Goods sorting system and sorting method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a goods sorting system and a sorting method. The sorting system includes an information acquisition component (3) for acquiring the delivery information of goods entering the recognition area, a control component for matching the delivery information with a preset sorting area to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods, and a discharging component for receiving the instruction of the control component to discharge the goods to the corresponding sorting area. Such a goods sorting system can automatically identify the delivery information of goods without manual identification, and can automatically partition the goods according to the delivery information to achieve intelligent sorting of goods, improving the efficiency and accuracy of goods sorting. Moreover, the goods sorting system is convenient and fast to use, and is particularly suitable for couriers to sort the goods delivered within their responsible areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic goods sorting, and in particular to a goods sorting system and a sorting method. Background Art

[0002] The terminal link of logistics is that couriers deliver goods. In actual work, couriers have to complete the delivery of express deliveries in their responsible areas every day. Before delivery, they first need to sort the express deliveries to be sent that day by area. According to statistics, the time used by couriers to sort express deliveries every day accounts for nearly 50% of the daily working time, resulting in insufficient delivery time.

[0003] At present, some intelligent goods sorting systems have emerged in the logistics industry. However, these intelligent goods sorting systems are all designed for warehouse usage scenarios, and most of them only complete regional sorting of goods. They are complex in structure, large in size and high in cost, not suitable for couriers to carry with small express delivery electric vehicles, and cannot help couriers complete the sorting of express deliveries in their responsible areas.

[0004] Therefore, in order to improve the working efficiency of couriers and considering the convenience of couriers to sort express deliveries, there is an urgent need for a small intelligent express delivery sorting system suitable for personal use by couriers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a goods sorting system and a sorting method, which can improve the efficiency of sorting goods.

[0006] To achieve the above object, a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a goods sorting system, including:

[0007] An information acquisition component, configured to acquire the delivery information of goods entering the recognition area;

[0008] A control component, configured to match the delivery information with a preset sorting area to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods; and

[0009] A discharging component, configured to receive an instruction from the control component and unload the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

[0010] Further, the goods sorting system further includes a support platform for placing goods, the recognition area is arranged on the support platform, and the sorting areas are located in the surrounding areas of the support platform.

[0011] Further, the sorting areas are distributed along the circumferential direction of the support platform.

[0012] Further, the information acquisition component includes:

[0013] A scanning component, configured to scan the delivery information of goods entering the recognition area; and

[0014] An information extraction component for extracting the information required for sorting goods from the scanned delivery information.

[0015] Furthermore, the information required for sorting goods includes the information that can reflect the delivery area of the courier.

[0016] Furthermore, the information acquisition component includes a scanning component. A transparent plate is provided in the middle area of the support table and serves as an identification area. The scanning component is provided below the transparent plate and can scan the goods information when the goods are placed on the transparent plate with the label facing down.

[0017] Furthermore, the goods sorting system further includes:

[0018] A handheld terminal for setting the sorting area according to the delivery information and the corresponding relationship between the delivery information and the sorting area;

[0019] The control component can wirelessly receive the setting information of the handheld terminal.

[0020] Furthermore, the goods sorting system further includes:

[0021] A base provided at the lower part of the support table;

[0022] The unloading component includes a force applying member provided in the base and can achieve unloading through the telescopic or translational movement of the force applying member.

[0023] Furthermore, there are multiple force applying members, and they can cooperate with each other to perform telescopic or translational movement, so that the support table tilts towards the sorting area corresponding to the goods, thereby unloading the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

[0024] Furthermore, the base can rotate around its own axis, and the axis is located within the identification area. The force applying member can rotate with the base and, when it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods in the horizontal plane, unload the goods from the support table by extending or moving towards the goods.

[0025] Furthermore, the control component can stop the rotation of the base when the force applying member is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods.

[0026] Furthermore, the force applying member is arranged deviating from the axis of the base. When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods, it can lift one side of the support table by extending or moving upwards, and the other side abuts against the base, so that the goods slide down from the tilted support table to the corresponding sorting area; and after the goods are unloaded, it can make the support table return to the initial position by retracting or moving downwards.

[0027] Furthermore, the force applying member is perpendicular to the support table in the initial position.

[0028] Further, the support platform remains stationary before unloading is achieved by the force - applying member, and each sorting area is marked on the support platform.

[0029] Further, the support platform can rotate about its own axis, and the axis is located within the identification area. The force - applying member is arranged radially on the support platform and can, when located on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, push the goods off the support platform and into the corresponding sorting area by extending or moving towards the goods.

[0030] Further, the goods sorting system further includes:

[0031] A position - detecting component for detecting the angular position of the force - applying member in the horizontal plane;

[0032] The control component can determine whether the angular position of the force - applying member is located on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods, and directly unload the goods when located on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods, otherwise rotate the force - applying member to the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods and then unload the goods.

