Linear sorting system
By using the single-item separator and linear sorter in the linear sorting system, the problems of large footprint and low efficiency of sorting systems in small logistics organizations have been solved, achieving efficient separation and sorting of express items and simplifying the equipment structure and operation process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN S F TAISEN HLDG (GRP) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-09
Smart Images
Figure CN224332775U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of logistics sorting technology, specifically to a linear sorting system. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the most commonly used material sorting system in the industry is the circular cross-belt sorting machine system for large sorting centers. However, due to its high cost, large footprint, and difficult maintenance, it is not suitable for logistics organizations with small conveying needs. Furthermore, for logistics organizations with small conveying needs, how to improve sorting efficiency is also an urgent problem to be solved. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a linear sorting system to solve the problems of large footprint and low sorting efficiency of the sorting systems currently used by logistics organizations with small-scale transportation needs.
[0004] This utility model provides a linear sorting system, including:
[0005] A conveyor belt for supplying and transporting express mail;
[0006] A single-piece separator is connected to and located downstream of the supply belt conveyor. The single-piece separator is used to receive multiple express packages from the supply belt conveyor and separate the multiple express packages into single pieces for serial flow and transportation.
[0007] A linear sorting machine, located downstream of the single-piece separator, is used to sort the serially flowing single pieces into corresponding slots and transport the single pieces through multiple slots.
[0008] Beneficial effects: This utility model provides a linear sorting system that uses a single-item separator to separate multiple parcels into serially flowing single items for transportation, improving the separation speed after initial feeding and thus increasing the sorting efficiency. The linear sorting machine sorts the serially flowing single items into corresponding slots and transports them through multiple slots, utilizing its small size and small footprint to reduce the system's floor space. This solves the problem of large floor space and low sorting efficiency currently used in logistics organizations with small-scale transportation needs.
[0009] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the single-item separator is set up, manual feeding only requires laying the express item flat on the feeding belt of the feeding conveyor. Moreover, this laying method is not limited to multiple express items being placed side by side or crossing each other. By utilizing the characteristic that the single-item separator can separate multiple express items into serially flowing single items for transportation, there is no need to manually place the express items one by one on the feeding belt of the feeding conveyor. This reduces the difficulty of manual feeding and further improves sorting efficiency.
[0010] In one optional implementation, the single-piece separator includes:
[0011] A separator is connected to the supply belt conveyor. The separator is provided with a plurality of drive belts arranged in a matrix. The plurality of drive belts are used to drive the movement of a plurality of express items from the supply belt conveyor.
[0012] A camera device is located above the separator and is communicatively connected to the separator. The camera device is used to capture image information of the express package and transmit it to the separator. Several drive belts can operate according to the image information to separate multiple express packages into serially flowing single pieces for transportation.
[0013] Beneficial effects: The single-item separator is designed as a combination of a separator and a camera device. The separator drives multiple parcels, and the camera device captures image information of the parcels, separating multiple parcels into serially flowing single items for transportation, ensuring the separation speed of parcels and improving parcel sorting efficiency.
[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the plurality of drive belts includes four drive belts arranged along a first direction and four drive belts arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0015] Beneficial effects: By limiting the drive belts to four drive belts arranged along the first direction and four drive belts arranged along the second direction, the single-piece separator forms a simple single-piece separator with a 4*4 matrix distribution of drive belts on the separator, simplifying the construction of the single-piece separator to be suitable for sorting small express items and reducing the floor space of the sorting system.
[0016] In one alternative implementation, the linear sorting machine includes:
[0017] The main sorting mechanism is located downstream of the single-piece separator and is used to sort the serially flowing single pieces into the corresponding slots.
[0018] Multiple sorting chutes are located on the side of the main sorting mechanism and connected to the grid opening; the multiple sorting chutes are used to transport the single item.
[0019] Beneficial effects: The main sorting mechanism adopts a linear layout, which is compact and occupies a small area; after the express item is transported to the appropriate position, it is transported to the next conveying unit using the corresponding sorting chute.
[0020] In one alternative implementation, the linear sorter is configured as a linear narrow strip sorter.
[0021] Beneficial effects: The linear narrow strip sorter has low equipment cost, small space requirements, and is easy to operate and maintain, and can handle a variety of express items; at the same time, the linear narrow strip sorter is not limited by the length of the express items, and multiple carts can be combined to sort to improve the sorting efficiency.
