Cross-belt sorter based on a stereoscopic track, cross-belt sorting system

Abstract

This application discloses a cross-belt sorting machine and a cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. The cross-belt sorting machine includes a pair of track units arranged parallel and symmetrically in a vertical direction. The track units are enclosed in a vertical plane and guided by steering wheels. One of the steering wheels is a drive wheel to drive the track units to rotate cyclically. A sorting trolley is horizontally connected to the pair of track units. The track segments extending vertically of the track units are sequentially guided by the steering wheels to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments. Thus, the loading platform and several unloading slots can be located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track segments. That is, the track units can form several reciprocating track segments arranged along the height direction by being guided left and right by the steering wheels. By setting unloading slots next to the reciprocating track segments at different heights, the height space is fully utilized, the density of unloading slots is increased, and sorting efficiency and space utilization are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cross-belt sorting machine technology, and in particular to a cross-belt sorting machine and cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. Background Technology

[0002] In the logistics field, cross-belt sorters can be used to sort packages or bins.

[0003] In related solutions, cross-belt sorting machines typically use a closed circular track. Sorting trolleys travel in a loop on the track. A loading platform and a unloading slot are located next to the track. The sorting trolley picks up packages at the loading platform, and then travels to the designated unloading slot and releases the packages according to system instructions, thus completing the package sorting operation.

[0004] However, the tracks in the above schemes are usually arranged in a closed loop on a horizontal plane, resulting in a large space occupation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address at least one aspect of the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a cross-belt sorting machine and a cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. The cross-belt sorting machine disclosed in this application vertically sets up a pair of track units and guides the track segments of the track units into at least two layers of reciprocating track segments through steering wheels. This allows for the setting of material discharge slots next to the reciprocating track segments arranged in multiple layers in the height direction, enabling the arrangement of more material discharge slots in the same floor space, thereby improving sorting efficiency and space utilization.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a cross-belt sorting machine based on a three-dimensional track, comprising:

[0007] A pair of track units arranged in parallel and symmetrical configuration in a vertical direction, wherein the track units are arranged in a closed configuration with their ends connected in a vertical plane;

[0008] A steering wheel with a horizontally extending shaft is provided. Several steering wheels are rotatably mounted at the turning point of the track unit in the vertical plane so that the steering wheels support the track unit and guide the extension direction of the track unit. At least one of the steering wheels is a drive wheel, which drives the track unit to rotate cyclically in the vertical plane.

[0009] A sorting trolley is horizontally connected to a pair of track units, with both sides of the sorting trolley fixedly installed on the pair of track units in the width direction, so that the sorting trolley rotates cyclically with the track units;

[0010] In the vertical plane, the track segment of the track unit extending in the vertical direction is guided by several steering wheels in the left and right directions to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments, which extend in the left and right directions of the vertical plane.

[0011] Among them, the feeding machine is located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track section on the relatively horizontal outer side, and several unloading grids are located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track section on the relatively horizontal outer side.

[0012] Furthermore, the sorting trolley and the loading machine are respectively communicatively connected to the sorting control device, so that:

[0013] When the sorting trolley rotates with the track unit to the loading machine, the packages on the loading machine are transferred to the sorting trolley; and...

[0014] When the sorting trolley rotates with the track unit to the designated unloading slot, the package on the sorting trolley is transferred to the designated unloading slot.

[0015] In one embodiment, preferably, the track unit includes an inner sub-track and an outer sub-track arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction. In a pair of track units, the inner sub-track is located on the opposite inner side of the outer sub-track, and the inner sub-track and the outer sub-track are of equal length.

[0016] At each left-right reversal turning point, along the direction determined by the reciprocating track segment, the inner sub-track and the outer sub-track are arranged in a staggered manner with the length of the sorting trolley as the offset distance.

[0017] The sorting cart is configured such that its two ends in the front and rear directions are respectively installed on the inner sub-track and the outer sub-track. The sorting cart is set facing upward on each layer of the reciprocating track section, and the movement direction of the sorting cart is opposite on the reciprocating track section of adjacent layers.

[0018] In one embodiment, preferably, when the sorting cart approaches the turning point, the sorting cart is configured along its direction of travel as follows:

[0019] The front end of the sorting trolley is fixedly installed on one of the inner sub-tracks and the outer sub-track, which protrudes from each other.

[0020] The rear end of the sorting trolley is fixedly installed in one of the inner sub-tracks and the outer sub-track, which are recessed relative to each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, preferably, the inner sub-track and the outer sub-track include chain tracks;

[0022] The sorting trolley has two sides at the first end in the front-rear direction that are rotatably mounted on the links of a pair of inner sub-tracks via a first adapter shaft. The sorting trolley has two sides at the second end in the front-rear direction that are rotatably mounted on the links of a pair of outer sub-tracks via a second adapter shaft. The outer end of the second adapter shaft is provided with a connector that avoids the inner sub-tracks.

