Cargo sorting equipment with programmable lifting and sorting modules based on image processing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cargo sorting device with a programmable lifting and sorting module based on image processing, comprising: a conveyor belt for conveying cargo; a scanning module, comprising an image acquisition device for acquiring cargo images and a code scanning device for scanning cargo transportation information; at least one lifting and sorting module, which is located after the scanning module in the cargo conveying direction, and the sorting module comprises a plurality of lifting modules, each lifting module comprises a linear conveying mechanism and a programmable lifting mechanism; and a control unit, which receives and processes cargo images and cargo transportation information, and determines the external features and sorting positions of the cargo, when the cargo is sorted at the sorting module, the control unit determines the lifting modules involved in sorting the cargo according to the external features of the cargo, and controls the lifting modules to perform lifting or lowering actions, and at the same time, the horizontal linear conveying mechanism conveys the cargo in the horizontal direction, thereby conveying the cargo to the sorting position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cargo sorting, and in particular to a cargo sorting device having a programmable lifting and sorting module based on image processing. Background Art

[0002] In the current more advanced cargo sorting system, there are two main ways with relatively high efficiency. One is the 90-degree conveying sorting line. The sorting line can drive the cargo in the straight-line transportation process to leave the line at a 90-degree angle through the 90-degree turning mechanism of the line to complete the sorting action; the other way is to install a sorting trolley on the straight-line line, and each piece of cargo is placed in a separate sorting trolley. When it reaches the sorting position, the sorting trolley moves to separate the cargo. There is a prerequisite for completing the sorting action described above, that is, the cargo must be placed in a single row, otherwise the sorting action of one cargo will affect another cargo that is parallel to it. Placing a large number of cargo in a single row for transmission must add a process to the line, which greatly reduces the sorting speed of the cargo and the sorting efficiency of the sorting line. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention is made to overcome the above-mentioned problems and other technical problems that have yet to be solved.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an efficient cargo sorting device, which allows cargo to be sorted quickly without affecting the delivery of other cargoes. At the same time, the cargo sorting device allows cargo to be delivered side by side without affecting the sorting of cargoes.

[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a cargo sorting device, comprising:

[0006] At least one conveyor belt for conveying goods;

[0007] A scanning module, the scanning module comprising an image acquisition device for acquiring images of goods and a code scanning device for scanning goods delivery information;

[0008] at least one lifting sorting module, the sorting module is located behind the scanning module in the direction of goods conveying, and the goods conveyed by the conveyor belt are conveyed to the sorting module, wherein the sorting module includes a plurality of lifting modules, each lifting module includes a linear conveying mechanism and a programmable lifting mechanism, the linear conveying mechanism is connected to the programmable lifting mechanism and can support the goods conveyed thereto and convey the goods in a horizontal direction, the programmable lifting mechanism can be controlled to raise or lower the linear conveying mechanism so as to raise or lower the goods supported on the linear conveying mechanism; and

[0009] a control unit, wherein the control unit receives and processes the cargo image and the cargo delivery information obtained by the scanning module, and determines the external features and sorting position of the cargo,

[0010] When the goods are determined to be sorted at the sorting module, the control unit determines the lifting module involved in sorting the goods according to the external characteristics of the goods, and controls the lifting module involved in the multiple lifting modules to perform an ascending or descending action when the goods pass by, and at the same time, the horizontal linear conveying mechanism conveys the goods in the horizontal direction, so as to convey the goods to the sorting position, and

[0011] When the goods are determined not to be sorted at the sorting module, the lifting module maintains the initial state without making any rising or falling movements, and the horizontal linear conveying mechanism conveys the goods in the horizontal direction to convey the goods to the next sorting position.

[0012] Preferably, the plurality of lifting modules are arranged in an m×n matrix, where m is the number of lifting modules in the direction of cargo conveying, and n is the number of lifting modules in a direction perpendicular to the cargo conveying direction, wherein n is greater than or equal to 2. Moreover, each of the lifting modules can be individually controlled by a control unit to perform lifting actions.

[0013] Preferably, m is greater than or equal to 2. During the period when the lifting module rises or falls to sort the goods, when the goods move out of the lifting module in the rising or falling state, the lifting module immediately falls or rises alone to return to its initial state.

