Delivery system, adjustment mechanism, and method of use

Abstract

The invention relates to a delivery system, an adjustment mechanism and a method of use. Methods, systems, mechanisms, etc., are provided. According to various embodiments, there is provided a conveyor system comprising a track defining a track length; two or more conveying sections, wherein each conveying section comprises: a belt; a frame configured to support the belt; a hitching device configured to operably connect the two or more conveying sections; an adjustment point, wherein each conveying section defines a conveying length; and an adjustment mechanism comprising a plurality of surfaces wherein at least one of the plurality of surfaces is a non-concentric surface wherein the non-concentric surface is configured to operably engage with the adjustment point such that the adjustment mechanism is rotatable in a first direction to increase the transport length by an increment and to decrease the transport length by an increment in a second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a sorting device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an adjustment mechanism for a loop sorting device. Background Art

[0002] Conveyor systems, such as cross-belt sorters, may be used in warehouses, distribution centers, and similar industrial environments to support, sort, and / or transport objects within the environment. However, depending on a variety of factors (e.g., where the conveyor system is installed), the length and / or orientation of the conveyor system may need to be adjusted for desired functionality. Additionally, there may be manufacturing errors during the manufacture of the conveyor system or installation errors that may only become apparent when the conveyor system is installed, which may also require adjustments to the conveyor for proper operation. Thus, in a variety of situations, the length of the conveyor system may need to be adjusted after installation.

[0003] Through hard work, ingenuity and innovation, the applicant has solved the problems associated with adjusting the loop sorting device by developing the technical solutions implemented in the present disclosure, which are described in detail as follows. Summary of the invention

[0004] Generally speaking, embodiments of the present disclosure provide conveyor systems, conveyor sections, adjustment mechanisms, and the like.

[0005] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a conveying system comprising: a track defining a track length; two or more conveying sections, wherein each conveying section comprises: a belt; a frame configured to support the belt; a hitch configured to operably connect the two or more conveying sections; an adjustment point, wherein each conveying section defines a conveying length; and an adjustment mechanism comprising a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of surfaces is a non-concentric surface, wherein the non-concentric surfaces are configured to operably engage with the adjustment point, so that the adjustment mechanism can be rotated in a first direction to increase the conveying length by an increment, and in a second direction to decrease the conveying length by an increment.

[0006] In some embodiments, the hitch includes one or more slots, and the adjustment mechanism is disposed through one of the one or more slots.

[0007] In some embodiments, each delivery segment further includes one or more hitch fasteners configured to fixedly attach the adjustment mechanism to the hitch.

[0008] In some embodiments, the conveying system further includes a gauge having one or more gauge elements, wherein the one or more gauge elements are disposed on a hook device, wherein when the adjustment mechanism rotates in a first direction, it points to a first gauge element of the one or more gauge elements, and when the adjustment mechanism rotates in a second direction, it points to a second gauge element of the one or more gauge elements.

[0009] In some embodiments, the track length ranges between 2.5 and 3.5 meters.

[0010] In some embodiments, the delivery length ranges between 1195 and 1205 millimeters.

[0011] In some embodiments, the increment is 1 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism has an eccentric design.

[0013] In some embodiments, an adjustment mechanism is installed in the conveying system, and the adjustment mechanism is directed to a third gauge element among the one or more gauge elements.

[0014] In some embodiments, the conveying system is a cross-belt conveyor.

[0015] In some embodiments, the transport section is a cart.

[0016] According to various embodiments, a method of using an adjustment mechanism is provided, the method comprising: loosening one or more hitch fasteners by a tool so that the adjustment mechanism can be rotated relative to a hitch connecting a first conveying segment to a second conveying segment; adjusting the adjustment mechanism by the tool so that the adjustment mechanism increases the conveying length of the first conveying segment by an increment; and tightening one or more hitch fasteners by the tool so that the adjustment mechanism is fixed to the hitch.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes loosening one or more hitch fasteners by a tool so that an adjustment mechanism can rotate relative to a hitch that connects a first delivery segment to a second delivery segment; adjusting the adjustment mechanism by the tool so that the adjustment mechanism reduces a delivery length of the first delivery segment by an increment; and tightening one or more hitch fasteners by the tool so that the adjustment mechanism is fixed to the hitch.

