Variable slot chute device and control system for high-speed sorting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a variable grid chute device of a high-speed sorting system and its control system, comprising a high-speed sorting line; a chute plate for leading out goods separated on the high-speed sorting line; a plurality of fixed grid modules; a discharge port; a plurality of variable grid modules, corresponding to the number of fixed grid modules, and controllably rotatably connected to the ends of each fixed grid module facing the high-speed sorting line. The present invention has a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. By setting a fixed grid module and a variable grid module, wherein the swing arm unit of the variable grid module moves at a certain angle, the discharge port width is increased at zero time, thereby achieving precise dropping of goods. The control system can send and receive control signals to control the equipment. In the present invention, each discharge port can be controlled individually, and each discharge port can realize multiple mode switching. Adjacent discharge ports can be unaffected, with clear logic and fast response speed. By changing the grid width, packages can be effectively prevented from entering adjacent discharge ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sorting systems, in particular to a variable slot chute device and a control system thereof for a high-speed sorting system. Background Art

[0002] Sorting systems are the primary system for cargo distribution in the logistics industry. They sort goods to their intended destinations, ensuring they are delivered as quickly as possible. The scoop mechanism is the primary mechanism in the sorting system that guides cargo into bulk bags. It works in conjunction with the sorting line.

[0003] At present, ordinary fixed grids have the following disadvantages:

[0004] When the sorting line is running at low speed, the opening width of the normal slot can meet the parabolic trajectory of the slow-moving goods due to the low speed of the goods. However, when the sorting line is running at high speed, the speed of the goods increases and the parabolic trajectory is longer. The normal slot width can no longer meet the requirements, and the goods are prone to enter the wrong adjacent slot, which will lead to the wrong sorting state, resulting in reduced sorting efficiency and sorting success rate.

[0005] The space utilization rate of ordinary feeding ports is not high. If the width of the feeding port is increased, the number of feeding ports that can be arranged with the same width will be reduced, which reduces the overall space utilization rate of the system.

[0006] To this end, we propose a variable slot chute device and its control system for a high-speed sorting system. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the shortcomings of the above-mentioned existing production technology, the applicant provides a variable grid chute device and its control system for a high-speed sorting system, thereby achieving the change of grid width, which can effectively prevent packages from entering adjacent discharge ports. At the same time, each discharge port can be controlled individually, and each discharge port can achieve multiple mode switching, and adjacent discharge ports will not be affected. The logic is clear and the response speed is fast.

[0008] The technical solutions adopted in the present invention are as follows:

[0009] The variable slot chute device of the high-speed sorting system includes:

[0010] High-speed sorting lines, used to drive the movement of goods and actively separate the goods carried;

[0011] The chute plates are mirror-imaged and tilted on both sides of the high-speed sorting line to guide the separated goods out of the high-speed sorting line;

[0012] Multiple fixed slot modules are fixed on the chute plate in parallel and equidistantly, with the openings perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line, to provide guidance for the falling of goods;

[0013] The unloading port is set between two adjacent fixed grid modules and is used to receive the goods dropped from the high-speed sorting line;

[0014] Multiple variable grid modules correspond to the number of fixed grid modules and are controllably connected to the ends of the fixed grid modules facing the high-speed sorting line. The variable grid modules are controlled to have two position relationships: an initial position and a vertical position. They are used to control the unloading, locking and closing of the corresponding unloading port, as well as to change the material receiving angle of the corresponding unloading port and the two adjacent unloading ports.

[0015] It is further characterized by:

[0016] The high-speed sorting line is one of a high-speed cross belt, a high-speed linear machine or a high-speed narrow belt machine. The high-speed sorting line can move independently, and the high-speed sorting line is composed of multiple independent units. Each independent unit can drive the goods to move in a straight line and can provide the goods with power perpendicular to the direction of movement, thereby providing power for the separation of the goods.

[0017] The entrance and exit sides of the chute plate are respectively connected to an entrance chute plate and an exit fixed grid module which are distributed in parallel with the fixed grid module, and the entrance chute plate is deflected toward the direction of the goods, and the exit fixed grid module is perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line.

[0018] Each of the discharge ports is equipped with a locking button and a full bag sensor for controlling the rotation and locking of the corresponding discharge port by the plurality of variable grid modules.

[0019] The variable grid module includes a power module unit and a swing arm unit installed on the output shaft of the power module unit, wherein the power module unit is one of hydraulic, pneumatic, electric roller or servo motor, which can provide rotational power. The swing arm unit has a triangular pyramid structure, with a wider fixed end and a narrower movable end.

