Cargo sorting method, system, and computer-readable storage medium, device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a goods sorting method, system, computer readable storage medium and device, relates to the technical field of warehouse logistics, and aims to solve the problem of low sorting efficiency of existing sorting methods when sorting goods. The goods sorting method comprises the following steps: identifying the label of a to-be-sorted bin and obtaining label information; determining whether the to-be-sorted bin is a first type of bin according to the label information; if yes, matching a first sorting mode to sort the goods in the to-be-sorted bin; if no, matching a second sorting mode to sort the goods in the to-be-sorted bin; wherein the first sorting mode is to sort the goods in the to-be-sorted bin according to a first sorting instruction, and the second sorting mode is to sort the goods in the to-be-sorted bin according to a second sorting instruction. The goods sorting method provided by the present disclosure can sort multiple to-be-sorted bins with the same SKU code, thereby improving the sorting efficiency of goods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of warehousing and logistics technology, and in particular to a cargo sorting method, system, computer-readable storage medium, and device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the warehousing industry, the requirements for the efficiency of bin storage, outbound and sorting are getting higher and higher. More and more industries and enterprises are using automated warehouses and picking platforms, and warehouse robots are used to transfer bins between automated warehouses and picking platforms to improve sorting efficiency.

[0003] A common sorting method in warehousing operations is a combination of central sorting and secondary sorting. First, several original orders are grouped together according to a certain logic (e.g., time, product category, order quantity, number of items) to form a consolidation list. The first picking action is then performed according to this list, placing the goods into sorting bins. After the central sorting is complete, the sorting bins are transported to a packing station for secondary sorting. During packing, each item is placed into the sorting equipment, and secondary sorting is completed according to the original orders. However, this sorting method has low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a cargo sorting method, system, computer-readable storage medium, and device that can improve cargo sorting efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a goods sorting method applied to a goods sorting system, the goods sorting system including a first type of bin and a second type of bin, wherein the inventory unit information of the goods in the first type of bin is the same, and the inventory unit information of the goods in the second type of bin is different;

[0007] The sorting method includes the following steps:

[0008] Identify the labels on the bins to be sorted and obtain the label information;

[0009] Based on the label information, determine whether the bin to be sorted is the first type of bin;

[0010] If yes, then the first sorting mode is matched to sort the goods in the sorting bin; if no, then the second sorting mode is matched to sort the goods in the sorting bin.

[0011] The first sorting mode involves sorting multiple items in the sorting bin according to a first sorting instruction, while the second sorting mode involves sorting the items in the sorting bin one by one according to a second sorting instruction.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the first sorting mode comprises the following steps: sorting multiple items in the sorting bin according to a first sorting instruction.

[0013] Obtain the target quantity of goods required in the first type of bin corresponding to the sorting collection list;

[0014] Obtain the maximum number of goods that the picking robot can carry in a single trip;

[0015] The first sorting instruction is generated based on the target quantity and the limit quantity.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the second sorting mode includes the following steps for sorting goods one by one in the sorting bin according to the second sorting instruction:

[0017] Obtain the types of goods required in the second type of bin corresponding to the sorting collection list, as well as the target quantity of the same type of goods;

[0018] The second sorting instruction is generated based on the type of goods and the target quantity of similar goods.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the goods sorting method further includes:

[0020] Obtain the target picking compartment or target order box corresponding to each item;

[0021] Assign the appropriate picking robot based on the target picking compartment or target order box, and plan the movement path of the picking robot;

[0022] The sorted goods are placed on the matching picking robot, and the picking robot transfers the goods to the corresponding target sorting slot or target order box.

[0023] In one optional embodiment, the goods sorting method further includes:

[0024] Record the outbound status of goods in the first type of bin and the second type of bin;

[0025] After the first type of bin and the second type of bin have been sorted, they are automatically moved out of the sorting position, and the next bin to be sorted is moved into the sorting position.

[0026] In one optional embodiment, the sorting station is equipped with an identification device for recognizing the barcode of goods; the identification device is used to identify the barcode of the goods and record that the goods have been picked.

