Linear cross belt sorting machine and trolley, sorting reversing device and sorting track thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to logistics sorting equipment, and discloses a linear crossed belt sorting machine and a trolley, a sorting reversing device and a sorting track thereof, the sorting machine comprises a vertical ring track mounted on a rack and narrow-band trolleys mounted on the vertical ring track at equal pitches, the vertical ring track is divided into a linear section and a turning section, and the narrow-band trolleys are mounted on the vertical ring track at equal pitches. At least one sorting grid opening is formed in at least one side of the linear section, a trolley sorting belt driving wheel, a friction wheel in transmission connection with the trolley sorting belt driving wheel and a friction wheel displacement mechanism are arranged on the trolley frame, and a sorting track with a reverser is arranged on the machine frame and serves as a reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism drives the friction wheel and the friction plate to form a friction transmission mechanism or the friction wheel is separated from the friction plate, and the friction wheel and the displacement mechanism of the friction wheel are matched with the sorting track to form a sorting reversing device. The control reversing mechanism can achieve sorting, sorting grids are arranged flexibly, matching and combined control with other conveying equipment are facilitated, reliability is high, cost is low, and maintenance is easy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a logistics sorting device, in particular to a vertical loop cross-belt sorting drive device on a linear cross-belt sorter. Background Art

[0002] At present, cross-belt sorters are increasingly used in logistics equipment.

[0003] CN116194392A discloses a torque transmission device for a horizontal, circular cross-belt sorting vehicle. The transmission surface forms a circular ring on a horizontal plane. The rotatable drive end of the torque transmission device is temporarily coupled to a drive sorting device, specifically a friction wheel. The device also includes a lever arm that switches between an idle position and a drive position, serving as an actuating device. In the idle position, the lever arm is not in contact with the friction wheel. In the drive position, the lever arm contacts the friction wheel, providing driving torque for driving the cross-belt of the cross-belt sorting vehicle. It should be noted that the friction wheel remains stationary relative to the vehicle, regardless of whether a sorting task is in progress. In this device, the vehicle can only sort items that do not exceed the vehicle's width.

[0004] A linear cross-belt sorter typically has a conveying surface on a horizontal plane. Its main conveying structure is generally annular in a vertical plane, with the sorting position located in the straight section. The linear cross-belt sorter comprises multiple cross-belt carts arranged in parallel and mounted on a vertical loop track. The vertical loop track is formed by alternating two straight sections and two curved sections, forming a vertical loop track. The vertical loop track is mounted on a frame. The linear cross-belt carts comprise a cart frame, a pair of rollers mounted on the cart frame, and a sorting belt tensioned on the pair of rollers. The collection of sorting belts from all cross-belt carts on the vertical loop track constitutes the conveying surface of the cross-belt sorter. When not sorting, the power provided by the vertical loop track drives the cross-belt carts along the loop, transporting items generally in a straight line. When sorting is required, the rollers of a single or multiple carts in a straight section rotate in the same direction, driving the items on the cart or carts out of the normal conveying direction, typically to one side perpendicular to the normal conveying direction, such as the left or right side, to continue conveying the items, thereby achieving sorting. The advantage of the linear cross-belt sorter is that it can allow a trolley to sort an item whose length does not exceed the width of the trolley or multiple trolleys can sort the same item together, that is, it can sort items whose length exceeds the width of the trolley.

[0005] The existing linear cross-belt sorting machine's trolley sorting belt is driven by a motorized roller. Each trolley is equipped with a motorized roller and a drive controller. This structure requires power to the entire vertical loop to power the motorized roller, thus requiring contact with a busbar. Numerous power lines are connected in parallel between the trolleys, and a far-infrared communication device is installed at each sorting grid to communicate and control the motorized roller drive controller of the trolley being sorted. However, sorting machines with this structure have not been widely promoted. The applicant believes that there may be several reasons for this: 1. High cost. The cost of electric rollers is relatively high. A sorting line often has hundreds of electric rollers (the trolley pitch is 200mm, and a one-meter sorting machine requires 10 trolleys, which means 10 sets of electric rollers and drive controllers. A considerable part of the cost of the sorting machine is occupied by the electric rollers and their drives. The high cost limits the promotion and application of this equipment. 2. There are many power lines connected in parallel between the motorized rollers of each trolley. They will sway in the vertical loop turning section. The power lines are prone to breakage after a period of use, resulting in a very high failure rate and difficulty in troubleshooting. 3. The vertical loop trolley uses a busbar for power supply, which is expensive. In addition, the carbon brushes for power extraction are easily worn and are vulnerable parts that need to be replaced regularly. The busbar is an open structure, and dust and garbage accumulate in the busbar at the express e-commerce site, resulting in poor contact between the carbon brush and the copper trough of the busbar, and even discharge and sparking, which can burn out the copper trough and cause frequent power supply failures for the trolley, resulting in low reliability. 4. A far-infrared communication device needs to be installed at each sorting grid to realize the communication control of the electric roller drive controller of the sorting trolley. The drive controller adopts far-infrared communication, which requires high installation accuracy and is not conducive to improving the installation and debugging progress; when the infrared transmitting and receiving photoelectric tube is covered with dust, it will cause poor communication or even no communication, reducing reliability.