[0022] In one alternative implementation, the linear sorter is connected to the single-piece separator, the linear sorter being used to receive the serially flowing single pieces from the single-piece separator and sort the serially flowing single pieces into the corresponding slots.
[0023] Beneficial effects: The linear sorter is directly connected downstream of the single-piece separator, eliminating the need for scanning components and simplifying the equipment of the linear sorting system.
[0024] In one alternative implementation, the linear sorting system further includes a scanner located between the piece separator and the linear sorter, the scanner being used to scan and identify the pieces flowing in a serial manner.
[0025] Beneficial effects: By installing a scanner between the single-item separator and the linear sorting machine, the scanner can scan and identify the packages, quickly identify package information, and guide them to be sorted automatically, thereby improving sorting efficiency.
[0026] In one alternative embodiment, the linear sorting system further includes a transfer belt conveyor connected between the single-piece separator and the linear sorting machine, the transfer belt conveyor being used to receive the serially flowing single pieces from the single-piece separator and transport the serially flowing single pieces to the linear sorting machine.
[0027] The scanner includes a frame and a plurality of cameras mounted on the frame. The frame is located around the transfer conveyor belt, and the cameras are configured to correspond to the individual items being transported in a serial flow on the transfer conveyor belt.
[0028] Beneficial effects: Setting up a conveyor belt provides the scanner with the scanning position when the package passes through. The scanner is equipped with multiple cameras to perform accurate scanning and recognition, quickly and accurately identifying package information.
[0029] In one alternative implementation, the scanner is configured as a six-sided scanner, which includes at least six of the cameras;
[0030] Wherein, at least two of the cameras are arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the transfer belt, at least two of the cameras are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the transfer belt, and at least two of the cameras are arranged opposite each other along the height direction of the transfer belt.
[0031] Beneficial effect: Setting up at least six cameras to scan and identify various locations on the conveyor belt ensures the accuracy of the scanning and identification.
[0032] In one alternative embodiment, a gap is formed at the middle of the transfer belt along its length direction, and at least one camera, which is arranged along the height direction of the transfer belt, is located below the transfer belt and faces the gap.
[0033] Beneficial effect: A gap is formed in the middle of the length direction of the transfer belt, and at least one camera located below the transfer belt is positioned facing the gap. The gap serves to make way on the transfer belt, ensuring that the bottom surface of the express shipment transported on the transfer belt is scanned. Attached Figure Description
[0034] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0035] Figure 1 A top view of a linear sorting system provided by this utility model;
[0036] Figure 2 A front view of a linear sorting system provided by this utility model;
[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;
[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part B in the diagram;
[0039] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part of C;
[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part of D.
[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0042] 1. Parts supply belt conveyor;
[0043] 2. Single-piece separator; 201. Separator; 202. Camera device;
[0044] 3. Linear sorting machine; 301. Main sorting mechanism; 302. Sorting chute;
[0045] 4. Scanner; 401. Stand; 402. Camera;
[0046] 5. Transfer belt conveyor. Detailed Implementation
[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0048] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0050] Currently, the most commonly used system in the material sorting industry is the circular cross-belt sorting machine system for large sorting centers. These systems are large and expensive, requiring significant floor space, incurring high costs, and being difficult to maintain, making them unsuitable for logistics organizations with small-scale conveying needs. Furthermore, for logistics organizations with small-scale conveying needs, improving sorting efficiency is a pressing issue, and the low exit speed of the servo-driven tension belt conveyors used in these systems significantly impacts the sorting efficiency of express parcels. Therefore, this embodiment provides a linear sorting system to address the problems of large floor space and low sorting efficiency currently found in sorting systems used by logistics organizations with small-scale conveying needs.
[0051] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0052] The following is combined Figures 1-6 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a linear sorting system is provided, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a feeding belt conveyor 1, a single-piece separator 2, and a linear sorting machine 3.
[0054] The parts supply conveyor belt 1 is used to supply parts and transport express items; the single item separator 2 is connected to the parts supply conveyor belt 1 and is located downstream of the conveyor belt. The single item separator 2 is used to receive multiple express items from the parts supply conveyor belt 1 and separate the multiple express items into single items that flow in series for transportation; the linear sorting machine 3 is located downstream of the single item separator 2. The linear sorting machine 3 is used to sort the single items that flow in series into the corresponding slots and transport the single items through multiple slots.
