Intelligent goods sorting and conveying device for logistics platform

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of logistics platform technology, specifically to an intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform, comprising: a main conveyor line, an attitude correction mechanism, and a flexible clamping assembly. The attitude correction mechanism is located upstream of the information reading position and includes: an air-float correction platform positioned below the conveying surface of the main conveyor line; an airflow guide hood positioned above the main conveyor line; and the flexible clamping assembly positioned above the clamping arm. This invention, through the cooperation of the air-float correction platform and the airflow guide hood, constructs a three-dimensional aerodynamic pressure field, enabling cargo to complete attitude correction in a slightly suspended state, completely avoiding the impact and secondary deflection caused by rigid contact on lightweight packages. The inclined air-float holes allow a single airflow to simultaneously achieve lifting and propulsion functions, eliminating the need for an additional drive device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics platform technology, and more specifically to an intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the rapid development of the logistics and express delivery industry has placed extremely high demands on the processing efficiency and accuracy of automated sorting equipment. Existing automated sorting systems typically include a main conveyor line, information reading devices, and sorting execution mechanisms. The working process is as follows: goods are transported along the main conveyor line, identified by the information reading devices, and then guided to the corresponding exit by the downstream sorting execution mechanism based on the identification results.

[0003] Existing automated sorting lines are prone to deflection, slippage, or even tumbling when handling lightweight, small, and irregularly shaped packages, such as soft packaging and bubble wrap, due to their unstable center of gravity and low friction with the conveyor belt. When these packages reach the sorting and barcode reading area, the labels may be facing down, to the side, or twisted, affecting the scanning results and leading to misdelivery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides an intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for logistics platforms, which can effectively solve the problem that the existing technology cannot effectively solve the problem of disordered placement of lightweight, small or irregular cargo on the conveyor line.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: Includes a main conveyor line for continuously conveying goods along a first direction, and also includes: An attitude correction mechanism, located upstream of the information reading position, includes: An air flotation correction platform is set below the conveying surface of the main conveyor line. The upper surface of the air flotation correction platform is provided with multiple air flotation holes that are connected to the air source. A through groove is provided on the main conveyor line, and the through groove is connected to the air flotation holes. An airflow guide hood is installed above the main conveyor line and together with the air flotation correction platform, they form a correction channel. The inner wall of the airflow guide hood is a guide curved surface that extends downwards towards the center line of the main conveyor line. A flexible clamping assembly is disposed above the clamping arm. The flexible clamping assembly includes a clamping surface that can float up and down for contacting the top of the cargo from above to apply pressure to the cargo in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, thereby restraining the cargo from bouncing and rolling in the third direction.

[0006] Preferably, the airflow ejected from the air flotation hole lifts the cargo upward, so that the cargo is transported in a slightly suspended state within the correction channel. At the same time, after being guided by the guide surface, the airflow forms a downward air pressure above the cargo, which together with the airflow ejected from the air flotation hole constitutes an aerodynamic pressure field that constrains the cargo's attitude in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0007] Preferably, the axis of the air flotation hole is inclined relative to the vertical direction toward the first direction, so that the ejected airflow has both an upward lifting force and a force pushing the cargo toward the first direction.

[0008] Preferably, the attitude correction mechanism further includes: The clamping arms are arranged opposite each other, extending along the first direction and close to the information reading position, and can be installed relatively close to or far from the two sides of the main conveyor line to constrain the displacement of the goods in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] Preferably, the attitude correction mechanism further includes: An adjusting bracket is positioned horizontally above the main conveyor line; The opposing clamping arms are slidably mounted on the adjusting bracket via a lead screw assembly. The lead screw assembly has a first threaded section and a second threaded section with opposite directions of rotation. One of the clamping arms engages with the first threaded section, and the other clamping arm engages with the second threaded section. Under the drive of the driving device, the two clamping arms are synchronously moved closer or further apart.