[0006] 5. There are too many electric rollers and communication nodes, making the control very complex and difficult. There are communication delays or interruptions caused by electromagnetic interference, which leads to sorting errors.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cross-belt trolley sorting and reversing device suitable for this type of sorting machine, so as to reduce the manufacturing cost of the sorting machine, improve its reliability and durability, and facilitate maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a linear cross-belt sorting machine and its trolley, sorting reversing device and sorting track with lower cost, high reliability, high durability and easier maintenance.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is: a sorting reversing device for a linear cross-belt sorter, the linear cross-belt sorter comprising a vertical ring track mounted on a frame and linear cross-belt trolleys arranged at equal pitches on the vertical ring track, the vertical ring track being divided into a straight section and a turning section, an unpowered roller group being mounted on the trolley frame of the linear cross-belt trolley, the trolley sorting belt being tensioned and mounted on the unpowered roller group, a trolley sorting belt driving wheel, a friction wheel connected to the trolley sorting belt driving wheel, and a friction wheel shifting mechanism being provided on the trolley frame, at least one sorting grid being provided on one side of the straight section, a friction plate being fixedly mounted on the frame, and a reversing mechanism cooperating with the friction wheel shifting mechanism being provided on the frame, the reversing mechanism driving the friction wheel to form a friction transmission mechanism with the friction plate or the friction wheel to disengage from the friction plate. The friction wheel is adjustable and the friction plate is fixed, which makes it easy to control the movement of the belts of one or more consecutive trolleys relative to the trolleys to complete sorting. One trolley can sort a small item or multiple trolleys can sort a large item together. That is, mixed and compatible sorting of small and large items can be achieved at the same time, solving the problem of e-commerce or express delivery terminals requiring one device to sort full-size packages.

[0010] The friction wheel positioning mechanism includes a guide wheel for guiding the position of the friction wheel. The reversing mechanism includes a sorting track arranged on the frame and composed of a reversing track, a reversing track, and a centering guide plate. The reversing track and centering guide plate are fixed to the frame. At the entrance to the sorting section, the reversing track guides the guide wheel to the outer side of the reversing track, forming a friction transmission mechanism between the friction wheel and the friction plate. At the exit from the sorting section, the centering guide plate guides the guide wheel back to the center of the reversing track, freeing the friction wheel from the friction plate. Depending on the sorting direction, if sorting is only required on one side of the vertical loop track, a friction plate can be installed on only one side of the sorting track. If sorting is required on both sides, friction plates should be installed on both sides of the sorting track. When not sorting, the guide wheel is located on the inner side of the reversing track and does not contact the reversing track. When sorting is required, the reversing track uses only one outer side surface as a guide surface for contact with the guide wheel, ensuring the position of the guide wheel and, consequently, the friction wheel. This stabilizes the friction transmission mechanism between the guide wheel and the friction plate, achieving power transmission. The friction plate doesn't have to be flat, the friction wheel doesn't have to be cylindrical, and the guide surface doesn't have to be flat either. Flat and cylindrical surfaces are simply the easiest to manufacture and the lowest cost. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the reversing track can vary. U-shaped tracks are particularly convenient for fixturing and can have two guide surfaces, facilitating sorting from both sides. The friction plate surface can also be curved, and the friction wheel surface can also be a matching curved surface.

[0011] The friction wheel displacement mechanism includes a central axis, a first axle, a second axle, a swing block, and a steering block. The central axis, first axle, and steering block are all mounted on the swing block, while the second axle is mounted on the steering block. The first axle is used to mount the friction wheel and rotates synchronously with it. The guide wheel is mounted on the second axle. Both the first and second axles are eccentric relative to the central axis. The swing block and steering block both pivot about the central axis. The swing block is connected to the steering block via an elastic component, allowing the first axle to swing toward the friction plate under the action of the elastic component. The trolley sorting belt drive wheel is mounted on a third axle and is transmission-connected to the first axle. The guide wheel position change caused by the reversing mechanism is converted into a friction wheel position change by the displacement mechanism. This is then converted into power for the trolley belt to complete the sorting operation through the transmission connection between the first axle on which the friction wheel is mounted and the third axle on which the trolley sorting belt drive wheel is mounted. This eliminates the need for a control device and power unit on the trolley body for sorting, significantly simplifying the trolley structure.

[0012] The elastic assembly includes a first spring, a second spring, and a connecting pin. The connecting pin is connected to the swing block and, through the first and second springs, to the steering block. This creates a spring force between the steering block and the connecting pin. This spring force can be used to press the friction wheel against the friction plate, preventing device failure due to friction wheel wear.

[0013] The two trolley sorting belt drive wheels are located at either end of the third axle. A first bevel gear is connected between the two trolley sorting belt drive wheels on the third axle. A second bevel gear is mounted on the central shaft, meshing with the first bevel gear. The central shaft and the first axle are connected via a spur gear pair. The unpowered roller assembly includes a pair of large rollers at either end of the trolley frame and a pair of small rollers located on either side of the trolley sorting belt drive wheels. This arrangement maximizes the use of space below the trolleys while omitting the space between them. This allows for smaller spacing between adjacent trolleys, preventing items from becoming stuck.

[0014] The trolley sorting belt is tensioned and mounted on a pair of unpowered rollers. A first synchronous pulley is coaxially mounted with one of the unpowered rollers. This synchronous pulley, coupled with a second synchronous pulley, forms a synchronous pulley transmission pair. The second synchronous pulley is coaxially connected to one end of a third axle, which is in turn connected to the central axis of the friction wheel shifting mechanism via a bevel gear pair. This method is particularly suitable for sorting relatively large items.

[0015] The commutator includes a drive device, a commutation block mounting seat, and a commutation block fixedly connected to the commutation block mounting seat and adapted to the commutation track. The drive device can drive the commutation block to swing to either side of the commutation track by a set angle or to return to the same track as the commutation track. When the commutation block swings to either side of the commutation track by a set angle, the guide wheel can be guided to the outside of the commutation track by the commutation block, so that the friction wheel and the friction plate form a friction transmission mechanism. The action of the commutator drive device is converted into the displacement of the guide wheel.

