U-shaped narrow-band sorting equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent logistics sorting equipment, in particular to U-shaped narrow-band sorting equipment. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting equipment comprises a supporting frame, a conveying table top is arranged on the supporting frame, a plurality of sorting trolleys are arranged on the conveying table top, and a feeding area used for conveying logistics pieces to the sorting trolleys and a sorting area used for collecting the logistics pieces are arranged on the side of the conveying table top; the conveying table top is arranged in a U shape and comprises a first straight line section, a turning section and a second straight line section which are sequentially connected, a no-load table top is arranged below the conveying table top, and the no-load table top and the conveying table top are connected end to end to form a rotation area used for bearing the sorting trolley; the sorting trolleys are connected end to end to form an annular conveying mechanism, and the annular conveying mechanism is constructed to do circulating reciprocating motion in the rotation area, so that after the sorting trolleys located on the conveying table face leave the sorting area, the sorting trolleys are overturned to the conveying table face through the no-load table face and enter the feeding area, and circulating feeding and sorting are formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent logistics sorting equipment technology, specifically to a U-shaped narrow strip sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] When sorting small and medium-sized standard goods or lightweight goods, logistics centers typically use linear narrow-belt sorting equipment to improve sorting efficiency. The workflow of linear narrow-belt sorting equipment includes: initial equipment debugging, parameter setting, and site personnel configuration; then, when goods are put on the shelf, the relevant sorting information is entered by scanning a barcode or manually; the goods are conveyed along the narrow belt to the photoelectric sensor detection area where the information is read; when they reach the corresponding sorting port, the actuator moves to sort the goods into the corresponding chute or sorting basket.

[0003] However, existing linear narrow-strip sorting equipment relies on a single linear conveyor path, where goods can only pass through the sorting ports in a fixed order during the sorting process. When faced with a large number of goods to be sorted simultaneously, the limited number and fixed layout of the sorting ports easily lead to sorting congestion.

[0004] For example, during major e-commerce promotions, the number of parcels surges, and linear narrow-belt sorting equipment struggles to process the massive volume of parcels quickly, causing goods to accumulate on the conveyor belt and prolonging the overall sorting time. Moreover, the sorting speed of the equipment is limited by the operating speed of the narrow belt, making it difficult to achieve parallel processing by adding sorting units. This fails to meet the growing demand for efficient sorting in the modern logistics industry, and the efficiency shortcomings are particularly evident when handling sudden surges in parcel volume.

[0005] Furthermore, the linear layout of narrow-belt sorting equipment results in a large footprint and, once installed, is difficult to adjust flexibly to adapt to changes in site conditions or business needs. When logistics centers are upgraded or business volumes fluctuate significantly, the fixed equipment layout prevents optimization of the sorting process through simple equipment reconfiguration. Simultaneously, the linear layout is inefficient in space utilization, especially in limited spaces, making effective integration and connection with other logistics equipment difficult, thus limiting the optimization of the overall logistics system layout and the improvement of space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a U-shaped narrow strip sorting device for the logistics sorting process. This U-shaped narrow strip sorting device integrates the loading area and the sorting area into a "return-type" conveyor table through a U-shaped layout design, realizing the closed-loop operation of the sorting process in a limited space, meeting the needs of warehousing and logistics centers for efficient use of space, and is especially suitable for distribution scenarios in urban centers or where space is tight.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a U-shaped narrow strip sorting device, including a support frame, a conveyor table on the support frame, a plurality of sorting trolleys on the conveyor table, and a loading area for transporting logistics items to the sorting trolleys and a sorting area for collecting logistics items arranged on the side of the conveyor table. The system is used to read the sorting information of the logistics items to be sorted in the loading area, and control the sorting trolley to transport the logistics items to the sorting area according to the sorting information, and drive the sorting trolley to transport the logistics items to the corresponding sorting slot in the sorting area. The conveyor table is arranged in a U-shape, including a first straight section, a turning section and a second straight section connected in sequence. The loading area is located at the first straight section and the sorting area is located at the second straight section. An unloaded platform is provided below the conveyor platform, and the unloaded platform is connected end to end with the conveyor platform to form a turning area for carrying the sorting trolley. Multiple sorting trolleys are connected end to end to form a circular conveyor mechanism. The circular conveyor mechanism is configured to move back and forth in a rotating area, so that after the sorting trolleys on the conveyor table leave the sorting area, they flip over from the empty table to the conveyor table and enter the loading area, forming a circular loading and sorting process.

