Packing system for cross belt sorters

Abstract

The present invention relates to a package collection system for a cross-belt sorting machine, comprising: a plurality of cache containers, a cache container supply line, a cache container return line, and a cache container filling line. Empty cache containers are transported to the cache container filling station on the cache container filling line through the cache container supply line. After the express parcels sorted by the corresponding grid chutes are collected, the express parcels in the corresponding cache containers are bagged through the bagging port via the cache container return line. Thus, the present invention temporarily stores the express parcels falling from the grid chutes through the plurality of cache containers, and then transports them to a fixed position for bagging, and the cache containers are recycled. The present invention provides a method of concentrating express parcels at the bagging port for packaging, eliminating the need for personnel to go back and forth to pack at the plurality of grid chutes. Only one or several personnel are required to operate at the bagging port, thereby reducing labor intensity and labor cost investment. Long-term use can significantly reduce the cost of transporting express parcels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of express delivery transfer equipment, and more particularly to a package collection system for a cross-belt sorting machine. Background Art

[0002] The use of cross-belt sorters in the express delivery industry has greatly improved the sorting efficiency of express parcels. As for the collection of packages in the sorter's grid chutes, since there are many grid chutes, each grid needs to be filled with bags for package collection. When the bags are full, personnel are required to handle them. Personnel often run back and forth between the chutes to collect packages, which consumes a lot of manpower costs.

[0003] Therefore, how to provide a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter to realize package collection automation is a problem that those skilled in the art urgently need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To this end, the purpose of the present invention is to propose a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter to solve the problem of low efficiency and high labor costs in manual package collection after express delivery sorting.

[0005] The present invention provides a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter, comprising:

[0006] Buffer containers, there are multiple buffer containers; used to collect, load and transfer express items falling from the chute of the cross-belt sorter;

[0007] A cache container supply line, wherein the front end of the cache container supply line has a cache container input end;

[0008] A buffer container return line, wherein the end of the buffer container return line has a bagging port;

[0009] Cache container filling lines, wherein there are multiple cache container filling lines, and the multiple cache container filling lines are located between the cache container supply line and the cache container return line, and their two ends are connected to the cache container supply line and the cache container return line in a one-to-one correspondence; the multiple cache container filling lines each have a cache container filling station, and the multiple cache container filling stations are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the bottom ends of the multiple grid chutes;

[0010] A control system is provided, wherein the control system is in communication with the sorting system on the cross-belt sorter, and the control system controls the empty cache containers to pass through the cache container input end and the cache container supply line in sequence to the cache container filling station on the cache container filling line, collects the express items sorted by the corresponding grid chute, and then passes the cache container return line through the bagging port to bag the express items in the corresponding cache container.

[0011] It can be seen from the above technical solutions that, compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses a packaging system for a cross-belt sorting machine, which is a packaging system based on a circulating line of a buffer container. Empty buffer containers are sequentially fed through the buffer container input end and the buffer container supply line to the buffer container filling station on the buffer container filling line. After collecting the express parcels sorted by the corresponding grid chutes, the express parcels in the corresponding buffer container are passed through the bagging port and bagged via the buffer container return line, thereby realizing the continuous transportation and packaging of the express parcels. Since there are many grid chutes on the cross-belt sorting machine, the packaging system for a cross-belt sorting machine provided by the present invention is used to concentrate the express parcels at the bagging port for packaging. There is no need for personnel to go back and forth between multiple grid chutes. Only one or several personnel are required to operate at the bagging port. The express parcels falling from the grid chutes are temporarily stored by multiple buffer containers and then transported to a fixed position for bagging. The buffer containers are recycled. This reduces the labor intensity and can reduce the investment in labor costs. Long-term use can significantly reduce the cost of transporting express parcels.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a cache container temporary storage line, the two ends of which are connected to the end of the cache container return line and the cache container input end. After the cache container is bagged through the bagging port at the end of the cache container return line, the cache container with the express items unloaded is circulated through the cache container temporary storage line to the cache container supply line, and the cache container input end has a cache container input port.