[0033] Further, the actual grouping number of the goods is less than or equal to the preset number of sorting areas.

[0034] To achieve the above object, the second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a sorting method based on the goods sorting system of the above - mentioned embodiments, including:

[0035] The information - obtaining component obtains the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area;

[0036] The control component matches the delivery information with the preset sorting areas to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods; and

[0037] The unloading component receives the instruction of the control component and unloads the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

[0038] Further, the goods sorting system further includes a support platform. Before the information - obtaining component obtains the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area, it further includes:

[0039] Placing the goods in the identification area on the support platform.

[0040] Further, the step of the information - obtaining component obtaining the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area specifically includes:

[0041] The scanning component scans the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area;

[0042] The information - extracting component extracts the information required for sorting the goods from the scanned delivery information.

[0043] Further, the goods sorting method further includes:

[0044] Set the sorting area according to the delivery information through a handheld terminal, as well as the corresponding relationship between the delivery information and the sorting area;

[0045] The control component receives the setting information of the handheld terminal in a wireless manner.

[0046] Further, the steps for the unloading component to unload the goods into the corresponding sorting area specifically include:

[0047] The control component rotates the base provided at the lower part of the support platform around its own axis;

[0048] The force - applying component rotates with the base. When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods in the horizontal plane, the control component makes the force - applying component extend or move towards the direction where the goods are located to unload the goods from the support platform.

[0049] Further, when the force - applying component rotates to the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, it further includes:

[0050] The control component makes the base stop rotating.

[0051] Further, after unloading the goods from the support platform, it further includes:

[0052] The control component makes the force - applying component retract to its initial length or return to its initial position.

[0053] Further, the force - applying component is arranged deviating from the axis of the base. The steps for the force - applying component to extend or move towards the goods to unload the goods from the support platform specifically include:

[0054] When the force - applying component is on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, make the force - applying component extend or move upwards to lift one side of the support platform, so that the goods slide down from the inclined support platform into the corresponding sorting area.

[0055] Further, before rotating the base provided at the lower part of the support platform around its own axis, it further includes:

[0056] The position - detecting component detects the angular position of the force - applying component in the horizontal plane;

[0057] The control component judges whether the angular position of the force - applying component is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods. If so, directly unload the goods; otherwise, make the force - applying component rotate to the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods and then unload the goods.

[0058] Based on the above technical solution, the goods sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention can obtain the delivery information of the goods entering the recognition area through the information acquisition component, and match the delivery information with the preset sorting areas through the control component to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods, and then the unloading component unloads the goods to the corresponding sorting area. Such a goods sorting system can automatically identify the delivery information of the goods without manual identification, and can automatically partition the goods according to the delivery information to achieve intelligent sorting of the goods, improving the efficiency and accuracy of goods sorting; moreover, the goods sorting system is convenient and fast to use, and is especially suitable for couriers to sort the goods delivered within the responsible area. Description of the Drawings

[0059] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention, form a part of this application, and the illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the goods sorting system of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the goods sorting system of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the state of unloading the goods of the goods sorting system of the present invention to the A sorting area;

[0063] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the state of unloading the goods of the goods sorting system of the present invention to the B sorting area;

[0064] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the state of unloading the goods of the goods sorting system of the present invention to the C sorting area;

[0065] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the state of unloading the goods of the goods sorting system of the present invention to the D sorting area;

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the goods sorting method of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the goods sorting method of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of still another embodiment of the goods sorting method of the present invention.

[0069] Description of the Reference Numerals

[0070] 1. Base; 2. Support table; 21. Transparent plate; 3. Information acquisition component; 4. Shaft; 5. Force application member. Detailed implementation manners

[0071] The present invention will be described in detail below. In the following paragraphs, different aspects of the embodiments are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined can be combined with any other one or more aspects, unless explicitly stated that they cannot be combined. In particular, any feature considered to be preferred or advantageous can be combined with one or more other features considered to be preferred or advantageous.

[0072] The terms "first", "second", etc. that appear in the present invention are only for convenience of description to distinguish different components with the same name, and do not indicate a sequence or primary-secondary relationship.

[0073] In the description of the present invention, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "inner" and "outer" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention, rather than indicating or implying that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention.

