Sorting system and container binding method for a sorting system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of logistics, and provides a sorting system and a container binding method of the sorting system. The sorting system comprises a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions of the seeding wall. The sorting system further comprises a controller and an identification device in communication connection with the controller, and the identification device is movable relative to the seeding wall or fixed relative to the seeding wall. In the movable state relative to the seeding wall, the identification device can obtain identity information of a single empty container on the seeding wall based on a control instruction of the controller, and bind the empty container and the corresponding seeding position by control, or obtain an image of the whole seeding wall, and then obtain the identity information of each empty container based on the image by the controller, and then bind each empty container and the corresponding seeding position. In the fixed state relative to the seeding wall, the image of the whole seeding wall is also obtained, and the identity information of the empty container is obtained without manual participation and handheld scanning gun scanning, so that the labor cost is reduced, and the sorting efficiency and accuracy are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of logistics technology, and in particular to a sorting system and a method for binding containers of the sorting system. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the warehousing and logistics industry, sorting system solutions have matured and been implemented. Generally, a sorting system includes a sorting wall and containers placed on the sorting positions of the sorting wall. The sorting system also includes a controller and a barcode scanner that communicates with the controller.

[0003] The sorting process using the sorting system by sorting personnel is as follows: the sorting personnel obtain the location of the target container corresponding to the order from the display device of the controller, deliver the goods into the target container, and after the target container is full or the order for the target container is completed, the container is moved away from the seeding wall, and empty containers are used to fill the vacant seeding positions. Finally, the identification information of the vacant container is scanned with a barcode scanner. After obtaining the identification information, the controller binds and stores the vacant container and its seeding position.

[0004] In another scenario, the controller communicates with electronic tags or signal elements on each seeding position on the seeding wall. When an empty container needs to be placed at a target seeding position, the electronic tag at the target seeding position provides a prompt, or the signal element lights up or flashes to indicate the specific location of the target seeding position on the seeding wall. Sorting personnel then place the empty container at the target seeding position based on this prompt and scan the container's identification information using a scanner. This identification information is typically represented by a barcode or QR code, which uniquely identifies the empty container. After obtaining the identification information, the controller binds the empty container and the target seeding position and stores it for use in subsequent seeding tasks.

[0005] Based on the existing sorting system, the sorting process requires sorting personnel to manually scan containers one by one with a handheld barcode scanner so that the controller can obtain the identity information of the empty container corresponding to the target sorting position, and then bind the two. Obviously, this sorting mode suffers from low sorting efficiency due to the introduction of manual labor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a sorting system and a method for binding the sorting system's containers in order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a sorting system, the sorting system including a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall, the sorting system further including a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, the identification device having a first state or a second state relative to the seeding wall;

[0008] In the first state, the identification device moves relative to the seeding wall, and based on the control command of the controller, moves to the target seeding position, identifies the identity information of the empty container at the target seeding position, and the controller is configured to bind the empty container and the corresponding target seeding position based on the identity information of the empty container; or,

[0009] The identification device moves to acquire an image of the entire seeding wall based on the control command of the controller, and the controller binds each container and its corresponding seeding position in batches based on the image;

[0010] In the second state, the identification device is fixed relative to the seeding wall. The identification device acquires an image of the entire seeding wall based on control commands from the controller. The controller then batch-binds each empty container to its corresponding seeding position based on the image; or...

[0011] The identification device acquires the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding position where the target empty container is located. The controller binds the target empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the identification device is configured to move relative to the seeding wall along the X, Y, and Z directions via a motion mechanism;

[0013] The X, Y, and Z directions extend along the width, depth, and height of the seeding wall, respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment, the motion mechanism includes:

[0015] Z-axis slide rail, which extends along the Z-axis and is fixedly connected to the seeding wall;

[0016] An X-axis slide rail extends along the X-direction and is configured to slide along the Z-direction slide rail along the Z-direction;

[0017] Y-direction telescopic rod, the Y-direction telescopic rod is configured to telescopic in the Y direction and slide on the X-direction slide rail in the X direction;

[0018] The Z-direction telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the Y-direction telescopic rod and is configured to telescopic along the Z-direction. The identification device is connected to the Z-direction telescopic rod.

