A rail transport train and system for automatic sorting

Abstract

The utility model relates to a rail transport train and system for automatic sorting, the train includes a head drive unit, a middle transport unit and a tail power unit arranged in sequence on the transport track; the head drive unit is connected to the middle transport unit through a connecting rod to provide forward power; the middle transport unit is connected to the head drive unit through a connecting rod to obtain forward power and sort the items by throwing them according to a control signal; the tail power unit is connected to the middle transport unit through a connecting rod to provide the middle transport unit with the power required for throwing materials. The utility model is different from the traditional RGV. Through the modular design of units, each unit has different functions. Only the head drive unit as the head of the train provides the power for the front drive. The number of middle transport units responsible for transportation and throwing materials can be increased or decreased according to actual needs to meet different transportation needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automated transportation, in particular to a rail transportation train and system for automatic sorting. Background Art

[0002] With the development of automated logistics systems and automated warehouses, RGV (automatic guided vehicle) trolleys have emerged. RGV trolleys can be used in warehouses with various high-density storage methods. The trolley channel can be designed to be arbitrarily long, which can increase the storage capacity of the entire warehouse. There is no need for forklifts to enter the aisles during operation, making it safer. By taking advantage of the fact that forklifts do not need to enter the aisles, combined with the rapid operation of the trolley in the aisles, the operating efficiency of the warehouse can be effectively improved.

[0003] In the prior art, conventional RGV systems are usually composed of a power system, a guidance system, a control system, and a transportation system. These systems are usually integrated into a single vehicle, so that each RGV independently completes all functions of power drive, guidance control, and cargo transportation. The problems caused by this include at least:

[0004] 1) Since each RGV is equipped with an independent power system, each vehicle needs to carry a corresponding battery or power device, which not only increases the weight of the vehicle, but also causes uneven power distribution of a single RGV, reducing the efficiency of the system;

[0005] 2) Since each RGV requires a complete control system and guidance system, the structure of each vehicle is complex, and the manufacturing and maintenance costs are high;

[0006] 3) In some application scenarios, it is not necessary for each vehicle to have independent power and control capabilities. For example, in scenarios where only simple transportation tasks are required, independent power and control systems will result in waste of resources and increased costs. Utility Model Content

[0007] The utility model discloses a rail transport train and a system for automatic sorting, aiming to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] The utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] On the one hand, an embodiment of the utility model provides a rail transport train for automatic sorting, comprising a head drive unit, a middle transport unit and a tail power unit sequentially arranged on a transport track;

[0010] The head driving unit is connected to the middle transport unit through a connecting rod to provide forward power;

[0011] The middle transport unit is connected to the head drive unit through a connecting rod to obtain forward power and to sort the items according to the control signal;

[0012] The tail power unit is connected to the middle transport unit through a connecting rod, and is used to provide the middle transport unit with power required for throwing materials.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the head drive unit includes a front bearing mechanism and a front walking mechanism;

[0014] A first power battery is provided above the front carrying mechanism, and the first power battery is used to provide electric energy for the front walking mechanism;

[0015] The front walking mechanism is arranged below the front bearing mechanism, and the front walking mechanism includes a forward driving wheel and a front guide wheel. The front driving wheel is used to convert the electric energy provided by the first power battery into a forward driving force, and the front guide wheel is used to enable the head driving unit to move forward along the direction of the transport track.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the front driving wheel and the front guide wheel are arranged in parallel on both sides below the front bearing mechanism;

[0017] The forward driving wheel is arranged at the lower front end of the front bearing mechanism, and the forward driving wheels on both sides are respectively in contact with the two sides of the transport track;

[0018] The front guide wheel is arranged behind the front driving wheel, the front guide wheels on both sides are respectively in contact with both sides of the transport track, and the wheel width of the front guide wheel is smaller than the wheel width of the front driving wheel.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the front bearing mechanism is also provided with:

[0020] -Radar module, which is arranged at the front end of the front supporting mechanism and is used to detect whether there are obstacles in front of the train;

[0021] -Control module, used to control the train's power-on, forward movement and material throwing instructions;

[0022] -communication module, used to receive control signals;

[0023] -Light barrier sensor for calculating the position of the front drive unit on the transport track.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution, one or more middle transport units are provided, and the multiple middle transport units are connected in sequence through connecting rods.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution, the middle transport unit includes a middle bearing mechanism and a middle walking mechanism;

[0026] The middle bearing mechanism includes a throwing roller module and a roller driving module. The throwing roller module is used to throw and sort the objects, and the roller driving module is used to receive driving instructions and drive the throwing roller module.

