Sorting equipment and sorting system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sorting device and a sorting system. The device includes: a chain sprocket assembly that can drive multiple sorting modules to perform runway-shaped circular motion; a sorting module that includes a column, a lifting frame installed on the column, a guide wheel installed on one side of the lifting frame, and a sorting belt fixedly connected to the lifting frame; a track assembly that includes: a runway-shaped track, a plurality of zigzag tracks distributed in a tree-like manner, each zigzag track having a zigzag guide groove corresponding to a row of grid openings; a distribution turntable that can be rotatably installed on the front side of the runway-shaped track, and the distribution turntable is provided with a distribution guide groove corresponding to each zigzag guide groove; after the sorting belt obtains the goods, the chain sprocket assembly drives the sorting module to move to the distribution turntable, the guide wheel enters the distribution guide groove and moves to the corresponding target zigzag guide groove, thereby driving the sorting belt to move to the target grid opening to sort the goods. According to the technical solution of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a shared power system for multiple sorting modules.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, the e-commerce warehousing industry is facing an increasing workload and increasingly demanding requirements for storage and sorting operations. The speed and accuracy of sorting operations often determine order fulfillment efficiency and customer service quality. Therefore, how to speed up sorting is becoming a growing concern for e-commerce warehousing and logistics companies.

[0003] Existing three-dimensional sorting machines have sorting modules with a self-contained lifting function for the sorting cart, enabling vertical movement between bins at different heights. However, this function requires a dedicated power transmission unit. Since sorting machines have a large number of sorting modules, equipping each with a separate power transmission unit would result in numerous control nodes, creating significant complexity and high overall machine costs.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sorting device for sorting goods to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides a sorting device and a sorting system to solve or at least alleviate the above problems.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sorting device is provided, comprising: a main drive module, comprising a frame, a chain sprocket assembly mounted on the frame; a plurality of sorting modules, wherein the upper and lower ends of the sorting modules are connected to the chain sprocket assembly so that the chain sprocket assembly drives the sorting modules to perform a runway-shaped circular motion, wherein the sorting modules comprise: a column, a lifting frame mounted on the column, a guide wheel mounted on one side of the lifting frame, a sorting belt fixedly connected to the lifting frame, the lifting frame being suitable for vertical movement along the column, and the sorting belt being suitable for acquiring goods; a track assembly mounted on the frame, comprising: a runway-shaped track fixed to the frame; a plurality of tree-shaped distributed sorting modules. A zigzag track, each zigzag track has a zigzag guide groove and corresponds to a row of grid openings respectively; a distribution turntable, rotatably mounted on the front side of the runway-shaped track, the distribution turntable being provided with a distribution guide groove corresponding to each of the zigzag guide grooves; wherein, after the sorting belt acquires the goods, the chain sprocket assembly is suitable for driving the sorting module to move to the distribution turntable, the guide wheel of the sorting module is suitable for entering the distribution guide groove, and moving through the distribution guide groove to the target zigzag guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove, so as to drive the lifting frame and the sorting belt to move synchronously to the target grid opening corresponding to the target zigzag guide groove, so that the sorting belt can sort the acquired goods to the target grid opening.

[0007] Optionally, in the sorting equipment according to the present invention, the zigzag track includes a horizontally arranged straight track, a first inclined track and a second inclined track connected to both ends of the straight track, wherein the multiple straight tracks are distributed at different heights, and each straight track corresponds to a row of grid openings; the zigzag guide groove includes a first inclined guide groove arranged along the first inclined track, a straight guide groove arranged along the straight track, and a second inclined guide groove arranged along the second inclined track; wherein the guide wheel of the sorting module is suitable for moving through the distribution guide groove to the first inclined guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, and moving through the first inclined guide groove to the straight guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, so as to drive the lifting frame and the sorting belt to move synchronously to the target grid opening corresponding to the straight track where the straight guide groove is located, so that the sorting belt sorts the goods to the target grid opening.

[0008] Optionally, the sorting device according to the present invention further includes: a control module, adapted to control the rotation of the distribution turntable according to the position of the target grid opening before the guide wheel enters the distribution guide groove, so that a distribution guide groove on the distribution turntable is aligned with the target zigzag guide groove corresponding to the target grid opening.

[0009] Optionally, in the sorting device according to the present invention, the distribution carousel is adapted to continue rotating until the chain sprocket assembly drives the next sorting module to move to the distribution carousel.

