Logistics sorting system and sorting method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of logistics sorting, and provides a logistics sorting system and method. The turn-over table is arranged in a lifting and rotating mode and located beside the tail end of the main conveying belt. The reversing conveying belt is located beside the turn-over table, and the conveying direction of the reversing conveying belt is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the main conveying belt. The two branch conveying belts are located on the two sides of the reversing conveying belt correspondingly. The first camera module is located above the tail end of the main conveying belt and used for photographing the first faces of the cigarette cases on the main conveying belt. The second camera module is located above the middle of the reversing conveying belt and used for photographing the second face of the cigarette case on the reversing conveying belt, and the first face and the second face are the two opposite faces of the cigarette case. According to the technical scheme, the problem that an existing sorting system is inconvenient to photograph the two large end faces of the cigarette case and detect defective products is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of logistics sorting, and in particular to a logistics sorting system and a sorting method. Background Art

[0002] When sorting tobacco logistics, different cigarette boxes are generally sorted according to business order information or logistics distribution information and stored in different packaging boxes. According to the logistics sorting needs, multiple sorting areas can be set up next to the logistics conveyor belt, and automatic sorting can be achieved based on the scan code information.

[0003] Before being sorted in the sorting area, cigarette boxes need to be transported a long distance on the conveyor belt. Although the existing sorting system can scan the barcodes on the cigarette boxes to match the information and classify them, it lacks the ability to take photos of the cigarette boxes. At least the two larger end faces of the cigarette boxes should be photographed to determine whether the cigarette boxes are defective, such as damaged soft film packaging, or incomplete or cracked graphics on the cigarette box surface.

[0004] The existing sorting system is not convenient for taking pictures of the two larger end faces of cigarette boxes, and the problem of detecting defective products needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a logistics sorting system and a sorting method in response to the above-mentioned technical deficiencies, which solves the problem that the existing sorting system is not convenient for taking pictures of the two larger end faces of the cigarette box to detect defective products.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a logistics sorting system, including a main conveyor belt for transporting cigarette boxes; characterized in that it also includes:

[0007] A turning table, which is arranged to be lifted and rotated, is located beside the end of the main conveyor belt and below the main conveyor belt;

[0008] A reversing conveyor belt, used for transporting cigarette boxes, is located beside the turnover table, and the transport direction of the reversing conveyor belt is perpendicular to the transport direction of the main conveyor belt;

[0009] There are two sub-conveyor belts, located on both sides of the reversing conveyor belt, for transporting cigarette boxes;

[0010] a first camera module, located above the end of the main conveyor belt, for taking pictures of the first side of the cigarette boxes on the main conveyor belt;

[0011] The second camera module is located above the middle of the reversing conveyor belt and is used to take pictures of the second side of the cigarette box on the reversing conveyor belt. The first side and the second side are two opposite sides of the cigarette box. The first side of the cigarette box is used to abut against the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt, and the second side of the cigarette box is used to abut against the upper side of the main conveyor belt.

[0012] Further optimization of this technical solution also includes:

[0013] The guide frame is vertically arranged beside the end of the main conveyor belt, located between the turning table and the end of the main conveyor belt, the upper end of the guide frame is higher than the turning table and lower than the upper side of the main conveyor belt, and the upper part of the guide frame is used to slide against the second side of the cigarette box.

[0014] To further optimize this technical solution, the upper part of the guide frame is provided with a guide portion, the guide portion is a right triangle, the guide portion has an inclined surface, the inclined surface is inclined toward the upper end of the flipping table, and the cigarette box located at the end of the total conveyor belt slides from the inclined surface of the guide portion to the flipping table.

[0015] Further optimization of this technical solution also includes:

[0016] A baffle is arranged on one side of the turning table and is located between the turning table and the reversing conveyor belt. The upper portion of the baffle is higher than the upper end of the turning table and the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt. The upper portion of the baffle is used to slide against the first surface of the cigarette box.

[0017] To further optimize the technical solution, the upper portion of the baffle is provided with an extension portion, the extension portion being used to slide against the first surface of the cigarette box, and after the turning table rotates, the extension portion is close to the top of the reversing conveyor belt.

[0018] Further optimizing this technical solution, the turning platform has two oppositely arranged shaft holes on the side close to the reversing conveyor belt, and the turning platform has a straight notch on the side close to the main conveyor belt; further comprising a drive unit for driving the turning platform to rise and fall and rotate, the drive unit comprising:

[0019] The first linear drive assembly comprises two first linear drive assemblies, wherein the moving ends of the two first linear drive assemblies are respectively hinged to the two shaft holes;

[0020] A second linear drive component, wherein the movable end of the second linear drive component is slidably disposed in the straight slot.