[0074] As Figure 1 shown, the present invention provides a courier sorting system. In a schematic embodiment, it includes an information acquisition component 3, a discharging component, and a control component. The control component is connected to the information acquisition component 3 and the discharging component. Among them, the information acquisition component 3 is used to acquire the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area. For example, the goods can be express parcels to be delivered by a courier, etc.; the control component is used to match the delivery information of the goods with a preset sorting area to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods; the discharging component is used to receive the instruction of the control component and unload the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

[0075] For example, a single-packaged good can be placed in the identification area. After the information acquisition component 3 acquires the delivery information of the good, the control component matches the delivery information of the good with the preset sorting area to determine the sorting area corresponding to the good, and then controls the discharging component to unload the good to the corresponding sorting area. After unloading, the next good is made to enter the identification area. Thus, a method of identifying and unloading goods one by one can be adopted.

[0076] Among them, the delivery information can be printed on the outer packaging bag or packing box of the goods, or printed on a label and pasted on the outer packaging bag or packing box of the goods.

[0077] Preferably, the forms of manifestation of the delivery information include text, two-dimensional code, bar code, etc. The information acquisition component 3 can extract keywords from the text reflecting the delivery information and match them with the preset sorting areas. Taking the example that a courier needs to sort the goods to be delivered, the goods can be sorted by different areas. The courier can set keywords according to different delivery requirements, such as different communities, different building numbers in the same community, different floors, or a mixed configuration of building numbers and floors, etc.

[0078] The goods sorting system of this embodiment of the present invention can automatically identify the delivery information of the goods without manual identification, and can automatically partition the goods according to the delivery information to achieve intelligent sorting of the goods, improving the efficiency and accuracy of goods sorting. Moreover, this goods sorting system is convenient and fast to use.

[0079] This kind of small intelligent goods sorting system is especially suitable for couriers to sort the goods to be delivered within their responsible areas, even specifically to the sorting of goods for each building or even each floor. The courier can sort the goods before setting out for delivery to separate the goods in different areas, or carry it in the tram and then sort the goods when arriving at a certain area (such as a certain community) to separate the goods with different building numbers or floors. Since this kind of goods sorting system is convenient, fast, and flexible to use, it can be used by individual couriers. Moreover, considering from the perspectives of portability and cost, this small intelligent goods sorting system has the condition to become a standard equipment for each courier, thereby improving the efficiency of the courier in sorting the goods before delivery, and then greatly improving the delivery efficiency and shortening the delivery time. In addition, this kind of goods sorting system can also be used when sorting a small number of scattered goods in the warehouse.

[0080] As Figure 1 shown, the goods sorting system of the present invention further includes a support platform 2 for placing the goods. The recognition area is arranged on the support platform 2, and the sorting area is located in the surrounding area of the support platform 2. The sorting area can be a platform or the ground around the support platform 2. When sorting the goods, the courier only needs to place the goods in the recognition area on the support platform 2, and then the information acquisition component 3 can obtain the delivery information. After the control component determines the sorting area of the goods, it controls the unloading component to unload the goods from the support platform 2 and drop them into the corresponding sorting area, thereby separating each pile of goods.

[0081] This kind of goods sorting system has a simple structure, which is conducive to realizing a miniaturized structure, convenient for couriers to carry and use, can be flexibly used in different occasions, and has a low cost. Therefore, it is easy to popularize and use, and overall improves the sorting efficiency of couriers before delivery.

[0082] Preferably, each sorting area is distributed along the circumferential direction of the support table 2. For the embodiment using a circular support table 2, a plurality of sorting areas can be arranged in the circumferential direction of the support table 2. According to different goods delivery information, the control component can control the unloading component to unload the goods in different directions so as to enter the corresponding sorting areas. This embodiment can save space, separate the goods in different sorting areas in different directions, and is not easy to be confused when there are many goods to be sorted; moreover, it is convenient to unload the goods into the sorting areas at different circumferential positions by rotating the unloading component.

[0083] Alternatively, for a rectangular strip-shaped support table, each sorting area can also be arranged in a row around the support table 2, or a combination of these two arrangement methods.

[0084] In a specific embodiment, the information acquisition component 3 includes a scanning component and an information extraction component. Among them, the scanning component is used to scan the delivery information of the goods entering the recognition area. For example, the scanning component can be a camera capable of photographing the delivery information, or a two-dimensional code or bar code scanner, etc. The information extraction component is used to extract the information required for sorting the goods from the scanned delivery information. Preferably, the information required for sorting the goods includes information that can reflect the delivery area of the courier, such as keywords corresponding to the building name, community name, building number or floor, etc.

[0085] Alternatively, in addition to the scanning method, the information acquisition component 3 can also obtain the delivery information of the goods by means of ultrasonic waves or radio frequency, etc.

[0086] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the information acquisition component 3 includes a scanning component. A transparent plate 21 is provided in the middle area of the support table 2 and serves as the recognition area. The scanning component is arranged below the transparent plate 21 and can scan the goods information when the goods are placed on the transparent plate 21 with the label facing down. In Figure 1 it, the transparent plate 21 can be arranged in the central area of the circular support table 2, and the transparent plate 21 can be designed in other shapes such as rectangular or circular. This embodiment can protect the scanning component from damage and make full use of the internal space of the goods sorting system. The transparent plate 21 can enable the scanning component to quickly and accurately obtain the delivery information of the goods.

