An apparatus for assisting a sorter

Abstract

The utility model provides a sorting machine auxiliary device relates to sorting machine technical field, including frame, the frame upper end center place is provided with conveyer, the conveyance surface of conveyer is used for bearing and conveying packing box, still fixedly be provided with mounting bracket on the both sides of conveyer of frame upper, the mounting bracket is along the convey direction of conveyer symmetry distribution, be provided with positioning mechanism on the mounting bracket, positioning mechanism includes four positioning units. The utility model adopts four positioning units to pack the box four corners synchronous force, forms multidirectional restraint system. Compared with the deviation problem of single side or double side positioning easy to appear, four corners synergies can lock the packing box center position from horizontal and vertical simultaneously, greatly reduces the identification failure, the mistake such as division caused by position deviation, greatly improves the sorting accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model mainly relates to the field of sorting machine technology, and specifically to a sorting machine auxiliary device. Background Technology

[0002] In automated sorting systems for logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing, sorting machines, as core equipment, are required to quickly identify and sort continuously transported packaging boxes. Their efficiency and accuracy directly depend on the positional stability of the packaging boxes during transport. However, existing sorting machines often face the technical bottleneck of insufficient positioning accuracy when handling packaging boxes. This problem persists throughout the entire transport and sorting process, significantly limiting system efficiency.

[0003] Existing sorting machines mostly rely on the friction of the conveyor belt to propel the packaging boxes forward via belts or rollers. However, in actual operation, the physical properties of the packaging boxes vary significantly: paper boxes may warp at the edges or deform entirely due to moisture, plastic boxes are prone to slipping due to their smooth surface, and rigid metal packaging is prone to inertial deviation due to its weight. These material differences directly affect the distribution of friction between the packaging box and the conveyor surface, causing the same batch of goods to exhibit different motion states during transport. Meanwhile, the uneven weight distribution of packaging boxes further exacerbates the positioning challenge. Lightweight packaging boxes are easily affected by environmental factors such as conveyor vibration and airflow in the workshop, causing lateral drift during transport. Heavy-duty packaging boxes, due to their greater inertia, are prone to longitudinal skew when the belt starts, stops, or changes direction, making it difficult to maintain the preset trajectory. In addition, long-term use of the conveyor belt may lead to localized wear or uneven tension, causing a slight tilt on the conveyor surface, which in turn causes the packaging boxes to gradually deviate from their central position during continuous transport. When a package deviates from the sorting machine's preset recognition area (such as at the barcode scanning station), the barcode or QR code may partially exceed the scanning range, causing the recognition device to be unable to read the information completely. The system then has to classify it as an abnormal item, requiring manual intervention for verification. In the sorting process, if the package deviates from the center of the sorting port, the sorting execution mechanism (such as push rods or forks) will be misaligned with the target position. This can range from uneven pushing force causing the package to rotate and shift, to directly impacting the edge of the box and causing the goods to fall. This not only leads to missorting and missed sorting, but may also result in packaging damage.

[0004] The frequent occurrence of such positioning deviations forces sorting lines to reduce operating speeds to minimize errors or to add manual verification positions for secondary adjustments. This reduces the utilization efficiency of automated equipment and increases labor costs. More importantly, insufficient positioning accuracy can create a chain reaction, leading to information matching errors in subsequent warehousing and distribution stages, thus affecting the smoothness of the entire logistics chain. Utility Model Content

[0005] 1. The technical problem to be solved by the utility model: This utility model provides an auxiliary device for a sorting machine to solve the technical problems existing in the background art.

[0006] 2. Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows: a sorting machine auxiliary device, including a frame, a conveyor is provided at the center of the upper end of the frame, the conveyor surface is used to carry and convey packaging boxes, and mounting frames are fixedly provided on both sides of the conveyor on the frame, the mounting frames are symmetrically distributed along the conveying direction of the conveyor, and a positioning mechanism is provided on the mounting frame, the positioning mechanism including four positioning units, the four positioning units respectively positioning the four corners of the packaging box.

