Sorting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of logistics sorting technology, and in particular to a sorting device. The sorting device of the present invention comprises: a sorting track, comprising a transition track and a multi-layer main body track, wherein the transition track is connected to the same end of two adjacent layers of the main body track along a first direction, and two transition tracks adjacent in the height direction are located at both ends of the main body track along the first direction; and a sorting mechanism, movably arranged on the sorting track, for loading items, and configured to unload the loaded items along a second direction when moving along the sorting track to a set sorting position, the second direction intersecting with the height direction and the first direction. Based on this, the floor space occupied by the sorting device can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics sorting, and in particular to a sorting device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the logistics automation industry has developed rapidly, and many types of sorting and transmission equipment have emerged. Currently, there are two main types of sorting machines, one is the ring sorting machine and the other is the linear sorting machine.

[0003] Circular sorters sort items using a horizontal, oblong circular track. Although they can support more belt carts running simultaneously, they occupy a large area. Linear sorters use a longitudinal circular track. Although their footprint is smaller than that of circular sorters, they are still relatively large and have lower belt cart utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce the floor space occupied by the sorting device.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a sorting device, which includes:

[0006] The sorting track includes a transition track and a multi-layer main track, wherein the transition track is connected to the same end of two adjacent layers of the main track along the first direction, and two transition tracks adjacent in the height direction are located at both ends of the main track along the first direction; and

[0007] The sorting mechanism is movably arranged on the sorting track, used for loading articles, and is configured to unload the loaded articles along a second direction when moving along the sorting track to a set sorting position, and the second direction intersects with the height direction and the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism has a loading surface for placing items, and the loading surface is always facing upwards during the movement of the sorting mechanism along the sorting track.

[0009] In some embodiments, the transition track includes a first transition portion and a second transition portion, the first transition portion and the second transition portion are arranged side by side along the second direction and spaced apart from each other, the sorting mechanism includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the sorting mechanism is coupled to the first transition portion and the second transition portion through the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion respectively, and the first transition portion is staggered by a distance L relative to the second transition portion, and the first connecting portion is staggered relative to the second connecting portion on the same side of the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, a magnetic pole plate is provided at the bottom of the sorting mechanism, and the sorting device further includes a motor, which cooperates with the magnetic pole plate to drive the sorting mechanism to move along the sorting track.

[0011] In some embodiments, a slot extending along a first direction is provided on the motor, and the magnetic pole plate passes through the slot when the sorting mechanism moves along the sorting track.

[0012] In some embodiments, a guide portion is provided at the entrance of the slot, and the guide portion is configured to guide the magnetic pole plate into the slot.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes multiple sorting mechanisms, and the sorting device also includes a mounting bar, which is consistent with the extension direction of the sorting track and is configured to be movable relative to the sorting track, and the multiple sorting mechanisms are arranged side by side on the mounting bar.

[0014] In some embodiments, a cavity is provided in the sorting track, and an opening is provided on the side wall of the cavity. The mounting bar is provided in the cavity, and the sorting mechanism extends from the opening into the cavity and is connected to the mounting bar.

[0015] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a limiting member, which is provided on the mounting bar and is used to limit the displacement of the sorting mechanism along the second direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, a first limiting wheel connected to the sorting mechanism is provided on the mounting bar, and the limiting member includes a second limiting wheel. The first limiting wheel and the second limiting wheel are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the mounting bar, and the axes of the first limiting wheel and the second limiting wheel are perpendicular.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of first limiting wheels and a plurality of second limiting wheels are provided on the mounting bar, and the plurality of first limiting wheels and the plurality of second limiting wheels are alternately arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the mounting bar.

[0018] In some embodiments, the transition track is a curved track.

[0019] In some embodiments, in a multi-layer main body track, the main body track at the bottom layer and the main body track at the top layer, at one end not provided with a transition track, are connected by a return track.

[0020] In some embodiments, the return track is a linear track.

[0021] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a trolley line, which is arranged on the sorting track, and the sorting mechanism includes an electric slip ring, which is electrically connected to the trolley line.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a slide, which is arranged on the sorting track and located at the sorting position, for receiving items unloaded by the sorting mechanism and guiding the items to fall.

[0023] In some embodiments, slideways are provided on both sides of the sorting track along the second direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sorting device includes a tote configured to receive items dropped from the chute.

