Multilayer rail type intelligent assortment apparatus

Abstract

To provide a multilayer rail type intelligent assortment apparatus which is low in cost, has easy maintenability, and high in an assortment speed.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a multilayer rail type intelligent assortment apparatus. The apparatus comprises: an apparatus frame; a plurality of vertically distributed layers of rails; assortment trucks movably fitted to each rail; an assortment driving assembly for moving each assortment truck on each rail; and a feed unit. All of the layers of rails are fixed to the apparatus frame. The side of the apparatus frame is provided with a feed area. The feed unit is provided at the feed area, and feeds objects to be assorted to the assortment truck of each layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sorting machines, and more particularly to a multi-rail intelligent sorting machine. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic sorting machine is a machine that sorts items according to preset computer commands and transports the sorted items to a specified location. With the development of laser scanning, barcode, and computer control technologies, automatic sorting machines are now capable of sorting large quantities of items continuously, have extremely low sorting error rates, and have almost completely automated sorting operations, making them increasingly common in logistics.

[0003] Conventional sorting devices often have a complex structure, including multiple parallel movement mechanisms, lifting mechanisms, etc., which makes them difficult to operate, difficult to maintain, and costly. In particular, for users who want to improve the efficiency of secondary sorting of sorted items, the investment required for the secondary sorting process is extremely high. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-rail intelligent sorting device that is low-cost, easy to maintain, and has a high sorting speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This application provides a multi-rail intelligent sorting device. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device includes an apparatus frame, multiple layers of rails distributed vertically, sorting carts movably mounted on each rail, a sorting drive assembly for moving the sorting carts on the rails, and a supply unit. The rails on each layer are fixed to the apparatus frame. A supply area is provided on the side of the apparatus frame. The supply unit is installed in the supply area and supplies items to the sorting carts on each layer. This application has characteristics such as low cost, ease of operation and maintenance, high sorting speed, high accuracy, and the ability to sort items of different sizes. This improves the efficiency of secondary sorting of sorted items, reduces investment in the secondary sorting process, reduces labor costs, and improves sorting accuracy. This application can achieve manual or automatic supply, allowing sorted items to be sorted into designated positions quickly and accurately. Furthermore, a rail-type direct drive structure is used to drive the carts, and items are supplied vertically. The feeding direction is the same as the operating direction, so the stability of the sorted items can be maintained to the maximum extent possible.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply unit includes a supply conveyor and a supply elevator. The supply conveyor includes a supply base and a supply conveyor assembly mounted on the supply base. The supply elevator is connected between the supply conveyor and the sorting carts of each layer. The supply elevator includes a lifting conveyor cart that can move up and down.

[0007] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator further includes a frame-type support platform, at least one pair of vertically distributed lift timing pulleys installed within the frame-type support platform, a lift timing belt installed between the pair of lift timing pulleys, and a lift servo motor installed on the frame-type support platform, the lift servo motor connected to the lift timing pulleys for transmission, and the lift timing belt connected to the lift transport vehicle.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator further includes a vertical beam, a lifting servomotor mounted on the vertical beam, a lifting guide rail fixed to one side of the vertical beam, and a lifting slider sliding on the lifting guide rail. The lifting servomotor is connected to the lifting transport vehicle for transmission. The lifting slider is fixedly connected to the lifting transport vehicle.

[0009] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the lifting transport cart includes a lifting transport support platform, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on the lifting transport support platform, and a lifting transport belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the feed conveying assembly includes a feed conveying support table, a feed driving source attached to the feed conveying support table, a pair of feed rollers rotatably attached to the feed conveying support table, and a feed conveying belt connected to the pair of feed rollers. The feed conveying support table is fixedly connected to the feed base. The feed driving source is connected to transmit power to the feed rollers.

[0011] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, a plurality of sets of the supply conveying assemblies are provided. The supply driving sources of the plurality of sets of the supply conveying assemblies are independent of each other. In the conveying direction of the supply conveying belt, the plurality of sets of the supply conveying assemblies are connected in sequence and distributed in a stepped manner from a high place to a low place. Furthermore, two adjacent sets of the supply conveying assemblies are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0012] In a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply conveying assemblies are provided in a plurality of sets, and a substantially triangular area is formed between two adjacent sets of the supply conveying assemblies. The supply rollers are small diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply drive source is a motor. Each set of the supply conveying assembly further includes a transmission roller rotatably supported on the supply base, a first pulley fixed to the motor shaft of the supply drive source, a second pulley fixed to the transmission roller, and a pulley transmission timing belt connected between the first and second pulleys. The transmission roller contacts the inner circumferential surface of the supply conveying belt and is located below the pair of supply rollers. The diameter of the transmission roller is larger than that of the supply rollers.

[0014] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting cart includes a cart frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably mounted on the cart frame, and a sorting conveyor belt connected to the pair of sorting rollers.

[0015] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting cart further includes a pair of lateral position control stops attached to the cart frame and a pair of main position control stops attached to the cart frame. A first opening and a second opening are formed between the sorting conveyor belt and the pair of lateral position control stops. The first opening and the second opening are distributed on both ends of the sorting conveyor belt in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt. The main position control stops are movably attached to the cart frame to close or open the first opening and the second opening.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, each of the main position control stops includes two position control gates rotatably attached to the cart frame. The sorting cart is provided with a stopper drive source connected to each of the position control gates for transmission thereto. The stopper drive source is fixed to the cart frame.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting cart further includes a lifting drive source and a lifting transmission unit attached to the cart frame. The pair of main position limiting stops are attached to the cart frame so as to be able to move up and down. The lifting drive source is connected to the pair of main position limiting stops via the lifting transmission unit to transmit power thereto, thereby synchronously lifting and lowering the pair of main position limiting stops.

[0018] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the multi-rail intelligent sorting device further includes a receiving device and a dropping mechanism provided on the outer periphery of the device frame. The receiving device includes a shelf and a plurality of receiving frames attached to the shelf and arranged in a matrix. The dropping mechanism includes a slide tub bottom plate fixed to the device frame and a plurality of partitions attached to the slide tub bottom plate. A plurality of dropping slide tubs are formed between the slide tub bottom plate and the plurality of partitions and arranged in a matrix. The plurality of dropping slide tubs and the plurality of receiving frames correspond one-to-one.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the slide tub bottom plate has a first side edge close to the sorting cart and a second side edge away from the sorting cart, and the dropping mechanism is provided with a flexible stopper on the first side edge of the slide tub bottom plate, the flexible stopper including a plurality of flexible strips spaced apart.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting drive assembly includes at least one timing belt transmission assembly. The timing belt transmission assembly includes a pair of carriage timing pulleys rotatably mounted on the device frame, a carriage timing belt connected between the pair of carriage timing pulleys, and a carriage servo motor connected to one end of the carriage timing pulley for transmission. The extension direction of the carriage timing belt is parallel to the extension direction of the rail. The carriage frame of the sorting cart is fixedly connected to the carriage timing belt.

[0021] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply unit includes: supply compartments disposed in the supply area and corresponding to the rails and distributed vertically; and a supply assembly disposed in each of the supply compartments, the supply assembly including a supply slide tray.

[0022] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply unit includes: supply compartments disposed in the supply area, corresponding to the rails and distributed vertically; and a supply assembly disposed in each of the supply compartments, the supply assembly including a supply transport vehicle.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply area and the supply unit are located at non-end positions in the extending direction of the device frame, the sorting cart and the sorting drive assembly are located on both sides of the supply unit in the extending direction of the device frame, and the sorting drive assemblies on both sides intersect in the supply area so that the movement strokes of the sorting carts on both sides overlap in the supply area.

[0024] The present application further provides the following multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus. The apparatus includes an apparatus frame. The apparatus frame is provided with multiple rails distributed vertically, a sorting cart movably mounted on the rails, and a sorting drive assembly for moving the sorting cart on the rails. A supply conveyor is provided on a side of the apparatus frame. The supply conveyor is provided with a supply conveying assembly and a supply elevator that is vertically movably connected to the supply conveying assembly and the sorting cart. The supply conveyor can be manually fed or automatically fed by arranging a feed device. When the objects to be sorted are fed into the supply conveying assembly, they are transported to the sorting cart by the supply elevator. The sorting drive assembly controls the movement of the sorting cart to a predetermined position.

[0025] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator includes a frame-type support platform. At least one pair of vertically distributed lift timing pulleys is provided within the frame-type support platform. A lift timing belt is provided between the pair of lift timing pulleys. The frame-type support platform is also provided with a lift servo motor connected to transmit power to the lift timing pulleys. A lift transport vehicle is connected to the lift timing belt. When the lift servo motor operates, the lift timing pulleys and the lift timing belt rotate, allowing the lift transport vehicle to rise or fall to rails of different heights, and the sorted items are transported from the lift transport vehicle to the sorting vehicle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator includes a vertical beam, a lifting servomotor mounted on the vertical beam, a lifting guide rail fixed to one side of the vertical beam, a lifting slider sliding on the lifting guide rail, and a lifting transport vehicle connected to be driven by the lifting servomotor. The lifting slider is fixedly connected to the lifting transport vehicle. When the lifting servomotor operates, the lifting transport vehicle rises or falls to rails of different heights via the lifting guide rail and the lifting slider. The lifting transport vehicle then transports the objects to the sorting vehicle.

[0027] In a preferred option of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply conveying assembly includes a supply conveying support table, a pair of supply rollers rotatably mounted on the supply conveying support table, and a supply conveying belt connected to the pair of supply rollers. The lifting conveying cart includes a lifting conveying support table, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on the lifting conveying support table, and a lifting conveying belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers.

[0028] In a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor is provided with a control panel and a scanner. The scanner is used to scan the sorted items and confirm the position to which the sorted items should move. The control panel is used to display and operate the operating status of the device. In addition, an alarm is generally also provided to issue a warning when an abnormality occurs.

[0029] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting cart includes a cart frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably mounted on the cart frame, and a sorting conveyor belt connected to the pair of sorting rollers. Running wheels are provided on the bottom of the cart frame. Side position regulating stoppers are provided on the cart frame on both sides of the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting conveyor belt is also provided with at least two blocking bars. The structure of the side position regulating stoppers and the blocking bars reliably ensures that the objects to be sorted do not accidentally fall off the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting rollers are driven by a motor, or alternatively, the sorting rollers are powered rollers. This allows the sorting conveyor belt to move forward and backward.

[0030] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the carriage frame is provided with side wheels on both sides, and the rails are provided with vertical sections on both sides that abut against the side wheels. The rails may be two angle steels installed facing each other. The running wheels are installed on the horizontal sections, and the side wheels abut against the vertical sections to guide the movement.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting drive assembly includes at least one timing belt transmission assembly. The timing belt transmission assembly includes a pair of carriage timing pulleys rotatably mounted on a frame, a carriage timing belt connected between the pair of carriage timing pulleys, and a carriage servo motor connected to drive the carriage timing pulley at one end. The extension direction of the carriage timing belt is parallel to the extension direction of the rail. The carriage frame of the sorting carriage is fixedly connected to the carriage timing belt. When the carriage servo motor operates, the carriage timing pulley and the carriage timing belt rotate, allowing the sorting carriage to move horizontally to a predetermined position.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, two timing belt transmission assemblies are provided, and the two timing belt transmission assemblies are symmetrically connected to both sides of the carriage frame of the sorting carriage in a direction perpendicular to the direction of parallel movement of the sorting carriage, thereby making the force applied to the entire sorting carriage more uniform and further improving the stability of parallel movement along the rail.