[0027] The middle walking mechanism is arranged below the middle bearing mechanism, and is used to enable the middle transport unit to move forward along the transport track direction.

[0028] As an optimal technical solution, the central walking mechanism includes a central guide wheel and an anti-slip wheel. The central guide wheel and the anti-slip wheel are arranged in parallel on both sides below the central bearing mechanism, and the axis of the central guide wheel is perpendicular to the axis of the anti-slip wheel.

[0029] As a preferred technical solution, the tail power unit includes a tail bearing mechanism and a tail walking mechanism;

[0030] The tail bearing mechanism includes a second power battery, and the second power battery is used to provide power for the throwing drum module;

[0031] The tail walking mechanism is arranged below the tail bearing mechanism and includes a tail guide wheel for enabling the tail power unit to move forward along the direction of the transport track.

[0032] As a preferred technical solution, the tail support mechanism further includes a radar reflection module, and the radar reflection module is used to detect the travel distance of the train.

[0033] On the other hand, an embodiment of the utility model provides a rail transportation system for automatic sorting, including a rail transportation train and a transportation track as described in any of the above items.

[0034] The technical solution adopted by the utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0035] The utility model provides a rail transport train and system for automatic sorting, the rail transport train comprises a head drive unit, a middle transport unit and a tail power unit which are sequentially arranged on the transport track, the whole train has only the head drive unit as the train head to provide the front drive power, the middle transport unit only needs to focus on transporting and throwing materials after obtaining power through a connecting rod, and the tail power unit as the tail of the train is responsible for providing the required power for the throwing roller module on the middle transport unit. This power distribution method simplifies the system structure, helps to reduce costs and maintenance difficulties, and avoids redundancy in power distribution, which is beneficial to improving the overall transportation efficiency.

[0036] Through the modular design of units, the head drive unit, the middle transport unit and the tail power unit each assume different functions, making the system more flexible and easy to expand and maintain. The number of middle transport units responsible for transportation and throwing materials can be increased or decreased according to actual needs to adapt to different transportation needs. Since the middle transport unit itself does not involve the entire RGV system, even if the number of middle transport units is increased, it will not lead to a surge in usage costs.

[0037] By installing a radar module and a control module on the head drive unit and configuring a radar reflection module on the rear power unit, the driving distance between adjacent trains can be ensured, the risk of collision can be avoided, and the reliability of the system can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the description of the embodiment, which constitute a part of the utility model. The schematic embodiment of the utility model and its description explain the utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rail transport train for automatic sorting disclosed in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the head drive unit disclosed in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0041] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the middle transport unit disclosed in the embodiment of the utility model;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a tail power unit disclosed in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0043] Description of reference numerals:

[0044] Head drive unit 10, front supporting mechanism 11, first power battery 12, radar module 13, control module 14, communication module 15, grating sensor 16, front drive wheel 17, front guide wheel 18, middle transport unit 20, middle supporting mechanism 21, middle guide wheel 22, anti-slip wheel 23, zero position sensor 24, tail power unit 30, tail supporting mechanism 31, second power battery 32, tail guide wheel 33, radar reflection module 34, transport track 40. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the specific embodiments of the utility model and the corresponding drawings. In the description of the utility model, it should be noted that the term "or" is usually used in the sense of including "and / or", unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be internal communication between two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances. In addition, in the description of this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish the description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0047] Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0048] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the present embodiment provides a rail transport train for automatic sorting. Preferably, the rail transport train can be applied to logistics sorting systems, manufacturing production lines, airport baggage handling systems, agricultural product sorting and transportation systems, agricultural production materials distribution systems, warehouse management systems, pharmaceutical logistics systems, port container sorting and transportation systems and other scenarios, and examples are not listed one by one here.