[0087] In order to conveniently set the correspondence between the delivery information and the sorting area, the goods sorting system of the present invention may further include a handheld terminal, such as a mobile phone, etc., which is used to set the sorting area according to the delivery information, including adding or deleting the sorting area, and can also set the correspondence between the delivery information and the sorting area, such as the correspondence between the building number or floor and each sorting area. The control component can wirelessly receive the setting information of the handheld terminal. This embodiment can flexibly and conveniently customize the sorting target according to the delivery task, so as to set the correspondence between the sorting area and the delivery information according to different delivery tasks, and is easy to use.

[0088] Before the small intelligent goods sorting system of the present invention works, the system can be set through the application software on the handheld terminal. In a delivery task, the courier can divide the building numbers that are relatively close into a sorting area. For example, the goods sorting system can be set according to Table 1 below.

[0089] Table 1 Correspondence between delivery information and sorting area

[0090] Sorting Area Delivery Information Area A Sorting Building 1, Building 2, Building 3 Area B Sorting Building 4, Building 5, Building 6 Area C Sorting Building 7, Building 8, Building 9 Area D Sorting Building 10, Building 11, Building 12

[0091] It can be seen from Table 1 that the goods of Building 1, Building 2, and Building 3 will be unloaded to the A sorting area around the support platform 2, that is, the goods will be unloaded along the direction indicated by A; the goods of Building 4, Building 5, and Building 6 will be unloaded to the B sorting area around the support platform 2, that is, the goods will be unloaded along the direction indicated by B; the goods of Building 7, Building 8, and Building 9 will be unloaded to the C sorting area around the support platform 2, that is, the goods will be unloaded along the direction indicated by C; the goods of Building 10, Building 11, and Building 12 will be unloaded to the D sorting area around the support platform 2, that is, the goods will be unloaded along the direction indicated by D.

[0092] In order to achieve unloading, as Figure 1 shown, the goods sorting system of the present invention further includes a base 1, and the base 1 is arranged below the support platform 2. The unloading component includes a force-applying member 5 arranged in the base 1, and the unloading can be realized through the telescopic or translational movement of the force-applying member 5. The force-applying member 5 can be driven by a driving mechanism for automatic unloading, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting. For example, the force-applying member 5 can be a cylindrical support rod, etc. The support rod can be a rigid rod and can perform integral translational movement under the drive of the driving mechanism; or it can also be a telescopic rod and can perform telescopic movement under the drive of the driving mechanism. Different unloading methods will be given in different embodiments below.

[0093] In one embodiment, a plurality of force - applying members 5 are provided inside the base 1. Each force - applying member 5 can be arranged perpendicular to the support table 2 and can perform telescopic or translational movements through the mutual cooperation of each force - applying member 5, so that the support table 2 tilts towards the sorting area corresponding to the current cargo, enabling the cargo to slide down the support table 2 automatically by gravity and unload onto the corresponding sorting area. This embodiment can achieve the sorting of cargo without causing the force - applying member 5 to rotate circumferentially along the support table 2.

[0094] In another embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the base 1 can rotate around its own axis, and the axis is located within the identification area. The force - applying member 5 can rotate with the base 1. When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the cargo in the horizontal plane, the control component makes the force - applying member 5 extend or move towards the direction where the cargo is located, so as to unload the cargo from the support table 2. And after the cargo is unloaded, it retracts to the initial length or returns to the initial position for the next sorting of the cargo. Specifically, a fixed shaft 4 is provided at the center of the base 1, and the base 1 can rotate around the shaft 4. The scanning component can be arranged on the top of the shaft 4.

[0095] In order to be able to unload the cargo accurately onto the corresponding sorting area, the control component can stop the rotation of the base 1 when the force - applying member 5 is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the cargo, so that when the force - applying member 5 extends or moves towards the direction where the cargo is located, the cargo can be accurately unloaded into the corresponding sorting area.

[0096] Preferably, as Figure 1 shown, the force - applying member 5 is arranged radially offset from the axis of the base 1 on the support table 2. When the force - applying member 5 is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the cargo, it can jack up one side of the support table 2 from the bottom of the support table 2 by extending or moving upward, and the other side can abut against the base 1. When the gravity of the cargo is greater than the static friction force of the support table 2 on the cargo, the cargo can slide from the inclined support table 2 onto the corresponding sorting area. In order to have a fulcrum when the support table 2 tilts, the upper edge of the base 1 can be higher than the support table 2 to prevent the support table 2 from falling.