[0007] Preferably, the positioning unit includes a drive mechanism, a swing arm, two fixed shafts, and a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatably mounted on a mounting bracket. One end of the swing arm is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft. One end of each of the two fixed shafts is fixedly connected to the end of the swing arm away from the rotating shaft, and the two fixed shafts are arranged in parallel. A positioning cylinder is sleeved and rotatably mounted on each of the fixed shafts. The drive mechanism is drivenly connected to the rotating shaft and is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, thereby causing the swing arm to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft, so that the two positioning cylinders can respectively contact two adjacent sides of the corresponding corner of the packaging box.

[0008] Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, a connecting frame, a spherical bearing, a swing rod, and a mounting sleeve. The mounting sleeve is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame. The rotating shaft rotatably passes through the mounting sleeve, with both ends of the rotating shaft extending out of the mounting sleeve. One end of the swing rod is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating shaft away from the swing arm. The other end of the swing rod is hinged to the spherical bearing via a connecting rod. The spherical bearing is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder is hinged via a pin connecting frame. The connecting frame is fixedly connected to the mounting frame.

[0009] Preferably, the drive mechanism further includes a mounting block and a limiting rod. The mounting block is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame and located on one side of the swing path of the swing arm. One end of the limiting rod is threadedly connected to the mounting block, and the other end of the limiting rod extends toward the swing arm to limit the maximum swing angle of the swing arm.

[0010] Preferably, a support platform is fixedly installed on the mounting bracket, and an oil pump is fixedly installed on the lower end face of the support platform. A controller is provided on the oil pump, the controller is electrically connected to the oil pump, and the oil pump is connected to a hydraulic cylinder. The controller is used to control the start, stop, and operation of the oil pump.

[0011] 3. Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided by this utility model has the following advantages: This invention employs four positioning units to simultaneously apply force to the four corners of the packaging box, forming a multi-directional constraint system. Compared to the offset problems that easily occur with single-sided or double-sided positioning, the coordinated action of the four corners can simultaneously lock the center position of the packaging box from both the horizontal and vertical directions, resulting in lower errors. Even if the packaging box is slightly tilted due to vibration during transportation, the positioning units can quickly correct it through the symmetrical force system, ensuring its precise alignment with key workstations such as the identification area and barcode scanner of the sorting machine. This significantly reduces problems such as identification failure and missorting caused by positional deviations, and greatly improves sorting accuracy. This invention utilizes a threaded connection design between the limiting rod and the mounting block to flexibly adjust the swing angle of the swing arm, easily adapting to packaging of different sizes. The positioning cylinder adopts a rotating structure, replacing sliding friction with rolling friction when in contact with the packaging box. This not only prevents paper packaging from being scratched but also adapts to the positioning needs of rigid packaging such as plastic and metal. It can meet the needs of multi-category sorting scenarios without replacing parts, making it extremely versatile. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention, omitting the packaging box; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning unit structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning unit structure from another angle of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic cylinder structure of this utility model.

[0013] Figure label: 1. Frame; 2. Conveyor; 3. Packaging box; 4. Mounting frame; 5. Positioning unit; 501. Hydraulic cylinder; 502. Connecting frame; 503. Fisheye bearing; 504. Swing rod; 505. Mounting sleeve; 506. Rotary shaft; 507. Swing arm; 508. Fixed shaft; 509. Positioning cylinder; 510. Mounting block; 511. Limit rod; 512. Connecting rod; 513. Support platform; 514. Oil pump; 515. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more comprehensive description of the utility model will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show several embodiments of the utility model. However, the utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the utility model will be more thorough and complete.

[0015] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "page", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", 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 are not intended to 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.

[0016] Furthermore, 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0017] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "equipped with" 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 according to the specific circumstances.