[0049] like Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment, the rail transport train is arranged on a transport track 40, and the transport track 40 can be configured as an open-loop track or a closed-loop track according to the site; the rail transport train includes a head drive unit 10, a middle transport unit 20 and a tail power unit 30 connected in sequence, wherein only one head drive unit 10 and one tail power unit 30 are configured, and one or more middle transport units 20 can be configured according to transportation needs, and the front and rear adjacent units are connected by connecting rods.

[0050] Preferably, the head drive unit 10 is arranged at the head of the entire rail transport train to provide forward power for the entire train; the middle transport unit 20 is used to obtain forward power and sort the items according to the control signal; the tail power unit 30 is arranged at the tail of the entire train to provide the middle transport unit 20 with the power required for throwing materials.

[0051] like Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment, the head drive unit 10 includes a front supporting mechanism 11 and a front walking mechanism; the front supporting mechanism 11 is configured as a hard chassis, on the top of which other hardware modules are installed, and the front walking mechanism is installed below; the front walking mechanism can provide forward motive force on the one hand, and provide directional guidance for the head drive unit 10 on the other hand, to ensure that the head drive unit 10 can move along the direction of the transport track 40.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, a first power battery 12 , a radar module 13 , a control module 14 , a communication module 15 and a grating sensor 16 are arranged above the front supporting mechanism 11 .

[0053] Preferably, the first power battery 12 is used to provide electrical energy for the front walking mechanism. The capacity of the first power battery 12 is configured according to the power requirement and the expected operating time of the head drive unit 10. The battery modules can be increased or decreased according to demand, and no specific limitation is made here. In order to ensure the stability of the center of gravity of the front carrying mechanism 11, the first power battery 12 is arranged at the upper center position of the front carrying mechanism 11.

[0054] Preferably, the radar module 13 is arranged at the front end of the front supporting mechanism 11, and ensures a wide field of view so that it can cover the detection area in front. Its installation height and angle are adjusted according to the transport track 40 and the surrounding environment to obtain the best detection effect; the radar module 13 is used to detect whether there are obstacles in front of the rail transport train to avoid collision with the obstacles in front or the train in front; the data collected by the radar module 13 is transmitted to the control module 14 in real time, and the two can be connected via the CAN bus to ensure that the control module 14 can quickly respond to detected obstacles.

[0055] Optionally, the radar module 13 may be configured as a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar or an ultrasonic radar, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0056] Preferably, the communication module 15 is used to receive control signals from the central control system, and the control module 14 is used to control the power-on, forward movement and material throwing instructions of the rail transport train.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the communication module 15 is configured as a wireless router to provide a stable wireless communication connection, maintain data communication between the head drive unit 10 and the central control system or other devices, and ultimately implement monitoring and remote control.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the control module 14 includes at least a processor, a memory and an interface to receive and process data from the radar module 13, and execute instructions of the central control system to control the corresponding modules on the front walking mechanism and the middle transport unit 20 to realize automatic sorting and transportation functions.

[0059] Preferably, the grating sensor 16 is arranged at the front end or side of the front supporting mechanism 11 to ensure good alignment with the grating scale on the transport track 40, and is connected to the control module 14 through a corresponding data interface. The grating sensor 16 is used to calculate the position of the front drive unit on the transport track 40, and can also monitor its movement speed to ensure accurate positioning and assist in achieving smooth operation.

[0060] Optionally, the grating sensor 16 can be configured as an incremental type or an absolute type according to needs, which is not specifically limited here.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the front walking mechanism includes a front driving wheel 17 and a front guide wheel 18, both of which are arranged in parallel on both sides below the front supporting mechanism 11, wherein the front driving wheel 17 is used to convert the electric energy provided by the first power battery 12 into forward driving force, and the front guide wheel 18 can ensure that the head driving unit 10 can move along the direction of the transport track 40.

[0062] Preferably, the front driving wheel 17 is arranged at the front end below the front supporting mechanism 11, and the front driving wheels 17 on both sides are respectively abutted against the two sides of the transport track 40; the front guide wheel 18 is arranged behind the front driving wheel 17, and can be specifically arranged at the front, and / or middle, and / or rear below the front supporting mechanism 11, and one or more pairs can be arranged as needed, but it should be clear that when multiple pairs of front guide wheels 18 are arranged continuously, although the guiding performance can be made more stable, unnecessary friction will be increased at the same time, affecting the release of kinetic energy of the front driving wheel 17.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis of the front guide wheel 18 and the axis of the front driving wheel 17 are parallel to each other and are both vertically arranged. More preferably, the wheel width of the front driving wheel 17 is greater than the wheel width of the front guide wheel 18. The wider front driving wheel 17 has a larger contact area with the transport track 40, thereby increasing friction, helping to improve the traction of the front driving wheel 17, and enabling the head driving unit 10 to transmit driving force more effectively.