[0014] Preferably, m and n are both greater than 6. Based on the size of the goods to be sorted and the position on the conveyor belt, some of the multiple lifting modules can rise or fall to achieve sorting, while the remaining lifting modules can continue to convey the goods that do not need to be sorted.

[0015] Preferably, at least one conveyor belt includes a first conveyor belt arranged before the sorting module and a second conveyor belt arranged after the sorting module, and the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module of the sorting module is at the same level with the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt in an initial state.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt further includes a third conveyor belt arranged below the second conveyor belt, wherein the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module is at the same level as the third conveyor belt in a lowered state, thereby allowing the goods supported on the lifting module to be transferred to the third conveyor belt.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt further includes a fourth conveyor belt arranged above the second conveyor belt, wherein the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module is at the same level as the fourth conveyor belt in the raised state, whereby the goods supported on the lifting module can be transferred to the fourth conveyor belt.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt further comprises a fifth conveyor belt arranged above the fourth conveyor belt, wherein the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module can be raised to the same level as the fifth conveyor belt.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt further comprises a sixth conveyor belt arranged below the third conveyor belt, wherein the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module can be lowered to the same level as the sixth conveyor belt.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt further includes a fourth conveyor belt arranged above the second conveyor belt, and does not include a third conveyor belt below the second conveyor belt. The linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module is at the same level as the fourth conveyor belt in the raised state, so that the goods supported on the lifting module can be transferred to the fourth conveyor belt.

[0021] The number and position of the conveyor belts are not limited by the above preferred embodiment. For example, according to the special requirements at the sorting position, multiple conveyor belts can be arranged above or below the second conveyor belt to realize the sorting of different goods.

[0022] Preferably, an acceleration section or accelerator is provided before the conveyor belt so as to form a specified interval between two adjacent goods by accelerating the conveyor belt speed. Since there is a specified interval between the adjacent goods, when the goods in front are raised or lowered for sorting, the goods behind will not advance to the lifting module that is raised or lowered.

[0023] Preferably, the external features of the goods include the size of the goods and the position on the conveyor belt. The control unit determines the lifting modules involved when the goods are sorted according to the size of the goods and the position on the conveyor belt, thereby controlling the lifting modules to perform lifting or lowering actions.

[0024] Preferably, the linear conveying mechanism comprises a body and a plurality of conveying rollers protruding upward from the body. The conveying rollers are driven by a motor and support and convey the goods.

[0025] Preferably, multiple sorting modules are provided, and only one scanning module is provided. That is, a scan is performed before the goods are sorted, and the control unit controls each sorting module according to the conveying information and external features of all goods obtained by the scanning module to sort all goods to various sorting positions.

[0026] Preferably, a plurality of sorting modules are provided, and a scanning module is provided before each sorting module, that is, before each sorting of the goods, the goods are first scanned for information to re-determine the current location information and external features of the goods.

[0027] Preferably, another scanning module is arranged after each sorting module to check the status of the goods after sorting.

[0028] Preferably, the scanning module is arranged above the conveyor belt via a bracket. The conveying position information of the goods can be located at any visible position. For example, the conveying position information of the goods is printed or pasted on the top of the goods, and the conveying position information of the goods can also be set on the left or right side thereof. Preferably, an automatic flipping device can also be provided in the goods sorting device to transform the invisible label or position conveying information into a visible one.

[0029] Preferably, the scanning module is arranged on the left or right side of the conveyor belt via a bracket, and the conveying position information of the goods is correspondingly printed or pasted on the left or right side of the goods, thereby realizing the scanning of the conveying position information of the goods.

[0030] Preferably, the scanning module is arranged above the conveyor belt via a bracket, and the scanning module is configured to be programmable and movable on the bracket, so that the scanning module can move to ensure accurate scanning of the conveying position information and external features of the goods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In the attached picture:

[0033] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cargo sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a sorting module according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a lifting module of a sorting module according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a cargo sorting device in a state where cargo is not sorted.

[0037] Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a cargo sorting device in a state where cargo is being sorted.

[0038] Figure 6 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cargo sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram shows a goods sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a state where goods are not sorted.

[0040] Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram is shown of a goods sorting device in a state where goods are sorted according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 9 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cargo sorting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig.10 An exemplary schematic diagram shows a cargo sorting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a state where cargo is not sorted.