[0016] The friction plate is not installed at the position corresponding to the commutator, but is installed at the position corresponding to the reversing track and the centering guide plate, and the friction plate is set as an asymptotic plate near the commutator. This can avoid unnecessary resistance during reversing and reduce noise.

[0017] The left and right outer sides of the reversing track serve as guide surfaces for contact with the guide wheel during side-by-side sorting. Correspondingly, the frame is equipped with left and right friction plates, which contact the friction wheel when these left and right outer sides serve as guide surfaces. This allows the sorting opening to be located on either side of the linear cross-belt sorter, or on one side, with the sorting opening, friction plates, and reversing track located in the same section. Depending on the item sorting requirements, when the cart carrying the items arrives at the sorting section, the friction wheel is positioned against one of the friction plates to establish friction transmission.

[0018] The present invention also provides a linear cross-belt sorter having any one of the above-mentioned sorting reversing devices.

[0019] The present invention also provides a trolley for the above-mentioned linear cross-belt sorting machine, the trolley including a trolley frame, an unpowered roller group mounted on the trolley frame, a trolley sorting belt tensionedly mounted on the unpowered roller group, the trolley frame also being provided with a trolley sorting belt driving wheel, a friction wheel transmission-connected to the trolley sorting belt driving wheel, and a friction wheel shifting mechanism, the friction wheel being mounted on a first wheel axle, the friction wheel shifting mechanism including a guide wheel for guiding the position of the friction wheel, the friction wheel shifting mechanism driving the friction wheel to switch between two positions, during switching, the friction wheel and the friction wheel shifting mechanism both swing left and right at a set angle under the action of the guide wheel with the center line of the central axis as the spatial axis, in one position, the friction wheel is a component of the friction transmission mechanism, and in the other position, the friction wheel remains stationary relative to the trolley frame.

[0020] Furthermore, since the trolley no longer needs to be equipped with power supply and control devices, the trolley frame structure is simplified and an integral stamping part can be used, which has high strength and low cost.

[0021] The present invention also provides a sorting track for a linear cross-belt sorting machine adapted for use with the aforementioned trolley. The cross-belt sorting machine comprises a vertical loop track mounted on a frame, the vertical loop track being divided into a straight section and a curved section. The frame corresponding to the straight section is provided with at least one section of sorting track. The sorting track is sequentially composed of a diverter, a diverting track, and a centering guide plate connected along the length of the track. The diverting track and the centering guide plate are fixed relative to the frame. The diverter can swing relative to the frame at a certain angle or reset to be aligned with the diverting track. The centering guide plate is a bent plate, the bending angle of which is adapted to the swing angle of the diverter. A friction plate is fixed relative to the frame and extends in the direction of the diverting track on at least one side of the sorting track, corresponding to the positions of the diverting track and the centering guide plate. No friction plate is provided at the position corresponding to the diverter. Instead, an approach plate is provided at one end of the friction plate near the diverter. If multiple sorting slots are required, corresponding sorting tracks are provided.

[0022] The asymptotic plate and the friction plate are integrally formed bent plates, and the bending angle thereof is adapted to the swing angle of the commutator.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the sorting action of the linear cross-belt sorter is realized by utilizing a mechanical structure; the trolley does not require a separate power supply or communication control; the sorting function is realized by controlling the guide wheels at the sorting grid. The present invention can complete the mixed and compatible sorting of large and small sized items and the sorting task of items in a larger size range; the sorting grid is easy to set up and change, and is convenient for coordination and joint control with other transmission equipment. Compared with the linear cross-belt sorter in which the electric roller is used as the trolley power, the present invention has simpler control, higher reliability, lower cost, and is easier to maintain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is an overall schematic diagram of the sorting reversing device of the linear cross-belt sorter of the present invention (in a state without sorting tasks).

[0025] Figure 2 It is an overall schematic diagram of the sorting reversing device of the linear cross-belt sorter of the present invention (sorting state).

[0026] Figure 3 The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorting machine of the present invention is Figure 1 Schematic diagram from above.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the reversing mechanism and the friction wheel displacement mechanism in the present invention (sorting state).

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the middle friction wheel displacement mechanism from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a setting method of the sorting belt drive wheel of the trolley in the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 It is from Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the trolley and the belt drive is shown in the right view direction.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of another arrangement of the driving wheel of the sorting belt of the trolley in the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the middle commutator without sorting tasks.

[0033] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the linear cross-belt sorting machine of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection of another spring assembly that can be used in the middle friction wheel displacement mechanism.

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection of another spring assembly that can be used in the middle friction wheel displacement mechanism.

