Self-walking sorting trolley

Abstract

The application discloses a self-walking sorting trolley, which comprises a sorting conveying mechanism and a trolley body assembly, and the trolley body assembly is provided with a frame and a walking system; the conveying direction of the sorting conveying mechanism and the walking direction of the trolley body assembly have an included angle; the sorting conveying mechanism is installed at the middle part of the trolley body assembly, and the upper end surface thereof is lower than the front end part and the rear end part of the frame; the trolley body assembly is further provided with a blocking mechanism installed at the side edge of the trolley body assembly, and the blocking mechanism comprises a blocking unit, which can be switched between a blocking state and an avoiding state; in the avoiding state, the sorted object outside can be moved from the side of the blocking mechanism to the upper end of the sorting conveying mechanism, and the sorted object on the sorting conveying mechanism can be moved away from the sorting conveying mechanism from the side of the blocking mechanism; in the blocking state, at least a part of the blocking unit is higher than the upper end surface of the sorting conveying mechanism, so as to prevent the sorted object from falling out from the side of the blocking mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cargo sorting technology, and in particular to a self-propelled sorting cart. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modern logistics sorting, the scheme of sorting trolleys running along tracks and delivering packages to corresponding sorting ports via onboard conveyor belts has been widely used. As an independent operating unit in the sorting system, the sorting trolley is usually equipped with a conveyor belt. The conveying direction of the conveyor belt is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the sorting trolley along the track. When the sorting trolley reaches the target sorting port, the conveyor belt starts to operate, throwing the packages on the belt to the side, thereby completing the sorting action.

[0003] In the prior art, a typical sorting cart, such as the one shown in patent CN 213377900 U, has a structure consisting of a lower body and an upper sorting belt mechanism. The lower body integrates the walking mechanism, the electrical control system, and other components. The sorting belt mechanism is installed high. For heavier goods, on the one hand, its high center of gravity easily increases centrifugal force when turning, thus limiting the running speed of the sorting cart and restricting sorting efficiency. On the other hand, although a retaining wall is set on the belt, the restrictive effect of this retaining wall structure is weak and it is difficult to withstand the impact of heavy objects. Heavy objects are still easy to fall off during the transfer to the sorting belt or during the movement of the sorting cart.

[0004] Patent CN 224010496 U provides a sorting trolley that essentially only includes a belt mechanism and no walking mechanism. It adds an opening and closing baffle mechanism above the belt mechanism to restrain the packages during movement and prevent them from falling. This mechanism is complex and costly. Furthermore, the opening and closing baffle mechanism requires the baffle mechanism to be open when the package enters, so the package may still fall out during loading. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a self-propelled sorting cart with a compact and reasonable structural layout, a low center of gravity of the objects to be sorted, the ability to move quickly to improve sorting efficiency, and the ability to prevent the objects to be sorted from entering and falling off during the movement.

[0006] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a self-propelled sorting cart, which includes a sorting and conveying mechanism and a vehicle body assembly. The vehicle body assembly has a frame and a walking system. The conveying direction of the sorting and conveying mechanism and the walking direction of the vehicle body assembly form an angle. The relationship between the two directions can be perpendicular to each other or a specific angle, such as 45°, 60°, etc. The sorting and conveying mechanism is installed in the middle of the vehicle body assembly, and its upper end is lower than the front and rear ends of the frame. That is, the sorting and conveying mechanism and the vehicle body assembly together form a U-shaped structure with high front and rear ends and low middle.

[0007] It also includes a protective mechanism installed on the side of the vehicle body component, the protective mechanism including a protective unit, the protective unit being able to switch between a protective state and an avoidance state;

[0008] In the avoidance state, external sorted objects can move from the side where the guard mechanism is located to the upper end of the sorting conveyor, and sorted objects on the sorting conveyor can leave the sorting conveyor from the side where the guard mechanism is located.

[0009] In the protected state, at least a portion of the protective unit is higher than the upper surface of the sorting and conveying mechanism to prevent the sorted object from falling out from the side where the protective mechanism is located.