[0008] Preferably, the sorting trolley includes a frame and a conveyor platform, the conveyor platform being mounted on a track within a turning area via the frame; the frame is configured to slide on the track using a set of wheels; the conveyor platform is configured to carry the logistics items and transport them to the corresponding sorting slots.

[0009] As a preferred option, the sorting cart is driven by electromagnetic force to reciprocate within the rotating area.

[0010] Preferably, multiple linear motor stator modules are laid between the conveyor table and the empty table along the running path of the sorting cart; each sorting cart has a magnetic pole plate at its bottom that cooperates with the linear motor stator module; the control system drives the magnetic pole plate to move the sorting cart in the rotation area by adjusting the energizing phase and current of the linear motor stator module.

[0011] Preferably, a sensor detection module is provided on the side of the conveyor belt platform. The sensor detection module is used to detect the position of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform.

[0012] Preferably, the control system is configured to adjust the position of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform based on the position information of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform during the process of the sorting trolley moving from the loading area to the sorting area.

[0013] Preferably, the control system is configured to adjust the conveyor belt platform to the middle section of the conveyor belt platform based on the position information of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform during the process of the sorting trolley running from the loading area to the sorting area.

[0014] Preferably, the control system is configured to adjust the conveyor belt platform to the middle section of the conveyor belt platform based on the position information of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform during the process of the sorting trolley entering the turning section from the first straight section, and to adjust the conveyor belt platform to the side closer to the corresponding sorting grid in the sorting area after the sorting trolley leaves the turning section based on the sorting information.

[0015] Through the above technical solution, the present invention achieves the following technical effects: According to the present invention, this U-shaped narrow-strip sorting equipment, by setting up U-shaped conveyor tables, can shorten the horizontal projection length in a limited space by connecting the empty tables and the conveyor tables end to end to form a turning area. The loading area and sorting area are placed on opposite sides of the U-shape, reducing the floor space by approximately 50% compared to a linear layout. This is particularly suitable for logistics centers with limited storage space. The turning area allows the sorting carts to form a three-dimensional circulating structure of "upper layer work, lower layer return" in the vertical direction, further utilizing the space below the equipment and avoiding the drawbacks of traditional designs. To address the issue of requiring separate ground tracks for trolley reset, multiple sorting trolleys are connected end-to-end to form a circular conveyor mechanism. They circulate back and forth within the rotating area. After completing the sorting task and leaving the sorting area, the trolleys can be directly flipped onto the conveyor table via the empty table and return to the loading area without manual intervention or additional drive devices for reset, greatly improving sorting efficiency. Furthermore, the straight sections of the U-shaped layout can be flexibly adjusted by adding or removing sorting slots or loading stations according to sorting needs. Simply extend the length of the straight sections and increase the number of sorting trolleys accordingly, thereby improving deployment flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a U-shaped narrow strip sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a U-shaped narrow strip sorting device.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the sorting trolley at the first straight segment in the U-shaped narrow strip sorting device of this invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple sorting carts in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A bottom view.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of multiple sorting carts from another perspective.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Support frame; 2. Sorting trolley; 3. Conveyor platform; 4. Unloaded platform; 5. Track; 11. First straight section; 12. Turning section; 13. Second straight section; 21. Chassis; 22. Conveyor belt platform; 23. Wheel set; 24. Magnetic pole plate; 25. Connecting structure; 26. Current collector assembly; 27. Sensor detection module. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Currently, linear narrow-strip sorting equipment has a linear layout, occupies a large area, and is difficult to adjust flexibly according to actual site changes or business needs once installed. This invention proposes a U-shaped narrow-strip sorting equipment that integrates the loading and sorting areas onto a "return-type" conveyor table through a U-shaped layout design. This achieves closed-loop operation of the sorting process within a limited space, meeting the needs of warehousing and logistics centers for efficient space utilization, and is particularly suitable for distribution scenarios in urban centers or where space is limited.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, a U-shaped narrow strip sorting device includes a support frame 1, a conveyor table 3 on the support frame 1, and multiple sorting trolleys 2 on the conveyor table 3. The sides of the conveyor table 3 are provided with a loading area for transporting logistics items to the sorting trolleys 2, and a sorting area for collecting logistics items.