[0018] In some embodiments, one increment is 1 mm.

[0019] The above overview is provided only to summarize some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples. It should be understood that in addition to those embodiments summarized herein, the scope of the present disclosure also includes many potential embodiments, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Having described the present disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0021] Figure 1A is an angled bottom view of an example conveyor section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 1B is an angled exploded top view of an example conveyor section according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 1C is an angled top view of an example delivery system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 1D is an angled top view of an example delivery system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2A is an exploded view of an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2B is an angled side view of an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2C is an angled side view of an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3A is an angled front view of an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3B-3D is a top plan view of an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3E is an exploded view of an example adjustment mechanism and an example hinge according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figures 4A-4C is an angled top view illustrating an example adjustment process of an example delivery system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5A is an elevational side view of an example conveyor system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5B is an elevational side view of an example conveyor system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of using an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In fact, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided in order to satisfy applicable legal requirements for the present disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the term "or" (also designated as " / ") is used herein in both substitution and connection modes. The terms "illustrative" and "exemplary" are used as examples and do not represent quality levels. Similar numbers may refer to similar elements throughout. The phrase "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc. generally means that the specific features, structures or characteristics following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0036] Overview

[0037] According to various embodiments, various sections (e.g., carts) of a conveying system (e.g., a cross-belt conveying system) can use an adjustment mechanism to increase or decrease their length. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can be inserted into an adjustment slot on a hitch that connects two or more conveying sections. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can be fixed to the hitch by one or more hitch fasteners, which can be loosened and / or removed to allow the adjustment mechanism to increase or decrease the length of the conveying section as needed. In some embodiments, once the length of the conveying section has been adjusted, one or more hitch fasteners can be reattached to secure the adjustment mechanism.

[0038] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can be an elongated, substantially cylindrical piece that defines a plurality of surfaces. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can have an eccentric design; that is, the adjustment mechanism can be non-concentric. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism can be coupled to a gauge, thereby allowing for a quick and effective visual indication of when adjustment has occurred.

[0039] Example Conveyor System

[0040] Figure 1AAn example conveyor segment 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the conveyor segment 100 may be a component of a larger conveyor system 10 including a plurality of connected segments 100 (e.g., 100A, 100B, 100C, etc.). The following disclosure is described with respect to a single conveyor segment 100, but it should be understood that the description may be similarly applied to a plurality of conveyor segments 100 within a larger conveyor system 10, as well as to the conveyor system 10 as a whole. In some embodiments, the conveyor system 10 may be configured to convey goods in multiple directions throughout the space in which it is arranged. In some embodiments, the conveyor segment 100 may be configured (as part of a larger system) to support and / or convey one or more objects within a warehouse, distribution center, or similar industrial space. In some embodiments, the conveyor segment 100 may be part of a cross-belt sorter. In some embodiments, the conveyor segment 100 may be a cart sorter.

[0041] In some embodiments, the conveying section 100 may include a belt 102. In some embodiments, the belt 102 may be a conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the belt 102 may be toothed and / or include one or more toothed sections. In some embodiments, the belt 102 may be composed of rubber, plastic, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the belt 102 may be composed of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, rubber, polyester, and / or nylon. In some embodiments, the belt 102 may be combined with one or more layers of fabric.