[0055] In the above embodiments, a single-item separator 2 is used to separate multiple express packages into serially flowing single items for transportation, thereby increasing the separation speed of express packages after initial supply and thus improving the sorting efficiency. A linear sorting machine 3 is used to sort the serially flowing single items into corresponding slots and transport the single items through multiple slots. Taking advantage of its small size and small footprint, the footprint of the sorting system is reduced. This solves the problem that the sorting systems used by logistics organizations with small transportation needs currently have a large footprint and low sorting efficiency.
[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the single-item separator 2 is set up, when manually feeding items, it is only necessary to lay the items flat on the feeding belt of the feeding conveyor 1. Moreover, this laying method is not limited to multiple items being placed side by side or crossing each other. By utilizing the characteristic that the single-item separator 2 can separate multiple items into serially flowing single items for transportation, it is no longer necessary to manually place the items one by one on the feeding belt of the feeding conveyor 1. This reduces the difficulty of manual feeding and further improves sorting efficiency.
[0057] Specifically, in the material conveying system of a logistics distribution center, serial flow refers to the flow of items one after another on the conveyor line in a sequential order. In this embodiment, the single-piece separator 2 is used to realize the serial flow of express items. When feeding items, the personnel only need to lay the express items flat on the feeding belt 1, and there is no need to queue the express items for single-piece flow feeding. The single-piece separator 2 replaces the conventional servo-driven tension belt conveyor. Utilizing a vision recognition system, the single-piece separator 2 captures real-time information such as the position, outline, and adhesion status of packages. Then, advanced algorithms calculate the optimal separation sequence and path for each package. This equipment characteristic increases the exit speed from 1.5m / s to 1.8m / s and the package separation efficiency from 6000PPH to 8000PPH, thereby improving the package separation speed and sorting efficiency. Simultaneously, a linear sorting machine 3 replaces the conventional circular cross-belt sorting machine. Leveraging the linear layout of the main sorting path, the linear sorting machine 3 has a compact structure and small footprint. It can be flexibly arranged according to the spatial shape and size of small stations, achieving efficient sorting operations within limited space and effectively improving space utilization.
[0058] Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the specific equipment form of the linear sorting machine 3. As one implementation, the linear sorting machine 3 can be configured as a narrow-belt linear sorting machine; as another implementation, the linear sorting machine 3 can be configured as a cross-belt linear sorting machine.
[0059] Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the specific arrangement of the linear sorting machine 3 downstream of the single-piece separator 2. In one implementation, the linear sorting machine 3 is directly connected downstream of the single-piece separator 2; in another implementation, the linear sorting machine 3 is indirectly connected downstream of the single-piece separator 2 via a transport device and a scanning device.
[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the single-piece separator 2 includes a separator 201 and a camera device 202.
[0061] The separator 201 is connected to the supply belt conveyor 1. The separator 201 is equipped with several drive belts arranged in a matrix. The drive belts are used to drive multiple express items from the supply belt conveyor 1. The camera device 202 is located above the separator 201 and is communicatively connected to the separator 201. The camera device 202 is used to capture image information of the express items and transmit it to the separator 201. The drive belts can operate according to the image information to separate the multiple express items into serially flowing single items for transportation.
[0062] In the above embodiment, the single-item separator 2 is configured as a cooperating component of the separator 201 and the camera device 202. The separator 201 drives multiple parcels, and the camera device 202 captures image information of the parcels, separating multiple parcels into serially flowing single items for transportation, ensuring the separation speed of the parcels and improving the sorting efficiency of the parcels.
[0063] Specifically, several transmission belts arranged in a matrix on the separator 201 are connected to the drive rollers. The drive rollers provide the drive to move the transmission belts, thereby realizing the transfer of express items. The camera device 202 is installed on the top of the inner wall of the outer frame of the single-item separator 2. It is used to capture image information of the express items and send the position, shape and other information of the express items to the programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller controls the drive rollers and the corresponding transmission belts to move according to the instructions sent by the camera device 202, thereby realizing the orderly separation and transportation of express items, ensuring that the express items flow out one by one, and ensuring stable spacing.
