Flip-plate sorting trolley, flip-plate sorting device and flip-plate sorting system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a flap sorting trolley, a flap sorting device and a flap sorting system, wherein the flap sorting trolley includes a frame, the frame is provided with rollers and a flap that can rotate relative to the frame, the frame is provided with a power source for driving the flap to rotate, and the flap includes at least a first curved side surface and a second curved side surface that protrude in the same direction and are distributed front to back, and the line connecting their vertices is their axis of symmetry; they are circular arcs; or they are elliptical arcs. This solution integrates a power source on the flap sorting trolley to drive the flap to flip, which can eliminate the lifting device and create basic conditions for realizing combined sorting of multiple flaps. Combined with the design of the flap shape, the adjacent flaps maintain a small gap or the middle area is tightly attached, which can reduce or eliminate some gaps between the flaps as much as possible, improve the compactness of the equipment, and greatly reduce the risk of goods, especially soft packages, being stuck on multiple flaps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of logistics sorting equipment, in particular to a flip-plate sorting trolley, a flip-plate sorting device and a flip-plate sorting system. Background Art

[0002] Sorting and conveying systems are material handling systems that classify random, differently oriented items according to specific requirements. With the rapid development of e-commerce, the logistics industry has also seen rapid growth, leading to the development and application of various automatic and semi-automatic logistics sorting systems and equipment. Among these, flip-panel sorting equipment utilizes a flap that tilts at a certain angle at the sorting position, allowing items on it to be unloaded into a sorting port or other sorting equipment.

[0003] Most known ring-type flip-plate sorting equipment uses sorting carts as units for cargo transportation and sorting. For example, in the structure shown in the applicant's application No. 201820424978.4, the flip plate of the flip-plate sorting cart is driven by a jacking device to achieve flipping. This structure requires jacking devices to be installed on both sides of the flip plate, and the jacking has a certain impact force on the flip plate, which makes the sorting flexibility poor.

[0004] At the same time, the flip-plate sorting trolley adopts a gap-arranged structure, and the size and weight of the packages it can sort will largely depend on the size and structure of the sorting trolley. When faced with a variety of goods of different sizes and weights, especially when there are a large number of heavy and large-sized goods and various special-shaped parts, most flip-plate sorting equipment cannot be effectively applied. Therefore, before being used for sorting by the flip-plate sorting equipment, the packages need to be pre-sorted according to size and weight to screen out the goods that can be sorted by the flip-plate sorting equipment for sorting. For large-weight and large-sized goods, forklifts are mostly used for manual sorting, and the sorting efficiency is extremely low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art and to provide a flip-plate sorting trolley, a flip-plate sorting device and a flip-plate sorting system.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A flap sorting trolley includes a frame, the frame being provided with rollers and a flap rotatable relative to the frame, the frame being provided with a power source for driving the flap to rotate, the flap including at least a first curved side surface and a second curved side surface protruding in the same direction and distributed front to back, with the line connecting their vertices being their axis of symmetry;

[0008] They are circular arcs, and a first radius of a first circle to which the first arc-shaped side surface belongs is less than or equal to a second radius of a second circle to which the second arc-shaped side surface belongs;

[0009] Or they are elliptical arcs.

[0010] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting cart, the first circle is a closed curve obtained by rotating one circle with the rotation center of the ball joint located behind the first curved side surface on the frame as the center and the horizontal distance from the rotation center of the ball joint to the first curved side surface as the first radius; the second circle is a closed curve obtained by rotating one circle with the turning rotation center around which the tail end of the frame turns when the frame turns as the center and the horizontal distance from the turning rotation center point to the second curved side surface as the second radius.

[0011] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting trolley, the first curved side surface and the second curved side surface are circular arcs and do not intersect with each other, and an extension section is provided outside the connecting side surface at at least one end thereof.

[0012] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting trolley, the first curved side surface and the second curved side surface are a section including the end portions of two different ellipses, and the eccentricity of the first curved side surface is greater than the eccentricity of the second curved side surface.

[0013] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting trolley, a secondary plate is horizontally arranged at the bottom of the frame.

[0014] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting trolley, the power source is a servo motor with a brake function.

[0015] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting trolley, a fixed seat is provided on the top of the frame, and a supporting shaft that can rotate and is perpendicular to the axis of the roller is horizontally provided on the fixed seat. The supporting shaft is connected to a power source that drives its rotation and is provided with a flip member protruding above the fixed seat, and the flip plate is provided on the top of the flip member.