[0023] In one embodiment, preferably, the sorting trolley is provided with wheels on the left and right sides at both ends in the front-rear direction;

[0024] The first adapter shaft and the second adapter shaft are different axles of the walking wheels.

[0025] In one embodiment, preferably, at the left-right reversal turning points, the track unit is guided by at least two steering wheels arranged vertically.

[0026] In one embodiment, preferably, the sorting trolley includes a chassis and a conveyor belt mounted on the chassis;

[0027] The conveyor belt is arranged in a direction that intersects with the front-back direction of the sorting trolley; the chassis includes a plurality of chassis plates arranged along the front-back direction of the sorting trolley, and adjacent chassis plates are movably connected to each other.

[0028] Furthermore, the conveyor belt is fixedly installed on any one of the plurality of base plates.

[0029] In one embodiment, preferably, the sorting trolley includes a controller electrically connected to the conveyor belt and communicatively connected to the sorting control device, so that the controller controls the rotation direction of the conveyor belt according to the loading and unloading instructions of the sorting control device.

[0030] In one embodiment, preferably, it further includes:

[0031] The power supply unit includes a sliding contact line and an energized brush plate disposed on the outside of the chassis of the sorting trolley. The sliding contact line is disposed between a pair of track units and extends along the track units. The sliding contact line is electrically connected to the power supply, and the energized brush plate is electrically connected to the controller of the sorting trolley.

[0032] The sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are configured as follows:

[0033] As the sorting trolley rotates cyclically with the track unit, the sliding contact line is electrically connected to the energized brush plate so that the power supply provides power to the sorting trolley.

[0034] In one embodiment, preferably, a plurality of sorting trolleys are arranged along the extension direction of the track unit, and a pair of energized brush plates between adjacent sorting trolleys are electrically connected by conductive elements.

[0035] The length of the sliding contact line is at least greater than the distance between an adjacent pair of energized brush plates.

[0036] In one embodiment, preferably, the conductive element includes a conductive plate extending along the front-rear direction of the sorting cart;

[0037] The sorting cart has a first hinge shaft on each side in the width direction. The first hinge shaft extends along the width direction of the sorting cart and is electrically connected to the energized brush plate.

[0038] Among them, the pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are symmetrically arranged relative to the front and rear directions of the sorting trolley;

[0039] Furthermore, the pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are respectively hinged to the pair of sorting carts adjacent to each other on the front and back of the sorting cart via the conductive plate.

[0040] In one embodiment, preferably, the sorting trolley is provided with wheels on the left and right sides at both ends;

[0041] The first hinge shaft is the axle of the traveling wheel.

[0042] In one embodiment, preferably, the conductive plate includes a first conductive sub-plate and a second conductive sub-plate, one end of the first conductive sub-plate is hinged to one end of the second conductive sub-plate via a second hinge shaft, and the other ends of the first conductive sub-plate and the other ends of the second conductive sub-plate are respectively hinged to a pair of first hinge shafts of adjacent sorting carts;

[0043] Furthermore, along the front-rear direction of the sorting cart, the second hinge axis is located at the traveling wheel between a pair of first hinge axes adjacent to the sorting cart.

[0044] In one embodiment, preferably, the sorting cart is equipped with a rechargeable battery, which is electrically connected to the energized brush plate, so that when the sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are electrically connected, the power supply charges the rechargeable battery.

[0045] In one embodiment, preferably, a support plate is provided at least on the inner side of the reciprocating track segment in the track segment of the track unit, and the support plate is arranged along the extension direction of the reciprocating track segment so that the support plate is used for the walking wheel to move.

[0046] In one embodiment, preferably, it further includes:

[0047] The rack unit is arranged vertically.

[0048] The frame unit is used to fix the shaft of the steering wheel.

[0049] Furthermore, at each reciprocating track section corresponding to each layer, the frame unit is detachably equipped with a plurality of feeding slots, which are arranged along the extension direction of the reciprocating track section.

[0050] In one embodiment, preferably, at least one feeding machine is provided on both sides of one end of the bottommost reciprocating track section.

[0051] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. The cross-belt sorting system includes a cross-belt sorter and a sorting control device for controlling the cross-belt sorter, wherein the cross-belt sorter is the cross-belt sorter described above.

[0052] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0053] This application provides a cross-belt sorting machine and a cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. The cross-belt sorting machine includes a pair of track units arranged parallel and symmetrically in a vertical direction. The track units are enclosed in a vertical plane and guided by steering wheels. One of the steering wheels is a drive wheel to drive the track units to rotate cyclically. A sorting trolley is horizontally connected to the pair of track units. The track segments extending vertically of the track units are sequentially guided by the steering wheels to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments. Thus, the loading platform and several unloading slots can be located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track segments.

[0054] In other words, the cross-belt sorting machine provided in this embodiment can form several reciprocating track segments arranged along the height direction by the left and right reverse guidance of several steering wheels. In this way, by setting up feeding slots next to the reciprocating track segments at different heights, the height space is fully utilized, the density of feeding slots is increased, and sorting efficiency and space utilization are improved. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the cross-belt sorting machine described in the embodiments of this application.