[0010] Preferably, each of the clamping arms has a plurality of freely rotatable guide rollers spaced apart along the first direction on one side facing the other clamping arm.

[0011] Preferably, the flexible clamping assembly includes a floating mounting bracket; the floating mounting bracket is suspended from the adjusting bracket by an elastic element.

[0012] Preferably, the flexible clamping assembly includes: A flexible clamping unit, comprising a flexible synchronous belt extending along the first direction, and a pulley assembly for driving the flexible synchronous belt to rotate cyclically; The bottom surface of the flexible synchronous belt forms the vertically floating pressing surface, and the linear speed of the flexible synchronous belt is matched with the conveying speed of the main conveyor line.

[0013] Preferably, the pulley assembly is mounted on the floating mounting frame; the floating mounting frame is slidably connected to the adjusting bracket via a guide rod, and the elastic element is used to apply downward preload to the flexible synchronous belt.

[0014] Preferably, the flexible clamping assembly further includes a pressure adjusting mechanism connected to the adjusting bracket and used to adjust the compression of the elastic element to change the pressure applied by the flexible timing belt to the top of the cargo.

[0015] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following advantages compared with the known prior art: 1. By combining an air-float correction platform with an airflow guide hood, a three-dimensional aerodynamic pressure field is constructed, enabling the cargo to complete attitude correction in a micro-suspended state, avoiding the impact and secondary deflection caused by rigid contact with lightweight packages. Suspension and actuation are integrated, simplifying the structure.

[0016] 2. By using the inclined air flotation holes, a single airflow can simultaneously achieve the functions of lifting and propulsion, driving the cargo forward while maintaining its suspended posture, thus avoiding the misalignment of small and lightweight cargo during deployment due to low friction and unstable center of gravity.

[0017] 3. The system utilizes a pneumatic pressure field to constrain the vertical and horizontal posture of the goods, a gripping arm to constrain Y-direction displacement, and a flexible clamping component to constrain Z-direction movement. These three elements work together to maintain the goods' posture in all dimensions. It offers adaptive adjustment and strong compatibility: the gripping arm's synchronous centering mechanism adapts to goods of varying widths, the flexible clamping component's floating structure adapts to goods of varying heights, and the pressure adjustment mechanism adjusts the clamping force according to the type of goods, greatly enhancing the equipment's versatility. It also significantly improves barcode reading success rate and sorting accuracy: the goods pass through the information reading position in a stable posture, and the orientation of the marking information is controllable, resulting in a significantly improved barcode reading success rate. Simultaneously, due to the precise and controllable position of the goods, the sorting execution mechanism can accurately hit the target, significantly improving sorting accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air flotation correction platform of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the attitude correction mechanism of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible clamping assembly of the present invention; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the information reading component of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting execution mechanism of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 100, Main conveyor line; 200, Attitude correction mechanism; 201, Air flotation correction platform; 202, Air flotation hole; 203, Airflow guide hood; 204, Guide surface; 210, Clamping arm; 211, Guide roller; 240, Adjustment bracket; 250, Screw assembly; 230, Flexible clamping assembly; 231, Floating mounting frame; 233, Elastic element; 235, Flexible clamping unit; 236, Flexible synchronous belt; 237, Pulley assembly; 239, Guide rod; 2311, Pressure adjustment mechanism; 300, Information reading assembly; 311, Top surface barcode reader; 312, Side barcode reader; 320, Reading gantry; 330, Position detection sensor; 400, Sorting execution mechanism; 410, Blocking element; 420, Pushing element. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments. Example 1

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform, including a main conveyor line 100, an attitude correction mechanism 200, an information reading component, and a sorting execution mechanism.

[0024] The main conveyor line 100 is a belt conveyor used for continuously transporting goods along a first direction. The main conveyor line 100 is driven by a drive motor, and its conveying speed can be adjusted according to sorting requirements.

