A package cleaning management method and device of a sorting machine and a medium

Abstract

The application discloses a package cleaning management method and device of a sorting machine and a medium, which can optimize the package cleaning logic of the sorting machine and improve the package cleaning management efficiency of the sorting machine. The package cleaning management method of the sorting machine can be applied to the sorting machine, the sorting machine comprises at least one pocket, and the package cleaning management method of the sorting machine comprises the following steps: obtaining the package flow direction and time limit data of the pocket; obtaining the sending time of the shift of the transport resource according to the package flow direction and the time limit data of the pocket; when starting a sorting plan, calculating the package cleaning duration of the pocket according to the package cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the package flow direction of the pocket; calculating the package cleaning time according to the package cleaning duration and the sending time; and cleaning the pocket based on the package cleaning time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of logistics management technology, specifically to a sorting machine's package cleaning management method, equipment, and medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the air transport industry, airports, as core hubs for air cargo, are experiencing continuous growth in cargo throughput, highlighting the increasing demand for intelligent and refined cargo handling processes. In airport logistics scenarios, traditional processing methods lack comprehensive control over order flow and capacity resources. For example, orders that need to be on specific flights or schedules are prone to delays in sorting and packaging due to large fluctuations in order volume. This can cause orders to miss designated capacity and fail to meet specific time requirements, severely impacting logistics and delivery efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application is proposed. Embodiments of this application provide a method, equipment, and medium for cleaning and managing the packaging of a sorting machine, which can optimize the cleaning logic of the sorting machine and improve the efficiency of its cleaning and management.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a bag cleaning management method for a sorting machine is provided, applied to a sorting machine including at least one compartment. The bag cleaning management method includes: acquiring bag flow direction and timeliness data of the compartment; acquiring the departure time of the transport capacity resources based on the bag flow direction and timeliness data of the compartment; when a sorting plan is started, calculating the bag cleaning duration of the compartment based on the bag cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the bag flow direction of the compartment; calculating the bag cleaning time based on the bag cleaning duration and the departure time; and performing bag cleaning on the compartment based on the bag cleaning time.

[0005] As one possible implementation, when a sorting plan is initiated, the cleaning time of the sorting compartment is calculated based on the cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the flow direction of the bags in the compartment. This includes: when the sorting plan is initiated, obtaining the bagging completion time, sorting and transportation time, and preset redundancy time based on the cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the flow direction of the bags in the compartment; wherein, the bagging completion time represents the process of placing the express package into the bag for tying and labeling, and the sorting and transportation time represents the time required to transport the bag to the transportation resources after the bagging is completed; the sum of the bagging completion time, the sorting and transportation time, and the preset redundancy time is used as the cleaning time of the sorting compartment.

[0006] As one possible implementation, the package clearing time is calculated based on the package clearing duration and the dispatch time, including: subtracting the dispatch time from the package clearing duration to obtain the package clearing time; wherein, the package clearing duration includes the package creation completion time, the sorting and transportation time, and the preset redundancy time.

[0007] As one possible implementation, the method for obtaining the package completion time includes: obtaining the number of packages to be cleared and the package completion time for each package; wherein each package includes at least one parcel; calculating the product of the number of packages to be cleared and the package completion time for each package to obtain the package completion time.

[0008] As one possible implementation, package clearing includes package creation and transportation; the package clearing management method of the sorting machine further includes: before the package clearing time, package creation is performed on the express parcels based on the number of items dropped into the compartment, the volume of items dropped into the compartment, and the photoelectric detection results of the compartment; the bags of the compartments that have been packaged are transported to the transportation resources.

[0009] As one possible implementation, before the clearing time, the parcels are packaged based on the number of parcels dropped into the compartment, the volume of parcels dropped into the compartment, and the photoelectric detection result of the compartment. This includes: packaging the parcels when the number of parcels dropped into the compartment is greater than or equal to a preset number; or packaging the parcels when the volume of parcels dropped into the compartment is greater than or equal to a preset volume; or packaging the parcels when the photoelectric detection result of the compartment indicates that the compartment volume detection photoelectric trigger is activated.

[0010] As one possible implementation, the sorting machine's packing management method further includes: when the number of items falling into the slot is less than a preset number, but the time for packing has arrived, packing and transporting the items into the slot; when the volume of items falling into the slot is less than a preset volume, but the time for packing has arrived, packing and transporting the items into the slot; when the photoelectric inspection result of the slot indicates that the slot volume detection photoelectric sensor has not been triggered, but the time for packing has arrived, packing and transporting the items into the slot.