[0019] In one embodiment, the Z-axis slide rail and the seeding wall are integrally formed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sorting system further includes:

[0021] A circular slide rail is located above the seeding wall, and the identification device is mounted on the circular slide rail and moves along the slide rail to acquire an image of the entire seeding wall.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sorting system further includes:

[0023] X-axis slide rail, which is fixedly connected to the working surface where the seeding wall is located, where X-axis refers to extending along the width direction of the seeding wall;

[0024] The recognition device is configured to acquire images of the seeding wall while moving along the X-axis slide rail, until the entire seeding wall is captured.

[0025] In one embodiment, when in the second state, the identification device is fixedly installed on the working surface where the seeding wall is located or above the seeding wall.

[0026] In one embodiment, the sorting system includes at least two of the identification devices, which are arranged sequentially along the width of the seeding wall, and are configured to merge and acquire an image of the entire seeding wall.

[0027] In one embodiment, the identification device is an image scanner.

[0028] In one embodiment, the identification device obtains the identity information of the empty container or an image of the entire sowing wall from the back side before sowing.

[0029] Secondly, this disclosure provides a container binding method for a sorting system, the sorting system including a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall, the sorting system further including a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, and the identification device being configured to move relative to the seeding wall; the container binding method includes the following steps:

[0030] After receiving the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to move from its current position to the target seeding position;

[0031] The identification device acquires the identity information of the empty containers at the target seeding site;

[0032] The controller binds the empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the empty container.

[0033] Secondly, this disclosure provides a container binding method for a sorting system. The sorting system includes a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall. The sorting system also includes a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller. The identification device has a first state or a second state relative to the seeding wall. When in the first state, the identification device moves relative to the seeding wall. When in the second state, the identification device is fixed relative to the seeding wall.

[0034] When the identification device is in the first state, the container binding method includes the following steps:

[0035] After receiving the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to move from its current position to the target seeding position;

[0036] The identification device acquires the identity information of the empty containers at the target seeding site;

[0037] The controller binds the empty container and the target seed position based on the empty container's identity information; or,

[0038] After receiving all empty container positioning signals, the controller controls the identification device to move from its current position to the target position.

[0039] The recognition device acquires an image of the entire seeding wall;

[0040] The controller acquires the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions in batches;

[0041] When the identification device is in the second state, the container binding method includes the following steps:

[0042] After the controller receives the signal that all empty containers are in place, it controls the identification device to acquire an image of the entire seeding wall;

[0043] The controller acquires the identity information of all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and then batch-binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions; or,

[0044] The identification device is controlled to acquire the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding site where the target empty container is located;

[0045] The controller binds the target empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding position.

[0046] In one embodiment, controlling the identification device to move from its current position to the target sowing position, and the identification device acquiring the identity information of the empty container at the target sowing position specifically includes the following steps:

[0047] The control identification device stops after moving a preset distance and identifies the sowing position corresponding to the identity information of the container within the identification range on the sowing wall until the entire surface of the sowing wall is identified.

[0048] In one embodiment, after the controller receives the signal that all empty containers are in place, it controls the identification device to move from its current position to the target position. The identification device acquires an image of the entire seeding wall, specifically including the following steps:

[0049] The control identification device stops after moving a preset distance and identifies the sowing position corresponding to the identity information of the container within the identification range on the sowing wall until the entire surface of the sowing wall is identified.

[0050] One of the beneficial effects of the sorting system and container binding method disclosed herein is that the identification device of the sorting system is fixed or movable relative to the seeding wall. The identification device obtains the identity information of a single empty container on the seeding wall based on the control instructions of the controller according to its relative relationship with the seeding wall, and the controller binds the empty container to the corresponding seeding position. Alternatively, the system can obtain an image of the entire seeding wall, and the controller obtains the identity information of each empty container based on the image, and then binds each empty container to the corresponding seeding position. This eliminates the need for manual scanning of empty containers with a handheld scanner to obtain their identity information, reducing labor costs and improving sorting efficiency and accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0053] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an application scenario when the sorting system shown acquires an image of the entire seeding wall.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0055] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario when the sorting system of this disclosure acquires an image of an entire seeding wall in one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario when the sorting system of this disclosure acquires an image of an entire seeding wall in one embodiment;

[0057] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario when the sorting system of this disclosure acquires an image of an entire seeding wall in one embodiment;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario when the sorting system of this disclosure acquires an image of an entire seeding wall in one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario when the sorting system of this disclosure acquires an image of an entire seeding wall in one embodiment;

[0060] Figure 9 This is a control flowchart of a container binding method for a sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0061] Figure 10 This is a control flowchart of a container binding method for a sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0062] Figure 11 This is a control flowchart of a container binding method for a sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0063] Figure 12 This is a control flowchart of a container binding method for a sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0064] Figure 13 This is a control flowchart of a container binding method for a sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0065] Figure 14 This is a control flowchart of a container binding method for a sorting system disclosed in this embodiment;

[0066] Figure 15 This is a control flowchart of the container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein in one embodiment.