[0033] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting machine, the supply conveyor is located at the end of the side edge of the machine frame in the extension direction of the machine frame. The machine frame is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks distributed vertically in a matrix on one side of the supply conveyor in the extension direction. Shelves are provided on the outer edges of the drop slide tanks. Receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks are provided on the shelves. The items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down along the drop slide tanks into the receiving frames. This structure is a terminal supply structure. The sorting cart can only move to one side of the supply conveyor along the extension direction of the machine frame, simplifying the overall structure of the machine and reducing costs.

[0034] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor is located at the center of the side edge of the device frame in the extension direction of the device frame. The device frame is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks distributed vertically in a matrix on both sides of the supply conveyor in the extension direction. Shelves are provided on the outer edges of the drop slide tanks. Receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks are provided on the shelves. The items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down along the drop slide tanks into the receiving frames. This structure is a central supply structure (i.e., a non-terminal supply structure). The sorting cart can move to both sides of the supply conveyor along the extension direction of the frame, making it possible to relatively shorten the distance the sorting cart travels between the supply elevator and the drop slide tank or relatively increase the number of drop slide tanks. This significantly improves sorting efficiency.

[0035] As a preferred option of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the number of the supply conveyor assemblies in the supply conveyor is one or more, and the number of the corresponding supply elevators is also one or more.

[0036] The present application further provides the following multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus. The apparatus includes an apparatus frame. The apparatus frame is provided with multiple rails distributed vertically, sorting carts movably attached to each rail, and a sorting drive assembly for moving the sorting carts on the rails. A supply area is provided on a side of the apparatus frame. The apparatus frame at the location of the supply area is provided with supply compartments corresponding to the rails and distributed vertically. Each supply compartment is provided with a supply assembly. The supply area can be supplied manually or automatically by arranging a supply device. The objects to be sorted are fed into the supply assembly of the supply compartment and then dropped onto the sorting cart. The sorting drive assembly controls the movement of the sorting cart to a predetermined position.

[0037] In preferred options for the multi-rail intelligent sorting machine, the feed assembly includes a feed slide tub and / or a feed transport car. That is, the feed assembly includes only a feed slide tub. Alternatively, the feed assembly includes only a feed transport car. Alternatively, the feed assembly includes both a feed slide tub and a feed transport car.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor includes a supply conveyor support table, a pair of supply rollers attached to the supply conveyor support table, and a supply conveyor belt connected to the pair of supply rollers. The objects to be sorted are placed on the supply conveyor belt of the supply conveyor, and when the supply rollers rotate the supply conveyor belt, the objects are dropped onto the sorting cart.

[0039] In a preferred option of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply slide tray is inclined gradually downward along the supply direction, so that when the sorted objects are placed on the supply slide tray, they slide down along the inclined surface of the supply slide tray onto the sorting cart.

[0040] In a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply slide tank is provided with an opening / closing device. When the sorting cart has not reached the supply slide tank, the opening / closing device is closed to prevent the objects from sliding out of the supply slide tank. The opening / closing device is opened only when the sorting cart has reached the supply slide tank, allowing the objects to slide out of the supply slide tank.

[0041] In a preferred option of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, each of the feed compartments is provided with a lamp assembly, which can indicate the loading status of the sorted items, for example, a green lamp indicates loading OK and a red lamp indicates loading NO.

[0042] In a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, one of the plurality of supply compartments is provided with a scanner for code scanning identification of the sorted items to determine the position to which the sorted items should go.

[0043] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, a control panel is provided on the device frame on the supply area side. A detection grid is also provided for each supply section. Generally, an alarm is also provided. A scanner is used to scan the sorted items. The control panel is used to display and operate the device's operating status. The alarm issues a warning when an abnormality occurs.

[0044] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting cart includes a cart frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably mounted on the cart frame, and a sorting conveyor belt connected to the pair of sorting rollers. Running wheels are provided on the bottom of the cart frame. Side position regulating stoppers (i.e., blocking plates) are provided on the cart frame on both sides of the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting conveyor belt is also provided with at least two blocking bars. The structure of the side position regulating stoppers and blocking bars reliably ensures that the objects to be sorted do not accidentally fall off the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting rollers are driven by a motor. Alternatively, the sorting rollers are electric rollers. This allows the sorting conveyor belt to move forward and backward.

[0045] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the carriage frame is provided with side wheels on both sides, and the rails are provided with vertical sections on both sides that abut against the side wheels. The rails may be two angle steels installed facing each other. The running wheels are installed on the horizontal sections, and the side wheels abut against the vertical sections to guide the movement.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting drive assembly includes at least one timing belt transmission assembly. The timing belt transmission assembly includes a pair of carriage timing pulleys rotatably mounted on a frame, a carriage timing belt connected between the pair of carriage timing pulleys, and a carriage servo motor connected to drive the carriage timing pulley at one end. The extension direction of the carriage timing belt is parallel to the extension direction of the rail. The carriage frame of the sorting carriage is fixedly connected to the carriage timing belt. When the carriage servo motor operates, the carriage timing pulley and the carriage timing belt rotate, allowing the sorting carriage to move horizontally to a predetermined position.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, two timing belt transmission assemblies are provided, and the two timing belt transmission assemblies are symmetrically connected to both sides of the carriage frame of the sorting carriage in a direction perpendicular to the direction of parallel movement of the sorting carriage, thereby making the force applied to the entire sorting carriage more uniform and further improving the stability of parallel movement along the rail.

[0048] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting machine, the supply area is located at the end of the side edge of the machine frame in the extension direction of the machine frame. The machine frame is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks distributed vertically in a matrix on one side of the supply area. Shelves are provided on the outer edge of the drop slide tanks. Receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks are provided on the shelves. The items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down along the drop slide tanks into the receiving frames. This structure is a terminal supply structure. The sorting cart can only move to one side of the supply area along the extension direction of the machine frame, simplifying the overall structure of the machine and reducing costs.

[0049] As a preferred option for the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, the supply area is located at the center of the side edge of the device frame in the extension direction of the device frame. The device frame is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks distributed vertically in a matrix on both sides of the supply area. Shelves are provided on the outer edges of the drop slide tanks. Receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks are provided on the shelves. The items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down along the drop slide tanks into the receiving frames. This structure is a central supply structure (i.e., a non-terminal supply structure). The sorting cart can move to both sides of the supply area along the extension direction of the device frame, so it is possible to relatively shorten the distance that the sorting cart travels back and forth between the supply area and the drop slide tanks or relatively increase the number of drop slide tanks. This significantly improves sorting efficiency.

[0050] The present application also provides a sorting cart including a cart frame. The cart frame is provided with two parallel sorting rollers. A sorting conveyor belt is provided between the two sorting rollers. The cart frame further includes two lateral position restriction stoppers. The lateral position restriction stoppers extend along the length of the sorting conveyor belt. The two lateral position restriction stoppers are provided on both sides of the sorting conveyor belt in the width direction of the sorting conveyor belt, and a first opening and a second opening are formed between the two ends of the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting cart further includes a main position restriction stopper for blocking objects placed on the sorting conveyor belt from passing through the first opening and / or the second opening. The provision of the main position restriction stopper provides a sorting cart with a function to prevent objects from falling. As a result, assuming the objects are received and inserted normally, the objects will not fall from the sorting cart, significantly improving sorting efficiency.

[0051] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the main position regulating stopper is provided on the sorting conveyor belt. In this case, the main position regulating stopper includes a plurality of blocking bars provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the sorting conveyor belt.

[0052] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the main position restriction stopper is provided on the cart frame. In this case, the main position restriction stopper includes two blocking units. The two blocking units are provided in the first opening and the second opening, respectively. Each blocking unit includes a position restriction gate and a stopper drive source. The stopper drive source is used to move the position restriction gate toward or away from the first opening or the second opening.

[0053] As a preferred option for the sorting carriage, the stopper drive source is a linear displacement stopper drive source or a rotary stopper drive source.

[0054] As a preferred option for the sorting cart, each blocking unit includes two of the position regulating gates and two of the stopper drive sources.

[0055] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the cart frame is further provided with a plurality of running wheels.

[0056] The present application further provides a sorting cart including a cart frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably attached to the cart frame, a sorting conveyor belt connected to the outer peripheries of the pair of sorting rollers, a pair of side position restriction stoppers distributed on both sides of the sorting conveyor belt in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt, a pair of main position restriction stoppers distributed on both ends of the sorting conveyor belt in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt, and an elevation drive source and an elevation transmission unit attached to the cart frame. The pair of side position restriction stoppers and the pair of main position restriction stoppers are attached to the cart frame. The pair of main position restriction stoppers are attached to the cart frame so as to be able to be raised and lowered. The elevation drive source is connected to the pair of main position restriction stoppers via the elevation transmission unit so as to transmit power thereto, and synchronously raises and lowers the pair of main position restriction stoppers. In the present application, the objective of cost reduction is achieved by simultaneously and synchronously raising and lowering the two main position restriction stoppers using a single elevation drive source. In addition, the main position control stopper in this application moves up and down, i.e., moves parallel to the up and down direction, which reduces the requirement for space above the main position control stopper compared to the up and down rotational movement method in the prior art, and allows the sorting cart to be more easily installed in the sorting system.

[0057] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the lifting drive source is a motor, and the lifting transmission unit includes a first transmission assembly connected to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source for transmission, and a second transmission assembly connected to each of the main position limiting stops for transmission, and both of the two sets of second transmission assemblies are connected to the first transmission assembly for transmission.

[0058] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the second transmission assembly includes a transmission rotation shaft rotatably supported on the cart frame. The first transmission assembly is located on the outer periphery of one of the side position limiting stops. The first transmission assembly also includes a first driving pulley fixed to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source, first driven pulleys fixed to the transmission rotation shafts of each second transmission assembly, and a first timing belt. The first timing belt is connected to the outer peripheries of the first driving pulley and the two first driven pulleys.

[0059] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the first transmission assembly further includes a motor mounting frame, a tension adjustment groove opened in the motor mounting frame, and a tension adjustment bolt inserted into the tension adjustment groove. The lifting drive source is fixed to the motor mounting frame. The motor mounting frame is fastened to the cart frame by the tension adjustment bolt. The tension adjustment groove is an oval groove.

[0060] In a preferred option for the sorting carriage, the first transmission assembly further includes two idle gears rotatably mounted on the carriage frame, the two idle gears being distributed on both sides of the first drive pulley and both abutting on the outer side of the first timing belt.

[0061] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, each set of the second transmission assemblies includes two feed screws distributed on both ends of the main position limiting stopper, feed nuts connected to the feed screws, second driven pulleys fixed to each feed screw, and a second timing belt. The two feed screws are both vertically arranged and rotatably mounted on the cart frame. One of the feed screws is connected to the first transmission assembly. The second timing belt is connected to the outer peripheries of the two second driven pulleys of the second transmission assembly. The feed nuts are connected to the main position limiting stopper.

[0062] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, a fitting gap is provided between the feed nut and the main position limiting stopper. A connecting bolt is fixed to the feed nut. The connecting bolt is attached to the main position limiting stopper via a thrust bearing.

