Empty container dense storage warehouse box body recognition device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of empty box dense warehouse warehousing box body recognition device and method, including base, conveyor belt, box body recognition frame, control device;Base is installed on conveyor belt and conveys box body, and box body recognition frame is set on conveyor belt, and box body recognition frame identifies the number of box body and judges whether box body is all positive stacking;When box body is all positive stacking and passes through identification, then directly sent into warehouse;And, box body recognition frame identifies the actual number of box body of each warehousing, and records the number of warehousing.The box body recognition frame identifies at least one box body stacking reverse, and control device controls conveyor belt reverse and exits the box body to be warehoused from box body recognition frame, and alarm is given through the alarm reminding device set on box body recognition frame, informs worker to reorganize, ensures that multiple box bodies are all positive stacking again, and then sent into warehouse.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to container entry identification technology, and more particularly to a device and method for identifying empty containers entering a dense warehouse. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of IoT technology, intelligent warehouse management technology has emerged. Warehouse systems employ intelligent operating systems, enabling automatic retrieval and storage of goods through system commands. They can operate 24 / 7, significantly improving warehousing efficiency and gaining widespread application and popularity. Warehouse systems are typically used to store different types of goods, which are usually placed in containers.

[0003] In the daily operation of a warehousing system, empty boxes need to be recycled to facilitate their return to the warehouse for subsequent loading. Used boxes are stored in a centralized empty box storage facility. However, currently, empty box recycling is usually done manually, which is very time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in low recycling efficiency. Manual stacking is also prone to counting errors and incorrect box placement.

[0004] Therefore, managing empty boxes upon receipt is a problem that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a device and method for identifying empty container boxes entering a high-density warehouse.

[0006] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the technical solution adopted is as follows:

[0007] An empty box dense warehouse box identification device includes a base, a conveyor belt, a box identification frame, and a control device; the conveyor belt is installed on the base to transport boxes, and the box identification frame is set on the conveyor belt to identify the number of boxes and determine whether the boxes are all stacked in the correct orientation.

[0008] When the box identification frame detects that at least one box is stacked in the wrong direction, the control device controls the conveyor belt to reverse so that the box to be put into storage is removed from the box identification frame, and an alarm is triggered by the alarm reminder device set on the box identification frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the box identification frame includes two uprights on the left and right and a horizontal bar. The uprights are equipped with n sets of photoelectric detection elements. Each set of photoelectric detection elements includes a photoelectric emitting device and a photoelectric receiving device located at the same position on the left and right uprights, respectively, to complete photoelectric detection and counting.

[0010] Furthermore, the spacing between the n groups of photoelectric detection elements is h; the height of the lowest group of photoelectric detection elements on the column is less than h. When no box is placed at this height position, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter is received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, and no count is made at this time; when a box is placed at this height position, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter cannot be received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, and the count is incremented by 1 at this time.

[0011] Furthermore, if a maximum of n boxes are entered into the warehouse at one time, and the height of each box is Box_out_H, then the height L of the box recognition frame is greater than n*Box_out_H.

[0012] Furthermore, each set of photoelectric detection elements is equipped with an indicator light, and n sets of indicator lights are set up; when a box is detected at this height position, the indicator light turns green and stays on; when at least one box is detected to be stacked in reverse, the indicator light turns red and flashes as an alarm.

[0013] Furthermore, the box is an open box frame without a lid, and a protruding part is set at the bottom of the box. The height of the protruding part is Box_pin_H, and the length and width of the protruding part are smaller than the opening of the box. When the boxes are stacked, the protruding part of the upper layer of the box is exactly locked into the opening of the lower layer of the box.

[0014] Furthermore, a distance detector is installed on the crossbar of the box identification frame. The distance detector is installed at a height of S_H and measures the distance l from the crossbar to the topmost box. The range of distance l is used to determine whether the boxes are stacked in reverse.

[0015] Furthermore, the value l corresponding to the distance detector is S_H-(Box_out_H-Box_pin_H)*m+Box_in_H. If both the photoelectric state and the detection distance are correct, then the box stacking is correct.

[0016] If any boxes are not stacked correctly, such as the bottom of the upper box not being embedded in the opening of the lower box, the distance detector value l is S_H - Box_out_H*m + Box_in_H. The distance is less than the height of the bottom step Box_pin_H. The number of boxes can be confirmed by photoelectric detection, and the distance can confirm the stacking status of the boxes. If some boxes are stacked bottom-up, the distance detector value l is S_H - (Box_out_H - Box_pin_H)*m. The distance is less than the internal depth of the box Box_in_H. The number of boxes can be confirmed by photoelectric detection, and the distance can confirm the stacking status of the boxes.

[0017] Furthermore, a safety height limit bar is provided below the horizontal bar of the box identification frame, which is used to determine the stacking direction of the boxes when n boxes are put into the warehouse. The height of the safety height limit bar is n*Box_out_H-(n-1)*Box_pin_H.