[0027] The control system of this U-shaped narrow strip sorting equipment is used to read the sorting information of the logistics items to be sorted in the loading area, and control the sorting trolley 2 to transport the logistics items to the sorting area according to the sorting information, and drive the sorting trolley 2 to transport the logistics items to the corresponding sorting slot in the sorting area.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveyor platform 3 is arranged in a U-shape, including a first straight section 11, a turning section 12, and a second straight section 13 connected in sequence. The loading area is located at the first straight section 11, and the sorting area is located at the second straight section 13. The sorting area can also be arranged within the interval between the first straight section 11 and the second straight section 13 as needed.

[0029] like Figure 3As shown, an unloaded platform 4 is provided below the conveyor platform 3. The unloaded platform 4 is connected end to end with the conveyor platform 3 to form a turning area for carrying the sorting trolley 2.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple sorting trolleys 2 are connected end to end to form a circular conveyor mechanism. The circular conveyor mechanism is configured to reciprocate in a rotating area, so that after the sorting trolleys 2 located on the conveyor table 3 leave the sorting area, they are flipped over from the empty table 4 to the conveyor table 3 and enter the loading area, forming a circular loading and sorting process.

[0031] The U-shaped narrow-strip sorting equipment is specifically designed according to actual sorting needs as follows: The support frame 1 is welded from high-strength steel, with a load-bearing capacity of 500 kg / m². The conveyor platform 3 is U-shaped. The first straight section 11 is 15 meters long and has 6 loading stations; the turning section 12 adopts an arc design with a radius of 3 meters to ensure smooth turning of the sorting trolley 2; the second straight section 13 is 20 meters long and has 30 sorting slots, each corresponding to a different delivery area. A protective railing is installed above the conveyor platform 3 to ensure the safety of logistics shipments.

[0032] Each sorting cart 2 is equipped with a narrow belt conveyor, with a belt width of 30 cm, capable of carrying logistics items with a maximum weight of 20 kg. High-precision rollers and guide wheels are installed at the bottom of the cart to ensure stable operation on the conveyor table 3 and the empty table 4. Driven by the power equipment, the sorting cart 2 operates at a speed of 1.2 m / s.

[0033] The loading area is located on the first straight section 11 and is equipped with a manual barcode scanner and an automatic barcode scanning and identification device, which can quickly read the barcode or QR code information of the logistics items; the sorting area is located on the second straight section 13. When the logistics items arrive at the corresponding compartment, the sorting trolley 2 transports the logistics items to the collection box below the corresponding compartment.

[0034] The control system uses an industrial-grade PLC controller and IoT sensors to monitor the position, speed, and logistics information of the sorting cart 2 in real time. By connecting with the warehouse management system of the logistics center, it receives order sorting instructions and controls the sorting cart 2 to accurately deliver the logistics items to the corresponding sorting slots.

[0035] When using the U-shaped narrow strip sorting equipment proposed in this embodiment of the invention, the worker places the logistics items to be sorted on the sorting cart 2 at the loading station of the first straight section 11, and at the same time scans the barcode of the logistics items with a barcode scanner. The control system reads the sorting information and sends the instructions to the corresponding sorting cart 2.