[0063] In a preferred option for the sorting cart, the lateral position limiting stoppers and the main position limiting stoppers are both plate members, and in the distribution direction of the pair of lateral position limiting stoppers, the main position limiting stopper covers an area between the pair of lateral position limiting stoppers.

[0064] The present application further provides a feed conveyor including a feed base and a plurality of feed conveying assemblies attached to the feed base. Each of the feed conveying assemblies includes a feed drive source attached to the feed base, a drive roller and a driven roller rotatably attached to the feed base, and a feed conveying belt connected to the outer periphery of the drive roller and the driven roller. The feed drive source is connected to transmit power to the drive roller. The feed drive sources of the plurality of feed conveying assemblies are independent of each other. The plurality of feed conveying assemblies are connected in sequence in the conveying direction of the feed conveying belt and are distributed in a stepped manner from high to low. Furthermore, two adjacent feed conveying assemblies are arranged adjacent to each other. The plurality of feed conveying assemblies in the present application are driven by independent feed drive sources. Therefore, the conveying speed of the feed conveying belt of each feed conveying assembly is controlled independently. This allows for better control of the speed at which the items move on the multiple supply conveying assemblies, preventing excessive accumulation of items at the front end of the supply conveying device and improving the efficiency of the device. In addition, in this application, the multiple supply conveying assemblies are arranged in a stepped configuration. The heights of the multiple supply conveying assemblies decrease from rear to front. That is, two adjacent supply conveying assemblies are vertically offset, allowing the two adjacent supply conveying assemblies to be more closely spaced. This reduces the gap between two adjacent supply conveying assemblies, preventing items from falling. Furthermore, the multiple supply conveying assemblies are arranged in a stepped configuration, from high to low, preventing light items from bouncing up.

[0065] In a preferred option for the supply conveyor, each set of supply conveyor assemblies further includes a detection unit attached to the supply base, which is used to detect whether or not there is an object passing on the supply conveyor belt of the supply conveyor assembly.

[0066] In a preferred option for the supply conveyor, the supply base includes a base frame and a pair of base guard plates fixed to the upper end of the base frame. The pair of base guard plates are distributed to face each other on both sides of the supply conveyor belts of the plurality of supply conveyor assemblies in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belt, and are higher than the supply conveyor belts of the plurality of supply conveyor assemblies. The detection unit includes a grating sensor fixed to the outer side of the base guard plate and a detection opening opened in the base guard plate. The detection opening allows the grating sensor to be exposed.

[0067] In a preferred option for the feed conveyor, the bottom of the detection opening and the ceiling of the feed conveyor belt are flush with each other in each feed conveyor assembly.

[0068] As a preferred option for the supply conveyor, a receiving and retracting area is provided at the leading end of the base guard plate in the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belt.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the feeding conveyor, the feeding drive source is a motor and is distributed to be offset from the driving rollers. Further, each feeding conveyor assembly includes a transmission unit. The feeding drive source is connected to the driving rollers via the transmission unit.

[0070] As a preferred option for the supply conveyor, the transmission unit includes a second driving pulley fixed to the motor shaft of the supply drive source, a third driven pulley fixed to the end of the driving roller, and a transmission belt connected to the outer periphery of the second driving pulley and the third driven pulley.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment of the supply conveyor, each set of the supply conveyor assembly further includes an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit includes an adjustment slot formed in the supply base, an adjustment plate fixed to the supply base, and an adjustment screw rotatably inserted into the adjustment plate. The adjustment slot and the adjustment screw both extend linearly along the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belt. The driven roller includes a roller shaft and a roll attached to the outer periphery of the roller shaft for rotation. Both ends of the roller shaft are engaged with the adjustment slot and threadedly connected to the adjustment screw.

[0072] The present application further provides a feed conveyor including a feed base provided with a conveying assembly mounting area and multiple sets of feed conveying assemblies mounted on the conveying assembly mounting area. The multiple sets of feed conveying assemblies are aligned front to back along the conveying direction. Each set of the feed conveying assemblies includes a feed drive source, a pair of feed rollers aligned front to back along the conveying direction, and a feed conveying belt connected to the outer periphery of the pair of feed rollers. The feed rollers are rotatably supported on the feed base and connected to the feed drive source for transmission of power. A substantially triangular area is formed between two adjacent sets of feed conveying assemblies. The feed rollers are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less. In this application, the pair of feed rollers support the upper end of the feed conveying belt, thereby providing the feed conveying belt with a conveying plane that transports the objects horizontally forward. In particular, small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less are used as the feed rollers. This significantly reduces the size of the approximately triangular area formed between two adjacent pairs of supply and conveyance assemblies, making it possible to make the connection between the two adjacent pairs of supply and conveyance assemblies flatter. This effectively prevents small-volume items from getting caught in the approximately triangular area, ensuring that items conveyed forward by the rear supply and conveyance assembly are smoothly transferred to the front supply and conveyance assembly. This significantly reduces the probability of items falling, ultimately ensuring the reliability and accuracy of sorting the items.

[0073] As a preferred option for the feeding conveyor, the diameter of the feeding roller is 28-32 mm.

[0074] In a preferred option for the supply conveyor, the supply drive source is a motor. Each set of the supply conveyor assembly further includes a transmission roller rotatably supported on the supply base, a first pulley fixed to the motor shaft of the supply drive source, a second pulley fixed to the transmission roller, and a pulley transmission timing belt connected between the first pulley and the second pulley. The transmission roller contacts the inner circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt and is distributed below the pair of supply rollers. The diameter of the transmission roller is larger than that of the supply rollers.

[0075] As a preferred option for the supply conveyor, a motor mounting area is formed on the outer circumferential side of the supply conveyor belt between one of the pair of supply rollers and the transmission roller, and the supply drive source is located in the motor mounting area and is fixed to the supply base.

[0076] In a preferred option for the supply conveyor, the supply conveyor assembly further includes a tension adjustment roller and a tension adjustment assembly for each set. The tension adjustment roller includes a roller axle and a tension drum rotatably attached to the roller axle. The tension drum contacts the outer circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt. The roller axle is attached to the supply base via the tension adjustment assembly so as to be movable back and forth.

[0077] In a preferred option for the supply conveyor, the outer circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt is provided with at least one circumferentially extending position restriction rib, and when there are multiple position restriction ribs, the multiple position restriction ribs are aligned laterally in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor assembly.

[0078] In a preferred option for the supply conveyor, the supply base has a plurality of conveyance assembly mounting areas, the plurality of conveyance assembly mounting areas being aligned side by side in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the supply conveyance assemblies, and each of the conveyance assembly mounting areas has a plurality of sets of supply conveyance assemblies mounted thereon.

[0079] The present application further provides a dropping mechanism including a slide tank bottom plate fixed to the frame. The slide tank bottom plate has a first side edge close to the sorting cart and a second side edge away from the sorting cart. The height of the first side edge is greater than the height of the second side edge. A flexible stopper is provided on the first side edge. By providing the flexible stopper on the side of the slide tank bottom plate close to the sorting cart and reducing the distance between them, a fall prevention effect is achieved, thereby ensuring efficient operation of the sorting device. The flexible stopper also reduces the distance between the first side edge of the slide tank bottom plate and the sorting cart, and the flexible stopper itself has a certain support capacity. Therefore, if an object to be sorted that has been lowered from the sorting cart falls onto the flexible stopper, the support capacity of the flexible stopper also ensures that the object can enter the slide tank bottom plate, ensuring smooth completion of dropping.

[0080] A preferred option for the dropping mechanism is that when the sorting cart must lower the items placed on it onto the slide tank bottom plate, the height of the sorting cart is higher than the height of the first side edge.

[0081] As a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, a plurality of partitions are provided at intervals on the upper surface of the slide tank bottom plate, and a drop slide tank is formed between two adjacent partitions and the slide tank bottom plate. The sorting cart drops the objects to be sorted placed on it into a predetermined drop slide tank.

[0082] As a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, said flexible stopper comprises several flexible pads.

[0083] In a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, the flexible stopper includes a plurality of flexible strips, which are spaced apart from one another on the first side edge.

[0084] As a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, the slide tank bottom plate includes a main plate body and a bending portion connected to form an L shape. The main plate body includes the first side edge and the second side edge. The first side edge is connected to the bending portion. A plurality of through holes are provided at intervals at the connection point between the main plate body and the bending portion. The slide tank bottom plate further includes a pressing plate provided below the main plate body. The pressing plate includes a first plate body and a second plate body connected to form an L shape. The first plate body has a plurality of sets of insertion holes provided at intervals in the length direction of the first plate body. Each set of insertion holes includes a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole provided at intervals in the width direction of the first plate body. One end of the flexible strip is inserted through the through hole, the second insertion hole, and the first insertion hole in order to form a U-shaped portion. The second plate body is detachably connected to the bending portion.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the dropping mechanism, the second plate body has a connecting hole, and the bent portion has a fastening slot, and the connecting hole and the fastening slot are connected by a fastening member.

[0086] As a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, the bottom of the main plate body is further provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0087] As a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, the flexible stopper is made of silicone or rubber.

[0088] The present invention further provides a sorting drive assembly including a first assembly, a second assembly, and a rail. The first assembly includes a first sorting cart and a first parallel movement transmission unit. The first sorting cart is movably attached to the rail by the first parallel movement transmission unit. The second assembly includes a second sorting cart and a second parallel movement transmission unit. The second sorting cart is movably attached to the rail by the second parallel movement transmission unit. In the extension direction of the rail, a receiving station is provided at a non-end position of the rail, where the first sorting cart and the second sorting cart receive objects. The receiving station is distributed on the movement stroke of the first sorting cart when it moves along the rail and on the movement stroke of the second sorting cart when it moves along the rail. As a result, the movement stroke of the first sorting cart and the movement stroke of the second sorting cart overlap at the receiving station. This arrangement enables supply from the center, significantly improving sorting efficiency. Furthermore, the two parallel movement transmission units that move the two sorting carts do not interfere with each other, making the overall structure simple and stable.

[0089] In a preferred option for the sort drive assembly, the receiving station is located in the center of the rail.

[0090] In a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, the rail is a horizontal rail, and two rails are provided. The two rails are parallel to each other and are provided facing each other in the horizontal width direction. The first parallel movement transmission unit and the second parallel movement transmission unit are provided between the two rails. In the horizontal width direction of the rails, both sides of the first sorting cart and both sides of the second sorting cart are respectively movably attached to the two rails.

[0091] As a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, in the horizontal width direction of the rail, the first translation transmission unit includes two first translation transmission assemblies symmetrically distributed with respect to the first sorting cart and connected to the first sorting cart. Also, the second translation transmission unit includes two second translation transmission assemblies symmetrically distributed with respect to the second sorting cart and connected to the second sorting cart. The two second translation transmission assemblies are disposed between the two first translation transmission assemblies. Alternatively, the two first translation transmission assemblies and the two second translation transmission assemblies are disposed so as to intersect.

[0092] As a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, in the horizontal width direction of the rail, the first parallel movement transmission unit includes two first parallel movement transmission assemblies symmetrically distributed with respect to the first sorting cart and connected to the first sorting cart, and the second parallel movement transmission unit includes one second parallel movement transmission assembly centrally distributed with respect to the second sorting cart and connected to the second sorting cart, and the second parallel movement transmission assembly is disposed between the two first parallel movement transmission assemblies.