[0036] Markings in the figure are: 1- friction wheel, 2- friction plate, 3- sorting grid, 4- first synchronous pulley, 5- synchronous belt, 6- second synchronous pulley, 10- friction wheel displacement mechanism, 11- guide wheel, 12- steering block, 13- swing block, 14- first wheel shaft, 15- bearing, 16- center shaft, 17- second wheel shaft, 121- spring mounting groove, 122- first spring, 123- connecting rod pin, 124- second spring, 125- spring mounting shaft, 18- third wheel shaft, 20- reversing mechanism, 21- commutator, 22- reversing track, 23- return to center Guide plate, 100-straight cross belt trolley, 101-trolley frame, 102-trolley sorting belt, 103-large roller, 104-small roller, 105-trolley sorting belt driving wheel, 106-first bevel gear, 107-second bevel gear, 108-spur gear pair, 109-magnet, 110-unpowered roller, 201-aperture plate, 211-drive device, 212-commutating block mounting seat, 213-commutating block, 300-vertical ring track, 301-trolley walking linear motor, 302-turning section, 303-straight section, 400-frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, the sorting reversing device of the linear cross-belt sorting machine of the present invention comprises a vertical ring track 300 mounted on a frame 400 and a linear cross-belt trolley 100 arranged at equal pitches on the vertical ring track 300. The vertical ring track 300 is divided into a straight section 303 and a turning section 302. A large roller group 103 is mounted on the trolley frame 101 of the linear cross-belt trolley 100. The trolley sorting belt 102 is tensioned and mounted on the large roller group. The large roller group trolley frame 101 A trolley sorting belt driving wheel 105, a friction wheel 1 connected to the trolley sorting belt driving wheel 105, and a friction wheel shifting mechanism 10 are provided on it. At least one sorting grid 3 is provided on one side of the straight section 303. A friction plate 2 is fixedly provided on the frame 400, and a reversing mechanism 20 that cooperates with the friction wheel shifting mechanism 10 is provided on the frame 400. The reversing mechanism 20 drives the friction wheel 1 and the friction plate 2 to form a friction transmission mechanism or the friction wheel 1 is separated from the friction plate 2. The linear cross-belt trolley 100 employing the aforementioned sorting reversing device eliminates the need for a motorized roller drive. The power source for the trolley sorting belt's sorting action is mechanically transmitted from the vertical loop's power via the friction plate and friction wheel. The trolley sorting belt 102's sorting operation is activated by the reversing mechanism 20, and resets to a state without sorting tasks. Therefore, the width and position of the sorting grid can be adjusted as needed. The length of the sorting section of the sorting grid is not necessarily the trolley pitch or an integer multiple thereof; the length of the sorting section depends on the size of the longest package being sorted. Based on the aforementioned adjustments, the length of the friction plate and sorting track can be adjusted accordingly, facilitating mixed sorting and joint control of items of varying sizes. This is not limited to sorting items that do not exceed the width of the trolley sorting belt, and can handle sorting tasks for items of a wider size range.

[0039] The friction wheel displacement mechanism 10 includes a guide wheel 11 for guiding the position of the friction wheel 1. The reversing mechanism 20 includes a sorting track composed of a commutator 21, a reversing rail 22 and a centering guide plate 23 arranged on the frame 400. The reversing rail 22 and the centering guide plate 23 are fixed on the frame 400. The commutator 21 can be understood as a movable reversing rail arranged at the position of the sorting section and can be deflected by a set angle relative to the reversing rail 22. When there is a sorting task, the deflected state will guide the guide wheel 11 to the reversing rail 22 and allow the outer side surface of the reversing rail 22 to contact the guide wheel 11 as a guide surface, so as to determine the position of the guide wheel 11 relative to the trolley frame 101 when the trolley 100 moves forward, so that a friction transmission mechanism is formed between the friction wheel 1 and the friction plate 2. When there is no sorting task, the guide wheel 11 is located on the inner side of the reversing rail 22 and may not contact the reversing rail 22, and the friction wheel 1 will not contact the friction plate 2. The return guide plate 23 is shaped like a trumpet, and the distance between its two side walls gradually narrows from the maximum to the same size as the reversing track 22. At the position of the sorting section, the guide wheel 11 is gradually guided from the outer side of the reversing track back to the middle of the reversing track 22, so that the friction wheel 1 is separated from the friction plate 2.

[0040] This type of sorting and reversing device design solves the shortcomings of the current linear cross-belt sorting machine, such as complex structure, high cost, complex control, high failure rate and low reliability, and has the following advantages: 1. The trolley has only a purely mechanical structure, which is simple, stable, reliable and durable; 2. Because the trolley has no electric roller and adopts a simple mechanical transmission structure, it does not require separate power supply and control, which is low in cost, has a high price competitiveness and is easy to promote; 3. All trolleys in the entire vertical loop do not require power supply or communication, and the control is simple and reliable, without the problem of control signal delay, so the sorting accuracy is extremely high; 4. Based on the above advantages, the failure rate is extremely low, the reliability is high, and the maintenance difficulty is small.

[0041] The friction wheel displacement mechanism 10 includes a central shaft 16, a first wheel shaft 14, a second wheel shaft 17, a swing block 13 and a steering block 12. The central shaft 16, the first wheel shaft 14 and the steering block 12 are all mounted on the swing block 13, and the second wheel shaft 17 is arranged on the steering block 12. The first wheel shaft 14 is used to mount the friction wheel 1 and rotate synchronously with the friction wheel 1. The guide wheel 11 is installed on the second wheel shaft 17. The first wheel shaft 14 and the second wheel shaft 17 are both eccentric relative to the central shaft 16. The swing block 13 and the steering block 12 are both pivoted with the central shaft 16. At the same time, the swing block 13 is connected to the steering block 12 through an elastic component, so that the first wheel shaft 14 can swing toward the position of the friction plate 2 under the action of the elastic component; the trolley sorting belt driving wheel 105 is mounted on the third wheel shaft 18, and the third wheel shaft 18 is transmission connected to the first wheel shaft 14. The steering block 12 can also be mounted on the central shaft 16, in an equivalent manner to the aforementioned installation method. The steering block 12 serves as a mounting base for the elastic assembly and guide wheel 11. In this structure, the steering block 12, the second wheel axle 17, the first wheel axle 14, and the central shaft 16 form a lever, ensuring that a small torque applied by the guide wheel 11 can ensure sufficient pressure between the friction wheel 1 and the friction plate 2 to ensure transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the friction wheel 1 can reliably contact or release the friction plate 2 by swinging at a very small angle around the central shaft 16. This results in a compact structure and easy functional implementation.