[0067] in, Figures 1 to 8 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals in the attached figures is as follows:

[0068] 1. Seeding wall, 2. Container, 31. Z-axis slide rail, 32. X-axis slide rail, 33. Y-axis telescopic rod, 34. Z-axis telescopic rod, 35. Roller, 36. Circular slide rail, 37. Column, 4. Identification device. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0073] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0074] In addition, this article uses ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" to distinguish components or regions with the same name. These ordinal numbers do not limit the importance or existing order of these components or regions.

[0075] To address the technical problems of existing sorting systems mentioned in the background section, this disclosure provides a sorting system, which is described below with reference to... Figures 1 to 8 The specific structure and working principle of the sorting system disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to several embodiments.

[0076] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the sorting system of this disclosure includes a seeding wall 1 and an empty container 2 placed on the seeding position on the seeding wall 1, a controller (not shown in the figure) and an identification device 4 that is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0077] The seeding wall 1 includes four legs and multiple shelves that are supported by the four legs and arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. Each shelf has at least one seeding position. The seeding position can be divided by physical elements such as partitions, or it can be divided by the default space size without the aid of physical elements. This article does not limit this.

[0078] In addition, an electronic tag can be set at each sorting position on the front of the sorting wall 1 (i.e., the side where sorting personnel or sorting equipment deliver goods is the front, and the opposite side is the back) to display information such as the sorting position number. In addition, a signal element can be set at each sorting position. The signal element is connected to the controller. The controller controls the signal element of the sorting position corresponding to the current order to light up or flash to indicate the location of the target container to be delivered to the picking personnel. After the delivery is completed, the picking personnel control the signal element to notify the controller that the delivery is complete.

[0079] In another application scenario, when a container at a certain seeding position is removed and placed in an idle state, the controller uses an electronic tag or signal element to prompt the sorting personnel to place the empty container 2 at that seeding position. For example, when the signal element is a signal light, the light will turn on or flash. The sorting personnel will place the empty container 2 at the designated target seeding position and then tap the signal light. The controller will then confirm that the empty container 2 is in place.

[0080] The identification device 4 disclosed herein is configured to acquire the identification information of a container (a unique symbol or number that can represent the identity of the container). The identification device 4 can be a barcode scanner, a scanner, an image scanner, or other components. Among them, the image scanner is the optimal option because it can not only acquire the identification information of the container, but also repair the identification information that is not clearly displayed due to damage, stains, etc.

[0081] The identification device 4 of this disclosure has a first state and a second state relative to the seeding wall 1. In this embodiment, the identification device 4 of this disclosure is in the first state relative to the seeding wall 1, that is, the identification device 4 is in motion relative to the seeding wall 1.

[0082] Specifically, the identification device 4 of this disclosure moves relative to the seeding wall 1 along the X, Y, and Z directions via a motion mechanism. The X direction refers to the width direction of the seeding wall 1 (i.e., the direction in which multiple seeding positions are placed sequentially on the same layer), the Y direction refers to the depth direction of the seeding wall 1 (i.e., the direction in which containers are picked up and placed at the same seeding position), and the Z direction refers to the height direction of the seeding wall 1 (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the seeding position). In other words, the X, Y, and Z directions constitute a spatial rectangular coordinate system.

[0083] See also Figure 1 In this embodiment, the motion mechanism includes at least a Z-axis slide rail 31, an X-axis slide rail 32, a Y-axis telescopic rod 33, and a Z-axis telescopic rod 34. The Z-axis slide rail 31 extends along the Z-axis and is fixedly connected to the seeding wall 1, while the X-axis slide rail 32 extends along the X-axis and can slide along the Z-axis on the Z-axis slide rail.

[0084] It should be noted that the motion mechanism uses a drive motor or other power source, along with a four-bar linkage, rack and pinion mechanism, or other transmission mechanisms to convert the motor's rotational motion into linear motion, driving the X-axis slide rail 32 to slide along the Z-axis on the Z-axis slide rail 31. Alternatively, the motion mechanism can also directly push the X-axis slide rail 32 along the Z-axis on the Z-axis slide rail 31 using a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or other power source. The power source is communicatively connected to the controller, which sends commands to the power source based on the target seeding position, causing it to move from its current position to the target seeding position.