[0027] In one optional embodiment, the step of automatically removing the first type bin and the second type bin from the sorting position after sorting and allowing the next bin to be sorted to enter the sorting position includes:

[0028] According to the first sorting instruction, after picking multiple items from the first type of bin, the first type of bin can be automatically moved out of the sorting position, and the next bin to be sorted can be moved into the sorting position.

[0029] The goods in the second type of bin are sorted one by one according to the second sorting instruction until all the goods in the second type of bin have been sorted. Then the second type of bin can be automatically moved out of the sorting position and the next bin to be sorted can be moved into the sorting position.

[0030] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a goods sorting system comprising: a warehouse robot, a picking robot, a picking platform, and at least one conveyor; the conveyor is disposed on one side of the picking platform and has a sorting position; the other side of the picking platform has multiple sorting slots and / or target order boxes; the warehouse robot is used to transport boxes to be sorted to the conveyor, the boxes to be sorted are configured to move on the conveyor and can move to the sorting position; the sorting position is provided with an identification device, the identification device is used to identify the type of the box to be sorted and the barcode of the goods, and the goods sorting system matches a sorting method according to the type of the box to be sorted; the picking robot is configured to move on the picking platform and can transfer the sorted goods from the sorting position to the sorting slots and / or the target order boxes.

[0031] In one alternative embodiment, the picking platform includes at least one layer along the height direction; each layer of the picking platform has a plurality of conveyor racks on one side that are matched with its height.

[0032] In one optional embodiment, the conveyor frame is U-shaped and includes a first transmission section, a second transmission section, and a third transmission section arranged sequentially; wherein the first transmission section and the third transmission section are spaced apart and arranged in parallel, and the first transmission section is located between the first transmission section and the third transmission section; the sorting position is located at one end of the first transmission section near the second transmission section, or the sorting position is located at one end of the third transmission section near the second transmission section.

[0033] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the goods sorting method as described in the first aspect.

[0034] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer device including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program that, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the goods sorting method described in the first aspect.

[0035] Compared with related technologies, the cargo sorting method, system, computer-readable storage medium, and device provided in this disclosure have the following advantages;

[0036] The goods sorting method, system, and computer-readable storage medium and device provided in this disclosure are wherein the goods sorting method can match different sorting modes according to the type of the bin to be sorted. For example, when the bin to be sorted is a first type of bin, the goods in this type of bin have the same Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), that is, the goods in this type of bin have the same SKU code, and the first sorting mode can be matched to sort the goods in the first type of bin by multiple items; when the bin to be sorted is a second type of bin, the goods in this type of bin have different SKU codes, and the second sorting mode can be matched to sort the goods in the second type of bin item by item.

[0037] Compared with related technologies that can only sort goods one by one, the goods sorting method provided in this disclosure can match different sorting modes according to the type of the sorting bin. In particular, when the goods in the sorting bin have the same SKU code, multiple items can be sorted. This setting can improve the sorting efficiency of goods.

[0038] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the cargo sorting method, system, and computer-readable storage medium and device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description

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

[0040] Figure 1 A top view of a cargo sorting system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A in the diagram;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a first conveyor and a second conveyor at different heights, provided for embodiments of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a goods sorting method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a goods sorting method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another cargo sorting method provided in this disclosure embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0046] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another cargo sorting method provided in this disclosure embodiment. Figure 2 .

[0047] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0048] 10-Conveyor rack;

[0049] 10a - First conveyor frame; 10b - Second conveyor frame;

[0050] 11-First transmission segment; 12-Second transmission segment; 13-Third transmission segment; 14-Sorting position;

[0051] 20 - Picking platform;

[0052] 30 - Target order boxes;

[0053] 40 - Picking robot;

[0054] 50 - Warehouse robots. Detailed Implementation

[0055] As described in the background section, existing warehousing operations using a combination of general sorting and secondary sorting suffer from poor sorting efficiency. The inventors discovered that this problem arises because the general sorting and secondary sorting method requires combining several original orders into a batch order based on a specific logic. The first picking action is then performed according to this batch order, concentrating the goods in a sorting bin. After the general sorting is complete, the sorting bin is transported to a packing station for secondary sorting. During packing, goods are placed into the sorting equipment one by one, and secondary sorting is completed according to the original orders. However, this secondary sorting requires sorting goods one by one, resulting in low sorting efficiency.