[0036] The circular conveyor mechanism consisting of sorting trolleys 2 operates at a speed of 1.2 m / s. The trolleys carrying logistics items pass through the turning section 12 sequentially along the U-shaped conveyor platform 3 and head towards the sorting area of ​​the second straight section 13. When the trolley reaches the corresponding sorting slot, the control system starts the narrow belt conveyor of the trolley according to the pre-set sorting information, pushing the logistics item to the sorting slot.

[0037] The trolley that has completed its sorting task continues forward, flips over onto the empty table 4, and returns to the loading area along the empty table 4 to prepare for the next round of loading and sorting operations, thus achieving cyclical operation. Multiple sorting trolleys 2 are connected end to end to form a circular conveyor mechanism, which circulates back and forth within the rotating area. When a trolley completes its sorting task and leaves the sorting area, it can directly flip over onto the conveyor table 3 via the empty table 4 and return to the loading area without manual intervention or additional drive devices for resetting, greatly improving sorting efficiency.

[0038] Therefore, this U-shaped narrow-strip sorting equipment, by setting up U-shaped conveyor platforms 3, can shorten the horizontal projection length within a limited space by connecting the empty platforms 4 end to end with the conveyor platforms 3 to form a turning area. The loading area and sorting area are placed on opposite sides of the U-shape, reducing the floor space by approximately 50% compared to a straight layout, making it particularly suitable for logistics centers with limited storage space. Figure 4 As shown, the rotating area enables the sorting trolley 2 to form a three-dimensional circulation structure of "upper layer working, lower layer returning" in the vertical direction, further utilizing the space below the equipment and avoiding the problem of traditional equipment requiring a separate ground track 5 for trolley reset.

[0039] To further improve the layout flexibility and sorting accuracy of the U-shaped narrow strip sorting equipment, the sorting trolley 2 is driven by electromagnetic force to reciprocate within the rotating area.

[0040] The electromagnetic drive system achieves millisecond-level precise control over the speed, start / stop, and steering of the sorting trolley 2 by adjusting the intensity and frequency of the electromagnetic field. During sorting, the trolley can smoothly stop at the sorting grid at a constant speed, with an error range controlled within ±5mm. The modular design of the electromagnetic drive system allows for flexible adjustment of the electromagnetic field's coverage and intensity according to the layout of the U-shaped sorting line. Whether it's the turning section 12, the straight section, or the turning areas between upper and lower levels, smooth drive can be achieved through a customized electromagnetic coil layout, without requiring complex modifications to the drive unit due to site limitations. Furthermore, the electromagnetic drive system supports independent control of multiple trolleys, dynamically adjusting the number and speed of the sorting trolleys 2 according to logistics peaks and troughs.

[0041] For example, multiple linear motor stator modules are laid along the running path of the sorting trolley 2 between the conveyor platform 3 and the unloaded platform 4. Figure 6As shown, each sorting trolley 2 has a magnetic pole plate 24 at its bottom that cooperates with the stator module of a linear motor. The control system drives the magnetic pole plate 24 to move the sorting trolley 2 within the rotation area by adjusting the energizing phase and current magnitude of the linear motor stator module.

[0042] The electromagnetic drive system of the linear motor stator module and magnetic pole plate 24 eliminates intermediate links such as belts and chains in traditional mechanical transmission, reducing energy loss during transmission. The electromagnetic force acts directly on the sorting cart 2, achieving an energy conversion efficiency of over 90%, a 30% improvement over traditional drive methods. In a logistics scenario with an average daily operation of 12 hours, sorting equipment using this drive technology can reduce annual power consumption by approximately 35%, significantly reducing enterprise electricity costs.

[0043] The control system achieves millisecond-level dynamic response to the sorting cart 2 by adjusting the energizing phase and current magnitude of the stator module. At the turning section 12 of the U-shaped sorting line, the direction and magnitude of the electromagnetic force can be adjusted in real time according to the curvature of the curve, allowing the cart to smoothly turn at the optimal speed and avoiding displacement of materials due to inertia. During sorting grid positioning, precise current control can keep the stopping error within ±2mm, significantly improving sorting accuracy compared to traditional drive methods.

