Modularized conveyor belt automatic sorting device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a modularized conveyor belt automatic sorting device which comprises a main conveyor belt, a plurality of weight detection modules, a plurality of sorting conveyor belts and a plurality of sorting driving mechanisms, the main conveyor belt is used for bearing articles to be sorted and conveying the articles to a sorting area, and one end of the main conveyor belt is an article placing end; the multiple weight detection modules are arranged on the main conveying belt at intervals in the conveying direction of the main conveying belt, each weight detection module is of an independent modular structure and comprises a weight detection platform and a weight detection sensor, and the weight detection sensor is arranged below the weight detection platform. Therefore, according to the automatic sorting device for the modularized conveying belt, all the modules can be flexibly increased, decreased and combined according to needs, the modules are increased to improve the sorting force in a large-scale scene, the modules are reduced to avoid waste in a small-scale scene, different scale requirements are met, all the modules are independent and can be rapidly replaced when a fault occurs, the maintenance difficulty and time consumption are reduced, and accurate weight detection and sorting are achieved. And the sorting efficiency and accuracy are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of item sorting equipment, and more particularly to a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern logistics, industrial production, and other fields, sorting goods is an important and tedious task. Traditional manual sorting methods are inefficient, prone to errors, and unable to meet the ever-increasing production and logistics demands.

[0003] While existing automated sorting devices have improved sorting efficiency to some extent, they still have many shortcomings. For example, most sorting devices have a fixed structure, making it difficult to flexibly adjust them according to different usage scenarios and sorting needs. In large-scale production or logistics scenarios, when a large number of items need to be processed, existing sorting devices may not be able to meet the requirements due to scale limitations; while in small-scale scenarios, complex and large sorting devices will lead to resource waste.

[0004] Furthermore, existing sorting equipment presents inconveniences in terms of maintenance and repair. When a component malfunctions, the entire system often needs to be disassembled and debugged, consuming significant time and manpower. Moreover, the connections and coordination between different components are not standardized enough, increasing the system's complexity and the probability of failure.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an automated sorting device that can adapt to different scenarios, is easy to maintain, and can be flexibly combined. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device. The modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device allows for flexible addition or subtraction of modules as needed. In large-scale scenarios, adding modules can increase sorting capacity, while reducing modules in small-scale scenarios can avoid waste. It adapts to different scale requirements, and each module is independent, allowing for quick replacement in case of failure, reducing maintenance difficulty and time consumption. At the same time, accurate weight detection and sorting significantly improve sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device, comprising a main conveyor belt, multiple weight detection modules, multiple sorting conveyor belts, and multiple sorting drive mechanisms. The main conveyor belt carries items to be sorted and transports them to the sorting area, with one end serving as the item placement end. Multiple weight detection modules are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the main conveyor belt. Each weight detection module is an independent modular structure, including a weight detection platform and a weight detection sensor. The weight detection sensor is located below the weight detection platform and is used to detect the weight of items placed on the platform. The multiple sorting conveyor belts... The sorting conveyor belts are positioned behind the weight detection modules, and their input ends are adjacent to the main conveyor belt. Multiple sorting drive mechanisms are respectively positioned on the weight detection modules. Each sorting drive mechanism is an independent modular structure, including a drive wheel and a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the drive wheel, which is positioned on the edge of the weight detection platform near the sorting conveyor belt. When the weight detection sensor detects that the weight of an item reaches a set value, the drive motor drives the drive wheel to rotate, pushing the item onto the corresponding sorting conveyor belt. If the set value is not reached, the item continues to be conveyed backward on the main conveyor belt.

[0009] This utility model discloses a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device. The modules of this modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device can be flexibly added or removed as needed. In large-scale scenarios, adding modules can increase sorting capacity, while reducing modules in small-scale scenarios can avoid waste. It is suitable for different scale requirements. Moreover, each module is independent and can be quickly replaced in case of failure, reducing maintenance difficulty and time consumption. At the same time, accurate weight detection and sorting greatly improve sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0010] In addition, the modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device proposed in the application may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] Specifically, both the main conveyor belt and the sorting conveyor belt include a frame and a conveyor roller assembly mounted on the frame. The conveyor roller assembly consists of multiple conveyor rollers arranged at intervals. The conveyor rollers are connected to their respective independent drive devices via transmission belts. The frame is composed of multiple standard frame units connected by quick-connect fittings. The conveyor roller assembly consists of multiple independent roller modules.