[0064] like Figure 3 Preferably, the middle transport unit 20 includes a middle bearing mechanism 21 and a middle walking mechanism. The middle bearing mechanism 21 is configured as a hard chassis, on which a throwing roller module and a roller driving module are installed (not further shown in the figure, and its structure can select any embodiment disclosed in the prior art). The middle walking mechanism is arranged below the middle bearing mechanism 21 to provide directional guidance for the middle transport unit 20 to ensure that the middle transport unit 20 can move along the direction of the transport track 40.

[0065] Preferably, the throwing roller module is used to throw and sort the carried items. Specifically, the throwing roller module consists of two rollers and a conveyor belt. The two rollers are preferably arranged parallel to the direction of the transport track 40 and have the same width as the middle supporting mechanism 21 to ensure that the items can roll down with the rotation of the conveyor belt.

[0066] Preferably, the roller drive module is used to receive drive instructions and drive the throwing roller module; specifically, the roller drive module is configured as a drive motor and a controller, and the controller implements precise control of the drive motor, including starting, stopping and speed adjustment.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, a zero position sensor 24 is further provided on the middle bearing mechanism 21. The zero position sensor 24 is data-connected to the roller drive module for detecting the position and state of the roller / transmission belt to ensure precise control and safe operation of the system. Specifically, the zero position sensor 24 can be installed at both ends of the roller or at key points on the path such as the starting point / end point of the conveyor belt according to actual needs.

[0068] Optionally, the zero position sensor 24 may be configured as a photoelectric sensor, a proximity sensor or a Hall sensor, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the middle walking mechanism includes a middle guide wheel 22 and an anti-slip wheel 23, both of which are arranged in parallel below the middle supporting mechanism 21 and close to the edge of the transport track 40; wherein the middle guide wheel 22 is used to ensure that the middle transport unit 20 runs smoothly along the predetermined transport track 40 to prevent the middle transport unit 20 from deviating from the track; the anti-slip wheel 23 is used to prevent the middle transport unit 20 from deviating from the track during operation.

[0070] Preferably, the axis of the middle guide wheel 22 is perpendicular to the axis of the anti-slip wheel 23, wherein the axis of the middle guide wheel 22 is vertically arranged and the axis of the anti-slip wheel 23 is horizontally arranged. This configuration enables the middle transport unit 20 to effectively resist forces from multiple directions and ensures that it remains stable when encountering external forces such as turning and vibration.

[0071] like Figure 4Preferably, the tail power unit 30 includes a tail bearing mechanism 31 and a tail walking mechanism. The tail bearing mechanism 31 is configured as a hard chassis, on which a second power battery 32 and a radar reflection module 34 are provided. The second power battery 32 can provide power for the throwing roller module on the middle transport unit 20. The radar reflection module 34 is used to detect the driving spacing of the rail transport train. The tail walking mechanism is arranged below the tail bearing mechanism 31 to enable the tail power unit 30 to move along the direction of the transport track 40.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the capacity and specifications of the second power battery 32 are configured according to the number and working time of the throwing drum modules, and the battery modules can be increased or decreased according to demand, which is not specifically limited here; in order to ensure the stability of the center of gravity of the tail support mechanism 31, the second power battery 32 is arranged at the upper center position of the tail support mechanism 31.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the radar reflection module 34 is configured as a radar reflection plate, which greatly improves the visibility of the train in front in the radar system by enhancing the reflection of the radar signal, so that the radar module 13 of the rear train can more accurately detect and track the position and movement status of the front train to ensure the driving distance between adjacent trains.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the tail walking mechanism includes a tail guide wheel 33, which is arranged in parallel below the tail supporting mechanism 31 and close to the edge of the transport track 40 to ensure that the tail power unit 30 runs smoothly along the predetermined transport track 40 and prevent the tail power unit 30 from deviating from the track.