[0013] Furthermore, the cache container is a box-type structure, and the bottom of the box is provided with a discharge door which is hinged on one side and can be opened and closed on the opposite side.

[0014] Furthermore, the bagging port is a through hole vertically arranged at the end of the return line of the cache container. The through hole is a unloading channel for the express parcels in the cache container to fall. The open area at the top of the unloading channel is larger than the area of ​​the unloading door of the cache container, and smaller than the area of ​​the area surrounded by the outermost side end of the cache container.

[0015] Furthermore, a bagging machine or express delivery storage mechanism is provided at the bottom of the discharge channel.

[0016] Furthermore, the cache container has a label that identifies the identity of the cache container, and the cache container supply line, cache container return line, cache container filling line and bagging port are all provided with reading devices for reading the cache container identity label. The control system identifies the identity of the cache container by connecting to the reading device.

[0017] Furthermore, the cache container supply line, the cache container return line, the cache container filling line and the cache container temporary storage line are one or more combinations of belt conveyor lines, roller conveyor lines, double-speed chain conveyor lines and rifle wheel conveyor lines.

[0018] Furthermore, the connection positions of the cache container supply line, the cache container return line, the cache container filling line and the cache container temporary storage line are provided with a reversing mechanism for changing the cache container line.

[0019] Furthermore, the cache container supply line, the cache container return line, the cache container filling line and the cache container temporary storage line all have a positioning mechanism for positioning the cache container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 The accompanying drawing is an overall schematic diagram of the package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of a cache container;

[0023] Figure 3 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 The accompanying drawing shows a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter provided by the present invention;

[0029] In the figure: 1-grid chute, 2-cache container filling line, 3-cache container, 31-unloading door, 4-cache container supply line, 5-cache container return line, 6-bagging port, 61-unloading channel, 7-cache container temporary storage line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0033] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0034] Since there are many slots on the cross-belt sorter, personnel need to repeatedly collect express parcels at multiple slots, which consumes a lot of manpower. Therefore, the present invention provides a package collection system for a cross-belt sorter. The cross-belt sorter has multiple slots 1 for sorting express parcels. See the attached Figure 1-8, at least in one embodiment, it includes: multiple cache containers 3 for collecting, loading and transferring express items falling from the chute of the cross-belt sorting machine, and there are multiple cache containers 3; a cache container supply line 4, and the front end of the cache container supply line 4 has a cache container input end; a cache container return line 5, and the end of the cache container return line 5 has a bagging port 6; a cache container filling line 2, and there are multiple cache container filling lines 2, and the multiple cache container filling lines 2 are located between the cache container supply line 4 and the cache container return line 5, and their two ends are connected to the cache container supply line 4 and the cache container one by one. The device returns line 5; each of the multiple cache container filling lines 2 has a cache container filling station, and the multiple cache container filling stations are arranged one-to-one corresponding to the bottom ends of the multiple grid chutes 1; the control system, the control system is communicated with the sorting system on the express sorting machine, and the control system controls the empty cache containers 3 to pass through the cache container input end through the cache container supply line 4 to the cache container filling station on the cache container filling line 2 in turn, collects the express items sorted by the corresponding grid chute 1, and then bags the express items in the corresponding cache container 3 through the bagging port 6 via the cache container return line 5.

[0035] The present invention discloses a packaging collection system for a cross-belt sorting machine. Empty buffer containers are sequentially fed through a buffer container input end via a buffer container supply line to a buffer container filling station on a buffer container filling line. After collecting the express parcels sorted by the corresponding compartment chutes, the express parcels in the corresponding buffer containers are passed through a bagging port via a buffer container return line and bagged, thereby achieving continuous transportation and packaging of the express parcels. Since there are many compartment chutes on the express parcel sorting machine, the packaging collection system for a cross-belt sorting machine provided by the present invention is used to concentrate the express parcels at the bagging port for packaging, thereby reducing labor intensity and labor cost investment. Long-term use can significantly reduce the cost of transporting express parcels.