[0018] When all n boxes are stacked facing forward, they can pass under the safety height limit bar. However, if at least one box is stacked facing backward, and the total height of the boxes exceeds the safety height limit bar, they cannot pass.

[0019] A method for identifying empty container boxes entering a high-density warehouse includes the following steps:

[0020] (1) When the boxes are put into the warehouse, multiple boxes are manually stacked and placed on the conveyor belt, and then sent into the warehouse by the conveyor belt.

[0021] (2) A box identification frame is set at the end of the conveyor belt to identify the number of boxes and to determine whether the boxes are all stacked in the correct direction;

[0022] (3) Once all boxes are stacked in the correct orientation and pass the identification, they are directly sent to the warehouse; and the box identification frame identifies the actual number of boxes entering the warehouse each time and records the number of boxes entering the warehouse.

[0023] (4) When the box identification frame detects that at least one box is stacked in the wrong direction, the control device controls the conveyor belt to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the box to be sent into the warehouse is removed from the box identification frame; and through the alarm reminder device set on the box identification frame, the worker is notified to rearrange the boxes to ensure that all boxes are stacked in the right direction before sending them into the warehouse again.

[0024] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that, compared with the prior art, the present invention identifies the number of boxes and determines whether the boxes are all stacked in the correct orientation by using a box identification frame.

[0025] This invention uses a photoelectric detection element to perform photoelectric detection counting. When no box is placed at this height position, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter is received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, so no count is made. When a box is placed at this height position, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter cannot be received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, so the count is incremented by 1.

[0026] This invention uses a distance detector to measure the distance from the horizontal bar to the topmost box, and determines whether any boxes are stacked in reverse by measuring the range of this distance. When at least one box is detected to be stacked in reverse, the control device reverses the conveyor belt to remove the box from the box identification frame, and an alarm is triggered by an alarm device on the box identification frame to notify workers to rearrange the boxes. After ensuring that all boxes are stacked correctly, the boxes are then sent back into storage.

[0027] This invention solves the problems of counting errors and incorrect box placement that easily occur during manual stacking. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a right-side perspective view of the empty container dense warehouse container identification device described in this invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a left-side perspective view of the empty container dense warehouse container identification device described in this invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the container located on the conveyor belt;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the box being located within the box identification frame;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the distance detector detection;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the enclosure;

[0034] Attached diagram descriptions: 1. Base; 2. Conveyor belt; 3. Box identification frame; 4. Box; 3-1. Column; 3-2. Horizontal bar; 3-3. Photoelectric detection element; 3-4. Signal light; 3-5. Distance detector; 3-6. Safety height limit bar. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the empty box dense warehouse box identification device of the present invention includes a base 1, a conveyor belt 2, a box identification frame 3, and a control device.

[0037] The empty container high-density warehouse container identification device of the present invention includes a steel base with a certain height, and a conveyor belt of a certain length installed on the base for conveying containers. A container identification frame is set at the end of the conveyor belt to identify the number of containers and determine whether the containers are all stacked in the correct orientation.

[0038] When boxes are received into the warehouse, multiple boxes are manually stacked and transported via conveyor belt. If the box identification frame detects that at least one box is stacked incorrectly, the control device reverses the conveyor belt, removing the box from the identification frame. An alarm on the identification frame then notifies the worker to rearrange the boxes, ensuring they are all stacked correctly before re-entering the warehouse. Once all boxes are correctly stacked and pass identification, they are directly sent into the warehouse. The alarm can be a signal light.

[0039] The height of box 4 is Box_out_H. If a maximum of n boxes are put into storage at one time, the height L of box identification box 3 is slightly greater than n*Box_out_H. In actual operation, the number of boxes m put into storage each time is between 1 and n. Finally, the actual number of boxes put into storage each time is identified by the box identification box and the number of boxes put into storage is recorded.

[0040] The box identification frame 3 includes two uprights 3-1 on the left and right sides and a crossbar 3-2. The uprights 3-1 are fixed on the base 1. n sets of photoelectric detection elements 3-3 are set on the uprights, with a spacing of h, where h = Box_out_H. Each set of photoelectric detection elements consists of two components located at the same position on the left and right uprights, which are a photoelectric transmitter and a photoelectric receiver, respectively, to complete the photoelectric detection and counting.

[0041] Photoelectric detection elements 1 to n are respectively denoted as GD1 to GD n The corresponding triggers can be generated from the bottom layer up to the nth layer of the box, and the corresponding valid triggers are denoted as GD1_on to GD_on. n _on, those not triggered are invalid states, denoted as GD1_off to GD_off respectively. n _off.

