Item dispensing method based on item automatic dispensing system and related device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an article distribution method based on an article automatic distribution system and related equipment, and relates to the technical field of warehouse logistics. The article automatic distribution system comprises a single article automatic separation device, a guide-in table and a distribution wall. The method comprises the following steps: in response to a distribution task, starting the article automatic distribution system; the distribution task is to distribute batch articles; receiving the batch articles through the single article automatic separation device, automatically separating the batch articles into single articles, and outputting a plurality of single articles; receiving the single articles through the guide-in table and guiding the single articles into the distribution wall; and distributing the articles through the distribution wall. The batch articles are automatically separated into single articles, and the distribution wall is used for distribution, thereby reducing the manual operation of carrying and placing the articles one by one, saving cost and improving efficiency, and improving the degree of automation, so as to reduce the labor intensity of the user in the distribution operation process and improve the comfort of the user's work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of warehousing and logistics technology, and in particular to a method and related equipment for distributing goods based on an automatic goods distribution system. Background Technology

[0002] In the current warehousing and logistics field, the sorting process of goods is usually achieved by a combination of manual and inbound platforms. Operators need to manually place batches of goods one by one on the inbound platform, which then transports the goods sequentially to the sorting cart. After the sorting cart reaches the designated position, it puts the goods into the corresponding target slot according to the system instructions.

[0003] The above method relies on manual loading, and each loading station requires one person to operate, which is inefficient, costly, and has a low degree of automation.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an item distribution method and related equipment based on an automatic item distribution system, which at least to some extent solves the problems of low efficiency, high cost, and low automation in the item distribution process of the prior art.

[0006] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this disclosure.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an item distribution method based on an automatic item distribution system is provided, the automatic item distribution system comprising: an automatic single item separation device, an import platform, and a distribution wall; The method includes: In response to the distribution task, the automatic item distribution system is activated; the distribution task is to distribute a batch of items. The automatic single-item separation device receives the batch of items, automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, and outputs multiple individual items. The single item is received through the import station and imported into the broadcast wall; The items are distributed using the distribution wall.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, the automatic single-item separation device includes: a feeding and storage device, a separation device, and a discharging device; wherein the feeding and storage device, the separation device, and the discharging device are connected in sequence; The automatic single-item separation device receives the batch of items, automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, and outputs multiple individual items, including: The feeding and storage device receives and stores batches of items. The separation device automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items. The discharge device transports the multiple individual items to the inlet table.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the separation device includes: a first separation device and a second separation device; the first separation device is connected to the second separation device; the first separation device is provided with a preset tilt angle; the second separation device is provided with a plurality of conveying devices having a height difference; The separation device automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items, including: The batch of items is dispersed by the first separation device to obtain dispersed items, and the dispersed items are conveyed to a first preset height; The dispersed items are conveyed from the first preset height by multiple conveying devices with height differences in the second separation device, and the dispersed items are de-stacked to obtain multiple individual items.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the first separation device is provided with a plurality of first baffles of a second preset height, with a preset distance between every two first baffles; The batch of items is dispersed by the first separation device to obtain dispersed items, including: During the process of conveying the batch of items by the first separation device, the batch of items are dispersed by multiple first baffles to obtain dispersed items.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the last conveying device of the second separation device is provided with a second baffle that has a preset angle with the conveying direction of the last conveying device; After de-stacking the scattered items to obtain multiple individual items, the process further includes: The second baffle processes the individual items that have been stacked and dispersed on the last conveyor, and outputs the first individual item as a single-item stream into the discharge device.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the automatic single-item separation device further includes a return device, which is disposed between the last conveying device and the discharge storage device; The method further includes: The single items, after being de-stacked and dispersed on the last conveyor, are returned to the feeding and storage device via a return device, except for the first single item.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system further includes a barcode scanning device disposed between the automatic single item separation device and the inlet table; The method further includes: The barcode of the single item is obtained by scanning the barcode using the barcode scanning device.