[0042] There are two trolley sorting belt drive pulleys 105, one at each end of the third axle 18. A first bevel gear 106 is connected between the two trolley sorting belt drive pulleys 105 of the third axle 18. A second bevel gear 107 is provided on the central shaft 16, meshing with the first bevel gear 106. The central shaft 16 and the first axle 14 are connected by a spur gear pair 108. The unpowered roller assembly includes a pair of large rollers 103 at each end of the trolley frame and a pair of small rollers 104 provided on either side of the trolley sorting belt drive pulleys 105. This transmission mechanism converts the linear motion power of the vertical ring into motion of the trolley sorting belt 102 perpendicular to the mounting plane of the vertical ring track through the friction wheel friction plate coupling, spur gear pair, and bevel gear pair, achieving the sorting function. The presence of the trolley sorting belt drive wheel 105 and the small roller 104 makes the gap between the trolleys smaller and more compact, and can have a wider trolley sorting belt surface within the trolley pitch range, reducing the possibility of the gap between adjacent trolleys being too large and clamping the sorted items.

[0043] The commutator 21 includes a drive device 211, a commutator block mounting base 212, and a commutator block 213 fixedly connected to the commutator block mounting base 212 and adapted for use with the commutator track 22. The drive device 211 can drive the commutator block 213 to swing to either side of the commutator track 22 by a set angle or to return to the same track as the commutator track 22. When the commutator block 213 swings to either side of the commutator track 22 by a set angle, the guide wheel 11 is guided by the commutator block 213 to the outer side of the commutator track 22, and the friction wheel 1 is subsequently displaced to form a friction transmission mechanism with the friction plate 2. The swinging of the commutator block 213 relative to the commutator track 22 is driven by the drive device 211. Specifically, the drive device 211 can be a motor to facilitate automatic control. Obviously, the swinging of the commutator block 213 relative to the commutator track 22 can also be achieved using other conventional methods not explicitly described in this specification. For example, an electric push rod or a pneumatic cylinder can be positioned offset from the swing axis to achieve position switching of the commutator block 213.

[0044] To reliably guide the guide wheel 11, the reversing track 22 and the reversing block 213 are both U-shaped guide rails. This adapts to the situation where there are sorting slots on either the left or right side of the straight segment 303. To facilitate flexible placement of the sorting slots, when there is no sorting task, the guide wheel 11 is positioned in the center of the slot in the reversing track 22. The friction wheel 1 does not contact either the left or right friction plates, and thus does not rotate. The trolley sorting belt 102 is also stationary relative to the unpowered roller assembly. When there is a sorting task, the friction wheel 1 selectively contacts one of the left or right friction plates, depending on whether the sorting is to the left or right. The friction plates 2 can be positioned on both the left and right sides of the reversing track 22, or only on one side, depending on the placement of the sorting slots.

[0045] On the frame corresponding to the straight section 303, friction plates 2 are not installed at the position corresponding to the commutator 21. Instead, friction plates 2 are installed at the positions corresponding to the commutator track 22 and the centering guide plate 23. The ends of the friction plates 2 closest to the commutator 21 are provided with approach plates 201. The left and right friction plates 2, after being provided with approach plates 201, have a bell-shaped shape similar to the centering guide plate 23, providing progressive guidance for the displacement of the friction wheel. This reduces impact and noise. Furthermore, because the commutator mechanism is unloaded during reversing, load is not applied until the friction wheel contacts the friction plates. The bell-shaped shape delays contact, allowing load to be applied only when the guide wheel 11 is guided to the outer side of the commutator track 22. If the friction wheel 1 contacts the friction plates 2 prematurely, while the guide wheel 11 is still within the commutator track 22, the commutator will be subjected to significant stress, which will negatively impact its service life. Furthermore, the power and torque of the drive unit 211 will increase, which will increase costs. The friction plates have flat friction surfaces, while the friction wheels have cylindrical friction surfaces. It should be noted that the friction plate is not necessarily a plane and the friction wheel is not necessarily a cylindrical surface. The surface of the friction plate can also be set to a curved surface, and the friction wheel can also be a matching curved surface. Setting it to a plane depends entirely on cost.

[0046] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 7 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, a cross-belt sorting machine includes a vertical ring track 300 installed on a frame 400 and a straight cross-belt trolley 100 arranged at equal pitches on the vertical ring track 300. The vertical ring track 300 is divided into a straight section 303 and a turning section 302. Usually, the straight section structure is made of sheet metal, and the turning section structure is made of casting. An unpowered roller group is installed on the trolley frame 101 of the straight cross-belt trolley 100. The unpowered roller group includes a pair of large rollers 103 and a pair of small rollers 104 at both ends of the trolley frame 101. A trolley sorting belt 102 is tensioned and installed on the unpowered roller group. A third wheel shaft 18 is provided on the outside of the trolley sorting belt between the pair of small rollers 104. A trolley sorting belt driving wheel 105 that contacts the trolley sorting belt 102 is provided at each end of the third wheel shaft 18. A first bevel gear 106 is provided in the middle of the third wheel shaft 18. 106 is meshed with a second bevel gear 107 mounted on the central shaft 16. The central shaft 16 is mounted on the swing block 13. The swing block 13 is also equipped with a first wheel shaft 1 and a second wheel shaft 17, both of which are eccentrically arranged relative to the central shaft 16. The first wheel shaft 14 is equipped with a bearing 15 and a friction wheel 1. The second wheel shaft 17 is mounted on the steering block 12. The steering block 12 is provided with a circular hole with an axis coaxial with the central shaft, and the circular hole cooperates with the cylindrical protrusion at the lower end of the swing block 13. The central shaft 16 and the first wheel shaft 14 are connected by a spur gear pair 108. The guide wheel 11 is arranged at one end of the second wheel shaft 17. The central shaft 16 is rotatable. The swing block 13 takes the central shaft 16 as the pivot axis and is connected to the steering block 12 through a connecting rod pin 123 via an elastic component, so that the first wheel shaft 14 can swing toward the position where the friction plate 2 is located under the action of the elastic component. The first wheel shaft 14 does not extend to the position of the steering block 12.