[0025] By configuring the sorting track to include a transition track and a multi-layer main track, the transition track is connected to the same end of two adjacent layers of the main track along the first direction, and the two transition tracks adjacent in the height direction are located at both ends of the main track along the first direction, and the sorting mechanism is configured to unload the loaded articles along a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction when moving along the sorting track to a set sorting position, the sorting device of the present invention becomes a three-dimensional warehouse type sorting device, which can effectively reduce the floor space occupied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a sorting device in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Front view of the sorting device shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A first perspective view of a sorting mechanism in some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A second perspective view of the sorting mechanism is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A partial perspective view of a sorting device in some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 A partial top view of a sorting device in some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the partial structure of the sorting device in some embodiments of the present invention when cut along a surface perpendicular to the second direction is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 Shows a cross section of a sorting track in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] In the picture:

[0036] 100. Sorting device;

[0037] 1. Sorting track; 11. Main body track; 111. First main body portion; 112. Second main body portion; 12. Transition track; 121. First transition portion; 122. Second transition portion; 13. Return track; 131. First return portion; 132. Second return portion; 141. Cavity; 142. Bottom wall; 143. Top wall; 144. Side wall; 145. Opening; 15. Protective cover; 16. Column;

[0038] 2. Sorting mechanism; 21. Mechanism body; 22. First connecting portion; 22a. First connecting shaft; 23. Second connecting portion; 23a. Second connecting shaft; 24. Unloading mechanism; 241. Belt; 25. Electric slip ring; 26. Magnetic pole plate; S. Loading surface;

[0039] 3. Mounting bar; 31. First limiting wheel; 311. First wheel body; 3a. Limiting member; 32. Second limiting wheel; 321. Second wheel body;

[0040] 4. Motor; 41. Slot; 42. Guide; 43. Connecting frame;

[0041] 5. Busbar; 51. Support member;

[0042] 6. Slide; 7. Cargo box; 8. Bracket; 9. Mounting rack; A. Item; B. Sorting position; Z, height direction; Y, first direction; X, second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention is described in detail below. In the following paragraphs, various aspects of the embodiments are defined in more detail. Each aspect defined in this manner may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless expressly stated not to be combinable. In particular, any feature considered to be preferred or advantageous may be combined with one or more other features considered to be preferred or advantageous.

[0044] The terms "first" and "second" appearing in the present invention are only for the convenience of description to distinguish different components with the same name, and do not indicate a priority or primary and secondary relationship.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, the directions or positional relationships indicated by “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention. They do not indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 1-8 The sorting device 100 of the present invention is shown as an example.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 8The sorting device 100 of the present invention includes a sorting track 1 and a sorting mechanism 2, etc.

[0048] The sorting track 1 is used to carry the sorting mechanism 2 and define the moving path of the sorting mechanism 2. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the sorting track 1 includes a transition track 12 and a multi-layer main body track 11. The multi-layer main body track 11 is arranged at intervals along the height direction Z. The transition track 12 is connected to the same end of the two adjacent layers of the main body track 11 along the first direction Y, and the two adjacent transition tracks 12 in the height direction Z are located at both ends of the main body track 11 along the first direction Y. The first direction Y is along the extension direction of the main body track 11. Based on this, the sorting track 1 is constructed as a multi-layer track that rotates and rises roughly in an S shape, which cooperates with the sorting mechanism 2 to realize the sorting operation, can reduce the occupied area, and improve space utilization. In addition, this roughly S-shaped rotating and rising structure is conducive to making the overall motion inertia of the sorting device 100 more balanced, improving the force, and reducing vibration.

[0049] The main track 11 and the transition track 12 can be either a straight track or a curved track. In addition, the main track 11 can be arranged horizontally or tilted in a vertical plane. For example, referring to Figure 1-2 In some embodiments, the main track 11 is a horizontally arranged straight track, and the transition track 12 is an arc track. At this time, the structure of the sorting track 1 is simpler and it is easier to guide the sorting mechanism 2 to move efficiently and smoothly.

[0050] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the main body rail 11 includes a first main body portion 111 and a second main body portion 112, and the first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 112 are arranged at intervals along the second direction X. The second direction X intersects with the height direction Z and the first direction Y. The first main bodies 111 of the multi-layer main body rails 11 are arranged vertically opposite to each other, and the second main bodies 112 of the multi-layer main body rails 11 are arranged vertically opposite to each other. Among them, the first main bodies 111, the second main bodies 112, and the first main bodies 111 and the second main bodies 112 can adopt the same structure to simplify the structure. For example, referring to Figure 1 In some embodiments, each first main body portion 111 and each second main body portion 112 is a horizontally extending linear track, and each first main body portion 111 and each second main body portion 112 has the same size. In this case, each main body track 11 is a horizontally extending linear track with the same size.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the transition track 12 includes a first transition portion 121 and a second transition portion 122, and the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122 are arranged at intervals along the second direction X. The first transition portion 121 connects the first main portion 111 of the adjacent layer. The second transition portion 122 connects the second main portion 112 of the adjacent layer. The first transition portions 121 of the transition tracks 12 of different layers are arranged opposite each other up and down, and the second transition portions 122 of the transition tracks 12 of different layers are arranged opposite each other up and down. Among them, the first transition portions 121, the second transition portions 122, and the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122 can adopt the same structure to simplify the structure. For example, referring to Figure 1 In some embodiments, each first transition portion 121 and each second transition portion 122 is an arc-shaped track, and each first transition portion 121 and each second transition portion 122 have the same size. In this case, each transition track 12 is a linear track with the same size.