[0036] Advantageously, in one embodiment of the present invention, the package collection system for the cross-belt sorter further includes a buffer container temporary storage line 7, the two ends of which are connected to the end of the buffer container return line 5 and the buffer container input end. After the buffer container 3 is bagged through the bagging port 6 at the end of the buffer container return line 5, the buffer container 3 with the express items unloaded is circulated through the buffer container temporary storage line 7 to the buffer container supply line 4, and the buffer container input end has a buffer container input port. When the package collection system is started, an empty buffer container can be placed at the buffer container input port first, and the empty buffer container can be filled on the buffer container supply line. Alternatively, an empty buffer container can be added when there is a shortage of empty buffer containers during the process. After the full buffer container is unloaded at the bagging port, it is returned to the buffer container supply line through the buffer container temporary storage line to ensure the supply of empty buffer containers.

[0037] In the present invention, the cache container can be a box, tank, barrel, frame or other structures, but is not limited to the above structures. Any container can be used for temporary caching of express parcels falling from the chute of the cross-belt sorting machine as long as it can be used.

[0038] See attached Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the buffer container 3 is a box structure, and a discharge door 31 is provided at the bottom of the box body, which is hinged on one side and can be opened and closed on the opposite side. The bagging port 6 is a through hole vertically arranged at the end of the return line 5 of the buffer container. The through hole is a discharge channel 61 for the express parcels in the buffer container 3 to fall. The top open area of ​​the discharge channel 61 is larger than the area of ​​the discharge door of the buffer container 3, and smaller than the area of ​​the area surrounded by the outermost side end of the buffer container 3. In this way, it is ensured that the full buffer container moves to the bagging port. Since the bottom of the discharge door loses its support, the discharge door opens under the action of gravity, and the express parcels enter the discharge channel.

[0039] Preferably, the hinged side of the unloading door is on the side of the forward direction. After the door is opened to unload materials, the unloading door automatically closes during the forward movement of the buffer container.

[0040] In the present invention, a bagging machine or express delivery collection mechanism is provided at the bottom of the material discharge channel 61. The express delivery collection mechanism can utilize the express delivery collection system disclosed in patent document CN209720071U. By engaging a first magnetic element with a second magnetic element, the collection bags can be assembled, eliminating the need for tying the bags and effectively improving collection efficiency. Alternatively, an existing bagging machine can be used for direct bagging.

[0041] In the present invention, the number and arrangement of the buffer container supply line 4, the buffer container return line 5, the buffer container filling line 2 and the buffer container temporary storage line 7 are selected according to actual conditions, such as Figure 3 A single-supply and single-return packaging system is presented; Figure 4 A single supply and double return packaging system is given in Figure 5 A dual-supply and dual-return packaging system is proposed. Figure 6 A dual-supply single-return packaging system is proposed. Figure 7 A dual supply and dual return packaging system is provided. Figure 5 The difference between the embodiments given is that the supply line and the return line are arranged at different positions, and thus the bagging port can be set as one or two; Figure 8 A single supply and single return packaging system is provided. Figure 3 The embodiment described above differs in that the supply line is arranged circumferentially around the return line, so only one temporary storage line is required. The arrangement of the lines in the packaging system is diverse, and the above embodiment does not constitute a limitation of this solution.

[0042] In the present invention, the cache container supply line 4, the cache container return line 5, the cache container filling line 2 and the cache container temporary storage line 7 are one or more combinations of conveying methods such as belt conveyor line, roller conveyor line, double-speed chain conveyor line, and rifle wheel conveyor line.

[0043] A reversing mechanism for switching buffer containers 3 is provided at the connection points between the buffer container supply line 4, the buffer container return line 5, the buffer container filling line 2, and the buffer container temporary storage line 7. A reversing mechanism can be used to allow fully loaded buffer containers 3 to be moved and switched between the buffer container filling line 2 and the buffer container return line 5, and empty buffer containers 3 to be moved and switched between the buffer container supply line 4 and the buffer container filling line 2. There are various types of reversing mechanisms, such as the tilting roller method used in the prior art, which can gradually tilt the buffer containers from a straight path to a path at a set angle. Alternatively, pneumatic or hydraulic pusher mechanisms can be provided on both sides of the transport line to push the buffer containers to corresponding positions.