[0010] Furthermore, there are two sets of protective mechanisms, positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle body assembly. During operation, when the outer object to be sorted is moved onto the sorting conveyor, the protective mechanism on the entry side is in a yielding state, while the protective mechanism on the opposite side is in a blocking state. The sorting conveyor operates with the conveying direction facing the opposite side. Once the object to be sorted has completely reached above the sorting conveyor, the protective mechanism on the entry side switches to the blocking state. When the object to be sorted is output, the protective mechanism on the output side switches to a yielding state, and the sorting conveyor operates with the conveying direction facing the output side until the object to be sorted has completely left the sorting conveyor.

[0011] The sorting conveyor can also have only one set of protective mechanisms. In this case, one side of the sorting conveyor has a protective mechanism, while the other side is open. The sorted object always enters the sorting conveyor from the open side, at which point the protective mechanism is in a protective state. The sorted object can leave the sorting conveyor from either side. When it needs to leave from the side where the protective mechanism is located, the protective mechanism switches to an avoidance state.

[0012] Furthermore, the vehicle body assembly also includes an intermediate connecting frame connecting the front end portion and the rear end portion; the sorting and conveying mechanism includes a belt, a drive roller and a driven roller; the drive roller and the driven roller are located on both sides of the intermediate connecting frame, and the belt is arranged around the drive roller, the driven roller and the intermediate connecting frame.

[0013] In other designs, the sorting conveyor can also be a roller assembly structure. Furthermore, the aforementioned belt can be replaced by multiple chains arranged in parallel.

[0014] Furthermore, the protective unit also includes a guide mechanism and a lifting drive mechanism connecting the two ends of the protective unit; of the guide mechanism and the lifting drive mechanism, one is connected to the front end and the other is connected to the rear end. The protective unit is a long strip-shaped structure extending front and rear.

[0015] Furthermore, the lifting drive mechanism includes a first guide rail and a first slider connected to the guard unit, and also includes a lead screw mechanism for driving the guard unit to lift.

[0016] Furthermore, the guiding mechanism includes a second slider connected to the second guide rail of the guard unit, and the second slider is slidably engaged with the second guide rail.

[0017] Furthermore, the walking system includes two sets of walking wheel mechanisms respectively installed on the front end and the rear end, and also includes support wheels placed on both sides of the middle of the frame; specifically, two connecting beams extending forward and backward are connected between the bottom of the front end and the rear end, the two connecting beams are placed on the left and right sides of the frame, and the support wheel is installed in the middle of each connecting beam.

[0018] Furthermore, the traveling wheel mechanism includes a swivel base, a drive wheel, and clamping wheels; the swivel base is rotatably mounted relative to the front end or the rear end; the interior of the swivel base has a hollow structure, and the drive wheel is rotatably mounted within the hollow structure; there are multiple clamping wheels, arranged in two symmetrical groups on both sides of the lower end of the swivel base. The drive wheel is driven by a wheel motor. The swivel base is located within the front end or the rear end, with the lower end of the drive wheel and the clamping wheels extending beyond the lower side of the front end or the rear end. The upper end of the swivel base is connected to the front end or the rear end via a mounting base.

[0019] During operation, the sorting trolley travels on a track system, which includes a main track and two auxiliary tracks positioned on either side of the main track. The drive wheel is located on the upper side of the main track, and the four clamping wheels are divided into two groups, clamping the left and right sides of the main track respectively. The support wheels on both sides are located on the upper ends of the corresponding auxiliary tracks. Preferably, the support wheels are omnidirectional wheels to prevent additional resistance when the sorting trolley turns. The swivel base can rotate around its own vertical axis, allowing the traveling wheel mechanism to adaptively steer at curves.

[0020] Furthermore, a current collector arm for introducing power is mounted on the rotary seat of one of the sets of walking wheel mechanisms, and the current collector arm is connected to the power supply unit of the self-propelled sorting cart. A sliding contact line is provided on the side of the main track to provide power in contact with the current collector arm.