[0057] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0058] Figure 3 This is a front view of the track unit in the vertical plane in the embodiments of this application.

[0059] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Other angle diagrams.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting trolley located on the reciprocating track section in an embodiment of this application.

[0061] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting cart chassis described in this application embodiment, which is composed of several chassis plates hinged together.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first conductive sub-plate and the second conductive sub-plate in the embodiments of this application.

[0064] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are electrically connected in an embodiment of this application.

[0065] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting cart described in the embodiments of this application.

[0066] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of the conductive plates on both sides of the sorting cart in the width direction of this application embodiment.

[0067] In the attached figures, the following labels are used:

[0068] 10-Track unit, 11-Inner sub-track, 12-Outer sub-track, 13-Reciprocating track section, 14-Turn point, 15-Return area.

[0069] 20-Steering wheel, 21-Shaft, 22-Drive wheel, 23-Motor

[0070] 30-Sorting trolley, 31-Base plate, 32-Conveyor belt, 33-Controller, 34-Electrified brush plate, 35-Wheel, 36-Connector

[0071] 351-Axle

[0072] 40 - Feeding machine,

[0073] 50-feeding grid,

[0074] 60-Sliding contact line,

[0075] 70 - Conductive plate, 71 - First conductive sub-plate, 72 - Second conductive sub-plate, 73 - Second hinge shaft

[0076] 80 - Frame unit, 81 - Support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0077] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0078] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-belt sorting machine based on a three-dimensional track includes a pair of track units 10 arranged in parallel and mirror-symmetrical configuration in a relatively vertical direction, a steering wheel 20 with a rotating shaft 21 extending in a horizontal direction, and a sorting trolley 30 horizontally connected to the pair of track units 10.

[0079] The track unit 10 is arranged in a closed configuration with its ends connected in a vertical plane. Several steering wheels 20 are rotatably installed at the turning points 14 of the track unit 10 in the vertical plane, so that the steering wheels 20 support the track unit 10 and guide the extension direction of the track unit 10. At least one of the steering wheels 20 is a drive wheel 22, which is used to drive the track unit 10 to rotate cyclically in the vertical plane. The two sides of the sorting trolley 30 in the width direction are respectively fixedly installed on a pair of track units 10, so that the sorting trolley 30 rotates cyclically with the track unit 10.

[0080] In the vertical plane, the track segment of the track unit 10 extending in the vertical direction is guided by several steering wheels 20 in the left and right directions to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments 13, which extend in the left and right directions of the vertical plane.

[0081] The loading platform 40 is located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track section 13 on the relatively horizontal outer side, and several unloading slots 50 are located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track section 13 on the relatively horizontal outer side; furthermore, the sorting trolley 30 and the loading platform 40 are respectively connected to the sorting control device for communication, so that:

[0082] When the sorting trolley 30 rotates with the track unit 10 to the loading platform 40, the packages on the loading platform 40 are transferred to the sorting trolley 30; and,

[0083] When the sorting trolley 30 rotates with the track unit 10 to the designated unloading slot 50, the packages on the sorting trolley 30 are transferred to the designated unloading slot 50.

[0084] In this embodiment, as a whole, a pair of mirror-symmetrical track units can form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments through the guidance of several steering wheels. Thus, when the sorting trolley rotates in a cycle with the track units, it can deliver packages to the unloading slots on one or both sides of the reciprocating track segments. By setting multiple reciprocating track segments into a multi-layer structure along the height direction, the density of the unloading slots is greatly improved, and the space utilization rate is increased.

[0085] Regarding the orbital unit: see [link / reference] Figure 1 , 3 4. Specifically, a pair of track units are arranged in parallel vertical directions and are mirror-symmetrical; wherein, in the vertical plane where each track unit is located, the track units are arranged in a closed configuration with their ends connected.

[0086] Regarding the sorting cart: see [link / reference] Figure 2 The sorting trolley is horizontally connected to a pair of track units, or in other words, the two sides of the sorting trolley are fixedly installed on the track units on both sides in the width direction, so that the sorting trolley rotates in a cycle with the track units.

[0087] Regarding the steering wheels:

[0088] First, it should be noted that the axis of rotation of the steering wheel extends horizontally, that is, the axis of rotation of the steering wheel is perpendicular to the vertical plane where the track unit is located. Therefore, it can be understood that when the track unit is attached to the steering wheel, the track unit can turn with the help of the steering wheel, or in other words, the steering wheel can guide the track unit.

[0089] Then, understandably, the aforementioned track unit can form a simple square closed track in the vertical plane, for example, guided by four steering wheels. In this case, the square closed track includes two track segments extending in the vertical direction and two track segments extending in the horizontal direction.