[0064] In some embodiments, the plurality of drive belts includes four drive belts arranged along a first direction and four drive belts arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0065] In the above embodiment, the transmission belts are defined as four transmission belts arranged along the first direction and four transmission belts arranged along the second direction. The single-piece separator 2 is a simple single-piece separator 2 with a 4*4 matrix distribution of transmission belts on the separator 201. The construction of the single-piece separator 2 is simplified to be suitable for sorting small express items and to reduce the floor space of the sorting system.
[0066] Specifically, since most parcels are small parcels, the single-piece separator 2 is designed as a simple single-piece separator 2 with a 4*4 matrix distribution of drive belts, which is more suitable for sorting small parcels. At the same time, the size of the single-piece separator 2 itself is reduced, thereby further reducing the floor space occupied by the sorting system.
[0067] Furthermore, the single-piece separator 2 is located downstream of the supply conveyor belt 1 and along the path of the supply conveyor belt 1. The first direction is the same as the length direction of the supply conveyor belt 1; the second direction is the same as the width direction of the supply conveyor belt 1.
[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, the linear sorting machine 3 includes: a main sorting mechanism 301 and multiple sorting chutes 302.
[0069] The main sorting mechanism 301 is located downstream of the single-piece separator 2 and is used to sort the serially flowing single pieces to the corresponding slots; multiple sorting chutes 302 are located on the side of the main sorting mechanism 301 and connected to the slots, and the multiple sorting chutes 302 are used to transport single pieces.
[0070] In the above embodiments, the main sorting mechanism 301 adopts a linear layout, which is compact and occupies a small area; after the express item is transported to the appropriate position, it is transported to the next conveying unit by the corresponding sorting chute 302.
[0071] Specifically, after the serially flowing single item is conveyed to the linear sorter 3, the number of trolleys is automatically allocated according to the volume of the goods; when the serially flowing single item arrives at the corresponding grid, multiple sorting trolleys carrying the corresponding single item on the linear sorter 3 will start simultaneously and sort the single item into the corresponding sorting chute 302; the single items in different sorting chute 302 are respectively exported to the destination by the export conveyor.
[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, to meet the sorting needs of mostly small parcels, the grid baffles reserve shared positions on the drop trajectory, and the grid width is reduced from 900mm to 750mm. While ensuring the normal passage of small parcels, the grid density is increased to increase the number of sorting chutes 302, thereby increasing the sorting flow and further improving sorting efficiency. At the same time, to ensure that parcels do not fall into adjacent grids and cause missorting, the height of the baffles is increased to be flush with the bottom of the trolley. In addition, the main sorting mechanism 301 can also be equipped with a bagging rack to realize the bagging of parcels after sorting.
[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the linear sorting machine 3 is configured as a linear narrow strip sorting machine.
[0074] In the above embodiments, a linear narrow strip sorting machine is used, which has low equipment cost, small space requirements, simple operation and maintenance, and can handle a variety of types of express mail; at the same time, the linear narrow strip sorting machine is not limited by the length of the express mail, and multiple carts can be combined for sorting to improve the sorting effect.
[0075] Specifically, the linear narrow belt sorting machine adopts a linear layout, consisting of multiple narrow belts arranged in parallel to form a conveyor system. It is typically a vertical structure, offering the advantage of a small footprint. Its trolley tracks are modularly assembled, allowing for flexible configuration of the number of compartments and facilitating customized design to meet different site requirements.
[0076] Furthermore, as an alternative implementation, the linear sorter 3 is configured as a cross-belt linear sorter. The cross-belt linear sorter consists of a vertical circulating conveyor mechanism and sorting trolleys carrying small belt conveyors. Each trolley has two vertical belts, which can either transport one package on each belt or transport one package by combining the two belts, thus enabling it to handle large volumes, save space, and be highly flexible.
[0077] In some embodiments, the linear sorter 3 is connected to the single-piece separator 2. The linear sorter 3 is used to receive the serially flowing single pieces from the single-piece separator 2 and sort the serially flowing single pieces into the corresponding slots.
[0078] In the above embodiments, the linear sorting machine 3 is directly connected downstream of the single-piece separator 2, eliminating the need for scanning components and simplifying the equipment of the linear sorting system.