[0010] Optionally, in the sorting device according to the present invention, the guide wheel is adapted to enter the distribution guide groove from the front side of the racetrack-shaped track, and move through the distribution guide groove to a target zigzag guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove.

[0011] Optionally, in the sorting device according to the present invention, the track assembly further comprises: a reduction motor connected to the distribution turntable and suitable for driving the distribution turntable to rotate.

[0012] Optionally, in the sorting equipment according to the present invention, the sorting belt is suitable for obtaining goods from the package supply platform; the track assembly further includes: a return assembly, installed on the runway-shaped track and connected to the second inclined guide groove; wherein, after the sorting belt sorts the goods to the target grid, the guide wheel is suitable for moving from the straight guide groove to the second inclined guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, and moving to the rear side of the runway-shaped track via the return assembly, so that the sorting module moves to the package supply platform again to obtain goods.

[0013] Optionally, in the sorting equipment according to the present invention, the reflux assembly includes: a track plate, which is rotatably connected to the second inclined guide rail where the second inclined guide groove is located through a rotating shaft; after passing through the second inclined guide groove, the guide wheel is suitable for pressing toward the track plate, so that after the track plate rotates to a predetermined position around the rotating shaft, the guide wheel moves to the rear side of the runway-shaped track via the reflux assembly.

[0014] Optionally, in the sorting device according to the present invention, the main driving module further comprises: a guide assembly fixedly mounted on the frame, and the chain of the chain and sprocket assembly is located inside the guide assembly.

[0015] Optionally, in the sorting device according to the present invention, the main drive module further comprises: a power assembly connected to the sprocket of the chain sprocket assembly, suitable for driving the sprocket to rotate, thereby driving the chain to move.

[0016] According to the technical solution of the present invention, a sorting system is provided, comprising: a package supply platform, suitable for providing goods; a plurality of rows of slots distributed at different heights; and the sorting equipment as described above, suitable for obtaining goods from the package supply platform and sorting the goods to target slots.

[0017] According to the technical solution of the present invention, a sorting device and a sorting system are provided. The sorting device includes a main drive module, multiple sorting modules, and a track assembly. The chain sprocket assembly of the main drive module can drive the multiple sorting modules to perform a racetrack-like circular motion. The sorting modules include a column, a lifting frame slidably mounted on the column, a guide wheel mounted on one side of the lifting frame, and a sorting belt fixedly connected to the lifting frame. The track assembly includes a distribution turntable and multiple zigzag tracks arranged in a tree-like pattern at different heights. Each zigzag track has a zigzag guide groove corresponding to a row of grid openings. The distribution turntable is rotatably mounted on the front side of the racetrack-shaped track, and the distribution turntable is provided with a distribution guide groove corresponding to each zigzag guide groove. After the sorting belt acquires the goods, the chain sprocket assembly drives the sorting module to the distribution turntable. The guide wheel of the sorting module enters the distribution guide groove and moves through the distribution guide groove to the target zigzag guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove, thereby driving the lifting frame and the sorting belt to move synchronously to the target grid corresponding to the target zigzag guide groove, so that the sorting belt can sort the acquired goods to the target grid. According to the technical solution of the present invention, by using the distribution turntable and the zigzag track to match, the sorting belt of each sorting module is assigned a sorting path. In this way, multiple sorting modules can share a set of power components to achieve cyclic sorting of goods, eliminating the lifting power components and transmission components on each sorting module, thereby reducing the cost and control difficulty of the entire machine and improving the stability of the sorting equipment.

[0018] Furthermore, by installing a return assembly on the track, after the sorting module's sorting belt sorts goods to the target slot, the guide wheel, the second inclined guide groove, and the return assembly work together to drive the sorting belt back to the height of the rear track for the next round of sorting. This eliminates the need for a power system and control system for the return assembly, further reducing equipment costs and control difficulty, and ensuring a stable and reliable structure.