[0021] Furthermore, a plurality of protrusion groups are formed on the outer surface of the belt, each of the protrusion groups including a plurality of protrusions equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction of the belt; all the protrusion groups are equidistantly arranged on the belt.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The self-propelled sorting cart of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] (1) In this invention, by rationally designing the layout of the vehicle body components and the sorting and conveying mechanism, the front and rear parts naturally form the front and rear enclosures of the sorting and conveying mechanism. The sorting and conveying mechanism is installed at a low position, which lowers the overall center of gravity after loading, prevents tipping, and improves the running speed of the sorting trolley. By setting at least one set of guarding mechanisms that can switch states, the guarding mechanisms can prevent the sorted objects from being thrown out from the other side when they are moved in. The front and rear parts and the guarding mechanisms in the guarding state form a U-shaped three-sided enclosure, which can ensure that the sorted objects are moved into place when they are moved in. The guarding mechanisms can also prevent the vehicle body components from falling out of the sorting and conveying mechanism when they are moving. In addition, the internal space of the front and rear parts is used to install components such as the electronic control layout and the walking wheel mechanism, which makes the structure compact, the weight distribution balanced, and the center of gravity low, ensuring the compactness of the structure and the reliability of walking.

[0024] (2) The design of the intermediate connecting frame passing through the belt in the vehicle body assembly makes the intermediate connecting frame not only connect the front and rear ends, but also support the belt surface. At the same time, it makes the installation position of the sorting conveyor the lowest, so that the center of gravity of the sorted objects transferred to the top is the lowest, and avoids the large sorted objects from generating excessive overturning torque when the trolley turns.

[0025] (3) Since the front and rear parts are higher than the sorting and conveying mechanism, the guard unit connects the front and rear parts through the guide mechanism and the lifting drive mechanism to establish a lifting connection with the vehicle body components. This ensures the lifting stroke of the guard unit. When the guard unit is in the guarding state, it can be in a high enough position. When the guard unit is in the avoidance state, it can be lowered to a position completely below the upper surface of the belt. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a 3D structural diagram of a self-propelled sorting cart;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a bottom structure diagram of a self-propelled sorting cart;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the self-propelled sorting cart and its track system.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the guard mechanism;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the walking wheel mechanism;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the vehicle frame;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the sorting and conveying mechanism;

[0033] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram of section A;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the state of the self-propelled sorting trolley with one side guard unit lowered.

[0035] In the diagram: 1-Sorting and conveying mechanism; 11-Driven roller; 12-Driven roller; 13-Belt; 131-Protrusion group; 2-Car body assembly; 21-Front end section; 22-Rear end section; 23-Intermediate connecting frame; 24-Walking wheel mechanism; 241-Rotating seat; 242-Drive wheel; 243-Clamping wheel; 244-Wheel motor; 245-Mounting seat; 25-Support wheel; 26-Connecting beam; 3-Guard mechanism; 31-Guard unit; 32-Guide mechanism; 321-Second guide rail; 322-Second slider; 33-Lifting drive mechanism; 331-First guide rail; 332-First slider; 333-Drive screw; 334-Screw nut; 335-Drive motor; 41-Main track; 42-Second track; 5-Collector arm. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The self-propelled sorting cart shown includes a sorting and conveying mechanism 1 and a vehicle body assembly 2. The vehicle body assembly 2 has a frame and a walking system. The conveying direction of the sorting and conveying mechanism 1 and the walking direction of the vehicle body assembly have an angle between them. The relationship between the two directions can be perpendicular to each other or a specific angle, such as 45°, 60°, etc. The sorting and conveying mechanism 1 is installed in the middle of the vehicle body assembly 2, and its upper end is lower than the front end 21 and the rear end 22 of the frame. That is, the sorting and conveying mechanism 1 and the vehicle body assembly 2 together form a "U" shaped structure with high front and rear ends and low middle.