[0021] Further optimization of this technical solution also includes:

[0022] The third camera module is located above the turning table and is used to take pictures of the cigarette boxes on the turning table.

[0023] Further optimizing this technical solution, the turning table is made of transparent material; and further comprising:

[0024] The fourth camera module is located below the turning table and is used to take pictures of the lower end of the cigarette box on the turning table.

[0025] A logistics sorting method is also proposed. Using the logistics sorting system, cigarette boxes are turned over, photographed, and sorted. The steps include:

[0026] S1, the main conveyor belt transports the cigarette box to the end, and the first camera module above takes a picture of the first side of the cigarette box;

[0027] S2, the turning table rises close to the cigarette box, and the main conveyor belt continues to rotate so that the cigarette box falls from the end onto the turning table, and the cigarette box is in an upright state on the turning table;

[0028] S3, the turning table carries the cigarette box down and approaches the reversing conveyor belt, the turning table rotates, the cigarette box falls onto the reversing conveyor belt, and the first side of the cigarette box abuts against the reversing conveyor belt, the second camera module above takes a picture of the second side of the cigarette box, and the reversing conveyor belt rotates to transport different types of cigarette boxes to the corresponding sub-conveyor belts on both sides.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0030] 1. The cigarette box can be turned over stably by lifting and rotating the turning table, and the first camera module and the second camera module can be used to take pictures of the two relatively large sides of the cigarette box.

[0031] 2. The reversing conveyor belt can transport cigarette boxes in two directions, realizing classified transportation and facilitating sorting and packing.

[0032] 3. The width of the circular conveyor belt is small, which is conducive to saving space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a right side structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention from above;

[0036] Figure 4 It is a front structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the partially enlarged structure at point a in the middle;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the turning table after it is lowered;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of the turning table of the present invention in a turning state;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the drive unit of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of the turning table of the present invention;

[0042] Explanation of the marks in the figure: 1. Main conveyor belt; 2. Turning table; 201. Axis hole; 202. Straight slot; 3. Reversing conveyor belt; 4. Sub-conveyor belt; 501. First camera module; 502. Second camera module; 503. Third camera module; 504. Fourth camera module; 6. Guide frame; 601. Guide part; 602. Inclined surface; 7. Baffle; 701. Extension part; 8. Drive unit; 801. First linear drive assembly; 802. Second linear drive assembly; 9. Cigarette box; 901. First surface; 902. Second surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0044] To simplify the drawings, only portions relevant to the invention are schematically depicted in each figure; they do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, to simplify the drawings and facilitate understanding, in some figures, only one component with the same structure or function is schematically depicted or labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one" but also "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0045] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediary; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0046] In addition, in the description of the present application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] like Figure 1-9As shown, a logistics sorting system includes a main conveyor belt 1 for transporting cigarette boxes 9; it also includes: a turning table 2, which is arranged to be lifted and rotated, located next to the end of the main conveyor belt 1 and below the main conveyor belt 1; a reversing conveyor belt 3 for transporting cigarette boxes 9, located next to the turning table 2, and the transport direction of the reversing conveyor belt 3 is perpendicular to the transport direction of the main conveyor belt 1; there are two sub-conveyor belts 4, which are located on both sides of the reversing conveyor belt 3 for transporting cigarette boxes 9; a first camera module 501, located above the end of the main conveyor belt 1, for taking pictures of the first side 901 of the cigarette boxes 9 on the main conveyor belt 1; a second camera module 502, located above the middle of the reversing conveyor belt 3, for taking pictures of the second side 902 of the cigarette boxes 9 on the reversing conveyor belt 3, the first side 901 and the second side 902 being two opposite sides of the cigarette box 9, the first side 901 of the cigarette box 9 being used to abut against the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt 3, and the second side 902 of the cigarette box 9 being used to abut against the upper side of the main conveyor belt 1.