[0052] All first main body portions 111 and all first transition portions 121 are collectively referred to as first track members, and all second main body portions 112 and all second transition portions 122 are collectively referred to as second track members for ease of distinction and subsequent description. It is readily understood that the first track members and the second track members are spaced apart along the second direction X. The first track member includes multiple layers of first main body portions 111 and first transition portions 121 connecting adjacent layers of first main body portions 111. The second track member includes multiple layers of second main body portions 112 and second transition portions 121 connecting adjacent layers of second main body portions 112.

[0053] In order to enhance the structural stability of the sorting track 1, refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, a bracket 8 is provided between the first and second main bodies 111, 112 on the same layer, connecting the first and second main bodies 111, 112 on the same layer. By supporting the bracket 8 between the first and second main bodies 111, 112 on the same layer, the spacing between the first and second main bodies 111, 112 on the same layer can be maintained, making the structure of the sorting track 1 more secure and stable. Of course, as a variation, the bracket 8 can also be provided between the first and second transitional portions 121, 122 on the same layer (i.e., between the first and second transitional portions 121, 122 of the same transitional track 12), or the bracket 8 can be provided between both the first and second main bodies 111, 112 on the same layer, to enhance the structural stability of the sorting track 1.

[0054] The sorting mechanism 2 is used to load the article A and sort the article A. Figure 1-7In some embodiments, the sorting mechanism 2 is movably disposed on the sorting track 1, loaded with items A, and configured to unload the loaded items A along a second direction X when moving along the sorting track 1 to a set sorting position B. Specifically, when moving along the sorting track 1, the sorting mechanism 2 moves in opposite directions on the two adjacent layers of the main track 11. Based on this, the sorting device 100, in conjunction with the sorting mechanism 2 and the aforementioned sorting track 1 that rotates and rises in a roughly S-shaped manner, becomes a multi-layered, stereoscopic, linear sorting machine. This can effectively improve space utilization, save multiple times of floor space, and facilitate the arrangement of more sorting devices 100 in the same space, thereby improving sorting efficiency. Alternatively, other devices can be added to the same space to enrich the variety of devices in the same space. At the same time, this multi-layer sorting device 100 can perform multi-layer sorting operations simultaneously, which can better meet the needs of heavier sorting tasks or more sorting types.

[0055] In order to enable the sorting mechanism 2 to unload the article A, refer to Figure 3-6 The sorting mechanism 2 includes a mechanism body 21 and an unloading mechanism 24. The unloading mechanism 24 is disposed on the mechanism body 21 and is configured to drive the objects A to move relative to the mechanism body 21 in the second direction X, thereby allowing the objects A to be removed from the sorting mechanism 2 and achieving a transfer function. In some embodiments, the unloading mechanism 24 is configured as a belt conveyor mechanism, such as an electric roller belt mechanism, including a belt 241 and an electric roller (not shown). The belt 241 rotates under the drive of the electric roller to achieve unloading of the objects A.

[0056] In order to realize the setting of the sorting mechanism 2 on the sorting track 1, refer to Figure 3-6 The sorting mechanism 2 includes a first connecting portion 22 and a second connecting portion 23. The first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 are located on opposite sides of the sorting mechanism 2 (specifically, the mechanism body 21) along the second direction X. The sorting mechanism 2 is coupled to the two sides of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X through the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 respectively. When the sorting track 1 includes the aforementioned first track member and the second track member, the two sides of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X are the aforementioned first track member and the second track member. At this time, the sorting mechanism 2 is coupled to the first track member through the first connecting portion 22, and is coupled to the second track member through the second connecting portion 23. Among them, when passing through the transition track 12, the sorting mechanism 2 is coupled to the first transition portion 121 through the first connecting portion 22, and is coupled to the second transition portion 122 through the second connecting portion 23.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first main body 111 and the second main body 112 located on the same layer are of the same height and parallel to each other. This structure facilitates the movement of the sorting mechanism 2 and makes the sorting mechanism 2 more stable and reliable during movement. In this case, the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 are also of the same height.

[0058] In some other embodiments, the first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 112 located on the same layer have a height difference. In this case, there is also a height difference between the first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 .