[0038] It also includes a protective mechanism 3 installed on the side of the vehicle body component 2. The protective mechanism 3 includes a protective unit 31, which can switch between a protective state and an avoidance state.

[0039] In the avoidance state, external sorted objects can move from the side where the guard mechanism 3 is located to the upper end of the sorting conveyor 1, and sorted objects on the sorting conveyor 1 can leave the sorting conveyor 1 from the side where the guard mechanism 3 is located.

[0040] In the protected state, at least a portion of the protective unit 31 is higher than the upper surface of the sorting and conveying mechanism 1 to prevent the sorted object from falling out from the side where the protective mechanism 3 is located.

[0041] Preferably, the number of the protective mechanisms 3 is two sets, and the two sets of protective mechanisms 3 are placed on both sides of the vehicle body assembly 2. During operation, when the outer sorted object is transferred to the sorting conveyor 1, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the barrier mechanism 3 on the entry side is in an avoidance state, while the barrier mechanism 3 on the opposite side is in a blocking state. The sorting conveyor 1 operates with the conveying direction facing the opposite side. Once the object to be sorted has completely reached above the sorting conveyor 1, the barrier mechanism 3 on the entry side switches to the blocking state. When the object to be sorted is output, the barrier mechanism 3 on the output side switches to an avoidance state, and the sorting conveyor 1 operates with the conveying direction facing the output side until the object to be sorted has completely left the sorting conveyor 1.

[0042] The number of protective mechanisms 3 can also be only one set. In this case, one side of the sorting conveyor 1 has a protective mechanism 3, and the other side is open. The sorted object is always moved into the sorting conveyor 1 from the open side, at which time the protective mechanism 3 is in the protective state. The sorted object can leave the sorting conveyor 1 from either side. When it needs to leave from the side where the protective mechanism 3 is located, the protective mechanism 3 switches to the avoidance state.

[0043] In this invention, by rationally designing the layout of the vehicle body assembly 2 and the sorting conveyor mechanism 1, the front end 21 and the rear end 22 naturally form the front and rear enclosures of the sorting conveyor mechanism 1. The low installation position of the sorting conveyor mechanism 1 lowers the overall center of gravity after loading, preventing tipping and increasing the operating speed of the sorting trolley. By setting at least one set of switchable protective mechanisms 3, when the object to be sorted is moved in, the protective mechanisms 3 prevent the object from being thrown out from the other side. The front end 21 and the rear end 22, together with the protective mechanisms 3 in the protective state, form a U-shaped three-sided enclosure, ensuring that the object is moved into place when it is moved in. The protective mechanisms 3 also prevent the vehicle body assembly 2 from falling out of the sorting conveyor mechanism 1 during movement. Furthermore, the internal space of the front end 21 and the rear end 22 is used to install components such as the electronic control layout and the walking wheel mechanism, resulting in a compact structure, balanced front-rear weight distribution, and a low center of gravity, ensuring structural compactness and reliable operation.

[0044] Preferably, such as Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle body assembly also includes an intermediate connecting frame 23 connecting the front end portion 21 and the rear end portion 22; as Figure 7 As shown, the sorting and conveying mechanism 1 includes a belt 13, a drive roller 11, and a driven roller 12; the drive roller 11 and the driven roller 12 are located on both sides of the intermediate connecting frame 23, and the belt 13 is arranged around the drive roller 11, the driven roller 12, and the intermediate connecting frame 23.

[0045] The design of the intermediate connecting frame 23 passing through the belt 13 in the vehicle body assembly not only connects the front and rear ends, but also supports the belt surface of the belt 13. At the same time, it can make the installation position of the sorting conveyor 1 as low as possible, so that the center of gravity of the sorted objects transferred to the top is as low as possible, and avoids excessive overturning moment of larger sorted objects when the trolley turns.

[0046] In other embodiments, the sorting conveyor 1 may also be a roller assembly structure. Furthermore, the aforementioned belt 13 may be replaced by multiple chains arranged in parallel.