[0048] When in use, when the cigarette box 9 moves to the end of the total conveyor belt 1, the first camera module 501 located above takes a picture of the first surface 901 above the cigarette box 9, and the turning table 2 rises close to the cigarette box 9, but does not exceed the upper side of the total conveyor belt 1, and rises to the middle position in the height direction of the total conveyor belt 1. The total conveyor belt 1 continues to rotate, and the cigarette box 9 slides obliquely from the end to the turning table 2. The turning table 2 is close to the cigarette box 9, and the cigarette box 9 stands upright on the turning table 2. At this time, the first surface 901 and the second surface 902 are in an upright state. Then, the turning table 2 descends away from the total conveyor belt 1 and approaches the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt 3. Then the turning table 2 rotates, causing the cigarette box 9 to flip to one side of the reversing conveyor belt 3 and fall onto the reversing conveyor belt 3. At this time, the first surface 901 abuts against the reversing conveyor belt 3, and the second surface 902 faces upward, and the second camera module 502 above takes a picture. In order to match the logistics distribution information, the two rotation directions of the conveyor belt 3 are reversed to distribute the cigarette boxes 9 to different sub-conveyor belts 4. Corresponding sorting areas can be set on the sub-conveyor belts 4 according to sorting requirements.

[0049] The camera module includes a first camera module 501 and a second camera module 502. When taking pictures of the cigarette box 9, the relative relationship between the camera module and the cigarette box 9 can be adjusted according to the required photographic information. For example, the first camera module 501 can take pictures of the cigarette box 9 from a corner position, and can simultaneously retain the surface information of the three faces including the first face 901 and two adjacent vertical faces on the cigarette box 9. The second camera module 502 takes pictures from a corner position on the other side, and can simultaneously retain the surface information of the three faces including the second face 902 and two adjacent vertical faces on the cigarette box 9, so that a total of six faces can be taken pictures. The camera module can also be directly opposite to the cigarette box 9, and surface information recognition is more accurate, and the first face 901 or the second face 902 can be taken pictures. After the camera module takes pictures, the computer system can be used to identify the size of the cigarette box 9, whether the surface is damaged, etc. The camera module can be mounted on a bracket. For clarity of the diagram, the accompanying drawings of this application do not show the bracket.

[0050] The main conveyor belt 1 and the sub-conveyor belt 4 are both unidirectionally rotating, and the reversing conveyor belt 3 is a bidirectional reversible rotating setting, which is driven by a power unit. This is a conventional technical means and is not displayed in this application.

[0051] The device further comprises a guide frame 6, which is vertically arranged beside the end of the main conveyor belt 1, between the flipping table 2 and the end of the main conveyor belt 1. The upper end of the guide frame 6 is higher than the flipping table 2 and lower than the upper side of the main conveyor belt 1. The upper portion of the guide frame 6 is configured to slide against the second surface 902 of the cigarette box 9. The upper portion of the guide frame 6 has a guide portion 601, which is a right triangle and has an inclined surface 602, which is inclined toward the upper end of the flipping table 2. The cigarette box 9 at the end of the main conveyor belt 1 slides along the inclined surface 602 of the guide portion 601 onto the flipping table 2.

[0052] During use, the provision of the guide frame 6 allows the cigarette box 9 to be more stably converted to an upright position on the turning table 2, and a certain distance can be left between the turning table 2 and the main conveyor belt 1, leaving room for the turning table 2 to rotate. When the cigarette box 9 slides down at the end, it is in an inclined state, and the second surface 902 slides over the upper part of the guide frame 6, which is conducive to stably controlling the deviation of the cigarette box 9 toward the turning table 2. At the same time, it can ensure that the cigarette box 9 is finally separated from the main conveyor belt 1, preventing the main conveyor belt 1 from rotating and abutting the upper side of the cigarette box 9 after the cigarette box 9 stands on the turning table 2, causing the cigarette box 9 to fall, etc.

[0053] The triangular guide portion 601 on the upper portion of the guide frame 6 has an inclined surface 602 that points obliquely toward the turning table 2, guiding the cigarette packs 9 as they slide down. The guide portion 601 also protrudes toward one side of the turning table 2 to accommodate the gap between the turning table 2 and the main conveyor belt 1. If the cigarette pack 9 does not fully stand upright after sliding off the main conveyor belt 1, the turning table 2 descends, with the guide portion 601 positioned to one side to provide a position limit, and the cigarette pack 9 eventually stands upright. In this upright position, there is a gap between the first surface 901 of the cigarette pack 9 and the guide portion 601.

[0054] The device further includes a baffle 7 disposed on one side of the turning table 2 and located between the turning table 2 and the reversing conveyor belt 3. The upper portion of the baffle 7 is higher than the upper end of the turning table 2 and the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt 3. The upper portion of the baffle 7 is configured to slide against the first surface 901 of the cigarette box 9. The upper portion of the baffle 7 has an extension portion 701 configured to slide against the first surface 901 of the cigarette box 9. After the turning table 2 rotates, the extension portion 701 is positioned above the reversing conveyor belt 3.