[0011] As one possible implementation, the sorting machine's cleaning management method further includes: obtaining a capacity allocation table; wherein the capacity allocation table includes the expected cleaning time; when the cleaning time is earlier than the expected cleaning time, updating the cleaning time to the capacity allocation table, replacing the expected cleaning time, and using the cleaning time as the latest time for cleaning at the sorting station.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this application, a computer device is provided, the computer device comprising: one or more processors; a memory; and one or more application programs, wherein the one or more application programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor to implement a sorting machine cleaning management method as described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0013] According to a third aspect of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for performing a sorting machine cleaning management method as described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0014] This application provides a sorting machine cleaning management method, equipment, and medium. The sorting machine includes multiple compartments. Based on the package flow direction and timeliness data of each compartment, the dispatch time of the corresponding transportation resources can be obtained. When starting a sorting plan, the dispatch time of the transportation resources is usually fixed. Based on the cleaning capacity configuration and package flow direction in the sorting plan, the cleaning time of each compartment is calculated. Since the actual capacity configuration of the sorting machine and the actual package flow direction are considered, a highly accurate cleaning time can be calculated for each sorting plan, improving the accuracy and timeliness of the cleaning time calculation. The cleaning time facilitates the accurate calculation of the package cleaning time, allowing for accurate reverse calculation of the package cleaning time. Based on the calculated cleaning time, the compartments are cleaned, improving the accuracy and reliability of the cleaning time. By controlling the cleaning process of the compartments through the cleaning time, it is ensured that packages arrive at the transportation loading point in a timely manner, guaranteeing that transportation resources are dispatched as planned, improving the efficiency and reliability of the overall process, reducing error rates and delay risks, and avoiding transportation delays or cancellations due to packages not arriving on time. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this application and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a sorting machine cleaning and management method provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning and management device of the sorting machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0020] Application Overview

[0021] With the rapid development of the air transport industry, airport logistics throughput continues to grow, placing higher demands on logistics efficiency and accuracy. In airport logistics scenarios, package clearing refers to the process of removing all parcels from the sorting machine, including packing, bagging, and conveying the parcels after they fall. The timing and duration of package clearing have a significant impact on the transportation time. For example, if the package clearing time and duration exceed the departure time of the transport capacity, it will lead to delays or cancellations, or affect the timeliness of the logistics, requiring the allocation of other transport capacity to dispatch the parcels in this shipment. However, there are still significant management and technical gaps in the package clearing management process in airport logistics, resulting in limited overall operational efficiency and prominent safety hazards and cost issues.

[0022] Specifically, existing technologies lack a dynamic correlation model between order flow and transportation resources (such as vehicle schedules and flight times). For example, a certain international express line has only one flight per day, and the corresponding orders need to be sorted and delivered to the airport 4 hours before the flight's departure. However, the system does not calculate the order processing deadline based on the flight time, nor does it reserve dedicated sorting channels or human resources, resulting in frequent backlogs of such orders during peak periods, and the timeliness target is completely ineffective.

[0023] To improve the management capabilities of the package cleaning process in logistics, this application proposes a package cleaning management method, equipment, and medium for sorting machines. By clarifying the departure time of shifts based on package flow and timeliness data, a time calculation benchmark can be obtained, eliminating time ambiguity. Next, based on the package cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the package flow direction at each compartment, the package cleaning duration at each compartment is calculated, quantifying the overall time required for compartment cleaning and providing clear and quantifiable reference data for calculating the cleaning time. Finally, based on the cleaning duration and departure time, the cleaning time is calculated backwards to determine the theoretically latest start time for cleaning, providing accurate time data for cleaning. This improves logistics reliability by controlling the cleaning time, reducing the possibility of delays in package cleaning leading to delays in logistics timeliness or transportation resources, thereby reducing the potential for economic losses. In other words, the closed-loop time chain design makes the lifecycle of package cleaning controllable, improving on-time delivery rates. Precise matching of the cleaning and transportation resource departure times reduces equipment idle time and improves sorting efficiency. By reversing time structure and proactively managing package clearing time, this application clarifies the time requirements for package clearing, thereby ensuring the timely completion of the entire process. Besides air logistics, this application can also be applied to other logistics sectors such as road, rail, and sea logistics.