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the sorting trolley 2 includes a frame 21 and a conveyor platform 22. The conveyor platform 22 is mounted on a track 5 within the turning area via the frame 21. The frame 21 is configured to slide on the track 5 using wheel sets 23. The conveyor platform 22 is configured to carry logistics items and transport them to the corresponding sorting slots.

[0045] For example, the frame 21 has an overall T-shaped structure, is welded from high-strength steel, is lightweight yet rigid, and can withstand a load of 100kg. The wheel set 23 mounted at the bottom of the frame 21 includes guide wheels and running wheels. The guide wheels are made of polyurethane, with an outer diameter of 80mm and a width of 25mm, and contact the side of the track 5 to ensure that the trolley does not deviate during operation; the running wheels are made of alloy steel, with an outer diameter of 100mm and a width of 30mm, and the surface is hardened to a hardness of HRC55-60, which can stably support the weight of the sorting trolley 2 and the logistics items.

[0046] The conveyor platform 22 is mounted above the chassis 21 and uses a 350mm wide PU synchronous belt with an anti-slip texture to ensure that the logistics items do not slip during transportation. The conveyor belt is driven by a DC brushless motor with a speed range of 0-1.5m / s and a motor power of 200W. The power is transmitted to the conveyor belt rollers through a reducer.

[0047] A closed-loop track 5 is installed on the conveyor platform 3 and the unloaded platform 4. The track 5 is made of I-beam steel, and the contact surface is precision ground to achieve a roughness of Ra0.8μm to ensure smooth sliding of the wheel assembly 23. Guide grooves are provided on the side of the track 5 to cooperate with the guide wheels of the sorting trolley 2 and guide the sorting trolley 2 to run on the U-shaped path.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, a current collector assembly 26 is mounted on the bottom of the chassis 21. The current collector assembly 26 includes a current collector bracket, a current collector shoe assembly, and a flexible support mechanism. The current collector bracket is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and is rigidly connected to the bottom of the chassis 21 by bolts. The front end of the current collector bracket is designed with a streamlined shape to reduce air resistance during operation.

[0049] The current collector shoe assembly includes power current collector shoes and signal current collector shoes. Each power current collector shoe assembly consists of three carbon brush units arranged in a triangle to ensure multi-point contact with the power supply rail. The carbon brushes are made of electrographite material, measuring 25mm × 15mm × 40mm, with a contact pressure of 2.5N / cm², an allowable current density of 8A / cm², and can provide a stable 240V DC power supply.

[0050] Each signal collector shoe consists of two gold-plated copper brush units used to transmit control signals and sensor data. The copper brushes are 15mm × 10mm × 30mm in size, with a contact pressure of 1.5N / cm², and a signal transmission rate of up to 10Mbps, ensuring that the control system can obtain the vehicle's status in real time.

[0051] Each current collector shoe is connected to the current collector bracket via an independent spring system, forming an elastic support mechanism. The spring stiffness is 5 N / mm, and the pre-compression is 10 mm, which can accommodate track clearance and vibration, ensuring reliable contact between the current collector shoe and the guide rail. The support mechanism also includes a damping device to suppress high-frequency vibration and reduce carbon brush wear.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, multiple sorting carts 2 are connected by a connecting structure 25. The connecting structure 25 includes a union bolt and a fisheye bearing. During the assembly stage of the sorting cart 2, the fisheye bearing seat is first fixed in a preset position on the frame 21, and then the union bolt passes through the inner ring of the bearing and connects to the frame 21 of the adjacent cart. The length of the union bolt is adjusted to maintain a suitable distance between the carts, and finally the nut is tightened to complete the connection.

[0053] When the sorting trolley 2 runs along the U-shaped conveyor platform 3 under electromagnetic drive, it encounters a turning section 12. The fisheye bearings allow adjacent sorting trolleys 2 to rotate flexibly in multiple directions. The fisheye bearings allow the sorting trolley 2 to achieve a turning angle of ±20° in the horizontal plane and a pitch change of ±10° in the vertical plane, ensuring that the sorting trolley 2 can smoothly pass through the turning area while preventing the movement or falling of items due to angle changes. During straight-line operation, the union bolts ensure a stable connection between the sorting trolleys 2, transmitting driving force and keeping all sorting trolleys 2 running synchronously.