[0016] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting trolley, the flip plate is connected to one end of the support member, the other end of the support member is arranged on the frame, and the support member rotates with the flip plate.

[0017] The flip-plate sorting device comprises an annular track on which a circle of any of the above-mentioned flip-plate sorting trolleys and a driving mechanism for driving the flip-plate sorting trolleys to move are arranged.

[0018] Preferably, in the flip-plate type sorting device, the first curved side surface of each flip plate is in contact with the second curved side surface of the flip plate in front of it, and the second curved side surface is in contact with the first curved side surface of the flip plate behind it.

[0019] Preferably, in the flip-plate sorting device, the driving mechanism includes a linear motor that drives the secondary plate at the bottom of the frame to move horizontally and linearly.

[0020] A flip-plate sorting system comprises any of the above-mentioned flip-plate sorting devices.

[0021] The advantages of the technical solution of the present invention are mainly reflected in:

[0022] This solution integrates a power source on the flap sorting trolley to drive the flaps, eliminating the need for a lifting device, saving equipment costs, and improving sorting flexibility, creating the foundation for implementing combined sorting of multiple flaps. Combined with the design of the flap shape, the flaps of adjacent flap sorting trolleys can maintain a slight gap or close contact in the middle area, thereby minimizing or eliminating some gaps between the flaps, improving the compactness of the equipment and significantly reducing the risk of goods, especially soft packages, getting stuck on multiple flaps.

[0023] In the first arc-shaped side surface and the second arc-shaped side surface of the arc structure, by adding extension sections at both ends thereof, the bearing area of a single flap can be effectively increased, thereby ensuring the stability of the transportation of articles on multiple flaps during cornering.

[0024] The trolley structure of this solution is simple and easy to implement, and the support reliability of the flap is high. At the same time, it can effectively reduce the shear force on the motor shaft.

[0025] The power source of this solution uses a motor with a brake function, which can effectively keep the flip plate in a horizontal state, thereby providing stable support for the items during transportation and ensuring the feasibility of sorting.

[0026] This solution uses a push-type linear motor to drive the secondary plate to drive the flip-plate sorting trolley to move along the circular track, which can effectively reduce the installation space required for the drive structure and help reduce the height of the entire machine.

[0027] The flip-panel sorting device of this solution features matching arc-shaped intermediate areas on the sides of adjacent flaps, positioned close together. This allows the flap-panel sorting carts to form a combined load-bearing surface. The flaps of multiple flap-panel sorting carts operate synchronously, effectively enabling the loading, transport, and sorting of items of varying sizes. This minimizes the size restrictions imposed by the flip-panel sorting device, making it more suitable for sorting packages of various sizes and weights. Furthermore, each flap only bears a portion of the item's weight, significantly reducing the power required for sorting within a single flip-panel sorting device. This effectively reduces power source requirements and helps lower equipment costs.

[0028] The sorting system of this solution can, according to different needs, adopt a method of first loading the package and then visually identifying the cart that the package occupies and / or adopt a method of first measuring the size of the package to determine the number of carts required and then making reservations, thereby determining the cart where the package is located, facilitating subsequent accurate control of sorting, and providing more flexible application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a top view of the flip-plate sorting device of the present invention (showing the distribution and conveying section of the device);

[0030] Figure 2 is a main sectional view of the flip-plate sorting device of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 is an end sectional view of the flip-plate sorting device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of the middle M region;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a first-perspective perspective view of the flip-plate sorting trolley of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a second perspective view of the flip-plate sorting trolley of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a front view of the flip-plate sorting trolley of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 It is a top view of the flap of the present invention adopting an elliptical arc side;

[0037] Figure 9 It is a top view of the flap of the present invention having an elliptical arc side and two flat ends;

[0038] Figure 10 1. A top view of the first and second arcuate sides of the flip panel of the present invention, which are arc-shaped and intersecting (the dotted line portion in the figure shows the ball joint on the frame and the rotating ball 242 of the ball joint on the flip panel sorting trolley connected thereto);

[0039] Figure 11 The flip-plate sorting trolley of the present invention adopts Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the turning state of the flap structure shown (the left flap sorting trolley starts turning, while the right flap sorting trolley does not turn);