[0097] After the cargo is unloaded, the support table 2 returns to the initial position through the retraction or downward movement of the force - applying member 5. In the initial position, the upper surface of the support table 2 remains horizontal.

[0098] In this embodiment, only one force - applying member 5 is provided to achieve unloading. The structure is simple, there is no need for the force - applying members 5 to cooperate with each other, the use reliability is relatively high, and the cargo can be accurately unloaded into the corresponding sorting area. Moreover, the force - applying member 5 is arranged inside the base 1, without occupying additional space. It can not only increase the set area of the identification area on the support table 2 as needed, but also reduce the overall volume of the cargo sorting system.

[0099] Preferably, the force - applying member 5 is arranged perpendicular to the support platform 2 in the initial position. The force - applying member 5 can lift the support platform 2 in the vertical direction. When the power of the driving component of the force - applying member 5 is constant, the force - applying member 5 can provide the maximum thrust to the bottom surface of the support platform 2, so that the inclination angle of the support platform 2 can reliably ensure that the goods fall.

[0100] Preferably, the support platform 2 remains stationary before unloading through the force - applying member 5, that is, the support platform 2 does not rotate with the base 1. This is convenient for marking each sorting area on the support platform 2. For example, four sorting areas A, B, C, and D are marked on the support platform 2, and the angular interval between the corresponding directions of adjacent sorting areas is 90°. In this embodiment, there is no need to rely on other reference objects to determine each sorting area, and the commonly used sorting area setting forms can be pre - marked on the support platform 2 according to the distribution requirements, which is more convenient to use. Alternatively, the support platform 2 can also rotate with the base 1, and each sorting area can be marked on other fixed structures in the goods sorting system, or a fixed object in the use environment can be selected as a reference to determine the sorting area.

[0101] In another embodiment, the support platform 2 can rotate around its own axis, and the axis is located within the identification area. The support platform 2 can rotate independently or with the base 1. The force - applying member 5 is arranged radially on the support platform 2. When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, it can push the goods off the support platform 2 and into the corresponding sorting area by extending or moving towards the goods, and retract to the initial length or return to the initial position after the goods are unloaded, waiting for the next sorting of goods. In this embodiment, the force - applying member 5 acts directly on the goods, which is beneficial to reliably pushing the goods off the support platform 2.

[0102] For the embodiment of unloading by rotating the force - applying member 5, the goods sorting system of the present invention further includes a position - detecting component, such as an angular - position detecting sensor, etc., for detecting the angular position of the force - applying member 5 in the horizontal plane. Before the goods need to be unloaded, the control component can judge whether the angular position of the force - applying member 5 is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods. If it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods, the position of the force - applying member 5 remains unchanged and the goods are directly unloaded. Otherwise, the force - applying member 5 is rotated to the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods and then the goods are unloaded. Through the method of angle detection, the force - applying member 5 can be rotated to a suitable angular position to accurately unload the goods into the corresponding sorting area.

[0103] For each of the above embodiments, the actual number of groups of goods is less than or equal to the preset number of sorting areas. If the courier sets N sorting areas on the handheld device, then according to the requirements of the goods to be delivered, corresponding delivery information can be set for all N sorting areas, or only for some of the sorting areas. The actual number of groups of goods is the same as the number of sorting areas in the handheld device for which corresponding delivery information is set.

[0104] Preferably, four sorting areas can be set, which can not only meet the general needs of goods sorting but also keep the goods in different sorting areas at a relatively long distance to avoid confusion. In this setting method, the actual goods sorting can also be divided into two or three groups. Or, the sorting areas can also be set to two, three, five or more numbers.

[0105] The following takes Figure 1 the shown goods sorting system as an example to illustrate the specific unloading process. The corresponding relationship between each sorting area and the delivery information has been set by the courier on the handheld terminal according to Table 1. After the goods sorting system is powered on and enters the standby mode, the courier places a single piece of goods in the identification area on the support platform 2, and the information acquisition component 3 acquires the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area. In this embodiment, the force applying member 5 is a telescopic rod.

[0106] In this process, there are two key steps. One is image recognition and keyword extraction. The image of the label on the express delivery is scanned by the scanning component, and the keyword used to match the sorting area is extracted from the image by the information extraction component. The other is to determine the sorting area by the control component according to the recognized keyword.