[0012] Specifically, the surface of the weight detection platform is flush with the upper surface of the main conveyor belt to ensure a smooth transition of items between the main conveyor belt and the weight detection platform.

[0013] Specifically, each of the sorting drive mechanisms further includes a controller, wherein the controller is electrically connected to the weight detection sensor and the drive motor respectively, for receiving the detection signal from the weight detection sensor and controlling the start and stop of the drive motor according to the set value.

[0014] Specifically, the output end of the sorting conveyor belt is connected to different collection areas for collecting the sorted items separately.

[0015] Drive motor: Panasonic MI NAS A6 series servo motor, model MSMD082G1 U, is selected. It has high control precision and response speed, which can meet the requirements of fast and accurate drive of drive wheels.

[0016] Controller: Compatible with Panasonic MI NAS A6 series servo motors, using the Panasonic MADHT1507E driver as the controller. This driver can accurately receive signals from the weight detection sensor and control the start and stop of the drive motor according to the set value.

[0017] Weight detection sensor: Mettler Toledo's I ND570 load cell is selected, which can accurately detect the weight of items placed on the weight detection platform and meet the accuracy requirements of different weight detection.

[0018] The motors in the independent drive units of the main conveyor belt and sorting conveyor belt can be SEW geared motors, such as the RF series, which have good stability and large torque, and can drive the conveyor roller group to run stably.

[0019] Drive belt: The power belt is a Gates PowerGrip GT2 synchronous belt, which has high wear resistance and good transmission performance, ensuring that power is efficiently transmitted to the conveyor rollers.

[0020] The advantages of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows:

[0021] (1) Through modular design, the main conveyor belt, weight detection module, sorting conveyor belt and sorting drive mechanism can be flexibly added, reduced and combined according to actual needs. In large-scale scenarios, the number of each module can be increased to improve sorting capacity; in small-scale scenarios, the number of modules can be reduced to avoid resource waste, and it can adapt to different scales of production and logistics needs.

[0022] (2) Each module is an independent structure. When a module fails, it can be quickly disassembled and replaced without large-scale adjustments to the entire system, which reduces maintenance difficulty and time cost.

[0023] (3) The weight detection module can accurately detect the weight of the items. The sorting drive mechanism sorts the items to the corresponding conveyor belt in a timely and accurate manner based on the detection results. Compared with manual sorting and some traditional sorting devices, it greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of sorting.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the diagram;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control connection of a modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] As shown in the figure: 1. Main conveyor belt; 2. Weight detection module; 3. Sorting conveyor belt; 4. Sorting drive mechanism; 21. Weight detection platform; 22. Weight detection sensor; 41. Drive wheel; 42. Drive motor; 43. Controller; 5. Frame; 6. Conveyor roller group. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Rather, the embodiments of the present invention include all variations, modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0032] The modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device of this utility model embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] like Figures 1-4As shown, the modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device of this utility model embodiment includes a main conveyor belt 1, multiple weight detection modules 2, multiple sorting conveyor belts 3, and multiple sorting drive mechanisms 4.

[0034] It is understandable that the items to be sorted are first placed at the item placement end of the main conveyor belt 1. After the main conveyor belt 1 is started, it smoothly carries the items to the sorting area.

[0035] Multiple weight detection modules 2 are distributed at intervals along the conveying direction of the main conveyor belt 1. The weight detection platform 21 of each weight detection module 2 works in conjunction with the main conveyor belt 1. When an item passes smoothly through the weight detection platform 21, the weight detection sensor 22 below it will detect the weight of the item in real time.

[0036] When an item arrives at the weight detection module 2, if the weight detection sensor 22 detects that the item's weight reaches the set value, the sorting drive mechanism 4 corresponding to the weight detection module 2 starts working. The drive motor 42 in the sorting drive mechanism 4 starts upon receiving the signal. Since the drive motor 42 is connected to the drive wheel 41, the drive motor 42 rotates, causing the drive wheel 41 to rotate. The drive wheel 41 is located on the edge of the weight detection platform 21 near the sorting conveyor belt 3. The rotating drive wheel 41 pushes the item onto the corresponding sorting conveyor belt 3, which then transports the item to the designated area.

