Tilting tray sorting machine, sorting system and sorting method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a tilting tray sorting machine, a sorting system and a sorting method thereof, the tilting tray sorting machine enables two horizontal pins of a tray assembly to be respectively located in symmetrical turnover guide channels, two limiting blocks are used for respectively controlling the horizontal pins at the upper ends of the turnover guide channels to move downwards, and when the two limiting blocks are located below the horizontal pins, the horizontal pins are separated from the turnover guide channels. When unloading is needed, the limiting block on the corresponding side is pulled out from the lower portion of the horizontal pin so that the horizontal pin on the corresponding side can move downwards along the overturning guide channel, and meanwhile due to the fact that the horizontal pin on the other side is limited and cannot move downwards, unloading is not needed. By means of the structure, only one tray is needed, large-size packages can be sorted, meanwhile, the overall size of the trolley is greatly reduced, the overall structure is simpler, meanwhile, a jacking mechanism does not need to be arranged at the position of the track to enable the tray to incline, and therefore the unloading efficiency is improved. And assembly of the whole machine is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of logistics sorting equipment, in particular to a tray-turning sorting machine, a sorting system and a sorting method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The tilt tray sorting machine is a device that sorts packages by tilting the tray on the tilt tray sorting trolley to the left and right.

[0003] The invention patent with the authorization announcement number CN208245212U discloses a bidirectional flip-plate sorting machine. This structure needs to be driven by jacking devices at different positions during sorting, which requires a large number of jacking devices and a complex structure for the bidirectional flip-plate trolley to maintain a horizontal state, which is not conducive to simplifying the structure of the equipment and the assembly and maintenance of the equipment.

[0004] The invention patent with authorization announcement number CN110187745U discloses another flipping mechanism, which realizes bidirectional sorting by flipping two independent flipping plates to one side respectively. However, the flipping mechanism of this structure is larger in size. Under the same track conditions, the number of flipping mechanisms that can be set up in the existing structure is smaller, and the size of goods that can be sorted by the flipping plates is greatly limited. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the above problems existing in the prior art and to provide a tray sorting machine, a sorting system and a sorting method thereof.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions: The tilting tray sorting machine comprises a circle of tilting tray sorting trolleys moving along a track, the tilting tray sorting trolley comprises a frame, the frame is provided with two parallel vertical plates, the two vertical plates are parallel to the axes of the running wheels on the frame, two arc-shaped turning guide channels are respectively formed on the two vertical plates, the two turning guide channels on the vertical plates are arranged in mirror symmetry and the spacing between the two turning guide channels decreases from the upper end to the lower end, and the turning guide channels on the two vertical plates are in one-to-one correspondence; A tray assembly and a tilt control mechanism are arranged between the two vertical plates, the tray assembly includes a tray and pillars arranged at the bottom of the tray, the pillars are distributed on both sides of the bottom of the tray and the bottom of the pillars on each side is provided with a horizontal pin perpendicular to the vertical plate, and both ends of the horizontal pin on each side are movably arranged in a pair of flip guide channels that are positioned opposite to each other; The tilt control mechanism includes two limit blocks, each of which is connected to a driver that drives it to move between a first position and a second position along an extension direction parallel to the axis of the walking wheel. When the limit block is in the first position, the limit block restricts the horizontal pin located at the upper end of the flip guide channel and thereon from sliding downward along the flip guide channel. When the limit block is in the second position, the limit block is located on the inner side of the flip guide channel. Predetermined positions on the track are provided with tray alignment driving members located on both sides of the frame.

[0007] Preferably, in the tilting tray sorting machine, the limit block is arranged on a sliding block, both ends of the sliding block are movably arranged on guide rails, and the extension direction of the guide rails is parallel to the axis of the traveling wheel.

[0008] Preferably, in the tray tilting sorting machine, the two guide rails are staggered in the extension direction of the horizontal pin.

[0009] Preferably, in the tray-turning sorting machine, a horizontal support plate is arranged between the two vertical plates, and the horizontal support plate is located in the two turning guide channels of the vertical plates and the guide rail is arranged thereon.

[0010] Preferably, in the tilt-tray sorting machine, the driver is fixed on the inner side of the vertical plate.

[0011] Preferably, in the tray-turning sorting machine, rollers rollingly arranged in the turning guide channel are respectively arranged at both ends of the horizontal pin.

[0012] Preferably, in the tilting tray sorting machine, the frame includes a C-shaped groove, and the two side plates of the C-shaped groove are provided with the running wheels and the limiting wheels whose axes extend in the vertical direction, and the running wheels and the limiting wheels are both located in the C-shaped wheel groove of the track.