[0079] Specifically, such a linear sorting system is used in some small, simple sorting scenarios, such as sorting goods inside some small warehouses, where goods are simply divided into categories or areas, and people can directly identify the characteristics of the goods and sort them, without the need for strict scanning functions.
[0080] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the linear sorting system also includes a scanner 4 located between the single-item separator 2 and the linear sorter 3. The scanner 4 is used to scan and identify the serially flowing single items.
[0081] In the above embodiment, a scanner 4 is set between the single-item separator 2 and the linear sorting machine 3. The scanner 4 is used to scan and identify the express items, quickly identify the express item information, and guide automatic sorting to improve sorting efficiency.
[0082] Specifically, scanner 4 can be configured as a top-scanning scanner, a multi-faceted scanner, etc.
[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 As shown, the linear sorting system also includes a transfer belt conveyor 5 connected between the single-piece separator 2 and the linear sorting machine 3. The transfer belt conveyor 5 is used to receive the serially flowing single pieces from the single-piece separator 2 and transport the serially flowing single pieces to the linear sorting machine 3. The scanner 4 includes a frame 401 and a plurality of cameras 402 disposed on the frame 401. The frame 401 is disposed around the transfer belt conveyor 5, and the cameras 402 are correspondingly disposed to the serially flowing single pieces transported on the transfer belt conveyor 5.
[0084] In the above embodiment, the transfer belt conveyor 5 is set to provide the scanning position for the scanner 4 when the express package passes through. The scanner 4 is equipped with multiple cameras 402 to perform accurate scanning and recognition, and quickly and accurately identify the express package information.
[0085] Specifically, the scanner 4 is equipped with multiple cameras 402, which can scan the package from multiple angles, greatly improving the success rate of barcode reading and ensuring that key information of the package, such as waybill number and sender / recipient information, can be accurately obtained, providing accurate data support for subsequent sorting, transportation and other processes.
[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 As shown, the scanner 4 is configured as a six-sided scanner 4, which includes at least six cameras 402; wherein, at least two cameras 402 are arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the transfer belt 5, at least two cameras 402 are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the transfer belt 5, and at least two cameras 402 are arranged opposite each other along the height direction of the transfer belt 5.
[0087] In the above embodiment, at least six cameras 402 are set to scan and identify various positions of the express items on the transfer belt conveyor 5 to ensure the accuracy of the scanning and identification.
[0088] Specifically, at least two cameras 402 are arranged opposite each other along the length of the conveyor belt 5 to facilitate scanning two opposite sides of the package; at least two cameras 402 are arranged opposite each other along the width of the conveyor belt 5 to facilitate scanning the other two opposite sides of the package; at least two cameras 402 are arranged opposite each other along the height of the conveyor belt 5 to facilitate scanning the top and bottom sides of the package.
[0089] Furthermore, one or more cameras 402 can be set up at any of these locations for scanning. This embodiment does not limit the number of cameras 402 that can be set up.
[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 6 As shown, a gap is formed in the middle of the transfer belt 5 along its length direction, and at least one camera 402 is located below the transfer belt 5 and facing the gap, which is arranged along the height direction of the transfer belt 5.
[0091] In the above embodiment, a gap is formed in the middle of the length direction of the transfer belt 5, and at least one camera 402 located below the transfer belt 5 is positioned toward the gap. The gap serves to make way on the transfer belt 5, ensuring that the bottom surface of the express item being transported on the transfer belt 5 is scanned.
[0092] Specifically, the conveyor belt 5 is provided with two belt mechanisms spaced apart, and the space between the two belt mechanisms forms a gap. At least one camera 402 is located directly below the gap. During the process of the express package being transferred from one belt mechanism to the other, the camera 402 located directly below the gap can scan the bottom surface of the express package.
[0093] In some embodiments, the main sorting mechanism 301 of the linear sorting machine 3 is equipped with a sorting chute 302 and a bagging rack, and an RFID writing device is added behind the bagging rack to automatically write the bagging information into the RFID chip of the bagging bag, so that subsequent automated equipment can automatically identify the RFID bagging information and sort automatically.