[0024] Exemplary methods

[0025] To fill the gap in the sorting machine cleaning and management process in logistics and distribution, Figure 1This is a flowchart illustrating a sorting machine cleaning and management method according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 1 For example, first, obtain the packet flow and timeliness data of the grid (see...). Figure 1 (S100). Package flow refers to the transportation path and direction of a package from its origin to its destination. Package flow determines which transit points, means of transport (such as vehicles and flights), and modes of transport (such as road and air) the package needs to pass through. Package delivery time data refers to the time required for the package to arrive at its destination from shipment. Obtaining the package flow and delivery time data from the parcel locker provides the foundation for subsequent calculations, clarifying the transportation path and time targets. Secondly, based on the parcel flow and delivery time data from the parcel locker, the departure times of the available transport capacity resources can be obtained (see S100). Figure 1 In the S200 (likely referring to a specific type of transportation plan), transportation capacity resources are typically selected or calculated based on package flow and timeliness data, or pre-set based on these data. Determining departure times provides a clear objective for the transportation plan. Then, when the sorting plan is initiated, the sorting time for each sorting compartment is calculated based on the sorting plan's clearing capacity configuration and the package flow direction (see [reference needed]). Figure 1 The S300's cleaning capacity configuration refers to the time required for the sorting machine's compartments to create packages. Combining the sorting machine's capacity and the package flow direction, the transportation time required to transport the completed packages to the available transport resources can be calculated. The transportation time and package creation time together allow for the calculation of the cleaning time at the compartments. The cleaning time is a crucial parameter for determining the start time of cleaning at the compartments, helping to calculate the latest cleaning time to ensure timely delivery of packages to the transport resources. Next, based on the cleaning time and dispatch time, the cleaning time is calculated (see...). Figure 1 (S400) After calculating the packet clearing duration and dispatch time, the packet clearing time can be calculated. Finally, based on the packet clearing time, the grid is cleared (see S400). Figure 1 (S500). Determining the latest parcel clearance time can help ensure that bags are delivered to the shipping capacity on time, reduce the risk of delays caused by unreasonable scheduling, and avoid shipping delays or cancellations due to bags not arriving on time.

[0026] The following text combines Figure 1 This application provides a more detailed description of the sorting machine cleaning and management method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0027] In S100, the package flow and timeliness data of the sorting slots are obtained. In a logistics sorting center, the sorting slot is the end-point of the automated sorting system. A sorting machine includes multiple slots, which typically correspond to a specific geographical area (such as a city or a courier outlet) or a special service type (such as cold chain or expedited shipments). Each slot is connected to a conveyor belt or container. After being scanned, bags automatically fall into the corresponding slot to await loading. Package flow refers to the entire trajectory of a single bag from entering the sorting center to its final destination. For example, from the unloading port to the scanning station, from the scanning station to slot A, from slot A to the transportation resource, and then from the transportation resource to the outlet B. From the package flow, metadata such as timestamps, operators, and equipment numbers of the bags at each stage can be read. Timeliness data can include timeliness codes. By looking up the container routing code through the package timeliness code, information such as the latest departure time of each transportation resource loading route can be obtained. The package flow and timeliness data corresponding to the slots are important data foundations for subsequent sorting management.

[0028] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In S200, the departure times of transport capacity resources are obtained based on the package flow and timeliness data of each sorting station. Typically, the overall transportation process for express shipments is pre-set or predicted, and express shipments at airport logistics are merely a transit point in the transportation process. Therefore, during sorting and transportation at airport logistics, it is necessary to directly obtain the departure times of transport capacity resources based on the pre-set package flow and timeliness data. For example, the Sorting Planning Management System (SPS) obtains the flight cut-off / vehicle departure times based on the package flow and timeliness data (e.g., timeliness codes) of each sorting station. These flight cut-off / vehicle departure times are pre-pushd to the high-level control system database table so that the SPS can directly obtain them based on the package flow and timeliness data of each sorting station. The departure times of transport capacity resources may change, so the SPS can refresh periodically to obtain them. Ensuring the accuracy of the departure times provides accurate time nodes and data basis for subsequent calculations of package clearing times, thereby ensuring the timeliness of express shipment clearing. It is understandable that the departure time of a bus or train could be the time when the transport capacity first departs, or it could be the departure time of a bus or train after the transport capacity has made a transfer here, i.e., the end time of the transfer for the transfer bus or train.