[0042] For example, the height of the bottom set of photoelectric detection elements on the box identification frame 3 is slightly less than h. When no box is placed at this height, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter can be received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, so no count is made. When a box is placed at this height, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter cannot be received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, so the count is incremented by 1. This process can be repeated to count multiple boxes.

[0043] Each set of photoelectric detection elements on the box identification frame 3 is equipped with indicator lights 3-4. When a box is detected at that height, the indicator light turns green and remains constantly lit; when at least one box is detected to be stacked in reverse, the indicator light turns red and flashes as an alarm. There are also n sets of indicator lights.

[0044] A distance detector 3-5 is installed on the horizontal bar 3-2 of the box identification frame 3. The distance detector is installed at a height of S_H and is used to measure the distance l from the horizontal bar 3-2 to the top box. The range of distance l is used to determine whether there are boxes stacked in reverse.

[0045] like Figure 6 As shown, box 4 is an open, lidless box frame with an internal depth of Box_in_H and an external height of Box_out_H. Box 4 has a raised section at its bottom for interlocking when stacked. The height of the raised section is Box_pin_H, and its length and width are slightly smaller than the box opening. When stacking boxes, the boxes in the previous layer can be neatly placed in the layer below, with the raised section precisely interlocking the box opening. The total height of each layer is m*Box_out_H - (m-1)*Box_pin_H, where m = 1 to n. This assumes each layer is stacked in the correct orientation. If any boxes are stacked in the wrong orientation, the actual total height H will be higher than calculated using the above formula.

[0046] When stacked m-layer boxes enter the detection device, if the box stacking state is correct, the corresponding photoelectric sensors GD1 to GD2 will be activated. m The state changes to the triggered state, GD m+1 ~GD n In the non-triggered state, the value l corresponding to the distance detector is S_H-(Box_out_H-Box_pin_H)*m+Box_in_H. If both the photoelectric status and the detection distance are correct, then the box stacking is correct.

[0047] If any boxes are not stacked correctly, such as the bottom of the upper box not being embedded in the opening of the lower box, the distance detector value l is S_H - Box_out_H*m + Box_in_H. The distance is less than the height of the bottom step Box_pin_H. The number of boxes can be confirmed by photoelectric detection, and the distance can confirm the stacking status of the boxes. If some boxes are stacked bottom-up, the distance detector value l is S_H - (Box_out_H - Box_pin_H)*m. The distance is less than the internal depth of the box Box_in_H. The number of boxes can be confirmed by photoelectric detection, and the distance can confirm the stacking status of the boxes.

[0048] Below the horizontal bar of the box identification frame 3, there is also a safety height limit bar 3-6, which is used to determine the stacking direction of boxes when a maximum of n boxes are stored. The height of the safety height limit bar 3-6 is set to n*Box_out_H-(n-1)*Box_pin_H. When all n boxes are stacked in the correct direction, they can pass under the safety height limit bar 3-6. When at least one box is stacked in the wrong direction, the total height of the boxes exceeds the safety height limit bar 3-6, and they cannot pass. In this case, it is not necessary to use the distance detector 3-5 to determine whether any boxes are stacked in the wrong direction. When the number of boxes m stored is 1 to n-1, the distance detector 3-5 is used to determine whether any boxes are stacked in the wrong direction.

[0049] like Figure 3-5 As shown, in this embodiment, n=5, meaning the empty box compaction warehouse box identification device can accept a maximum of 5 boxes at a time. Therefore, in actual worker operation, the number of boxes accepted each time is between 1 and 5. The height L of the box identification frame is slightly greater than 5Box_out_H. Five sets of photoelectric detection elements are installed on the column, with a spacing of h, and the height of the bottom set of photoelectric detection elements is slightly less than h. Five sets of signal lights are also installed. The height of the safety height limit bar is set at 5Box_out_H - 4Box_pin_H.

[0050] The empty container high-density warehouse container identification method of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0051] (1) When the boxes are put into storage, multiple boxes are manually stacked and placed on a conveyor belt, and then sent into storage by the conveyor belt; the number of boxes m put into storage each time is between 1 and n.

[0052] (2) A box identification frame is set at the end of the conveyor belt to identify the number of boxes and to determine whether the boxes are all stacked in the correct direction;

[0053] (3) Once all boxes are stacked in the correct orientation and pass the identification, they are directly sent to the warehouse; and the box identification frame identifies the actual number of boxes entering the warehouse each time and records the number of boxes entering the warehouse.

[0054] (4) When the box identification frame detects that at least one box is stacked in the wrong direction, the control device controls the conveyor belt to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the box to be sent into the warehouse is removed from the box identification frame; and through the alarm reminder device set on the box identification frame, the worker is notified to rearrange the boxes to ensure that all boxes are stacked in the right direction before sending them into the warehouse again.

[0055] Among them, the distance l from the horizontal bar 3-2 to the topmost box is measured by the distance detector 3-5, and the range of distance l is used to determine whether there are boxes stacked in reverse.