[0019] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are specifically listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To achieve the above and related purposes, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings, which indicate various ways in which the principles disclosed herein may be practiced, and all aspects and their equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts or elements.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a sorting system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 It shows a structural schematic diagram of the main driving module 210 of the sorting device 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a sorting module 220 of a sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a track assembly 230 of a sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 6a 、 Figure 6b Schematic diagrams of the coordination structure of the distribution turntable 232 and the plurality of broken-line tracks (first inclined tracks 233) according to one embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown;

[0027] Figure 7a 、 Figure 7b 、 Figure 7cA schematic diagram of the cooperation structure of the second inclined track 239 and the return assembly 235 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown respectively;

[0028] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 Schematic diagrams of the structures of a track assembly 230 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0030] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a structural diagram of a sorting system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the sorting system 1000 includes a sorting device 200, a package supply platform 100, multiple rows of slots 300 distributed at different heights, and at least one abnormal slot 400. The multiple rows of slots 300 (i.e., slots for sorting goods) can be arranged on one side of the sorting device 200. In the sorting system 1000 of the present invention, the package supply platform 100 is used to provide goods to be sorted. After the sorting device 200 obtains goods from the package supply platform 100, it can sort the goods to a target slot in the multiple rows of slots to achieve goods sorting.

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a structural diagram of a sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the sorting device 200 includes a main drive module 210 , a plurality of sorting modules 220 , and a track assembly 230 .

[0034] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the main drive module 210 of the sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the main driving module 210 includes a frame 211 and a chain sprocket assembly 213 installed on the frame 211 .

[0035] The upper and lower ends of each sorting module 220 are connected to the chain sprocket assembly 213. When the chain sprocket assembly 213 moves, the sorting module 220 can be driven to do a racetrack-shaped circular motion.

[0036] In one implementation, the chain-sprocket assembly 213 includes two sets of sprockets and chains arranged at the front and rear ends of the frame 211. Each set of sprockets includes upper and lower sprockets. The upper and lower sprockets in each set of sprockets can be mounted to one end of the frame 211 via a connecting shaft 2131. In both sets of sprockets, the front and rear sprockets at the same height are connected by a chain. In other words, the chain-sprocket assembly 213 includes upper and lower chains.

[0037] In one embodiment, the main drive module 210 further includes a power assembly 212 for driving the chain sprocket assembly 213. Specifically, the power assembly 212 is connected to the sprocket of the chain sprocket assembly 213. By driving the sprocket to rotate, it can drive the upper and lower sprockets at one end to rotate, thereby driving the chain. During the chain movement, the sorting modules 220 can be driven to perform a racetrack-like circular motion.

[0038] In one embodiment, the main drive module 210 further includes a guide assembly 214, which is fixedly mounted on the frame 211. The chain of the chain sprocket assembly 213 is located within the guide assembly 214 and can move along the guide assembly 214. Specifically, the main drive module 210 includes two upper and lower guide assemblies 214, which are arranged parallel to the upper and lower chains, respectively, so that the upper and lower chains are located within the upper and lower guide assemblies 214. In this way, the guide assemblies 214 can guide the movement of the chain to prevent the chain from shaking.

[0039] Figure 4 FIG. 2 shows a structural diagram of a sorting module 220 of a sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, each sorting module 220 may include: a vertically arranged column 221, a lifting frame 223 mounted on the column 221, a guide wheel 2231, and a sorting belt 224. In addition, the sorting module 220 also includes other accessories 225 mounted on the lifting frame 223. The upper and lower ends of the column 221 are connected to the chain sprocket assembly 213. The sorting belt 224 can retrieve goods from the package supply platform. The guide wheel 2231 is mounted on one side of the lifting frame 223, and the sorting belt 224 is fixedly connected to the lifting frame 223. The lifting frame 223 can move vertically along the column 221, thereby driving the sorting belt 224 and the goods it has retrieved to move vertically synchronously.

[0041] In one embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the sorting module 220 further includes running wheels 222 mounted at the lower end of the column 221. The running wheels 222 facilitate movement of the sorting module 220. For example, the frame 211 includes a busbar 215 adapted to the running wheels 222 of each sorting module 220. As the chain sprocket assembly 213 drives each sorting module 220 in a racetrack-like circular motion, the running wheels 222 of each sorting module 220 roll on the busbar 215.

[0042] The track assembly 230 is mounted on the frame 211 . Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a track assembly 230 of a sorting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] like Figure 5 As shown, the track assembly 230 specifically includes: a runway-shaped track fixedly mounted on the frame 211, a plurality of broken-line tracks distributed in a tree-like manner, and a distribution turntable 232. Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, the runway-shaped track may include a front track 231 on the front side of the runway-shaped track, a rear track 236 on the rear side of the runway-shaped track, a back track 238 on the back of the runway-shaped track, and turning tracks 237 at the front and rear ends of the runway-shaped track, wherein the turning track 237 at the front end is used to connect the front track 231 and the back track 238, and the turning track 237 at the rear end is used to connect the rear track 236 and the back track 238.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple folding tracks are distributed in a tree shape and are located at different heights, and the multiple folding tracks are fixed to the frame 211. Each folding track has a folding guide groove, wherein each folding track / folding guide groove corresponds to a row of grid openings at a corresponding height.