[0025] The attitude correction mechanism 200 is located upstream of the information reading position, that is, in front of the information reading component. For example... Figures 2-3 As shown, the attitude correction mechanism 200 includes an air-float correction platform 201, an airflow guide hood 203, and a flexible clamping assembly 230.

[0026] The air flotation correction platform 201 is located below the conveying surface of the main conveyor line 100. An air chamber is formed inside the air flotation correction platform 201, which is connected to an external air source. Multiple air flotation holes 202 communicating with the air chamber are provided on the upper surface of the air flotation correction platform 201. When the air source is working, the airflow is ejected upwards through the air flotation holes 202 and the through-slot 101.

[0027] An airflow guide hood 203 is positioned above the main conveyor line 100, forming a correction channel together with the air flotation correction platform 201. The inner wall of the airflow guide hood 203 is a guide surface 204 that extends downwards and slopes towards the centerline of the main conveyor line 100. When the airflow ejected from the air flotation holes 202 impacts the guide surface 204 upwards, it is guided and deflected by the guide surface 204, forming an airflow that flows towards the centerline of the main conveyor line 100.

[0028] The flexible clamping assembly 230 is positioned above the clamping arm 210, and its specific structure will be described in detail later.

[0029] During operation, the goods enter the calibration channel. The airflow ejected from the air flotation holes 202 lifts the goods upward, allowing them to be transported in a slightly suspended state within the calibration channel. This detaches the goods from the conveying surface of the main conveyor line 100, eliminating bottom disturbance sources such as conveyor belt vibration and seams. Simultaneously, the upward-ejected airflow, guided by the guide surface 204, forms a downward air pressure above the goods, which, together with the airflow ejected from the air flotation holes 202, constitutes a three-dimensional aerodynamic pressure field. This aerodynamic pressure field constrains the goods: when the goods deflect or laterally slip, the airflow automatically generates a restoring torque, pushing them back to their equilibrium position, thus achieving non-contact correction of the goods' attitude in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, as a further improvement of this embodiment, the axis of the air levitation hole 202 is inclined towards the first direction relative to the vertical direction. In this way, the ejected airflow simultaneously possesses a vertical component that lifts the cargo upwards and a horizontal component that pushes the cargo in the first direction. In a slightly suspended state, the cargo is driven by the horizontal component of the inclined airflow, automatically moving forward along the correction channel without the need for an additional drive device, thus achieving the integration of suspension and drive. Example 2

[0031] This embodiment further supplements the attitude correction mechanism 200 based on Embodiment 1. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the attitude correction mechanism 200 also includes a clamping arm 210 disposed opposite to it.

[0032] The clamping arm 210 extends along the first direction and is close to the information reading position, that is, it extends from upstream of the information reading position to a position close to the information reading component. The clamping arm 210 can be installed relatively close to or far from both sides of the main conveyor line 100 to restrain the displacement of the goods in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0033] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the attitude correction mechanism 200 also includes an adjusting bracket 240, which is positioned across the top of the main conveyor line 100. Clamping arms 210 are slidably mounted on the adjusting bracket 240 via a lead screw assembly 250. The lead screw assembly 250 is a bidirectional lead screw with a first threaded section and a second threaded section having opposite directions of rotation. One clamping arm 210 engages with the first threaded section, and the other clamping arm 210 engages with the second threaded section. When the drive device drives the lead screw assembly 250 to rotate, the two clamping arms 210 synchronously move closer or further apart, thereby achieving adaptive centering adjustment for goods of different widths.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, preferably, each clamping arm 210 has a plurality of freely rotatable guide rollers 211 spaced apart along the first direction on one side facing the other clamping arm 210. When the goods come into contact with the clamping arm 210, the guide rollers 211 convert sliding friction into rolling friction, which greatly reduces the resistance to the passage of goods, avoids the accumulation and jamming of lightweight packages, and achieves smoother and more flexible Y-direction constraint. Example 3

[0035] This embodiment provides a first specific implementation of the flexible clamping assembly 230. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the flexible clamping assembly 230 includes a floating mounting bracket 231 and an elastic element 233.