[0042] In some embodiments, the conveyor section 100 may include a frame 104. In some embodiments, the frame 104 may be a rigid, substantially rectangular frame across which the belt 102 may travel and / or be arranged. In some embodiments, the frame may be composed of metal, plastic, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the frame 104 may house one or more internal components of the conveyor section 100 or a larger conveyor system 10. In some embodiments, the frame 104 may be configured to protect one or more components of the conveyor section 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, and at least as Figure 1B As shown in , the frame 104 may define fins 112 and tracks 114. In some embodiments, the fins 112 may be disposed below the tracks 114. In some embodiments, the fins 112 may be a linear motor drive bridge. In some embodiments, the tracks 114 may be configured to support the belt 102. In some embodiments, the tracks 114 may be T-shaped or generally cross-shaped. In some embodiments, the fins 112 and tracks 114 may be composed of the same material as the frame 104. In some embodiments, alternative materials may be used for the fins 112 and / or tracks 114 as desired.

[0044] In some embodiments, the conveying section 100 may be disposed on one or more supports 106A, 106B, at least as Figure 1A In some embodiments, the conveyor section 100 may be fixedly attached to one or more supports 106Av106B. In some embodiments, one or more supports 106A-106B may be fixed to the floor of the industrial environment described above.

[0045] In some embodiments, and at least as Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveyor section 100 may include one or more guide wheels 108A, 108B. In some embodiments, the guide wheels 108A, 108B may be used to properly position the conveyor section 100 within the larger conveyor system 10 as needed. In some embodiments, the guide wheels 108A, 108B may be configured to reduce wear on the frame 104 or the entire conveyor section 100. In some embodiments, the guide wheels 108A, 108B may be composed of rubber or other suitable "soft" materials.

[0046] In some embodiments, still refer to Figure 1B , the conveyor section 100 may include one or more wheel bearings 110A, 110B. Similar to but not identical to the guide wheels 108A, 108B, the one or more wheel bearings 110A, 110B may be attached to the frame 104 and configured to reduce wear on the frame 104 or the entire conveyor section 100. In some embodiments, the one or more guide wheels 108A, 108B and the one or more wheel bearings 110A, 110B may include a wheel and bearing section.

[0047] In some embodiments, the transport section 100 may include a hitch 116. In some embodiments, the hitch 116 may be configured to connect two transport sections 100A and 100B, such as Figure 2A As shown in . Still refer to Figure 2A , but also refer to Figure 2B and Figure 2C The hook device 116 can be used to operably connect the two conveying sections 100A and 100B (at least as Figure 1C In some embodiments, and as will be described in greater detail later in this disclosure, the adjustment mechanism 200 may be disposed through one or more slots 117 of the hitch 116 .

[0048] In some embodiments, the conveyor segment 100 may include one or more fasteners 118 (e.g., threaded screws, nuts, bolts, etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 118 may be configured to secure various components of the conveyor segment 100 (e.g., the hitch 116 to the frame 104, the guide wheels 108A, 108B to the frame 104, and the one or more wheel bearings 110A, 110B to the frame 104).

[0049] Reference now Figure 1D In some embodiments, one or more conveyor sections 100A, 100B may be arranged on the track 12 of the conveyor system 10. In some embodiments, one or more conveyor sections 100A, 100B may be installed according to the sorting machine track direction. In some embodiments, the conveyor system 10 may define a distance D between one or more conveyor sections 100A, 100B. In some embodiments, one or more conveyor sections 100A, 100B may be the first and last conveyor sections 100A, 100B within a larger conveyor system 10. In some embodiments, the distance D may then be distributed throughout the conveyor sections 100A, 100B so that each conveyor section can be adjusted to accommodate the distance D.