[0093] As a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, the first translation transmission unit includes a first translation transmission assembly connected to the first sorting cart, the second translation transmission unit includes a second translation transmission assembly connected to the second sorting cart, and the first translation transmission assembly and the second translation transmission assembly are spaced apart in the horizontal width direction of the rail.

[0094] As a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, the first translation transmission unit includes a first translation transmission assembly connected to the first sorting cart, and the second translation transmission unit includes a second translation transmission assembly connected to the second sorting cart. In the horizontal width direction of the rail, the first translation transmission assembly and the second translation transmission assembly are provided on the same side or different sides of the rail.

[0095] In a preferred option of the sorting drive assembly, the first assembly includes a first translation drive source. The first translation transmission unit includes a first translation drive wheel and a first translation driven wheel. The first translation drive wheel rotates when driven by the first translation drive source. The first translation transmission assembly is provided between the first translation drive wheel and the first translation driven wheel. The second assembly includes a second translation drive source. The second translation transmission unit includes a second translation drive wheel and a second translation driven wheel. The second translation drive wheel rotates when driven by the second translation drive source. The second translation transmission assembly is provided between the second translation drive wheel and the second translation driven wheel.

[0096] In a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, the wheel axes of the first parallel driving wheel, the first parallel driven wheel, the second parallel driving wheel, and the second parallel driven wheel all extend in the horizontal width direction of the rail. The first parallel transmission assembly and the second parallel transmission assembly are each a rack, a rope, a belt, or a chain. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0097] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 with the shelf and receiving frame hidden. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sorting cart in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sorting cart in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the sorting cart in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of enclosure A of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of enclosure B of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the supply conveyor of the first embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a front view of the multiple feed conveying assemblies of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the supply conveyor in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the two feed transport assemblies of FIG. 14 mounted in one transport assembly mounting area. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of FIG. 15 from another angle. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view in which the base guard plate, the supply drive source, the first pulley, and the pulley transmission timing belt are omitted from FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic structural diagram of the connection point between two adjacent pairs of supply and transport assemblies in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the supply elevator in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the supply elevator in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the dropping mechanism in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of enclosure C of FIG. [Figure 26] 26 is a schematic structural diagram of the connection between the flexible stopper, the pressing plate and the slide tank bottom plate in FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 27] 27 is a perspective view of the slide tank bottom plate in FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of enclosure D in FIG. [Figure 29] 29 is a perspective view of the pressing plate in FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the flexible strip in FIG. [Figure 31] 31 is a perspective view of the rails, sorting cart, and sorting drive assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] 34 is a perspective view of the installation of the rails, sorting carts and sorting drive assemblies in FIG. 33. FIG. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 36] 36 is a perspective view of an alternative installation of the rails, sorting carts and sorting drive assemblies of FIG. 33. FIG. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a plan view of FIG. [Figure 40]FIG. 40 is a perspective view of FIG. 38 with the shelf and receiving frame hidden. [Figure 41] 41 is a perspective view of the rails, sort cart, sort drive assembly, and supply cart of FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] 43 is a perspective view of the rails, sort cart, sort drive assembly, and feed slide tub of FIG. 42. FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to specific examples, but those skilled in the art will be able to understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed herein.

[0099] The structures, ratios, sizes, etc. shown in the drawings in this specification are merely provided for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art in combination with the contents disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to define any limitations on the feasibility of implementing the present invention, and therefore should be understood to have no substantive technical significance. Any structural additions, changes in proportional relationships, or adjustments in size are all considered to be within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this specification, provided that they do not affect the effects and objectives that can be achieved by the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," and "one" used in this specification are merely used for clarity of description and do not limit the scope of the feasibility of implementing the present invention. Therefore, changes or adjustments in relative relationships are also considered to be within the scope of the feasibility of implementing the present invention, provided that they do not substantially change the technical content.

[0100] It should also be understood that when a component is described as being "fixed" or "mounted" to another component, it may be directly located on the other component or intervening components may be present. Also, when a component is described as being "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or indirectly connected to the other component through intervening components.

[0101] In addition, references to "first," "second," etc. in this application are for convenience only and should not be construed as expressing or implying relative importance or the number of technical features involved. Therefore, when a feature is limited by "first" or "second," it may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the feature. In addition, the technical means in each embodiment may be combined with each other, provided that such combination is feasible by a person skilled in the art. If a combination of technical means is inconsistent or impractical, such combination of technical means shall be deemed to not exist and not to fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0102] The present invention provides a multi-rail intelligent sorting device. The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] Example 1 of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a multi-rail intelligent sorting device includes an apparatus frame 10. The apparatus frame 10 includes multiple layers of rails 12 distributed vertically, sorting carts 20 movably attached to each rail 12, a sorting drive assembly 70 for moving the sorting carts 20 on the rails 12, and a supply unit. For convenience of description, the extension direction (i.e., length direction) of the rails 12 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is defined as the left-right direction. That is, in the drawing shown in FIG. 2, the bottom and top of the page correspond to the rear and front directions, respectively, and the left and right sides of the page correspond to the leftward and rightward directions, respectively. Therefore, the sorting carts 20 move horizontally on the rails 12. The rails 12 have a vertically multi-layered structure, and the sorting carts 20 attached to each layer of the rails 12 also have a vertically multi-layered structure. A supply area 11 is provided on the side of the apparatus frame 10. The supply unit is provided in the supply area 11 and supplies the sorted items to the sorting carts 20 on each layer. The sorted items are items or articles such as lipstick, clothes, bags, etc. In this embodiment, the supply area 11 is provided on the rear side of the device frame 10 in the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the left-to-right parallel movement direction of the sorting carts 20.

[0104] When the multi-rail intelligent sorting device performs sorting, an operator places the objects into a supply unit, which then delivers them to the corresponding sorting cart 20 on the target layer. The sorting drive assembly 70 controls the sorting cart 20 to move left and right along the rail 12 on which the sorting cart 20 is located to a predetermined position and then lower the objects. This application effectively improves the efficiency of secondary sorting of objects. Furthermore, the structure of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device is relatively simple, resulting in lower costs and easier maintenance. It is also easier to operate, has higher sorting accuracy, and can sort objects of different sizes. At the same time, this application reduces capital investment in the secondary sorting process, reduces labor costs, and improves sorting accuracy.

[0105] Furthermore, there are several preferred embodiments of the sorting cart 20 used in the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus.

[0106] Example 1 of sorting cart 20 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sorting cart 20 includes a cart frame 21, a pair of sorting rollers 22 rotatably attached to both the front and rear ends of the cart frame 21, and a sorting conveyor belt 23 connected to the two front and rear sorting rollers 22. Traveling wheels 211 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the bottom of the cart frame 21. The traveling wheels 211 are fitted into rails 12. The sorting rollers 22 are driven to rotate by a conveyance drive source (e.g., a motor). Alternatively, an electric roller may be used for the sorting rollers 22. This allows the sorting conveyor belt 23 to move in the forward and reverse directions, thereby allowing the sorting cart 20 to drop the slides onto the front or rear side (i.e., the drop slide tank 61, described later) of the sorting cart 20.

[0107] Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the sorting cart 20 further includes a pair of lateral position restriction stoppers 24. The pair of lateral position restriction stoppers 24 is fixed to the cart frame 21. The pair of lateral position restriction stoppers 24 is distributed on both the left and right sides of the sorting conveyor belt 23 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt 23. The lateral position restriction stoppers 24 have a shielding plate structure. The sorting conveyor belt 23 is also provided with at least two shielding bars 25. Each shielding bar 25 extends to the left and right. The multiple shielding bars 25 are provided at intervals in the rotation direction (i.e., the conveying direction) of the sorting conveyor belt 23. The structure of the lateral position restriction stoppers 24 and the shielding bars 25 reliably ensures that the objects to be sorted do not unexpectedly fall off the sorting conveyor belt 23. The specific cross-sectional shape of the shielding bars 25 is not limited, and may be linear, plate-like, block-like, column-like, irregular, or the like.

[0108] Preferably, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, side wheels 212 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the bogie frame 21, with the wheels 212 facing laterally. That is, the wheel axes of the side wheels 212 extend vertically. Vertical portions that come into contact with the side wheels 212 are provided on both sides of the rail 122. The rail 12 may be two angle steels installed facing each other. The traveling wheels 211 are installed on the horizontal portions of the rail 12. The side wheels 212 come into contact with the vertical portions of the rail 12, and serve to guide the movement.

[0109] Example 2 of sorting cart 20 As shown in FIG. 6 , the sorting cart 20 of the second embodiment is based on the sorting cart 20 of the first embodiment, and further includes a pair of main position restriction stoppers 26. The pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 are located at both the front and rear ends of the sorting conveyor belt 23 in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt 23. The pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 are attached to the cart frame 21. The pair of side position restriction stoppers 24 are fixed to the cart frame 21 and are higher than the sorting conveyor belt 23. At both the front and rear ends of the sorting conveyor belt 23, entrances are formed between the pair of side position restriction stoppers 24. Of these, the front entrance is defined as a first opening 231, and the rear entrance is defined as a second opening 232. Both the first opening 231 and the second opening 232 allow the passage of sorted items. The pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 are provided at the first opening 231 and the second opening 232, respectively. The front main position regulation stopper 26 can close or open the first opening 231 by moving in a direction toward or away from the first opening 231. The rear main position regulation stopper 26 can close or open the second opening 232 by moving in a direction toward or away from the second opening 232. In this way, while the sorting cart 20 is transporting the items to be sorted, the pair of main position regulation stoppers 26 close the first opening 231 and the second opening 232. As a result, the pair of main position regulation stoppers 26 block the movement of the items to be sorted in the front-to-rear direction, making it impossible for the items to fall downward from the first opening 231 or the second opening 232, thereby achieving a fall prevention effect.

[0110] Preferably, the main position control stopper 26 has multiple movement modes, such as vertical lift, vertical rotation, and front-to-back rotation. The main position control stopper 26 may be a single blocking plate or two blocking plates (left and right). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , each main position control stopper 26 includes two position control gates 261 (left and right). The sorting cart 20 further includes a stopper drive source 27 connected to each position control gate 261 for power transmission. The stopper drive source 27 is fixed to the cart frame 21. The stopper drive source 27 may be a gas cylinder, a motor, an electromagnet, or the like, and moves the connected position control gate 261 up and down, rotates it up and down, or rotates it back and forth. When the stopper drive source 27 moves the position control gate 261 until the first opening 231 or the second opening 232 is opened, the objects to be sorted can enter or be removed from the sorting cart 20. Furthermore, when the stopper drive source 27 moves the position control gate 261 until the first opening 231 or the second opening 232 is closed, the objects on the sorting cart 20 are prevented from falling, thereby achieving a fall prevention function. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the movement method of the position control gate 261 is rotation.

[0111] Additionally, in the second embodiment of the sorting cart 20, the sorting conveyor belt 23 may be provided with the blocking bar 25 in the first embodiment of the sorting cart 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the sorting conveyor belt 23 does not have to be provided with the blocking bar 25. When the sorting conveyor belt 23 is provided with the blocking bar 25, the blocking bar 25 may be considered to constitute a main position regulating stopper 26 fixed to the sorting conveyor belt 23. That is, in other embodiments, the main position regulating stopper 26 may be provided on the sorting conveyor belt 23.