[0029] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In 300, when a sorting plan is started, the cleaning time of the sorting compartment is calculated based on the cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the direction of the compartment bags.

[0030] In some embodiments, starting a sorting plan can refer to the first time a sorting plan is started, or it can refer to the time when a sorting plan is switched to another sorting plan and the sorting plan is started after the switch. The sorting plan includes configurations for the flow direction of parcels, compartment configurations, parcel clearance capacity configurations, transportation capacity resource configurations, and timeliness code configurations.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bagging completion time, sorting and transportation time, and preset redundancy time are obtained based on the bagging capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the bag flow direction of the compartments. The bagging completion time represents the process of placing the package into a bag for sealing and labeling, while the sorting and transportation time represents the time required to transport the bag to the transportation resources after bagging. The bagging capacity configuration of the sorting plan refers to the sorting capacity of the sorting machines arranged in the plan, which in turn determines the capacity of each compartment. The sorting capacity of the sorting machine refers to the time required to push the package out and transport it into a bag, and then automatically seal and label it; therefore, the sorting capacity of the sorting machines configured in the sorting plan determines the bagging time for each bag. The bag flow direction of the compartments refers to the number and frequency of bags allocated to each compartment during the sorting process. The bag flow direction determines the number of bags that each compartment needs to process. Therefore, multiplying the bagging time for each bag by the number of bags yields the bagging completion time for each compartment. Sorting and transportation time refers to the time it takes to transport a package to the designated transportation resource location after it has been assembled. In other words, it's the time it takes for the package to be transported from the designated compartment to the transportation resource. The assembly and transportation times are theoretically calculated. However, unexpected situations may occur during the actual assembly and transportation process, or even outside of these processes, potentially causing delays. There may also be discrepancies between the actual assembly and sorting / transportation times and the theoretically calculated times. Strictly adhering to the theoretically calculated assembly and sorting / transportation times to calculate the latest package clearing time might still result in packages not being able to reach the designated transportation capacity and failing to meet specific delivery time requirements. Therefore, to improve the error tolerance of package clearing management and ensure that packages are loaded onto designated transportation resources on time, a preset redundancy time is set. The sum of the assembly completion time, sorting / transportation time, and the preset redundancy time is used as the package clearing time for the compartment. This allows for time beyond the assembly and sorting / transportation times to handle unforeseen circumstances or calculation errors, reducing the possibility of delays and optimizing the overall package clearing management logic.

[0032] One possible approach is to obtain the bag creation completion time by: acquiring the number of bags cleared and the bag creation time for each bag; where each bag contains at least one parcel, and calculating the product of the number of bags cleared and the bag creation time for each bag to obtain the bag creation completion time. In other words, bag creation completion time = number of bags cleared × average bag creation time per bag. The number of bags cleared can be obtained based on the bag flow direction at the sorting station, while the bag creation time for each bag can be configured based on the clearing capacity of the sorting plan, such as the sorting machine's capacity to create bags for each item.

[0033] As one possible approach, sorting and transportation times can be configured in multiple ways to accommodate the differences between different equipment, such as airside small parts machine, landside small parts machine, landside NC small parts machine, and airside NC sorting cabinet, while also considering the reservation of landside NC sorting cabinet and airside NC small parts machine.

[0034] In other embodiments, if delays occur before the package enters the airport logistics process, and the scheduled transport capacity within the airport logistics system needs to depart on time, the delay time can be included in the package clearing time. In other words, the clearing time can be moved forward if conditions permit. If the clearing time cannot be moved forward, the airport logistics sorting strategy can be adjusted. For example, packages can be sorted on the main island or the sorting bins can be located closer to the transport capacity to reduce sorting and transport time. This balances the delay time with the sorting and transport time, ensuring that the package is cleared at or before the clearing time.

[0035] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In step 400, the clearing time is calculated based on the clearing duration and the dispatch time. Accurately calculating the clearing duration quantifies the time requirements of the clearing process, providing a basis for calculating the clearing time and ensuring accuracy in time calculations, thus avoiding delays due to underestimation. Determining the clearing time ensures that packages are sorted and packaged before the dispatch time, preventing missed shifts due to excessive clearing time and reducing package delays.

