An optimized cross-belt sorting system

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of optimized cross-belt sorting system, belong to logistics sorting technical field, including the tray dolly being provided with track, track is annular, and tray dolly includes multiple groups of tray plate, and multiple groups of tray plate are connected head to tail along track;The side of track is provided with spare mechanism for conveying express package to tray dolly, and the side of track away from spare mechanism is provided with fitting path grid mouth for tray dolly to unload express package;Image detection module is arranged on both sides of fitting path grid mouth and the side of spare mechanism;By arranging baffle on the same horizontal plane left and right sides of tray dolly belt and vertically upper and lower, after the express of spare mechanism, the movement of express on tray dolly is limited, solve the problem that traditional cross-belt sorting system transports flat piece and is easy to deviate or throw piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of logistics sorting technology, and more specifically, it relates to an optimized cross-belt sorting system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of automated mail sorting, sorting flat items, especially thin and flat items such as letters, postcards, and lightweight document bags, has always been an unsolved problem.

[0003] Existing cross-belt sorting systems consist of multiple pallet trolleys connected end-to-end along a track. Each pallet trolley comprises a frame, drive roller, driven roller, and belt. The drive roller and driven roller are arranged parallel to the track and mounted on the frame. The belt runs perpendicular to the track, wrapping around the drive roller, frame, and driven roller. Packages enter the pallet trolley via a feeding platform, with each package corresponding to one pallet trolley. The pallet trolley moves along the track, transporting the package to the corresponding slot. The control system determines whether the slot is available. If the slot is available, when the pallet trolley reaches the appropriate position in the corresponding slot, the control system controls the pallet trolley belt to rotate, delivering the package to the corresponding slot. However, existing cross-belt sorting systems struggle with lightweight, flat packages weighing around 50g. Due to their light weight and large surface area, these packages are significantly affected by wind during loading, transport, and unloading, resulting in unpredictable movement trajectories and a tendency to deviate or be thrown off the belt. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides an optimized cross-belt sorting system. This system solves the problem that in the existing technology, traditional cross-belt sorting systems, due to the lightweight and large surface area of ​​flat parts, are greatly affected by wind during loading, transportation, and unloading, resulting in unpredictable movement trajectories and easy deviation or dropping of parts on the belt.

[0005] The purpose and effectiveness of this utility model for optimizing a cross-belt sorting system are achieved through the following specific technical means:

[0006] An optimized cross-belt sorting system includes a track;

[0007] A pallet trolley is provided on the track, the track is circular, and the pallet trolley includes multiple sets of pallets, which are connected end to end along the track.

[0008] A feeding mechanism for conveying express packages to the pallet trolley is provided on one side of the track, and a fitting path grid for unloading express packages is provided on the side of the track away from the feeding mechanism.

[0009] Image detection modules are provided on both sides of the fitting path grid and on one side of the feeding mechanism.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the pallet trolley further includes multiple sets of pallet trolley frames and multiple sets of pallet trolley belts;

[0011] Multiple sets of pallet plates are respectively installed on multiple sets of pallet trolley frames, and each pallet trolley frame is provided with a pallet trolley belt.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the pallet trolley belt is provided with baffles both vertically upward and downward on the same horizontal plane, and an object placement position is formed between the left and right baffles on the same plane of the pallet trolley belt;

[0013] Each pallet trolley frame is equipped with an electric roller mechanism, which includes an electric roller and a driven roller. The two ends of the pallet trolley belt are respectively sleeved on the electric roller and the driven roller.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the image detection module includes a camera and a control module. The camera is mounted on top of the track via a bracket, and the camera faces vertically downward toward the track. The camera and the control module are electrically connected.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the fitting path grid includes a grid plate and a fitting path grid baffle.

[0016] The grid plate is installed on one side of the track, and the grid plate is provided with the fitting path grid baffle, which is an arc shape that fits the trajectory of the express package falling into the grid.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. By arranging baffles on both sides of the same horizontal plane and vertically upwards and downwards on the pallet trolley belt, after the package is loaded, the baffles can physically restrict the lateral and longitudinal movement of the package on the pallet trolley, avoiding positional deviation caused by the smooth surface, unstable center of gravity, or low density of the package; when the pallet trolley turns along the track, the baffles can effectively block the package, preventing the package from being thrown off by centrifugal force. At the same time, the baffles rotate synchronously with the pallet trolley belt, without affecting the normal operation and unloading of the belt, solving the problem of easy deviation or throwing off of flat packages when transporting them in traditional cross-belt sorting systems, and improving the stability of the package during transportation.