[0090] Furthermore, for any track segment extending in the vertical direction, it can be guided by several steering wheels in the left and right directions to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments, such as extending horizontally in the left and right directions. At this time, the steering wheels guided in the left and right directions will be arranged in two vertical rows at a certain interval, and the two rows of steering wheels will be staggered. In other words, the track segment extending in the vertical direction will form a multi-layered parallel arrangement in the height direction by passing around several guide wheels in sequence, that is, a multi-layered or at least two-layered reciprocating track segment arranged in parallel in the height direction.

[0091] Among the steering wheels that guide the track unit, at least one should be a drive wheel. The drive wheel is driven, for example, by a motor 23. That is, the motor drives the track unit to rotate cyclically through the drive wheel, and makes the sorting trolley rotate cyclically with the track unit.

[0092] At this point, a feeding machine can be set on one or both sides of the relatively horizontal outer side of the bottom reciprocating track section, for example. Similarly, a discharge grid can be set on one or both sides of the relatively horizontal outer side of all reciprocating track sections. That is, the discharge grids will be distributed in the same multi-layered manner according to the multi-layered reciprocating track sections, and multiple discharge grids can be set horizontally on each layer of the reciprocating track section. This greatly increases the density of the discharge grids and improves the space utilization rate.

[0093] Therefore, it is understandable that the sorting control device can control the cyclic rotation of the sorting trolley by controlling the motor. When the sorting trolley rotates with the track unit to the loading platform, the sorting control device can transfer the package on the loading platform to the sorting trolley by controlling the loading platform and the sorting trolley respectively. Then the package rotates cyclically with the sorting trolley. When the sorting trolley rotates to the unloading slot designated by the sorting control device, the sorting control device can deliver the package from the sorting trolley to the designated unloading slot by controlling the sorting trolley, thus completing the sorting and delivery of the package.

[0094] This application provides a cross-belt sorting machine and a cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. The cross-belt sorting machine includes a pair of track units arranged parallel to each other in a vertical direction and mirror-symmetrical. The track units are enclosed in a vertical plane and guided by steering wheels. One of the steering wheels is a drive wheel to drive the track units to rotate cyclically. A sorting trolley is horizontally connected to the pair of track units. The track segments extending in the vertical direction of the track units are guided sequentially by the steering wheels to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments. Thus, the loading platform and several unloading slots can be located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track segments.

[0095] In other words, the cross-belt sorting machine provided in this embodiment can form several reciprocating track segments arranged along the height direction by the left and right reverse guidance of several steering wheels. In this way, by setting up feeding slots next to the reciprocating track segments at different heights, the height space is fully utilized, the density of feeding slots is increased, and sorting efficiency and space utilization are improved.

[0096] In addition, the sorting trolley rotates cyclically with the track unit and can maintain its speed during loading and unloading, resulting in high sorting and delivery efficiency.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the track unit includes an inner sub-track and an outer sub-track arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction. In a pair of track units, the inner sub-track is located on the opposite inner side of the outer sub-track, and the inner and outer sub-tracks are of equal length. At each left-right reversal turn, the inner and outer sub-tracks are staggered along the direction determined by the reciprocating track segment, with the length of the sorting trolley as the offset distance. This configuration allows the sorting trolley to be fixedly mounted on the inner and outer sub-tracks at its two ends in the front-rear direction, respectively. The sorting trolley is positioned facing upwards on each reciprocating track segment, and the movement direction of the sorting trolley is opposite on adjacent reciprocating track segments.

[0098] Understandably, in order to ensure that the sorting trolley is set facing upwards on each reciprocating track section, this embodiment first sets each track unit as a pair of sub-tracks that are parallel to each other in the horizontal direction and of equal length. Then, at each left-right reversal turn, the pair of sub-tracks are arranged horizontally with a staggered spacing based on the length of the sorting trolley.

[0099] Specifically, for a pair of orbital units, since each orbital unit includes a pair of sub-tracks, there are a total of four sub-tracks arranged in parallel. The pair of sub-tracks on the inner side is called the inner sub-track, and the pair of sub-tracks on the outer side is called the outer sub-track. In other words, each orbital unit includes one inner sub-track and one outer sub-track.

[0100] Furthermore, the inner and outer sub-tracks are set to the same length, or in other words, all four sub-tracks are set to the same length.

[0101] This is understandable; please combine it with... Figure 3 Because of the equal length setting, at one of the turning points, for example, the inner sub-track protrudes relative to the outer sub-track in the forward direction, then at the next turning point, the outer sub-track protrudes relative to the inner sub-track in the forward direction. Thus, by fixing the sorting trolley to the inner and outer sub-tracks at its two ends in the front and rear directions respectively, the sorting trolley can be set facing upwards on each reciprocating track section.

[0102] At this point, it should be understood that when the sorting trolley travels to the misaligned area between the inner and outer sub-tracks, it is vertically ascending from the lower reciprocating track section to the adjacent upper reciprocating track section. During the ascent, the sorting trolley always remains facing upwards, and its movement direction is opposite to that on the upper reciprocating track section compared to the lower reciprocating track section.