[0040] Figure 12 It is a top view of the flap of the present invention, which has a circular arc-shaped first arc side surface and a second arc side surface and has no extension sections at both ends;

[0041] Figure 13 It is a top view of the flap of the present invention, which has a circular arc-shaped first arc-shaped side surface and a second arc-shaped side surface and has approximately U-shaped extension sections at both ends;

[0042] Figure 14 The flip-plate sorting trolley of the present invention adopts Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the turning state of the flap structure shown (the left flap sorting trolley starts turning, while the right flap sorting trolley does not turn);

[0043] Figure 15 It is a top view of the flap of the present invention, which has a circular arc-shaped first arc-shaped side surface and a second arc-shaped side surface and has approximately quadrilateral extension sections at both ends;

[0044] Figure 16 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the middle N region;

[0045] Figure 17 is a top view of a first embodiment of a flip-plate sorting system of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 18 1 is a top view of a second embodiment of the flip-plate sorting system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The objects, advantages, and features of the present invention are illustrated and explained through the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments. These embodiments are merely typical examples of the application of the technical solutions of the present invention, and any technical solutions formed by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the scheme, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience and simplification of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, in the description of the scheme, with the operator as a reference, the direction close to the operator is the proximal end, and the direction away from the operator is the distal end.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] The following is an elaboration of the flip plate sorting device disclosed by the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 -Attached Figure 3As shown, it includes a circular track 100. The specific structure of the circular track 100 can be designed as needed. The shape of the circular track 100 can be set to various regular or irregular shapes such as a regular circle, an ellipse or a rounded polygon as needed. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the attached Figure 1 As shown, the circular track 100 is waist-shaped or rounded rectangular. Such a circular track shape can effectively reduce the length of the turning section, which is conducive to reserving enough space for increasing the sorting grid and the package supply platform. Figure 4 As shown, the longitudinal section of the annular track 100 is approximately U-shaped, with the notch facing upward. The annular track 100 specifically includes a bottom plate 110, and side plates 120 and 130 are vertically arranged on both sides of the bottom plate 110. The tops of the side plates 120 and 130 are formed with roller limiting grooves 121 and 131.

[0051] As attached Figure 1 As shown, the circular track 100 is provided with a circle of sequentially connected flap sorting carts 200 that can be moved along the same. Depending on the different shapes of the flaps on the flap sorting carts 200, the flaps of two adjacent flap sorting carts 200 can maintain a slight gap or at least the middle areas of their opposing sides can be in contact. The gap state of adjacent flaps with different shapes will be described in detail below and will not be repeated here. Each of the flap sorting carts 200 has a power source for driving its flaps to flip. The flaps of at least two consecutive flap sorting carts 200 form a bearing surface. The bearing surface moves to the target routing position, and the flaps constituting the bearing surface flip synchronously in the same direction, thereby achieving sorting of goods on several flaps.

[0052] This method of combining the flip plates 210 of multiple flip-plate sorting carts 200 to transport and sort goods can flexibly adapt to goods of different sizes. Therefore, the limitation of the size of the goods when the equipment is used is reduced to a minimum, and it is more suitable for the sorting requirements of application scenarios with goods of various sizes.

[0053] The specific structure of the flip plate sorting trolley 200 can also be set as needed. In the usual structure, as shown in the attached Figure 4 -Attached Figure 5As shown, it includes a frame 210 and rollers 220 that are rollingly arranged on the circular track 100. Its specific structure can be designed as needed. In a preferred embodiment, the frame 210 includes a first column 211 and a second column 212 connected together. The axes of the first column 211 and the second column 212 are parallel and they are arranged in an upper and lower position. The first ends 2111 and 2121 of the first column 211 and the second column 212 maintain a distance from each other, and their second ends 2112 and 2122 maintain a distance from each other. A wheel bracket 213 is provided on the first column 211, which is perpendicular to the first column 211 and symmetrical with respect to the first column 211. Rollers 220 are respectively rotatably provided at both ends of the wheel bracket 213. The axes of the rollers 220 are horizontal and their diameters are greater than the height of the wheel bracket 213. The top and bottom of the rollers 220 protrude beyond the upper and lower sides of the wheel bracket 213. The two rollers 220 are rotatably arranged in the roller limiting grooves 121 and 131 of the annular track 100, thereby preventing the flipping trolley 200 from moving in the vertical direction.