[0045] In one embodiment, the distribution turntable 232 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the runway-shaped track (ie, the front track 231 ), and a distribution guide groove corresponding to each zigzag guide groove is provided on the distribution turntable 232 .

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the zigzag track includes a horizontally arranged straight track 234, a first inclined track 233, and a second inclined track 239. The first inclined track 233 and the second inclined track 239 are connected to both ends of the straight track 234. The plurality of straight tracks 234 are arranged at different heights, each corresponding to a row of openings. The first inclined track 233 and the second inclined track 239 each form a certain angle with the straight track 234.

[0047] Accordingly, the zigzag guide groove includes a first slanted guide groove arranged along the first slanted track 233, a straight guide groove arranged along the straight track 234, and a second slanted guide groove arranged along the second slanted track 239. The first slanted guide groove and the second slanted guide groove are respectively connected to both ends of the straight guide groove.

[0048] In this embodiment, after the sorting belt 224 acquires the goods, the chain sprocket assembly 213 is driven to move by the power assembly 212. During the movement of the chain sprocket assembly, the sorting module 220 can be driven to perform a runway-shaped circular motion. After moving to the distribution turntable 232, the guide wheel 2231 of the sorting module 220 can move through the distribution guide groove to the first inclined guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, and then move through the first inclined guide groove to the straight guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove. During this process, the lifting frame 223 and the sorting belt 224 can be driven to move synchronously to the target grid opening corresponding to the straight track 234 where the straight guide groove is located, so that the sorting belt 224 can sort the acquired goods to the target grid opening.

[0049] Figure 6a 、 Figure 6b Schematic diagrams of the matching structures of the distribution turntable 232 and a plurality of broken-line tracks (first inclined tracks 233) according to an embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown.

[0050] like Figure 6a As shown, there are five zigzag tracks, each with zigzag guide grooves (first oblique guide grooves) a, b, c, d, and e. It should be noted that the portion between the front track 231 and the rear track 236 of the runway-shaped track is equivalent to a zigzag track (with the angle between the first oblique track 233 and the straight track 234 being 180°).

[0051] The distribution turntable 232 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the runway-shaped track (front track 231). Specifically, the distribution turntable 232 can rotate around point O, and is provided with five distribution guide grooves a', b', c', d', and e'. The distribution guide grooves a', b', c', d', and e' can respectively cooperate with the first oblique guide grooves a, b, c, d, and e of the zigzag guide groove. Specifically, by rotating the distribution turntable 232, each distribution guide groove on the distribution turntable 232 can be rotated to align with the first oblique guide groove of the corresponding zigzag guide groove. For example, see Figure 6b The distribution guide groove b' is shown rotated to a state where it is aligned with the first oblique guide groove b of the zigzag guide groove.

[0052] It should be noted that the centers of the semicircles of the turning tracks 237 at the front and rear ends of the runway-shaped track are coaxial with the front and rear connecting shafts 2131 respectively.

[0053] According to the sorting device 200 of the present invention, after the sorting belt 224 acquires the goods, the chain sprocket assembly drives the sorting module 220 to perform a runway-shaped circular motion and moves to the distribution turntable 232. Next, a path is assigned to the sorting module 220: the guide wheel 2231 of the sorting module 220 can enter the distribution guide groove and move through the distribution guide groove to the target zigzag guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove. Under the guiding action of the guide wheel 2231 and the guide groove, the lifting frame 223 (fixedly connected to the guide wheel 2231) and the sorting belt 224 can be driven to move synchronously, so that the lifting frame 223 and the sorting belt 224 move to the target grid corresponding to the target zigzag guide groove. In this way, the sorting belt 224 can sort the acquired goods into the target grid, completing the current goods sorting task.

[0054] It should be noted that after assigning a path to the above-mentioned sorting module 220, before the next sorting module 220 reaches the allocation turntable 232, the allocation turntable 232 continues to rotate until the chain sprocket assembly 213 drives the next sorting module 220 to move to the allocation turntable 232, so as to continue assigning a path to the next sorting module 220.