[0103] In one possible implementation, when the sorting cart approaches a turning point, the sorting cart is configured along its direction of travel as follows:

[0104] The front end of the sorting trolley is fixedly installed on one of the relatively protruding inner and outer sub-tracks.

[0105] The rear end of the sorting trolley is fixedly installed in one of the inner and outer sub-tracks that are relatively recessed.

[0106] In other words, for easy understanding, for a forward-moving sorting trolley, its front end should be fixedly installed on one of the inner and outer sub-tracks that protrudes relatively, while its rear end should be fixedly installed on one of the inner and outer sub-tracks that retracts relatively. In this way, the one of the inner and outer sub-tracks that protrudes relatively is the front end of the sorting trolley, which is offset by the length of the sorting trolley. This allows the front and rear ends of the sorting trolley to move simultaneously to the turning point of the inner and outer sub-tracks, preparing for the vertical lifting of the sorting trolley.

[0107] Specifically, the inner sub-track and the outer sub-track include chain tracks; wherein, the two sides of the first end of the sorting trolley in the front-rear direction are rotatably mounted on the chain links of a pair of inner sub-tracks via a first adapter shaft, and the two sides of the second end of the sorting trolley in the front-rear direction are rotatably mounted on the chain links of a pair of outer sub-tracks via a second adapter shaft, and the outer end of the second adapter shaft is provided with a connecting member that avoids the inner sub-track.

[0108] That is, the aforementioned inner and outer sub-tracks can be implemented, for example, via chain tracks.

[0109] Specifically, the sorting trolley is rotatably hinged to the chain links of the inner sub-tracks via a pair of first adapter shafts. Similarly, the sorting trolley is rotatably hinged to the link of the outer sub-tracks via a pair of second adapter shafts.

[0110] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 6 The difference is that, due to the hinged inner sub-track, the first adapter shaft extends in a straight line and is directly hinged; while for the outer sub-track, since it is necessary to avoid the inner sub-track, the second adapter shaft extends in a straight line and has a connector at its outer end to avoid the inner sub-track, so that the inner sub-track can be avoided from above or below by using the connector.

[0111] Furthermore, the sorting trolley is equipped with wheels on the left and right sides at both ends in the front-to-back direction; the first and second transfer shafts are the axles of different wheels.

[0112] In other words, if the sorting cart includes, for example, two wheels at the first end and two wheels at the second end along the front-back direction, then the two first connecting shafts on both sides are, for example, the axles of the two wheels at the first end. At this time, the two second connecting shafts on both sides are the axles of the two wheels at the second end. In this way, by setting the two connecting shafts (i.e., the first connecting shaft and the second connecting shaft) at the axles of the wheels, the structure is simple and saves parts.

[0113] In one possible implementation, at the left-right reversal turning points, the track unit is guided by at least two vertically arranged steering wheels.

[0114] For a turning point, at least two steering wheels arranged vertically can be installed at that point (e.g. Figure 3 The two guide wheels are arranged vertically, and the vertical distance between the two guide wheels is the distance between adjacent reciprocating track sections. This can better match the height of the packages carried on the sorting cart. In addition, by setting at least two guide wheels arranged vertically, a similar guiding effect can be achieved using guide wheels with a smaller radius, which is convenient for disassembly.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the sorting trolley includes a chassis and a conveyor belt mounted on the chassis; wherein the conveying direction of the conveyor belt is arranged intersecting the front-back direction of the sorting trolley; the chassis includes a plurality of chassis plates arranged along the front-back direction of the sorting trolley, adjacent chassis plates being movably connected; and the conveyor belt is fixedly mounted on any one of the plurality of chassis plates.

[0116] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 The vertical track segment on the right and the horizontal track segment at the bottom constitute the return zone 15. To ensure smooth turning of the sorting trolley in the return zone, the chassis of the sorting trolley needs to be connected by several relatively rotatable base plates, such as hinged connections, and these base plates are arranged parallel to each other along the front-rear direction of the sorting trolley; thus, combined with Figure 7 This ensures that the sorting cart can pass smoothly when it reaches the turning point of the return area.

[0117] The conveyor belt on the sorting cart can be fixedly installed on any of the several base plates, however, the conveyor belt is usually installed on a base plate in the middle position.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the sorting trolley includes a controller electrically connected to the conveyor belt and communicatively connected to a sorting control device, so that the controller controls the rotation direction of the conveyor belt according to the loading and unloading instructions from the sorting control device.

[0119] That is, each sorting trolley includes an independent controller, which is connected to the sorting control device. The controller can complete the feeding and dispensing by driving the conveyor belt to rotate according to the instructions of the sorting control device.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the cross-belt sorter further includes a power supply unit, which comprises a sliding contact line and an energized brush plate disposed on the outside of the sorting trolley's chassis. The sliding contact line is located between a pair of track units and extends along the track units. The sliding contact line is electrically connected to a power supply, and the energized brush plate is electrically connected to the sorting trolley's controller. The sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are configured as follows:

[0121] As the sorting trolley rotates cyclically with the track unit, the sliding contact line is electrically connected to the energized brush plate so that the power supply can provide power to the sorting trolley.

