Apparatus and method for automatic separation of mail sacks and pallets

Abstract

The application discloses a device and method for automatically separating mail bags and trays, comprising a frame, one side of the frame in the width direction is provided with a sliding groove, a plurality of rotating bearing units for conveying trays and / or trays carrying mail bags are horizontally arranged along the length direction on the frame above the sliding groove, a servo swing mechanism is fixed on the frame at the rear end of each rotating bearing unit, the servo swing mechanism is connected with the rotating bearing unit for driving the rotating bearing unit to overturn by 90 DEG to separate the mail bags and the trays. Compared with the prior art, the minimum pitch of the rotating bearing body is reduced, the return time is earlier, the access pitch of the next tray is reduced, the overall efficiency is effectively improved, the basis for faster overturning and return speed is provided, the rotating bearing unit is driven to high-speed overturn by the servo electric cylinder, the overturning and return speed is effectively improved, and the impact and wear are reduced through the planning of the motion curve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics conveying and sorting, and in particular to a device and method for automatically separating mailbags and pallets. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of e-commerce and the continuous advancement of the Internet of Things, the daily volume of various postal parcels, express packages, and e-commerce items is constantly increasing, leading to a sharp increase in sorting workload. However, due to limitations in parcel volume, space, and cost, current secondary and tertiary sorting centers cannot fully achieve intelligent sorting and still rely mainly on traditional manual sorting. Traditional manual sorting requires workers to pick up and scan parcels from conveyor belts, then stack them into pallets before conveying them to the next level of equipment, and finally separate the parcels from the pallets and pack them for processing.

[0003] Currently, the logistics conveying and sorting field is gradually developing towards automation and intelligence, demanding less human intervention and higher efficiency throughout the entire conveying and sorting process. Existing mailbag pallet conveying and sorting equipment is mostly semi-automatic and manually operated, unable to completely eliminate manual intervention. While some imported equipment can achieve fully automated, unmanned operation, its outdated technology, primarily relying on static flipping or full-pitch dynamic separation, results in low efficiency and struggles to meet the ever-increasing production demands. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a device and method for automatically separating mailbags and pallets.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented according to the following technical solution: The first objective of this invention is to provide a device for automatically separating mailbags and pallets, comprising a frame, a chute on one side of the frame in the width direction, and a plurality of rotating support units arranged in a linear array along the length direction on the frame above the chute for conveying pallets and / or pallets carrying mailbags. A servo swing mechanism is fixed on the frame at the rear end of each rotating support unit, and the servo swing mechanism is connected to the rotating support unit for driving the rotating support unit to rotate 90° to separate the mailbags and pallets.

[0006] Specifically, the rotating bearing unit includes a rotating bearing main frame, L-shaped side baffle frames symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating bearing main frame, and a belt conveyor mechanism arranged on the upper bottom surface of the rotating bearing main frame. Several side guide wheels are rotatably installed on the side wall of the L-shaped side baffle frame.

[0007] Furthermore, the belt conveyor mechanism is configured as two, symmetrically installed inside the rotating bearing main frame, to support the bottom sides of the pallet.

[0008] Furthermore, the belt conveyor mechanism includes a frame, a drive roller and a driven roller disposed within the frame, and a conveyor belt connected to the drive roller and the driven roller, wherein the drive roller is an electric roller.

[0009] Preferably, the servo swing mechanism is a servo electric cylinder, and the push rod of the servo electric cylinder is connected to the rotating bearing main frame through a connecting rod.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner wall of the L-shaped side baffle frame is provided with a photoelectric sensor for detecting the dynamic position of the tray. The frame is also provided with a main control chip connected to the photoelectric sensor and the servo swing mechanism. The photoelectric sensor detects the dynamic position of the tray and notifies the servo swing mechanism to perform segmented flipping and return of the rotating bearing unit, thereby achieving dynamic high-speed separation.

[0011] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for automatically separating mailbags and pallets, using the aforementioned device for automatically separating mailbags and pallets, the specific steps of which are as follows: S1. The main control chip controls all rotating load-bearing units to maintain a horizontal state, and the pallet carrying the mailbag is ready to enter the first rotating load-bearing unit. S2. After the tail of the pallet carrying the mailbag enters the first rotating bearing unit, the main control chip controls all rotating bearing units to flip downwards by 90° simultaneously, and the mailbag is separated from the pallet. S3. The pallet is transported forward in a flipped state, and the rotating load-bearing unit that leaves the rear of the pallet is controlled by the main control chip to return to a horizontal state. S4. After the mailbag enters the chute, the main control chip controls the remaining rotating bearing unit to return to a horizontal state. S5. The main control chip controls all rotating load-bearing units to return to a horizontal state, and the next pallet carrying mailbags is ready to enter the first rotating load-bearing unit. S6. After the tail of the next pallet carrying the mailbag enters the first rotating carrier unit, the main control chip controls the rotating carrier unit with only the pallet in front to maintain a horizontal state for transmission. S7. Repeat steps S3-S5.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. This invention reduces the minimum pitch of the rotating bearing body, allowing for earlier return time, thereby reducing the entry pitch of the next pallet and effectively improving overall efficiency. 2. The use of an electric roller as the power source and the modular design facilitate maintenance while reducing the weight and space requirements of the rotating load-bearing unit, thus providing a foundation for faster flipping and return speeds.