[0018] It should be noted that the structures not described in this utility model are the same as or can be implemented using existing technology, and will not be elaborated here, as they do not involve the design points and improvement directions of this utility model. Example

[0019] See attached document Figures 1-5 A sorting machine auxiliary device includes a frame 1, a conveyor 2 is provided at the center of the upper end of the frame 1, the conveying surface of the conveyor 2 is used to carry and convey packaging boxes 3, and mounting frames 4 are fixedly provided on both sides of the conveyor 2 on the frame 1. The mounting frames 4 are symmetrically distributed along the conveying direction of the conveyor 2. The mounting frames 4 are provided with positioning mechanisms, which include four positioning units 5, and the four positioning units 5 respectively position the four corners of the packaging box 3.

[0020] The positioning unit 5 includes a drive mechanism, a swing arm 507, two fixed shafts 508, and a rotating shaft 506. The rotating shaft 506 is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket 4. One end of the swing arm 507 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 506. One end of each of the two fixed shafts 508 is fixedly connected to the end of the swing arm 507 away from the rotating shaft 506. The two fixed shafts 508 are arranged in parallel. A positioning cylinder 509 is sleeved and rotatably mounted on each fixed shaft 508. The drive mechanism is connected to the rotating shaft 506 for driving the rotating shaft 506 to rotate, thereby causing the swing arm 507 to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft 506, so that the two positioning cylinders 509 can contact the two adjacent sides of the corresponding corner of the packaging box 3 respectively.

[0021] The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder 501, a connecting frame 502, a fisheye bearing 503, a swing rod 504, and a mounting sleeve 505. The mounting sleeve 505 is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 4. The rotating shaft 506 is rotatably inserted into the mounting sleeve 505, and both ends of the rotating shaft 506 extend out of the mounting sleeve 505. One end of the swing rod 504 is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating shaft 506 away from the swing arm 507. The other end of the swing rod 504 is hinged to the fisheye bearing 503 through a connecting rod 512. The fisheye bearing 503 is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the hydraulic cylinder 501. The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder 501 is hinged through the pin connecting frame 502. The connecting frame 502 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 4.

[0022] The drive mechanism also includes a mounting block 510 and a limiting rod 511. The mounting block 510 is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 4 and located on one side of the swing path of the swing arm 507. One end of the limiting rod 511 is threadedly connected to the mounting block 510, and the other end of the limiting rod 511 extends toward the swing arm 507 to limit the maximum swing angle of the swing arm 507.

[0023] A support platform 513 is fixedly installed on the mounting bracket 4. An oil pump 514 is fixedly installed on the lower end face of the support platform 513. A controller 515 is provided on the oil pump 514. The controller 515 is electrically connected to the oil pump 514. The oil pump 514 is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 501. The controller 515 is used to control the start, stop and operation of the oil pump 514.

[0024] Working principle: Conveyor 2 starts, and its conveying surface runs at a constant speed along the central axis of the upper end of frame 1. The packaging boxes 3 to be sorted are conveyed from upstream to the detection position in front of the positioning area, triggering the position sensor on the side of conveyor 2. The sensor transmits the "packaging box in position" signal to controller 515, and controller 515 sends a start command to oil pump 514. Oil pump 514 supplies oil to hydraulic cylinder 501 through oil pipe, and the piston rod of hydraulic cylinder 501 is pushed outward by oil pressure. The end of piston rod is hinged to connecting rod 512 through fisheye bearing 503, which pushes connecting rod 512 to drive swing rod 504 to rotate around axis of rotating shaft 506. Rotating shaft 506 rotates in mounting sleeve 505, and its other end drives swing arm 507 to swing synchronously, and swing arm 507 rotates towards the packaging box 3.