[0020] The fixed grid module is provided with a mechanical limit block for providing mechanical limit and zero position finding for the variable grid module, and the non-swinging arm unit rotates naturally under the action of gravity to provide a limit effect when no force is applied.

[0021] The initial position is when the swing arm unit is deflected toward the direction of incoming goods; the vertical position is when the swing arm unit is perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line. The deflection angle of the swing arm unit toward the direction of incoming goods in the initial position is determined according to the goods conveying speed and the mechanical limit block.

[0022] The unloading state of the unloading port: the one of the two swing arm units corresponding to the unloading port that is closer to the incoming direction of the goods is in the initial position, while the other swing arm unit is in the vertical position, maximizing the material receiving angle while reducing the material receiving angles of the two adjacent unloading ports;

[0023] The discharge port is closed and locked: the two swing arm units corresponding to the discharge port, the swing arm unit close to the direction of the goods is in a vertical position, and the other swing arm unit is in the initial position, with no material receiving angle, and at the same time, the material receiving angles of the two adjacent discharge ports are expanded.

[0024] The control system includes five working mode controls, including:

[0025] Initial mode control: This state is the initial position of the variable slot module just before unloading, and the swing arm unit is biased towards the direction of incoming goods;

[0026] Blanking mode control: This state is the working state of the variable slot module when blanking. The power module unit provides swing power to the swing arm unit. The swing arm unit is in a vertical position. When the swing arm unit stops swinging, the power module unit continues to provide energy to the swing arm unit.

[0027] Locking mode control: In this mode, the variable slot module is shut down or frozen; the swing arm unit on the right side of the material discharge port is in the initial position, and the swing arm unit on the left side of the material discharge port is in the vertical position;

[0028] Self-test mode control: This state is the detection state of the variable grid interface module after it is powered on, in order to check all abnormal states of the variable grid interface module;

[0029] Power-off mode control: This mode is for when the power module unit is damaged or the device is powered off. When the device fails or the power is off, the swing arm unit falls due to natural gravity and is dragged by the mechanical limit block installed on the fixed grid module.

[0030] The control system of the variable slot chute device of the high-speed sorting system includes the following steps:

[0031] Power on: After the device is powered on, the control system is initialized and waits for all variable-grid modules to enter the self-test mode. The grids in the self-test mode cannot work. After the self-test mode runs successfully, the control system displays that the module is normal, and the variable-grid modules can work normally.

[0032] Self-test: The control system first sends a self-test command to all variable-grid modules. All variable-grid modules need to enter the self-test mode to find the zero position. If the self-test passes, the variable-grid module enters the initial mode. After entering the initial mode, material can be unloaded normally. If the self-test fails, it enters the lock mode. The variable-grid module that enters the lock mode can be displayed in the control system. After the problem is solved, it will re-enter the self-test mode and repeat this cycle.

[0033] Detection of the unloading port: The control system detects whether the full bag sensor or the lock button is activated. If the full bag sensor or the lock button is not activated, the variable grid module enters the initial mode and can work normally in the initial mode. If the full bag sensor or the lock button is activated, the variable grid module enters the lock mode, and the control system displays information such as full bag or manual lock. The unloading port can re-enter the initial mode after the full bag sensor or the lock button is deactivated.

[0034] Unloading: The control system sends unloading instructions to the corresponding unloading port, and the high-speed sorting line unloads the material at the corresponding position. The variable grid modules on both sides of the unloading port at the corresponding position start working and wait for unloading;

[0035] Reset: After all goods have passed through the current unloading port, the control system sends an unloading completion instruction, and the swing arm units on both sides return to their initial positions, waiting for the next unloading instruction. This process repeats to complete the sorting task. If multiple goods are dropped from a single unloading port, the variable slot module can only perform the fifth step of reset after the last item has dropped.

[0036] The self-test includes the following steps:

[0037] The control system sends a self-test command to the corresponding variable grid module, and the power module unit provides swing power to the swing arm unit;

[0038] The swing arm unit starts to swing slowly. When the swing arm unit stops at the same position as the unloading mode and touches the mechanical limit block installed on the fixed grid module, the power module unit triggers the overcurrent signal and calibrates the zero point. This position is the zero position.

[0039] The swing arm unit swings back to its initial position, completing the self-test;

[0040] If the variable grid module is abnormal, it will immediately enter the locking mode and send a self-test failure alarm to the control system. After the problem is solved, it will re-enter the self-test mode and repeat this cycle; if the variable grid module returns to normal, it will return to the initial position.