[0019] 2. During transportation, the baffle can block the influence of airflow disturbance on the flat parts, preventing them from falling off the pallet trolley belt. During the sorting stage, the baffle can generate an auxiliary thrust on the flat parts as the pallet trolley belt rotates. Combined with the unloading parameters matched by the control module, it ensures that the flat parts enter the sorting slot within the preset time window, avoiding the fluctuating sorting trajectory caused by their light and floating characteristics. This solves the problem of traditional cross-belt sorting systems where flat parts are easily affected by wind and fall off the sorting slot due to their light weight and large surface area.

[0020] 3. By fitting the trajectory shape of the baffle, the package can slide smoothly along the baffle after unloading, rather than directly hitting the baffle. This increases the contact time between the package and the baffle and reduces the impact speed, avoiding packaging damage or object deformation caused by hard contact. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optimized cross-belt sorting system according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view of an optimized cross-belt sorting system according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a pallet trolley in an optimized cross-belt sorting system according to this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pallet trolley belt in an optimized cross-belt sorting system according to this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fitting path grid baffle in an optimized cross-belt sorting system according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the steps of an optimized control method in a cross-belt sorting system according to this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram, the correspondence between component names and drawing numbers is as follows:

[0028] 100. Pallet trolley; 200. Track; 300. Fitted path grid; 400. Feeding mechanism; 500. Image detection module; 1. Pallet trolley belt; 2. Pallet trolley frame; 3. Fitted path grid baffle; 4. Grid plate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0030] Example:

[0031] As attached Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 As shown:

[0032] This utility model provides an optimized cross-belt sorting system, including a track 200.

[0033] A pallet trolley 100 is installed on the track 200, which is circular. The pallet trolley 100 includes multiple sets of pallets connected end to end along the track 200. The track 200 is used for the pallet trolley 100 to move along it. The pallet trolley 100 is used to carry and transport express parcels and perform unloading operations.

[0034] A feeding mechanism 400 for conveying express parcels to the pallet trolley 100 is provided on one side of the track 200, and a fitting path grid 300 for unloading express parcels from the pallet trolley 100 is provided on the side of the track 200 away from the feeding mechanism 400.

[0035] Image detection modules 500 are installed on both sides of the fitting path grid 300 and on one side of the feeding mechanism 400. The image detection modules 500 are used to collect image information of the pallet trolley 100 and the express package and feed it back to the control module. The control module is used to match, issue and optimize unloading parameters based on the feedback information from the image detection modules 500.

[0036] Specifically, the image detection module 500 includes a camera, a control module, and an edge computing device.

[0037] The camera is mounted on top of the track 200 via a bracket. The bracket height is adjustable to cover the entire conveying area of ​​the pallet trolley 100. The lens is set vertically downwards and captures images of the passing pallet trolley 100 at a fixed frequency based on trigger commands sent by the PLC. The edge computing device is connected to the camera via a network cable. After receiving the image data transmitted by the camera, it first preprocesses the image: selecting the ROI region where the pallet trolley 100 is located, improving the image contrast through histogram equalization, and then inputting the preprocessed image into a pre-trained deep learning network. This network is designed for the shape of the package and the pallet trolley 100. The features are trained to identify and locate the positions of express packages and pallet cart 100 in the image. After calculating the center coordinates of the two, the coordinates of the package relative to the lower left corner of the pallet cart 100 and the offset in the X and Y directions relative to the center are sent. Finally, these data are encoded and transmitted to the PLC and control module. The image detection module 500 at the top of the fitting path grid 300 has the same system structure as the track 200. Its camera lens is aimed at the grid area to continuously track the process of express packages falling into the grid, collect the position coordinates at different times to form trajectory data, and feed the trajectory data back to the control module.

[0038] The pallet trolley 100 includes multiple sets of pallet trolley frames 2 and multiple sets of pallet trolley belts 1; multiple pallet plates are respectively installed on multiple sets of pallet trolley frames 2, and pallet trolley belts 1 are provided on each pallet trolley frame 2; baffles are provided on the left and right sides of the same horizontal plane and vertically upward and downward on the pallet trolley belt 1, and the baffles are made of rubber and fixed to the surface of the belt by adhesive, and rotate synchronously with the pallet trolley belt 1.