[0036] In some embodiments, the package clearing time is obtained by subtracting the dispatch time from the package clearing duration. The package clearing duration includes the package creation completion time, sorting and transportation time, and a preset redundancy time. That is, the formula for calculating the package clearing time can be: T1 - t1, where T1 represents the dispatch time and t1 represents the package clearing duration. Alternatively, as a possible implementation, t1 = t2 + t3 + t4, where t1 represents the package clearing duration, t2 represents the package creation completion time, t3 represents the sorting and transportation time, and t4 represents the preset redundancy time. For example, if the shift corresponding to T6-711R departs at 12:00, and the package flow and timeliness corresponding to compartment A are exactly T6-711R, then the dispatch time of compartment A is calculated using 12:00 - t1, and a full-package clearing instruction is issued by the sorting control system at the time point 12:00 - t1.

[0037] In some embodiments, package clearing includes package assembly and transportation. Package assembly refers to the process of pushing piles of parcels onto a conveyor belt and then conveying them to bags in designated compartments. After a specified number of parcels are received, the bags are packed, a tag is printed, and the tag is affixed to the bag. Affixing the tag to the bag completes the package assembly. Transportation refers to transporting the assembled bags from the compartments to available transportation resources. It can be understood that the package clearing time is the latest time in the sorting plan to ensure that parcels are loaded on time and that shifts are dispatched smoothly and on schedule; in other words, the package clearing time is the minimum guaranteed time. Before the package clearing time, if preset conditions are met, parcels can be assembled based on the number of parcels falling into the compartments, the volume of parcels falling into the compartments, and the results of photoelectric detection at the compartments. This assembly can be done in advance. For example, the following conditions can be set for package stacking: 1. When the number of packages dropped into the slot is greater than or equal to a preset number (the preset number can be configured according to actual needs), the package is created; 2. When the volume of the package dropped into the slot is greater than or equal to a preset volume (the preset volume can be configured according to actual needs), the package is created; 3. When the photoelectric inspection result of the slot indicates that the slot volume detection photoelectric trigger is activated, the package is created.

[0038] Furthermore, if the first package falls into the locker at time T2, and T2 is earlier than the package clearing time, package clearing will begin even if the current number of packages in the locker does not reach the preset quantity or the package volume does not reach the preset volume, to ensure the smooth dispatch of the shift. In other words, when the number of packages in the locker is less than the preset quantity, but the time for package clearing has arrived, the locker will be created and transported; when the package volume in the locker is less than the preset volume, but the time for package clearing has arrived, the locker will be created and transported; when the photoelectric check result of the locker indicates that the locker volume detection photoelectric sensor has not been triggered, but the time for package clearing has arrived, the locker will be created and transported. The package clearing time serves as a fallback condition to ensure that the package clearing work is completed on time, without affecting the normal dispatch of the shift, thus improving overall operational efficiency.

[0039] In other embodiments, besides creating packages based on the number of items received, the volume of items received, photoelectric inspection results, and the time of package clearing, interface buttons can be provided on the computer interface and the on-site interface to allow manual clearing of one, several, or all slots. When the clearing management method of the sorting machine is applied to the NC small-item sorting machine, the selected slot in the computer operation interface or the on-site operation interface can be manually cleared by clicking, and the regular small-item sorting machine will close and push out the slot. The NC small-item sorting machine tower light provides a special prompt, the purpose of which is to remind the personnel responsible for creating packages at the slots to complete the package creation operation. Manual selection of package creation and clearing based on the time of clearing have the same priority. For example, when operating on the monitoring room workstation, a separate interface is added to the high-rise control system, set to create packages and clear slots. The main computer operation interface can display the parcel flow / time code and current shift for each slot on the airside / landside. Clicking the slot number or slot button can jump to a secondary interface, displaying the number of items received at that slot and the list of parcel barcodes for that shift. Users can manually clear packets by selecting one, multiple, or all cells in the main interface. This is a one-time operation, and the system resets upon success. Based on the above operations, the system device executes the action and returns a success or failure signal.