[0055] During use, the provision of the baffle 7 allows the cigarette boxes 9 to be more stably tilted onto the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt 3, allowing a gap to exist between the reversing conveyor belt 3 and the turning table 2. As the cigarette boxes 9, standing on the turning table 2, descend toward the reversing conveyor belt 3, the baffle 7 abuts the side of the cigarette boxes 9 near the turning table 2, causing the upper side of the cigarette boxes 9 on the turning table 2 to tilt toward the reversing conveyor belt 3 first. With the baffle 7 positioned above the reversing conveyor belt 3, one side of the cigarette boxes 9 first abuts the reversing conveyor belt 3, causing the cigarette boxes 9 to tilt as a whole or slide directly onto the reversing conveyor belt 3 due to inertia. If tilted, when the turning table 2 rotates back and returns to its original position and ascends toward the main conveyor belt 1, the cigarette boxes 9 will disengage the baffle 7 and fall completely onto the reversing conveyor belt 3. The reversing conveyor belt 3 controls the transport direction of the cigarette boxes 9 by adjusting its forward and reverse rotations.

[0056] Furthermore, the flipping table 2 has two oppositely arranged axial holes 201 on the side close to the reversing conveyor belt 3, and has a straight slot 202 on the side close to the main conveyor belt 1; it also includes a drive unit 8 for driving the flipping table 2 to rise and fall and rotate, and the drive unit 8 includes: a first linear drive component 801, which has two, and the moving ends of the two first linear drive components 801 are respectively hinged to the two axial holes 201; a second linear drive component 802, and the moving end of the second linear drive component 802 is slidably set in the straight slot 202.

[0057] During use, the turning table 2 is raised and lowered and rotated by the drive unit 8. The first linear drive assembly 801 and the second linear drive assembly 802 can be hydraulic assemblies or linear motors. Two first linear drive assemblies 801 are provided, one located on either side of one side of the turning table 2. The first linear drive assembly 801 is hinged to the shaft hole 201, driving the turning table 2 up and down and serving as the axis for rotation. The second linear drive assembly 802 slides within the straight slot 202 and can rotate relative to it.

[0058] When the second linear drive assembly 802 rises, the movable end of the first linear drive assembly 801 remains stationary as the axis. The movable end of the second linear drive assembly 802 then slides within the straight slot 202, raising one side of the turning table 2 and causing the turning table 2 to flip toward the reversing conveyor belt 3. When the movable ends of the first and second linear drive assemblies 801 and 802 rise and fall synchronously, they drive the turning table 2 up and down. One or two second linear drive assemblies 802 can be provided.

[0059] Furthermore, the system further comprises: a third camera module 503, located above the turning table 2, for taking a picture of the cigarette box 9 on the turning table 2. The turning table 2 is made of a transparent material; and a fourth camera module 504, located below the turning table 2, for taking a picture of the lower end of the cigarette box 9 on the turning table 2.

[0060] During use, the third camera module 503 and the fourth camera module 504 can be positioned opposite each other to accurately record the side surfaces of the cigarette box 9 adjacent to the first surface 901 and the second surface 902, allowing for more accurate lateral information, which can be used for dimensional measurement, etc. The turning table 2 can be made of a material such as transparent acrylic, facilitating the placement of the fourth camera module 504 on the underside for photographing. Of course, the third camera module 503 and the fourth camera module can also be positioned on both sides of the sub-conveyor belt 4 to photograph the cigarette boxes 9.

[0061] A logistics sorting method is also proposed, which utilizes the above logistics sorting system to turn over the cigarette boxes 9, take photos, and sort them.

[0062] The steps for use include:

[0063] S1. The main conveyor belt 1 transports the cigarette box 9 to the end, and the first camera module 501 above takes a picture of the first side 901 of the cigarette box 9;

[0064] S2, the turning table 2 rises close to the cigarette box 9, and the main conveyor belt 1 continues to rotate so that the cigarette box 9 falls from the end to the turning table 2, and on the turning table 2, the cigarette box 9 is in an upright state;

[0065] S3, the turning table 2 carries the cigarette box 9 and moves it closer to the reversing conveyor belt 3. The turning table 2 rotates, and the cigarette box 9 falls onto the reversing conveyor belt 3, and the first side 901 of the cigarette box 9 abuts against the reversing conveyor belt 3. The second camera module 502 above takes a picture of the second side 902 of the cigarette box 9. The reversing conveyor belt 3 rotates to transport different types of cigarette boxes 9 to the corresponding sub-conveyor belts 4 on both sides.