[0014] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system further includes: a rejection chute, wherein the inlet platform is disposed between the rejection chute and the sorting wall, and the rejection chute and the sorting wall are located in opposite directions; The method further includes: If the scanning device fails to scan the product code, the single item is determined to be a single item to be rejected. The inlet platform moves in the opposite direction, and the rejection chute removes the single item to be rejected.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system further includes: a packaging and labeling device, disposed between the automatic single item separation device and the inlet table; The method further includes: If a preset number of items in the batch do not have a product code, the packaging and labeling device is used to package and label the individual items and add the corresponding product code. The barcode of each packaged and labeled item is obtained by the barcode scanning device, and each item is then transported to the import station.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the split-cast wall is a ring-shaped split-cast wall; The process of distributing each of the individual items includes: The circular distribution wall distributes each item to the corresponding compartment of the cargo code.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an automatic item sorting system is provided, comprising: an automatic single item separation device, an inlet table, and a sorting wall; The automatic single-item separation device is used to receive a batch of items, automatically separate the batch of items into individual items, and output multiple individual items. The import platform is connected to the automatic single-item separation device and the distribution wall respectively, and is used to receive the single item and import it into the distribution wall; The broadcast wall is used to broadcast each of the individual items.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the automatic single-item separation device includes: a feeding and storage device, a separation device, and a discharging device; wherein the feeding and storage device, the separation device, and the discharging device are connected in sequence; The feeding and storage device is used to receive and store batches of items; The separation device is used to automatically separate the batch of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items; The discharge device is used to transport the plurality of individual items to the inlet table.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the separation device includes: a first separation device and a second separation device; the first separation device is connected to the second separation device; the first separation device is provided with a preset tilt angle; the second separation device is provided with multiple conveying devices having a height difference. The first separation device is used to disperse the batch of items to obtain dispersed items, and to transport the dispersed items to a first preset height; The second separation device is used to transport the dispersed items from the first preset height through multiple conveying devices with height differences, and to de-stack the dispersed items to obtain multiple individual items.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the first separating device is provided with a plurality of first baffles of a second preset height, with a preset distance between each pair of first baffles. During the process of conveying the batch of items through the first separating device, the batch of items are dispersed by the plurality of first baffles to obtain dispersed items.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the last conveying device of the second separation device is provided with a second baffle at a preset angle to the conveying direction of the last conveying device. The second baffle is used to process the single items dispersed on the last conveying device after destacking, and output the first single item entering the discharge device in the form of a single item flow.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the automatic single-item separation device further includes a return device, which is disposed between the last conveying device and the discharge storage device; The return device is used to return the individual items other than the first individual item from the individual items dispersed on the last conveyor after destacking to the feeding and storage device.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: a barcode scanning device, disposed between the single-item automatic separation device and the inlet table; The scanning device is used to scan the product code of the single item to obtain the product code, wherein the distribution wall distributes the corresponding single item to the corresponding grid through the first product code.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: a rejection chute, wherein the inlet stage is disposed between the rejection chute and the distribution wall, and the rejection chute and the distribution wall are located in opposite directions; The import table is used to run in the opposite direction when there is a single item to be rejected that the barcode scanning device has not scanned. The rejection chute is used to reject the single item to be rejected.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: a packaging and labeling device, disposed between the automatic single-item separation device and the inlet table; If a preset number of items in the batch do not have a product code, the packing and labeling device is used to pack the individual items and add the corresponding product code. The barcode scanning device is used to obtain the product code of each packaged and labeled item and to transport each item to the import station.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the split-cast wall is a ring-shaped split-cast wall; The circular distribution wall is used to distribute the individual items to the corresponding compartments of the cargo codes. According to another aspect of this disclosure, an item distribution device based on an automatic item distribution system is provided, the automatic item distribution system comprising: an automatic single item separation device, an import platform, and a distribution wall; include: The starting unit is used to start the automatic item distribution system in response to the distribution task; the distribution task is to distribute a batch of items. The single-item separation unit is used to receive the batch of items through the automatic single-item separation device, automatically separate the batch of items into single items, and output multiple single items. The import unit is used to receive the single item through the import station and import it into the broadcast wall; The splitting unit is used to split items through the splitting wall.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: The return unit is used to return the single items, excluding the first single item, that have been de-stacked and dispersed on the last conveyor device to the feeding storage device via a return device.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: The product code acquisition unit is used to scan the product code of the single item using the scanning device to acquire the product code.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: The rejection unit is used to determine that a single item is a single item to be rejected if the scanning device does not scan the product code. The inlet platform moves in the opposite direction, and the rejection chute removes the single item to be rejected.

[0030] In one possible embodiment, it further includes: The packaging and labeling unit is used to package and label a single item and add the corresponding product code if a preset number of items in the batch of items do not have a product code. The barcode of each packaged and labeled item is obtained by the barcode scanning device, and each item is then transported to the import station.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing executable instructions of the processor; wherein the processor is configured to perform the method of any one of the first aspects by executing the executable instructions.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of the first aspects.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product or computer program is also provided, comprising computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0034] This disclosure provides an automatic item distribution method and related equipment based on an automatic item distribution system. The automatic item distribution system includes: an automatic single-item separation device, an import station, and a distribution wall. The method includes: activating the automatic item distribution system in response to a distribution task; the distribution task is to distribute a batch of items; receiving the batch of items through the automatic single-item separation device, automatically separating the batch of items into individual items, and outputting multiple individual items; receiving the individual items through the import station and importing them into the distribution wall; and distributing the items through the distribution wall. This automatically separates the batch of items into individual items and distributes them through the distribution wall, reducing manual handling and placement of items, lowering costs and increasing efficiency, improving automation, thereby reducing the labor intensity of users during the distribution process and improving user comfort.