[0040] In addition, to ensure that transportation resources are not wasted and are allocated rationally, storage compartments can be set up. During operations, there may be situations where packages need to be sent to a daytime shift, but that shift may have a small volume of packages or may not be able to dispatch packages at all. In such cases, packages need to be stored until the evening or until a certain quantity is reached before being transported. Therefore, storage compartments exist where packages can be stored indefinitely. For storage compartments, the clearing time is no longer calculated. When the clearing time arrives, no new packages are created in the storage compartment. However, when the required quantity or volume is reached, the packages in the storage compartment can be moved to another location for later transport. Before the end of the current transit shift, a clearing operation is performed on all storage compartments. The actual clearing time is the end time of the transit shift minus the clearing time.

[0041] See also Figure 1 In the S500 system, the bags are cleaned at the designated cleaning time. By determining the cleaning time and using it as a safety net, the bags are cleaned at the designated cleaning time, ensuring that they are delivered to the shift's location on time, thus guaranteeing the timely dispatch of the shift.

[0042] In some embodiments, a capacity allocation table can be obtained based on the package flow and timeliness data of the sorting stations. This table includes the expected package clearing time. When the actual clearing time is earlier than the expected clearing time, the clearing time is updated in the capacity allocation table, replacing the expected clearing time. The clearing time is then used as the latest time for clearing packages at the sorting stations. The clearing time can be written to a database, triggering clearing tasks based on this time to reduce the possibility of shift delays caused by late clearing at the sorting stations. Furthermore, the clearing time, as a crucial time node in clearing management, provides a management basis for the entire sorting plan, improving sorting management efficiency.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sorting machine's package clearing management method can be applied to sorting equipment in landside small parcel, airside small parcel, and landside NC small parcel areas. Based on the clearing time, the system pushes out the parcel stack in real time, triggering clearing. For example, in a conventional small parcel machine, the sorting control system sends all parcel status messages (clearing lock status) for all parcel slots to be cleared to the automatic parcel creation system, requesting parcel creation. After sending, the capacity clearing command flag is updated to "done," indicating that the clearing time is the latest clearing time, and parcel clearing is performed when the clearing time is reached. After receiving the status message, the automatic parcel creation system initiates a parcel creation request task. After receiving the parcel creation response message from the sorting control system, it pushes the parcel out of the slot and goes to the parcel creation station for label printing, completing the clearing operation. In the landside NC small-item sorting machine, the sorting control system sends status messages (cleaning and locking status) for all sorting slots to be cleared to the slot PLCs of the landside NC small-item sorting machine, indicating that the relevant slots are ready for bag creation and printing operations. After sending, the capacity clearing command flag is updated to "done". After receiving the status message, the slot PLC controls the tower light (or slot indicator light) to provide a special prompt. Finally, the operator presses the print button to complete the slot bag creation and printing operations. For slots that are not currently receiving any items, the sorting control system does not process them.

[0044] In some embodiments, when the scheduled shifts in the transportation resources are transfer shifts, the end time of the transfer shift is equivalent to the departure time of the normal transportation resource shift, and the calculation of the clearing time for transfer shifts is the same as that for normal shifts. At the end of a transfer shift, the system automatically triggers a clearing operation for all racks (including storage racks) with packages received. Furthermore, if the clearing time calculated based on the end time of a transfer shift differs from the clearing time calculated based on the clearing time of a normal shift, the sorting plan management system will perform a priority comparison and record the earlier arrival time in the actual clearing time.

[0045] When a sorting grid malfunctions during the sorting process, to improve the fault tolerance and reliability of the sorting machine's bag cleaning, if there is no reused grid for the corresponding flow direction when the automatic bagging grid malfunctions, this flow direction will be accommodated. To avoid affecting sorting, this flow direction can be switched to a backup grid, and the grid malfunction can be repaired after production is completed. For example, the automatic bagging system at the bottom layer sends the grid malfunction information to the upper layer control system. After receiving the malfunction information, the upper layer control system determines whether there is a reused grid. If there is no reused grid, it prompts the management personnel to dynamically configure the physical grid for that flow direction, achieving grid switching without affecting production.

[0046] Exemplary device

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning and management device of the sorting machine provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the bag cleaning management device 2 for a sorting machine can be applied to a sorting machine, which includes at least one sorting slot. The bag cleaning management device 2 for the sorting machine includes: a first acquisition module 21, which acquires the bag flow direction and timeliness data of the sorting slot; a second acquisition module 22, which acquires the departure time of the transportation resources based on the bag flow direction and timeliness data of the sorting slot; a first calculation module 23, which calculates the bag cleaning duration of the sorting slot based on the bag cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the bag flow direction of the sorting slot when the sorting plan is started; a second calculation module 24, which calculates the bag cleaning time based on the bag cleaning duration and the departure time; and a bag cleaning module 25, which performs bag cleaning on the sorting slot based on the bag cleaning time.