[0112] Example 3 of sorting cart 20 The sorting cart 20 of the third embodiment differs from the sorting cart 20 of the second embodiment in the specific structure of the main position restriction stoppers 26. In the sorting cart 20 of the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 7, 10 and 11, the sorting cart 20 further includes a lifting drive source and a lifting transmission unit attached to the cart frame 21. Each of the pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 has a single blocking plate structure. The pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 are attached to the cart frame 21 so as to be able to lift and lower. The lifting drive source is connected to transmit power to the pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 via the lifting transmission unit, and raises and lowers the pair of main position restriction stoppers 26 synchronously. When the sorting cart 20 moves to the supply unit to receive the objects, and when the sorting cart 20 moves to the drop slide tank 61 (described later) to unload the objects, the lifting drive source moves the two front and rear main position restraint stoppers 26 upward simultaneously and synchronously via the lifting transmission unit, thereby separating the main position restraint stoppers 26 from the entrance / exit. As a result, the main position restraint stoppers 26 no longer perform their blocking function, and the objects are carried onto the sorting conveyor belt 23 through the entrance / exit, or are carried out from the sorting conveyor belt 23 through the entrance / exit. Meanwhile, during the movement of the sorting cart 20 on which the objects are placed, the lifting drive source moves the two front and rear main position restraint stoppers 26 downward simultaneously and synchronously via the lifting transmission unit until they abut against the outside of the entrance / exit. As a result, the main position control stoppers 26 perform a blocking function, preventing items on the sorting conveyor belt 23 from falling through the entrance / exit, thereby providing a good fall prevention function. In this application, the two main position control stoppers 26 are raised and lowered simultaneously and synchronously using a single lifting drive source, thereby achieving the goal of cost reduction. Furthermore, in this application, the main position control stoppers 26 move in an up-and-down manner, i.e., vertically parallel movement. In this case, compared to a movement method that rotates up and down, the requirement for space above the main position control stoppers 26 is alleviated, allowing the sorting cart 20 to be more easily installed in a multi-rail intelligent sorting device.

[0113] 7, 10, and 11, the conveyance drive source 213 that rotates the sorting conveyor belt 23 of the sorting cart 20 is fixed to the outer periphery of the left-side lateral position regulating stopper 24. The conveyance drive source 213 is connected to transmit power to the pair of sorting rollers 22 via a conveyance transmission assembly. The conveyance transmission assembly may be a timing belt and pulley assembly.

[0114] 7 and 10, the lifting drive source is a motor. The lifting transmission unit includes a first transmission assembly 28 connected to transmit power to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source, and a second transmission assembly 29 connected to transmit power to each of the main position limiting stoppers 26. Both of the two sets of second transmission assemblies 29 are connected to transmit power to the first transmission assembly 28. The first transmission assembly 28 may be a rack and pinion assembly, a sprocket and chain assembly, or a timing belt and pulley assembly. The second transmission assembly 29 may be a screw and nut assembly, a ball screw assembly, or a worm gear assembly.

[0115] A preferred structure of the first transmission assembly 28 is as follows. As shown in Figures 7, 8, and 10, the first transmission assembly 28 is located on the outer periphery of the right-side lateral position limiting stopper 24. The second transmission assembly 29 includes a transmission rotation shaft 291 rotatably supported on the carriage frame 21. The first transmission assembly 28 also includes a first driving pulley 281 fixed to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source, first driven pulleys 282 fixed to the transmission rotation shafts 291 of each second transmission assembly 29, and a first timing belt 283. The first timing belt 283 is connected to the outer peripheries of the first driving pulley 281 and the two first driven pulleys 282. In this way, when the lifting drive source rotates the first drive pulley 281, the transmission rotation shafts 291 in the two front and rear sets of second transmission assemblies 29 rotate simultaneously and synchronously through the two front and rear first driven pulleys 282 and the first timing belt 283. As a result, the two front and rear sets of second transmission assemblies 29 operate synchronously, thereby realizing synchronous upward or downward movement of the two front and rear main position restriction stoppers 26.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, the first transmission assembly 28 further includes a motor mounting frame 284, a tension adjustment groove 285 formed in the motor mounting frame 284, and a tension adjustment bolt inserted into the tension adjustment groove 285. The lifting drive source is fixed to the motor mounting frame 284. The motor mounting frame 284 is fastened to the carriage frame 21 by the tension adjustment bolt. The tension adjustment groove 285 is an elliptical groove extending linearly to the left and right. This allows the left and right position of the motor mounting frame 284 to be adjusted after loosening the tension adjustment bolt. That is, the tension of the first timing belt 283 can be adjusted by adjusting the left and right positions of the lifting drive source and the first drive pulley 281. After the adjustment is complete, the tension adjustment bolt can be tightened. Preferably, the first transmission assembly 28 further includes two idle gears 286 rotatably attached to the carriage frame 21. The two idle gears 286 are distributed on both the front and rear sides of the first drive pulley 281, and both abut on the outer side of the first timing belt 283. By providing the idle gears 286, the two left and right portions of the first timing belt 283 extending in the front-rear direction can be made parallel to each other.

[0117] A preferred structure of the second transmission assembly 29 is as follows. As shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 11, each second transmission assembly 29 includes two feed screws 292 located on both the left and right ends of the main position limiting stopper 26, a feed nut 293 connected to the feed screws 292, a second driven pulley 294 fixed to the lower end of each feed screw 292, and a second timing belt 295. Both of the two feed screws 292 are vertically disposed and rotatably attached to the carriage frame 21 via bearing housings. The right feed screw 292 closer to the first transmission assembly 28 constitutes the transmission rotation shaft 291. Therefore, the right feed screw 292 is connected to the first transmission assembly 28. That is, the first driven pulley 282 is fixed to the upper end of each of the right feed screws 292. The second timing belt 295 is connected to the outer peripheries of the two second driven pulleys 294, one on each side, of the second transmission assembly 29. Furthermore, the feed nut 293 is connected to the main position restriction stopper 26. In this way, the lifting drive source simultaneously and synchronously rotates the right feed screws 292 in the two front and rear sets of second transmission assemblies 29 via the first transmission assembly 28. The right feed screw 292 simultaneously and synchronously rotates the left feed screw 292 via the second driven pulley 294 and the second timing belt 295. Then, via the feed nut 293, the two front and rear main position restriction stoppers 26 move upward or downward synchronously.

[0118] 9, a fitting gap 296 is provided between the feed nut 293 and the main position limiting stopper 26. A connecting bolt 297 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed to the feed nut 293. The connecting bolt 297 is attached to the main position limiting stopper 26 via a thrust bearing. The provision of the thrust bearing and the fitting gap 296 allows the main position limiting stopper 26 to have a certain amount of front-rear movement relative to the feed nut 293. This eliminates misalignment, and thus prevents the occurrence of a stuck phenomenon, provided that synchronization is guaranteed.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , in the first embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus, the supply unit includes a supply conveyor 30 (also referred to as a supply table) and a supply elevator 40. The supply conveyor 30 includes a supply base 31 and a supply conveyor assembly 32 mounted on the supply base 31. The supply elevator 40 is connected between the supply conveyor 30 and the sorting carts 20 of each layer. The supply elevator 40 has an elevating conveyor cart 45 that can move up and down. The supply elevator 40 is used to move the objects to be sorted sent out from the supply conveyor assembly 32 to the sorting cart 20 of the target layer. Therefore, the supply conveyor 30 is mounted on the rear side of the apparatus frame 10. In this way, when the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus performs a sorting operation, an operator places the objects to be sorted into the supply conveyor assembly 32 of the supply conveyor 30. The supply conveying assembly 32 conveys the objects forward to the lifting conveying cart 45 of the supply elevator 40. The lifting conveying cart 45 of the supply elevator 40 then rises and falls to convey the objects to the sorting cart 20 on the corresponding layer, and the sorting cart 20 then moves left and right to transport the objects to a predetermined position, after which the objects can be lowered. In this multi-rail intelligent sorting device, vertical transport is completed by the supply elevator 40, and horizontal transport is completed by the sorting cart 20, further effectively improving the efficiency of secondary sorting of the objects.

[0120] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supply conveyor 30 is provided with a control panel 13 and a scanner 14. The scanner 14 is used to scan the objects to be sorted and confirm the position to which the objects should move. The control panel 13 is used to display and operate the operating status of the device. Furthermore, multi-rail intelligent sorting devices are usually further provided with an alarm that issues a warning when an abnormality occurs.

[0121] Furthermore, there are several preferred embodiments of the supply conveyor 30 used in the multi-rail intelligent sorting system.

[0122] Example 1 of the supply conveyor 30 As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , a first embodiment of the feed conveyor 30 includes a feed base 31 and multiple sets of feed conveyor assemblies 32 attached to the feed base 31. The feed conveyor assemblies 32 have a conveyor belt structure. That is, each set of the feed conveyor assembly 32 includes a feed conveyor support base, a pair of feed rollers 322 rotatably attached to both the front and rear sides of the feed conveyor support base, and a feed conveyor belt 323 connected to the pair of feed rollers 322. The feed rollers 322 can be driven by an independent feed drive source 321 (e.g., a motor). Alternatively, the feed rollers 322 can be motorized rollers. The feed conveyor support base is a base frame 311, which will be described later. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , each set of the feed conveyor assembly 32 includes a feed drive source 321. The pair of feed rollers 322 in each feed conveyor assembly 32 is a drive roller 3221 and a driven roller 3222, respectively. The supply drive source 321 is connected to drive rollers 3221 so as to transmit power thereto. The supply drive sources 321 of the multiple sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 are independent of one another. In the conveying direction in which the supply conveying belt 323 conveys the objects to be sorted forward, the multiple sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 are connected in order from rear to front, and are distributed in a stepped pattern from high to low. Therefore, the supply conveying assembly 32 located at the rearmost side is the highest, and the supply conveying assembly 32 located at the frontmost side is the lowest. Furthermore, two sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0123] In the first embodiment of the supply conveyor 30, each set of supply conveyor assemblies 32 is driven by an independent supply drive source 321. Therefore, the conveying speed of the supply conveyor belt 323 of each supply conveyor assembly 32 is independently controlled. This allows for better control of the movement speed of the objects on the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32, preventing excessive accumulation of objects at the front end of the supply conveyor 30 and improving the efficiency of the device. In addition, in the present application, the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 are arranged in a stepped manner. The heights of the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 decrease sequentially from rear to front. That is, two adjacent sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 are vertically offset, allowing the two adjacent sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 to be more closely spaced. This reduces the gap between two adjacent sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32, preventing objects from falling. Furthermore, by arranging the multiple supply conveyor assemblies 32 in a stepped configuration from a higher place to a lower place, it is possible to prevent a recess from being formed in the center of the supply conveyor belt 323. This prevents light objects from bouncing up on the supply conveyor belt 323, ensuring reliable supply.

[0124] Preferably, the number of the feed conveying assemblies 32 in the feed conveying device 30 can be determined according to actual needs, and may be two, three, four, or more. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, there are three feed conveying assemblies 32.

