the buffer device 5. After the receiving device 32 has been completely moved onto the buffer device 5, the transfer device 4 can be scheduled to transport the next receiving device 32, or it can be parked at a designated parking area to wait for the next task assignment.

[0088] As can be seen, with the combined action of the guiding device 2, the collecting device 3, the transferring device 4, and the buffer device 5, packages to different destinations sorted by the sorting device 1 can be automatically collected and automatically transported to the buffer device 5.

[0089] In summary, the package sorting system of this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0090] (1) It occupies less space, which is conducive to improving sorting efficiency without increasing the floor area;

[0091] (2) It has strong scalability. After it is put into use, it can be expanded according to the production needs. The capacity can be increased by increasing the number of layers of sorting device 1 without the need for overall renovation of warehouse, etc. It is not only convenient but also has low cost.

[0092] (3) The degree of automation and intelligence is high. The separation of individual packages and the transfer of packages to the buffer device 5 are also completed automatically. The manual operation of making the barcode face up is omitted, reducing manual intervention, which helps to save manpower, reduce the labor intensity of workers, and reduce the error rate caused by manual labor.

[0093] (4) A large number of parcel transport mechanisms 15, transfer devices 4 and harvesting devices 3 are set up. Each parcel transport mechanism 15, transfer device 4 and harvesting device 3 can be used repeatedly, which is convenient for maintenance. If a single one fails, it can be easily removed from the system for maintenance without affecting the operation of the entire system. The reliability of the operation is high.

[0094] It should be noted that in this invention, the guiding device 2 can be configured as a chute 21, or as a tubular channel, cage channel, or bag channel. Furthermore, a buffer device can be further provided on the guiding device 2 to cushion the falling packages and reduce damage from impact. The buffer device can be located between the inlet and outlet of the guiding device 2, or at the outlet. The buffer device may include a buffer door, configured to open under the force of a package falling from the loading port 16 and automatically close after the force dissipates. Alternatively, a dedicated force-applying mechanism (e.g., a spring or cylinder) can be provided to close the buffer door. The buffer door can be a double door or a single door.

[0095] In another aspect, the present invention provides a parcel sorting method, which sorts parcels based on the parcel sorting system of the present invention.

[0096] The parcel sorting method of the present invention includes:

[0097] Pre-determine the correspondence between different destinations and each cargo drop-off point 16;

[0098] The packages are sorted using sorting device 1;

[0099] The sorted packages are dropped from the drop port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32.

[0100] The sorting of packages using the sorting device 1 may include:

[0101] The package picking and transport device of the sorting device 1 is used to pick the package, and the photo recognition device 14 is used to take a picture of the barcode of the package to obtain the destination information of the package to be sorted.

[0102] The picked packages are transported to the drop-off point 16 corresponding to the destination information obtained by the photo recognition device 14 using the package picking and transportation device.

[0103] Furthermore, taking a picture of the package's barcode using the photo recognition device 14 may include taking pictures of each surface of the package using the photo recognition device 14 to obtain the package's barcode.

[0104] The parcel picking and transporting process using sorting device 1 includes:

[0105] The size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted are obtained using the vision acquisition device 2.

[0106] The parcel picking and transport device picks parcels based on the size information and / or spatial location information obtained by the vision acquisition device 2.

[0107] In addition, after the package falls from the drop port 16 to the corresponding receiving device 32, the package sorting method may also include: using the transfer device 4 to transport the fully loaded receiving device 32 away.

[0108] Before the transfer device 4 transports the fully loaded receiving device 32 away, the parcel sorting method may also include: determining whether the receiving device 32 is fully loaded based on the size information of the parcels loaded in the receiving device 32.