[0039] Specifically, after the parcel is loaded, the left and right side rails restrict the lateral movement of the parcel, while the upper and lower rails restrict the longitudinal movement of the parcel. This physically prevents the parcel from shifting due to its smooth surface, unstable center of gravity, or low density. When the pallet trolley 100 turns along the track 200, the rails can provide lateral support to the parcel based on the flexibility of their material, preventing the parcel from being thrown off by centrifugal force. At the same time, the rails rotate synchronously with the pallet trolley belt 1, and their direction of movement is consistent with that of the rails along the pallet trolley belt 1. This does not hinder the cyclic operation and unloading action of the rails along the pallet trolley belt 1, thus solving the problem of easy shifting or throwing off of flat parcels when transporting them in traditional cross-belt sorting systems, and improving the stability of the parcels during transportation.

[0040] Furthermore, an object placement area is formed between the left and right baffles on the same plane of the pallet trolley belt 1, and the size of this area is adapted to common express delivery specifications.

[0041] Each pallet trolley frame 2 is equipped with an electric roller mechanism, which is driven by a motor to rotate, thereby driving the pallet trolley belt 1 and the stop bar to rotate. By adjusting the speed and direction of the electric roller mechanism, the stop bar can be moved to a preset position that matches the object placement position.

[0042] In this embodiment, the baffle is made of rubber, which can reduce friction damage to the flat parts. At the same time, its height can block the influence of airflow disturbance on the flat parts and prevent them from falling off the pallet trolley belt 1. During the sorting stage, the baffle applies a thrust from the side of the express item as the pallet trolley belt 1 rotates. With the matching unloading parameters of the control module, it ensures that the flat parts enter the sorting slot stably within the preset time window, avoiding the fluctuating sorting trajectory caused by the light and floating characteristics. This solves the problem of traditional cross-belt sorting systems where flat parts are easily affected by wind and fall off the sorting slot due to their light weight and large surface area.

[0043] The fitting path grid 300 includes a grid plate 4 and a fitting path grid baffle 3. The grid plate 4 is an inclined flat plate structure. The fitting path grid baffle 3 is fixed to the inner side of the grid plate 4 by bolts. The fitting path grid baffle 3 is set to an arc shape according to the motion path data collected through a large number of tests, and is used to receive unloaded express parcels.

[0044] Specifically, after the package is unloaded from the pallet trolley 100, it will first come into contact with the fitting path grid baffle 3, and then smoothly slide down the arc or gradually sloping surface of the fitting path grid baffle 3 to the grid plate 4, and then be transported downstream by the grid plate 4. This design makes the package and the fitting path grid baffle 3 make surface contact rather than point contact, which increases the contact time between the package and the fitting path grid baffle 3 and reduces the speed at the moment of impact, reduces the impact force between the package and the fitting path grid baffle 3, and avoids packaging damage or object deformation caused by hard contact.

[0045] The track 200 is a closed circular structure, spliced ​​from metal profiles. A preset feeding position is set on the track 200, and a position sensor is installed on the side of the track 200 at this position to detect the arrival signal of the pallet trolley 100. The pallet trolleys 100 are connected end to end along the track 200 to form a circular conveying structure. Adjacent pallet trolleys 100 are connected by connectors to maintain synchronous movement. The feeding mechanism 400 is set corresponding to the preset feeding position and includes a conveyor belt and a pushing mechanism. When the position sensor detects the arrival of the pallet trolley 100, the conveyor belt of the feeding mechanism 400 conveys the package to the pushing mechanism. The pushing mechanism smoothly pushes the package to the object placement position of the pallet trolley belt 1 according to the movement speed of the pallet trolley 100, so as to avoid the package falling due to mismatch in conveying speed.

[0046] Please see as follows Figure 6 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for an apparatus for optimizing a cross-belt sorting system, applied to the above-mentioned apparatus for optimizing a cross-belt sorting system, comprising:

[0047] S10: The pallet trolley 100 moves along the track 200, and the feeding mechanism 400 delivers the express parcels to the passing pallet trolley 100.

[0048] Specifically, before the pallet trolley 100 reaches the feeding mechanism 400, the position sensor on the track 200 sends a signal to the electric roller mechanism. The electric roller mechanism rotates, driving the pallet trolley belt 1 to move the baffle to the preset position at the edge of the object placement position. After the feeding mechanism 400 pushes the package to the object placement position, the baffle restricts the movement of the package from all sides. When the pallet trolley 100 reaches the fitting path grid 300, the electric roller mechanism drives the pallet trolley belt 1 and the baffle to rotate according to the unloading parameters. The baffle rotates synchronously from the side of the package, pushing the package towards the fitting path grid 300 to assist in completing the placement.

[0049] S11: The image detection module 500 collects and analyzes image information of the pallet trolley 100 and express packages, and feeds the results back to the control module.