[0035] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an automatic item distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the structure of an automatic single-item separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of another automatic single-item separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the structure of another automatic single-item separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of another automatic item distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the structure of another automatic item distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a flowchart of an article distribution method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a flowchart of an automatic separation process for a single item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This diagram illustrates a flowchart of obtaining a single item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the structure of an item distribution device based on an automatic item distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0039] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0040] In the current warehousing and logistics field, the sorting process of goods is usually carried out by a combination of manual and inbound platforms. Operators need to manually place batches of goods one by one on the inbound platform, which then transports the goods to the sorting cart in sequence. After the sorting cart reaches the designated position, it puts the goods into the corresponding target slot according to the system instructions.

[0041] The above method relies on manual loading, and each loading station requires one person to operate, which is inefficient, costly, and has a low degree of automation.

[0042] This disclosure provides an item distribution method based on an automatic item distribution system. The automatic item distribution system includes: an automatic single-item separation device, an import station, and a distribution wall. The method includes: activating the automatic item distribution system in response to a distribution task; the distribution task being to distribute a batch of items; receiving the batch of items through the automatic single-item separation device, automatically separating the batch of items into individual items, and outputting multiple individual items; receiving the individual items through the import station and importing them into the distribution wall; and distributing the items through the distribution wall. This automatically separates the batch of items into individual items and distributes them through the distribution wall, reducing manual handling and placement of items, lowering costs and increasing efficiency, improving automation, thereby reducing the labor intensity of users during the distribution process and improving user comfort.

[0043] This disclosure describes an automatic item distribution system, specifically through the following embodiments.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic item sorting system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the automatic item sorting system 100 includes: an automatic single item separation device 110, an inlet table 120, and a sorting wall 130.

[0045] In one possible embodiment, the single-item automatic separation device 110 is used to receive a batch of items, automatically separate the batch of items into single items, and output multiple single items.

[0046] The import station 120 is connected to the single item automatic separation device 110 and the distribution wall 130 respectively, and is used to receive single items and import them into the distribution wall 130.

[0047] The splitter wall 130 is used to split items. The splitter wall can be an automatic splitter wall.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, a batch of items refers to items that are greater than or equal to a certain quantity and are stacked.

[0049] For example, bulk items can be packaged bags (filled with pre-packaged logistics items), boxes (filled with unpackaged goods), etc. This disclosure does not limit the specific contents of bulk items.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, in response to the distribution task, the automatic item distribution system is activated, that is, the automatic item separation device, the import platform and the distribution wall are all activated, and the automatic item separation device, the import platform and the distribution wall enter the operating state.

[0051] In one possible embodiment, after the automatic item sorting system is started, the automatic single item separation device is started. The automatic single item separation device can be equipped with a detection device to detect whether a batch of materials has been received. After the automatic single item separation device is started, the detection device enters the running state. If the detection device detects that a batch of materials has been received, it enters the running state and continues to separate the batch of items into individual items. If no batch of materials has been detected, the automatic single item separation device does not enter the running state.

[0052] By using the above methods, the operating cost of the automatic separation device for single items can be reduced, and energy consumption can be decreased.

[0053] In related technologies, operators need to manually place batches of items one by one onto the loading platform. However, the above method can automate the separation of batches of items into individual pieces, reducing manual handling and placement, thus reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and improving automation.

[0054] Furthermore, in related technologies, single items are typically transported sequentially to the distribution trolley via an inlet platform. After the distribution trolley reaches the designated position, it is placed into the corresponding target slot according to system instructions. Once in the slot, operator assistance may still be required. With the above system, the distribution process can be completed through the distribution wall, eliminating the need for a large number of distribution trolleys to perform the above operations, thus achieving a high degree of automated distribution. By combining the single item automatic separation device 110, the inlet platform 120, and the distribution wall 130, the operator only needs to place a batch of items directly into the single item automatic separation device 110, reducing the labor intensity of the user during the distribution operation and improving the user's work comfort.

[0055] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system 100 may include multiple automatic item separation devices 110 and multiple inlet stations 120. One automatic item separation device 110 may correspond to one inlet station 120, and each inlet station 120 is connected to the sorting wall 130.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an automatic single-item separation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the automatic single-item separation device 110 includes: a feeding storage device 111, a separation device 112, and a discharging device 113, which are connected in sequence.