[0054] As attached Figure 4 , Attachment Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the wheel bracket 213 can also rotate and the limiting wheels 230 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first column 211. The axes of the limiting wheels 230 are vertical, and they are located on the inner sides of the two rollers 220. The two limiting wheels 230 are in contact with the inner walls of the two side plates 120 and 130 of the annular track 100, thereby limiting the horizontal position of the frame 210 in the annular track.

[0055] As attached Figure 5 , Attachment Figure 7 As shown, the first end of the second column 212 is further provided with a ball joint 240, which is fixed to a shaft 214 parallel to the axis of the limiting wheel. The second end 2122 of the second column 212 is further provided with a screw hole 2123 for connecting to the ball joint 240. The screw hole is coaxial with a horizontal screw rod 241 on the ball joint 240. As a result, the frames of two adjacent flip-plate sorting carts 200 are connected via the ball joint 240. The length of the ball joint 240 is less than the distance between the first ends of the first column 211 and the second column 212, and the distance between adjacent flip plates is less than the length of the ball joint 240. This frame structure design effectively solves the problem of ball joint installation space requirements and can minimize the distance between adjacent flip-plate sorting carts 200 to avoid the problem of items getting stuck on the flip plates.

[0056] As attached Figure 5 , Attachment Figure 6As shown, a fixing seat 250 is provided on the top of the frame 210, and the specific installation position of the fixing seat 250 can be flexibly adjusted. Preferably, a fixing seat 250 is provided on the top of the first column 211 at its first end, and the fixing seat 250 is specifically an inverted T-shaped block. A supporting shaft 260 is rotatably provided on the fixing seat 250, and the axis of the supporting shaft 260 is horizontal and perpendicular to the axis of the roller 220. The supporting shaft 260 is rotatably provided on the fixing seat 250 through a first bearing 270, and the supporting shaft 260 is connected to a driving mechanism for driving its rotation. The force source 280 is provided with a flip member 290 protruding above the fixed seat 250, and the flap 2100 is provided on the top of the flip member 290. The projection of the axis of the supporting shaft 260 on the flap 2100 is the symmetry axis of the flap 2100, and the two ends of the flap 2100 extend to a certain distance on both sides of the wheel bracket 213. The specific length of the flap 2100 can be designed according to needs. Preferably, the distance between the two ends of the flap 2100 is about three times that of the wheel bracket. Of course, in other embodiments, the length of the flap 2100 can also be adjusted.

[0057] The power source 280 can be various feasible motors or rotary cylinders, etc. More preferably, considering that the size and weight of the goods to be sorted are large, in order to avoid the flap from flipping under the gravity of the goods, resulting in the inability to effectively transport the goods, in a more preferred embodiment, the power source 280 is a servo motor with a brake function, which is fixed on the motor seat at the top of the first column. When the flap 2100 is in a horizontal state, the motor shaft of the servo motor is locked by the brake function to avoid the flap 2100 from flipping. When sorting is required, the brake is released to lock the motor shaft, and the motor shaft is driven to rotate to achieve sorting.

[0058] As attached Figure 7 As shown, the flip member 290 includes a quasi-triangular plate 291 that is axially symmetrical and perpendicular to the supporting shaft 260. One end of the supporting shaft 260 is fixed at the lower top corner of one side of the quasi-triangular plate 291. A support plate 292 flush with the top edge is vertically arranged at the top edge of the quasi-triangular plate 291. A reinforcing plate 293 perpendicular to both the support plate 292 and the quasi-triangular plate 291 is arranged between them. The quasi-triangular plate 291 and the support plate 292 are provided with the flip plate 2100.

[0059] As attached Figure 5 -Attached Figure 7As shown, in order to effectively provide support for the flap 2100, the flap 2100 is connected to one end of the support member 2200, and the other end of the support member 2200 is arranged on the support block 2300 on the frame 210, and the support block 2300 is rotatably provided with a rotating shaft 2500 coaxial with the support rotating shaft 260 through a second bearing 2500, and the rotating shaft 2500 is connected to the other end of the support member 2200, so that the support member 220 rotates with the flap 210 to provide support for the flap 210.

[0060] The shape of the flap 2100 can be designed into various feasible shapes, such as a rounded rectangle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a symmetrical polygon, etc. However, since the entire circular track 100 is bound to have certain arc sections (turning sections), at these arc sections, the goods on the flap are prone to the risk of getting stuck, especially for soft packages, this risk is even greater.