[0043] Fig.11 An exemplary schematic diagram is shown of a goods sorting device in a state where goods are sorted according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but are interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, which are based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best explanation.

[0045] In addition, the descriptions presented here are only preferred examples for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and therefore, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure at the time of filing the present application.

[0046] The cargo sorting equipment of the present invention is used for sorting large quantities of cargo and allows the cargo to be transported side by side. Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cargo sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1The cargo sorting device 1 according to the present invention may include a first conveyor belt 10, a second conveyor belt 20, a third conveyor belt 30, a scanning module 40, a sorting module 50 and a control unit 60. Each of the conveyor belts 10, 20 and 30 may be a linear rolling conveyor belt, which is used to transfer the cargo 100 from the starting position A to each sorting position Bs, where s is the number of the sorting position. Figure 1 Only one sorting position B 1 is shown in FIG. 3 , but the number of sorting positions may be multiple according to the sorting requirements of the goods.

[0047] The scanning module 40 is used to scan the goods 100 to obtain various information about the goods 100, such as the conveying position information and the external features of the goods 100. In order to achieve the above functions, the scanning module 40 of the present invention includes an image acquisition device (such as a camera) and a code scanning device. Usually, the conveying position information about the goods 100 is printed or pasted on the top of the goods 100, so the code scanning device of the scanning module 40 can obtain the conveying position information of the goods by scanning a QR code or a barcode, and transmit the conveying position information to the control unit 60. However, the conveying position information of the goods can be located at any visible position. For example, the conveying position information of the goods can also be set on its left or right side. Preferably, an automatic flipping device can also be set in the goods sorting device to turn invisible labels or position conveying information into visible ones. Further, the image acquisition device of the scanning module 40 scans the goods 100, and transmits the obtained image to the control unit 60, so as to obtain the external features of the goods, such as the size of the goods and the position on the conveyor belt, through the image.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, a scanning module 40 is arranged above the first conveyor belt 10 via a bracket 41 and is located before the sorting module 50, so as to obtain the conveying information and size of the goods 100 before sorting the goods. However, the position and number of the scanning modules 40 are not limited to the above. For example, the scanning module can be set on the left or right side, and can also be set to be programmable and movable. Further, another scanning module 40 can be set after the sorting module 50 to calibrate the goods 100 after passing through the sorting module 50, for example, whether the qualified goods 100 have been sorted, whether the unsorted goods 100 are conveyed in the original position and state, etc. In addition, according to needs, a scanning module 40 can be set for each sorting module 50.

[0049] The sorting module 50 of the present invention is a programmable lifting sorting module, which allows the qualified goods to be sorted and allows the unqualified goods to be continuously conveyed to the next conveyor belt 20. Figure 1As shown, the sorting module 50 is disposed after the first conveyor belt 10 to receive the goods 100 conveyed by the first conveyor belt 10. Further, the second conveyor belt 20 is disposed after the sorting module 50 to receive the goods 100 conveyed by the sorting module 50. The third conveyor belt 30 is disposed below the second conveyor belt 20 to receive the goods sorted by the sorting module 50.

[0050] Figure 2 An exemplary schematic diagram of a sorting module according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 As shown, the sorting module 50 of the present invention may include a plurality of lifting modules, which are evenly arranged and mounted on a base 502. Here, the number and size of the lifting modules are determined according to the requirements of cargo transportation. For example, Figure 2 , multiple lifting modules arranged in an m×n matrix are shown, where m is the number of lifting modules in the direction of cargo conveying, and n is the number of lifting modules in a direction perpendicular to the cargo conveying direction. Preferably, both m and n are greater than 6.

[0051] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a lifting module of a sorting module according to the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, each lifting module includes a linear transmission mechanism 500 and a programmable lifting mechanism 501. The linear transmission mechanism 500 is connected to the top of the programmable lifting mechanism 501 for conveying goods 100 in the horizontal direction. The linear transmission mechanism 500 includes a body and a plurality of conveying rollers (e.g., 4) protruding upward from the body, and the plurality of conveying rollers can support and convey the goods 100 passing through the lifting module. Preferably, the linear transmission mechanism 500 includes a motor and a transmission device (not shown) for driving the conveying rollers. The programmable lifting mechanism 501 can be controlled by the control unit 60 to perform a lifting motion in the vertical direction, thereby raising or lowering the linear transmission mechanism 500. In particular, the programmable lifting mechanism 501 of the present invention can be controlled individually by the control unit 60, so that the programmable lifting mechanism 501 of the specified position can perform a lifting motion individually. Preferably, the programmable lifting mechanism 501 is electrically or pneumatically driven.