[0122] In this embodiment, considering the power supply of the sorting cart, the cross-belt sorter also includes a power supply unit.

[0123] Specifically, an electrified brush plate can be installed on the outer side of the sorting cart chassis, such as the bottom surface, and the electrified brush plate is electrically connected to the controller mentioned above; then, a sliding contact line is installed between a pair of track units, the sliding contact line extends along the track units, and the sliding contact line is electrically connected to the power supply; in this way, when the sorting cart rotates cyclically with the track units, the sliding contact line is electrically connected to the electrified brush plate, so that the power supply can supply power to the sorting cart.

[0124] Understandably, on the one hand, in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the cyclic rotation of the sorting trolley, the sliding contact line can extend along the track unit and be arranged in a closed manner, that is, the length and turning shape of the sliding contact line are consistent with those of the track unit, thereby ensuring that the sorting trolley can always be electrically connected to the sliding contact line during the cyclic rotation.

[0125] On the other hand, it is also possible to simply set up a sliding contact line, for example, a sliding contact line on a certain reciprocating track section. In this case, it is understood that it should be ensured that each sorting trolley on the track unit is electrically connected, and the sliding contact line can supply power to all sorting trolleys by being electrically connected to one sorting trolley.

[0126] In one possible implementation, specifically, along the extension direction of the track unit, a plurality of sorting trolleys are arranged to fill the track unit, and a pair of energized brushes between adjacent sorting trolleys are electrically connected by conductive elements; wherein, the length of the sliding contact line is at least greater than the spacing between adjacent pairs of energized brushes.

[0127] That is, along the extension direction of the track unit, sorting trolleys need to be arranged on the track unit. Furthermore, the pair of energized brushes of adjacent sorting trolleys are electrically connected through conductive parts. The length of the sliding contact line is at least greater than the distance between the pair of energized brushes of adjacent sorting trolleys. In this way, when all sorting trolleys are rotating in a cycle, it can be ensured that the sliding contact line can always be electrically connected to at least one energized brush, which means that the sliding contact line can always be electrically connected to and powered by all sorting trolleys.

[0128] Considering the staggered arrangement of the inner and outer sub-tracks, and the fact that the sorting trolley may reverse direction on adjacent reciprocating track sections, in one possible implementation, the conductive component includes a conductive plate extending along the front-back direction of the sorting trolley; a first hinge shaft is provided on each side of the sorting trolley in the width direction, the first hinge shaft extends along the width direction of the sorting trolley, and the first hinge shaft is electrically connected to the energized brush plate.

[0129] The pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are symmetrically arranged relative to the front and rear directions of the sorting cart; and the pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are respectively hinged to the pair of sorting carts adjacent to each other in front and behind the sorting cart through conductive plates.

[0130] In other words, in response to the situation where the sorting carts may reverse direction, adjacent sorting carts can be electrically connected by rotating and hinged conductive plates. This embodiment provides a specific connection structure.

[0131] Specifically, the sorting cart is provided with a first hinge shaft on each side along the width direction. The first hinge shaft extends along the width direction of the sorting cart, and the pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are symmetrically arranged relative to the front-back direction of the sorting cart. That is to say, the two first hinge shafts on the left and right sides of the sorting cart are located at the same position along the front-back direction of the sorting cart. For example, they can be located at the front end of the sorting cart, or at the middle of the sorting cart, or at the rear end of the sorting cart, etc., as long as the two first hinge shafts on the left and right sides are mirror symmetrical.

[0132] Then, two first hinge shafts on the left and right sides are respectively hinged to a pair of sorting carts adjacent to each other in front and behind the sorting cart through conductive plates; that is, the first hinge shaft on one side is hinged to the sorting cart at the front end adjacent to the forward direction through conductive plates (i.e., hinged to the first hinge shaft on the same side of the adjacent front sorting cart through conductive plates), and the first hinge shaft on the other side is hinged to the sorting cart at the rear end adjacent to the forward direction through conductive plates. In this way, the electrical connection between adjacent sorting carts can be achieved, while also taking into account the situation of sorting carts moving in opposite directions.

[0133] In one specific embodiment, the sorting trolley is provided with wheels on the left and right sides at both ends; wherein, the first hinge shaft is the axle of the wheels.

[0134] Similar to the two adapter shafts described above, the first hinge shaft in this embodiment can also be the wheel axle of the walking wheel.

[0135] Among them, the pair of first hinge shafts mentioned above can be, for example, a pair of wheel axles on both sides of the front end of the sorting cart, or a pair of wheel axles on both sides of the rear end of the sorting cart; that is to say, the two adapter shafts and the first hinge shafts described above can all be realized by means of the wheel axles of the sorting cart's wheels, and the structure is simple.