[0041] The present invention features a compact, rational structure and easy operation. By providing a fixed slot module and a variable slot module, the swing arm unit of the variable slot module moves at a specific angle, momentarily increasing the width of the discharge port, thereby enabling precise cargo delivery. A control system can send and receive control signals to control the equipment. Each discharge port of the present invention can be individually controlled, and each discharge port can switch between multiple modes, leaving adjacent discharge ports unaffected. The logic is clear and the response speed is fast. By varying the slot width, packages can be effectively prevented from entering adjacent discharge ports.

[0042] At the same time, the present invention also has the following advantages:

[0043] (1) A single discharge port can be shut down independently without affecting the normal use of other discharge ports. Each discharge port module can be controlled independently, and multiple modes can be switched. The system can switch the corresponding working mode according to the real-time status of each discharge port. Multiple grid ports modules do not interfere with each other, which not only greatly improves the operating efficiency of a single discharge port but also improves the operating efficiency of the entire system.

[0044] (2) The control logic of the feed port module of the present invention is clear, which is conducive to program control, and the control logic of multiple feed ports is simple.

[0045] (3) The space utilization of the feeding port is improved, and more feeding ports can be arranged with the same width.

[0046] (4) The swing arm unit has a triangular pyramid structure, with a wider fixed end and a narrower movable end. The wider fixed end can be easily connected, and the narrower movable end can prevent collision with cargo.

[0047] (5) The swing arm unit is controlled by the power module unit and has two position relationships, namely the initial position and the vertical position. In the initial position, the swing arm unit is biased toward the direction of the incoming goods, and the deflection angle is determined according to the goods conveying speed and the mechanical limit block; in the vertical position, the swing arm unit is in a position perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line. The two position relationships are used to control the material receiving angle of the discharge port, and the adjustment efficiency is high. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of the control system of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the self-test mode of the variable grid module of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 3 It is a top view of the structure of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the structure of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the local three-dimensional structure.

[0053] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the swing arm unit and the power module unit in the present invention.

[0054] Figure 7 It is an enlarged schematic diagram of the fixed grid module in the present invention.

[0055] Among them: 1. Slide plate; 2. Fixed grid module; 3. Variable grid module; 4. Fixed grid module at the exit; 5. Slide plate at the entrance; 6. High-speed sorting line; 7. Mechanical limit block; 8. Swing arm unit; 9. Power module unit; 10. Slide bracket; 11. Full bag sensor; 12. Lock button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] like Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment discloses a variable grid chute device of the high-speed sorting system we proposed, including: a chute plate 1, a fixed grid module 2, a variable grid module 3, a fixed grid module 4 at the exit, a chute plate 5 at the entrance, a high-speed sorting line 6, a locking button 12, a full bag sensor 11, a discharge port, and a mechanical limit block 7.

[0059] The chute plate 1 is used to fix various components. It is the main structure of the unloading chute, the support plate for the falling goods and the main force-bearing structure; it is the main installation base of the equipment. The lower end of the chute plate 1 is connected with multiple chute brackets 10 for support. Specifically, the main body of the chute plate 1 is inclined, so that the inclined surface of the chute plate 1 can be used to realize the unloading of goods on the high-speed sorting line 6. In order to be able to distribute the goods, a number of fixed grid modules 2 and variable grid modules 3 are set on the chute plate 1, which are installed at the upper end of the chute plate 1. The number of variable grid modules 3 and fixed grid modules 2 on the chute plate 1 can be selected according to actual requirements to meet the actual goods distribution needs and the number of addresses.

[0060] Multiple fixed grid modules 2, the static part of the discharge port, are fixed on the slide plate 1 to provide guidance for the falling of goods, so that the goods fall into the predetermined area. Among them, multiple fixed grid modules 2 have the same spacing and are parallel to each other. Multiple fixed grid modules 2 are arranged in a straight line, which continue in sequence to form multiple discharge ports.

[0061] Multiple variable grid modules 3, the movable part of the discharge port, are fixed on the slide plate 1, and are used to change the falling trajectory of the goods. When the goods fall, they are used to temporarily increase the grid width so that the goods can fall accurately into the predetermined area. The initial positions of the multiple variable grid modules 3 are parallel to each other and have a certain angle with the running direction of the high-speed sorting line 6. The multiple fixed variable grid modules 3 are in a straight line array, which are continued in sequence to form multiple discharge ports. Each variable grid module 3 can be independently controlled, and each variable grid module 3 can realize operations such as discharge, locking, and shutdown. The discharge, locking, and shutdown of each variable grid module 3 will not affect other grids, thereby improving the system operation efficiency.