[0056] The applicant of this invention has provided a detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the invention. The detailed description is only intended to help readers better understand the spirit of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. On the contrary, any improvements or modifications made based on the inventive spirit of the invention should fall within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for identifying empty container boxes entering a high-density warehouse, characterized in that, Includes a base (1), a conveyor belt (2), a box identification frame (3), and a control device; the base is equipped with a conveyor belt to transport boxes, and a box identification frame is set on the conveyor belt. The box identification frame identifies the number of boxes and determines whether the boxes are all stacked in the correct direction; when the box identification frame detects that at least one box is stacked in the wrong direction, the control device controls the conveyor belt to reverse and remove the box to be stored from the box identification frame, and an alarm is triggered by the alarm reminder device set on the box identification frame; The box identification frame (3) includes two uprights (3-1) on the left and right and a horizontal bar (3-2). n sets of photoelectric detection elements (3-3) are set on the uprights. Each set of photoelectric detection elements includes a photoelectric emitting device and a photoelectric receiving device located at the same position on the left and right uprights respectively, to complete photoelectric detection counting. The spacing between n groups of photoelectric detection elements (3-3) is h; the height of the lowest group of photoelectric detection elements on the column is less than h. When no box is placed at this height position, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter is received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, and no count is made at this time; when a box is placed at this height position, the signal emitted by the photoelectric transmitter cannot be received by the photoelectric receiver on the opposite side, and the count is incremented by 1 at this time. The box (4) is an empty box frame without a lid. The height of the box (4) is Box_out_H. The bottom of the box (4) is provided with a protruding part with a height of Box_pin_H. The length and width of the protruding part are smaller than the opening of the box. When the boxes are stacked, the protruding part of the upper layer of the box just blocks the opening of the lower layer of the box. A distance detector (3-5) is installed on the crossbar (3-2) of the box identification frame (3). The distance detector is installed at a height of S_H and measures the distance from the crossbar (3-2) to the top of the box. l By distance l The range is used to determine whether the boxes are stacked in reverse; The value corresponding to the distance detector l If the photoelectric status and detection distance are both correct (S_H - (Box_out_H - Box_pin_H) * m + Box_in_H), then the boxes are stacked correctly. If any boxes are not stacked correctly, such as the bottom of the upper box not being embedded in the opening of the lower box, the distance to the detector will be incorrect. l The distance is S_H - Box_out_H * m + Box_in_H, minus the height of the bottom step Box_pin_H. The number of boxes can be confirmed via photoelectric sensors, and the stacking status can be determined by the distance. If some boxes are stacked bottom-up, the distance detector will show the corresponding value. l The distance is S_H-(Box_out_H-Box_pin_H)*m, which is less than the internal depth of the box, Box_in_H. The number of boxes can be confirmed by photoelectric detection, and the stacking status of the boxes can be confirmed by distance.

2. The empty container high-density warehouse container identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At most n boxes can be stored at one time. The height of box (4) is Box_out_H. Then the height L of the box identification box (3) is greater than n*Box_out_H.

3. The empty container high-density warehouse container identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of photoelectric detection elements is equipped with indicator lights (3-4), and n sets of indicator lights are set up; when a box is detected at this height position, the indicator light turns green and stays on; when at least one box is detected to be stacked in reverse, the indicator light turns red and flashes as an alarm.

4. The empty container high-density warehouse container identification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Below the horizontal bar of the box identification frame (3) is a safety height limit bar (3-6), used to determine the stacking direction of n boxes when they enter the warehouse. The height of the safety height limit bar (3-6) is [missing information]. When all n boxes are stacked in the correct orientation, they can pass under the safety height limit bar. However, if at least one box is stacked in the opposite orientation and the total height of the boxes exceeds the safety height limit bar, they cannot pass.

5. A method for identifying empty container boxes entering a high-density warehouse, based on the empty container box identification device described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Including the following steps: (1) When the boxes are put into storage, multiple boxes are manually stacked and placed on the conveyor belt, and then sent into storage via the conveyor belt; (2) A box identification frame is set at the end of the conveyor belt to identify the number of boxes and to determine whether the boxes are all stacked in the correct direction; (3) When all boxes are stacked in the correct orientation and pass the identification, they are directly sent to the warehouse; and the box identification frame identifies the actual number of boxes entering the warehouse each time and records the number of boxes entering the warehouse. (4) When the box identification frame detects that at least one box is stacked in the wrong direction, the control device controls the conveyor belt to rotate in the opposite direction, so that the box to be sent into the warehouse is removed from the box identification frame; and through the alarm reminder device set on the box identification frame, the worker is notified to rearrange the boxes again, and after ensuring that all boxes are stacked in the right direction, they are sent into the warehouse again.

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