[0036] The floating mounting bracket 231 is suspended from the adjusting bracket 240 by an elastic element 233. The lower surface of the floating mounting bracket 231 forms a pressing surface that can float up and down for contacting the top of the cargo.

[0037] During operation, the floating mounting frame 231, under the action of the elastic element 233, adheres to the top of the cargo with a certain preload. When the cargo passes by, the floating mounting frame 231 can overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 233 and float upward, adapting to cargoes of different heights. Example 4

[0038] This embodiment provides a second specific implementation of the flexible clamping assembly 230. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the flexible clamping assembly 230 includes a flexible clamping unit 235.

[0039] The flexible clamping unit 235 includes a flexible synchronous belt 236 extending along a first direction and a pulley assembly 237 for driving the flexible synchronous belt 236 to rotate cyclically. The pulley assembly 237 includes a driving pulley and a driven pulley, wherein the driving pulley is connected to a drive motor. The bottom surface of the flexible synchronous belt 236 forms a clamping surface that can float up and down.

[0040] Preferably, there are multiple flexible clamping units 235 arranged in parallel and at intervals to independently clamp multiple areas in the width direction of the goods.

[0041] The linear speed of the flexible synchronous belt 236 is matched with the conveying speed of the main conveyor line 100, that is, the two speeds are basically the same, which changes the sliding friction between the pressing surface and the top of the goods into static friction or rolling friction, eliminating the drag force.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, as a further preferred embodiment, the pulley assembly 237 is mounted on the floating mounting bracket 231. The floating mounting bracket 231 is slidably connected to the adjusting bracket 240 via guide rods 239, and an elastic element 233 is provided between the floating mounting bracket 231 and the adjusting bracket 240 for applying downward preload to the flexible synchronous belt 236. The preload provided by the elastic element 233 allows the flexible synchronous belt 236 to adhere to the top of the cargo with a substantially constant pressure, achieving adaptive clamping.

[0043] As a further preferred embodiment, the flexible clamping assembly 230 also includes a pressure adjusting mechanism 2311. The pressure adjusting mechanism 2311 is connected to the adjusting bracket 240 and is used to adjust the compression of the elastic element 233 to change the pressure applied to the top of the cargo by the flexible timing belt 236. For example, the pressure adjusting mechanism 2311 can be an adjusting bolt; rotating the bolt changes the pre-compression of the elastic element 233, thereby adjusting the clamping force to accommodate cargo of different weights and materials. Example 5

[0044] This embodiment provides supplementary explanations of the information reading component and the sorting execution mechanism.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the information reading component 300 includes: Read the gantry 320, which is positioned across the top of the main conveyor line 100; A top-side barcode reader 311 is installed on the reading gantry 320, with its reading window facing the conveying surface of the main conveyor line 100, for reading the marking information on the top surface of the goods; and two side-side barcode readers 312 are installed on both sides of the main conveyor line 100, with their reading windows facing the center line of the main conveyor line 100, for reading the marking information on the sides of the goods.

[0046] The information reading component 300 also includes: A position detection sensor 330 is disposed between the attitude correction mechanism 200 and the information reading component 300, and is used to detect the trigger signal of the goods arriving at the information reading component 300; The controller 340 is electrically connected to the position detection sensor 330 and the information reader 310 respectively. The controller 340 is configured to receive the trigger signal sent by the position detection sensor 330, calculate the delay time according to the conveying speed of the main conveyor line 100, and trigger the information reader 310 to perform a reading operation when the delay time is reached.