[0062] The exit is fixed with the grid module 4 and the exit transition part of the chute line.

[0063] The chute plate 5 at the entrance, the transition part of the chute line entrance, and the chute plate 5 at the entrance are deflected toward the direction of the goods, thereby expanding the falling angle of the first partition.

[0064] High-speed sorting line 6 provides the incoming cargo to each discharge port and includes sorting equipment such as a high-speed cross-belt, a high-speed linear machine, or a high-speed narrow-belt machine. This high-speed sorting line 6 is one of these, capable of autonomous movement and composed of multiple independent units. Each unit can drive the cargo in a linear motion and provide power perpendicular to the direction of motion, thus providing power for cargo separation.

[0065] The unloading port is arranged between two adjacent fixed grid modules 2 and is used to receive the goods dropped from the high-speed sorting line 6. Each unloading port unit can unload the bag independently, and each unloading port unit is equipped with the locking button 12 and the full bag sensor 11.

[0066] The locking button 12 is used to temporarily pause the feeding and is fixed near the feeding port of the chute. When the locking button 12 is pressed, the feeding port is locked and cannot be operated.

[0067] The full bag sensor 11 is used to detect whether the discharge port is full of bags to avoid blockage of the discharge port. It is fixed below the discharge port of the chute. When the bag is full, the discharge port is locked and cannot work.

[0068] The variable grid module 3 is composed of two major units, namely a power module unit 9 that provides rotational torque and a swing arm unit 8 that performs the swing task. The power module unit 9 can be driven in a variety of ways, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric roller or servo motor.

[0069] The swing arm unit 8 is installed on the output shaft of the power module unit 9, and the output shaft of the power module unit 9 provides a power source for the swing arm unit 8. The swing arm unit 8 has two position relationships under the control of the power module unit 9, namely the initial position and the vertical position. In the initial position, the swing arm unit 8 is biased toward the direction of incoming goods, and the deflection angle is determined according to the goods conveying speed and the mechanical limit block 7; in the vertical position, the swing arm unit 8 is in a position perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line 6, and when the power is not cut off, the power module unit 9 will always provide the drive enable for the swing arm unit 8, thereby improving the response speed and facilitating the rapid switching between the initial position and the vertical position. At the same time, it can also limit the current state of the swing arm unit 8 to prevent the swing arm unit 8 from swinging after colliding with the goods, affecting the goods from falling into the corresponding discharge port and affecting the subsequent sorting effect.

[0070] The output shaft of the power module unit 9 drives the swing arm unit 8 to swing back and forth at a fixed angle to achieve the mode switching of the variable slot module 3. When the power is cut off, the power module unit 9 will no longer provide power to the swing arm unit 8. The swing arm unit 8 has a triangular pyramid structure, with a wider fixed end and a narrower movable end. The wider fixed end facilitates connection, while the narrower movable end prevents collision with cargo.

[0071] Mechanical limit block 7, the mechanical limit block 7 is installed on the fixed grid module 2, providing mechanical limit and zero position finding functions for the variable grid module 3, wherein the mechanical limit block 7 installed in the fixed grid module 2 can provide a certain mechanical limit function for the swing arm unit 8; the variable grid module 3 loses power support, when the equipment is damaged, the power module unit 9 cannot be enabled, and the swing arm unit 8 falls due to gravity and is blocked by the mechanical limit block 7 in the fixed grid module 2. This state does not affect the normal operation of other discharge ports.

[0072] The fixed grid module 2 is equipped with a mechanical limit block 7 to provide the swing arm unit 8 with a function of finding the zero position after restarting. When the variable grid module 3 needs to self-check, the swing arm unit 8 swings at a slow angle. When it hits the mechanical limit block 7 installed on the fixed grid module 2, the power unit module receives an overcurrent signal and swings back to the initial position.

[0073] The fixed slot module 2 and the variable slot module 3 are mounted on the chute plate 1. The fixed slot module 2 is fixed and cannot move. The variable slot module 3 is a movable mechanism. The fixed slot module 2 and the variable slot module 3 together form a single-side movable baffle of the discharge port.

[0074] Multiple fixed-grid modules 2 and multiple variable-grid modules 3 are installed in a straight-line array on the chute plates 1 on both sides of the high-speed sorting line 6. The variable-grid modules 3 on both sides are distributed on the chute plates 1 on both sides in a mirror-image manner. The parts distributed on both sides of the high-speed line have the same functions but are in a mirror-image relationship.