[0037] If the weight detection sensor 22 detects that the weight of the item does not meet the set value, the item will continue to be conveyed backward on the main conveyor belt 1 until it encounters the weight detection module 2 that allows the item's weight to meet the set value. Then, the corresponding sorting drive mechanism 4 will sort the item to the corresponding sorting conveyor belt 3. Throughout the process, the modules cooperate with each other to achieve automatic sorting of items based on weight.

[0038] In actual installation, the modular design demonstrated significant advantages. The length of the main conveyor belt 1 can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the available space and the required volume of goods to be transported. Multiple standard frame units can be combined using quick-connect fittings to create a suitable length for the main conveyor belt 1, and the individual roller modules of the conveyor roller group 6 can also be assembled as needed.

[0039] The weight detection module 2 is an independent modular structure, making installation extremely convenient. It can simply be installed along the conveying direction of the main conveyor belt 1 via a standardized interface at preset intervals. In sorting scenarios of varying scales, the number of weight detection modules 2 can be freely adjusted according to the weight range and accuracy requirements of the items.

[0040] The sorting conveyor belt 3 is also based on a modular design. Its frame 5 is assembled from standard frame units, allowing for flexible determination of the length and quantity of the sorting conveyor belt 3 according to the layout of the sorting area and the flow of goods. Furthermore, each sorting drive mechanism 4, as an independent modular component, can be quickly installed on the corresponding weight detection module 2. In large-scale sorting operations, the number of modules can be increased to significantly improve sorting capacity; while in smaller scenarios, the number of modules can be reduced to avoid resource waste. When a module malfunctions, there is no need for large-scale disassembly of the entire system; simply removing the faulty module and replacing it with a new one can quickly restore the device to normal operation, greatly reducing maintenance difficulty and time costs.

[0041] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, both the main conveyor belt 1 and the sorting conveyor belt 3 include a frame 5 and a conveyor roller group 6 set on the frame 5. The conveyor roller group 6 is composed of multiple conveyor rollers arranged at intervals. The conveyor rollers are connected to their respective independent drive devices through a transmission belt. The frame 5 is composed of multiple standard frame units connected by quick connectors. The conveyor roller group 6 is composed of multiple independent roller modules.

[0042] It is understandable that when constructing the main conveyor belt 1 frame 5, multiple standard frame units are selected based on the actual site conditions and conveying requirements. These standard frame units are connected by quick-connect bolts, allowing for rapid and convenient assembly into the required length and shape of the frame 5, offering extremely high flexibility.

[0043] Next, the conveyor roller assembly 6 is installed. Conveyor roller assembly 6 consists of multiple independent roller modules, each containing a conveyor roller and its associated transmission components. These roller modules are sequentially installed on the pre-assembled frame 5, arranging the conveyor rollers at intervals to form the complete conveyor roller assembly 6. Each conveyor roller is connected to its corresponding independent drive unit via a drive belt. The independent drive unit can be a combination of a motor and a reducer. When the independent drive unit of the main conveyor belt 1 is started, the motor drives the reducer, which transmits power to the conveyor roller via the drive belt, causing the conveyor roller to start rotating. This enables the main conveyor belt 1 to smoothly transport items placed on it from the placement end to the sorting area.

[0044] The assembly and operation of the sorting conveyor belt 3 are similar. First, multiple standard frame units are connected using quick-connect fittings to construct a frame 5 that conforms to the sorting layout. Then, multiple independent roller modules are installed on the frame 5 to form a conveyor roller group 6. Each conveyor roller is also connected to its corresponding independent drive unit via a drive belt. When the sorting drive mechanism 4 pushes items that have reached the set weight onto the sorting conveyor belt 3, the independent drive unit of the sorting conveyor belt 3 is activated, driving the conveyor rollers to rotate and transport the items to the corresponding collection area. This modular design allows the main conveyor belt 1 and the sorting conveyor belt 3 to be easily assembled, adjusted, and maintained in different scenarios, greatly improving the applicability and reliability of the device.

[0045] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the surface of the weight detection platform 21 is flush with the upper surface of the main conveyor belt 1 to ensure a smooth transition of items between the main conveyor belt 1 and the weight detection platform 21.

[0046] As can be understood, when the main conveyor belt 1 starts and begins to operate carrying the items to be sorted, the items move forward as the conveyor roller group 6 of the main conveyor belt 1 rotates. Since the surface of the weight detection platform 21 is flush with the upper surface of the main conveyor belt 1, the items will not experience bumps, jams, or shifts when they arrive at the weight detection platform 21, allowing for a smooth transition from the main conveyor belt 1 to the weight detection platform 21. This smooth transition not only helps the weight detection sensor 22 accurately detect the weight of the items, avoiding the impact of unstable transitions on detection accuracy, but also ensures the continuity of the entire sorting process, preventing items from falling or piling up during the transition, thus ensuring efficient and stable automatic sorting.