[0059] The surface of the sorting mechanism 2 for placing the articles A is called the loading surface S. The loading surface S may be the upper surface of the unloading mechanism 4. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the loading surface S always faces upward during the movement of the sorting mechanism 2 along the sorting track 1. In this case, since the loading surface S can remain upward not only when the sorting mechanism 2 passes through the main track 11, but also when the sorting mechanism 2 passes through the transition track 12, it can effectively prevent the items A from falling from the sorting mechanism 2. Even if no special structural components for fixing the items A are provided between the sorting mechanism 2 and the items A, or even if the items A are directly placed on the loading surface S without additional fixation, during the entire process of the sorting mechanism 2 moving along the sorting track 1, especially when the sorting mechanism 2 passes through the transition track 12, the items A are not likely to fall from the sorting mechanism 2, which facilitates the sorting mechanism 2 to more smoothly transport the items A and effectively improves the sorting efficiency.

[0060] In order to make the loading surface S always face upwards during the movement of the sorting mechanism 2 along the sorting track 1, refer to Figure 1-2 as well as Figure 5-6 In some embodiments, the first transition portion 121 is staggered by a distance L relative to the second transition portion 122, and the first connection portion 22 is staggered by a distance L relative to the second connection portion 23 on the same side of the first direction Y. In other words, the staggered distance between the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122 in the first direction Y is equal to the staggered distance between the first connection portion 22 and the second connection portion 23 in the first direction Y, and the staggered direction of the first transition portion 121 relative to the second transition portion 122 is the same as the staggered direction of the first connection portion 22 relative to the second connection portion 23.

[0061] By staggering the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122 in the first direction Y, and staggering the first connection portion 22 and the second connection portion 23 connecting the sorting mechanism 2 to the two sides of the sorting track 1, with the same staggered size and direction, the sorting mechanism 2 can be restricted from flipping over when passing through the transition track 12, thereby preventing the orientation of the loading surface S of the sorting mechanism 2 from changing, so that the loading surface S can always remain facing upward, thereby achieving smooth transportation of the items A.

[0062] Moreover, the loading surface S is always facing upward, which enables the sorting mechanism 2 to perform sorting tasks on each layer of the sorting track 1, that is, the sorting mechanism 2 can sort items during the entire movement process. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the utilization rate of the sorting mechanism 2, thereby improving the sorting efficiency of the sorting device 100.

[0063] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 112 and the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122 are respectively the same, that is, the lengths of the first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 112 are the same, and the lengths of the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122 are the same. In this case, if the transition track 12 connected to the first end of the main track 11 along the first direction Y, its first transition portion 121 extends a distance L relative to the second transition portion 122 toward the second end away from the main track 11 along the first direction Y, then the transition track 12 connected to the second end of the main track 11 along the first direction Y, its first transition portion 121 retracts a distance L relative to the second transition portion 122 toward the second end away from the main track 11 along the first direction Y. For example, Figure 2 In the figure, the first transition portion 121 of the transition track 12 on the left extends to the left by a distance L relative to the second transition portion 122, while the first transition portion 121 of the transition track 12 on the right retracts to the left by a distance L relative to the second transition portion 122.

[0064] In order to improve the sorting efficiency, refer to Figure 1-2 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 includes a plurality of sorting mechanisms 2, which are arranged side by side. Figure 2 Only one of the sorting mechanisms 2 is shown with item A, but it can be understood that this is only a simplified drawing method. In actual work, each sorting mechanism 2 can be provided with item A so that these sorting mechanisms 2 can perform sorting tasks simultaneously to improve sorting efficiency.

[0065] Different sorting mechanisms 2 can carry items A of the same or different sorting categories. For example, items A to be delivered to different destinations can be loaded by different sorting mechanisms 2. Different sorting positions B are set for these different sorting mechanisms 2. Each sorting mechanism 2 is controlled to run along the sorting track 1 to the sorting position B corresponding to the item A it carries, and then unload the item A to achieve sorting of the item A.

[0066] When there are multiple sorting mechanisms 2, refer to Figure 5-7In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a mounting bar 3, which extends in the same direction as the sorting track 1 and is configured to be movable relative to the sorting track 1. All sorting mechanisms 2 are arranged side by side on the mounting bar 3. In this case, moving the mounting bar 3 relative to the sorting track 1 can drive all sorting mechanisms 2 to move relative to the sorting track 1 together, which is simple and convenient.

[0067] Reference Figure 3-7 In some embodiments, a magnetic pole plate 26 is provided at the bottom of the sorting mechanism 2, and the sorting device 100 further includes a motor 4, which cooperates with the magnetic pole plate 26 to drive the sorting mechanism 2 to move along the sorting track 1.