[0075] The fixed grid module 4 at the exit and the slide plate 5 at the entrance are installed on both sides of the exit and entrance of the high-speed sorting line 6 to provide a transition between the exit and entrance of the high-speed sorting line 6. The fixed grid module 2 and the variable grid module 3 do not need to be installed on both sides of the exit and entrance of the high-speed sorting line 6.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, ①-⑧ correspond to the No. 1 feeding port to the No. 8 feeding port respectively.

[0077] 1. When material is to be discharged from discharge port No. ② and material is not to be discharged from discharge port No. ③, the swing arm unit 8 between No. ② and No. ③ is in a vertical position, which will maximize the material connection angle of discharge port No. ② and limit the material connection angle of discharge port No. ③ to improve accuracy.

[0078] 2. Even if two adjacent material discharge ports are discharging materials at the same time, such as No. 4 and No. 5 material discharge ports, the swing arm unit 8 between No. 4 and No. 5 is in the initial position, and its material connection angle will not become smaller. On the contrary, the material connection angle of No. 5 can be expanded by adjusting the swing arm unit 8 on the right side of No. 5 material discharge port. Compared with the traditional grid port, the material connection angle is also expanded.

[0079] 3. At the same time, since the fixed grid module 4 at the exit is perpendicular to the moving direction of the high-speed sorting line 6, the material receiving angle at No. ⑧ will be larger.

[0080] 4. The chute plate 5 at the entrance is deflected toward the incoming material direction. By controlling the variable grid module 3 on the right side of the No. 1 discharge port, the material receiving angle of the No. 1 discharge port can also be expanded.

[0081] Therefore, unless adjacent feeding ports receive materials at the same time, which will affect the receiving angle of the receiving port close to the incoming material direction, in other cases, the receiving angle can be effectively expanded, the receiving effect can be improved, and the subsequent sorting efficiency and success rate can be improved. However, in actual use, the situation where adjacent feeding ports receive materials at the same time will be avoided.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] Control system for variable slot chute device of high-speed sorting system

[0084] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the control system disclosed in this embodiment acts on the feed port, responsible for the feed port's software control system. It can monitor the feed port's status in real time, monitor and control the operating status of all power module units 9, and display corresponding information. It can also issue control commands such as locking, unloading, and shutting down the feed port. A variety of software displays, such as a host computer, can be selected according to actual needs.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the main structure of the present invention is that the direction of the arrow is the running direction of the high-speed sorting line 6, the chute plate 1 is installed on both sides of the high-speed sorting line 6, the fixed grid module 4 at the exit and the chute plate 5 at the entrance are installed on both sides of the head and tail chute plates 1 of the high-speed sorting line 6, and are used to provide a transition structure at the exit and the entrance. Its form and size can be arranged according to actual conditions.

[0086] The control system of the variable slot chute device of the high-speed sorting system in this embodiment stipulates five working modes: (A) initial mode, (B) unloading mode, (C) locking mode, (D) self-test mode, and (E) power-off mode. Multiple working modes can be switched at will.

[0087] (A) Initial mode: This state is the initial position of the variable slot module 3 just before unloading. The swing arm unit 8 is deflected in the direction of incoming goods. The deflection angle is determined by the goods conveying speed and the mechanical limit block 7.

[0088] (B) Blanking mode: This state is the working state of the variable grid module 3 when blanking. The power module unit 9 provides swing power to the swing arm unit 8. The swing arm unit 8 is in a vertical position. When the swing arm unit 8 stops swinging, the power module unit 9 continues to provide energy to the swing arm unit 8.

[0089] (C) Locking mode: This mode is the state where the variable grid module 3 is shut down or frozen. At this time, the swing arm unit 8 on the right side of the discharge port is in the initial position, and the swing arm unit 8 on the left side of the discharge port is in the vertical position. Figure 3 In this state, the material discharge port No. ③ cannot be discharged, and the material is shut down or frozen, while it does not affect the discharge of other adjacent material discharge ports.

[0090] There are three situations in which the variable grid module 3 can enter the locking mode:

[0091] Scenario 1: When the full-bale sensor 11 is triggered or the lock button 12 is manually deactivated at the feed opening, the variable-grid opening module 3 immediately enters a locked state. Once locked, the module sends a full-bale or manual shutdown message to the control system, which displays it. After troubleshooting the issue, the module can be reactivated.