[0025] Four positioning units 5 are symmetrically distributed along both sides of the conveyor 2, two on each side, corresponding to the front and rear corners of the packaging box 3 respectively. They move synchronously under the drive mechanism: the two parallel fixed shafts 508 at the end of the swing arm 507 move with the swing arm 507, and the positioning cylinders 509 sleeved on the shafts gradually approach the packaging box 3. When the positioning cylinder 509 comes into contact with the packaging box 3, due to its rotatable nature, it rolls and adjusts with the slight displacement of the packaging box 3. Finally, the two positioning cylinders 509 respectively fit against the two adjacent sides of the corresponding corners of the packaging box 3, forming a "corner clamping" state. The coordinated action of the four positioning units 5 constrains the packaging box 3 both perpendicular to the conveying direction and in the conveying direction, correcting the offset during conveying and aligning its center with the axis of the conveyor 2. When the swing arm 507 swings to the preset angle, its side contacts the limit rod 511, limiting the excessive rotation of the swing arm 507 and preventing the positioning cylinder 509 from causing crush damage to the packaging box 3. After the controller 515 detects that the swing arm 507 has triggered the limit signal, it controls the oil pump 514 to maintain the current oil pressure, so that the hydraulic cylinder 501 maintains the thrust. The positioning state continues until the sorting machine completes the scanning, weighing and other operations. The sorting machine and the controller 515 are linked and send back the operation completion signal. After the sorting machine completes its operation, it sends a "release signal" to the controller 515. The controller 515 then instructs the oil pump 514 to reverse its oil supply, causing the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder 501 to retract. This retracts the piston rod, which in turn drives the swing arm 507 to rotate in the opposite direction via the drive mechanism, disengaging the positioning cylinder 509 from the packaging box 3. The swing arm 507 then returns to its initial position, waiting for the next packaging box 3 to enter the positioning area, and the above process is repeated. The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of certain implementations of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sorting machine auxiliary device, comprising a frame (1), characterized in that: A conveyor (2) is provided at the center of the upper end of the frame (1). The conveying surface of the conveyor (2) is used to carry and convey the packaging box (3). Mounting frames (4) are also fixedly provided on both sides of the conveyor (2) on the frame (1). The mounting frames (4) are symmetrically distributed along the conveying direction of the conveyor (2). A positioning mechanism is provided on the mounting frame (4). The positioning mechanism includes four positioning units (5). The four positioning units (5) respectively position the four corners of the packaging box (3).

2. The sorting machine auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning unit (5) includes a drive mechanism, a swing arm (507), two fixed shafts (508) and a rotating shaft (506). The rotating shaft (506) is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket (4). One end of the swing arm (507) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (506). One end of each of the two fixed shafts (508) is fixedly connected to the end of the swing arm (507) away from the rotating shaft (506). The two fixed shafts (508) are arranged in parallel. Each fixed shaft (508) is fitted with and rotatably mounted with a positioning cylinder (509). The drive mechanism is connected to the rotating shaft (506) for driving the rotating shaft (506) to rotate, thereby driving the swing arm (507) to rotate around the axis of the rotating shaft (506) so that the two positioning cylinders (509) can contact the two adjacent sides of the corresponding corner of the packaging box (3).

3. The sorting machine auxiliary device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder (501), a connecting frame (502), a fisheye bearing (503), a swing rod (504), and a mounting sleeve (505). The mounting sleeve (505) is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame (4). The rotating shaft (506) is rotatably inserted into the mounting sleeve (505), and both ends of the rotating shaft (506) extend out of the mounting sleeve (505). One end of the swing rod (504) is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating shaft (506) away from the swing arm (507). The other end of the swing rod (504) is hinged to the fisheye bearing (503) through a connecting rod (512). The fisheye bearing (503) is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the hydraulic cylinder (501). The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder (501) is hinged through a pin connecting frame (502). The connecting frame (502) is fixedly connected to the mounting frame (4).

4. The sorting machine auxiliary device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The drive mechanism also includes a mounting block (510) and a limiting rod (511). The mounting block (510) is fixedly mounted on the mounting frame (4) and located on one side of the swing path of the swing arm (507). One end of the limiting rod (511) is threadedly connected to the mounting block (510), and the other end of the limiting rod (511) extends toward the swing arm (507) to limit the maximum swing angle of the swing arm (507).

5. The sorting machine auxiliary device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A support platform (513) is fixedly installed on the mounting bracket (4). An oil pump (514) is fixedly installed on the lower end face of the support platform (513). A controller (515) is provided on the oil pump (514). The controller (515) is electrically connected to the oil pump (514). The oil pump (514) is connected to the hydraulic cylinder (501). The controller (515) is used to control the start, stop and operation of the oil pump (514).

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