[0052] Figure 4 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a cargo sorting device in a state where cargo is not sorted. Figure 5 An exemplary schematic diagram showing a cargo sorting device in a state where cargo is being sorted.

[0053] When sorting goods, the goods 100 are first conveyed by the first conveyor belt 10 at the starting position A. When the goods 100 pass the position of the scanning module 40, the scanning module 40 acquires images and scans information of the goods 100, and transmits the acquired images and scanned information to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can determine the sorting position and size of the goods based on the acquired images and scanned code information, and can determine whether the goods need to be sorted here according to the scanned code information.

[0054] refer to Figure 4 When it is determined through the scanned code information that the goods 100A are not to be sorted here, the control unit 60 will not control the sorting module 50 to make a downward movement. As a result, the goods 100A will be conveyed to the second conveyor belt 20 through the linear conveying mechanism 500 of the sorting module 50, and then conveyed to the next sorting position via the second conveyor belt 20.

[0055] refer to Figure 5 When it is determined through the scanned code information that the goods 100B need to be sorted here, the sorting module 50 is controlled to drive the lifting module that conforms to the shape and position of the goods to make a descending action according to the size of the goods 100B and the position on the conveyor belt. For example, the control unit 60 first determines the lifting modules involved when the goods 100B passes through the sorting module 50, and controls these lifting modules to descend from the initial position to the height of the third conveyor belt 30. At this time, the goods 100B are conveyed to the third conveyor belt 30 through the linear conveying mechanism 500, and are conveyed to the final sorting position through the third conveyor belt 30, thereby completing the sorting of the goods 100B.

[0056] Preferably, when the designated lifting modules through which the cargo 100B passes are determined, these designated lifting modules are simultaneously lowered when the cargo 100B is completely transferred thereto, and when the cargo moves out of the range involved by the lifting modules, the lifting modules are immediately restored to their initial states before the lowering, that is, the lifting modules through which the cargo 100B has passed will be individually raised (e.g., Figure 5 ), without having to wait for the goods 100B to be completely transferred to the third conveyor belt 30. Since the lifting module is quickly raised after the goods 100B pass through the descending lifting module, the next goods can be supported when they are transferred to the sorting module 50, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and transmission.

[0057] In addition, there is a certain interval between the two adjacent goods, which is sufficient to ensure that the goods in front will not fall on the descending lifting module during the descending process. Preferably, an acceleration section or accelerator can be set before the goods are conveyed to the first conveyor belt 10, so as to ensure the interval between the two adjacent goods in front and behind by speeding up the conveyor belt. In addition, the first conveyor belt 10 itself can also be used as an accelerator to ensure the above interval.

[0058] At the same time, since the lifting modules of the sorting module 50 of the present invention can be lifted and lowered individually, when two goods 100 are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the conveyor belt, the sorting module 50 of the present invention can only lower the lifting module involved in one of the goods while maintaining the lifting module supporting the other goods in its original state. Figure 5 , when the goods 100B are lowered by the lifting module for sorting, the goods 100C transported side by side with the goods 100B can be horizontally transported to the second conveyor belt 20. Therefore, even when a plurality of goods are transported side by side, the sorting module 50 of the present invention can accurately sort the designated goods while maintaining the other goods to continue to be transported forward. Therefore, the present invention can allow the goods to be transported side by side, thereby maximizing the efficiency of transporting and sorting the goods.

[0059] Figure 6 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cargo sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used in the second embodiment of the present invention for the same or equivalent components, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0060] refer to Figure 6 , the cargo sorting device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a first conveyor belt 10, a second conveyor belt 20, a fourth conveyor belt 70, a scanning module 40, a sorting module 50 and a control unit 60. The main difference between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment is that the fourth conveyor belt 70 is located above the second conveyor belt 20 for conveying the sorted cargo to a designated conveying position, and the third conveyor belt 30 is not provided, and the sorting module 50 completes cargo sorting by raising the lifting module. Here, each of the conveyor belts 10, 20 and 70 may be a linear rolling conveyor belt.