[0013] Preferably, in the tray-turning sorting machine, a linear motor secondary assembly is provided at the bottom of the C-shaped groove.

[0014] A sorting system comprises any of the above-mentioned tilting tray sorting machines.

[0015] The sorting method according to any of the above-mentioned tilting tray sorting machines comprises the following steps: A circle of tilting tray sorting trolleys moves along the track; When it is determined that the parcel on a tilting tray sorting trolley needs to be sorted, the driver on the tilting tray sorting trolley corresponding to the sorting slot to which the parcel needs to be sorted drives the limit block connected thereto to switch from the first position to the second position so that the tray is tilted for sorting; When the tray sorting trolley moves past the tray straightening drive member after sorting is completed to restore the tray to the straightened state, the driver of the tray sorting trolley drives the limit block to switch from the second position to the first position.

[0016] The advantages of the technical solution of the present invention are mainly reflected in: The structure of the present invention enables the two horizontal pins of the tray assembly to be respectively located in the symmetrical flip guide channels, and the downward movement of the horizontal pins at the upper end of the flip guide channels are respectively controlled by two horizontally movable limit blocks. When the two limit blocks are located below the horizontal pins, the tray of the tray assembly can be kept in a horizontal state. When unloading is required, the limit blocks on the corresponding side can be pulled out from under the horizontal pins so that the horizontal pins on the corresponding side can move downward along the flip guide channel. At the same time, since the horizontal pins on the other side are restricted from moving downward, the tray assembly can be rotated and tilted around the horizontal pins that cannot move downward to complete the unloading of the package. This structure only requires one tray and can sort packages of larger sizes. At the same time, the overall size of the trolley is greatly reduced, and the overall structure is simpler. At the same time, there is no need to set a lifting mechanism at the track to tilt the tray, which is more conducive to the assembly of the whole machine.

[0017] The present invention enables the limit block to be slidably arranged on the guide rail through the slider, and can provide support through the guide rail and the slider, thereby effectively ensuring the support of the tray assembly so that the tipping tray sorting trolley can meet the sorting needs of packages with heavier weights. At the same time, the staggered arrangement of the slide rail can effectively avoid structural interference.

[0018] The present invention arranges a horizontal support plate between the vertical plates, which not only provides a basis for the installation of the guide rails, but also increases the structural strength of the vertical plates, improves the integrity and stability of the structure. At the same time, the driver is arranged on the inner side of the vertical plates and above the guide rails, which can effectively utilize the vertical space to reduce the width of the tipping tray sorting trolley. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a partial schematic diagram of the tilting tray sorting machine of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention; Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention with the vertical plate on one side hidden; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the tray of the tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention being kept in a straightened state; Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the tray of the tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention tilting to the right; Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the tray of the tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention tilting to the left; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the tray of the tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention being straightened by a climbing inclined pipe; Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of a tilting tray sorting trolley of the present invention integrated with a weighing sensor; Fig. 9 It is a partial stereoscopic diagram of the sorting system of the present invention, in which only part of the tilting tray sorting trolley and the sorting grid are shown, and the straight arrow in the figure shows the running direction of the sorting loop. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The purpose, advantages and features of the present invention will be illustrated and explained by the non-limiting description of the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are only typical examples of the application of the technical solution of the present invention, and any technical solution formed by equivalent replacement or equivalent transformation falls within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0021] In the description of the scheme, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience and simplification of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] Example 1 The tilting tray sorting machine disclosed by the present invention is described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a track 100 arranged on a base frame, and the track 100 can be arranged horizontally or vertically. When the track 100 is arranged horizontally, it includes an inner rail 110 and an outer rail 120 concentrically arranged around the outer periphery of the inner rail 110. At this time, the projections of the inner rail 110 and the outer rail 120 on the horizontal plane are closed rings, respectively. The closed rings can be feasible shapes such as circles, waist shapes, and rounded rectangles, which are specifically set according to needs and are not limited here. When the track 100 is arranged vertically, the track 100 includes a left rail and a right rail distributed left and right and arranged concentrically, and their axes extend horizontally.