[0107] Suppose the goods to be sorted are for Building 1. The courier places the goods on the transparent plate 21 of the goods sorting system support platform 2, and note that the label side of the goods should be pasted face down on the transparent plate 21. The scanning component starts to scan the label of the goods, and the information extraction component obtains the information that can reflect the sorting area. The control component matches this information with the corresponding relationship set through the handheld terminal to determine the sorting area of the goods. As Figure 3 shown, when the keyword information of Building 1 is scanned, the control component will automatically match to Sorting Area A. At this time, judge the angular position of the force applying member 5. If the force applying member 5 is on the opposite side of Sorting Area A, then there is no need to rotate the base 1 and the force applying member 5. If the force applying member 5 is not on the opposite side of Sorting Area A, then the control component rotates the base 1 and the force applying member 5 around the shaft 4 by a certain angle, and finally the force applying member 5 stops on the opposite side of Sorting Area A, that is, the direction corresponding to Sorting Area C.

[0108] When the force-applying member 5 is on the opposite side of sorting area A, the force-applying member 5 gradually extends upward, causing the support platform 2 to tilt toward sorting area A, thereby causing the support platform 2 to slide down and fall to the ground corresponding to sorting area A. After the goods slide down to the ground of sorting area A, the force-applying member 5 gradually retracts, and the support platform 2 returns to its initial position, that is, the upper surface is in a horizontal state. At this point, the current sorting of the goods is completed, and the goods sorting system enters the standby mode, waiting for new goods to be sorted.

[0109] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the state of unloading goods to sorting area B is given. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the state of unloading goods to sorting area C is given. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the state of unloading goods into the D sorting area is given. The specific unloading methods of these sorting areas can refer to the methods of unloading goods into the A sorting area, which will not be repeated here.

[0110] From the above description, it can be seen that the cargo sorting system of the present invention has a simple structure, small size, and low cost, and is suitable for couriers to carry in small express electric vehicles to help couriers complete the express sorting in their own responsible areas and realize the final sorting of goods to users. Moreover, before sorting the goods, the couriers can flexibly configure the corresponding relationship between the sorting area and the keywords in the delivery information according to the actual needs of delivery. It is convenient, fast, and arbitrary to use. It can be sorted according to the building number, or according to the floor, or even the building number and floor can be mixed for sorting.

[0111] Secondly, the present invention also provides a sorting method based on the cargo sorting system described in the above embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 7 As shown in the flowchart, the cargo sorting method includes:

[0112] Step 101, the information acquisition component 3 acquires the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area;

[0113] Step 102: The control component matches the delivery information with the preset sorting area to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods; and

[0114] Step 103: The unloading component receives the instruction from the control component and unloads the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

[0115] Among them, the delivery information can be printed on the outer packaging bag or packing box of the goods, or printed on a label and pasted on the outer packaging bag or packing box of the goods. Preferably, the manifestation forms of the delivery information include text, two-dimensional code, bar code, etc. The information acquisition component 3 can extract keywords from the text reflecting the delivery information and match them with the preset sorting areas. Taking the example that the courier needs to sort the goods to be delivered, the goods can be sorted by different regions, and the courier can set keywords according to different delivery requirements, such as different communities, different building numbers in the same community, different floors, or a mixed configuration of building numbers and floors, etc.

[0116] The goods sorting method of this embodiment of the present invention can automatically identify the delivery information of the goods without manual identification, and can automatically partition the goods according to the delivery information to achieve intelligent sorting of the goods, improving the efficiency and accuracy of goods sorting.

[0117] In another embodiment, as Figure 8 shown in the flow schematic diagram, the goods sorting system further includes a support platform 2. Before step 101, this goods sorting method further includes:

[0118] Step 100: Place the goods in the identification area on the support platform 2.

[0119] This small intelligent goods sorting system is especially suitable for couriers to sort the goods to be delivered in the responsible area, even specifically to the goods sorting of each building or even each floor. The courier can sort the goods before setting out for delivery to separate the goods in different regions, or carry them in the tram and then sort the goods when arriving at a certain area (such as a certain community) to separate the goods with different building numbers or floors.

[0120] During goods sorting, the courier only needs to place the goods in the identification area on the support platform 2, and then the information acquisition component 3 can obtain the delivery information. After the control component determines the sorting area of the goods, the control unloading component unloads the goods from the support platform 2 and drops them into the corresponding sorting area, thus separating each goods into piles and making the goods sorting more convenient.

[0121] In another embodiment, the information acquisition component 3 includes a scanning component and an information extraction component. Correspondingly, step 101 specifically includes:

[0122] Step 101A: The scanning component scans the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area;

[0123] Step 101B: The information extraction component extracts the information required for sorting the goods from the scanned delivery information. Among them, the information required for sorting the goods includes the information that can reflect the delivery area of the courier, such as keywords corresponding to the building name, community name, building number or floor, etc.

[0124] In this embodiment, the information acquisition component 3 can automatically acquire the distribution information on the goods and extract the information required for sorting the goods, so that the control component can, according to the correspondence between the preset distribution information and the sorting area, sort the goods into the corresponding sorting area, eliminating the need for the courier to manually identify the distribution information and determine which area to distribute to, and improving the sorting efficiency.