[0057] A feeding and storage device is used to receive and store bulk items. For example, the feeding and storage device may be a device including a feed inlet and a material pool, through which an operator introduces bulk items and stores them in the material pool.

[0058] The separation device is used to automatically separate batches of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items.

[0059] The discharge device is used to transport multiple individual items to the inlet table. For example, the discharge device can be a conveyor belt, and the discharge device can be directly connected to the inlet table.

[0060] In one possible embodiment, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of another automatic single-item separation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 3As shown, the separation device 112 includes a first separation device 310 and a second separation device 320, and the single-item automatic separation device 110 also includes a return device 114.

[0061] In one possible embodiment, the first separation device 310 is connected to the second separation device 320. The first separation device 310 is provided with a preset tilt angle, and the second separation device 320 is provided with a plurality of conveying devices 321 having a height difference.

[0062] The first separation device 310 is used to disperse a batch of items, obtain dispersed items, and transport the dispersed items to a first preset height. The dispersed items may be small batches of items stacked vertically.

[0063] The second separation device 320 is used to transport dispersed items from a first preset height via multiple conveying devices with height differences, and to de-stack the dispersed items to obtain multiple individual items. The number of conveying devices is not specifically limited. Figure 3 Taking two conveying devices as an example, namely the first conveying device 321 and the second conveying device 322, the second conveying device 322 is the last conveying device.

[0064] For example, the discharge device 113, the first separation device 310, the first conveying device 321 and the second conveying device 322 can be conveyor belts.

[0065] By conveying a batch of items to a first preset height through the first separation device 310, and by tilting at a certain angle, the batch of items are dispersed in an orderly conveying process. Then, the batch of items are conveyed downwards by the second separation device 320. During the conveying process, multiple conveying devices with height differences are used to de-stack the dispersed items, so as to avoid items that are stacked together and have not been separated into individual pieces.

[0066] In one possible embodiment, the second conveying device 322 of the second separation device 320 is provided with a second baffle that has a preset angle with the conveying direction of the second conveying device 322. The second baffle is used to process the single items dispersed on the second conveying device 322 after destacking, so that the first single item enters the discharge device 113 in the form of a single item flow.

[0067] The reflux device 114 is located between the second conveying device 322 and the discharge storage device 113. The reflux device 114 can be an inspection reflux chute.

[0068] The return device 114 is used to return the single items other than the first single item from the single items dispersed on the second conveying device 322 after destacking to the feeding storage device 113.

[0069] For example, the discharge device 113 includes a feed inlet 1131 and a material pool 1132, and the return device is disposed between the second conveying device 322 and the material pool 1132.

[0070] For example, to more clearly illustrate the structure of the automatic single-item separation device, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another automatic single-item separation device according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0071] In one possible embodiment, the first separation device 310 is provided with a plurality of first baffles 311 of a second preset height, with a preset distance between each pair of first baffles. During the process of conveying a batch of items through the first separation device, the batch of items are dispersed by the plurality of first baffles 311 to obtain dispersed items.

[0072] The first baffle 311 and the first separation device 310 can be integrated, for example, the first baffle 311 is welded to the conveyor belt.

[0073] In one possible embodiment, the second conveying device 322 of the second separation device 320 is provided with a second baffle 323 at a preset angle to the conveying direction of the second conveying device 322. The second baffle 323 is used to process the single items dispersed on the second conveying device 322 after destacking, so that the first single item enters the discharge device 113 in the form of a single item flow.

[0074] The second baffle 323 can limit the width through which the item passes on the second conveying device 322, thereby changing the posture of the item so as to enable the first single item to enter the discharge device 113 in the form of a single-item flow.

[0075] pass Figure 4 As can be seen, the operator can pour in a batch of items through the feed inlet 1131 and store them in the material pool 1132. The items are then conveyed to a first preset height by the first separation device 310, dispersed by the first baffle 311, and then conveyed by the first conveying device 321 and the second conveying device 322 with a height difference. This results in multiple individual items that are dispersed and laid flat on the second conveying device 322. However, the multiple individual items may be laid flat on the second conveying device 322 in a side-by-side manner. The individual items are then processed by the second baffle 323 set on the second conveying device 322 after being de-stacked. That is, the function of the second baffle 323 is to rectify the individual items. The second baffle 323 can be called a rectifier plate, a single-item rectifier, etc., so that the rectified first individual item is conveyed to the discharge device 113 in the form of a single item flow. In the case of two individual items being conveyed side by side, one individual item will be returned to the material pool 1132 via the return device 114.