[0047] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, each sorting drive mechanism 4 also includes a controller 43, wherein the controller 43 is electrically connected to the weight detection sensor 22 and the drive motor 42 respectively, and is used to receive the detection signal from the weight detection sensor 22 and control the start and stop of the drive motor 42 according to the set value.

[0048] It is understandable that during the equipment installation and commissioning phase, the electrical connections between the controller 43, the weight detection sensor 22, and the drive motor 42 must first be completed. The signal input terminal of the controller 43 and the signal output terminal of the weight detection sensor 22 are connected via a dedicated cable to ensure stable signal transmission. Simultaneously, the control signal output terminal of the controller 43 is connected to the control input terminal of the drive motor 42, establishing a complete control link.

[0049] When the entire device is in operation, the main conveyor belt 1 carries the items to be sorted through each weight detection module 2 in sequence. At this time, the weight detection sensor 22 under the weight detection platform 21 detects the weight of the items placed on the platform in real time, and converts the detected weight signal into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the corresponding controller 43 through the connecting cable.

[0050] The controller 43 has pre-stored weight settings for different items. Upon receiving a signal from the weight detection sensor 22, the controller 43 immediately compares the weight value represented by the signal with the preset weight setting. If the detected weight value reaches the setting, the controller 43 immediately issues a start command, transmitting an electrical signal to the control terminal of the drive motor 42 via the control circuit. Upon receiving the command, the drive motor 42 starts operating. Since the drive motor 42 is connected to the drive wheel 41, the operation of the drive motor 42 drives the drive wheel 41 to rotate, thereby pushing items with the required weight from the weight detection platform 21 onto the corresponding sorting conveyor belt 3.

[0051] Conversely, if the weight value corresponding to the weight detection signal received by the controller 43 does not reach the set value, the controller 43 will not send a start command to the drive motor 42. The drive motor 42 remains stopped, and the items continue to be conveyed backward with the main conveyor belt 1 until they reach the next weight detection module 2 for a new round of detection. Through this workflow, the controller 43 accurately controls the start and stop of the drive motor 42 according to the weight detection results, realizing automatic sorting of items based on weight and ensuring that the entire sorting process runs efficiently and accurately.

[0052] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the output end of the sorting conveyor belt 3 is connected to different collection areas for collecting the sorted items separately.

[0053] As can be understood, when an item is detected by the weight detection module 2 on the main conveyor belt 1 and meets the set weight value, it is pushed onto the sorting conveyor belt 3 by the sorting drive mechanism 4. The sorting conveyor belt 3 then starts operating, transporting the item to its output end. As the item approaches the output end of the sorting conveyor belt 3, it is transported to the corresponding collection area.

[0054] It should be noted that the control method of this application can be automatically controlled by a controller. The control method of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by those skilled in the art, which is common knowledge in the field. Furthermore, this application is mainly used to protect mechanical structures, so the control method and circuit connection will not be explained in detail here.

[0055] Specifically, in actual implementation, let's assume this modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device is used in an e-commerce warehouse to sort packages of different weights:

[0056] First, staff place the packages to be sorted on the item placement end of the main conveyor belt 1. The main conveyor belt 1 is then turned on, and its independent drive unit (a combination of a motor and a reducer) operates, driving the individual conveyor rollers of the conveyor roller group 6 to rotate via the transmission belt, smoothly transporting the packages to the sorting area.

[0057] The package moves along the main conveyor belt 1, passing sequentially through multiple spaced weight detection modules 2. When the package reaches the weight detection platform 21 of a certain weight detection module 2, the weight detection sensor 22 below the platform detects the package's weight in real time. For example, there is a standard weight setting of 5 kilograms.

[0058] If a package weighs 5 kg, the corresponding sorting drive mechanism 4 starts working. The controller 43 in the sorting drive mechanism 4 receives the qualified signal from the weight detection sensor 22 and immediately sends a start command to the drive motor 42. After the drive motor 42 starts, it drives the drive wheel 41 to rotate because it is connected to the drive wheel 41. The drive wheel 41, which is located on the edge of the weight detection platform 21 near the sorting conveyor belt 3, pushes the package onto the corresponding sorting conveyor belt 3 behind it.