[0068] Specifically, in some embodiments, the magnetic pole plate 26 is disposed at the bottom of the mechanism body 21. The motor 4 is a linear motor, fixed relative to the sorting track 1, for example, disposed between the first body portion 111 and the second body portion 112, and connected to the mounting bracket 9 fixed to the bracket 8 via a connecting bracket 43. Furthermore, the motor 4 is provided with a slot 41 extending along the first direction Y, through which the magnetic pole plate 26 passes as the sorting mechanism 2 moves along the sorting track 1.

[0069] Due to the provided magnetic pole plates 26 and motor 4, when a sorting mechanism 2 passes by the motor 4, the magnetic pole plates 26 can be inserted into the slots 41 and cut the magnetic flux lines to generate electrical energy. This allows the sorting mechanism 2 passing by the motor 4 to obtain electrical energy, driving the sorting mechanism 2 to move along the sorting track 1. Furthermore, when multiple sorting mechanisms 2 are arranged side by side on the mounting bar 3, the sorting mechanism 2 located in the front of the movement direction, when driven by the motor 4, can also drive the mounting bar 3. The mounting bar 3 can then drive the sorting mechanism 2 behind it to continue forward, passing by the motor 4 and being driven by the motor 4 again. This process continues until all sorting mechanisms 2 are connected in series, each of which can pass by the motor 4 and be powered by the motor 4, thereby enabling all sorting mechanisms 2 to move along the sorting track 1. This drive method eliminates the need for other transmission mechanisms such as sprockets, resulting in a simpler structure and facilitating the lightweighting of the sorting device 100.

[0070] The number of motors 4 can be set according to the required driving force. For example, one, two or more motors 4 can be set on each layer.

[0071] In order to facilitate the magnetic pole plate 26 to enter the slot 41, refer to Figure 5In some embodiments, a guide portion 42 is provided at the entrance of the slot 41. The guide portion 42 is configured to guide the magnetic pole plate 26 into the slot 41. Specifically, the guide portion 42 forms a V-shaped channel at the entrance of the slot 41, with a width gradually decreasing along the entry direction. This allows the magnetic pole plate 26 to more smoothly enter the slot 41 and obtain power, thereby facilitating smoother operation of each sorting mechanism 2 and preventing operational jamming. This improves the reliability of the sorting device 100 and enhances sorting efficiency.

[0072] In order to make the overall structure more compact, refer to Figure 5-8 In some embodiments, a cavity 141 is provided within the sorting track 1, and an opening 145 is provided on the sidewall 144 of the cavity 141. The mounting bar 3 is disposed within the cavity 141, and the sorting mechanism 2 extends from the opening 145 into the cavity 141 and is connected to the mounting bar 3. In this case, since the mounting bar 3 is disposed within the sorting track 1, the structure is more compact and the appearance is smoother than in other cases where the mounting bar 3 is disposed outside the sorting track 1. In addition, the cavity wall 141 can also serve to limit the mounting bar 3, making it easier to achieve a movable arrangement of the mounting bar 3 relative to the sorting track 1. For example, the mounting bar 3 can be directly placed in the cavity 141 to achieve a movable arrangement relative to the sorting track 1.

[0073] The cross section of the sorting track 1 (i.e., the cross section of the first main body portion 111, the second main body portion 112, the first transition portion 121, and the second transition portion 122) can be circular with an opening 145. In this case, the cross section of the sorting track 1 is C-shaped, or, referring to Figure 8 The cross section of the sorting track 1 may also be in other shapes such as a square with an opening 145. The opening 145 is specifically oriented between the first main body 111 and the second main body 112 (also between the first transition portion 121 and the second transition portion 122) to facilitate the insertion of the sorting mechanism 2.

[0074] The sorting mechanism 2 is inserted into the cavity 141 specifically by its first connecting portion 22 and second connecting portion 23. Figure 3-8 In some embodiments, a first limiting wheel 31 is provided on the mounting bar 3. The first limiting wheel 31 is used to connect to the sorting mechanism 2. The first limiting wheel 31 is connected to the sorting mechanism 2 by connecting to the first connecting portion 22 or the second connecting portion 23. The first connecting portion 22 and the second connecting portion 23 are inserted into the cavity 141 through the opening 145 and connected to the first limiting wheel 31 located in the cavity 141 and provided on the mounting bar 3. In this case, the first connecting portion 22 includes a first connecting shaft 22a, and the second connecting portion 23 includes a second connecting shaft 23a. The first connecting shaft 22a and the second connecting shaft 23a can be provided at the lower portion of the mechanism body 21 and inserted into the cavity 141 through the opening 145 to be coaxially connected to the first limiting wheel 31.