[0076] Through the processing of the above-mentioned device, batch items can be separated into individual items to the greatest extent. The first individual item is output from the discharge device 113 in the form of a single-item flow. The entire process does not require manual handling and placement of items one by one. Instead, the separation can be completed by directly pouring in batches, which reduces costs and increases efficiency, improves the degree of automation, thereby reducing the labor intensity of users in the sorting operation process and improving the comfort of users' work.

[0077] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system 100 further includes a barcode scanning device disposed between the automatic single item separation device and the inlet table.

[0078] The barcode scanning device is used to scan the barcode of a single item to obtain the barcode. The distribution wall then distributes the corresponding single item to the corresponding grid based on the first barcode.

[0079] For example, the scanning device can be a five-sided or six-sided scanning station, and the scanning device is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0080] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system 100 further includes a packing and labeling device disposed between the automatic single-item separation device and the inlet table. The packing and labeling device may be disposed between the automatic single-item separation device and the barcode scanning device.

[0081] If a preset number of items in a batch do not have a product code, the packing and labeling device is used to pack individual items and add the corresponding product code.

[0082] The barcode scanner is used to obtain the item code of each packaged and labeled item and transport each item to the inlet station.

[0083] It should be noted that the packaging and labeling device and the barcode scanning device can be installed in two separate locations. The packaging and labeling device performs the packaging and labeling process first, and the barcode scanning process follows. Alternatively, they can be integrated into a single packaging, labeling, and barcode scanning device.

[0084] For example, the automatic item sorting system 100 can be equipped with both a barcode scanning device and a packaging and labeling device, or it can be equipped with a barcode scanning device alone, etc., and there is no specific limitation on the setting method.

[0085] The processing procedures vary depending on the type of bulk items. For example, if the bulk items are pre-packaged logistics or express shipments, each item has a cargo code and does not require packaging and labeling. In this case, the packaging and labeling device can be left unactivated. Alternatively, the bulk items can be placed on an automatic item sorting system 100 that does not have a packaging and labeling device.

[0086] For example, when a batch of items are unpackaged goods, there may be a preset number of individual items without product codes. These items need to be packaged and labeled, i.e., the goods need to be packaged and then product codes need to be added. In this case, the automatic item distribution system 100 equipped with a packaging and labeling device can be started to package and label the items in order to obtain product codes.

[0087] Taking a device that includes both a barcode scanner and a packaging and labeling device as an example, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another automatic item sorting system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the automatic item sorting system 100 also includes: a barcode scanning device 510, a packaging and labeling device 520, and a rejection chute 530.

[0088] In one possible embodiment, the inlet stage 120 is disposed between the rejection chute 530 and the distribution wall 130, with the rejection chute 530 and the distribution wall 130 located in opposite directions.

[0089] When there is a single item to be rejected that the barcode scanner 510 has not scanned, the inlet table 120 runs in the opposite direction, and the rejection chute 530 is used to reject the single item to be rejected.

[0090] The transport direction of the import station 120 is indicated by a separate dashed arrow. When there is a single item to be rejected, it moves towards the import station in the opposite direction of the dashed arrow.

[0091] In one possible embodiment, the distribution wall is a ring-shaped distribution wall, which is used to distribute individual items to the corresponding grid of the goods code.

[0092] In one possible embodiment, taking bulk items as examples of bulk express parcels with cargo codes, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another automatic item sorting system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the automatic item sorting system 100 may include multiple automatic item separation devices, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the explanation will only take a single item automatic separation device 110 as an example.

[0093] The operator introduces a batch of items through the feeding storage device 111, and separates individual items through the first separation device 310 and the second separation device 320. Items that were not successfully separated are returned through the return device 114 for further individual separation. The discharge device 113 is located below the second separation device 320. (See reference...) Figure 4 The structure is given, and the specific process will not be elaborated further.

[0094] Figure 6Only the barcode scanning device 510 is shown. The single item is transported to the barcode scanning device 510 through the discharge device 113 for scanning, obtains the product code, and is then transported to the inlet table 120 and finally to the distribution wall 130. The distribution wall 130 is a circular distribution wall as an example, and a part of the circular distribution wall is shown for illustration.

[0095] For single items that have not been successfully scanned and are to be rejected, the import table 120 runs in the opposite direction of the normal transport direction and is rejected by the rejection chute 530.

[0096] pass Figure 6 The system shown requires no complicated operations from operators other than pouring in batches of items. It can automatically complete the entire sorting process of batch items, including individual item separation, scanning to obtain the item code, automatic import, automatic rejection, and automatic sorting, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency. It improves the automation level of the sorting process for large batches of items in the warehousing and logistics field, thereby reducing the labor intensity of users in the sorting operation process and improving the comfort of operators.