[0048] As one possible implementation, the first calculation module 23 can be configured to: when the sorting plan is started, obtain the bagging completion time, sorting and transportation time, and preset redundancy time according to the bagging capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the bag flow direction of the compartment; wherein, the bagging completion time represents the process of placing the express package into the bag for tying and labeling, and the sorting and transportation time represents the time for transporting the bag to the transportation resources after the bagging is completed; the sum of the bagging completion time, the sorting and transportation time, and the preset redundancy time is used as the bagging time of the compartment.

[0049] As one possible implementation, the second calculation module 24 can be configured to: subtract the sending time from the clearing time to obtain the clearing time; wherein, the clearing time includes the bag creation completion time, the sorting and transportation time, and the preset redundancy time.

[0050] As one possible implementation, the method for obtaining the package completion time can be configured as follows: obtain the number of packages to be cleared and the package completion time for each package; wherein, each package includes at least one parcel; calculate the product of the number of packages to be cleared and the package completion time for each package to obtain the package completion time.

[0051] As one possible implementation, package cleaning includes package creation and transportation; the package cleaning management device 2 of the sorting machine can also be configured to: before the package cleaning time, create packages for the express items based on the number of items dropped into the compartment, the volume of items dropped into the compartment, and the photoelectric detection results of the compartment; and transport the bags from the compartments that have been created to the transportation resources.

[0052] As one possible implementation, the sorting machine's packing management device 2 can also be configured to: pack the parcels when the number of items falling into the slot is greater than or equal to a preset number; or pack the parcels when the volume of items falling into the slot is greater than or equal to a preset volume; or pack the parcels when the photoelectric inspection result of the slot indicates that the slot volume detection photoelectric trigger is activated.

[0053] As one possible implementation, the sorting machine's cleaning and management device 2 can also be configured to: create and transport packages at the sorting slot when the number of items dropped into the slot is less than a preset number, but the time for cleaning has arrived; create and transport packages at the sorting slot when the volume of items dropped into the slot is less than a preset volume, but the time for cleaning has arrived; and create and transport packages at the sorting slot when the photoelectric inspection result of the slot indicates that the slot volume detection photoelectric sensor has not been triggered, but the time for cleaning has arrived.

[0054] As one possible implementation, the cleaning management device 2 of the sorting machine can also be configured to: obtain a capacity allocation table; wherein the capacity allocation table includes the expected cleaning time; when the cleaning time is earlier than the expected cleaning time, update the cleaning time to the capacity allocation table, replace the expected cleaning time, and use the cleaning time as the latest time for cleaning at the sorting station.

[0055] Exemplary electronic devices

[0056] An electronic device includes: a processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; and a processor for executing the pack cleaning management method of the sorting machine described in the embodiments of this application.

[0057] Below, for reference Figure 3 This application describes an electronic device according to embodiments thereof. The electronic device may be either or both of a first device and a second device, or a standalone device independent of them, which may communicate with the first device and the second device to receive acquired input signals from them.

[0058] Figure 3 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of this application is illustrated.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device 10 includes one or more processors 11 and memory 12.

[0060] The processor 11 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or other form of processing unit with data processing capabilities and / or instruction execution capabilities, and may control other components in the electronic device 10 to perform desired functions.

[0061] The memory 12 may include one or more computer program products, which may include various forms of computer-readable storage media, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. One or more computer program instructions may be stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor 11 may execute the program instructions to implement the sorting machine's bag management method and / or other desired functions described in the various embodiments of this application above. Various contents such as input signals, signal components, and noise components may also be stored in the computer-readable storage medium.

[0062] In one example, the electronic device 10 may also include an input device 13 and an output device 14, which are interconnected via a bus system and / or other forms of connection mechanism (not shown).

[0063] When the electronic device is a standalone device, the input device 13 can be a communication network connector for receiving the collected input signals from the first device and the second device.

[0064] In addition, the input device 13 may also include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0065] The output device 14 can output various information to the outside, including determined distance information, direction information, etc. The output device 14 may include, for example, a display, a speaker, a printer, and a communication network and its connected remote output devices, etc.