[0056] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present disclosure provides a goods sorting method, system, and computer-readable storage medium, wherein the goods sorting method can match different sorting modes according to the type of the bins to be sorted. For example, when the SKU codes of the goods in the bins to be sorted are the same, a first sorting mode can be matched to sort multiple items in the bins; when the SKU codes of the goods in the bins to be sorted are different, a second sorting mode can be matched to sort the items in the bins one by one.

[0057] With this configuration, the goods sorting method provided in this embodiment can match different sorting modes according to the type of the sorting bin. When the goods in the sorting bin have the same SKU code, multiple items can be sorted, which can improve the sorting efficiency of goods.

[0058] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0059] To facilitate the description of the goods sorting method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the goods sorting system to which the goods sorting method is applied will be introduced first.

[0060] The goods sorting system provided in this embodiment includes a first type of bin and a second type of bin, wherein the goods in the first type of bin have the same SKU code. The first type of bin usually refers to an inventory bin. The first type of bin has a first label. By identifying the first label, it can be determined whether the bin is a first type of bin.

[0061] Correspondingly, the SKU codes of the goods in the second type of bin are different. The second type of bin usually refers to the picking bin formed by sorting goods according to the collection order. The second type of bin has a second label. By identifying the first label, it can be determined whether this bin is a second type of bin.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the goods sorting system provided in this embodiment of the disclosure also includes a warehouse robot 50, a picking robot 40, a picking platform 20, and at least one conveyor belt 10. Along Figure 1 As shown by the arrow, the conveyor frame 10 is located on one side of the picking platform 20. The conveyor frame 10 is used to receive the boxes to be sorted. The boxes to be sorted are transported to the conveyor frame 10 by the warehouse robot 50. That is, in this embodiment, the warehouse robot 50 is used to transport the boxes to be sorted to the conveyor frame 10.

[0063] The boxes to be sorted are transferred to the conveyor frame 10 and move on the conveyor frame 10. The conveyor frame 10 is provided with sorting positions 14, and sorting positions 14 are provided with identification devices. The identification devices can identify the label information of the boxes to be sorted to determine the type of the boxes to be sorted, that is, whether the boxes to be sorted are type 1 boxes or type 2 boxes, so that the goods sorting system can match different sorting modes according to the type of the boxes to be sorted.

[0064] Goods in the sorting bins are sorted at sorting station 14, and then transferred to picking robot 40. Picking robot 40 is mounted on picking platform 20 and moves along a planned path. Multiple sorting slots or target order boxes 30 are located on the side of picking platform 20 away from conveyor rack 10. Picking robot 40 can transport goods to the corresponding sorting slots or target order boxes 30 according to the information recorded in the original order, thereby completing the sorting process.

[0065] It should be noted that the aforementioned movement of the picking robot 40 on the picking platform 20 according to the planned path means that the goods sorting system plans the movement path of the picking robot 40 based on the sorting position 14 where the goods to be sorted are located, the sorting grid corresponding to the goods, and the target order box 30, and sends the planned movement path to the picking robot 40, and the picking robot 40 moves according to the planned movement path.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the goods sorting system may be provided with multiple conveyor racks 10, which may be spaced apart on the other side of the picking platform 20. Each conveyor rack 10 is provided with a sorting position 14, that is, the goods sorting system has multiple sorting positions 14. This arrangement can improve the sorting efficiency of goods.

[0067] Furthermore, the picking platform 20 includes at least one layer, and each layer of the picking platform 20 is provided with a conveyor frame 10 at the same height as that layer. For example, along the height direction, the picking platform 20 may include a first picking level and a second picking level arranged above and below each other, wherein a first conveyor frame 10a is provided on one side of the first picking level, and a second conveyor frame 10b is provided on one side of the second picking level. The first conveyor frame 10a and the second conveyor frame 10b are located on the same side of the picking platform 20, and the first conveyor frame 10a and the second conveyor frame 10b are located at different heights.