[0066] It will be understood that the present invention is described by way of some embodiments, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or equivalent substitutions may be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, under the teachings of the present invention, these features and embodiments may be modified to adapt to specific circumstances and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are intended to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A logistics sorting system, comprising a main conveyor belt (1) for transporting cigarette boxes (9); characterized in that: Also includes: A turning table (2) is arranged to be lifted and rotated, and is located beside the end of the main conveyor belt (1) and below the main conveyor belt (1); A reversing conveyor belt (3) for transporting cigarette boxes (9) is located beside the turning table (2), and the transport direction of the reversing conveyor belt (3) is perpendicular to the transport direction of the main conveyor belt (1); There are two sub-conveyor belts (4), which are respectively located on both sides of the reversing conveyor belt (3) and are used to transport cigarette boxes (9); a first camera module (501), located above the end of the main conveyor belt (1), for taking pictures of the first side (901) of the cigarette box (9) on the main conveyor belt (1); The second camera module (502) is located above the middle of the reversing conveyor belt (3) and is used to take pictures of the second surface (902) of the cigarette box (9) on the reversing conveyor belt (3). The first surface (901) and the second surface (902) are two opposite surfaces on the cigarette box (9). The first surface (901) of the cigarette box (9) is used to abut against the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt (3), and the second surface (902) of the cigarette box (9) is used to abut against the upper side of the main conveyor belt (1).

2. A logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The guide frame (6) is vertically arranged beside the end of the main conveyor belt (1) and is located between the turning table (2) and the end of the main conveyor belt (1). The upper end of the guide frame (6) is higher than the turning table (2) and lower than the upper side of the main conveyor belt (1). The upper part of the guide frame (6) is used to slide against the second surface (902) of the cigarette box (9).

3. A logistics sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper portion of the guide frame (6) has a guide portion (601), which is a right triangle. The guide portion (601) has an inclined surface (602), which is inclined toward the upper end of the turnover table (2). The cigarette box (9) located at the end of the main conveyor belt (1) slides from the inclined surface (602) of the guide portion (601) to the turnover table (2).

4. A logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A baffle (7) is provided on one side of the turning table (2) and is located between the turning table (2) and the reversing conveyor belt (3); the upper portion of the baffle (7) is higher than the upper end of the turning table (2), and the upper portion of the baffle (7) is higher than the upper side of the reversing conveyor belt (3); the upper portion of the baffle (7) is used for sliding contact with the first surface (901) of the cigarette box (9).

5. A logistics sorting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper portion of the baffle (7) has an extension portion (701), and the extension portion (701) is used to slide and abut against the first surface (901) of the cigarette box (9). After the turning table (2) rotates, the extension portion (701) is close to the top of the reversing conveyor belt (3).

6. A logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turning platform (2) has two oppositely arranged shaft holes (201) on one side close to the reversing conveyor belt (3), and has a straight slot (202) on one side close to the main conveyor belt (1); and further comprises a driving unit (8) for driving the turning platform (2) to rise and fall and rotate, the driving unit (8) comprising: The first linear drive assembly (801) has two moving ends, and the moving ends of the two first linear drive assemblies (801) are respectively hinged to the two shaft holes (201); A second linear drive component (802), wherein the movable end of the second linear drive component (802) is slidably disposed in the straight slot (202).

7. A logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The third camera module (503) is located above the turning table (2) and is used to take pictures of the cigarette box (9) on the turning table (2).

8. A logistics sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The turning table (2) is made of transparent material and further comprises: The fourth camera module (504) is located below the turning table (2) and is used to take a picture of the lower end of the cigarette box (9) on the turning table (2).

9. A logistics sorting method, characterized in that: Using a logistics sorting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, cigarette boxes (9) are turned over, photographed, and sorted, and the steps of using the system include: S1, the main conveyor belt (1) transports the cigarette box (9) to the end, and the first camera module (501) above takes a picture of the first surface (901) of the cigarette box (9); S2, the turning table (2) rises close to the cigarette box (9), and the main conveyor belt (1) continues to rotate so that the cigarette box (9) falls from the end onto the turning table (2), and on the turning table (2), the cigarette box (9) is in an upright state; S3, the flipping table (2) carries the cigarette box (9) and moves closer to the reversing conveyor belt (3), the flipping table (2) rotates, the cigarette box (9) falls onto the reversing conveyor belt (3), and the first surface (901) of the cigarette box (9) abuts against the reversing conveyor belt (3), the second camera module (502) above takes a picture of the second surface (902) of the cigarette box (9), and the reversing conveyor belt (3) rotates to transport different types of cigarette boxes (9) to the corresponding sub-conveyor belts (4) on both sides.

Images