[0066] Of course, for the sake of simplicity, Figure 3 Only some of the components of the electronic device 10 relevant to this application are shown in this illustration; components such as buses, input / output interfaces, etc., are omitted. In addition, the electronic device 10 may include any other suitable components depending on the specific application.

[0067] The computer program product can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​to perform the operations of the embodiments of this application. The programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's computing 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.

[0068] A computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for executing the pack cleaning management method of the sorting machine described in the embodiments of this application.

[0069] The computer-readable storage medium may be 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, for example, include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, 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 fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0070] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A method for managing the cleaning and unpacking of a sorting machine, characterized in that, Applied to sorting machines, which include at least one sorting slot, the bag cleaning management methods for sorting machines include: Obtain packet flow and timeliness data from the grid; Based on the package flow direction and timeliness data of the grid, obtain the departure time of the transportation capacity resources; When the sorting plan is started, the cleaning time of the compartment is calculated based on the cleaning capacity configuration of the sorting plan and the direction of the compartment bags. Calculate the packet clearing time based on the packet clearing duration and the sending time; Based on the specified cleaning time, the grid is cleaned.

2. The sorting machine cleaning and management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a sorting plan is initiated, the cleaning time for each sorting compartment is calculated based on the sorting plan's cleaning capacity configuration and the bag flow direction. This includes: When a sorting plan is initiated, the packing completion time, sorting and transportation time, and preset redundancy time are obtained based on the packing plan's packing capacity configuration and the packing flow direction. The packing completion time represents the process of placing the parcel into a bag for tying and labeling, and the sorting and transportation time represents the time required to transport the bag to the transportation resources after packing is completed. The sum of the package creation completion time, the sorting and transportation time, and the preset redundancy time is used as the package cleaning time of the compartment.

3. The sorting machine cleaning and management method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The packet clearing time is calculated based on the packet clearing duration and the transmission time, including: The difference between the dispatch time and the package clearing time is used to obtain the package clearing time; wherein, the package clearing time includes the package creation completion time, the sorting and transportation time, and the preset redundancy time.

4. The method for cleaning and managing packages in a sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Methods for obtaining the package creation completion time include: Obtain the number of parcels to be cleared and the parcel creation time for each parcel; each parcel includes at least one package. Calculate the product of the number of bags to be cleared and the bag-building time for each bag to obtain the bag-building completion time.

5. The sorting machine cleaning and management method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Packaging includes packing and transportation; the packaging management method for the sorting machine also includes: Before the package clearing time, the packages are packaged according to the number of packages dropped into the compartment, the volume of packages dropped into the compartment, and the photoelectric detection results of the compartment. The bags with completed compartments are transported to transportation resources.

6. The method for cleaning and managing packages in a sorting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before the scheduled package clearing time, the packages are packaged according to the number of packages dropped into the compartment, the volume of packages dropped into the compartment, and the photoelectric detection results of the compartment, including: When the number of packages dropped into the compartment is greater than or equal to a preset number, the package is created; or When the volume of the package falling into the slot is greater than or equal to a preset volume, the package is created; or When the photoelectric inspection result of the grid indicates that the grid volume detection photoelectric trigger is activated, the package is created.

7. The sorting machine cleaning and management method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sorting machine's package cleaning management method also includes: When the number of items dropped into the compartment is less than the preset number, but the time for clearing the package has arrived, the compartment is packaged and transported. When the volume of the item dropped into the compartment is less than the preset volume, but the time for clearing the package has arrived, the compartment is used for packaging and transportation. When the photoelectric inspection result of the grid indicates that the grid volume detection photoelectric sensor has not been triggered, but the time for clearing the package has arrived, the package is created and transported.

8. The method for cleaning and managing packages in a sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting machine's package cleaning management method also includes: Obtain the capacity allocation table; wherein, the capacity allocation table includes the estimated clearing time; When the clearing time is earlier than the expected clearing time, the clearing time is updated in the capacity allocation table, replacing the expected clearing time, and the clearing time is used as the latest time for clearing the package at the checkpoint.

9. A computer device, characterized in that, The computer device includes: One or more processors; Memory; and One or more applications, wherein the one or more applications are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor to implement the packing management method of the sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program for executing the cleaning and management method of the sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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