[0097] In one possible embodiment, an operator's workbench 610 can be set within a first preset distance of each block of the split wall 130. Multiple workbench can be set to facilitate the operator's work. This embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit this and will not be elaborated further.

[0098] In one possible embodiment, a safety barrier may be provided within a second preset distance of the split wall 130 to protect the safety of operators.

[0099] Based on the aforementioned automatic item distribution system, this disclosure provides an item distribution method. Figure 7 A flowchart of an article distribution method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes the following steps: S702: In response to a distribution task, start the automatic item distribution system. The distribution task is to distribute a batch of items.

[0100] S704: Receives a batch of items through an automatic single-item separation device, automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, and outputs multiple individual items.

[0101] S706: Receives single items via the import station and imports them into the broadcast wall.

[0102] S708: Items are distributed via a distribution wall.

[0103] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item distribution system can be controlled by a control unit such as a server or terminal device, or the industrial control unit can be deployed separately to the automatic item separation device, the import platform, and the distribution wall for separate control. This disclosure does not limit the scope of the system.

[0104] In response to the distribution task, after the automatic item distribution system is started, the operator pours in a batch of items, and the system can automatically complete the single-item distribution process.

[0105] Figure 8 A flowchart of an automatic separation process for a single item according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 8 As shown, it includes the following steps: S802: Receive and store batches of items through a feeding and storage device.

[0106] S804: Automatically separates a batch of items into individual items using a separation device to obtain multiple individual items.

[0107] S806: Multiple individual items are conveyed to the inlet table via the discharge device.

[0108] The system receives and stores batches of items through the feeding and storage equipment. When it is necessary to separate individual items, the automatic item sorting system is activated. After the automatic item separation device is activated, it can automatically separate the batch of items into individual items and send them to the inlet table, and finally complete the sorting automatically.

[0109] Regarding S804, Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating one method of obtaining a single item according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, such as... Figure 9 As shown, it includes the following steps: S902: The batch of items is dispersed by the first separation device to obtain dispersed items, and the dispersed items are transported to a first preset height.

[0110] In one possible embodiment, during the process of conveying a batch of items in the first separation device, the batch of items can be dispersed by multiple first baffles to obtain dispersed items.

[0111] S904: The dispersed items are conveyed from a first preset height by multiple conveying devices with height differences in the second separation device, and the dispersed items are de-stacked to obtain multiple single items.

[0112] In one possible embodiment, after destacking the dispersed items to obtain multiple individual items, the individual items dispersed on the last conveyor can be processed by a second baffle, and the first individual item is output as a single item stream entering the discharge device.

[0113] In one possible embodiment, the above-mentioned automatic single-item separation device further includes an inspection and return process, which can be carried out in the following manner: the single items that have been de-stacked and dispersed on the last conveyor device, except for the first single item, are returned to the feeding and storage device through the return device.

[0114] In one possible embodiment, a barcode scanning device can be installed between the import station and the automatic separation device for individual items to obtain the item code. The item code can be obtained by scanning the item code of the individual item using the barcode scanning device.

[0115] In one possible embodiment, items for which no product code is obtained after scanning can be rejected to avoid incorrect placement during the distribution process. The rejection can be carried out in the following way: if the scanning device does not scan the product code, the single item is determined to be a single item to be rejected. The guide table moves in the opposite direction and the single item to be rejected is rejected by the rejection chute.

[0116] In one possible embodiment, the automatic item sorting system further includes: a packaging and labeling device, which is disposed between the automatic single item separation device and the inlet table. The packaging and labeling process may include: if a preset number of items in the batch do not have a product code, the packaging and labeling device is used to package and label the single items and add the corresponding product code. The product code of the packaged and labeled single item is obtained by the barcode scanning device, and each single item is transported to the inlet table.

[0117] In one possible embodiment, the distribution wall is a ring-shaped distribution wall. After the barcode scanning device obtains the item code, it is automatically imported through the import station. After the first single item is transported to the distribution wall in the form of a single item flow, each single item can be distributed to the grid corresponding to the item code through the ring-shaped distribution wall.

[0118] Based on the same inventive concept as the above method embodiments, this application also provides an item distribution device based on an automatic item distribution system. Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of an item distribution device based on an automatic item distribution system provided in this application is shown.