[0092] Scenario 2: If the variable gate module 3 fails self-test or experiences unexpected damage to the powertrain, it immediately enters a locked state. Once locked, the module sends a message indicating the self-test failure or gate anomaly to the control system, which displays the message. After troubleshooting the issue, the module must re-enter self-test mode and re-enter initial mode only after passing the self-test.

[0093] Case 3: When a material is being unloaded from one of the unloading ports, the corresponding front compartment immediately enters the lock mode to prevent the adjacent unloading ports from unloading at the same time. This prevents the swing arm movement of the front unloading port from interfering with the falling trajectory of the goods. After all goods have been unloaded, the front unloading port immediately returns to the initial mode.

[0094] (D) Self-test mode: This state is the test state after the variable grid interface module 3 is powered on, in order to check all abnormal states of the variable grid interface module 3. The self-test mode can be divided into the following four steps, and the specific technical solution and self-test logic are explained through the program flowchart, as shown in the following figure: Figure 1 As shown:

[0095] Step 1: The control system sends a self-test command to the corresponding variable grid module 3, and the power module unit 9 provides swing power to the swing arm unit 8.

[0096] Step 2: The swing arm unit 8 starts to swing slowly. When the swing arm unit 8 stops at the same position as the blanking mode and touches the mechanical limit block 7 installed on the fixed grid module 2, the power module unit 9 triggers the overcurrent signal and calibrates the zero point. This position is the zero position.

[0097] Step 3: The swing arm unit 8 swings back to the initial position to complete the self-test.

[0098] Step 4: If the variable opening module 3 is abnormal, it will immediately enter the lock mode and send a self-test failure alarm to the control system. After the problem is solved, it will re-enter the self-test mode and repeat this cycle. If the variable opening module 3 returns to normal, it will return to the initial position.

[0099] (E) Power-off mode: This mode is when the power module unit 9 is damaged or the device is powered off. When the device fails to sound or the power is cut off, the swing arm unit 8 falls due to natural gravity and is dragged by the mechanical limit block 7 installed on the fixed grid module 2. The power module unit 9 cannot provide initial energy to the swing arm unit 8 due to damage or power outage. The swing arm unit 8 stops at the initial position, so it does not affect the use of other discharge ports.

[0100] The unloading logic of the high-speed sorting line 6 is divided into the following six steps: ① power on, ② self-test, ③ detection of the unloading port, ④ the fourth step of unloading, ⑤ reset, ⑥ power off:

[0101] ① The first step is power on: After the device is powered on, the control system is initialized and waits for all the variable grid modules 3 to enter the self-test mode. The grids in the self-test mode cannot work. After the self-test mode runs successfully, the control system displays that the module is normal, and the variable grid module 3 can work normally;

[0102] ② The second step of self-test: The control system first sends a self-test command to all variable-grid modules 3. All variable-grid modules 3 need to enter the self-test mode to find the zero position. If the self-test passes, the variable-grid module 3 enters the initial mode. After entering the initial mode, the material can be unloaded normally. If the self-test fails, it enters the lock mode. The equipment in the lock mode cannot work. The variable-grid module 3 in the lock mode can be displayed in the control system. After the problem is solved, it will re-enter the self-test mode, and this cycle will continue.

[0103] ③ The third step is to detect the unloading port: the control system detects whether the full bag sensor 11 is activated or the lock button 12 is activated. If the full bag sensor 11 or the lock button 12 is not activated, the variable grid module 3 enters the initial mode and can work normally in the initial mode. If the full bag sensor 11 or the lock button 12 is activated, the variable grid module 3 enters the lock mode. The equipment in the lock mode cannot work, and the control system displays the full bag or manual lock information. The unloading port can re-enter the initial mode after the activation state of the full bag sensor 11 or the lock button 12 is canceled.

[0104] ④ The fourth step is unloading: the control system sends an unloading instruction to the corresponding unloading port, the high-speed sorting line 6 unloads the material at the corresponding position, and the variable grid modules 3 on both sides of the unloading port at the corresponding position start working and wait for unloading;

[0105] ⑤ The fifth step is reset: after all the goods have passed through the current unloading port, the control system sends an unloading completion instruction, and the swing arm units 8 on both sides return to their initial positions, waiting for the next unloading instruction, and so on to complete the sorting task. If there are multiple goods falling from a single unloading port, the variable grid module 3 can only perform the fifth step reset after the last goods have fallen.