[0055] Thus, the sorting device 200 according to the present invention allocates a sorting path for the sorting belt of each sorting module by using a distribution turntable in combination with a zigzag track. In this way, multiple sorting modules only need to share one set of power components, and multiple sorting modules can be used to cyclically sort goods.

[0056] In one embodiment, the sorting device 200 further includes a control module (not shown). Before the guide wheel 2231 enters the distribution guide slot of the distribution carousel 232, the control module can control the distribution carousel 232 to rotate based on the position of the target compartment, so that a distribution guide slot on the distribution carousel 232 is aligned with the target zigzag guide slot (the first oblique guide slot) corresponding to the target compartment. In other words, the distribution guide slot is accurately connected to the first oblique guide slot of the straight track 234 corresponding to the target compartment position.

[0057] In one implementation, after each sorting module 220 obtains goods from the package supply platform, its guide wheel 2231 can enter the distribution guide groove from the front side of the runway-shaped track (front track 231), and move through the distribution guide groove to the target zigzag guide groove (the first inclined guide groove) aligned with the distribution guide groove.

[0058] In one embodiment, the track assembly 230 further includes a reduction motor (not shown in the figure), which is connected to the distribution turntable 232 and can drive the distribution turntable 232 to rotate.

[0059] In one embodiment, Figure 5As shown, the track assembly 230 further includes a return assembly 235 , which is installed on the rear side of the racetrack-shaped track (rear track 236 ), and the return assembly 235 is connected to the second oblique guide groove.

[0060] Among them, after the sorting belt 224 of the sorting module 220 sorts the acquired goods to the target grid (completing the sorting task), the guide wheel 2231 can move from the straight guide groove to the second inclined guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, and after the guide wheel 2231 passes through the second inclined guide groove, it continues to move to the rear side of the runway-shaped track (rear track 236) through the reflux component 235, and continues to move along the runway-shaped track until the sorting module 220 moves to the package supply platform again to obtain the goods.

[0061] Here, after the guide wheel 2231 moves to the rear side (rear track 236) of the racetrack-shaped track via the return assembly 235, it can continue to move to the back of the racetrack-shaped track (back track 234) via the turning track 237 at the rear end of the racetrack-shaped track.

[0062] It should be noted that after each sorting module 220 completes the sorting task, when the guide wheel 2231 of the sorting module 220 moves along the second inclined guide groove and moves to the rear track 236 through the reflux component 235, the guide wheel 2231 cooperates with the second inclined guide groove and the reflux component 235 to drive the lifting frame 223 and the sorting belt 224 to move synchronously, so that the lifting frame 223 and the sorting belt 224 return to the height of the rear track 236, and then enter the turning track 237 and the back track 238 to perform the next round of sorting tasks.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, after each sorting module 220 obtains the goods from the package supply platform, it (guide wheel 2231) passes through the front track 231, the distribution turntable 232, the first inclined track 233, the straight track 234 (sorting the goods to the target grid), the return component 235, the rear track 236, the rear end turning track 237, the back track 234, the front end turning track 237, and then reaches the package supply platform to obtain the goods, and continues to cycle so as to perform multiple rounds of sorting tasks.

[0064] Figure 7a 、 Figure 7b 、 Figure 7c Schematic diagrams of the matching structures of the second inclined track 239 and the return assembly 235 according to an embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown.

[0065] like Figure 7a 、 Figure 7b 、 Figure 7c As shown, the return assembly 235 includes a track plate 2351 , and the track plate 2351 is rotatably connected to the second inclined guide rail where the second inclined guide groove is located through a rotating shaft 2352 .

[0066] After passing through the second inclined guide groove, the guide wheel 2231 will press against the track plate 2351, so that the track plate 2351 rotates to a predetermined position around the rotation axis 2352. After the track plate 2351 rotates to the predetermined position, the guide wheel 2231 can move to the rear track 236 on the rear side of the runway-shaped track via the return assembly 235. Here, the predetermined position can be referred to as Figure 7c The position of the track plate 2351 is shown.

[0067] In one embodiment, the return assembly 235 may further include a spring (not shown) that can be elastically positioned between the track plate 2351 and the second inclined guide rail. In this way, after the guide wheel 2231 moves to the rear track 236 and separates from the track plate 2351, the track plate 2351 can return to its original position under the elastic restoring force of the spring.