[0075] Among them, reference Figure 7 The outer circumference of the first limiting wheel 31 is in contact with at least the inner surface of the bottom wall 142 of the cavity 141. With high precision, the outer circumference of the first limiting wheel 31 can also contact the inner surface of the top wall 143 of the sorting track 1, providing a stable supporting force for the first limiting wheel 31, making the movement of the sorting mechanism 2 more stable and smooth.

[0076] In order to prevent the first limiting wheel 31 from tilting during the movement, refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the first limiting wheel 31 includes two coaxially spaced first wheel bodies 311. The two first wheel bodies 311 are spaced apart along the width direction of the mounting bar 3 and are respectively clamped on opposite sides of the width direction of the mounting bar 3.

[0077] The first limiting wheel 31 can prevent the sorting mechanism 2 from jumping in the height direction Z during movement, and can also position the sorting mechanism 2 and maintain the distance between adjacent sorting mechanisms 2.

[0078] In addition, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a limiter 3a, which is disposed on the mounting bar 3 and is configured to limit displacement of the sorting mechanism 2 along the second direction X. Thus, the limiter 3a can limit displacement of the sorting mechanism 2 in the second direction X, while also positioning the sorting mechanism 2 and maintaining the spacing between adjacent sorting mechanisms 2.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the limiting member 3a includes a second limiting wheel 32, which is spaced apart from the first limiting wheel 31 along the extension direction of the mounting bar 3, and the axis of the second limiting wheel 32 is perpendicular to the axis of the first limiting wheel 31. For example, when the axis of the first limiting wheel 31 is along the width direction of the mounting bar 3, the axis of the second limiting wheel 32 is along the thickness direction of the mounting bar 3. The outer circumference of the second limiting wheel 32 contacts the side wall 144 of the sorting track 1.

[0080] The second limiting wheel 32 can prevent the sorting mechanism 2 from swinging along the second direction X during movement, thereby improving the movement stability of the sorting mechanism 2.

[0081] In order to prevent the second limiting wheel 32 from tilting during movement, the second limiting wheel 32 includes two coaxially spaced second wheel bodies 321. The two second wheel bodies 321 are spaced apart along the thickness direction of the mounting bar 3 and are respectively clamped on the opposite side surfaces in the thickness direction of the mounting bar 3.

[0082] Still refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the mounting bar 3 is provided with a plurality of first limiting wheels 31 and a plurality of second limiting wheels 32. These first limiting wheels 31 and second limiting wheels 32 are arranged alternately along the extension direction of the mounting bar 3. The distance between adjacent first limiting wheels 31 and second limiting wheels 32 is equal. This ensures that adjacent sorting mechanisms 2 maintain a predetermined spacing and stabilizes the movement of all sorting mechanisms 2.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a chute 6, which is disposed on the sorting track 1 and located at the sorting position B. The chute 6 is configured to receive the items A discharged by the sorting mechanism 2 and guide the items A to fall. The chute 6 forms a grid to guide the items A sorted by the sorting mechanism 2 so that the items A fall more accurately to the predetermined location. The chute 6 can be configured to be downwardly inclined.

[0084] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, sorting positions B are preset on different layers of the sorting track 1. For example, multiple sorting positions B are provided on each layer of the main track 11. In this case, the sorting device 100 may also include multiple slides 6 to fully utilize the space in the height direction Z. When the floor area remains the same, the number of grid openings in the height direction Z is increased to improve the sorting efficiency or set more sorting types to make the sorting process more flexible.

[0085] Since the sorting mechanism 2 can perform sorting tasks on each layer of the main track 11, a slide 6 is set on each layer of the main track 11, so that the sorting device 100 has multiple layers of slides 6, which can make fuller use of all the sorting mechanisms 2 and more effectively improve the sorting efficiency.

[0086] Baffles are provided on both sides of the slide 6 along the first direction Y to prevent objects A from entering adjacent slides 6 or falling outside the slide 6, so that objects A can be sorted more accurately to a predetermined area. Adjacent slides 6 can share baffles.

[0087] The width of the slide 6 (the dimension in the first direction Y) may be greater than the width of the sorting mechanism 2 so that objects falling from the sorting mechanism 2 can smoothly enter the slide 6 .

[0088] The slide 6 may be provided only on one side of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X, or may be provided on both sides of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X. For example, in some embodiments, the slide 6 is provided only on the outer side of one of the first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 112. In this case, each layer of the slide 6 includes only one row of slides 6. Figure 1In other embodiments, slides 6 are provided on the outer sides of the first main body 111 and the second main body 112. In this case, each layer of slides 6 includes two rows of slides 6, and the number of slides 6 is greater, which can make more effective use of the space of the sorting device 100 in the second direction X to further improve the sorting efficiency or set more sorting types.

[0089] And, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a cargo box 7 , which is configured to receive items A falling from the slide 6 .