[0047] Preferably, the protective unit 31 further includes a guide mechanism 32 and a lifting drive mechanism 33 connecting the two ends of the protective unit 31; of the guide mechanism 32 and the lifting drive mechanism 33, one is connected to the front end portion 21 and the other is connected to the rear end portion 22. The protective unit 31 is a long strip-shaped structure extending front and rear.

[0048] Preferably, the lifting drive mechanism 33 includes a first guide rail 331 and a first slider 332 connected to the guard unit 31, and also includes a lead screw mechanism for driving the guard unit 31 to lift. The lead screw mechanism includes a drive lead screw 333, a lead screw nut 334 connected to the guard unit 31, and a drive motor 335 for driving the lead screw 333 to rotate.

[0049] Preferably, the guiding mechanism 32 includes a second guide rail 321 and a second slider 322 connected to the guard unit 31, wherein the second slider 322 is slidably engaged with the second guide rail 321.

[0050] Since the front end 21 and the rear end 22 are higher than the sorting and conveying mechanism 1, the guard unit 31 is connected to the front end 21 and the rear end 22 through the guide mechanism 32 and the lifting drive mechanism 33, establishing a lifting connection with the vehicle body components. This ensures the lifting stroke of the guard unit 31. When the guard unit 31 is in the guarding state, it can be in a high enough position. When the guard unit 31 is in the avoidance state, it can be lowered to a position completely below the upper surface of the belt 13.

[0051] Preferably, the walking system includes two sets of walking wheel mechanisms 24 respectively installed on the front end portion 21 and the rear end portion 22, and also includes support wheels 25 placed on both sides of the middle of the frame; specifically, two connecting beams 26 extending forward and backward are connected between the bottom of the front end portion 21 and the rear end portion 22, and the two connecting beams 26 are placed on the left and right sides of the frame, with the support wheel 25 installed in the middle of each connecting beam 26. The two connecting beams 26 and the intermediate connecting frame 23 in the middle constitute three connecting components between the front end portion 21 and the rear end portion 22, making the frame itself sturdy and reliable.

[0052] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, the traveling wheel mechanism 24 includes a swivel base 241, a drive wheel 242, and clamping wheels 243. The swivel base 241 is rotatably mounted relative to the front end portion 21 or the rear end portion 22. The interior of the swivel base 241 has a hollow structure, and the drive wheel 242 is rotatably mounted within the hollow structure. Multiple clamping wheels 243 are arranged in two symmetrical groups on both sides of the lower end of the swivel base 241. The drive wheel 242 is driven by a wheel motor 244. The swivel base 241 is located within the front end portion 21 or the rear end portion 22, and the lower end of the drive wheel 242 and the clamping wheels 243 extend beyond the lower side of the front end portion 21 or the rear end portion 22. The upper end of the swivel base 241 is connected to the front end portion 21 or the rear end portion 22 via a mounting base 245.

[0053] When doing homework, such as Figure 3As shown, the sorting trolley travels on a track system, which includes a main track 41 and two auxiliary tracks 42 located on either side of the main track 41. The drive wheel 242 is positioned on the upper side of the main track 41, and the four clamping wheels 243 are divided into two groups, clamping the left and right sides of the main track 41 respectively. The support wheels 25 on both sides are positioned on the upper ends of the corresponding auxiliary tracks 42. Preferably, the support wheels 25 are omnidirectional wheels to prevent additional resistance when the sorting trolley turns. The swivel base 241 can rotate around its own vertical axis, allowing the traveling wheel mechanism 24 to adaptively steer at curves.

[0054] The above-mentioned walking system design can maintain the stability and walking accuracy of the sorting cart.

[0055] Preferably, a current collector arm 5 for introducing power is installed on the rotary seat 241 of one of the walking wheel mechanisms 24, and the current collector arm 5 is connected to the power supply unit of the self-propelled sorting cart. A sliding contact line is provided on the side of the main track 41 to contact the current collector arm 5 to provide power.