[0068] Accordingly, the first picking level is provided with multiple first sorting slots or first target order boxes on the side away from the first conveyor 10a, and the second picking level is provided with multiple second sorting slots or second target order boxes on the side away from the second conveyor 10b. This arrangement allows the boxes to be sorted to enter different picking levels, and the picking robot 40 can move on different picking levels, thereby increasing the number of picking robots 40 on the picking platform 20 and improving sorting efficiency.

[0069] See Figure 2 The conveyor frame 10 in this embodiment includes an overall U-shape, comprising a first transmission segment 11, a second transmission segment 12, and a third transmission segment 13 arranged sequentially, wherein the first transmission segment 11 and the third transmission segment 13 are spaced apart and arranged in parallel. For example, the first transmission segment 11 is used to receive the boxes to be sorted from the warehouse robot 50, and the third transmission segment 13 is used to transfer the sorted boxes to the warehouse robot 50.

[0070] The second conveyor section 12 is located between the first conveyor section 11 and the third conveyor section 13, and is used to transfer the sorted bins between the first conveyor section 11 and the third conveyor section 13. The sorting position 14 of the conveyor frame 10 can be formed at one end of the first conveyor section 11 near the second conveyor section 12, or at one end of the third conveyor section 13 near the second conveyor section 12, thus forming the sorting position 14 at the turning point of the U-shaped conveyor frame. This arrangement facilitates the transfer of sorted goods to the picking platform 20.

[0071] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the goods sorting method provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, applied to the above-mentioned goods sorting system, includes the following steps:

[0072] Step S100: Identify the labels on the bins to be sorted and obtain label information. Specifically, when the warehouse robot 50 transfers the bins to be sorted onto the conveyor 10 and further transports them to the sorting station 14, the identification device located at the sorting station 14 can identify the labels in the bins to be sorted, obtain the label information, and transmit the obtained label information to the control unit of the goods sorting system. This control unit can be the processor of the computer of the goods sorting system.

[0073] It should be noted that if the first transmission segment 11 is used to receive the boxes to be sorted, the identification device can be set on the movement path formed by the first transmission segment 11; if the third transmission segment 13 is used to receive the boxes to be sorted transferred from the warehouse robot 50, the identification device can be set on the movement path formed by the third transmission segment 13. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0074] Step S200: Determine whether the bin to be sorted is a first type bin based on the label information. If yes, proceed to step S300; otherwise, proceed to step S400.

[0075] Specifically, the goods sorting system also includes a display device connected to the control unit via a signal. The control unit pre-stores label information for relevant first-type bins. When the control unit receives label information from the identification device for a bin to be sorted, and determines whether the label information of the current bin to be sorted matches the pre-stored label information for the first-type bins in the control unit, if they match, the current bin to be sorted is determined to be a first-type bin, and step S300 is executed. If the label information of the current bin to be sorted does not match the pre-stored label information for the first-type bins in the control unit, step S400 is executed.

[0076] It should be noted that the control unit of the goods sorting system also has pre-stored the label information of the second type of bin. When the control unit receives the label information of the bin to be sorted identified by the identification device and it matches the label information of the second type of bin pre-stored in the control unit, it determines that the current bin to be sorted is a second type of bin and executes step S400; otherwise, it executes step S300.

[0077] Step S300: Match the first sorting mode to sort the goods in the sorting bin, wherein the first sorting mode is to sort multiple items in the sorting bin according to the first sorting instruction.

[0078] Specifically, step S300 includes step S301: obtaining the target quantity of goods required in the first type of bin corresponding to the sorting collection.

[0079] For example, the control unit of the goods sorting system obtains the type of goods in the sorting list (e.g., goods with the same SKU code are defined as the same type) and the quantity of goods of that type, and obtains the type of goods in the first type of bin by identifying the label information of the first type of bin to be sorted, and further obtains the quantity of goods in the first type of bin to be picked.

[0080] To facilitate the picking of goods from the first type of bins by operators, the control unit can transmit the quantity and type of goods to be picked from the first type of bins to the display device, and display them on the display device, and / or announce them via voice. This setup not only improves the sorting efficiency of operators, but also allows for verification of the sorted goods against the displayed type of goods during the sorting process, thus improving the accuracy of outbound shipments.