[0050] Example Adjustment Mechanism

[0051] Reference now Figure 2A-2C According to various embodiments, an adjustment mechanism 200 is provided. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 can be a substantially cylindrical rigid member including a plurality of surfaces. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 can be comprised of steel. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 can be inserted into the hitch 116. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 can be fixed to the hitch 116 via one or more hitch fasteners 120 (e.g., screws). In some embodiments, the one or more hitch fasteners 120 can be adjusted using a tool such as an Allen wrench. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 can be configured to adjust the length of the delivery section 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, and now with reference to Figure 2B , the adjustment mechanism 200 may include an adjustment slot 202. In some embodiments, the adjustment slot 202 may be a polygonal slot. In some embodiments, and as will be described in more detail later in this disclosure, the adjustment mechanism 200 may be adjusted by inserting a tool 204 (see, e.g. Figures 4A-4C ) is inserted into the adjustment slot 202 for rotation.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more gauge elements 206A-206C may be provided on the hitch 116. In some embodiments, the one or more gauge elements may include an indicator (e.g., a minus sign or "-" mark) 206A that the length of the conveyor segment 100 has been reduced, an indicator (e.g., a zero or "0" mark) 206B that the length of the conveyor segment 100 has not changed, and an indicator (e.g., a plus sign or "+" mark) 206C that the length of the conveyor segment 100 has increased. It should be understood that more or fewer gauge elements may be indicated on the hitch 116. For example, in some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 may be adjusted between a zero indicator 206B and an increase indicator 206C, which may require a fourth gauge element. In some embodiments, when the adjustment mechanism 200 is first installed in the hitch 116 of the conveyor segment 100, the gauge indicator may be located at the zero indicator 206B. From this position, the length of the conveyor segment 100 may be increased or decreased as desired.

[0054] Reference now Figure 2C , the adjustment mechanism 200 can be rotated to the gauge element 206C, thereby increasing the length of the conveying section 100 by an increment. In some embodiments, the increment can be 1 mm. In some embodiments, the increment can be greater or less than 1 mm as desired.

[0055] Reference now Figures 3A-3D , the adjustment mechanism 200 may include multiple surfaces 208A-208C. It should be understood that the adjustment slot 202 is excluded only for the purpose of illustrating other features of the adjustment mechanism 200. In some embodiments, the multiple surfaces 208A-208C may have an eccentric design; that is, the multiple surfaces 208A-208C may not share a center line. Figure 3B-3D As shown in FIG. 2 , the second surface 208B is slightly offset from the center of the first surface 208A. Figure 3C In FIG. 1 , the centerline of the second surface 208B is located at a distance “Y” “upward” from the centerlines of the other two surfaces 208A and 208C, and in FIG. Figure 3B and Figure 3D , it is offset a distance "X" from the centerline of the other two surfaces.

[0056] Figure 3B-3D It is further shown that, according to various embodiments, when the adjustment mechanism 200 has been used to reduce the length of the conveying section 100 ( Figure 3B ), keep the conveying section 100 at the installation length ( Figure 3C ) and increase the length of the conveying section ( Figure 3D ) when adjusting the mechanism 200 from a top plan view.

[0057] Figure 3EAttachment of an example adjustment mechanism 200 according to various embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 may be inserted into the slot 117 of the hitch 116. In some embodiments, the second surface 208B may be operably engaged with the adjustment point 122 of the conveyor segment 100. In some embodiments, the adjustment point 122 may be fixedly connected to the length of the conveyor segment 100; that is, compressing or extending the conveyor segment 100 at the adjustment point 122 may cause the length of the conveyor segment 100 to increase or decrease. In some embodiments, the second surface 208B may contact the adjustment point 122, so that rotating the adjustment mechanism 200, as previously described, will cause the adjustment mechanism 200 to push or pull on the conveyor segment 100, thereby shortening or lengthening the conveyor segment (respectively) as desired.

[0058] Reference now Figures 4A-4C , an example process of adjusting the conveyor segment 100 using the adjustment mechanism 200 will be shown according to various embodiments. As previously described, in some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 200 can be inserted into the hitch 116 connecting the first conveyor segment 100A and the second conveyor segment 100B to adjust the length of the conveyor segment (segment 100A, as shown in the figure).

[0059] In some embodiments, a tool (eg, an Allen wrench) 210 may be used to adjust the hitch fastener 120 that secures the delivery segment 100A to the hitch 116. In some embodiments, the hitch fastener 120 may be removed (see Figure 4B ), allowing the adjustment mechanism 200 to rotate within the slot 117 of the hitch 116 and, as previously described, increase or decrease the length of the conveyor section 100 as needed.