[0059] The independent drive unit of the sorting conveyor belt 3 is activated, which drives the conveyor rollers of the conveyor roller group 6 to rotate via the transmission belt, transporting the packages to the output end. The output end has been pre-connected with the collection area for packages of the corresponding weight range. For example, the collection area for packages of the 5 kg weight range is a large storage box with the number "5kg zone". The packages eventually fall into the storage box.

[0060] If a package weighs less than 5 kg, it continues to be conveyed backward on the main conveyor belt 1 until it encounters the next weight detection module 2 for further weight detection. This cycle repeats. The entire device, through the cooperation of its various components, such as the main conveyor belt 1, weight detection module 2, sorting conveyor belt 3, sorting drive mechanism 4 and its internal controller 43, drive motor 42, drive wheel 41, and weight detection sensor 22, achieves efficient and accurate automatic sorting of packages of different weights based on weight, greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of package sorting in e-commerce warehouses.

[0061] In summary, the modular conveyor belt automatic sorting device of this utility model allows for flexible addition or subtraction of modules as needed. In large-scale scenarios, adding modules can increase sorting capacity, while reducing modules in small-scale scenarios can avoid waste, adapting to different scale requirements. Furthermore, each module is independent, allowing for quick replacement in case of failure, reducing maintenance difficulty and time consumption. At the same time, accurate weight detection and sorting significantly improve sorting efficiency and accuracy.

[0062] In the description of this specification, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Modular conveyor auto-sorting device, characterized by, The application relates to a kind of sorting device, including main conveyor belt (1), multiple weight detection modules (2), multiple sorting conveyor belts (3) and multiple sorting drive mechanisms (4), wherein, The main conveyor belt (1) is used to carry the article to be sorted and transport it to the sorting area, and one end of the main conveyor belt (1) is an article placing end. Multiple weight detection modules (2) are arranged on the main conveyor belt (1) along the conveying direction of the main conveyor belt (1), each weight detection module (2) is an independent modular structure, including a weight detection platform (21) and a weight detection sensor (22), wherein, The weight detection sensor (22) is arranged below the weight detection platform (21) and is used to detect the weight of the article placed on the weight detection platform (21). Multiple sorting conveyor belts (3) are correspondingly arranged behind multiple weight detection modules (2), and the input ends of multiple sorting conveyor belts (3) are adjacent to the main conveyor belt (1). Multiple sorting drive mechanisms (4) are correspondingly arranged on multiple weight detection modules (2), each sorting drive mechanism (4) is an independent modular structure, including a drive wheel (41) and a drive motor (42), wherein, The drive motor (42) is in transmission connection with the drive wheel (41), the drive wheel (41) is arranged on one side edge of the weight detection platform (21) close to the sorting conveyor belt (3), when the weight detection sensor (22) detects that the weight of the article reaches a set value, the drive motor (42) drives the drive wheel (41) to rotate, and the article is pushed onto the corresponding sorting conveyor belt (3), if the set value is not reached, the article continues to be conveyed on the main conveyor belt (1).

2. The modular conveyor automated sorting device of claim 1, wherein, The main conveyor belt (1) and the sorting conveyor belt (3) each include a frame (5) and a conveyor roller group (6) arranged on the frame (5), the conveyor roller group (6) is composed of multiple spaced conveyor rollers, the conveyor rollers are connected with respective corresponding independent drive devices through transmission belts, the frame (5) is composed of multiple standard frame units connected through quick connectors, and the conveyor roller group (6) is composed of multiple independent roller modules.

3. The modular conveyor automated sorting device of claim 1, wherein, The surface of the weight detection platform (21) is flush with the upper surface of the main conveyor belt (1) to ensure smooth transition of the article between the main conveyor belt (1) and the weight detection platform (21).

4. The modular conveyor automated sorting device of claim 1, wherein, Each sorting drive mechanism (4) further includes a controller (43), wherein, The controller (43) is electrically connected with the weight detection sensor (22) and the drive motor (42), respectively, for receiving the detection signal of the weight detection sensor (22) and controlling the start and stop of the drive motor (42) according to the set value.

5. The modular conveyor automated sorting device of claim 1, wherein, The output end of the sorting conveyor belt (3) is connected to different collection areas for collecting the sorted articles.

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