[0081] Step S302: Obtain the maximum quantity of goods that the picking robot 40 can carry in a single trip. The control unit of the goods sorting system obtains the weight and volume of goods carried by the picking robot 40 in a single trip, and calculates the maximum quantity of goods that the picking robot 40 can transport in a single trip based on the weight and volume of the goods to be transferred.

[0082] Step S303: Generate a first sorting instruction based on the target quantity and the limit quantity. Specifically, the control unit of the goods sorting system generates a first sorting instruction based on the target quantity of goods to be sorted from the first type of bin and the limit quantity of this type of goods that the picking robot 40 can transport in a single trip. The operator then sorts multiple items from the first type of bin according to the first sorting instruction.

[0083] For example, if the target quantity of goods in the first type bin is 10 pieces, and the maximum number of goods that the picking robot 40 can handle is greater than 10, the operator can take 10 pieces of the goods from the first type bin at once and place them on the corresponding picking robot 40. If the maximum number of goods that the picking robot 40 can handle is less than 10, the operator can take 10 pieces of the goods from the first type bin in two separate trips. The two batches of goods can be placed on two different picking robots 40, or the picking robot 40 can transport the two batches of goods in two separate trips.

[0084] Step S400: Match the second sorting mode to sort the goods in the sorting bin, wherein the second sorting mode sorts the goods in the sorting bin one by one according to the second sorting instruction.

[0085] Specifically, step S400 includes step S401: obtaining the types of goods required in the second type of bin corresponding to the sorting collection and the target quantity of the same type of goods.

[0086] For example, the control unit of the goods sorting system obtains the types of goods and the corresponding quantities of goods in the sorting list. For instance, there are m items of type A goods and n items of type B goods in the sorting list; accordingly, since the second type bin is formed by the initial sorting based on the sorting list, the number of type A goods to be sorted in the second type bin should be m items, and the number of type B goods to be sorted should be n items.

[0087] To facilitate the picking of goods from the second type of bins by operators, the control unit can transmit the quantity and type of goods to be picked from the second type of bins to the display device, and display them on the display device, and / or announce them via voice. This setup not only improves the sorting efficiency of operators, but also allows for verification of the sorted goods against the displayed type of goods during the sorting process, thus improving the accuracy of outbound shipments.

[0088] Step S402: Generate the second sorting instruction based on the type of goods and the target quantity of the same type of goods. Specifically, the control unit of the goods sorting system generates the second sorting instruction based on the type of goods in the second type of bin to be sorted and the quantity of that type of goods (the quantity of the goods to be sorted is the target quantity); the operator sorts the goods in the second type of bin one by one according to the second sorting instruction, with each sorting quantity being 1, and then transfers the sorted goods to the picking robot 40.

[0089] Compared with the prior art which can only sort goods one by one in the sorting bin, the goods sorting method provided in this disclosure can match different sorting modes according to the type of the sorting bin. In particular, when the goods in the sorting bin have the same SKU code, multiple items can be sorted, which can improve the sorting efficiency of goods.

[0090] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, based on the above embodiments, the goods sorting method provided in this disclosure further includes step S500: planning the movement path of the picking robot 40 so that the sorted goods are placed on the corresponding picking robot 40 and moved to the corresponding target position by the picking robot 40.

[0091] Specifically, step S500 includes step S501: obtaining the target picking slot or target order box 30 corresponding to each item. For example, the goods sorting system obtains the goods information in the sorting collection list, and further obtains the original order information corresponding to the collection list to be sorted, and allocates the target picking slot or target order box 30 corresponding to the original order according to the original order information, so that after all the goods in the original order are picked, they can be integrated into one picking slot or one target order box 30, facilitating subsequent packaging and shipping by the operators.

[0092] Step S500 also includes step S502: assigning the corresponding picking robot 40 according to the target picking slot or target order box 30, and planning the movement path of the picking robot 40.