[0106] ⑥ The sixth step is power off: After the device is powered off, all variable grid modules 3 lose power and enter the power off mode, waiting for the next power-on restart;

[0107] When the equipment is powered off or damaged, the swing arm unit 8 falls due to natural gravity and is blocked by the mechanical limit block 7 installed on the fixed grid module 2. The power module unit 9 is unable to provide initial energy to the swing arm unit 8 due to damage or power outage, and the swing arm unit 8 is in the initial position.

[0108] A single discharge port can be shut down independently without affecting the normal use of other discharge ports.

[0109] Each unloading port can be configured with a separate IP address, which will logically not affect other unloading ports.

[0110] When the sorting line runs at a low speed, all variable slots enter the unloading mode. In this state, the slots can be downwardly compatible to adapt to the low-speed sorting system.

[0111] The invention has a simple and reasonable principle, a light structure, a fast action response speed, and is convenient for daily inspection and later replacement and maintenance.

[0112] Each feed port module can be controlled independently, and can realize switching between four other different modes. The system can switch the corresponding working mode according to the real-time status of each feed port. Multiple grid modules do not interfere with each other, which not only greatly improves the operating efficiency of a single feed port but also improves the operating efficiency of the entire system.

[0113] The control logic of the feed opening module of the present invention is clear, which is conducive to program control, and the control logic of multiple feed openings is simple.

[0114] The variable aperture module 3 of the present invention performs a homing operation by mechanically limiting and relying on the motor overcurrent signal, without installing redundant sensors, thus saving space and cost.

[0115] The present invention can adapt to sorting lines of different speeds and types by using the same feed opening spacing.

[0116] The present invention improves the space utilization rate of each feeding opening, and more feeding openings can be distributed with the same length.

[0117] The above description is an explanation of the present invention, not a limitation of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims. Any modifications may be made within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. The variable slot chute device of the high-speed sorting system is characterized by: include: A high-speed sorting line (6) is used to drive the movement of goods and actively separate the goods carried; The chute plates (1) are arranged on both sides of the high-speed sorting line (6) in a mirror-image manner and are used to guide the separated goods on the high-speed sorting line (6); A plurality of fixed slot modules (2) are fixedly mounted on the chute plate (1) in parallel and equidistantly, and the openings are perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line (6), for providing guidance for the falling of goods; A material discharge port is provided between two adjacent fixed grid modules (2) and is used to receive goods dropped from the high-speed sorting line (6); A plurality of variable slot modules (3) corresponding in number to the fixed slot modules (2) are controllably rotatably connected to the ends of the fixed slot modules (2) facing the high-speed sorting line (6). The variable slot modules (3) are controlled to have two positional relationships, namely, an initial position and a vertical position, and are used to control the unloading, locking, and shutting down of the corresponding unloading port, and to change the material receiving angle of the corresponding unloading port and two adjacent unloading ports; The variable grid module (3) includes a power module unit (9) and a swing arm unit (8) mounted on the output shaft of the power module unit (9); The fixed grid module (2) is provided with a mechanical limit block (7) for providing mechanical limit and zero position finding for the variable grid module (3), and provides a limit function for the natural rotation of the swing arm unit (8) under the action of gravity when no force is applied; The initial position is a position where the swing arm unit (8) is deflected toward the incoming direction of the goods; the vertical position is a position where the swing arm unit (8) is perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line (6), and the deflection angle of the swing arm unit (8) toward the incoming direction of the goods in the initial position is determined according to the goods conveying speed and the mechanical limit block (7); When the discharge port is in a discharge state, the one of the two swing arm units (8) corresponding to the discharge port, which is closer to the incoming direction of the goods, is in an initial position, while the other swing arm unit (8) is in a vertical position, maximizing the material connection angle while reducing the material connection angles of the two adjacent discharge ports; When the discharge port is in a closed and locked state, the one of the two swing arm units (8) corresponding to the discharge port that is closer to the incoming direction of the goods is in a vertical position, while the other swing arm unit (8) is in an initial position, with no material receiving angle, and at the same time, the material receiving angles of the two adjacent discharge ports are expanded.

2. The variable slot chute device for a high-speed sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-speed sorting line (6) is one of a high-speed cross-belt, a high-speed linear machine or a high-speed narrow-belt machine. The high-speed sorting line (6) is composed of a plurality of independent units, each of which can drive the goods to move in a straight line and, at the same time, can provide the goods with power perpendicular to the direction of movement, thereby providing power for the separation of the goods.