[0054] A gusset cover is installed between adjacent sorting carts 2. The gusset cover is made of high-strength PVC-coated fabric and has an IP65 protection rating, effectively preventing common contaminants such as dust, debris, and water stains from entering the gaps between the sorting carts 2. In express parcel sorting scenarios, it prevents packaging debris, label residue, and other foreign objects from getting stuck in the cart connection structure 25 or track 5, reducing equipment malfunctions caused by blockages.

[0055] In addition, the bellows cover has a certain degree of flexibility and elasticity. When adjacent sorting carts 2 collide slightly due to speed adjustments or positional deviations during operation, the bellows cover can act as a buffer to reduce the impact of the collision.

[0056] To further improve the accuracy and efficiency of U-shaped narrow-strip sorting equipment in sorting operations, such as Figure 5 As shown, a sensor detection module 27 is provided on the side of the conveyor platform 22. The sensor detection module 27 is used to detect the position of the logistics component on the conveyor platform 22.

[0057] For example, the sensor detection module 27 uses a combination of photoelectric sensors and ultrasonic sensors. On both sides of the conveyor platform 22, a pair of through-beam photoelectric sensors are installed every 10 centimeters, for a total of 20 sets, to quickly detect the presence and approximate position of the logistics items; at the same time, an ultrasonic sensor is installed every 30 centimeters, for a total of 8, to accurately obtain the edge position information of the logistics items using its ranging function.

[0058] Once the logistics item is placed on the conveyor platform 22 of the sorting cart 2, the photoelectric sensor immediately detects the presence of the logistics item and sends a trigger signal to the data processing unit; at the same time, the ultrasonic sensor starts working, performs distance measurement scanning on the edge of the logistics item, and collects distance data from multiple locations.

[0059] After receiving the sensor data, the data processing unit uses intelligent algorithms to analyze and process the data, calculates the center position coordinates, length and width information of the logistics item on the conveyor platform 22, and compares it with the preset sorting grid position parameters.

[0060] If the location of the logistics item meets the sorting requirements, the data processing unit will send a confirmation signal to the central control system; if the position deviation exceeds the allowable range, it will send an adjustment command to the central control system, which will then control the conveyor belt of the sorting trolley 2 to fine-tune the speed or direction so that the logistics item returns to the correct position.

[0061] When the sorting trolley 2 reaches the target sorting slot, the central control system precisely controls the start and stop of the conveyor belt and the running time based on the logistics item location information provided by the sensor detection module 27, ensuring that the logistics item is accurately pushed to the sorting slot.

[0062] The control system is configured to adjust the position of the logistics item on the conveyor platform 22 based on the position information of the logistics item on the conveyor platform 22 during the process of the sorting trolley 2 moving from the loading area to the sorting area.

[0063] Furthermore, the control system is configured to adjust the logistics item to the middle section of the conveyor belt platform 22 based on the position information of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform 22 during the process of the sorting trolley 2 moving from the loading area to the sorting area.

[0064] Therefore, adjusting the logistics item to the middle section of the conveyor belt ensures that the center of gravity of the goods coincides with the center of the conveyor belt support (deviation < 5mm). According to the principles of statics, the support reaction force is evenly distributed at this point, reducing the overturning moment generated by the logistics item during acceleration, deceleration, and turning by more than 40%. For high-center-of-gravity goods (such as packages whose height exceeds twice their width), mid-section positioning can increase the critical overturning acceleration from 0.3g to 0.5g, effectively avoiding the risk of tipping over.