[0068] It should also be noted that according to Figure 5 In the structure of the track assembly 230 shown, the sorting module 220 does not perform the sorting task at the back track 238. In order to improve the sorting efficiency, in other embodiments of the present invention, a track assembly 230 that can perform the sorting task at the back track is also provided. For details, see Figure 8 and Figure 9 .

[0069] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 Schematic diagrams of the structures of a track assembly 230 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention are respectively shown.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, in addition to the distribution turntable 232 installed on the front track 231 on the front side of the runway-shaped track, another distribution turntable 232 can also be installed on the rear side of the back track 238 on the opposite side (diagonally opposite the front track 231). Correspondingly, another set of zigzag tracks can be provided, and the inclined tracks of the other set of zigzag tracks match the other distribution turntable 232. That is, each distribution guide groove on the other distribution turntable 232 corresponds to each inclined guide groove on the other set of zigzag tracks. In this way, after the sorting module 220 (guide wheel) enters the back track 238, it can continue to receive and execute sorting tasks, thereby improving sorting efficiency.

[0071] In addition, if Figure 9 The structure shown can provide multiple rows of slots on both sides of the sorting device, thereby being able to meet the demand for more slots and improve equipment utilization.

[0072] The sorting equipment according to the present invention comprises a main drive module, multiple sorting modules, and a track assembly. The chain sprocket assembly of the main drive module is capable of driving the multiple sorting modules in a racetrack-like circular motion. The sorting modules comprise a column, a lifting frame slidably mounted on the column, guide wheels mounted on one side of the lifting frame, and a sorting belt fixedly connected to the lifting frame. The track assembly comprises a distribution turntable, multiple zigzag tracks arranged in a tree-like pattern at different heights, each having a zigzag guide groove corresponding to a row of openings. The distribution turntable is rotatably mounted in front of the racetrack-shaped track, and the distribution turntable is provided with a distribution guide groove corresponding to each zigzag guide groove. After the sorting belt acquires the goods, the chain sprocket assembly drives the sorting module to the distribution turntable. The guide wheel of the sorting module enters the distribution guide groove and moves through the distribution guide groove to the target zigzag guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove, thereby driving the lifting frame and the sorting belt to move synchronously to the target grid corresponding to the target zigzag guide groove, so that the sorting belt can sort the acquired goods to the target grid. According to the technical solution of the present invention, by using the distribution turntable and the zigzag track to match, the sorting belt of each sorting module is assigned a sorting path. In this way, multiple sorting modules can share a set of power components to achieve cyclic sorting of goods, eliminating the lifting power components and transmission components on each sorting module, thereby reducing the cost and control difficulty of the entire machine and improving the stability of the sorting equipment.

[0073] Furthermore, by installing a return assembly on the track, after the sorting module's sorting belt sorts goods to the target slot, the guide wheel, the second inclined guide groove, and the return assembly work together to drive the sorting belt back to the height of the rear track for the next round of sorting. This eliminates the need for a power system and control system for the return assembly, further reducing equipment costs and control difficulty, and ensuring a stable and reliable structure.

[0074] A9. The sorting device as described in any one of A1-A8, wherein the main drive module further comprises: a guide assembly fixedly mounted on the frame, and the chain of the chain sprocket assembly is located inside the guide assembly.

[0075] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "connected" and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. Furthermore, terms such as "front," "back," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top," and "bottom" indicating orientations or positional relationships are based on those shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific position. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0076] In the description provided herein, a large number of specific details are described. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0077] Similarly, it should be understood that in order to streamline the present disclosure and aid understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects, in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various features of the present invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Accordingly, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules, units, or components of the devices in the examples disclosed herein may be arranged in the device described in the embodiment, or alternatively may be located in one or more devices different from the devices in the examples. The modules in the foregoing examples may be combined into one module or further divided into multiple submodules.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules in the devices in the embodiments may be adaptively changed and arranged in one or more devices different from the embodiments. The modules or units or components in the embodiments may be combined into one module or unit or component, and in addition may be divided into multiple submodules or subunits or subcomponents. All features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or device disclosed herein may be combined in any combination, except that at least some of such features and / or processes or units are mutually exclusive. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature providing the same, equivalent or similar purpose.

[0080] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although some embodiments described herein include certain features and not other features included in other embodiments, the combination of features from different embodiments is intended to be within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments.