[0090] In order to conveniently display the sorting mechanism 2, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, only part of the cargo box 7 is shown, but it should be understood that the cargo box 7 and the slide 6 can be set in a one-to-one correspondence. When the slide 6 is multi-layered, the cargo box 7 can be multi-layered. Figure 1 The bottom container 7 can be placed directly on the ground. The other layers of containers 7 can be placed on a support frame (not shown).

[0091] Since the sorting track 1 is a multi-layer track and the cargo box 7 is located at a relatively high height, the following measures can be taken to facilitate the replacement of the cargo box 7: (1) build a steel platform with the same height and number of layers as the sorting device 100 for manual replacement; (2) use multiple high-position forklifts to replace the cargo box 7, wherein the high-position forklifts can be unmanned forklifts; (3) set a group of stackers on each side of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X, and use the stackers to automatically replace the cargo box 7; or, (4) set a roller line transfer machine and a continuous elevator at each slide 6 to realize the automatic entry and exit replacement of the cargo box 7.

[0092] In addition, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 includes a trolley line 5 , which is arranged on the sorting track 1 , and the sorting mechanism 2 includes an electric slip ring 25 , which is electrically connected to the trolley line 5 .

[0093] Because the sorting mechanism 2 is movable relative to the sorting track 1, the power supply provided by the electric slip ring 25 and the busbar 5 is more reliable. The power provided by the busbar 5 can be used to drive the unloading mechanism 24 or to enable communication between the sorting mechanism 2 and the dispatching system.

[0094] To install the busbar 5, a support member 51 can be installed on the side wall 144 of the sorting track 1, which has an opening 145. The support member 51 can be a plate-like structure or a rod-like structure, and is fixed to the side wall 144 of the sorting track 1, which has an opening 145. The busbar 5 is then fixed to the support member 51. This allows the busbar 5 to be closer to the sorting mechanism 2, making it easier for the busbar 5 to contact the electric slip ring 25.

[0095] In some embodiments, two busbars 5 are respectively provided on the first rail member and the second rail member, and an electric slip ring 25 is respectively provided on both sides of the sorting mechanism 2 along the second direction X. The electric slip rings 25 on both sides are respectively in contact with the busbars 5 on both sides, so that reliable power supply and communication can be provided for the sorting mechanism 2, thereby achieving a smoother sorting process.

[0096] The sorting device 100 of the present invention can be used to sort goods when entering or leaving a warehouse, or for sorting parcels, and its working process can be as follows:

[0097] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple sorting mechanisms 2 are arranged at preset intervals along the extension direction of the sorting track 1, and each sorting mechanism 2 is provided with an item A. Taking the sorting of packaged parcels as an example, the scheduling system determines the sorting type based on the delivery area of ​​the parcel. For example, some cargo boxes 7 are used to receive parcels to be delivered to area R1, and other cargo boxes 7 are used to receive parcels to be delivered to area R2, and so on. When the sorting mechanism 2 moves to the cargo box 7 corresponding to the parcel, the unloading mechanism 24 on the sorting mechanism 2 is activated, causing the parcel to fall from the slide 6 on one side into the corresponding cargo box 7. Alternatively, a tipping bucket can be used to lift and unload the item by lifting it at one end. When an idle sorting mechanism 2 becomes available, item A can be loaded again, allowing for continuous item sorting.

[0098] In addition, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sorting track 1 further includes a return track 13. In the multi-layer main body track 11, the main body track 11 at the bottom layer and the main body track 11 at the top layer without the transition track 12 are connected by the return track 13.

[0099] By setting the return track 13, the entire sorting track 1 forms a closed loop. After the sorting mechanism 2 runs from the bottom main track 11 to the top main track 11, it can also return to the bottom main track 11 through the return track 13, thereby realizing the overall circular motion, so that each sorting mechanism 2 can be recycled.

[0100] The return track 13 can be a straight track or a curved track. Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the return track 13 is a linear track, in which case the structure is simpler and more stable.

[0101] In addition, as a Figure 1 The improvement of the sorting device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the sorting device 100 further includes a protective cover 15 , which is disposed on at least one side of the sorting track 1 along the first direction Y to improve the operational safety of the sorting device 100 .

[0102] Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the protective cover 15 may include a first plate 151, a second plate 152, and a third plate (not shown). The first plate 151 and the second plate 152 are connected to opposite sides of the third plate, so that the cross-section of the protective cover 15 is generally U-shaped. During installation, the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 are located on both sides of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X, while the third plate is located on one side of the sorting track 1 along the first direction Y.

[0103] Continue to refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the protective cover 15 is mounted on the columns 16. For example, two columns 16 are arranged on both sides of the sorting track 1 along the second direction X, and the first plate 151 and the second plate 152 are fixedly connected to the two columns 16 respectively, so as to support and fix the protective cover 15 by using the columns 16.