[0125] Furthermore, still referring to Figure 8 , this method for sorting goods further includes:

[0126] Step 100A: Set the sorting area and the correspondence between the distribution information and the sorting area through the handheld terminal according to the distribution information;

[0127] Step 100B: The control component wirelessly receives the setting information of the handheld terminal.

[0128] Preferably, steps 100A and 100B are executed before step 100. After the setting is completed, the goods are then placed on the support platform 2 for sorting. Or steps 100A and 100B can also be executed after step 100, but need to be executed before step 102. This embodiment can flexibly and conveniently customize the sorting target according to the distribution task, set the correspondence between the sorting area and the distribution information according to different distribution tasks, and is easy to use.

[0129] For another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the Figure 9 flow schematic diagram, the steps of the unloading component unloading the goods to the corresponding sorting area in step 103 specifically include:

[0130] Step 201: The control component makes the base 1 provided at the lower part of the support platform 2 rotate around its own axis;

[0131] Step 202: The force applying member 5 rotates with the base 1. When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods in the horizontal plane, the control component makes the force applying member 5 extend or move towards the goods to unload the goods from the support platform 2.

[0132] Furthermore, when the force applying member 5 rotates to the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, still referring to Figure 9 , this method for sorting goods further includes:

[0133] Step 203: The control component makes the base 1 stop rotating.

[0134] This embodiment stops the rotation of the base 1 before unloading, enabling the force applying member 5 to accurately unload the goods into the corresponding sorting area when it extends.

[0135] Furthermore, after unloading the goods from the support platform 2 through step 202, still referring toFigure 9 , this method for sorting goods further includes:

[0136] Step 204, the control component causes the force - applying member 5 to retract to its initial length or return to its initial position to await the next sorting of goods.

[0137] For the embodiment in which the force - applying member 5 is arranged radially offset from the axis of the base 1, the step of causing the force - applying member 5 to extend or move towards the goods to unload the goods from the support table 2 in step 202 specifically includes:

[0138] Step 202’, when the force - applying member 5 is on the side opposite to the sorting area of the goods, the control component causes the force - applying member 5 to extend or move upwards to lift one side of the support table 2, so that the goods slide down from the inclined support table 2 into the corresponding sorting area.

[0139] This embodiment only needs to set one force - applying member 5 to achieve unloading, without the need for cooperation between force - applying members 5. The control method is simple and the use reliability is relatively high, and the goods can be accurately unloaded into the corresponding sorting area.

[0140] Further, before step 201, still referring to Figure 9 , this method for sorting goods further includes:

[0141] Step 200A, the position - detecting component detects the angular position of the force - applying member 5 in the horizontal plane;

[0142] Step 200B, the control component determines whether the angular position of the force - applying member 5 is on the side opposite to the sorting area corresponding to the goods. If so, step 200C is executed; otherwise, steps 201 and 202 are executed;

[0143] Step 200C, directly unload the goods.

[0144] This embodiment can, through the way of angle detection, cause the force - applying member 5 to rotate to a suitable angular position, position the force - applying member 5, so as to accurately unload the goods into the corresponding sorting area.

[0145] The above has introduced in detail a goods sorting system and a sorting method provided by the present invention. Specific embodiments are used herein to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present invention and its core idea. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art of this technology, without departing from the principle of the present invention, several improvements and modifications can still be made to the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A goods sorting system, characterized in that, For a courier to sort the goods to be delivered within the responsible area, and includes: An information acquisition component (3) for acquiring the delivery information of the goods entering the recognition area; A control component for matching the delivery information with a preset sorting area to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods; A support platform (2) for placing the goods, the recognition area is arranged on the support platform (2), and the sorting area is located in the surrounding area of the support platform (2); A base (1), the base (1) is arranged below the support platform (2); and A discharging component for receiving the instruction of the control component to unload the goods to the corresponding sorting area, the discharging component includes a force applying member (5) arranged in the base (1), and the unloading can be realized through the telescopic or translational movement of the force applying member (5); Wherein, the base (1) can rotate around its own axis, the axis is located within the recognition area, the force applying member (5) can rotate with the base (1), and when it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods in the horizontal plane, the goods are unloaded from the support platform (2) by extending or moving towards the goods; or The support platform (2) can rotate around its own axis, the axis is located within the recognition area, the force applying member (5) is arranged radially on the support platform (2), and when it is on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, the goods can be pushed down from the support platform (2) into the corresponding sorting area by extending or moving towards the goods.

2. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the sorting areas is distributed along the circumferential direction of the support platform (2).

3. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, wherein The information acquisition component (3) includes: A scanning component (3) for scanning the delivery information of the goods entering the recognition area; and An information extraction component for extracting the information required for sorting the goods from the scanned delivery information.

4. The goods sorting system according to claim 3, wherein, The information required for sorting the goods includes information that can reflect the courier's delivery area.

5. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, wherein, The information acquisition component (3) includes a scanning component (3), a transparent plate (21) is arranged in the middle area of the support platform (2) and serves as the recognition area, and the scanning component (3) is arranged below the transparent plate (21) and can scan the goods information when the goods are placed on the transparent plate (21) with the label facing down.

6. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes: A handheld terminal for setting the sorting area according to the delivery information and the corresponding relationship between the delivery information and the sorting area; The control component can wirelessly receive the setting information of the handheld terminal.

7. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that A plurality of the force applying members (5) are provided, and the telescopic or translational movement can be carried out through the cooperation of each of the force applying members (5) to tilt the support platform (2) towards the sorting area corresponding to the goods, so as to unload the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

8. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, wherein When the force applying member (5) can rotate with the base (1), the control component can make the base (1) stop rotating when the force applying member (5) is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods.

9. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that When the force - applying member (5) can rotate with the base (1), the force - applying member (5) is arranged deviating from the axis of the base (1). When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods, it can jack up one side of the support table (2) by extending or moving upward, and the other side abuts against the base (1), so that the goods slide down from the inclined support table (2) to the corresponding sorting area; and after the goods are unloaded, it makes the support table (2) return to the initial position by retracting or moving downward.

10. The goods sorting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The force - applying member (5) is arranged perpendicular to the support table (2) in the initial position.

11. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before unloading the goods through the force - applying member (5), the support table (2) remains stationary, and each sorting area is marked on the support table (2).

12. The goods sorting system according to any one of claims 1, 8-11, characterized in that, It further includes: A position - detecting component for detecting the angular position of the force - applying member (5) in the horizontal plane. The control component can judge whether the angular position of the force - applying member (5) is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods. When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods, it directly unloads the goods, otherwise it rotates the force - applying member (5) to the opposite side of the sorting area corresponding to the goods and then unloads the goods.

13. The goods sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actual grouping number of the goods is less than or equal to the preset number of sorting areas.

14. A sorting method for the goods sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, It includes: The information - obtaining component (3) obtains the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area. The control component matches the delivery information with the preset sorting areas to determine the sorting area corresponding to the goods. And The unloading component receives the instruction of the control component and unloads the goods to the corresponding sorting area.

15. The goods sorting method according to claim 14, wherein The goods sorting system further includes a support table (2). Before the information - obtaining component (3) obtains the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area, it further includes: Placing the goods in the identification area on the support table (2).

16. The goods sorting method according to claim 14, wherein, The steps for the information - obtaining component (3) to obtain the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area specifically include: The scanning component scans the delivery information of the goods entering the identification area. The information - extracting component extracts the information required for sorting the goods from the scanned delivery information.

17. The goods sorting method according to claim 14, characterized in that, It further includes: Setting the sorting area and the corresponding relationship between the delivery information and the sorting area through a handheld terminal. The control component wirelessly receives the setting information of the handheld terminal.

18. The goods sorting method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The steps for the unloading component to unload the goods to the corresponding sorting area specifically include: The control component makes the base (1) arranged under the support table (2) rotate around its own axis. The force - applying member (5) rotates with the base (1). When it is on the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods in the horizontal plane, the control component makes the force - applying member (5) extend or move towards the goods to unload the goods from the support table (2).

19. The goods sorting method according to claim 18, wherein When the force - applying member (5) rotates to the opposite side of the sorting area of the goods, it further includes: The control component makes the base (1) stop rotating.

20. The goods sorting method according to claim 18, characterized in that After unloading the goods from the support table (2), it further includes: The control component makes the force - applying member (5) retract to the initial length or return to the initial position.

21. The goods sorting method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The force applying member (5) is arranged deviating from the axis of the base (1), and the steps of elongating the force applying member (5) or moving it towards the goods to unload the goods from the support table (2) specifically include: When the force applying member (5) is on the side opposite to the sorting area of the goods, elongating the force applying member (5) or moving it upwards to lift one side of the support table (2), so that the goods slide down from the inclined support table (2) into the corresponding sorting area.

22. The goods sorting method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Before rotating the base (1) provided at the lower part of the support table (2) around its own axis, it further includes: The position detection component detects the angular position of the force applying member (5) in the horizontal plane; The control component determines whether the angular position of the force applying member (5) is on the side opposite to the sorting area corresponding to the goods. If so, the goods are directly unloaded. Otherwise, the force applying member (5) is rotated to the side opposite to the sorting area corresponding to the goods and then the goods are unloaded.

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