[0023] As attached Figure 1 , Attachment Figure 2As shown, a circle of tipping tray sorting trolleys 300 are arranged on the track 100, and the tipping tray sorting trolley includes a frame 310. The specific structure of the frame 310 can be designed as needed. Preferably, the frame 310 includes a C-shaped groove 311, and the notch of the C-shaped groove 311 faces downward. The two side panels of the C-shaped groove 311 are vertically arranged and the outer side of each side panel is provided with a running wheel 312. Only one running wheel 312 can be set on each side panel, or multiple running wheels 312 can be set. Preferably, each side panel is provided with two running wheels 312 of equal height, and they are distributed at both ends of the side panel. Furthermore, a limiting wheel 313 is provided on the side plate between the two running wheels 312, the axis of the limiting wheel 313 extends in the vertical direction and the limiting wheel 313 protrudes outside the outer end surface of the running wheel 312, and the limiting wheel is installed between the top and the bottom of the running wheel 312, so that the running wheel and the limiting wheel are both located in the C-shaped wheel groove of the track. The track 100 is a structure that matches the running wheels 312 and the limiting wheels 313 on both sides of the frame 310, and is not limited here.

[0024] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the frame 310 is provided with two parallel vertical plates 320, the two vertical plates 320 are parallel to the axis of the running wheel 312, the two vertical plates 320 can be welded or screwed to the frame 310, and at the same time, the vertical plates 320 and the frame 310 can also be connected by a triangular reinforcing plate to ensure the stability of the connection between the vertical plates 320 and the frame 310. Two flip guide channels 321 are formed on the two vertical plates 320 respectively, and the flip guide channels 321 are arc-shaped. The two flip guide channels 321 on the vertical plates 320 are arranged in mirror symmetry and the spacing between the two flip guide channels 321 decreases from the upper end to the lower end. The flip guide channels 321 on the two vertical plates 320 correspond to each other in position; the flip guide channels 321 can be arc-shaped holes or arc-shaped grooves, preferably arc-shaped holes for easy assembly.

[0025] As attached Figure 2 As shown, a tray assembly 330 and a tilt control mechanism 340 are disposed between the two vertical plates 320 .

[0026] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the tray assembly 330 includes a tray 331 and a support column 332 arranged at the bottom of the tray 331. The shape of the tray 331 can be designed as needed, for example, it can be a plate. Preferably, in order to prevent the package from falling off the tray 331 during movement, the tray 331 includes a bottom plate, and the four sides of the bottom plate are provided with outward and upward oblique enclosures, and the enclosures and the bottom plate form an inverted cone-shaped groove, and the bottom plate and / or the enclosures are provided with through holes to achieve lightweight.

[0027] The pillars 332 are distributed on both sides of the bottom of the tray 331, and the bottom of the pillars 332 on each side is provided with a horizontal pin 333 perpendicular to the vertical plate 320. The number of columns connected by the horizontal pins 333 on each side can be designed as needed. Preferably, the horizontal pins 333 on each side are connected to one column, and the columns connected by the two horizontal pins 333 are staggered in the extension direction of the horizontal pins 333. At the same time, the two columns are respectively close to the inner side surfaces of the two vertical plates, so that the two horizontal pins can be effectively restricted from withdrawing from the flip guide channel 321 through the cooperation of the two columns and the two vertical plates. At the same time, the two ends of the horizontal pins 333 on each side are movably set in a pair of flip guide channels 321 that are opposite to each other. When the two horizontal pins 333 are located at the upper ends of the flip guide channels 321, the tray 331 of the tray assembly 330 remains in a straightened state, that is, the bottom plate of the tray 331 is in a horizontal state, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 4 As shown, packages can be placed on the tray 331.

[0028] As attached Figure 3 As shown, the tilt control mechanism 340 includes two limit blocks 341, each of which is connected to a driver 342 that drives it to move between a first position and a second position along an extension direction parallel to the axis of the walking wheel 312, and each of the limit blocks 341 corresponds to a horizontal pin 333. When the limit block 341 is in the first position, the limit block 341 limits the horizontal pin 333 located at the upper end of the flip guide channel 321 and thereon to slide downward along the flip guide channel 321. When the limit block 341 is in the second position, the limit block 341 is located at the inner side of the flip guide channel 321, that is, when a driver drives the limit block 341 connected thereto to move to the second position, the horizontal pin above the limit block 341 is no longer restricted, and at the same time, because the other horizontal pin is restricted and cannot move, the tray assembly can rotate around the horizontal pin that cannot move downward, and the horizontal pin that can move downward slides downward along the flip guide channel where it is located to the lower end of the flip guide channel, and finally the tilting of the tray assembly is realized, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 5 , Attachment Figure 6 shown.