[0085] See also Figure 1The Y-direction telescopic rod 33 is configured to extend and retract along the Y direction and move along the X direction on the X-direction slide rail 32. Similarly, the specific way in which the Y-direction telescopic rod 33 is driven to move along the X direction on the X-direction slide rail 32 in the motion mechanism can be the same as the way in which the X-direction slide rail 32 is driven to slide along the Z direction on the Z-direction slide rail 31 as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] The Y-direction telescopic rod 33 can extend and retract along the Y direction by means of a power source such as a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder under the control command of the controller, which will not be elaborated on here.

[0087] The Z-direction telescopic rod 34 is fixedly connected to the Y-direction telescopic rod 33 and is configured to extend and retract along the Z-direction. The identification device 4 is connected to the Z-direction telescopic rod 34. Similarly, the Z-direction telescopic rod 34 can extend and retract along the Z-direction by means of a power source such as a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder under the control command of the controller, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0088] Furthermore, the motion mechanism also includes a roller 35, which is mounted on the Z-direction telescopic rod 34 and is configured to drive the Z-direction telescopic rod 34 to move on the ground or other working surfaces, so as to avoid the Z-direction telescopic rod 34 directly contacting the working surface, which would cause scratches on the working surface and excessive motion damping.

[0089] Of course, the motion mechanism is not limited to the above-described structural form. In another embodiment, the Z-axis slide rail 31 and the column 37 or plate of the seeding wall 1 are integrally formed, and the column 37 or plate is configured to support the shelf. It should be noted that the other components, interconnections, and motion relationships of the motion mechanism are the same as in the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0090] For details, see Figure 2 The column 37 or the plate has a groove extending in the Z direction. The X-axis slide rail 32 slides with the column 37 or the plate through a slider adapted to the groove. When the power source pushes the X-axis slide rail 32, it slides along the groove on the column 37 or the plate.

[0091] Based on the above sorting system, the working principle of the sorting system can be as follows: the identification device 4 is configured to move to the target sowing position based on the control command of the controller to obtain the identity information of the empty container 2 on the target sowing position, and the controller is configured to bind the empty container 2 and the corresponding target sowing position based on the identity information of the empty container 2.

[0092] Specifically, the controller can obtain the current position of the identification device 4, and then control the movement of each component of the motion mechanism to move the corresponding distance according to the coordinate values ​​(X, Y, Z) of the target sowing position, so as to reach the target sowing position.

[0093] For example, the current coordinates of the identification device 4 are (X0, Y0, Z0), while the coordinates of the target position (X1, Y1, Z1) are needed to obtain the identity information of the empty container 2 at the target sowing position. The controller calculates the distance (|X1-X0|, |Y1-Y1|, |Z1-Z0|) that the identification device 4 needs to move from the current position to the target position. Then, it controls the Y-direction telescopic rod 33 to move along the X direction |X1-X0|, the Y-direction telescopic rod 33 to extend and retract along the Y direction |Y1-Y1|, and the X-direction slide rail 32 and the Z-direction telescopic rod 34 to move along the Z direction |Z1-Z0|.

[0094] It should be noted that the movement sequence of the identification device 4 along the X, Y, and Z directions can be set by those skilled in the art based on the actual application scenario, and is not limited here.

[0095] Of course, in another embodiment, the motion mechanism of this disclosure can also be a robotic arm, which can move flexibly between the current position and the target position.

[0096] Obviously, the identification device 4 of the sorting system disclosed herein can automatically move from the current position to the target position based on the control command of the controller to obtain the identity information of the empty container 2 on the single target sowing position corresponding to the target position. The controller then binds the target sowing position and the corresponding empty container 2. There is no need for manual scanning of the empty container 2 with a handheld scanner to obtain its identity information, which reduces labor costs and improves sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0097] In one embodiment, if the recognition range of the identification device at a specific location is less than the spatial range of the entire seeding wall, after the controller receives the empty container positioning signal, it controls the identification device to stop after moving a preset distance and identify the seeding position corresponding to the identity information of the container within the recognition range on the seeding wall until the entire seeding wall is identified.

[0098] The controller extracts the identity information of the empty container corresponding to the target seed position and binds the empty container and the target seed position.