[0047] If the friction plate 2 is installed on the elastic device, reliable contact between the friction wheel and the friction plate can also be guaranteed. However, since the number of sorting operations performed by each trolley is different, the friction wheels on each trolley will always have inconsistent wear levels, and the friction force between the friction wheel and the friction plate will be different. Therefore, it is a better solution to separately provide a corresponding elastic component on each friction wheel displacement mechanism.

[0048] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the elastic component includes a first spring 122, a second spring 124, and a connecting rod pin 123. The connecting rod 123 is connected to the swing block 13 and is connected to the steering block 12 through the first spring 122 and the second spring 124, so that a spring force acts between the steering block 12 and the connecting rod pin 123: the steering block 12 is provided with a spring mounting groove 121 and a spring mounting shaft 125, and the spring mounting shaft 125 is sequentially provided with the first spring 122, the connecting rod pin 123 and the second spring 124. The connecting rod 123 is connected to the swing block 13 between the first and second springs. A through hole is provided on the connecting pin 123, and the spring mounting shaft 125 extends from the through hole. It passes through and is fixed on the swing block and has a clearance fit with the spring mounting shaft 125. It can slide on the spring mounting shaft 125 without contact. The first spring 122 and the second spring 124 are the same compression springs and are in a compressed state after installation. When the outer diameter of the friction wheel 1 becomes smaller due to wear, one of the first spring 122 or the second spring 124 can be extended relative to the initial compressed state, and a pressure effect is applied to the connecting rod pin 123 when the steering block swings, which is finally reflected as pressure between the guide wheel 11 and its guide surface, and pressure between the friction wheel 1 and the friction plate 2, to compensate for the change in the outer diameter of the friction wheel 1, so that the friction wheel 1 can always reliably contact the friction plate 2. The surface layer or the overall material of the friction wheel 1 is made of wear-resistant rubber or polyurethane. Figure 3 As shown, a magnet 109 is provided on the linear cross-belt trolley 100, and a trolley travel motor 301 is installed on the frame 400. Regardless of whether there is a sorting task or not, during operation, the trolley travel motor 301 drives the magnet 109 to move linearly, thereby driving the trolley frame 101 together with the trolley sorting belt 102 or possible items thereon to move forward along the vertical ring track 300. The trolley travel motor 301 generally adopts a permanent magnet synchronous trolley travel motor, and the trolley frame 101 can adopt an integrated steel plate stamping part, which has low cost and high strength.

[0049] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a friction plate 2 is fixedly mounted on the frame 400, and a reversing mechanism 20 is also provided. Figure 4As shown, the reversing mechanism 20 includes a sorting track composed of a reversing track 22, a commutator 21 and a centering guide plate 23 arranged on the frame 400. The reversing track 22 and the centering guide plate 23 are fixedly arranged on the frame 400. The cross-sectional shape of the reversing track 22 is U-shaped, and its left and right outer sides can serve as guide surfaces of the guide wheel 11. The commutator includes a driving device 211, a reversing block mounting seat 212 and a reversing block 213 fixedly connected to the reversing block mounting seat 212 and adapted to the reversing track 22. The driving device 211 can drive The reversing block 213 swings to either side of the reversing track 22 by a set angle or returns to its original position. When entering the sorting section, the reversing block 213 swings to one side of the reversing track 22 by a set angle, guiding the guide wheel 11 passing through the reversing block 213 to the outer side of the reversing track 22, thereby forming a friction transmission mechanism between the friction wheel 1 and the friction plate 2. At the exit of the sorting section, the return guide plate 23 guides the guide wheel 11, having passed through the return guide plate 23, back to the reversing track 22, disengaging the friction wheel 1 from the friction plate 2. With reference to this specific design, the reversing mechanism 20 is used to drive the friction wheel 1 to form a friction transmission mechanism between the friction plate 2 or to disengage the friction wheel 1 from the friction plate 2.

[0050] The sorting grid is set on the side of the straight section of the cross-belt sorter, and can be set on one side or both sides. There can be one or more sorting grids, and sorting grids can be set on both sides of the same sorting section. Figure 10 As shown, two sorting slots 3 are provided on each side of the straight section 303, for a total of four sorting slots. The left and right sorting slots in the same sorting section can share the same section of sorting track. During the sorting process and before and after sorting, the trolley sorting belt 102 follows the trolley frame 101 along the vertical loop track 300.

[0051] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, when sorting is required, according to the position of the sorting grid, the reversing block 213 located at the starting position of the sorting section is controlled to swing to one side at a set angle, and the guide wheels 11 corresponding to the consecutive N straight cross-belt trolleys 100 are successively guided by the reversing block 213 to the outer side of the reversing track 22, and the friction wheels 1 of the N straight cross-belt trolleys 100 are displaced accordingly and form a friction transmission mechanism with the friction plate 2. When the trolley 100 moves forward along the vertical ring track 300, the guide wheel 11 also moves along the outer side of the reversing track 22, and the friction wheel 1 contacts the friction plate 2 and rotates accordingly. The rotation is converted into the rotation of the trolley sorting belt drive wheel 105, which drives the trolley sorting belt 102 to run on the unpowered roller group, so that the trolley sorting belts of the consecutive N straight cross-belt trolleys move successively to the side where the sorting grid is located to perform the sorting task. When running to the end of the sorting section, the guide wheels 11 of the continuous N straight cross belt trolleys successively reach the position of the return guide plate 13 and are guided by it to return to the reversing track 22. The friction wheels 1 of the N straight cross belt trolleys successively disengage from the friction plate 2, causing the trolley sorting belts 102 of the continuous N straight cross belt trolleys to successively stop running on the unpowered roller group and return to a state without sorting tasks.