[0075] Preferably, in this embodiment, the number of the middle transport units 20 can be increased or decreased according to the transport needs. When the number of the middle transport units 20 is increased, the capacity of the first power battery 12 and / or the second power battery 32 is also increased accordingly.

[0076] This embodiment provides a rail transportation system for automatic sorting, including the rail transportation train and the transportation track 40 as described above. Preferably, the system also includes a central control system for remote monitoring and control.

[0077] Compared with the prior art, the rail transport train provided by the above embodiment has only the head drive unit 10 as the head of the train to provide the front drive power. After the middle transport unit 20 obtains power through the connecting rod, it only needs to focus on transportation and material throwing. The tail power unit 30 as the tail of the train is responsible for providing the required power for the material throwing roller module on the middle transport unit 20. This power distribution method simplifies the system structure, helps to reduce costs and maintenance difficulties, and avoids redundancy in power distribution, which is beneficial to improving overall transportation efficiency.

[0078] The embodiments of the utility model are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the enlightenment of the utility model, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the utility model and the claims, all of which are within the protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A rail transport train for automatic sorting, characterized in that: It includes a head driving unit, a middle transport unit and a tail power unit which are sequentially arranged on the transport track; The head driving unit is connected to the middle transport unit via a connecting rod to provide forward power; The middle transport unit is connected to the head drive unit via a connecting rod to obtain forward power and to sort the items according to the control signal; The tail power unit is connected to the middle transport unit via a connecting rod, and is used to provide the middle transport unit with the power required for throwing materials.

2. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head driving unit includes a front bearing mechanism and a front walking mechanism; A first power battery is provided above the front carrying mechanism, and the first power battery is used to provide electric energy for the front walking mechanism; The front walking mechanism is arranged below the front supporting mechanism, and the front walking mechanism includes a forward driving wheel and a front guide wheel. The front driving wheel is used to convert the electric energy provided by the first power battery into a forward driving force, and the front guide wheel is used to enable the head driving unit to move forward along the direction of the transport track.

3. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front driving wheel and the front guide wheel are arranged in parallel on both sides below the front bearing mechanism; The forward driving wheel is arranged at the lower front end of the front bearing mechanism, and the forward driving wheels on both sides are respectively in contact with the two sides of the transport track; The front guide wheel is arranged behind the front driving wheel, the front guide wheels on both sides are respectively in contact with both sides of the transport track, and the wheel width of the front guide wheel is smaller than the wheel width of the front driving wheel.

4. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front bearing mechanism is also provided with: - a radar module, arranged at the front end of the front bearing mechanism, for detecting whether there is an obstacle in front of the rail transport train; - A control module, used to control the power-on, forward movement and material throwing instructions of the rail transport train; -communication module, used to receive control signals; - A light barrier sensor for calculating the position of the front drive unit on the transport track.

5. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are one or more middle transport units, and the multiple middle transport units are connected in sequence through connecting rods.

6. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle transport unit includes a middle bearing mechanism and a middle walking mechanism; The middle bearing mechanism includes a throwing roller module and a roller driving module, wherein the throwing roller module is used for throwing and sorting the articles, and the roller driving module is used for receiving driving instructions and driving the throwing roller module; The middle walking mechanism is arranged below the middle bearing mechanism, and is used to enable the middle transport unit to move forward along the direction of the transport track.

7. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 6, characterized in that: The middle walking mechanism comprises a middle guide wheel and an anti-slip wheel, wherein the middle guide wheel and the anti-slip wheel are arranged in parallel on both sides below the middle bearing mechanism, and the axis of the middle guide wheel is perpendicular to the axis of the anti-slip wheel.

8. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 6, characterized in that: The tail power unit includes a tail bearing mechanism and a tail walking mechanism; The tail bearing mechanism includes a second power battery, and the second power battery is used to provide power for the throwing drum module; The tail walking mechanism is arranged below the tail bearing mechanism and includes a tail guide wheel for enabling the tail power unit to move forward along the direction of the transport track.

9. The rail transport train for automatic sorting according to claim 8, characterized in that: The tail bearing mechanism also includes a radar reflection module, and the radar reflection module is used to detect the travel distance of the rail transportation train.

10. A rail transport system for automatic sorting, characterized in that: It comprises a rail transportation train and a transportation track as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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