[0061] Therefore, after extensive research, researchers have developed a flap structure that can effectively solve the above problems:

[0062] Specifically, as attached Figure 8 As shown, the flap 2100 includes a first curved side surface 2110 and a second curved side surface 2120 that protrude in the same direction (in front of the flap sorting cart). The first curved side surface 2110 is located in front of the second curved side surface 2120, and the line 2130 connecting the vertices 2111 and 2121 of the first curved side surface 2110 is their axis of symmetry. The vertex 2111 of the first curved side surface 2110 extends beyond the front end of the first column 211, while the vertex 2121 of the second curved side surface 2120 is located in front of the rotation center of the ball joint 240.

[0063] The specific shapes of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 can be adjusted as needed.

[0064] In a first feasible embodiment, the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are each an arc segment of an ellipse, and they may be arc segments of the same shape. More preferably, they are arc segments of two different ellipses, including the ends of the ellipses, and the eccentricity of the first curved side surface 2110 is greater than the eccentricity of the second curved side surface 2120.

[0065] With this design, when the two flaps 2100 are arranged closely together, the distance between the two ends of the first curved side surface 2110 of the rear flap 2100 and the two ends of the second curved side surface 2120 of the front flap 2100 is greater than the distance in the middle position. Therefore, when the flap 2100 moves to the turning position of the circular track, due to the difference in the rotation angles of the flaps 2100 at the front and rear positions, the distance between the inner ends of the first curved side surface 2110 of the rear flap 2100 and the second curved side surface 2120 of the front flap 2100 is smaller than the gap between the two in the straight circular track section, thereby avoiding the risk of material jamming.

[0066] As attached Figure 8 As shown, the two ends of the first curved side surface 2110 extend beyond the two ends of the second curved side surface 2120, and the second curved side surface 2120 extends to the rear side of the rotation center of the ball joint 240. The same ends of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are connected by the curved surface 2140, but in this structure, the gap between the two ends of the flap 2100 is larger.

[0067] As attached Figure 9 As shown, in a more preferred embodiment, the same-direction ends of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are flush, so the two ends of the flap are vertical planes 2150 parallel to the supporting shaft 260, thereby effectively increasing the width of the two ends of the flap, avoiding interference between the goods and other flaps 2100 that do not need to be flipped and affecting the stability of the bag when unloading, and at the same time facilitating the connection with the bag supply platform and the grid opening.

[0068] In the embodiment where the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are elliptical arcs, the spacing between the flip plates 210 of adjacent flip plate sorting carts 200 can be set as needed, preferably not exceeding 5 cm, and further preferably not exceeding 3 cm.

[0069] In the first embodiment, in order to avoid interference between adjacent flaps 2100 during turning, a certain gap must be left between adjacent flaps. Figure 10As shown, the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are both arcs, that is, their arc shapes are each segments of a circle. The first circle C1 to which the first curved side surface 2110 belongs is a closed curve obtained by rotating one circle around the rotation center of the ball joint 240 located behind the first curved side surface 2110 on the frame 210 as the center O1 and the horizontal distance from the rotation center of the ball joint 240 to the first curved side surface 210 as the first radius r1. The second circle C2 to which the second curved side surface 220 belongs has a second radius r2 greater than or equal to the first radius r1 of the first circle C1. Preferably, the first radius r1 and the second radius r2 are equal. The second circle C2 is a closed curve obtained by rotating one circle around the turning center (the rotation center of the ball joint located on the rear flip-panel sorting trolley to which the second column of the flip-panel sorting trolley is connected) of the rear end of the frame 210 when turning as the frame 210 does so as the center O2 and the horizontal distance from the turning center to the second curved side surface 220 as the second radius r2.

[0070] When this flap shape is used, if attached Figure 11 As shown, the first curved side 2110 of each of the flip plates 2100 fits with the second curved side 2120 of the flip plate 2100 in front of it, and the second curved side 2120 fits with the first curved side 2120 of the flip plate 2100 behind it. At this time, there is no gap between adjacent flip plates 2100, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of material jamming. At the same time, when a flip plate sorting trolley moves from the straight section of the circular track to the turning section to turn, the flip plate of the flip plate sorting trolley behind it located in the straight section will not interfere with the flip plate of the turning flip plate sorting trolley.