[0104] It should be noted that Figure 5 The protective cover 15 is omitted, and Figure 6 Only a portion of the protective cover 15 is shown.

[0105] The present invention provides a detailed introduction to a sorting device. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are intended only to facilitate understanding of the method and core concepts of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will be able to make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such improvements and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A sorting device (100), characterized in that: include: A sorting track (1) comprises a transition track (12) and a multi-layer main track (11), wherein the transition track (12) is connected to the same end of two adjacent layers of the main track (11) along a first direction (Y), and two adjacent transition tracks (12) in a height direction (Z) are located at both ends of the main track (11) along the first direction (Y), and the transition track (12) is an arc track; A mounting bar (3) extending in the same direction as the sorting track (1) and configured to be movable relative to the sorting track (1); A plurality of sorting mechanisms (2) are arranged side by side on the mounting bar (3) so as to be movably arranged on the sorting track (1) for loading articles (A) and are configured to unload the loaded articles (A) along a second direction (X) when moving along the sorting track (1) to a set sorting position (B), wherein the second direction (X) intersects with the height direction (Z) and the first direction (Y); and a limiting member (3a), arranged on the mounting bar (3), for limiting the displacement of the sorting mechanism (2) along the second direction (X); The sorting track (1) is provided with a cavity (141), and an opening (145) is provided on a side wall (144) of the cavity (141); the mounting bar (3) is provided in the cavity (141); the sorting mechanism (2) extends from the opening (145) into the cavity (141) and is connected to the mounting bar (3); the mounting bar (3) is provided with a first limiting wheel (31) connected to the sorting mechanism (2); the limiting member (3a) includes The second limiting wheel (32) is included, the first limiting wheel (31) and the second limiting wheel (32) are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the mounting bar (3), and the axes of the first limiting wheel (31) and the second limiting wheel (32) are perpendicular, the outer peripheral surface of the first limiting wheel (31) at least contacts the inner surface of the bottom wall (142) of the cavity (141), and the outer peripheral surface of the second limiting wheel (32) contacts the side wall (144) of the sorting track (1).

2. The sorting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sorting mechanism (2) has a loading surface (S) for placing the article (A), and the loading surface (S) is always facing upwards during the movement of the sorting mechanism (2) along the sorting track (1).

3. The sorting device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The transition track (12) includes a first transition portion (121) and a second transition portion (122), the first transition portion (121) and the second transition portion (122) are arranged side by side along the second direction (X) and spaced apart from each other, the sorting mechanism (2) includes a first connecting portion (22) and a second connecting portion (23), the sorting mechanism (2) is coupled to the first transition portion (121) and the second transition portion (122) via the first connecting portion (22) and the second connecting portion (23), respectively, and the first transition portion (121) is staggered by a distance L relative to the second transition portion (122), and the first connecting portion (22) is staggered by a distance L relative to the second connecting portion (23) on the same side of the first direction (Y).

4. The sorting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A magnetic pole plate (26) is provided at the bottom of the sorting mechanism (2), and the sorting device (100) further comprises a motor (4), wherein the motor (4) cooperates with the magnetic pole plate (26) to drive the sorting mechanism (2) to move along the sorting track (1).

5. The sorting device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The motor (4) is provided with a slot (41) extending along the first direction (Y), and the magnetic pole plate (26) passes through the slot (41) when the sorting mechanism (2) moves along the sorting track (1).

6. The sorting device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that A guide portion (42) is provided at the entrance of the slot (41), and the guide portion (42) is configured to guide the magnetic pole plate (26) into the slot (41).

7. The sorting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The mounting bar (3) is provided with a plurality of the first limiting wheels (31) and a plurality of the second limiting wheels (32), and the plurality of the first limiting wheels (31) and the plurality of the second limiting wheels (32) are alternately arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the mounting bar (3).

8. The sorting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the multi-layer main track (11), the main track (11) at the bottom layer and the end of the main track (11) at the top layer that is not provided with the transition track (12) are connected via a return track (13).

9. The sorting device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The return track (13) is a linear track.

10. The sorting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sorting device (100) includes a trolley line (5), which is arranged on the sorting track (1), and the sorting mechanism (2) includes an electric slip ring (25), which is electrically connected to the trolley line (5).

11. The sorting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The sorting device (100) includes a slide (6), which is arranged on the sorting track (1) and located at the sorting position (B), and is used to receive the items (A) unloaded by the sorting mechanism (2) and guide the items (A) to fall.

12. The sorting device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that The slideways (6) are provided on both sides of the sorting track (1) along the second direction (X).

13. The sorting device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that The sorting device (100) comprises a container (7) configured to receive items (A) dropped from the slide (6).

Images