[0065] Furthermore, because mid-stage positioning reduces the risk of component slippage, the maximum operating speed of the conveyor belt can be increased from 1.8 m / s to 2.5 m / s, and the system's theoretical sorting capacity is increased by 39%. Actual tests show that, under the same sorting accuracy requirements, the mid-stage positioning system can handle up to 28,000 items per hour, a 23% increase compared to traditional systems. After the components are centered, the control system does not need to perform frequent and complex trajectory compensation calculations, reducing the complexity of the path planning algorithm by 50% and shortening the CPU processing cycle from 12 ms to 6 ms. Dynamic adjustment time is reduced by 40%, increasing the effective working time of sorting cart 2 from 82% to 93%.

[0066] Furthermore, the control system is configured to adjust the conveyor belt platform 22 to the middle section of the conveyor belt platform 22 according to the position information of the logistics item on the conveyor belt platform 22 during the process of the sorting trolley 2 entering the turning section 12 from the first straight section 11, and after the sorting trolley 2 leaves the turning section 12, adjust the conveyor belt platform 22 to the side closer to the corresponding sorting grid in the sorting area according to the sorting information.

[0067] Therefore, when the sorting trolley 2 enters the turning section 12 from the first straight section 11, adjusting the logistics item to the middle section of the conveyor belt platform 22 can effectively reduce the impact of centrifugal force. According to the principles of mechanics, when the center of gravity of the logistics item is in the middle section, the centrifugal force acts more evenly on the conveyor belt. Compared with the positional offset state, the risk of side slippage caused by centrifugal force is reduced by more than 60%. For logistics items with large weight and irregular shape, this adjustment can prevent them from tipping over or slipping due to uneven force when turning, ensuring the safe transportation of logistics items.

[0068] Before entering turning section 12, the position of the logistics items is adjusted, allowing the trolley to change direction more smoothly when turning and reducing inertial impact caused by improper placement of the logistics items. This not only reduces the probability of damage to the logistics items themselves, but also reduces the additional impact force on the sorting trolley 2 and track 5, extending the service life of the equipment.

[0069] After the sorting trolley 2 leaves the turning section 12, the control system adjusts the logistics item to the side closer to the corresponding sorting slot according to the sorting information, which greatly shortens the lateral distance between the logistics item and the target slot, significantly reduces missorting and omission, and improves the sorting effect of small logistics items significantly.

[0070] By pre-positioning the logistics items closer to the sorting slot, the control system can more accurately calculate the timing and force of the push. By combining information such as the location of the logistics items and the running speed of the sorting cart 2, precise delivery of the logistics items is achieved, avoiding insufficient or excessive delivery due to distance deviations, and ensuring that the logistics items fall accurately into the target slot.

[0071] The aforementioned phased adjustment strategy makes the position adjustment task at each stage clearer and simpler, eliminating the need for the control system to perform complex multi-directional adjustments in a short period. Focusing on centering the logistics item at turning point 12 and then on adjusting closer to the sorting grid after leaving turning point 12, the adjustment time for each step is reduced by 40% compared to unplanned adjustments throughout the entire process. This allows the sorting cart 2 to complete more sorting tasks per unit time, improving the overall system sorting efficiency by approximately 30% and increasing the hourly sorting capacity by 1500-2000 items. By pre-planning the logistics item positions, the system avoids temporary emergency adjustments or repeated adjustments made by the sorting cart 2 before reaching the sorting grid due to unsuitable item positions. It also reduces ineffective deceleration and acceleration processes for the sorting cart 2, enabling it to maintain a more stable operating speed, further improving sorting efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

[0072] This invention proposes a U-shaped narrow-strip sorting device. By using a U-shaped arrangement of conveyor platforms 3, and connecting empty platforms 4 end-to-end with the conveyor platforms 3 to form a rotating area within a limited space, the horizontal projection length is shortened. The loading area and sorting area are located on opposite sides of the U-shape, making it particularly suitable for logistics centers with limited storage space. The rotating area allows the sorting trolleys 2 to form a three-dimensional circular structure of "upper layer working, lower layer returning," further utilizing the space beneath the equipment and avoiding the problem of traditional equipment requiring separate ground tracks 5 for trolley resetting. Multiple sorting trolleys 2 are connected end-to-end to form a circular conveyor mechanism, circulating within the rotating area. After completing their sorting task and leaving the sorting area, the trolleys can directly flip onto the conveyor platforms 3 via the empty platforms 4 and return to the loading area without manual intervention or additional drive devices for resetting, greatly improving sorting efficiency. Furthermore, the straight sections of the U-shaped layout can be flexibly increased or decreased in terms of sorting slots or loading stations according to sorting needs. Simply extend the length of the straight sections and increase the number of sorting carts 2 accordingly, thereby improving the flexibility of the layout.