[0081] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal numbers "first," "second," "third," etc. to describe common objects merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are involved and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must have a given order in time, space, ranking, or in any other manner.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, having benefit of the foregoing description, that other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the invention thus described. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used in this specification has been selected primarily for readability and didactic purposes, rather than for the purpose of explaining or limiting the subject matter of the present invention. Consequently, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. The disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sorting device comprising: A main drive module comprising a frame, a chain and sprocket assembly mounted on the frame; Multiple sorting modules, wherein the upper and lower ends of the sorting modules are connected to the chain sprocket assembly so that the chain sprocket assembly drives the sorting modules to perform a racetrack-shaped circular motion, wherein the sorting module includes: a column, a lifting frame mounted on the column, a guide wheel mounted on one side of the lifting frame, and a sorting belt fixedly connected to the lifting frame, the lifting frame is suitable for vertical movement along the column, and the sorting belt is suitable for picking up goods; A track assembly, mounted on the frame, comprising: a racetrack-shaped track fixed to the frame; A plurality of zigzag tracks distributed in a tree shape, each zigzag track having a zigzag guide groove and corresponding to a row of grid openings; a distribution turntable rotatably mounted on the front side of the runway-shaped track, the distribution turntable being provided with a distribution guide groove corresponding to each of the folded line guide grooves; Wherein, after the sorting belt acquires the goods, the chain sprocket assembly is suitable for driving the sorting module to move to the distribution turntable, and the guide wheel of the sorting module is suitable for entering the distribution guide groove and moving through the distribution guide groove to the target zigzag guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove, so as to drive the lifting frame and the sorting belt to move synchronously to the target grid corresponding to the target zigzag guide groove, so that the sorting belt can sort the goods to the target grid.

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein: The zigzag track includes a horizontally arranged straight track, a first inclined track and a second inclined track connected to both ends of the straight track, wherein the plurality of straight tracks are distributed at different heights, and each straight track corresponds to a row of grid openings; The zigzag guide groove includes a first slanted guide groove arranged along the first slanted track, a straight guide groove arranged along the straight track, and a second slanted guide groove arranged along the second slanted track; Wherein, the guide wheel of the sorting module is suitable for moving through the distribution guide groove to the first oblique guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, and moving through the first oblique guide groove to the straight guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, so as to drive the lifting frame and the sorting belt to move synchronously to the target grid corresponding to the straight track where the straight guide groove is located, so that the sorting belt can sort the goods to the target grid.

3. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also includes: The control module is adapted to control the distribution turntable to rotate according to the position of the target grid opening before the guide wheel enters the distribution guide groove, so that a distribution guide groove on the distribution turntable is aligned with a target zigzag guide groove corresponding to the target grid opening.

4. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The distribution turntable is adapted to continue rotating until the chain sprocket assembly drives the next sorting module to move to the distribution turntable.

5. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The guide wheel is adapted to enter the distribution guide groove from the front side of the racetrack-shaped track and move through the distribution guide groove to a target zigzag-shaped guide groove aligned with the distribution guide groove.

6. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The track assembly further comprises: The reduction motor is connected to the distribution turntable and is suitable for driving the distribution turntable to rotate.

7. The sorting device according to claim 2, wherein: The sorting belt is suitable for obtaining goods from the package supply platform; The track assembly further comprises: a reflux assembly, mounted on the racetrack-shaped track and connected to the second inclined guide groove; Wherein, after the sorting belt sorts the goods to the target grid, the guide wheel is adapted to move from the straight guide groove to the second inclined guide groove of the target zigzag guide groove, and move to the rear side of the runway-shaped track via the reflux assembly, so that the sorting module moves again to the package supply platform to obtain the goods.

8. The sorting device according to claim 7, wherein: The reflux assembly includes: a track plate, the track plate being rotatably connected to the second inclined guide rail where the second inclined guide groove is located via a rotating shaft; After passing through the second inclined guide groove, the guide wheel is adapted to press toward the track plate so that after the track plate rotates to a predetermined position around the rotation axis, the guide wheel moves to the rear side of the runway-shaped track via the return assembly.

9. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The main driving module also includes: The guide assembly is fixedly mounted on the frame, and the chain of the chain sprocket assembly is located inside the guide assembly.

10. The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The main driving module also includes: The power assembly is connected to the sprocket of the chain sprocket assembly and is suitable for driving the sprocket to rotate to drive the chain to move.

11. A sorting system comprising: A supply platform, suitable for providing goods; Multiple rows of grid openings distributed at different heights; The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is suitable for obtaining goods from the package supply platform and sorting the goods to a target slot.

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