[0071] When the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are both arc-shaped, the arc lengths of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are different. Figure 10 , Attachment Figure 11 As shown, the arc length of the first curved side surface 2110 is greater than the arc length of the second curved side surface 2120 and their two ends intersect, the arc length of the first curved side surface 2110 is greater than the semicircular arc length of the first circle, and the arc length of the second curved side surface is less than the semicircular arc length of the second circle, so that the outer contour of the flap 2100 is crescent-shaped.

[0072] In another embodiment, as shown in the attached Figure 13 As shown, the arc length of the first curved side surface 2110 is greater than the arc length of the second curved side surface 2120, and their two ends do not intersect, the arc length of the first curved side surface 2110 is less than the semicircular arc length of the first circle, and the arc length of the second curved side surface 2120 is less than the semicircular arc length of the second circle, so that the outer contour of the flap is fan-shaped.

[0073] Of course, in other embodiments, such as the attached Figure 12 As shown, the arc lengths of the first arc-shaped side surface 2110 and the second arc-shaped side surface 2120 may also be the same. In this case, their arc lengths are less than the semicircular arc length of the first circle, and both ends thereof are flush, and their corresponding ends are connected by a vertical plane 2160 parallel to the supporting shaft 260.

[0074] Furthermore, in order to increase the bearing area of the flap, the items on the multiple flaps can be transported more stably at the circular track. Figure 13 -Attached Figure 15 As shown, in an embodiment where the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 of the flap 2100 are non-intersecting arcs and the arc lengths of both are less than the semicircular arc of the first circle, an extension section 2180 is further provided outside the connecting side surface 2170 at at least one end of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120. Preferably, the extension sections 2180 are symmetrically provided outside the connecting side surfaces 2170 at both ends of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120. The shape of the extension sections 2180 can be designed as needed, with the shape of the extension sections 2180 being such that two adjacent flaps do not interfere with each other when turning, and a certain gap is provided between the extension sections 2180 of two adjacent flaps.

[0075] As attached Figure 13 , Attachment Figure 14 As shown, when the outer contours of the first curved side surface 2110 and the second curved side surface 2120 are fan-shaped, the outer contour of the extension section 2180 is approximately U-shaped. Specifically, the extension section 2180 includes an end curved section 2181, a first curved extension section 2182 connecting the end curved section 2181 and the first curved side surface, and a second curved extension section 2182 connecting the end curved section 2181 and the second curved side surface. The horizontal distance from the rotation center of the ball joint to different positions of the first curved extension section 2182 increases or decreases, and the horizontal distance from the rotation center of the ball joint to the connecting end of the first curved extension section and the first curved side surface is the smallest and equal to the first radius. The horizontal distance from the turning rotation center to different positions of the second curved extension section increases or decreases, and the horizontal distance from the turning rotation center to the connecting end of the second curved extension section and the second curved side surface is the smallest and equal to the second radius.

[0076] As attached Figure 15 As shown, when the arc lengths of the first arc-shaped side surface 2110 and the second arc-shaped side surface 2120 are equal, the outer contour of the extension section 2180 can be a triangle, a trapezoid, a fan, or other feasible shapes.

[0077] As attached Figure 2As shown, the circular track 100 is also provided with a driving mechanism 300 for driving a circle of the flip-plate sorting trolleys 200 to move along the circular track 100. The driving mechanism 300 can adopt various feasible methods to drive a circle of the flip-plate sorting trolleys to rotate. In a feasible embodiment, a chain driving mechanism (not shown in the figure) can be used to drive, that is, a circle of the flip-plate sorting trolleys is connected to a chain, and the chain is mounted on two sprockets, one of which is connected to a motor that drives its rotation.

[0078] In another feasible embodiment, a friction drive structure (not shown in the figure) can be used for driving, that is, a friction plate is set on each flip-plate sorting trolley 200 (at the bottom of the frame), and the friction plate is set vertically. A friction wheel in contact with the friction plate is set on the circular track, and the axis of the friction wheel is also vertical. The friction wheel is driven to rotate by a motor with a fixed installation position, and the friction plate is driven to move by the friction force between the friction wheel and the friction plate. The structure of the friction drive structure that drives the friction plate to move can also adopt the structure disclosed in application No. 201811247583.2.