3. The variable slot chute device for a high-speed sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The entrance and exit sides of the chute plate (1) are respectively connected to an entrance chute plate (5) and an exit fixed chute module (4) that are distributed in parallel with the fixed chute module (2), and the entrance chute plate (5) is deflected toward the direction of the goods, and the exit fixed chute module (4) is perpendicular to the high-speed sorting line (6).

4. The variable slot chute device for a high-speed sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the discharge ports is equipped with a locking button (12) for controlling and locking the corresponding discharge port and a full bag sensor (11).

5. The variable slot chute device of the high-speed sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power module unit (9) is one of hydraulic, pneumatic, electric roller or servo motor, capable of providing rotational power. The swing arm unit (8) is a triangular pyramid structure, with a wider fixed end and a narrower movable end.

6. A control system for a variable slot chute device of a high-speed sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The control system includes five working mode controls, including: Initial mode control: This state is the initial position of the variable slot module (3) before unloading, and the swing arm unit (8) is biased towards the direction of incoming goods; Blanking mode control: This state is the working state of the variable slot module (3) when blanking, the power module unit (9) provides swing power to the swing arm unit (8), the swing arm unit (8) is in a vertical position, and when the swing arm unit (8) stops swinging, the power module unit (9) continues to provide energy to the swing arm unit (8); Locking mode control: This mode is a state in which the variable grid module (3) is shut down or frozen; the swing arm unit (8) located on the right side of the discharge port is in the initial position, and the swing arm unit (8) located on the left side of the discharge port is in the vertical position; Self-check mode control: This state is the detection state after the variable grid interface module (3) is powered on, so as to check all abnormal states of the variable grid interface module (3); Power-off mode control: This mode is for when the power module unit (9) is damaged or the device is powered off. When the device fails or the power is off, the swing arm unit (8) falls due to natural gravity and is supported by the mechanical limit block (7) installed on the fixed grid module (2).

7. The control system according to claim 6, wherein: When the high-speed sorting line (6) performs unloading, it includes the following steps: Power on: After the device is powered on, the control system is initialized and waits for all the variable grid ports modules (3) to enter the self-test mode. The grid ports in the self-test mode cannot work. After the self-test mode is successfully run, the control system displays that the module is normal, and the variable grid ports module (3) can work normally; Self-test: The control system first sends a self-test command to all variable-grid modules (3). All variable-grid modules (3) need to enter the self-test mode to find the zero position. The variable-grid modules (3) that pass the self-test enter the initial mode. After entering the initial mode, the material can be unloaded normally. If the self-test fails, the variable-grid modules (3) enter the locked mode. The variable-grid modules (3) that enter the locked mode can be displayed in the control system and wait for the problem to be solved before re-entering the self-test mode, and this cycle is repeated. Detecting the unloading port: The control system detects whether the full bag sensor (11) is activated or whether the locking button (12) is activated. If the full bag sensor (11) or the locking button (12) is not activated, the variable opening module (3) enters the initial mode and can work normally in the initial mode. If the full bag sensor (11) or the locking button (12) is activated, the variable opening module (3) enters the locking mode, and the control system displays information such as full bag or manual locking. The unloading port can re-enter the initial mode after the activation state of the full bag sensor (11) or the locking button (12) is canceled. Unloading: The control system sends unloading instructions to the corresponding unloading port, the high-speed sorting line (6) unloads the material at the corresponding position, and the variable grid modules (3) on both sides of the unloading port at the corresponding position start working and wait for unloading; Reset: After all goods have passed through the current unloading port, the control system sends an unloading completion instruction, and the swing arm units (8) on both sides return to their initial positions and wait for the next unloading instruction. This process repeats to complete the sorting task. If multiple goods are dropped from a single unloading port, the variable slot module (3) can be reset only after the last goods have dropped. The self-test includes the following steps: The control system sends a self-test command to the corresponding variable grid module (3), and the power module unit (9) provides swing power to the swing arm unit (8); The swing arm unit (8) begins to swing slowly. When the swing arm unit (8) stops at the same position as the blanking mode and touches the mechanical limit block (7) installed on the fixed grid module (2), the power module unit (9) triggers the overcurrent signal and calibrates the zero point. This position is the zero position. The swing arm unit (8) swings back to the initial position, completing the self-test; If the variable grid opening module (3) is abnormal, it will immediately enter the locking mode and send a self-test failure alarm to the control system. After the problem is solved, it will re-enter the self-test mode and repeat this cycle; if the variable grid opening module (3) returns to normal, it will enter the initial position.

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