[0056] Preferably, such as Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of protrusion groups 131 are formed on the outer surface of the belt 13, each of the protrusion groups 131 including a plurality of protrusions equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction of the belt 13; all the protrusion groups 131 are equidistantly arranged on the belt 13.

[0057] The height of the protrusion is low, which does not affect the normal placement and transportation of the sorted object on the belt 13, but can increase the contact friction between the bottom surface of the sorted object and the belt 13, preventing smooth-surfaced items from slipping on the belt 13 due to inertia or vibration during sorting and transportation, thus improving sorting reliability.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-propelled sorting cart, comprising a sorting and conveying mechanism (1) and a vehicle body assembly (2), the vehicle body assembly (2) having a frame and a walking system; the conveying direction of the sorting and conveying mechanism (1) and the walking direction of the vehicle body assembly having an angle; characterized in that: The sorting and conveying mechanism (1) is installed in the middle of the vehicle body assembly (2), and its upper end face is lower than the front end portion (21) and the rear end portion (22) of the vehicle frame. The walking system includes two sets of walking wheel mechanisms (24) respectively installed on the front end part (21) and the rear end part (22). The vehicle body assembly also includes an intermediate connecting frame (23) connecting the front end portion (21) and the rear end portion (22); the sorting conveyor (1) includes a belt (13), a drive roller (11) and a driven roller (12); the drive roller (11) and the driven roller (12) are located on both sides of the intermediate connecting frame (23), and the belt (13) is arranged around the drive roller (11), the driven roller (12) and the intermediate connecting frame (23); It also includes a guard mechanism (3) installed on the side of the vehicle body assembly (2), the guard mechanism (3) including a guard unit (31), the guard unit (31) being able to switch between a guard state and an avoidance state; the guard mechanism (3) also includes a guide mechanism (32) and a lifting drive mechanism (33) connecting the two ends of the guard unit (31); of the guide mechanism (32) and the lifting drive mechanism (33), one is connected to the front end part (21) and the other is connected to the rear end part (22). In the avoidance state, the external sorted objects can move from the side where the guard mechanism (3) is located to the upper end of the sorting conveyor (1), and the sorted objects on the sorting conveyor (1) can leave the sorting conveyor (1) from the side where the guard mechanism (3) is located. In the protected state, at least a portion of the protective unit (31) is higher than the upper surface of the sorting and conveying mechanism (1) to prevent the sorted object from falling out from the side where the protective mechanism (3) is located.

2. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the protective mechanisms (3) is two sets, and the two sets of protective mechanisms (3) are placed on both sides of the vehicle body assembly (2).

3. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting drive mechanism (33) includes a first guide rail (331) and a first slider (332) connected to the guard unit (31), and also includes a lead screw mechanism for driving the guard unit (31) to lift.

4. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism (32) includes a second guide rail (321) and a second slider (322) connected to the guard unit (31).

5. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, The walking system also includes support wheels (25) located on both sides of the middle of the frame.

6. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, The walking wheel mechanism (24) includes a rotary seat (241), a drive wheel (242), and clamping wheels (243); the rotary seat (241) is rotatably mounted relative to the front end portion (21) or the rear end portion (22); the interior of the rotary seat (241) is a hollow structure, and the drive wheel (242) is rotatably mounted inside the hollow structure; there are multiple clamping wheels (243), which are divided into two groups and symmetrically mounted on both sides of the lower end of the rotary seat (241).

7. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 6, characterized in that, One of the sets of walking wheel mechanisms (24) has a collector arm (5) for introducing power on the rotary seat (241), and the collector arm (5) is connected to the power supply unit of the self-propelled sorting cart.

8. The self-propelled sorting cart according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple protrusion groups (131) are formed on the outer surface of the belt (13), each of the protrusion groups (131) including multiple protrusions equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction of the belt (13); all the protrusion groups (131) are equidistantly arranged on the belt (13).

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