[0013] 3. The rotary bearing unit is driven by a servo electric cylinder to rotate at high speed, which effectively improves the speed of rotation and return. At the same time, the impact and wear are reduced by planning the motion curve. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main module of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating bearing body of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-belt conveyor mechanism module of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control strategy of the present invention.

[0018] In the figure: 1. Frame, 2. Servo swing mechanism, 3. Rotary bearing unit, 4. Slide, 31. L-shaped side baffle frame, 32. Rotary bearing main frame, 33. Belt conveyor mechanism, 34. Side guide wheel, 35. Photoelectric sensor, 331. Drive roller, 332. Belt, 333. Driven roller, 334. Frame. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0020] Example 1 Figure 1 As shown, an automatic separation device for mailbags and pallets includes a frame. A chute 1 is provided on one side of the frame in the width direction. Several rotating support units 3, arranged in a linear array along the length direction on the frame above the chute 1, are used to transport pallets and / or pallets carrying mailbags. A servo swing mechanism 2 is fixed on the frame at the rear end of each rotating support unit 3. The servo swing mechanism 2 is connected to the rotating support unit 3 and is used to drive the rotating support unit 3 to rotate 90° to separate the mailbags and pallets. In some embodiments, the servo swing mechanism 2 is a servo electric cylinder. The top rod of the servo electric cylinder is connected to the rotating support main frame 32 through a connecting rod (not shown in the figure). The rotating support main frame 32 is mainly driven by a servo motor to drive the connecting rod and thus drive the rotating support main frame 32 to rotate.

[0021] like Figure 2As shown, the rotating bearing unit 3 includes a rotating bearing main frame 32, L-shaped side baffle frames 31 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the rotating bearing main frame 32, and a belt conveyor mechanism 33 disposed on the upper bottom surface of the rotating bearing main frame 32. There are two belt conveyor mechanisms 33, which are symmetrically installed inside the rotating bearing main frame 32 to support the bottom sides of the pallet. The two belt conveyor mechanisms 33 drive the pallet to be transported at high speed in the horizontal direction. The L-shaped side baffle frames 31 are used to restrict the movement of the pallet in the space between the two L-shaped side baffle frames 31. Several side guide wheels 34 are rotatably installed on the side walls of the L-shaped side baffle frames 31. The side guide wheels 34 on both sides can ensure that the pallet is centered and stable during the transmission process, and at the same time provide lateral guidance for the pallet during the flipping transmission process.

[0022] When the pallet carrying mailbags enters the flipping range via the belt conveyor 33, the servo swing mechanism 2 causes the rotating bearing unit 3 to flip rapidly by 90° via the linkage. At this time, the pallet carrying mailbags changes from a horizontal state to a 90° flipped state, and the mailbags will automatically fall off the pallet. After falling off, the mailbags slide out through the chute 1, and the empty pallet continues to be transported to the outlet by the belt conveyor 33. At the same time, the rotating bearing unit 3 returns to its horizontal state so that the next pallet carrying mailbags can enter again.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the belt conveyor mechanism 33 includes a frame 334, an active roller 331 and a driven roller 333 disposed within the frame 334, and a conveyor belt 332 connected to the active roller 331 and the driven roller 333. The active roller 331 is an electric roller, which is modularly designed for easy disassembly and maintenance.

[0024] To achieve automated control, the inner wall of the L-shaped side baffle frame 31 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 4 for detecting the dynamic position of the tray. The frame is also provided with a main control chip connected to the photoelectric sensor 4 and the servo electric cylinder of the servo swing mechanism 2 (it should be noted that the control program in the main control chip is a conventional operating program in the field, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment). The photoelectric sensor 4 detects the dynamic position of the tray and notifies the servo electric cylinder to perform segmented flipping and return of the rotating bearing unit 3, thereby achieving dynamic high-speed separation.