[0125] Furthermore, a preferred structure of the supply base 31 is as follows. As shown in FIG. 12 , the supply base 31 includes a base frame 311 and a pair of base guard plates 312 fixed to the upper end of the base frame 311. The pair of base guard plates 312 are distributed so as to face both left and right sides of the supply conveyor belts 323 of the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belts 323. The base guard plates 312 are also higher than the supply conveyor belts 323 of the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32. The provision of the base guard plates 312 makes it possible to prevent the objects on the supply conveyor belts 323 from falling from both left and right sides, thereby improving the reliability of the forward conveyance of the objects.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12 , each supply conveying assembly 32 includes a detection unit attached to the supply base 31. The detection unit is used to detect whether or not there is an object passing on the supply conveying belt 323 of that supply conveying assembly 32. This allows the detection of whether the first object on the supply conveying device 30 is passing forward and whether the last object is passing forward to be used for sorting start and stop control. It is also possible to detect the length of the object being conveyed on the supply conveying device 30, and if the length of the object exceeds a threshold, it is determined that the object has been inserted in error. In this case, a warning is issued to improve work safety.

[0127] 12, the detection unit preferably includes a grating sensor 33 fixed to the outside of the base guard plate 312 and a detection opening 313 opened in the base guard plate 312. The detection opening 313 allows the grating sensor 33 to be exposed. In addition, in each supply conveyor assembly 32, the bottom of the detection opening 313 and the ceiling of the supply conveyor belt 323 are aligned at the same height, making it possible to more reliably detect whether or not an object is passing on the supply conveyor belt 323.

[0128] 12, in the conveying direction in which the supply conveyor belt 323 conveys the objects forward, a receiving evacuation area 314 is provided at the tip (i.e., front end) of the base guard plate 312. This prevents the base guard plate 312 from interfering with the sorting cart 20 of the sorting system receiving the objects.

[0129] 12, the supply drive source 321 is offset from the drive roller 3221. Each set of the supply conveying assembly 32 further includes a transmission unit. The supply drive source 321 is connected to the drive roller 3221 via the transmission unit. The offset-distributed structure of the supply drive source 321 and the drive roller 3221 allows the supply conveyor 30 to be reduced in size in the left-right direction, thereby facilitating installation in a sorting system. Preferably, the transmission unit includes a second driving pulley 324 fixed to the motor shaft of the supply drive source 321, a third driven pulley 325 fixed to the end of the drive roller 3221, and a transmission belt 326 connected to the outer peripheries of the second driving pulley 324 and the third driven pulley 325.

[0130] 12 and 13, each supply conveyor assembly 32 further includes an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit includes an adjustment slot 315 formed in the supply base 31, an adjustment plate 34 fixed to the supply base 31, and an adjustment screw 35 rotatably inserted into the adjustment plate 34. The adjustment slot 315 and the adjustment screw 35 both extend linearly back and forth along the conveyance direction of the supply conveyor belt 323. The driven roller 3222 includes a roller axle 3223 and a roll attached to the outer periphery of the roller axle 3223 for rotation. Both ends of the roller axle 3223 are engaged with the adjustment slot 315 and threadedly engaged with the adjustment screw 35. By rotating the adjustment screw 35, the front-to-rear position of the roller axle 3223 of the driven roller 3222 within the adjustment slot 315 can be adjusted. That is, by adjusting the front and rear positions of the driven roller 3222, the degree of tension of the supply conveyor belt 323 in the supply conveyor assembly 32 can be adjusted, making it possible to reliably convey the objects forward.

[0131] Example 2 of the supply conveyor 30 As shown in FIG. 14 , a second embodiment of the supply conveyor 30 includes a supply base 31 provided with a conveyor assembly mounting area 316, and multiple supply conveyor assemblies 32 mounted on the conveyor assembly mounting area 316. The conveying direction of the supply conveyor assemblies 32 is the conveying direction of the supply conveyor 30, which is also the forward direction. The multiple supply conveyor assemblies 32 are arranged front to back along the conveying direction. The number of supply conveyor assemblies 32 mounted on one conveyor assembly mounting area 316 can be determined according to actual needs, and may be two, three, or more. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , two supply conveyor assemblies 32 are mounted on one conveyor assembly mounting area 316.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 , base guard plates 312 are fixed to the supply base 31 on both the left and right sides of the conveyor assembly mounting area 316. The base guard plates 312 are part of the supply base 31. Each set of supply conveyor assemblies 32 includes a supply drive source 321, a pair of supply rollers 322 aligned front to back in the conveyance direction, and a supply conveyor belt 323 connected to the outer periphery of the pair of supply rollers 322. The pair of supply rollers 322 are arranged at the same height. Therefore, the supply conveyor belt 323 has a conveying plane connected to the upper ends of the pair of supply rollers 322. Both left and right ends of the supply roller 322 are rotatably supported by the base guard plates 312 of the supply base 31 and are connected to the supply drive source 321 for power transmission. A substantially triangular region 318 is formed between two adjacent sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32. The supply rollers 322 are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less. That is, the supply roller 322 is a roller with an unusual outer diameter size, and a small diameter roller that is much smaller than the ordinary outer diameter size is used.

[0133] In the supply conveyor 30 according to the present application, when the supply drive source 321 operates, the pair of supply rollers 322 rotate, and simultaneously the supply conveyor belt 323 also rotates. A sorter places multiple objects awaiting sorting on the conveying plane of the supply conveyor belt 323 of the rearmost supply conveyor assembly 32 of the supply conveyor 30. The supply conveyor belt 323 of the supply conveyor assembly 32 conveys the objects forward. In particular, the supply rollers 322 according to the present application are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less. This significantly reduces the size of the approximately triangular region 318 formed between two adjacent pairs of supply conveyor assemblies 32, enabling the connection between the two adjacent pairs of supply conveyor assemblies 32 to be flatter. This effectively prevents small-volume objects from getting caught in the approximately triangular region 318, ensuring that objects conveyed forward by the rearward supply conveyor assembly 32 are smoothly handed over to the forward supply conveyor assembly 32. This significantly reduces the probability of objects falling, ultimately ensuring the reliability and accuracy of sorting the objects. Finally, the objects are conveyed forward by the supply conveyor belts 323 of the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 and then to the front end of the supply conveyor 30. The objects are then received by the sorting cart 20. Therefore, the rear end of the supply conveyor 30 is the supply end for the objects, and the front end of the supply conveyor 30 is the discharge end for the objects.

[0134] In this embodiment of the feed conveyor 30, each of the multiple feed conveyor assemblies 32 uses an independent feed drive source 321. Therefore, the conveying speed of the feed conveyor belt 323 of each feed conveyor assembly 32 is controlled independently. This allows for better control of the movement speed of the objects on the multiple feed conveyor assemblies 32, preventing excessive accumulation of objects at the front end of the feed conveyor 30 and improving the efficiency of the device.

[0135] Preferably, the diameter of the supply roller 322 in the present application is 28 to 32 mm. This effectively prevents small-volume objects from getting caught in the approximately triangular area 318, while ensuring good support performance for the supply conveyor belt 323.

[0136] Furthermore, when a small-diameter roller is used as the supply roller 322, the contact area between the supply roller 322 and the supply conveyor belt 323 inevitably decreases. In other words, the frictional force between the supply roller 322 and the supply conveyor belt 323 inevitably decreases. Therefore, when a structure is used in which the supply drive source 321 rotates the supply roller 322 to rotate the supply conveyor belt 323, the rotation speed of the supply conveyor belt 323 may not meet the required speed. Therefore, the drive structure for rotating the supply conveyor belt 323 using the supply drive source 321 in this application is preferably as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 , the supply drive source 321 is a motor. Furthermore, each set of the supply conveyor assembly 32 includes a transmission roller 36, a first pulley 371 fixed to the motor shaft of the supply drive source 321, a second pulley 372 fixed to the transmission roller 36, and a pulley transmission timing belt 373 connected between the first pulley 371 and the second pulley 372. The transmission roller 36 is parallel to the supply roller 322. Both left and right ends of the transmission roller 36 are rotatably supported by the base guard plate 312 of the supply base 31. The transmission roller 36 is a roller with an unusual outer diameter. The diameter of the transmission roller 36 is larger than that of the supply roller 322. Preferably, the diameter of the transmission roller 36 is three to five times that of the supply roller 322. The transmission roller 36 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt 323 and is located below the pair of supply rollers 322. In this manner, the supply drive source 321 rotates the transmission roller 36 via the first pulley 371, the second pulley 372, and the pulley transmission timing belt 373. Because of the large contact area and large frictional force between the transmission roller 36 and the supply conveyor belt 323, the transmission roller 36 can rotate the supply conveyor belt 323. This improves the reliability of the rotational movement of the supply conveyor belt 323, ensuring accurate forward transport of the sorted objects, while also ensuring that the rotational speed of the supply conveyor belt 323 meets design requirements.

[0137] 15 and 17, a motor mounting area 38 is formed on the outer periphery of the supply conveyor belt 323 between one of the pair of supply rollers 322 and the transmission roller 36. The supply drive source 321 is located in the motor mounting area 38 and is fixed to the base guard plate 312 of the supply base 31. This makes it easier to mount the supply drive source 321, makes the entire structure more compact, and reduces the space occupied by the entire supply conveyor 30.

[0138] 15 to 17, each pair of the supply conveyor assembly 32 includes a tension adjustment roller 39 and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment roller 39 is disposed in the motor mounting area 38. The tension adjustment roller and the transmission roller 36 are parallel to each other. The tension adjustment roller 39 includes a roller axle 391 and a tension drum 392 rotatably attached to the roller axle 391. The tension drum 392 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt 323. The roller axle 391 is attached to the supply base 31 via the tension adjustment assembly so as to be movable back and forth. Thus, by adjusting the front-to-back position of the roller axle 391 using the tension adjustment assembly, the front-to-back position of the tension adjustment roller 39 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the tension of the supply conveyor belt 323. Preferably, a bolt and nut structure can be used for the tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment assembly includes an adjustment base 317 fixed to the supply base 31, an adjustment groove 3171 opened in the supply base 31 and extending forward and backward, an adjustment bolt extending forward and backward, and a lock nut connected to the adjustment bolt. The adjustment bolt and lock nut are not shown. The roller shaft 391 is inserted into the adjustment groove 3171 so as to be movable forward and backward. The adjustment bolt is inserted into the roller shaft 391 and the adjustment base 317. The lock nut abuts against the outer periphery of the roller shaft 391.

[0139] 15 and 17, the outer circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt 323 is provided with at least one position restricting rib 3231 extending in the circumferential direction. When there are multiple position restricting ribs 3231, the multiple position restricting ribs 3231 are aligned left and right in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor assembly 32. The position restricting rib 3231 restricts the left and right positions of the objects to be sorted conveyed forward on the supply conveyor belt 323, thereby improving the conveyance accuracy of the objects to be sorted forward. The number of position restricting ribs 3231 on each supply conveyor belt 323 is determined according to actual needs. In this embodiment, there are two position restricting ribs 3231, one on each side.