[0093] For example, the control unit of the goods sorting system obtains the sorting position 14 where the goods are located and the target picking grid corresponding to the goods, and plans a reasonable movement path for the corresponding picking robot. When planning the movement path of the picking robot, the nearest picking robot to the sorting position 14 that is suitable for transporting the goods in terms of weight and volume can be referenced. Preferably, the picking robot can transport the sorted goods to the target location in a single movement. This setting can avoid the picking robot 40 from moving too far and causing congestion.

[0094] Step S500 also includes step S503: placing the sorted goods on the matching picking robot 40, and transferring the goods to the corresponding target sorting slot or target order box 30 by the picking robot 40.

[0095] For example, the control unit of the goods sorting system issues a first sorting command generated based on the goods to be sorted to the picking robot 40. Upon receiving the first sorting command, the picking robot 40 can move to the corresponding sorting position 14. The operator can place the sorted goods on the picking robot 40, and the picking robot 40 moves according to the planned path, which can move the goods to the corresponding target sorting slot or target order box 30.

[0096] Based on the above embodiments, the goods sorting method provided in this disclosure also includes recording the goods status of the first type of bin and the second type of bin, and automatically moving the first type of bin and the second type of bin out of the sorting position 14 after the sorting is completed, and allowing the next bin to be sorted to enter the sorting position 14.

[0097] Specifically, an identification device for recognizing barcodes of goods can be installed above the sorting station 14. This identification device can be shared with an identification device for recognizing the labels of the boxes to be sorted, such as a barcode scanner.

[0098] The barcode scanner is connected to the control unit and display device of the goods sorting system. When the operator sorts the goods in the sorting bin, the barcode scanner is used to scan and identify the barcode of the goods, and the goods are recorded as picked. At this time, the shipment status of the sorting bin is recorded.

[0099] For example, when sorting and recording shipments of goods in the first type of bin, for multiple items being sorted, the barcode of one item can be scanned and its quantity entered, eliminating the need to scan the barcode of each item in the multiple-item sorting, thus improving sorting efficiency. When sorting and recording shipments of goods in the second type of bin, the barcode of each item in the second type of bin must be scanned.

[0100] When the bin to be sorted is a type 1 bin, the operator takes out multiple items from the type 1 bin according to the first sorting instruction to sort multiple items from the current type 1 bin. At this point, the sorting of the current type 1 bin is completed, and the current type 1 bin can be automatically moved out of the sorting position 14 so that the next bin to be sorted can be moved to the sorting position 14. Furthermore, the type 1 bins moved out of the sorting position 14 can be transferred to the second transmission section 12 and the third transmission section 13 of the conveyor 10, and then further returned to the warehouse by the warehouse robot 50 or transferred to other locations.

[0101] When the bin to be sorted is a type 2 bin, the operator sorts the goods in the type 2 bin one by one according to the second sorting instruction, with one item being sorted each time. When all the goods in the type 2 bin have been sorted, the type 2 bin can be automatically moved out of the sorting position 14 so that the next bin to be sorted can be moved to the sorting position 14. Furthermore, the type 2 bins moved out of the sorting position 14 can be transferred to the second transmission section 12 and the third transmission section 13 of the conveyor 10, and then further returned to the warehouse by the warehouse robot 50 or transferred to other locations.

[0102] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that can be executed by a processor. These computer instructions include, but are not limited to, a first sorting instruction and a second sorting instruction. When executed by a computer's processor, these computer instructions can implement the aforementioned goods sorting method. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, or optical data storage device.

[0103] This disclosure also provides a computer device including a memory connected to a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the above-described steps of the goods sorting method can be implemented.

[0104] For example, the aforementioned computer program includes, but is not limited to, a first sorting instruction and a second sorting instruction that can be executed by a processor. When the first sorting instruction and the second sorting instruction are executed by the computer's processor, the aforementioned goods sorting method can be implemented.

[0105] It should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., mentioned in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0106] Generally speaking, terms should be understood at least in part by their use in context. For example, at least in part by context, the term "one or more" as used in the text can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic of the singular meaning, or a combination of features, structures, or characteristics of the plural meaning. Similarly, at least in part by context, terms such as "a" or "the" can also be understood to convey either singular or plural usage.