[0079] In another feasible embodiment, electromagnetic driving can also be used to achieve driving, that is, as shown in the attached Figure 16 As shown, a secondary plate 310 is provided on each of the flip-plate sorting carts 200 (at the bottom of the frame), and a linear motor 320 is provided on the circular track for electromagnetically driving the secondary plate to move linearly. The gap 330 is preferably , and the specific structure of the linear motor 320 is a known technology and will not be elaborated here.

[0080] In a more preferred embodiment, the secondary plate 320 is arranged horizontally, and a small gap 330 is maintained between the linear motor 320 and the secondary plate 310, which can better reduce the height of the device.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] This embodiment discloses a flip-plate sorting system, as shown in the attached Figure 17 As shown, it includes the flip-plate sorting device 1000 described in the above embodiment 1. The loop length of the flip-plate sorting device 1000 can be designed according to the needs of different application scenarios and is not limited here.

[0083] In some embodiments, the goods can be manually scanned and placed on the flip-plate sorting trolley of the flip-plate sorting device 1000. However, due to the large size and weight of some goods, manual loading is somewhat inconvenient. Although auxiliary equipment such as manually controlled balance cranes can be used to load the goods, the efficiency is low. Figure 17As shown, in a more preferred embodiment, a package supply platform 2000 and a sorting grid 3000 are further provided on the side of the circular track 200 .

[0084] The package supply platform 2000 is preferably located within a straight section of the flip-plate sorting device 1000 to ensure stable package supply. The specific structure of the package supply platform 2000 is conventional, typically employing a multi-stage conveyor structure with integrated weighing, body measurement, and barcode scanning capabilities, such as various known DWS package supply platforms, such as those disclosed in Application Nos. 201710511270.2 and 202010303866.5. In a more preferred embodiment, the package supply platform 2000 can be a known six-sided barcode scanning package supply line, such as that disclosed in Application No. 201922221682.X. At the package supply platform 2000, visual recognition can be used to determine the size (particularly maximum length) and status of the goods on the supply platform.

[0085] After determining the size and state of the goods, several flip-plate sorting trolleys 200 that can form a sufficiently large load-bearing surface can be reserved according to the size and state of the goods. Then, the supply platform 2000 controls the conveying parameters of its different sections to transport the goods to the reserved flip-plate sorting trolleys 200. In subsequent sorting, sorting can be completed by controlling the reserved flip-plate sorting trolleys 200 to start tilting in the same direction at the same time.

[0086] In another way, after the goods are supplied to the flip-type sorting device, it can be determined which flip-type sorting carts the goods occupy. Figure 18 As shown, an image acquisition device 4000 is further provided above the circular track 100 and located between the package supply platform 2000 and the sorting grid 3000. The lens of the image acquisition device 4000 is directed toward the flip plate. The image acquisition device 4000 acquires images, thereby determining the flip plate sorting trolley 200 occupied by the goods, thereby accurately controlling the synchronous movement of multiple flip plate sorting trolleys.

[0087] The sorting grid 3000 includes a chute, and a container or other conveying equipment can be set at the lower end of the chute, which can be designed according to needs. Of course, in some non-package sorting application fields, it is not necessary and can be omitted. In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in the attached Figure 17 As shown, at least one of the sorting openings 3000 is set as a forced discharge opening 3100. When the system has only one package supply platform 2000, the forced discharge opening 3100 is set as the sorting opening that the flip-plate sorting trolley 200 passes last. Figure 17 , Attachment Figure 18As shown, when the package supply platform 2000 in the system is set on both sides of two longer straight sections of the track, the forced discharge grid 3100 is set as the last sorting grid that the flip-plate sorting trolley 200 passes through in the straight section. When the goods miss the sorting grid or fail to obtain the route effectively, the goods will be discharged from the forced discharge grid to avoid occupying multiple flip-plate sorting trolleys and affecting the supply of subsequent goods.

[0088] When the entire system is working, the control device can be combined with various sensors to automatically control the loop operation, flip-plate sorting trolley, package supply table, and image acquisition device. The corresponding connection and communication structure are known technologies and will not be described here.

[0089] Example 3

[0090] This embodiment discloses a flip-plate sorting method, which includes at least the following steps:

[0091] S1, after the goods enter the packaging platform, at least the weight and target route (sorting grid location) of the goods are obtained.