[0050] Specifically, the edge computing device first receives and parses the task request sent by the PLC, and then triggers the camera to capture images: After the camera acquires the image at the current moment, the edge computing device performs ROI processing and histogram equalization on the image to extract the image region containing only the pallet cart 100; then, it performs model inference: the extracted region is input into a deep learning network to identify the outline of the express package and the pallet cart 100, and calculate the center coordinates of the two; next, it performs package position discrimination: a coordinate system is established with the lower left corner of the pallet cart 100 as the origin, and the coordinates of the package are calculated, while the offset of the package center relative to the center of the pallet cart 100 in the X and Y directions is also calculated; finally, it performs communication encoding: the package coordinates, offset, and pallet cart 100 number are integrated into a standard data format, encoded, and sent to the PLC, which then forwards them to the control module.

[0051] S12: The control module combines the feature information of the express parcel to match the unloading parameters and sends them to the pallet trolley 100.

[0052] Specifically, the control module receives the package location and size information sent by the image detection module 500, and at the same time receives the package weight information fed back by the dynamic scale. It compares these feature information with the pre-established unloading parameter database, which stores the unloading parameters corresponding to different feature combinations. After matching the parameters suitable for the current express, it sends them to the electric roller mechanism of the corresponding pallet trolley 100 wirelessly or via wired means.

[0053] S13: When the pallet trolley 100 moves to the corresponding fitted path grid 300, the unloading action is executed according to the unloading parameters.

[0054] Specifically, after receiving the unloading parameters, the electric roller mechanism on the pallet trolley 100 will rotate at a set acceleration when the position sensor at the grid detects that the pallet trolley 100 has reached the preset unloading position, thereby driving the pallet trolley belt 1 and the baffle to push the express item to the fitted path grid 300.

[0055] S14: The image detection module 500 at the top of the fitted path grid 300 provides feedback on the grid trajectory data, and the control module optimizes the unloading parameters.

[0056] Specifically, the communication analysis involves receiving the trajectory data from the image detection module 500 and the package feature information from the dynamic scale.

[0057] Parameter matching involves matching appropriate unloading parameters from the unloading parameter database based on package feature information. Unloading parameters include action logic, action timing, and unloading acceleration.

[0058] The unloading parameters are sent to the electric roller mechanism of the pallet trolley 100.

[0059] The unloading parameters are optimized. Based on the grid trajectory data fed back by the image detection module 500 at the top of the fitted path grid 300, if there is a deviation between the trajectory and the preset path, the unloading parameters are adjusted according to the deviation value, and the adjusted parameters are updated to the unloading parameter database.

[0060] Furthermore, the control module continuously optimizes the unloading parameters based on the landing trajectory data fed back by the image detection module 500, making the unloading action of the pallet trolley 100 smoother and reducing the impact of improper unloading acceleration on the parcels.

[0061] The embodiments of this utility model are given for illustrative and descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the utility model to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of this utility model, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this utility model and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. An optimized cross-belt sorting system, characterized in that: Includes tracks; A pallet trolley is provided on the track, the track is circular, and the pallet trolley includes multiple sets of pallets, which are connected end to end along the track. A feeding mechanism for conveying express packages to the pallet trolley is provided on one side of the track, and a fitting path grid for unloading express packages is provided on the side of the track away from the feeding mechanism. Image detection modules are provided on both sides of the fitting path grid and on one side of the feeding mechanism.

2. The optimized cross-belt sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pallet trolley also includes multiple pallet trolley frames and multiple pallet trolley belts; Multiple sets of pallet plates are respectively installed on multiple sets of pallet trolley frames, and each pallet trolley frame is provided with a pallet trolley belt.

3. An optimized cross-belt sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pallet trolley belt is provided with vertical baffles on both the upper and lower sides of the same horizontal plane, and an object placement position is formed between the left and right baffles on the same plane of the pallet trolley belt; Each pallet trolley frame is equipped with an electric roller mechanism, which includes an electric roller and a driven roller. The two ends of the pallet trolley belt are respectively sleeved on the electric roller and the driven roller.

4. An optimized cross-belt sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image detection module includes a camera and a control module. The camera is mounted on top of the track via a bracket, with the camera facing vertically downwards toward the track. The camera and the control module are electrically connected.

5. An optimized cross-belt sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fitting path grid includes a grid plate and a fitting path grid baffle; The grid plate is installed on one side of the track, and the grid plate is provided with the fitting path grid baffle, which is an arc shape that fits the trajectory of the express package falling into the grid.

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