[0061] The sorting module 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of lifting modules, which are evenly arranged and mounted on a base 502. Here, the number and size of the lifting modules are determined according to the cargo transportation requirements. Figure 6, a plurality of lifting modules are arranged in a 7×5 matrix, the number of lifting modules in the cargo conveying direction is 7, and the number of lifting modules in the direction perpendicular to the cargo conveying direction is 5. However, the number of lifting modules of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram shows a goods sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a state where goods are not sorted. Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram is shown of a goods sorting device in a state where goods are sorted according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, when sorting goods, the goods 100 are first conveyed by the first conveyor belt 10 at the starting position A. When the goods 100 pass the position of the scanning module 40, the scanning module 40 acquires images and scans information of the goods 100, and transmits the acquired images and scanned information to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can determine the sorting position and size of the goods based on the acquired images and scanned code information, and can determine whether the goods need to be sorted here according to the scanned code information.

[0064] refer to Figure 7 When it is determined through the scanned code information that the goods 100A are not to be sorted here, the control unit 60 will not control the sorting module 50 to make an upward movement. As a result, the goods 100A will be conveyed to the second conveyor belt 20 through the linear conveying mechanism 500 of the sorting module 50, and then conveyed to the next sorting position via the second conveyor belt 20.

[0065] refer to Figure 8 When it is determined through the scanned code information that the goods 100B need to be sorted here, the sorting module 50 is controlled to drive the lifting module that matches the shape and position of the goods to perform an ascending action according to the size of the goods 100B and the position on the conveyor belt. For example, the control unit 60 first determines the lifting modules involved when the goods 100B passes through the sorting module 50, and controls these lifting modules to rise to the height of the fourth conveyor belt 70. At this time, the goods 100B are conveyed to the fourth conveyor belt 70 through the linear conveying mechanism 500 of the lifting module, and are conveyed to the final sorting position through the fourth conveyor belt 70, thereby completing the sorting of the goods 100B.

[0066] Preferably, when the designated lifting modules through which the cargo 100B passes are determined, these designated lifting modules rise when the cargo 100B is completely transferred thereto, and when the cargo moves out of the range involved by the lifting modules, the lifting modules immediately descend to restore to the initial state before the ascent, that is, the lifting modules through which the cargo 100B has passed will descend individually (such as in Figure 8), without having to wait for the goods to be completely transferred to the fourth conveyor belt 70. Since the lifting module is quickly raised after the goods 100B pass through the descending lifting module, the next goods can be supported when they are transferred to the sorting module 50, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and transmission.

[0067] Moreover, there is a certain interval between the two adjacent goods, which is sufficient to ensure that the goods behind will not advance onto the rising lifting module during the ascending process of the goods in front. Preferably, an acceleration section or accelerator can be set before the goods are conveyed to the first conveyor belt 10, so as to ensure the interval between the two adjacent goods in front and behind by speeding up the conveyor belt. In addition, the first conveyor belt 10 itself can also be used as an accelerator to ensure the above interval.

[0068] At the same time, since the lifting modules of the sorting module 50 of the present invention can be lifted and lowered individually, when two goods 100 are adjacent in the width direction of the conveyor belt, the sorting module 50 of the present invention can only lift the lifting module involved in one of the goods, while maintaining the lifting module supporting the other goods in the initial state. Therefore, even when multiple goods are transported side by side, the sorting module 50 of the present invention can accurately sort the designated goods while maintaining other goods to continue to be transported forward. Therefore, the present invention can allow goods to be transported side by side, thereby maximizing the efficiency of transporting and sorting goods.

[0069] Fig. 9 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a cargo sorting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used in the third embodiment of the present invention for the same or equivalent components, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0070] refer to Fig. 9 , the cargo sorting device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a first conveyor belt 10, a second conveyor belt 20, a third conveyor belt 30, a fourth conveyor belt 70, a scanning module 40, a sorting module 50 and a control unit 60. The main difference between the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment is that the third conveyor belt 30 is arranged below the second conveyor belt 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "first position") and the fourth conveyor belt 70 is located above the second conveyor belt 20 (hereinafter referred to as the "second position") to be used to transport the sorted cargo to the respective designated transport positions, and the sorting module 50 completes the cargo sorting by making the lifting module rise or fall. Here, each of the conveyor belts 10, 20, 30 and 70 may be a linear rolling conveyor belt.