[0047] The sorting execution unit 400 includes: A liftable blocking element 410 is disposed at the top of the main conveyor line 100 and downstream of the information reading component 300; Push-off element 420 is disposed on the main conveyor line 100 and located between blocking element 410 and information reading component; The blocking element 410 has a raised state and a lowered state: in the lowered state, the blocking element 410 extends to the conveying surface of the main conveyor line 100 to intercept and temporarily block the goods; in the raised state, the blocking element 410 rises above the main conveyor line 100 to allow the goods to pass; the pushing element 420 is used to push the goods temporarily blocked by the blocking element 410 away from the main conveyor line 100.

[0048] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform, comprising a main conveyor line (100) for continuously conveying cargo along a first direction; characterized in that, Also includes: An attitude correction mechanism (200), located upstream of the information reading position, includes: An air flotation correction platform (201) is located below the main conveyor line (100). The upper surface of the air flotation correction platform (201) is provided with a plurality of air flotation holes (202) connected to the air source. A through groove (101) is provided on the main conveyor line (100), and the through groove (101) and the air flotation holes (202) are connected. An airflow guide hood (203) is installed above the main conveying line (100) and together with the air flotation correction platform (201) forms a correction channel. The inner wall of the airflow guide hood (203) is a guide curved surface (204) that extends downward towards the center line of the main conveying line (100). A flexible clamping assembly (230) is disposed above the clamping arm (210). The flexible clamping assembly (230) includes a clamping surface that can float up and down for contacting the top of the cargo from above to apply pressure to the cargo in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, thereby restraining the cargo from bouncing and rolling in the third direction.

2. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow ejected from the air flotation hole (202) lifts the cargo upward, so that the cargo is transported in a slightly suspended state in the correction channel. At the same time, after the airflow is guided by the guide surface (204), it forms a downward air pressure above the cargo, which together with the airflow ejected from the air flotation hole (202) constitutes an aerodynamic pressure field that constrains the cargo's attitude in the vertical and horizontal directions.

3. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axis of the air flotation hole (202) is inclined toward the first direction relative to the vertical direction, so that the ejected airflow has both an upward lifting force and a force pushing the cargo toward the first direction.

4. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attitude correction mechanism (200) further includes: The clamping arms are arranged opposite each other, extending along the first direction and close to the information reading position, and can be installed relatively close to or far from the main conveyor line (100) on both sides to constrain the displacement of the goods in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The attitude correction mechanism further includes: An adjusting bracket (240) is positioned across the top of the main conveyor line (100); The opposing clamping arms (210) are slidably mounted on the adjusting bracket (240) via a lead screw assembly (250). The lead screw assembly (250) has a first threaded section and a second threaded section with opposite directions of rotation. One of the clamping arms (210) engages with the first threaded section, and the other clamping arm (210) engages with the second threaded section. Under the drive of the driving device, the two clamping arms (210) are driven to move synchronously closer or further apart.

6. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the clamping arms (210) has a plurality of freely rotatable guide rollers (211) spaced apart along the first direction on one side facing the other clamping arm (210).

7. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flexible clamping assembly (230) includes a floating mounting bracket (231); the floating mounting bracket (231) is suspended from the adjusting bracket (240) by an elastic element (233).

8. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible clamping assembly (230) includes: The flexible clamping unit (235) includes a flexible synchronous belt (236) extending along the first direction, and a pulley assembly (237) that drives the flexible synchronous belt (236) to rotate cyclically. The bottom surface of the flexible synchronous belt (236) forms the vertically floating pressing surface, and the linear speed of the flexible synchronous belt (236) is matched with the conveying speed of the main conveyor line (100).

9. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pulley assembly (237) is mounted on the floating mounting bracket (231); the floating mounting bracket (231) is slidably connected to the adjusting bracket (240) via a guide rod (239), and the elastic element (233) is used to apply downward preload to the flexible synchronous belt (236).

10. The intelligent cargo sorting and conveying device for a logistics platform according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flexible clamping assembly (230) also includes a pressure regulating mechanism (2311), which is connected to the regulating bracket (240) and is used to regulate the compression of the elastic element (233) to change the pressure applied to the top of the cargo by the flexible synchronous belt (236).

Images