[0099] In other words, when the combination of the recognition range and recognition distance of the recognition device cannot meet the requirements (for example, the distance is short, but the recognition range is required to be large), a sliding method can also be used, that is, the recognition device slides from left to right to photograph the entire seeding wall. The premise is that the recognition height of the recognition device can meet the requirements of recognizing the seeding wall, and the recognition width of the recognition device cannot meet the requirements.

[0100] It should be noted that the preset distance of the identification device's movement is determined based on the size of the container. The preset distance of the identification device's movement is such that its identification range can cover an integer number of containers on the seeding wall. Specifically, those skilled in the art can determine this based on the performance parameters of the identification device and the size of the container, and this text will not limit it further.

[0101] The sorting system disclosed herein can also batch bind empty containers 2 on an entire seeding wall 1 to their corresponding seeding positions. For details, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The specific structure of the sorting system in this embodiment is the same as that of the sorting system described above, and its specific structure will not be repeated here.

[0102] The identification device 4 is configured to move to the target position based on the control command of the controller, acquire the image of the entire seeding wall 1, and the controller acquires the identity information of all empty containers 2 and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall 1, and binds all empty containers 2 and their corresponding seeding positions in batches.

[0103] It should be noted that the motion mechanism drives the recognition device 4 to move a preset distance from its current position to the target position. When the recognition device 4 is at the target position, it can ensure that the distance between the recognition device 4 and the seeding wall 1 is sufficient to obtain an image of the entire seeding wall 1. Of course, the relationship between depth of field and range should refer to the performance parameters of the recognition device 4.

[0104] For example, the scanning distance of the recognition device 4 is 3m, which can cover a scanning range of 2145mm*1209mm. That is to say, when the distance of the recognition device 4 from the seeding wall 1 in the Y direction is 3m and the distance from the seeding wall 1 in the X direction is located in the middle of the seeding wall 1, the recognition device 4 can acquire an image of the seeding wall 1 with an area of ​​2145mm*1209mm.

[0105] For the application scenario of the container and corresponding sowing position of the batch full-area sowing wall 1 in the sorting system, the specific structure of the motion mechanism also includes the following two implementation methods.

[0106] See Figure 4 The first type is: the motion mechanism includes an X-direction slide rail 32 fixed on the ground or other working surface. Similarly, the X-direction refers to the width direction along the seeding wall 1. The identification device 4 is connected to the X-direction slide rail 32 via a column 37 or a similar Z-direction telescopic rod 34 as described above. The identification device 4 is configured to acquire an image of the seeding wall 1 while moving along the X-direction based on the control command of the controller until a complete image of the entire seeding wall 1 is acquired.

[0107] See Figure 5 The second type involves a motion mechanism consisting of an annular slide rail 36 fixed above the seeding wall 1. The identification device 4 is configured to move along the annular slide rail 36 based on control commands from the controller while acquiring an image of the seeding wall 1 until a complete image of the entire seeding wall 1 is obtained. It should be noted that the annular slide rail 36 can be a circular or square slide rail.

[0108] As previously described, the identification device 4 of this disclosure has a first state and a second state relative to the seeding wall 1. When in the second state, the identification device 4 is in a fixed state relative to the seeding wall 1.

[0109] See Figure 6 In one embodiment, the identification device 4 is fixed to the working surface such as the ground where the seeding wall 1 is located by the column 37, and is configured to acquire the image of the entire seeding wall 1. The controller acquires the identity information of all empty containers 2 and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall 1, and binds all empty containers 2 and their corresponding seeding positions in batches.

[0110] If the combination of scanning range and scanning distance of the identification device 4 cannot meet the requirements (e.g., short distance, but large scanning range is required), the sorting system of this disclosure may also include N identification devices 4, all of which are connected to the controller in communication, and the N identification devices 4 are combined to obtain the image of the entire seeding wall 1. That is, by appropriately increasing the number of identification devices 4, the scanning range of the entire seeding wall 1 can be combined and covered. N can be greater than or equal to 2.

[0111] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can select an appropriate identification device 4 or a suitable number of identification devices 4 based on the required scanning range of the seeding wall 1, so as to obtain an image of the seeding wall 1.

[0112] Similarly, in the case of batch binding containers, when the identification device can move relative to the seeding wall, if the combination of the scanning range and scanning distance of the identification device 4 cannot meet the requirements (e.g., short distance, but large scanning range required).