[0071] The sorting module 50 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of lifting modules, which are evenly arranged and mounted on a base 502. Here, the number and size of the lifting modules are determined according to the cargo transportation requirements. Fig. 9 , a plurality of lifting modules are arranged in a 7×5 matrix, the number of lifting modules in the cargo conveying direction is 7, and the number of lifting modules in the direction perpendicular to the cargo conveying direction is 5. However, the number of lifting modules of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] Fig.10 An exemplary schematic diagram shows a cargo sorting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a state where cargo is not sorted. Fig.11 An exemplary schematic diagram is shown of a goods sorting device in a state where goods are sorted according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] According to the third embodiment of the present invention, when sorting goods, the goods 100 are first conveyed by the first conveyor belt 10 at the starting position A. When the goods 100 pass the position of the scanning module 40, the scanning module 40 acquires images and scans information of the goods 100, and transmits the acquired images and scanned information to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can determine the sorting position and size of the goods based on the acquired images and scanned code information, and can determine whether the goods need to be sorted here according to the scanned code information.

[0074] refer to Fig.10 When it is determined through the scanned code information that the goods 100A are not to be sorted here, the control unit 60 will not control the sorting module 50 to make an upward or downward movement and maintain the initial state. As a result, the goods 100A will be conveyed to the second conveyor belt 20 through the linear conveying mechanism 500 of the sorting module 50, and then conveyed to the next sorting position via the second conveyor belt 20.

[0075] refer to Fig.11, the goods 100B and the goods 100C are conveyed side by side to the sorting module 50. When it is determined through the scan code information that the goods 100B needs to be sorted to the first position (the position of the third conveyor belt 30) and the goods 100C needs to be sorted to the second position (the position of the fourth conveyor belt 70), the control unit 60 controls the sorting module 50 to drive the lifting module that conforms to the shape and position of the goods 100B to descend to the height of the first position according to the size of the goods 100B and 100C and the position on the conveyor belt, and drives the lifting module that conforms to the shape and position of the goods 100C to ascend to the height of the second position. At the same time, the goods 100B and 100C are respectively conveyed to the third conveyor belt 30 and the fourth conveyor belt 70 in the horizontal direction through the linear conveying mechanism 500 of the lifting module, and are conveyed to their respective sorting positions through the third conveyor belt 30 and the fourth conveyor belt 70, thereby completing the sorting of the goods 100B and 100C.

[0076] Similar to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the lifting modules of the sorting module 50 of the third embodiment of the present invention can be lifted and lowered individually. Therefore, when two goods 100 are adjacent in the width direction of the conveyor belt, the sorting module 50 of the present invention can only lower the lifting module involved in one of the goods, while maintaining the lifting module supporting the other goods in its original state. Therefore, even when a plurality of side-by-side goods need to be sorted, the sorting module 50 of the present invention can accurately sort the designated goods while maintaining the other goods to continue to be conveyed forward. Therefore, the present invention can allow goods to be conveyed or sorted side by side, thereby maximizing the efficiency of conveying and sorting goods.

[0077] Preferably, when the goods move out of the range involved by the lifting module, the lifting module immediately rises or falls to restore to the initial state, that is, the lifting module that the goods have passed will be lowered separately (such as in Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 5 , the goods can be transported to the sorting module 50 without waiting for the goods to be completely transferred to the third or fourth conveyor belt. Since the lifting module is quickly lowered or raised after the goods pass through the lifting module, the next goods can be supported when they are transferred to the sorting module 50, thereby improving the efficiency of goods sorting and transmission.

[0078] Moreover, there is a certain interval between the two adjacent goods, which is sufficient to ensure that the goods behind will not advance onto the ascending or descending lifting module during the ascending or descending process of the goods in front. Preferably, an acceleration section or accelerator can be provided before the goods are conveyed to the first conveyor belt 10, so as to ensure the interval between the two adjacent goods in front and behind by speeding up the conveyor belt. In addition, the first conveyor belt 10 itself can also be used as an accelerator to ensure the above interval.