[0119] The device 1000 includes: a start unit 1001, used to start an automatic item distribution system in response to a distribution task; the distribution task is to distribute a batch of items; a single item separation unit 1002, used to receive a batch of items through an automatic single item separation device, automatically separate the batch of items into single items, and output multiple single items; an import unit 1003, used to receive single items through an import station and import them into the distribution wall; and a distribution unit 1004, used to distribute the items through the distribution wall.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of the present invention can be implemented as systems, methods, or program products. Therefore, various aspects of the present invention can be specifically implemented in the following forms: entirely in hardware, entirely in software (including firmware, microcode, etc.), or in a combination of hardware and software, collectively referred to herein as “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

[0121] The following reference Figure 11 To describe an electronic device 1100 according to this embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 The electronic device 1100 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitations on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] like Figure 11 As shown, the electronic device 1100 is manifested in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device 1100 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processing unit 1110, at least one storage unit 1120, and a bus 1130 connecting different system components (including storage unit 1120 and processing unit 1110).

[0123] The storage unit stores program code, which can be executed by the processing unit 1110, causing the processing unit 1110 to perform the steps described in the "Exemplary Methods" section of this specification according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0124] Storage unit 1120 may include readable media in the form of volatile storage units, such as random access memory (RAM) 11201 and / or cache memory 11202, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 11203.

[0125] Storage unit 1120 may also include a program / utility 11204 having a set (at least one) program module 11205, such program module 11205 including but not limited to: operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0126] Bus 1130 can represent one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory cell bus or memory cell controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processing unit, or a local bus using any of the various bus structures.

[0127] Electronic device 1100 can also communicate with one or more external devices 1140 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, Bluetooth device, etc.), and with one or more devices that enable a user to interact with electronic device 1100, and / or with any device that enables electronic device 1100 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., router, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 1150. Furthermore, electronic device 1100 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via network adapter 1160. As shown, network adapter 1160 communicates with other modules of electronic device 1100 via bus 1130. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figures, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with electronic device 1100, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0128] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to cause a computing device (such as a personal computer, server, terminal device, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0129] In exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a program product capable of implementing the methods described above is stored. In some possible embodiments, various aspects of the present invention may also be implemented as a program product comprising program code that, when the program product is run on a terminal device, causes the terminal device to perform the steps of the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0130] A program product for implementing the above-described method according to embodiments of the present invention is described. This product may employ a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and include program code, and may run on a terminal device, such as a personal computer. However, the program product of the present invention is not limited thereto. In this document, the readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that may be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0131] The program product may employ any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0132] Computer-readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A readable signal medium may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, capable of sending, propagating, or transmitting programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0133] The program code contained on the readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0134] Program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In cases involving remote computing devices, the remote computing device can be connected to the user's computing device via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computing device (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0135] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0136] Furthermore, although the steps of the method in this disclosure are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the steps must be performed in that specific order, or that all the steps shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. Additional or alternative steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or a step may be broken down into multiple steps.

[0137] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to cause a computing device (such as a personal computer, server, mobile terminal, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods according to the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0138] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for item distribution based on an automatic item distribution system, characterized in that, The automatic item sorting system includes: an automatic single item separation device, an inlet table, and a sorting wall; The method includes: In response to the distribution task, the automatic item distribution system is activated; the distribution task is to distribute a batch of items. The automatic single-item separation device receives the batch of items, automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, and outputs multiple individual items. The single item is received through the import station and imported into the broadcast wall; The items are distributed using the distribution wall.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic single-item separation device includes: a feeding and storage device, a separation device, and a discharging device; wherein the feeding and storage device, the separation device, and the discharging device are connected in sequence. The automatic single-item separation device receives the batch of items, automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, and outputs multiple individual items, including: The feeding and storage device receives and stores batches of items. The separation device automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items. The discharge device transports the multiple individual items to the inlet table.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The separation device includes: a first separation device and a second separation device; the first separation device is connected to the second separation device; the first separation device is provided with a preset tilt angle; the second separation device is provided with multiple conveying devices with height differences. The separation device automatically separates the batch of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items, including: The batch of items is dispersed by the first separation device to obtain dispersed items, and the dispersed items are conveyed to a first preset height; The dispersed items are conveyed from the first preset height by multiple conveying devices with height differences in the second separation device, and the dispersed items are de-stacked to obtain multiple individual items.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first separation device is provided with at least one first baffle at a second preset height; The batch of items is dispersed by the first separation device to obtain dispersed items, including: During the process of conveying the batch of items by the first separation device, the batch of items are dispersed by the first baffle to obtain dispersed items.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The last conveying device of the second separation device is provided with a second baffle that is at a preset angle to the conveying direction of the last conveying device; After de-stacking the scattered items to obtain multiple individual items, the process further includes: The second baffle processes the individual items that have been stacked and dispersed on the last conveyor, and outputs the first individual item as a single-item stream into the discharge device.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic separation device for single items further includes a reflux device, which is disposed between the last conveying device and the discharge storage device; The method further includes: The single items, after being de-stacked and dispersed on the last conveyor, are returned to the feeding and storage device via a return device, except for the first single item.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic item sorting system also includes a barcode scanning device, which is located between the automatic single item separation device and the inlet table; The method further includes: The barcode of the single item is obtained by scanning the barcode using the barcode scanning device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automatic item sorting system further includes: a rejection chute, wherein the inlet table is disposed between the rejection chute and the sorting wall, and the rejection chute and the sorting wall are located in opposite directions; The method further includes: If the scanning device fails to scan the product code, the single item is determined to be a single item to be rejected. The inlet platform moves in the opposite direction, and the rejection chute removes the single item to be rejected.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The automatic item sorting system also includes: a packaging and labeling device, which is located between the automatic single item separation device and the inlet table; The method further includes: If a preset number of items in the batch do not have a product code, the packaging and labeling device is used to package and label the individual items and add the corresponding product code. The barcode of each packaged and labeled item is obtained by the barcode scanning device, and each item is then transported to the import station.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that, The broadcast wall is a ring-shaped broadcast wall; The process of distributing each of the individual items includes: The circular distribution wall distributes each item to the corresponding compartment of the cargo code.