[0136] In one specific embodiment, the conductive plate includes a first conductive subplate and a second conductive subplate. One end of the first conductive subplate is hinged to one end of the second conductive subplate via a second hinge shaft. The other ends of the first and second conductive subplates are respectively hinged to a pair of first hinge shafts of adjacent sorting carts. Furthermore, along the front-rear direction of the sorting cart, the second hinge shaft is located at the traveling wheel between the pair of first hinge shafts of adjacent sorting carts.

[0137] Combination Figure 6 , 7 Considering that the conductive plate will cross a traveling wheel, and that the traveling wheel needs to be hinged to the inner or outer sub-track, a second hinge shaft can be set at the traveling wheel that the conductive plate crosses; in other words, a whole conductive plate can be realized by hinged connection of two conductive sub-plates, and the hinge connection point is located at the traveling wheel that it crosses.

[0138] In another possible implementation, the sorting cart may also be equipped with a rechargeable battery, which is electrically connected to the energized brush plate. This allows the power supply to charge the rechargeable battery when the sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are electrically connected. It can be seen that when the sorting cart uses a rechargeable battery, it is not necessary for the sorting cart to be fully equipped with track units, nor is it necessary for a pair of energized brush plates between adjacent sorting carts to be electrically connected via conductive components. In other words, there is no need for electrical connection between the sorting carts. Each sorting cart can obtain power by connecting to the sliding contact line via the energized brush plate when it reaches the sliding contact line position. The rechargeable battery on the sorting cart can store this power for its own use.

[0139] In one possible implementation, a support plate is provided on the inner side of at least the reciprocating track section in the track segment of the track unit. The support plate is arranged along the extension direction of the reciprocating track section so that the support plate is used for the travel wheel to move.

[0140] That is, the reciprocating track sections mentioned above are usually set horizontally. In this case, a support plate can be set on the inner side of a pair of reciprocating track sections. The support plate is used to support the wheels of the sorting trolley, or in other words, the support plate is used to allow the wheels of the sorting trolley to move.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the cross-belt sorter further includes a frame unit arranged vertically; wherein the frame unit is used to fix the axle of the steering wheel, and at the reciprocating track section corresponding to each layer, the frame unit is detachably equipped with a plurality of discharge slots, which are arranged along the extension direction of the reciprocating track section.

[0142] That is, by setting up a frame unit that extends vertically, the frame unit can not only provide a mounting position for the shaft of the steering wheel, but also provide a mounting position for the discharge grid on the outside of the reciprocating track section.

[0143] For ease of use, at least one feeding machine can be installed on both sides of one end of the bottom reciprocating track section.

[0144] Based on the cross-belt sorting machine disclosed above, this application also discloses a cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track. The cross-belt sorting system includes a cross-belt sorting machine and a sorting control device for controlling the cross-belt sorting machine, wherein the cross-belt sorting machine is the cross-belt sorting machine mentioned above.

[0145] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0146] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0147] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0148] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0149] The above description has been given for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A cross-belt sorting machine based on a three-dimensional track, characterized in that, include: A pair of track units arranged in parallel and symmetrical configuration in a vertical direction, wherein the track units are arranged in a closed configuration with their ends connected in a vertical plane; A steering wheel with a horizontally extending shaft is provided. Several steering wheels are rotatably mounted at the turning point of the track unit in the vertical plane so that the steering wheels support the track unit and guide the extension direction of the track unit. At least one of the steering wheels is a drive wheel, which drives the track unit to rotate cyclically in the vertical plane. A sorting trolley is horizontally connected to a pair of track units, with both sides of the sorting trolley fixedly installed on the pair of track units in the width direction, so that the sorting trolley rotates cyclically with the track units; In the vertical plane, the track segment of the track unit extending in the vertical direction is guided by several steering wheels in the left and right directions to form at least two layers of reciprocating track segments, which extend in the left and right directions of the vertical plane. Among them, the feeding machine is located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track section on the relatively horizontal outer side, and several unloading grids are located on one or both sides of the reciprocating track section on the relatively horizontal outer side. Furthermore, the sorting trolley and the loading machine are respectively communicatively connected to the sorting control device, so that: When the sorting trolley rotates with the track unit to the loading machine, the packages on the loading machine are transferred to the sorting trolley; and... When the sorting trolley rotates with the track unit to the designated unloading slot, the package on the sorting trolley is transferred to the designated unloading slot; Each track unit includes an inner sub-track and an outer sub-track arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction. In a pair of track units, the inner sub-tracks on the inner side and the outer sub-tracks on the outer side are arranged in parallel and of equal length. At each left-right reversal turning point, along the direction determined by the reciprocating track segment, the pair of inner sub-tracks and the pair of outer sub-tracks are arranged in a staggered manner with the length of the sorting trolley as the offset distance. The sorting trolley is configured such that its two ends in the front-rear direction are respectively mounted on the pair of inner sub-tracks and the pair of outer sub-tracks. The sorting trolley is arranged facing upwards on each layer of the reciprocating track segment, and the movement direction of the sorting trolley is opposite on the reciprocating track segment of adjacent layers.

2. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, As the sorting cart approaches the turning point, along its direction of travel, the sorting cart is configured as follows: The front end of the sorting trolley is fixedly installed on one of the inner sub-tracks and the outer sub-track, which protrudes from each other. The rear end of the sorting trolley is fixedly installed in one of the inner sub-tracks and the outer sub-track, which are recessed relative to each other.

3. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner sub-track and the outer sub-track include chain tracks; The sorting trolley has two sides at the first end in the front-rear direction that are rotatably mounted on the links of a pair of inner sub-tracks via a first adapter shaft. The sorting trolley has two sides at the second end in the front-rear direction that are rotatably mounted on the links of a pair of outer sub-tracks via a second adapter shaft. The outer end of the second adapter shaft is provided with a connector that avoids the inner sub-tracks.

4. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sorting trolley is equipped with wheels on both the left and right sides at both ends in the front-to-back direction; The first adapter shaft and the second adapter shaft are different axles of the walking wheels.

5. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the left and right reversing turns, the track unit is guided by at least two steering wheels arranged vertically.

6. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting trolley includes a chassis and a conveyor belt mounted on the chassis; The conveyor belt is arranged in a direction that intersects with the front-back direction of the sorting trolley; the chassis includes a plurality of chassis plates arranged along the front-back direction of the sorting trolley, and adjacent chassis plates are movably connected to each other. Furthermore, the conveyor belt is fixedly installed on any one of the plurality of base plates.

7. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sorting trolley includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the conveyor belt and communicatively connected to the sorting control device, so that the controller controls the rotation direction of the conveyor belt according to the loading and unloading instructions of the sorting control device.

8. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The power supply unit includes a sliding contact line and an energized brush plate disposed on the outside of the chassis of the sorting trolley. The sliding contact line is disposed between a pair of track units and extends along the track units. The sliding contact line is electrically connected to the power supply, and the energized brush plate is electrically connected to the controller of the sorting trolley. The sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are configured as follows: As the sorting trolley rotates cyclically with the track unit, the sliding contact line is electrically connected to the energized brush plate so that the power supply provides power to the sorting trolley.

9. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, Along the extension direction of the track unit, a plurality of sorting trolleys are arranged to fill the track unit, and a pair of energized brush plates between adjacent sorting trolleys are electrically connected by conductive components. The length of the sliding contact line is at least greater than the distance between an adjacent pair of energized brush plates.

10. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The conductive component includes a conductive plate extending along the front-rear direction of the sorting cart. The sorting cart has a first hinge shaft on each side in the width direction. The first hinge shaft extends along the width direction of the sorting cart and is electrically connected to the energized brush plate. Among them, the pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are symmetrically arranged relative to the front and rear directions of the sorting trolley; Furthermore, the pair of first hinge shafts on both sides are respectively hinged to the pair of sorting carts adjacent to each other on the front and back of the sorting cart via the conductive plate.

11. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sorting trolley is equipped with wheels on the left and right sides at both ends. The first hinge shaft is the axle of the traveling wheel.

12. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that, The conductive plate includes a first conductive sub-plate and a second conductive sub-plate. One end of the first conductive sub-plate is hinged to one end of the second conductive sub-plate via a second hinge shaft. The other ends of the first conductive sub-plate and the other ends of the second conductive sub-plate are respectively hinged to a pair of first hinge shafts of adjacent sorting carts. Furthermore, along the front-rear direction of the sorting cart, the second hinge axis is located at the traveling wheel between a pair of first hinge axes adjacent to the sorting cart.

13. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sorting cart is equipped with a rechargeable battery, which is electrically connected to the energized brush plate, so that when the sliding contact line and the energized brush plate are electrically connected, the power supply charges the rechargeable battery.

14. The cross-belt sorting machine according to any one of claims 4 and 11, characterized in that, In the track segment of the track unit, at least the inner side of the reciprocating track segment is provided with a support plate, which is arranged along the extension direction of the reciprocating track segment so that the support plate is used for the travel wheel to move.

15. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The rack unit is arranged vertically. The frame unit is used to fix the shaft of the steering wheel. Furthermore, at each reciprocating track section corresponding to each layer, the frame unit is detachably equipped with a plurality of feeding slots, which are arranged along the extension direction of the reciprocating track section.

16. The cross-belt sorting machine according to claim 15, characterized in that, At least one feeding machine is provided on both sides of one end of the reciprocating track section at the bottom layer.

17. A cross-belt sorting system based on a three-dimensional track, characterized in that, The cross-belt sorting system includes a cross-belt sorter and a sorting control device for controlling the cross-belt sorter, wherein the cross-belt sorter is the cross-belt sorter as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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