[0044] More advantageously, the reversing mechanism is a steering wheel assembly. Patent document CN109550699A discloses a steering wheel sorter primarily composed of a fixed frame, a fixed support base, a steering wheel module, an upper thrust bearing, a lower radial bearing, a servo motor, a transverse power rod, and longitudinal connecting rods. The steering wheel assembly comprises a steering wheel body, a winding coil, and a permanent magnet. The steering wheel body, the winding coil, and the permanent magnet together form a brushless DC structure. The servo motor features high speed and high control accuracy, reducing the stopping position error of the steering wheel module and improving the steering control accuracy of the steering wheel module. Utilizing the brushless DC principle, the steering wheel module achieves high-speed rotation with low noise, thereby improving sorting efficiency. The steering wheel assembly, comprising at least the steering wheel body, the winding coil, and the permanent magnet, works in conjunction with the servo motor. It is used to sort items from the main line to the branch line at a 30° or 45° angle. It can sort items unidirectionally, either left or right, achieving extremely high sorting efficiency. In the present invention, steering wheel mechanisms can be set at equal intervals on the buffer container supply line 4 and the buffer container return line 5 to achieve the movement of the buffer containers to the left or right. Obviously, the buffer container supply line 4 and the buffer container return line 5 can also directly use steering wheel sorters to meet the buffer container line change. The main line uses a belt conveyor, roller conveyor, or ball module belt conveyor, and the steering wheel group is independently embedded in the main line. The power drive is divided into active and passive types, and the steering drive is pneumatic or electromagnetic. The characteristics of this design method are that it can accurately and smoothly track the conveyed items and can conveniently set the reversing position anywhere on both sides of the conveyor line.

[0045] In the present invention, the buffer container supply line 4, the buffer container return line 5, the buffer container filling line 2, and the buffer container temporary storage line 7 all have positioning mechanisms for positioning the buffer container 3. The positioning mechanisms can be, for example, hydraulic cylinders that utilize telescopic limiting of the cylinder body, or movable limiting members that limit the position of the buffer container, so that the buffer container does not tilt or fall over at the location where it needs to be fixed.

[0046] The cache container 3 of the present invention has a label that identifies the identity of the cache container. The cache container supply line 4, the cache container return line 5, the cache container filling line 2 and the bagging port 6 are all provided with a reading device for reading the cache container identity label. The control system is connected to the reading device, wherein the label can be one or more combinations of RFID electronic tags, barcode labels, and QR code labels. The present invention reads the label on the cache container through the reading device, writes (or matches and determines) the large package information, etc. through the control system, and after the control system receives the full package signal provided by the cross-belt sorting system, it feeds back a stop drop signal to the cross-belt sorting system, and at the same time starts the cache container filling line to guide the fully loaded cache container into the cache container return line, and at the same time, the empty cache container is introduced from the cache container supply line to the cache container filling line. When the cache container arrives at the filling station, the control system feeds back an in-place signal to the cross-belt sorting system. After the sorting system of the sorting machine receives the in-place signal, it starts dropping and filling.

[0047] Specific process:

[0048] 1. Place the buffer container at the buffer container inlet. The control system controls the motor to drive the belt, roller, speed chain or rifle wheel to rotate, automatically guiding the buffer container to the buffer container supply line.

[0049] 2. The buffer container is transported on the buffer container supply line;

[0050] 3. The control system confirms that there is a vacant position on the buffer container filling line through the sensor on the filling line, and the buffer container on the buffer container supply line will be guided to the buffer container filling line through the reversing mechanism;

[0051] 4. When the buffer container is in place at the buffer container filling station of the buffer container filling line (a limit sensor can be set for detection), the control system sends a signal to the cross-belt sorter sorting system, and the cross-belt sorter starts and begins to drop and fill;

[0052] 5. When the express items in the buffer container arrive at the designated location, the photoelectric trigger of the sorting machine chute at the sorting machine opening stops loading and sends a signal to the control system at the same time.

[0053] 6. After receiving the stop loading feedback signal from the sorting system of the cross-belt sorter, the control system writes the large package information into the buffer container through the label on the buffer container, or confirms the large package information according to the label on the buffer container and the information in the control system.