11. An automatic item sorting system, characterized in that, include: Automatic single-item separation device, import table and distribution wall; The automatic single-item separation device is used to receive a batch of items, automatically separate the batch of items into individual items, and output multiple individual items. The import platform is connected to the automatic single-item separation device and the distribution wall respectively, and is used to receive the single item and import it into the distribution wall; The broadcast wall is used to broadcast each of the individual items.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The automatic single-item separation device includes: a feeding and storage device, a separation device, and a discharging device; wherein the feeding and storage device, the separation device, and the discharging device are connected in sequence. The feeding and storage device is used to receive and store batches of items; The separation device is used to automatically separate the batch of items into individual items, resulting in multiple individual items; The discharge device is used to transport the plurality of individual items to the inlet table.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The separation device includes: a first separation device and a second separation device; the first separation device is connected to the second separation device; the first separation device is provided with a preset tilt angle; the second separation device is provided with multiple conveying devices with height differences. The first separation device is used to disperse the batch of items to obtain dispersed items, and to transport the dispersed items to a first preset height; The second separation device is used to transport the dispersed items from the first preset height through multiple conveying devices with height differences, and to de-stack the dispersed items to obtain multiple individual items.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first separation device is provided with at least one first baffle at a second preset height. During the process of conveying the batch of items through the first separation device, the batch of items are dispersed by the first baffle to obtain dispersed items.

15. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The last conveying device of the second separation device is provided with a second baffle at a preset angle to the conveying direction of the last conveying device. The second baffle is used to process the single items dispersed on the last conveying device after destacking, and output the first single item entering the discharge device in the form of a single item flow.

16. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The automatic separation device for single items further includes a reflux device, which is disposed between the last conveying device and the discharge storage device; The return device is used to return the individual items other than the first individual item from the individual items dispersed on the last conveyor after destacking to the feeding and storage device.

17. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A barcode scanning device is installed between the automatic single-item separation device and the inlet table; The scanning device is used to scan the product code of the single item to obtain the product code, wherein the distribution wall distributes the corresponding single item to the corresponding grid through the first product code.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: The rejection chute is located between the rejection chute and the distribution wall, and the rejection chute and the distribution wall are located in opposite directions. The import table is used to run in the opposite direction when there is a single item to be rejected that the barcode scanning device has not scanned. The rejection chute is used to reject the single item to be rejected.

19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, Also includes: A packaging and labeling device is installed between the automatic single-item separation device and the inlet table; If a preset number of items in the batch do not have a product code, the packing and labeling device is used to pack the individual items and add the corresponding product code. The barcode scanning device is used to obtain the product code of each packaged and labeled item and to transport each item to the import station.

20. The system according to claim 17 or 19, characterized in that, The broadcast wall is a ring-shaped broadcast wall; The circular distribution wall is used to distribute the individual items to the corresponding grids of the cargo codes.

21. An item sorting device based on an automatic item sorting system, characterized in that, The automatic item sorting system includes: an automatic single item separation device, an inlet table, and a sorting wall; include: The starting unit is used to start the automatic item distribution system in response to the distribution task; the distribution task is to distribute a batch of items. The single-item separation unit is used to receive the batch of items through the automatic single-item separation device, automatically separate the batch of items into single items, and output multiple single items. The import unit is used to receive the single item through the import station and import it into the broadcast wall; The splitting unit is used to split items through the splitting wall.

22. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: processor; and memory for storing the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 10 by executing the executable instructions.

23. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

24. A computer program product comprising: A computer program or instruction, characterized in that, when executed by a processor, the computer program or instruction implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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