[0029] The driver 342 can be a feasible device such as an electric push rod, a linear motor, an electromagnet, etc., which can be fixed on the inner side of the vertical plate 320, and the limit block 341 can be directly connected to the telescopic rod of the driver 342. More preferably, in order to ensure that the tray assembly 330 has sufficient bearing capacity to meet the needs of sorting heavier packages, the limit block 341 is set on a slider 343, and the two ends of the slider 343 are movably set on the guide rail 344, and the extension direction of the guide rail 344 is parallel to the axis of the running wheel 312. The two guide rails 344 are horizontally arranged and extend along the axis direction of the running wheel 312, and the two guide rails 344 are staggered in the extension direction of the horizontal pin 333, and the two guide rails 344 can be fixed on the inner side of the two vertical plates 320. Preferably, in order to make the structure of the vertical plate 320 more stable and facilitate the installation of the guide rail 344, a horizontal support plate 345 is arranged between the two vertical plates 320. The horizontal support plate 345 is located in the two flip guide channels 321 of the vertical plate 320 and the guide rail 344 is arranged thereon.

[0030] Furthermore, in order to ensure the smoothness of the up and down movement of the horizontal pin 333 , rollers (not shown in the figure) rollingly arranged in the flip guide channel 321 are respectively arranged at both ends of the horizontal pin 333 .

[0031] A circle of the tilting tray sorting trolleys 300 can be connected by a chain. At this time, the chain is mounted on two sprockets, one of which can be driven by a motor to rotate.

[0032] In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in the attached Figure 3 As shown, a circle of the tilting tray sorting trolleys 300 are connected in sequence through rod end joint bearings 314. Specifically, a rod end joint bearing 314 is provided at the top of the C-shaped groove 311 of the frame 310 of the tilting tray sorting trolley 300, which is located outside the two vertical plates 320 and directly opposite to each other, and two rod end joint bearings close to each other on two adjacent tilting tray sorting trolleys are connected by a connecting rod. At this time, the tilting tray sorting trolleys 300 form a sorting loop, which can be driven by a linear motor to run along the track 100 or driven by friction to run along the track 100. Preferably, the sorting line is driven by a linear motor. Specifically, the primary of the linear motor is provided on the track 100, and the secondary assembly 315 of the linear motor is provided at the bottom of the C-shaped groove 311. Correspondingly, in order to conveniently power the flip tray sorting trolley 300, a busbar collector (not shown in the figure) is provided at the bottom of the C-shaped groove 311, and a busbar power supply rail matching the busbar collector is provided on the track 100. Of course, in other embodiments, a known wireless power supply method can also be used to power the flip tray sorting trolley. As attached Figure 7As shown, after the tray 331 of the tilting tray sorting trolley 300 is tilted, it needs to be restored to a horizontal state before sorting can continue. Correspondingly, a tray alignment driving member located on both sides of the frame 310 is provided at a predetermined position on the track 100. The specific structure of the tray alignment driving member can be designed as needed. Preferably, the tray alignment driving member includes two climbing inclined tubes 500, which are preferably round tubes and are respectively fixed to mounting frames on the track 100. The two climbing inclined tubes 500 are respectively located on both sides of the frame 310, so that when the tilted tray 331 passes through the two climbing inclined tubes 500, the tray 331 tilted in any direction can be restored from a tilted state to a centered state.

[0033] Example 2 As attached Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the tray assembly 330 further includes a weighing sensor 350 arranged below the bottom plate, a carrier plate 360 ​​is arranged below the weighing sensor 350, and the column is arranged at the bottom of the carrier plate 360.

[0034] In this way, when the tray is kept in a horizontal state, the tray assembly 330 can weigh the weight of the packages on the tray 331, thereby effectively solving the problem of obtaining the weight of the packages that cannot be supplied by the DWS device.

[0035] Example 3 This embodiment discloses a sorting system, as shown in the attached Fig. 9 As shown, it includes the above-mentioned tilting tray sorting machine. The side of the tilting tray sorting machine is also provided with a bag supply area 700 and a sorting grid area 900, and the tray alignment drive is arranged between the upstream of the bag supply area 700 and the closest sorting grid. After completing the sorting, the tilting tray sorting trolley 300 moves through the tray alignment drive to level the tray 331 and then moves to the bag supply platform to load the bags.

[0036] The package supply area can be supplied manually, specifically, the structure disclosed in the patent with the authorization announcement number CN221109027U can be adopted, which is not limited here. Of course, after the package is manually placed on the tilting tray sorting trolley 300, the tilting tray sorting trolley 300 can be moved with the package to the top code reader 710 and / or the side code reader for code reading, and then the sorting grid of the package on the tilting tray sorting trolley 300 can be obtained and the determined sorting grid of the package can be bound to the tilting tray sorting trolley 300 where the package is located.