[0054] 7. The control system starts the buffer container filling line to guide the full buffer container to the buffer container return line, and at the same time guides the empty buffer container from the supply line to the buffer container filling line, and repeats step 3;

[0055] 8. The buffer container filled with express parcels passes through the return line and enters the bagging port. The discharge door at the bottom of the buffer container opens, and the express parcels pass through the discharge channel and enter the bagging machine or express parcel storage mechanism;

[0056] 9. When the express package is full, the reader at the bagging port obtains the label on the buffer container to obtain the package information, prints the relevant label through the printing device, and then sticks it on the storage bag;

[0057] 10. The sealed storage bags with the information of the large package are imported into the subsequent loading line for loading;

[0058] 11. The empty cache container re-enters the cache container supply line through the cache container temporary storage line; then repeat step 2.

[0059] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. The package collection system used on the cross belt sorter is characterized by: include: A cache container (3), wherein the cache container (3) is a plurality of cache containers; and is used for collecting, loading, and transferring express items dropped from the chute (1) of the cross-belt sorting machine; A cache container supply line (4), wherein the front end of the cache container supply line (4) has a cache container input end; A buffer container return line (5), wherein the end of the buffer container return line (5) has a bagging port (6); A cache container filling line (2), wherein the cache container filling lines (2) are multiple, and the multiple cache container filling lines (2) are located between the cache container supply line (4) and the cache container return line (5), and the two ends thereof are connected to the cache container supply line (4) and the cache container return line (5) in a one-to-one correspondence; each of the multiple cache container filling lines (2) has a cache container filling station, and the multiple cache container filling stations are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the bottom ends of the multiple grid chutes (1); A control system, wherein the control system is in communication with the sorting system on the cross-belt sorter, wherein the empty buffer container (3) passes through the buffer container input end, the buffer container supply line (4) and the buffer container filling station on the buffer container filling line (2) in sequence, collects the express items sorted by the corresponding grid chute (1), and then bags the express items in the corresponding buffer container (3) through the bagging port (6) via the buffer container return line (5); It also includes a cache container temporary storage line (7), the two ends of which are connected to the end of the cache container return line (5) and the cache container input end. After the cache container (3) is bagged through the bagging port (6) at the end of the cache container return line (5), the cache container (3) with the express items unloaded is circulated and transported to the cache container supply line (4) through the cache container temporary storage line (7). The cache container input end has a cache container input port. The buffer container (3) is a box-type structure, and the bottom of the box is provided with a discharge door (31) which is hinged on one side and can be opened and closed on the opposite side; The cache container supply line (4), the cache container return line (5), the cache container filling line (2) and the cache container temporary storage line (7) are one or more combinations of conveying modes such as belt conveyor lines, roller conveyor lines, double-speed chain conveyor lines and rifle wheel conveyor lines.

2. The package collection system for a cross-belt sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bagging port (6) is a through hole vertically arranged at the end of the return line (5) of the buffer container. The through hole is a discharge channel (61) for the express parcels in the buffer container (3) to fall down. The top opening area of ​​the discharge channel (61) is larger than the area of ​​the discharge door of the buffer container (3) and smaller than the area of ​​the area surrounded by the outermost side end of the buffer container (3).

3. The package collection system for a cross-belt sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that: A bagging machine or a courier receiving mechanism is provided at the bottom of the discharge channel (61).

4. The package collection system for a cross-belt sorter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The cache container (3) has a label for identifying the identity of the cache container. The cache container supply line (4), the cache container return line (5), the cache container filling line (2) and the bagging port (6) are all provided with a reading device for reading the cache container identity label. The control system performs identity recognition on the cache container (3) through the reading device.

5. The package collection system for a cross-belt sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection position between the cache container supply line (4), the cache container return line (5), the cache container filling line (2) and the cache container temporary storage line (7) is provided with a reversing mechanism for changing the line of the cache container (3).

6. The package collection system for a cross-belt sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cache container supply line (4), the cache container return line (5), the cache container filling line (2) and the cache container temporary storage line (7) all have positioning mechanisms for positioning the cache container (3).

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