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the supply base 31 is provided with a plurality of transport assembly mounting areas 316. The plurality of transport assembly mounting areas 316 are lined up on the left and right in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply transport assemblies 32. Each transport assembly mounting area 316 has a plurality of sets of supply transport assemblies 32 mounted thereon. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the supply base 31 has two transport assembly mounting areas 316, one on the left and one on the right. Furthermore, each transport assembly mounting area 316 has two sets of supply transport assemblies 32 mounted thereon. This arrangement can improve the supply efficiency of the objects to be sorted, and ultimately improve the sorting efficiency of the sorting system.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 , in the conveying direction in which the supply conveying assemblies 32 convey the objects forward, the multiple supply conveying assemblies 32 are arranged in a stepped pattern from rear to front and from higher to lower. That is, the supply conveying assemblies 32 arranged at the rear are higher than the supply conveying assemblies 32 arranged at the front. By offsetting the heights of two adjacent supply conveying assemblies 32, the gap between the two adjacent supply conveying assemblies 32 can be reduced. This further reduces the approximately triangular area 318, thereby better preventing objects from falling. Furthermore, using multiple supply conveying assemblies 32 arranged at the front and rear prevents a recess from forming in the center of the supply conveying belt 323. This prevents light objects from bouncing up on the supply conveying belt 323 and ensures reliable supply.

[0142] Furthermore, there are several preferred embodiments of the feed elevator 40 used in the multi-rail intelligent sorting system.

[0143] Supply elevator 40 embodiment 1 As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the supply elevator 40 includes a frame-type support base 41. At least one pair of vertically distributed lift timing pulleys 42 is provided within the frame-type support base 41. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the lift timing pulleys 42 are provided in two pairs, one on the left and one on the right. Therefore, there are four lift timing pulleys 42, each rotatably attached to the four corners of the frame-type support base 41. A lift timing belt 43 is provided between each pair of upper and lower lift timing pulleys 42. A lift servo motor 44 is provided on the ceiling or bottom of the frame-type support base 41. The lift servo motor 44 is connected to either the upper two lift timing pulleys 42 or the lower two lift timing pulleys 42 so as to transmit power thereto. A lift transport cart 45 is connected between the two lift timing belts 43 on the left and right. The lift transport cart 45 is capable of receiving and throwing materials. When the lifting servo motor 44 operates, it rotates the lifting timing pulley 42, causing the lifting timing belt 43 to rotate in the vertical direction. This causes the lifting transport cart 45 to rise or fall to rails 12 at different heights, and the objects to be sorted are transported from the lifting transport cart 45 to the sorting cart 20 on the rails 12.

[0144] Supply elevator 40 embodiment 2 As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the supply elevator 40 includes a vertical beam 46 extending vertically, an elevator servomotor 44 provided on the ceiling or bottom of the vertical beam 46, an elevator guide rail 47 fixed to one side of the vertical beam 46, an elevator slider 48 sliding on the elevator guide rail 47, and an elevator transport cart 45 connected to transmit power to the elevator servomotor 44. The elevator slider 48 is fixedly connected to the elevator transport cart 45. The elevator transport cart 45 is capable of receiving and throwing. When the elevator servomotor 44 operates, the elevator transport cart 45 rises or falls to rails 12 of different heights by the elevator guide rails 47 and the elevator slider 48. The elevator transport cart 45 then transports the objects to be sorted to the sorting cart 20 on the rail 12.

[0145] Preferably, in the two embodiments of the supply elevator 40, the lifting transport cart 45 has a conveyor belt structure. As shown in Fig. 19, the lifting transport cart 45 includes a lifting transport support base, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on both the front and rear sides of the lifting transport support base, and a lifting transport belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers. The lifting rollers can be driven by an independent motor. Alternatively, the lifting rollers are electrically driven rollers.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , a receiving device 50 and a dropping mechanism 60 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the device frame 10 in the front-to-rear direction, which is perpendicular to the left-to-right translational movement of the sorting cart 20. The sorting cart 20 moves back and forth between the dropping mechanisms 60 on both the front and rear sides. The receiving device 50 includes a shelf 51 and multiple receiving frames 52 attached to the shelf 51. The multiple receiving frames 52 are distributed in a matrix form, with multiple layers vertically and multiple frames on the left and right sides per layer. The dropping mechanism 60 also includes multiple dropping slide tanks 61. A certain number of dropping slide tanks 61 are distributed in a matrix form, with multiple layers vertically and multiple frames on the left and right sides per layer. The multiple receiving frames 52 on the shelf 51 correspond one-to-one to the multiple dropping slide tanks 61 of the dropping mechanism 60. The receiving frames 52 are distributed on the outer end side of the dropping slide tanks 61. The dropping slide tanks 61 extend outward and downward. The sorting cart 20 moves the objects to be sorted placed on it in the left-right direction to the target drop slide tank 61, and then lowers the objects into the drop slide tank 61. The objects to be sorted slide along the drop slide tank 61 and onto the receiving frame 52 outside it. This allows automatic sorting to be realized more intelligently.

[0147] Furthermore, a preferred structure of the dropping mechanism 60 is as follows. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 23, the dropping mechanism 60 includes a slide tank bottom plate 62 attached to the device frame 10 and a plurality of partitions 624 attached to the slide tank bottom plate 62. A plurality of dropping slide tanks 61 are formed between the slide tank bottom plate 62 and the plurality of partitions 624. The slide tank bottom plate 62 is rectangular. The slide tank bottom plate 62 includes a first side edge 6211 and a second side edge 6212 arranged facing each other at the front and rear. The first side edge 6211 is close to the sorting cart 20, i.e., the inner side of the slide tank bottom plate 62. The second side edge 6212 is away from the sorting cart 20, i.e., the outer side of the slide tank bottom plate 62. Furthermore, the height of the first side edge 6211 is greater than the height of the second side edge 6212. Furthermore, since the slide tank bottom plate 62 is provided so as to slope outward and downward, the drop slide tank 61 is also provided so as to slope outward and downward. As a result, the sorted objects dropped from the first side edge 6211 onto the slide tank bottom plate 62 slide down to the second side edge 6212 due to the action of gravity, and then are dropped into the receiving device 50. Preferably, the slide tank bottom plate 62 further includes a third side edge and a fourth side edge provided so as to face each other on the left and right. One connecting plate 64 is provided on each of the third side edge and the fourth side edge. The slide tank bottom plate 62 is attached to the device frame 10 via the connecting plate 64.

[0148] During sorting, the sorting cart 20 first moves to the supply conveyor 30 and receives the objects supplied from the supply conveyor 30. The sorting cart 20 then moves the objects to a predetermined position on the slide tank bottom plate 62. The sorting cart 20 then lowers the objects, which pass through the slide tank bottom plate 62 and drop into the receiving device 50, completing the dropping process. To prevent the objects from falling into the gap between the sorting cart 20 and the slide tank bottom plate 62 and ensure smooth dropping, a flexible stopper 63 is provided on the first side edge 6211 of the slide tank bottom plate 62, as shown in FIG. 23 . The flexible stopper 63 contributes to reducing the gap between the sorting cart 20 and the slide tank bottom plate 62, preventing the objects from falling, and is automatically elastically recoverable upon collision with the sorting cart 20, making it less susceptible to damage. Specifically, the flexible stopper 63 is made of a flexible material with excellent resilience, such as silicone or rubber. In addition, lighter items on the sorting cart 20 are more likely to fall than heavier items. When a light item falls from the sorting cart 20, it falls onto the flexible stopper 63. The flexible stopper 63 itself has a certain bearing capacity, and the bearing performance of the flexible stopper 63 also ensures that the items can enter the slide tank bottom plate 62, ensuring smooth completion of the drop.

[0149] Furthermore, when the sorting cart 20 attempts to lower the objects placed on it onto the slide tank bottom plate 62, the height of the sorting cart 20 is higher than the height of the first side edge 6211, so there is a difference in height between the sorting cart 20 and the slide tank bottom plate 62. This difference in height makes it possible for the objects to move parabolic when they leave the sorting cart 20, greatly improving the possibility of dropping the objects onto the slide tank bottom plate 62.

[0150] Furthermore, the type of flexible stopper 63 is not limited, and may include several flexible pads provided along the first side 6211. Also, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, flexible stopper 63 may include a plurality of flexible strips 631. The plurality of flexible strips 631 are provided on the first side 6211 at intervals on the left and right. Compared to a single flexible pad, the plurality of flexible strips 631 can reduce the resistance force that the sorting cart 20 receives during movement, and also reduce wear on the flexible strips 631 themselves, resulting in a longer overall service life than a flexible pad.

[0151] In the embodiment using the above-described multiple flexible strips 631, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 29, the slide tank bottom plate 62 includes a main plate body 621 and a bent portion 622 connected to form an L-shape. The main plate body 621 includes the above-described first side edge 6211 and second side edge 6212. The extension direction of the first side edge 6211 and the second side edge 6212 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main plate body 621. The first side edge 6211 is connected to the bent portion 622. Furthermore, at the connection point between the main plate body 621 and the bent portion 622, a plurality of through holes 623 are opened at intervals in the extension direction of the first side edge 6211. The dropping mechanism 60 also includes a pressing plate 66 provided below the main plate body 621. The pressing plate 66 includes a first plate body 661 and a second plate body 662 connected to form an L-shape. The first plate body 661 has multiple pairs of insertion holes spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the first plate body 661. The longitudinal direction of the first plate body 661 is parallel to the extension direction of the first side edge 6211. Each pair of insertion holes includes a first insertion hole 6611 and a second insertion hole 6612 spaced apart in the width direction of the first plate body 661. As shown in FIGS. 23 to 25 and 30, one end of the flexible strip 631 is inserted sequentially through the through hole 623, the second insertion hole 6612, and the first insertion hole 6611 to form a U-shaped portion 632. The second plate body 662 is detachably connected to the bent portion 622. This arrangement prevents the flexible strip 631 from falling off the slide tank bottom plate 62 during use, making the mounting structure more solid and stable.

[0152] 25, 26, 28, and 29, the second plate body 662 has a connecting hole 6621, and the bent portion 622 has a fastening slot 6221. The fastening slot 6221 extends along the width of the bent portion 622. The inner diameter of the connecting hole 6621 is smaller than the length of the fastening slot 6221. The connecting hole 6621 and the fastening slot 6221 are connected by a fastening member. Specifically, the fastening member is a bolt. By adjusting the position of the fastening member in the fastening slot 6221, the distance between the first plate body 661 and the main plate body 621 can be changed, which facilitates fixing flexible strips 631 of different sizes to the slide tank bottom plate 62. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 65 are further provided on the bottom of the main plate body 621. Specifically, the reinforcing ribs 65 extend along the extension direction of the first side edge 6211. By providing it in this manner, the structural strength of the main plate body 621 can be strengthened, which contributes to supporting objects of different weights.

[0153] Furthermore, a preferred structure of the sorting drive assembly 70 is as follows. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 31 , the sorting drive assembly 70 includes at least one timing belt transmission assembly. Each timing belt transmission assembly includes a pair of carriage timing pulleys 71 rotatably mounted on both the left and right ends of the equipment frame 10, a carriage timing belt 72 connected between the pair of carriage timing pulleys 71, and a carriage servo motor 73 connected to one end of the carriage timing pulley 71 for transmission. The extension direction of the carriage timing belt 72 is parallel to the extension direction of the rail 12. The carriage frame 21 of the sorting cart 20 is fixedly connected to the carriage timing belt 72. When the carriage servo motor 73 operates, it rotates the carriage timing pulley 71, causing the carriage timing belt 72 to rotate, thereby horizontally moving the sorting cart 20 to a predetermined position in the left-right direction. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 31 , two timing belt transmission assemblies are provided. In the front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the direction of parallel movement of the sorting cart 20, the two sets of timing belt transmission assemblies are symmetrically connected to both the front and rear sides of the cart frame 21 of the sorting cart 20. This makes the force applied to the entire sorting cart 20 more uniform, further improving the stability of left-right parallel movement along the rail 12.