[0073] This invention is not limited to the specific technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Besides the above embodiments, this invention may have other implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A U-shaped narrow-band sorting device, comprising a support frame (1), a conveying table (3) arranged on the support frame (1), a plurality of sorting trolleys (2) arranged on the conveying table (3), a feeding area arranged on the side of the conveying table (3) for feeding logistics to the sorting trolleys (2), and a sorting area for collecting logistics; and a control system for reading sorting information of logistics to be sorted in the feeding area, and controlling the sorting trolleys (2) to carry logistics to the sorting area according to the sorting information, and driving the sorting trolleys (2) to convey the logistics to corresponding sorting pockets in the sorting area, characterized in that: the conveying table (3) is arranged in a U shape and comprises a first straight section (11), a turning section (12) and a second straight section (13) connected in sequence, the feeding area is located at the first straight section (11), and the sorting area is located at the second straight section (13); an empty table (4) is arranged below the conveying table (3), and the empty table (4) is connected to the conveying table (3) at the head and tail to form a rotation area for carrying the sorting trolleys (2); a plurality of sorting trolleys (2) are connected at the head and tail to form a circular conveying mechanism, the circular conveying mechanism is configured to move back and forth in the rotation area, so that the sorting trolleys (2) located on the conveying table (3) are turned over to the conveying table (3) through the empty table (4) after leaving the sorting area, and enter the feeding area, forming a circulating feeding and sorting.

2. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting trolley (2) comprises a trolley frame (21) and a conveying belt platform (22), and the conveying belt platform (22) is installed on a track (5) arranged in the rotation area through the trolley frame (21); the trolley frame (21) is configured to slide on the track (5) by using a wheel set (23); the conveying belt platform (22) is configured to carry logistics and convey the logistics to corresponding sorting pockets.

3. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The sorting trolley (2) is driven to move back and forth in the rotation area by electromagnetic force.

4. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of linear motor stator modules are laid along the running path of the sorting trolley (2) between the conveying table (3) and the empty table (4); a magnetic pole plate (24) matched with the linear motor stator module is arranged at the bottom of each sorting trolley (2); the control system drives the magnetic pole plate (24) to drive the sorting trolley (2) to run in the rotation area by adjusting the energization phase and current size of the linear motor stator module.

5. The U-shaped narrow belt sorting apparatus of claim 2, wherein, A sensor detection module (27) is arranged at the side of the conveying belt platform (22), and the sensor detection module (27) is used to detect the position of the logistics on the conveying belt platform (22).

6. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The control system is configured to control the conveying belt platform (22) to adjust the position of the logistics on the conveying belt platform (22) according to the position information of the logistics on the conveying belt platform (22) during the movement of the sorting trolley (2) from the feeding area to the sorting area.

7. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control system is configured to control the conveying belt platform (22) to adjust the logistics piece to the middle section of the conveying belt platform (22) according to the position information of the logistics piece on the conveying belt platform (22) during the operation of the sorting trolley (2) from the loading area to the sorting area.

8. The U-shaped narrow-band sorting apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The control system is configured to control the conveying belt platform (22) to adjust the logistics piece to the middle section of the conveying belt platform (22) according to the position information of the logistics piece on the conveying belt platform (22) during the operation of the sorting trolley (2) from the first straight section (11) to the turning section (12), and after the sorting trolley (2) leaves the turning section (12), control the conveying belt platform (22) to adjust the logistics piece to the side close to the corresponding sorting pocket in the sorting area according to the sorting information.

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