[0025] Example 2 (refer to) Figures 1-3 Based on the aforementioned device for automatically separating mailbags and pallets, a method for automatically separating mailbags and pallets is also provided, the specific steps of which are as follows: S1. The main control chip controls all rotating load-bearing units 3 to maintain a horizontal state, and the tray carrying the mailbag is ready to enter the first rotating load-bearing unit 3. S2. After the tail of the pallet carrying the mailbag enters the first rotating support unit 3, the main control chip controls all rotating support units 3 to flip downwards by 90° simultaneously, and the mailbag is separated from the pallet. S3. The pallet is transported forward in a flipped state, and the rotating bearing unit 3, which controls the rear of the pallet to leave the horizontal state, is restored by the main control chip. S4. After the mailbag enters the chute, the main control chip controls the remaining rotating bearing unit 3 to return to a horizontal state. S5. The main control chip controls all rotating load-bearing units 3 to return to the horizontal state, and the next pallet carrying mailbags is ready to enter the first rotating load-bearing unit 3. S6. After the tail of the next pallet carrying the mailbag enters the first rotating carrier unit 3, the main control chip controls the rotating carrier unit 3, which only has the pallet in front, to maintain a horizontal state for transmission. S7. Repeat steps S3-S5.

[0026] Under the above control strategy, such as Figure 4 As shown, the separation process can be roughly divided into the following stages: Status 1: All rotating load-bearing units are in a horizontal position, and the pallet containing mailbags is ready to enter; State 2: After the rear of the pallet enters, all rotating load-bearing units flip simultaneously; State 3: The pallet is transported forward while tilted, and the rotating load-bearing unit that left its tail returns to its original position; State 4: Continues from State 3, and the remaining rotating bearing unit returns to its original position after the mailbag enters the chute laterally; Status 5: All rotating load-bearing units have returned to their original positions, and the next pallet is ready to enter; State 6: Continuing from State 2, the rotating load-bearing unit with the pallet maintains a horizontal transport state; State 7: Repeat states 3, 4, and 5, then return to state 2.

[0027] Through the above operations, the automatic separation of mailbags and pallets can be achieved continuously.

[0028] The technical solutions of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any technical modifications made in accordance with the technical solutions of the present invention fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatically separating mailbags and trays, characterized in that, An automatic separation device for mailbags and pallets is employed. This device includes a frame with a chute on one side of its width. Above the chute, a plurality of rotating support units, arranged in a linear array along the length of the frame, are used to transport pallets and / or pallets carrying mailbags. A servo swing mechanism is fixed to the rear end of each rotating support unit, connected to the rotating support unit to drive it to rotate 90° to separate the mailbags and pallets. Each rotating support unit includes a main rotating support frame, L-shaped side baffle frames symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main rotating support frame, and a belt conveyor mechanism located on the upper bottom surface of the main rotating support frame. Several side guide wheels are rotatably mounted on the sidewalls of the L-shaped side baffle frames. A photoelectric sensor for detecting the dynamic position of the pallet is located on the inner wall of the L-shaped side baffle frames. A main control chip connected to the photoelectric sensor and the servo swing mechanism is also mounted on the frame. The photoelectric sensor detects the dynamic position of the pallet and instructs the servo swing mechanism to perform segmented rotation and return of the rotating support unit, thereby achieving dynamic high-speed separation. The specific steps of the method for separating mailbags and pallets are as follows: S1. The main control chip controls all rotating load-bearing units to maintain a horizontal state, and the pallet carrying the mailbag is ready to enter the first rotating load-bearing unit. S2. After the tail of the pallet carrying the mailbag enters the first rotating bearing unit, the main control chip controls all rotating bearing units to flip downwards by 90° simultaneously, and the mailbag is separated from the pallet. S3. The pallet is transported forward in a flipped state, and the rotating load-bearing unit that leaves the rear of the pallet is controlled by the main control chip to return to a horizontal state. S4. After the mailbag enters the chute, the main control chip controls the remaining rotating bearing units to return to a horizontal state. S5. The main control chip controls all rotating load-bearing units to return to a horizontal state, and the next pallet carrying mailbags is ready to enter the first rotating load-bearing unit. S6. After the tail of the next pallet carrying the mailbag enters the first rotating carrier unit, the main control chip controls the rotating carrier unit with only the pallet in front to maintain a horizontal state for transmission. S7. Repeat steps S3-S6.

2. The method for automatically separating mailbags and trays according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two belt conveyor mechanisms are provided, symmetrically installed inside the rotating load-bearing main frame, to support the bottom sides of the pallet.

3. The method for automatically separating mailbags and trays according to claim 1, characterized in that: The belt conveyor mechanism includes a frame, a drive roller and a driven roller disposed within the frame, and a conveyor belt connected to the drive roller and the driven roller. The drive roller is an electric roller.

4. The method for automatically separating mailbags and trays according to claim 1, characterized in that: The servo swing mechanism is a servo electric cylinder, and the push rod of the servo electric cylinder is connected to the rotating load-bearing main frame through a connecting rod.

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