[0107] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0108] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure, and are not intended to limit them. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A goods sorting method, applied to a goods sorting system, the goods sorting system comprising a first type of bin and a second type of bin, wherein the inventory unit information of the goods in the first type of bin is the same, and the inventory unit information of the goods in the second type of bin is different; characterized in that, The sorting method includes the following steps: Identify the labels on the bins to be sorted and obtain the label information; Based on the label information, determine whether the bin to be sorted is the first type of bin; If yes, then the first sorting mode is matched to sort the goods in the sorting bin; if no, then the second sorting mode is matched to sort the goods in the sorting bin. The first sorting mode involves sorting multiple items in the sorting bin according to a first sorting instruction, while the second sorting mode involves sorting the items in the sorting bin one by one according to a second sorting instruction.

2. The cargo sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sorting mode involves sorting multiple items from the goods in the sorting bin according to a first sorting instruction, including the following steps: Obtain the target quantity of goods required in the first type of bin corresponding to the sorting collection list; Obtain the maximum number of goods that the picking robot can carry in a single trip; The first sorting instruction is generated based on the target quantity and the limit quantity.

3. The cargo sorting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sorting mode involves sorting the goods in the sorting bin piece by piece according to the second sorting instruction, including the following steps: Obtain the types of goods required in the second type of bin corresponding to the sorting collection list, as well as the target quantity of the same type of goods; The second sorting instruction is generated based on the type of goods and the target quantity of similar goods.

4. The cargo sorting method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cargo sorting method also includes: Obtain the target picking compartment or target order box corresponding to each item; Assign the appropriate picking robot based on the target picking compartment or target order box, and plan the movement path of the picking robot; The sorted goods are placed on the matching picking robot, and the picking robot transfers the goods to the corresponding target sorting slot or target order box.

5. The cargo sorting method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The cargo sorting method also includes: Record the outbound status of goods in the first type of bin and the second type of bin; After the first type of bin and the second type of bin have been sorted, they are automatically moved out of the sorting position, and the next bin to be sorted is moved into the sorting position.

6. The cargo sorting method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sorting station is equipped with a recognition device for identifying the barcodes of goods; The identification device is used to identify the barcode of the goods and record that the goods have been picked.

7. The cargo sorting method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of automatically removing the first type of bin and the second type of bin from the sorting position after sorting and allowing the next bin to be sorted to enter the sorting position includes: After picking multiple items from the first type of bin according to the first sorting instruction, the first type of bin can be automatically moved out of the sorting position, and the next bin to be sorted can be moved into the sorting position. The goods in the second type of bin are sorted one by one according to the second sorting instruction until all the goods in the second type of bin have been sorted. Then the second type of bin can be automatically moved out of the sorting position and the next bin to be sorted can be moved into the sorting position.

8. A cargo sorting system, employing the cargo sorting method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, include: Warehouse robots, picking robots, picking platforms, and at least one conveyor rack; The conveyor rack is located on one side of the picking platform and has sorting positions; the other side of the picking platform has multiple sorting slots and / or target order boxes. The warehouse robot is used to transport the boxes to be sorted to the conveyor rack, the boxes to be sorted are configured to move on the conveyor rack and can move to the sorting position; The sorting station is equipped with an identification device, which is used to identify the type of the bin to be sorted and the barcode of the goods. The goods sorting system matches the sorting method according to the type of the bin to be sorted. The picking robot is configured to move on the picking platform and is capable of transferring sorted goods from the sorting station to the sorting compartment and / or the target order box.

9. The cargo sorting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the picking platform includes at least one layer; Each layer of the picking platform has multiple conveyor racks on one side that are matched to its height.

10. The cargo sorting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The conveyor frame is U-shaped and includes a first transmission section, a second transmission section and a third transmission section arranged in sequence. The first transmission segment and the third transmission segment are spaced apart and arranged in parallel, with the first transmission segment disposed between the first transmission segment and the third transmission segment; The sorting position is located at one end of the first transmission segment near the second transmission segment, or the sorting position is located at one end of the third transmission segment near the second transmission segment.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the cargo sorting method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A computer device, characterized in that, Including memory and processor; The memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the cargo sorting method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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