[0113] In one embodiment, the controller of the sorting system of this disclosure is configured to, after receiving the signal that all empty containers are in place, control the identification device to stop after moving a preset distance and identify the identification information of the containers within the identification range on the seeding wall corresponding to the seeding position, until the entire seeding wall is identified; the controller obtains the identification information of all empty containers and the identification information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and batch binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions.

[0114] The preset distance of the identification device's movement is determined based on the size of the container. The preset distance of the identification device's movement is such that its identification range can cover an integer number of containers on the seeding wall. Specifically, those skilled in the art can determine this based on the performance parameters of the identification device and the size of the container, and this text will not limit it further.

[0115] See Figure 7In another embodiment, the identification device 4 is fixedly installed on the ceiling or other building above the seeding wall 1 and is configured to acquire an image of the entire seeding wall 1. The controller acquires the identity information of all empty containers 2 and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall 1, and binds all empty containers 2 and their corresponding seeding positions in batches.

[0116] For example, when the scanning distance of the identification device 4 is 3m, it can cover a scanning range of 2145mm*1209mm.

[0117] It should be noted that the scanning distance is the distance from the farthest point of the object being scanned by the recognition device 4, for example... Figure 7 In the image, the furthest point of the scanned object is at the bottom row of bins, not at the top row.

[0118] Furthermore, in order to avoid the identification device 4 and its motion mechanism from affecting the sorting work of the sorting personnel in front of the seeding wall 1, the identification device 4 of this disclosure is configured to obtain the identity information of the empty container 2 or an image of the entire seeding wall 1 from the back of the seeding wall 1.

[0119] In addition, when acquiring the identity information of a single empty container 2, the identification device 4 of this disclosure is configured to be activated only after reaching the target seeding position in order to acquire the identity information of the empty container 2.

[0120] Similarly, when acquiring an image of the entire seeding wall 1, the identification device 4 of this disclosure is configured to be activated only after reaching the target position for acquiring the image of the entire seeding wall 1, so as to acquire the image of the entire seeding wall 1.

[0121] The identification device 4 of the sorting system disclosed herein can acquire an image of the entire seeding wall based on the control instructions of the controller. The controller then acquires the identity information of each empty container based on the image, and then binds each empty container to the corresponding seeding position. This eliminates the need for manual scanning of the empty container 2 with a handheld scanner to obtain its identity information, thereby reducing labor costs and improving sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0122] In the case where the identification device is in the second state relative to the seeding wall, that is, the identification device is fixed relative to the seeding wall, in addition to acquiring the image of the entire seeding wall, the identification device can also acquire the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding position based on the control instructions of the controller. The controller then binds the target empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the target control container and the location information of the target seeding position.

[0123] In addition to the sorting system described above, this disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system. The sorting system includes a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall. It also includes a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, and the identification device is configured to move relative to the seeding wall.

[0124] It should be noted that the structure and working principle of this sorting system are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can fully implement it based on the description above, so this article will not repeat it here, but will only focus on introducing the container binding method of the sorting system.

[0125] See Figure 9 The container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0126] S900. The controller sends a signal to indicate the target sowing position on the sowing wall where an empty container needs to be placed;

[0127] S901. After receiving the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to move from its current position to the target seeding position;

[0128] S902. The identification device acquires the identity information of the empty container on the target seeding position;

[0129] S903. The controller binds the empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the empty container;

[0130] S904. The controller terminates and issues a prompt signal.

[0131] The present disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system, the sorting system including a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall, and further including a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, the identification device being configured to move relative to the seeding wall.

[0132] It should be noted that the structure and working principle of this sorting system are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can fully implement it based on the description above, so this article will not repeat it here, but will only focus on introducing the container binding method of the sorting system.

[0133] See Figure 10 The container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0134] S100. The controller sends a signal indicating that empty containers need to be placed on the entire seeding wall;

[0135] S101. After receiving all empty container positioning signals, the controller controls the identification device to move from its current position to the target position;

[0136] S102. The identification device acquires an image of the entire seeding wall;

[0137] S103. The controller obtains the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions in batches;

[0138] S104. The controller issues a prompt signal indicating the end of the process.

[0139] This disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system, the sorting system including a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall, further including a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, the identification device being configured to move relative to the seeding wall.

[0140] It should be noted that the structure and working principle of this sorting system are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can fully implement it based on the description above, so this article will not repeat it here, but will only focus on introducing the container binding method of the sorting system.