[0060] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A side elevation view of an example conveyor section 100 having an example length "L" is shown. In some embodiments, the length L may be set when the conveyor section 100 is installed. In some embodiments, the length L may be 1200 mm. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the length L may be greater or less than 1200 mm.

[0061] In some embodiments, and as previously described, the length L can be increased by +1 via the adjustment mechanism 200, such as Figure 5B In some embodiments, +1 may represent +1 mm. In some embodiments, the unit of increase may be greater than or less than a millimeter. In some embodiments, the increment may be a discrete integer (e.g., +1). In some embodiments, the increment may be a number of integers (e.g., +0.5).

[0062] Example usage

[0063] Figure 6An example method 300 for an example adjustment mechanism according to various embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method 300 may be implemented with reference to the conveying section 100 and the adjustment mechanism 200 and their various components as previously described. In some embodiments, the method 300 may be implemented using any suitable mechanism and apparatus and their various components.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method 300 may include a step 302 of loosening one or more hitch fasteners by a tool so that the adjustment mechanism can rotate relative to the hitch connecting the first delivery segment to the second delivery segment. In some embodiments, the method 300 may include a step 304 of adjusting the adjustment mechanism by a tool so that the adjustment mechanism increases the delivery length of the first delivery segment by an increment. In some embodiments, the method 300 may include a step 306 of tightening one or more hitch fasteners by a tool so that the adjustment mechanism is fixed to the hitch.

[0065] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will occur to those skilled in the art who have the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A conveying system, comprising: a track, which defines a track length; two or more conveying sections, Each conveying section includes: bring; a frame configured to support the belt; a hitch configured to operably connect two or more conveying sections; Adjustment point, wherein each conveying section defines a conveying length; and The adjustment mechanism comprises: Multiple surfaces, wherein at least one of the plurality of surfaces is a non-concentric surface, Wherein the non-concentric surfaces are configured to operably engage the adjustment point such that the adjustment mechanism can be rotated in a first direction to increase the delivery length by an increment and rotated in a second direction to decrease the delivery length by an increment.

2. The delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: The hitch includes one or more slots, and wherein the adjustment mechanism is disposed through one of the one or more slots.

3. The delivery system according to claim 2, wherein: Each delivery segment further includes one or more hitch fasteners configured to fixedly attach the adjustment mechanism to the hitch.

4. The delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a gauge, the gauge comprising one or more gauge elements, wherein: The one or more gauge elements are arranged on the hanging device, wherein when the adjustment mechanism rotates along the first direction, it points to the first gauge element among the one or more gauge elements, and when the adjustment mechanism rotates along the second direction, it points to the second gauge element among the one or more gauge elements.

5. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein: The track length ranges between 2.5 and 3.5 meters.

6. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein: The delivery length ranges between 1195 and 1205 millimeters.

7. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein: The increments are 1 mm.

8. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein: The adjustment mechanism comprises an eccentric design.

9. The delivery system of claim 4, wherein: When the adjustment mechanism is installed in the conveying system, the adjustment mechanism is directed toward a third gauge element of the one or more gauge elements.

10. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein: The conveying system is a cross-belt conveyor.

11. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein: The transport section is a cart.

12. A method of using an adjustment mechanism, the method comprising: loosening one or more hitch fasteners with a tool so that the adjustment mechanism can rotate relative to the hitch, the hitch connecting the first conveyor segment to the second conveyor segment; adjusting the adjustment mechanism by the tool so that the adjustment mechanism increases the conveying length of the first conveying section by an increment; and The one or more hitch fasteners are tightened with the tool such that the adjustment mechanism is secured to the hitch.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: loosening the one or more hitch fasteners with the tool so that the adjustment mechanism can rotate relative to the hitch, the hitch connecting the first conveyor segment to the second conveyor segment; adjusting the adjustment mechanism by the tool so that the adjustment mechanism reduces the conveying length of the first conveying section by an increment; and The one or more hitch fasteners are tightened with the tool such that the adjustment mechanism is secured to the hitch.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein: The one increment is 1 mm.

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