[0109] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A parcel sorting system, characterized in that, It includes a sorting device (1) for sorting packages and a collection device (3) for collecting packages sorted by the sorting device (1); the sorting device (1) is located above the collection device (3); The sorting device (1) is provided with multiple drop ports (16); the collecting device (3) includes multiple receiving devices (32) correspondingly arranged below the drop ports (16), and the packages sorted by the sorting device (1) fall from each drop port (16) to the corresponding receiving device (32). Furthermore, the sorting device (1) also includes an information acquisition device and a parcel picking and transporting device; the information acquisition device is used to acquire parcel information of the parcels to be sorted, the parcel information including destination information; the parcel picking and transporting device sorts the parcels according to the parcel information acquired by the information acquisition device and transports the sorted parcels to the unloading port (16) corresponding to the parcel information. The information acquisition device includes a photo recognition device (14), which acquires the destination information of the package to be sorted by taking a picture of the barcode of the package to be sorted; the photo recognition device (14) is configured to take pictures of each surface of the package in sequence during the working process, and once the barcode is captured, it will not continue to capture other surfaces. The package picking and transport device includes a package grabbing mechanism (13) and a package transport mechanism (15). The package grabbing mechanism (13) grabs packages according to the package information obtained by the information acquisition device, and the package transport mechanism (15) transports the packages grabbed by the package grabbing mechanism (13) to the drop-off port (16) corresponding to the package information. The photo recognition device (14) of the information acquisition device includes multiple cameras (141). The multiple cameras (141) are respectively set in front of, behind, to the left, to the right, above and below the movement path of the package gripping mechanism (13), and are used to take pictures of each surface of the package to be sorted to obtain the barcode on the package to be sorted, so as to obtain the destination information of the package to be sorted.

2. The parcel sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The package sorting system also includes a guiding device (2), which is located between the sorting device (1) and the collecting device (3) and is used to guide the packages sorted by the sorting device (1) from each of the drop ports (16) to the corresponding receiving device (32).

3. The parcel sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The guiding device (2) includes multiple chutes (21), which are arranged one-to-one with the multiple cargo outlets (16). Each chute (21) extends from each cargo outlet (16) to the corresponding receiving device (32).

4. The parcel sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting device (1) also includes an anomaly handling unit, where packages for which the destination information was not successfully obtained by the information acquisition device are transported to the anomaly handling unit.

5. The parcel sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The package information acquired by the information acquisition device also includes the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted.

6. The parcel sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The information acquisition device includes a visual acquisition device (12), which acquires the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted.

7. The parcel sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The package information acquired by the information acquisition device also includes the size information of the package to be sorted. The package sorting system determines whether the package falling from the drop port (16) to the receiving device (32) has filled the receiving device (32) based on the size information of the package to be sorted.

8. The parcel sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The package information acquired by the information acquisition device also includes the size information of the package to be sorted and / or the spatial location information of the package before it is sorted. The package grabbing mechanism (13) grabs the package according to the size information and / or spatial location information of the package to be sorted.

9. The parcel sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parcel sorting system also includes a transfer device (4) for transporting the fully loaded receiving device (32) away.

10. A parcel sorting method using the parcel sorting system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, include: The correspondence between different destinations and each of the aforementioned cargo drop-off points (16) is preset; The sorting device (1) is used to sort the packages; wherein the package picking and transporting device of the sorting device (1) is used to pick the packages, and the photo recognition device (14) is used to take a picture of the barcode of the package to obtain the destination information of the package to be sorted; the package picking and transporting device is used to transport the picked packages to the unloading port (16) corresponding to the destination information obtained by the photo recognition device (14); wherein the photo recognition device (14) takes pictures of each surface of the package in sequence, and once the barcode is captured and the barcode of the package is obtained, it will not continue to take pictures of other surfaces. The sorted packages are dropped from the drop port (16) to the corresponding receiving device (32).

11. The parcel sorting method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Picking packages using the package picking and transport device of the sorting device (1) includes: Use a visual acquisition device (12) to acquire the size information and / or spatial location information of the packages to be sorted; The package picking and transport device picks packages based on the size information and / or spatial location information obtained by the vision acquisition device (12).

12. The parcel sorting method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, After the package falls from the drop port (16) to the corresponding receiving device (32), the package sorting method further includes: The fully loaded receiving device (32) is transported away using the transfer device (4).

13. The parcel sorting method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Before using the transfer device (4) to transport the fully loaded receiving device (32) away, the parcel sorting method further includes: Based on the size information of the packages loaded in the receiving device (32), determine whether the receiving device (32) is fully loaded.

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