[0052] In this embodiment, the straight section of the vertical ring track is arranged in the horizontal direction, the axis of the friction wheel is in the vertical direction, and the friction plate is also arranged in the vertical plane. This scheme is better than the scheme in which the axis of the friction wheel is arranged in the horizontal direction and the friction plate is also arranged in the horizontal direction, because this arrangement can make full use of the limited height space under the trolley frame, making it more convenient to arrange the driving components of the reversing mechanism and the sensors used for control.

[0053] Example 2: refer to Figure 8 , Example 2 is substantially the same as Example 1, except that the trolley sorting belt 102 is tensioned on a pair of unpowered rollers 110, and a first synchronous pulley 4 is installed at one end of the rotating shaft of one of the unpowered rollers as a trolley sorting belt driving roller. The first synchronous pulley 4 is connected to the matching second synchronous pulley 6 through a synchronous belt 5, and the second synchronous pulley 6 is connected to the friction wheel 1 through a friction displacement mechanism 10, thereby converting the rotation of the friction wheel 1 into the rotation of the first synchronous pulley 4.

[0054] In Example 2, due to the required installation space for the synchronous pulleys and synchronous belts, the spacing between adjacent carts needs to be larger than in Example 1, which may cause items to be trapped during sorting. In other words, using Example 1 can reduce the spacing between adjacent carts to a smaller size.

[0055] Example 3: refer to Figure 11 , Example 3 is substantially the same as Example 1, except that Figure 11 The first spring 122 and the second spring 124 are identical spring sheets.

[0056] Example 4: refer to Figure 12 , Example 4 is substantially the same as Example 1, except that Figure 12 The first spring 122 and the second spring 124 are identical tension springs.

Claims

1. A sorting reversing device for a linear cross-belt sorter, the linear cross-belt sorter comprising a vertical ring track (300) mounted on a frame (400) and narrow belt trolleys (100) arranged at equal pitches on the vertical ring track (300), the vertical ring track (300) being divided into a straight section (303) and a turning section (302), an unpowered roller group being mounted on a trolley frame (101) of the narrow belt trolley (100), and a trolley sorting belt (102) being tensioned and mounted on the unpowered roller group, wherein: The trolley frame (101) is provided with a trolley sorting belt driving wheel (105), a friction wheel (1) connected to the trolley sorting belt driving wheel (105), and a friction wheel displacement mechanism (10); at least one side of the straight section (303) is provided with at least one sorting grid (3); a friction plate (2) is fixedly provided on the frame (400); and a reversing mechanism (20) matched with the friction wheel displacement mechanism (10) is provided on the frame (400); the reversing mechanism (20) drives the friction wheel (1) and the friction plate (2) to form a friction transmission mechanism or the friction wheel (1) is separated from the friction plate (2).

2. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The friction wheel displacement mechanism (10) includes a guide wheel (11) for guiding the position of the friction wheel (1). The reversing mechanism (20) includes a sorting track composed of a commutator (21), a reversing track (22), and a return guide plate (23) arranged on a frame (400). The reversing track (22) and the return guide plate (23) are fixedly arranged on the frame (400). The commutator (21) guides the guide wheel (11) to the outer side of the reversing track (22) at a position entering the sorting section, so that a friction transmission mechanism is formed between the friction wheel (1) and the friction plate (2). The return guide plate (23) guides the guide wheel (11) back to the middle position of the reversing track (22) at a position exiting the sorting section, so that the friction wheel (1) is separated from the friction plate (2) and the friction transmission is released.

3. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The friction wheel displacement mechanism (10) comprises a central shaft (16), a first wheel shaft (14), a second wheel shaft (17), a swing block (13) and a steering block (12); the central shaft (16), the first wheel shaft (14) and the steering block (12) are all mounted on the swing block (13); the second wheel shaft (17) is arranged on the steering block (12); the first wheel shaft (14) is used to mount the friction wheel (1) and rotate synchronously with the friction wheel (1); the second wheel shaft (17) is mounted on the guide wheel (11); the first wheel shaft ( 14) and the second wheel shaft (17) are both eccentric relative to the central axis (16); the swing block (13) and the steering block (12) are both pivoted on the central axis (16); and the swing block (13) is connected to the steering block (12) through an elastic component, so that the first wheel shaft (14) can swing toward the position where the friction plate (2) is located under the action of the elastic component; the trolley sorting belt driving wheel (105) is installed on the third wheel shaft (18), and the third wheel shaft (18) is connected to the first wheel shaft (14) through transmission.

4. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic component comprises a first spring (122), a second spring (124), and a connecting rod pin (123). The connecting rod pin (123) is connected to the swing block (13) and is connected to the steering block (12) via the first spring (122) and the second spring (124), so that a spring force acts between the steering block (12) and the connecting rod pin (123).

5. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two trolley sorting belt drive wheels (105) and they are respectively arranged at both ends of the third wheel shaft (18); a first bevel gear (106) is connected between the two trolley sorting belt drive wheels (105) on the third wheel shaft (18); a second bevel gear (107) meshing with the first bevel gear (106) is arranged on the central shaft (16); the central shaft (16) and the first wheel shaft (14) are connected by a spur gear pair (108); the unpowered roller group includes a pair of large rollers (103) at both ends of the trolley frame (101) and a pair of small rollers (104) arranged on both sides of the trolley sorting belt drive wheel (105).

6. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The trolley sorting belt (102) is tensioned and mounted on a pair of unpowered rollers (110). The first synchronous pulley (4) is coaxially mounted with one of the unpowered rollers (110). The synchronous pulley (4) forms a synchronous pulley transmission pair through a synchronous belt (5) and a second synchronous pulley (6). The second synchronous pulley (6) is coaxially connected to one end of a third wheel shaft (18). The third wheel shaft (18) is transmission-connected to a central shaft (16) of a friction wheel displacement mechanism through a bevel gear pair.

7. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The commutator (21) comprises a driving device (211), a commutating block mounting seat (212), and a commutating block (213) fixedly connected to the commutating block mounting seat (212) and adapted to the commutating track (22). The driving device (211) can drive the commutating block (213) to swing to a set angle to either side of the commutating track (22) or to reset to be on the same track as the commutating track (22). When the commutating block (213) swings to a set angle to either side of the commutating track (22), the guide wheel (11) can be guided to the outside of the commutating track by the commutating block (213), so that the friction wheel (1) and the friction plate (2) form a friction transmission mechanism.

8. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The friction plate (2) is not provided at the position corresponding to the commutator (21), and the friction plate (2) is provided at the position corresponding to the commutation track (22) and the centering guide plate (23), and the end of the friction plate (2) close to the commutator (21) is provided as an asymptotic plate (201).

9. The sorting reversing device of the linear cross belt sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left outer side surface and the right outer side surface of the reversing track (22) are both guide surfaces that contact the guide wheel (11) when sorting to one side. Correspondingly, the frame (400) is provided with a left friction plate and a right friction plate that contact the friction wheel (1) when the left outer side surface and the right outer side surface are used as guide surfaces.

10. A linear cross-belt sorting machine comprising a vertical ring track (300) mounted on a machine frame (400) and narrow belt trolleys (100) arranged at equal pitches on the vertical ring track (300), wherein the vertical ring track (300) is divided into a straight section (303) and a turning section (302), and a non-powered roller group (103) is mounted on the trolley frame (101) of the linear cross-belt trolley (100), and a trolley sorting belt (102) is tensionedly mounted on the non-powered roller group, wherein the machine is characterized by: It also includes the sorting and reversing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A trolley for a linear cross-belt sorting machine, comprising a trolley frame (101), a non-powered roller group mounted on the trolley frame (101), a trolley sorting belt (102) being tensionedly mounted on the non-powered roller group, a trolley sorting belt driving wheel (105), a friction wheel (1) in transmission connection with the trolley sorting belt driving wheel (105), and a friction wheel positioner (10), the friction wheel (1) being mounted on a first wheel shaft (14), and the friction wheel positioner The structure includes a guide wheel (11) for guiding the position of the friction wheel (1), and the friction wheel displacement mechanism drives the friction wheel (1) to switch between two positions. When switching, the friction wheel (1) and the friction wheel displacement mechanism both swing left and right at a set angle under the action of the guide wheel (11) with the center line of the first wheel shaft (14) as the spatial pivot axis; in one position, the friction wheel (1) is a component of the friction transmission mechanism, and in the other position, the friction wheel (1) remains stationary relative to the trolley frame (101).

12. The trolley for the linear cross belt sorting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The friction wheel displacement mechanism (10) comprises a central shaft (16), a first wheel shaft (14), a second wheel shaft (17), a swing block (13) and a steering block (12); the central shaft (16), the first wheel shaft (14) and the steering block (12) are all mounted on the swing block (13); the second wheel shaft (17) is arranged on the steering block (12); the first wheel shaft (14) is used to mount the friction wheel (1) and rotate synchronously with the friction wheel (1); the second wheel shaft (17) is mounted on the guide wheel (11); the first wheel shaft ( 14) and the second wheel shaft (17) are both eccentric relative to the central axis (16); the swing block (13) and the steering block (12) are both pivoted on the central axis (16); and the swing block (13) is connected to the steering block (12) through an elastic component, so that the first wheel shaft (14) can swing toward the position where the friction plate (2) is located under the action of the elastic component; the trolley sorting belt driving wheel (105) is installed on the third wheel shaft (18), and the third wheel shaft (18) is connected to the first wheel shaft (14) through transmission.

13. The trolley for the linear cross belt sorting machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The trolley frame (101) of the trolley (100) is an integral stamped part.

14. A sorting track for a straight cross-belt sorter, comprising a vertical ring track (300) mounted on a frame (400), wherein the vertical ring track (300) is divided into a straight section (303) and a turning section (302), and wherein: At least one section of sorting track is provided on the frame (400) corresponding to the straight segment (303), and the sorting track is sequentially connected along the length direction of the track by a commutator (21), a commutation track (22) and a return guide plate (23). The commutation track (22) and the return guide plate (23) are fixed relative to the frame (400). The commutator (21) can swing to a certain angle relative to the frame (400) or reset to the same track as the commutation track (22). The return guide plate ( 23) is a bending plate, and its bending angle is adapted to the swing angle of the commutator (21); corresponding to the positions of the commutation track (22) and the centering guide plate (23), a friction plate (2) is fixedly arranged relative to the frame (400) and extending in the direction of the commutation track (22) on at least one side of the sorting track, and no friction plate (2) is arranged at the position corresponding to the commutator (21), and the end of the friction plate (2) close to the commutator (21) is arranged as an asymptotic plate (201).

15. The sorting track of the linear cross belt sorting machine according to claim 14, characterized in that: The asymptotic plate (201) and the friction plate (2) are integrally formed bent plates, the bending angle of which is adapted to the swing angle of the commutator (21).

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