[0092] S2, after the goods are moved onto the flip-plate sorting trolley, the top image of the flip-plate sorting trolley is collected by the image acquisition device, and the flip-plate sorting trolley occupied by the goods is analyzed and determined, and the position of the goods is tracked.

[0093] S3, when the goods follow the flip-plate sorting trolley to move to the target routing position, the motors of the multiple flip-plate sorting trolleys where the goods are located are started, driving the multiple flip plates to flip synchronously in the same direction to complete the sorting.

[0094] Example 4

[0095] This embodiment also discloses a flip-plate sorting method, which includes at least the following steps:

[0096] S10: The goods enter the packaging supply station, and the weight, target route, size and status of the goods on the packaging supply station are obtained. After determining the size and status of the goods, the number of flip-panel sorting carts required for the goods is determined at the packaging supply station (this number of flip-panel sorting carts can form a carrying surface no smaller than the size of the goods) and a corresponding number of flip-panel sorting carts are reserved.

[0097] S20: The package supply station delivers the goods to several reserved flip-panel sorting carts according to corresponding control parameters.

[0098] S30, when the goods follow the flip-plate sorting trolley to move to the target routing position, the motors of the multiple flip-plate sorting trolleys where the goods are located are started, driving the multiple flip plates to flip synchronously in the same direction to complete the sorting.

[0099] The present invention has multiple implementation modes, and all technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flip-plate sorting trolley, comprising a frame, the frame being provided with rollers and a flip plate rotatable relative to the frame, characterized in that: The frame is provided with a power source for driving the flap to rotate. The frame includes a first column and a second column connected together, the axes of the first column and the second column are parallel and they are arranged in an upper and lower position, the first ends of the first column and the second column maintain a distance from each other, and their second ends maintain a distance from each other; the first end of the second column is also provided with a ball joint, and the ball joint is fixed to the shaft set at the first end of the second column, and the second end of the second column is also provided with a screw hole for connecting the ball joint; a fixing seat is provided at the top of the first column, and a supporting shaft that can rotate and is perpendicular to the axis of the roller is horizontally provided on the fixing seat, and the supporting shaft is connected to a power source that drives its rotation and is provided with a flip member protruding above the fixing seat, and the top of the flip member is provided with the flip plate; the flip plate is connected to one end of the support member, and the other end of the support member is provided on the frame, and the support member rotates with the flip plate; The flap comprises at least a first arcuate side surface and a second arcuate side surface that protrude in the same direction and are distributed front to back, and the line connecting their vertices is their symmetry axis; The vertex of the first arcuate side extends beyond the front end of the first column, and the vertex of the second arcuate side is located in front of the rotation center of the ball joint; The first curved side surface and the second curved side surface are arcs, and the first radius of the first circle to which the first curved side surface belongs is equal to the second radius of the second circle to which the second curved side surface belongs; the first circle is a closed curve obtained by rotating one circle with the rotation center of a ball joint located on the frame behind the first curved side surface as the center of the circle and the horizontal distance from the rotation center of the ball joint to the first curved side surface as the first radius; the second circle is a closed curve obtained by rotating one circle with the turning rotation center around which the rear end of the frame turns when the frame turns as the center of the circle and the horizontal distance from the turning rotation center point to the second curved side surface as the second radius; Or the first curved side surface and the second curved side surface are elliptical arcs, the first curved side surface and the second curved side surface are a section including ends of two different ellipses, and the eccentricity of the first curved side surface is greater than the eccentricity of the second curved side surface.

2. The flip tray sorting trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first arc-shaped side surface and the second arc-shaped side surface are circular arcs and do not intersect with each other. An extension section is provided outside the connecting side surface at at least one end thereof.

3. The flip tray sorting trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that: A secondary plate is horizontally arranged at the bottom of the frame.

4. The flip tray sorting trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power source is a servo motor with a brake function.

5. A flip-plate sorting device, including a circular track, characterized in that: The annular track is provided with a circle of the flip-plate sorting trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a driving mechanism for driving the flip-plate sorting trolley to move.

6. The flip-plate sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first curved side surface of each flap is in contact with the second curved side surface of the flap in front of it, and the second curved side surface of each flap is in contact with the first curved side surface of the flap behind it.

7. The flip-plate sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The driving mechanism includes a linear motor that drives the secondary plate on the frame to move horizontally and linearly.

8. Flip-plate sorting system, characterized by: It comprises a flip-plate sorting device as described in any one of claims 5-7.

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