[0079] In the third embodiment, the cargo sorting device of the present invention is provided with two conveyor belts located above and below the second conveyor belt, but the present invention is not limited thereto. According to the situation, multiple conveyor belts can be respectively provided above and below the second conveyor belt to achieve multiple sorting through one sorting module.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above-described embodiments, the scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific components in the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be recombined to form new embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as disclosed in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A cargo sorting device, characterized in that include: At least one conveyor belt for conveying goods; A scanning module, the scanning module comprising an image acquisition device for acquiring images of goods and a code scanning device for scanning goods delivery information; at least one lifting sorting module, the sorting module is located behind the scanning module in the direction of goods conveying, and the goods conveyed by the conveyor belt are conveyed to the sorting module, wherein the sorting module includes a plurality of lifting modules, each lifting module includes a linear conveying mechanism and a programmable lifting mechanism, the linear conveying mechanism is connected to the programmable lifting mechanism and can support the goods conveyed thereto and convey the goods in a horizontal direction, and the programmable lifting mechanism can be controlled to raise or lower the linear conveying mechanism so as to raise or lower the goods supported on the linear conveying mechanism; and a control unit, wherein the control unit receives and processes the cargo image and the cargo delivery information obtained by the scanning module, and determines the external features and sorting position of the cargo, When the goods are determined to be sorted at the sorting module, the control unit determines the lifting module involved in sorting the goods according to the external characteristics of the goods, and controls the lifting module involved in the multiple lifting modules to perform an ascending or descending action when the goods pass by, and at the same time, the linear conveying mechanism conveys the goods in the horizontal direction, so as to convey the goods to the sorting position, and Wherein, when the goods are determined not to be sorted at the sorting module, the lifting module maintains the initial state without making an ascending or descending action, and the linear conveying mechanism conveys the goods in the horizontal direction to convey the goods to the next sorting position; An acceleration section or accelerator is provided before the conveyor belt so as to form a specified interval between two adjacent goods in front and behind by accelerating the conveyor belt speed; The determined external characteristics of the goods include the size of the goods and the position of the goods on the conveyor belt; The linear conveying mechanism includes a body and a plurality of conveying rollers protruding upward from the body; The cargo sorting device allows cargo to be transported side by side without affecting the sorting of cargo.

2. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of lifting modules are arranged in an m×n matrix, where m is the number of lifting modules in the direction of cargo conveying, and n is the number of lifting modules in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cargo conveying, wherein n is greater than or equal to 2, and Each of the lifting modules can be controlled individually by the control unit.

3. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: m is greater than or equal to 2, Wherein, during the period when the lifting module rises or falls to sort the goods, when the goods are moved out of the lifting module in the rising or falling state, the lifting module immediately falls or rises alone to return to its initial state.

4. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both m and n are greater than 6.

5. The cargo sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt includes a first conveyor belt arranged before the sorting module and a second conveyor belt arranged after the sorting module. The linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module of the sorting module is at the same level as the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt in an initial state.

6. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt further comprises a third conveyor belt arranged below the second conveyor belt, Wherein, the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module is at the same level as the third conveyor belt in a lowered state, thereby the goods supported on the lifting module can be conveyed to the third conveyor belt.

7. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt further comprises a fourth conveyor belt arranged above the second conveyor belt, Wherein, the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module is at the same level as the fourth conveyor belt in the raised state, thereby, the goods supported on the lifting module can be conveyed to the fourth conveyor belt.

8. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt further comprises a fifth conveyor belt arranged above the fourth conveyor belt, Wherein, the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module can rise to the same level as the fifth conveyor belt.

9. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt further comprises a sixth conveyor belt arranged below the third conveyor belt, Wherein, the linear conveying mechanism of the lifting module can be lowered to the same level as the sixth conveyor belt.

10. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The at least one conveyor belt further includes a fourth conveyor belt arranged above the second conveyor belt.

11. The cargo sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A plurality of sorting modules are provided, and only one scanning module is provided.

12. The cargo sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A plurality of sorting modules are provided, and a scanning module is provided before each of the sorting modules.

13. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: Another scanning module is arranged after each of the sorting modules to check the status of the goods after sorting.

14. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The scanning module is arranged above the first conveyor belt via a bracket.

15. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The scanning module is arranged on the left side or the right side of the first conveyor belt via a bracket.

16. The cargo sorting equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that: The scanning module is configured to be programmably movable on the support.

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