[0037] In another embodiment, if the parcels to be sorted are parcels that are not easy to roll, the parcel supply area may be provided with at least one parcel supply station for supplying parcels, and the parcel supply station may adopt a known DWS device, which will not be described in detail here.

[0038] The specific structure of the sorting slots in the slot area can adopt a known feasible structure, which will not be described in detail here.

[0039] Example 4 This embodiment discloses a sorting method of the above-mentioned tilting tray sorting machine, comprising the following steps: A circle of tilting tray sorting trolleys is driven by a linear motor to move along the track. Packages are continuously placed into the idle tilting tray sorting trolleys manually or through a package supply table, and the sorting grid of each package is bound to the tilting tray sorting trolley where the package is located in a known manner, and the tilting tray sorting trolley where each package is located is supplied with packages in a known manner.

[0040] When it is determined that the parcel on a tilting tray sorting trolley needs to be sorted, the driver on the tilting tray sorting trolley corresponding to the sorting slot to which the parcel needs to be sorted drives the limit block connected thereto to switch from the first position to the second position so that the tray is tilted for sorting; When the tray sorting trolley moves past the tray straightening drive member after sorting is completed to restore the tray to the straightened state, the driver of the tray sorting trolley drives the limit block to switch from the second position to the first position.

[0041] For example, if sorting is required to the left, the limit block on the left is switched from the first position to the second position. At this time, the tray assembly rotates around the horizontal pin on the right, so that the tray assembly tilts to the left for sorting.

[0042] There are many implementation methods of the present invention, and all technical solutions formed by equivalent transformation or equivalent transformation fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tray sorting machine, comprising a tray sorting trolley moving along a track, wherein the tray sorting trolley comprises a frame, and is characterized in that: The frame is provided with two parallel vertical plates, the two vertical plates are parallel to the axes of the running wheels on the frame, and two arc-shaped turning guide channels are respectively formed on the two vertical plates, the two turning guide channels on the vertical plates are arranged in mirror symmetry, and the spacing between the two turning guide channels decreases from the upper end to the lower end, and the positions of the turning guide channels on the two vertical plates correspond to each other one by one; A tray assembly and a tilt control mechanism are arranged between the two vertical plates, the tray assembly includes a tray and pillars arranged at the bottom of the tray, the pillars are distributed on both sides of the bottom of the tray and the bottom of the pillars on each side is provided with a horizontal pin perpendicular to the vertical plate, and both ends of the horizontal pin on each side are movably arranged in a pair of flip guide channels that are positioned opposite to each other; The tilt control mechanism includes two limit blocks, each of which is connected to a driver that drives it to move between a first position and a second position along an extension direction parallel to the axis of the walking wheel. When the limit block is in the first position, the limit block restricts the horizontal pin located at the upper end of the flip guide channel and thereon from sliding downward along the flip guide channel. When the limit block is in the second position, the limit block is located on the inner side of the flip guide channel. Predetermined positions on the track are provided with tray alignment driving members located on both sides of the frame.

2. The tray sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limit block is arranged on the sliding block, and both ends of the sliding block are movably arranged on the guide rails, and the extension direction of the guide rails is parallel to the axis of the walking wheel.

3. The tray sorting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two guide rails are staggered in the extension direction of the horizontal pin.

4. The tray sorting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: A horizontal support plate is arranged between the two vertical plates. The horizontal support plate is located in the two turning guide channels of the vertical plates and the guide rails are arranged on the horizontal support plate.

5. The tray sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driver is fixed on the inner side of the vertical plate.

6. The tray sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the horizontal pin are respectively provided with rollers which are rolled in the flipping guide channel.

7. The tray sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The frame comprises a C-shaped groove, and the two side plates of the C-shaped groove are provided with the running wheels and the limiting wheels whose axes extend in the vertical direction, and the running wheels and the limiting wheels are both located at the C-shaped wheel groove of the track.

8. The tray sorting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: A linear motor secondary assembly is arranged at the bottom of the C-shaped groove.

9. Sorting system, characterized by: It comprises a tray sorting machine as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The sorting method of the tilting tray sorting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The steps include: A circle of tilting tray sorting trolleys moves along the track; When it is determined that the parcel on a tilting tray sorting trolley needs to be sorted, the driver on the tilting tray sorting trolley corresponding to the sorting slot to which the parcel needs to be sorted drives the limit block connected thereto to switch from the first position to the second position so that the tray is tilted for sorting; When the tray sorting trolley moves past the tray straightening drive member after sorting is completed to restore the tray to the straightened state, the driver of the tray sorting trolley drives the limit block to switch from the second position to the first position.

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