[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, when the linear sorting machine 3 is set as a linear narrow strip sorting machine, a strong grid with a width of 1000mm is set at the grid position at its tail end to prevent express items from entering the gap of the trolley at the tail end turning point and causing the items to get stuck and fly away, avoid the sorting trolley from crashing and flying out of the sorting machine, and ensure that the express items and the linear narrow strip sorting machine itself will not be damaged.
[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, when the linear sorting machine 3 is set as a linear narrow belt sorting machine, a power belt conveyor is installed at its tail end to prevent unsuccessful express shipments from getting stuck and to avoid damage to the express shipments and equipment.
[0096] In some embodiments, a light curtain or photoelectric array is used for camera triggering, enabling the linear sorting system to sort ultra-thin parcels such as document envelopes. Specifically, a light curtain or photoelectric array is used between the scanner 4 and the linear sorter 3 to measure the length of the parcel and its position relative to the sorting trolley, thereby controlling the timing of the sorting trolley's swing during sorting.
[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by this application.
Claims
1. A linear sorting system, characterized in that, include: A conveyor belt (1) for supplying and transporting express mail; A single-piece separator (2) is connected to the supply belt conveyor (1) and located downstream of the belt conveyor. The single-piece separator (2) is used to receive multiple express items from the supply belt conveyor (1) and separate the multiple express items into single items that flow in series for transportation. A linear sorting machine (3) is located downstream of the single-piece separator (2). The linear sorting machine (3) is used to sort the serially flowing single pieces into corresponding slots and transport the single pieces through multiple slots.
2. The linear sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The single-piece separator (2) includes: A separator (201) is connected to the supply belt conveyor (1). The separator (201) is provided with a plurality of drive belts arranged in a matrix. The plurality of drive belts are used to drive the multiple express items from the supply belt conveyor (1) to move. A camera device (202) is disposed above the separator (201) and is communicatively connected to the separator (201). The camera device (202) is used to capture image information of the express package and transmit it to the separator (201). Several transmission belts can operate according to the image information to separate multiple express packages into serially flowing single pieces for transportation.
3. The linear sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of drive belts includes four drive belts arranged along a first direction and four drive belts arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.
4. The linear sorting system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The linear sorting machine (3) includes: The main sorting mechanism (301) is located downstream of the single-piece separator (2) and is used to sort the serially flowing single pieces into the corresponding slots; Multiple sorting chutes (302) are provided on the side of the main sorting mechanism (301) and connected to the grid opening. The multiple sorting chutes (302) are used to transport the single item.
5. The linear sorting system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The linear sorting machine (3) is configured as a linear narrow strip sorting machine.
6. The linear sorting system according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5, characterized in that, The linear sorting machine (3) is connected to the single-piece separator (2). The linear sorting machine (3) is used to receive the serially flowing single pieces from the single-piece separator (2) and sort the serially flowing single pieces into the corresponding slots.
7. The linear sorting system according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5, characterized in that, The linear sorting system also includes a scanner (4) located between the single-piece separator (2) and the linear sorter (3), the scanner (4) being used to scan and identify the serially flowing single pieces.
8. The linear sorting system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The linear sorting system also includes a transfer belt conveyor (5) connected between the single-piece separator (2) and the linear sorting machine (3). The transfer belt conveyor (5) is used to receive the serially flowing single pieces from the single-piece separator (2) and transport the serially flowing single pieces to the linear sorting machine (3). The scanner (4) includes a frame (401) and a plurality of cameras (402) disposed on the frame (401). The frame (401) is disposed around the transfer belt conveyor (5). The cameras (402) are disposed corresponding to the individual items transported in a serial flow on the transfer belt conveyor (5).
9. The linear sorting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The scanner (4) is configured as a six-sided scanner (4), which includes at least six of the cameras (402); At least two of the cameras (402) are arranged opposite each other along the length direction of the transfer belt conveyor (5), at least two of the cameras (402) are arranged opposite each other along the width direction of the transfer belt conveyor (5), and at least two of the cameras (402) are arranged opposite each other along the height direction of the transfer belt conveyor (5).
10. The linear sorting system according to claim 9, characterized in that, A gap is formed at the middle of the length direction of the transfer belt (5), and at least one camera (402) arranged along the height direction of the transfer belt (5) is located below the transfer belt (5) and is arranged towards the gap.