[0141] See Figure 11 The container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0142] S110. The controller sends a signal indicating that empty containers need to be placed on the entire seeding wall;

[0143] S111. After the controller receives the signal that all empty containers are in place, it controls the identification device to move from the current position to the target position. At the same time, the identification device acquires an image of the entire seeding wall.

[0144] S112. The controller obtains the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions in batches;

[0145] S113. The controller issues a prompt signal indicating the end of the process.

[0146] For the case of binding a single container, this disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system, the sorting system including a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall, and further including a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, the identification device being configured to move relative to the seeding wall.

[0147] It should be noted that the structure and working principle of this sorting system are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can fully implement it based on the description above, so this article will not repeat it here, but will only focus on introducing the container binding method of the sorting system.

[0148] See Figure 12 The container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0149] S120. The controller sends a signal to the target sowing position on the sowing wall where an empty container needs to be placed;

[0150] S121. After receiving the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to stop after moving a preset distance and identify the sowing position corresponding to the identity information of the container within the identification range on the sowing wall until the entire sowing wall is identified.

[0151] S122. The controller extracts the identity information of the empty container corresponding to the target seed position and binds the empty container and the target seed position;

[0152] S123. The controller terminates and issues a prompt signal.

[0153] In the case of binding batch containers, this disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system. The sorting system includes a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall. It also includes a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, and the identification device is configured to move relative to the seeding wall.

[0154] It should be noted that the structure and working principle of this sorting system are the same as those described above. Those skilled in the art can fully implement it based on the description above, so this article will not repeat it here, but will only focus on introducing the container binding method of the sorting system.

[0155] See Figure 13 The container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0156] S130. The controller sends a signal indicating that empty containers need to be placed on the entire seeding wall;

[0157] S131. After the controller receives the signal that all empty containers are in place, it controls the identification device to stop after moving a preset distance and identify the identification information of the containers on the identification wall corresponding to the seeding position until the entire seeding wall is identified.

[0158] S132. The controller obtains the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions in batches.

[0159] S133. The controller terminates and issues a prompt signal.

[0160] The present disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system, the sorting system including a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions on the seeding wall, and further including a controller and an identification device communicatively connected to the controller, the identification device being configured to be fixed relative to the seeding wall.

[0161] See Figure 14The container binding method of the sorting system disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0162] S140. The controller sends a signal indicating that empty containers need to be placed on the entire seeding wall;

[0163] S141. After receiving the signal that all empty containers are in place, the controller controls the identification device to acquire an image of the entire seeding wall;

[0164] S142. The controller obtains the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of the corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and their corresponding seeding positions in batches;

[0165] S143. The controller terminates and issues a prompt signal.

[0166] For cases where the identification device is fixed relative to the seeding wall, it can also be bound to a single container. In one embodiment, this disclosure also provides a container binding method for a sorting system.

[0167] See Figure 15 The container binding method disclosed herein includes the following steps:

[0168] S150. The controller sends a signal indicating that empty containers need to be placed on the entire seeding wall;

[0169] S151. After receiving all empty container positioning signals, the controller controls the identification device to obtain the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding position where the target empty container is located;

[0170] S152. The controller binds the target empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the target empty container and the location information of the target seeding position;

[0171] S153. The controller terminates and issues a prompt signal.

[0172] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the functions of steps S900, S100, S110, S120, S130, S140, and S150 are to allow the controller to indicate the location where empty boxes need to be placed to the sorting personnel, thereby improving sorting efficiency. The corresponding functions of steps S904, S104, S113, S123, S133, S143, and S153 are to complete the container binding cancellation signal for convenient subsequent use.

[0173] In some other embodiments, steps S900, S904, S100, S120, S130, S140, S150, S104, S110, S113, S123, S133, S143, and S153 of the above embodiments can be omitted.

[0174] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or technical improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sorting system comprising a seeding wall and an empty container placed on a seeding position of the seeding wall, the empty container being used for placing goods, the empty container being moved away from the seeding wall after the empty container is full or a corresponding order is completed, the sorting system further comprising a controller and an identification device in communication connection with the controller, characterized in that, The identification device has a first state or a second state relative to the seeding wall; When in the first state, the identification device moves relative to the seeding wall and moves to a target seeding position based on a control instruction of the controller, identifies identity information of an empty container above the target seeding position, and the controller is configured to bind the empty container and the corresponding target seeding position based on the identity information of the empty container; or, The identification device moves to obtain an image of the entire seeding wall based on a control instruction of the controller, and the controller batch binds each container and the corresponding seeding position based on the image; When in the second state, the identification device is fixed relative to the seeding wall, and the identification device obtains an image of the entire seeding wall based on a control instruction of the controller, and the controller batch binds each empty container and the corresponding seeding position based on the image; or, The identification device obtains identity information of a target empty container and position information of a target seeding position where the target empty container is located based on a control instruction of the controller, and the controller binds the target empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the target empty container and the position information of the target seeding position.

2. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, The identification device is configured to move relative to the seeding wall along an X direction, a Y direction and a Z direction through a movement mechanism. The X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction extend along the width, the depth and the height of the seeding wall, respectively.

3. The sorting system of claim 2, wherein, The movement mechanism comprises: A Z-direction slide rail extending along the Z direction and fixedly connected to the seeding wall; An X-direction slide rail extending along the X direction and configured to slide along the Z direction on the Z-direction slide rail; A Y-direction telescopic rod configured to extend and retract along the Y direction and slide along the X direction on the X-direction slide rail; A Z-direction telescopic rod fixedly connected to the Y-direction telescopic rod and configured to extend and retract along the Z direction, and the identification device is connected to the Z-direction telescopic rod.

4. The sorting system of claim 3, wherein, The Z-direction slide rail and the seeding wall are integrally formed.

5. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, The sorting system further comprises: A ring-shaped slide rail above the seeding wall, and the identification device is arranged on the ring-shaped slide rail and moves along the slide rail to obtain an image of the entire seeding wall.

6. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, The sorting system further comprises: An X-direction slide rail fixedly connected to a working surface where the seeding wall is located, and the X direction refers to extending along the width direction of the seeding wall; The identification device is configured to move along the X-direction slide rail while obtaining an image of the seeding wall until an image of the entire seeding wall is obtained.

7. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, When in the second state, the identification device is fixedly installed on the working surface where the seeding wall is located or above the seeding wall.

8. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, The sorting system comprises at least two identification devices arranged in sequence along the width direction of the seeding wall, and the at least two identification devices are configured to merge to obtain an image of the entire seeding wall.

9. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, The identification device is an image scanner.

10. The sorting system of claim 1, wherein, The identification device obtains the identity information of the empty container or the image of the entire seeding wall from the back of the seeding wall.

11. A method of container binding for a sorting system, characterized by, The sorting system comprises a seeding wall and empty containers placed on seeding positions of the seeding wall, the empty containers are used to place goods, the empty containers are moved away from the seeding wall after the empty containers are full or corresponding orders are completed, the sorting system further comprises a controller and an identification device in communication connection with the controller, the identification device has a first state or a second state relative to the seeding wall, when the identification device is in the first state, the identification device moves relative to the seeding wall, when the identification device is in the second state, the identification device is fixed relative to the seeding wall; When the identification device is in the first state, the container binding method comprises the following steps: After the controller receives the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to move from the current position to the target seeding position; The identification device obtains the identity information of the empty container on the target seeding position; The controller binds the empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the empty container; Or, After the controller receives the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to move from the current position to the target position; The identification device obtains an image of the entire seeding wall; The controller obtains the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and corresponding seeding positions in batches; When the identification device is in the second state, the container binding method comprises the following steps: After the controller receives the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to obtain an image of the entire seeding wall; The controller obtains the identity information of all empty containers and the identity information of corresponding seeding positions based on the image of the entire seeding wall, and binds all empty containers and corresponding seeding positions in batches; or The controller controls the identification device to obtain the identity information of the target empty container and the position information of the target seeding position where the target empty container is located; The controller binds the target empty container and the target seeding position based on the identity information of the target empty container and the position information of the target seeding position.

12. The container binding method of claim 11, wherein, The controller controls the identification device to move from the current position to the target seeding position, and the identification device obtains the identity information of the empty container on the target seeding position, which specifically comprises the following steps: The controller controls the identification device to stop and identify the seeding position of the empty container corresponding to the identity information of the empty container in the identification range on the seeding wall after the identification device moves a preset distance, until the entire seeding wall is identified.

13. The container binding method of claim 11, wherein, After the controller receives the empty container positioning signal, the controller controls the identification device to move from the current position to the target position, and the identification device obtains an image of the entire seeding wall, which specifically comprises the following steps: The controller controls the identification device to stop and identify the seeding position of the empty container corresponding to the identity information of the empty container in the identification range on the seeding wall after the identification device moves a preset distance, until the entire seeding wall is identified.

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