[0154] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the equipment frame 10 has a linear frame structure extending linearly in the left-right direction. In the extension direction of the equipment frame 10 (i.e., the length direction of the equipment frame 10), the supply area 11 and the supply unit are located at the left or right end of the side edge of the equipment frame 10 along the extension direction of the equipment frame 10. In the drawing shown in FIG. 1, the supply unit is located at the right end of the rear side edge of the equipment frame 10. The equipment frame 10 is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks 61, shelves 51, and receiving frames 52 only on the left side of the supply conveyor 30 and the supply elevator 40 in the extension direction. After the sorting cart 20 moves to the right to the supply elevator 40 to receive the sorted items, it can only move parallel to the left to transport the sorted items. Then, the sorting cart 20 moves again to the right to the supply elevator 40 and then moves parallel to the left to transport the sorted items. This process is repeated. Therefore, the multi-rail intelligent sorting device of Example 1 has a terminal supply structure. The sorting cart 20 can only move left and right on the left side of the supply unit along the extension direction of the device frame 10. This allows the overall structure of the device to be relatively simplified, thereby reducing costs. In addition, this structure is applicable when the device frame 10 is short in the left-right direction.

[0155] Example 2 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The second embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the first embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus in the following respects: That is, as shown in Fig. 32, the supply conveyor 30 has a plurality of supply conveying assemblies 32 and a plurality of corresponding supply elevators 40. In the second embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus shown in Fig. 32, the supply conveyor 30 has two supply conveying assemblies 32 and two corresponding supply elevators 40, one on each side, which improves sorting efficiency.

[0156] Example 3 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The third embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the first embodiment in the following respects. Specifically, the third embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus employs a central supply structure. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 , the supply unit is located at the center of the rear edge of the apparatus frame 10 in the extension direction of the apparatus frame 10. The apparatus frame 10 is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks 61, shelves 51, and receiving frames 52 on both the left and right sides of the supply conveyor 30 and the supply elevator 40 in the extension direction. The sorting cart 20 can move left or right to receive the sorted items and then move left or right to transport the sorted items. The sorting cart 20 then moves back in the opposite direction to the supply elevator 40 to continue transporting the sorted items. This process is repeated. Therefore, the third embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus employs a central supply structure, which can also be called a non-terminal supply structure. The sorting cart can move to both the left and right sides of the supply unit along the extension direction of the device frame 10. Compared to the end supply structure adopted in Example 1 of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, assuming the same number of drop slide tanks 61, the central supply structure can relatively shorten the distance that the sorting cart 20 travels between the supply elevator 40 and the drop slide tank 61, thereby reducing the stroke of the sorting cart 20. Furthermore, assuming the same stroke of the sorting cart 20, the central supply structure can accommodate more drop slide tanks 61. Finally, Example 3 of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device with a central supply structure significantly improves sorting efficiency.

[0157] In the third embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , a sorting cart 20 and a timing belt transmission assembly for moving the sorting cart 20 left and right are provided on both the left and right sides of the supply unit. If the position of the rail 12 in the supply area 11 is defined as the receiving station 123, the supply unit is also provided at the receiving station 123. Both the left and right sorting carts 20 can move to the receiving station 123 to receive items. For convenience of description, the sorting cart 20 located on the left side of the supply unit is defined as the first sorting cart 741, and the timing belt transmission assembly located on the left side of the supply unit is defined as the first parallel motion transmission assembly 742. The cart servo motor 73 in the first parallel motion transmission assembly 742 constitutes the first parallel motion drive source 743. The two sets of first parallel movement transmission assemblies 742 on the left side constitute a first parallel movement transmission unit, and the first sorting cart 741 and the first parallel movement transmission unit connected to transmit power constitute a first assembly. Meanwhile, the sorting cart 20 located on the right side of the supply unit is defined as a second sorting cart 751, and the timing belt transmission assembly located on the right side of the supply unit is defined as a second parallel movement transmission assembly 752. The cart servo motor 73 in the second parallel movement transmission assembly 752 constitutes a second parallel movement drive source 753. The two sets of second parallel movement transmission assemblies 752 on the right side constitute a second parallel movement transmission unit, and the second sorting cart 751 and the second parallel movement transmission unit connected to transmit power constitute a second assembly. Any of the multiple embodiments of the sorting cart 20 described above can be used for the first sorting cart 741 and the second sorting cart 751.

[0158] Therefore, in Example 3 of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, the first sorting cart 741 is movably attached to the rail 12 by a first parallel movement transmission unit, and the second sorting cart 751 is movably attached to the rail 12 by a second parallel movement transmission unit. In the extension direction of the rail 12, a receiving station 123 is provided at a non-end position of the rail 12, where the first sorting cart 741 and the second sorting cart 751 receive objects. The receiving station 123 is distributed on the movement stroke of the first sorting cart 741 when it moves along the rail 12, and on the movement stroke of the second sorting cart 751 when it moves along the rail 12. As a result, the movement stroke of the first sorting cart 741 and the movement stroke of the second sorting cart 751 overlap at the receiving station 123.

[0159] As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , the rails 12 are preferably horizontal rails, and include two rails, a first rail 121 and a second rail 122, one at the front and one at the back. The first parallel movement transmission unit and the second parallel movement transmission unit are provided between the two rails 12. Of course, in other embodiments, the rails 12 may have other shapes. For example, the rails 12 may be curved, L-shaped, or T-shaped. The front and rear sides of the first sorting cart 741 are movably attached to the first rail 121 and the second rail 122, respectively. The front and rear sides of the second sorting cart 751 are movably attached to the first rail 121 and the second rail 122, respectively. This allows the first sorting cart 741 and the second sorting cart 751 to remain stable during long-term operation.

[0160] Furthermore, the installation manner of the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 preferably includes some of the following:

[0161] Method 1: As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742 are provided symmetrically in the front-rear direction, and two sets of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are provided symmetrically in the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the two sets of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are provided between the two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742. In the left-right direction, the right portions of the two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742 and the left portions of the two sets of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are provided so as to intersect at the receiving station 123. That is, in the left-right direction, the right end of the first translation transmission assembly 742 is located to the right of the left end of the second translation transmission assembly 752, and the left end of the second translation transmission assembly 752 is located to the left of the right end of the first translation transmission assembly 742. As a result, the movement stroke of the first sorting cart 741 and the movement stroke of the second sorting cart 751 overlap at the receiving station 123. This prevents the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 from interfering with each other, and allows the first sorting cart 741 and the second sorting cart 751 to move along the same rail 12, effectively improving sorting efficiency. Furthermore, it is possible to stably support the sorting cart 20, which prevents the connection position between the translation transmission assembly and the sorting cart 20 from being biased toward the end of the sorting cart 20, preventing the end of the sorting cart 20 that is not connected to the translation transmission assembly from tilting downward.

[0162] Method 2: The difference from Method 1 is as follows: Two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742 and one set of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are provided symmetrically in the front-to-rear direction. In the front-to-rear direction, one set of second translation transmission assemblies 752 is provided between the two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742. In addition, the second translation transmission assemblies 752 are distributed centrally with respect to the second sorting cart 751.

[0163] Method 3: The difference from Method 1 is as follows. That is, a set of first translation transmission assemblies 742 and a set of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are provided symmetrically in the front-to-rear direction. In the front-to-rear direction, the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 are both located between two rails 12. The first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 are provided at a distance from each other in the front-to-rear direction in the horizontal width direction of the rail 12.

[0164] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, when two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742 are provided, front and rear, the two front and rear carriage timing pulleys 71 located on the same left-right side of the two sets of first translation transmission assemblies 742 are preferably fixed to a single first synchronization shaft 744 extending forward and backward. The first synchronization shaft 744 is connected to the carriage servo motor 73 of the first translation transmission assembly 742. When two sets of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are provided, front and rear, the two front and rear carriage timing pulleys 71 located on the same left-right side of the two sets of second translation transmission assemblies 752 are preferably fixed to a single second synchronization shaft 754 extending forward and backward. The second synchronization shaft 754 is connected to the carriage servo motor 73 of the second translation transmission assembly 752.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 are both timing belt transmission structures, and in other embodiments, the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 may be a sprocket and chain transmission structure, a rack and pinion transmission structure, or a ball screw transmission structure.

[0166] 36, only one rail 12 is provided, and a first sorting cart 741 and a second sorting cart 751 are movably attached to the rail 12. In this case, the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 are provided on the same side or different sides of the rail 12 in the horizontal width direction of the rail 12. When the first translation transmission assembly 742 and the second translation transmission assembly 752 are provided on the same side of the rail 12, they are provided at a distance from each other and do not interfere with each other.

[0167] Example 4 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The fourth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the third embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus in the following respects. That is, as shown in FIG. 37, the supply conveyor 30 has a plurality of supply conveyor assemblies 32 and a plurality of corresponding supply elevators 40. The fourth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus shown in FIG. 37 also has a central supply structure. There are two supply conveyor assemblies 32 and two corresponding supply elevators 40 on the left and right sides of the supply conveyor 30 in the center of the apparatus frame 10, which further improves sorting efficiency.

[0168] Example 5 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The fifth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the first embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus in the following respects. That is, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39 , the structure of the supply unit is different. The supply unit includes a supply compartment and a supply assembly. There are multiple supply compartments. Each of the multiple supply compartments is located at the position of the supply area 11 on the apparatus frame 10, corresponds to the rail 12, and is distributed vertically. Each supply compartment is provided with a supply assembly. When the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus performs sorting, the supply area 11 is used for manual supply or automatic supply using a supply device. The sorted objects are fed into the supply assembly. As the supply assembly transports the sorted objects forward, they move to the sorting cart 20 on the corresponding layer. The sorting drive assembly 70 controls the sorting cart 20 to move left and right along the rail 12 on which the sorting cart 20 is located to a predetermined position and then lowers the sorted objects. The multi-rail intelligent sorting machine has multiple vertically distributed feed compartments. Therefore, based on the height at which the sorted objects are to be sorted, the objects can be directly fed into the feed assembly of the feed compartment at the corresponding height, after which the sorting cart 20 can complete the left-right transport. This effectively improves the efficiency of secondary sorting of the objects. Furthermore, the structure of the multi-rail intelligent sorting machine is relatively simple, resulting in lower costs and easier maintenance. It is also easier to operate, has improved sorting accuracy, and can sort objects of different sizes. At the same time, the present application reduces capital investment in the secondary sorting process of the objects, reduces labor costs, and improves sorting accuracy.

[0169] As shown in Figures 38 to 41, the supply assembly further includes a supply transport vehicle 90. The supply transport vehicle 90 is located at the rear side of the device frame 10. As the sorting cart 20 moves parallel to the left and right, the sorting cart 20 can move to the front side of the supply transport vehicle 90. The supply transport vehicle 90 uses a conveyor belt structure. The supply transport vehicle 90 includes a supply transport support base, a pair of supply rollers attached to the front and rear ends of the supply transport support base, and a supply transport belt connected to the pair of supply rollers. The supply rollers can be driven by independent motors. Alternatively, electric rollers are used for the supply rollers. The objects to be sorted are placed on the supply transport belt of the supply transport vehicle 90, and the rotation of the supply rollers causes the supply transport belt to rotate, thereby transporting the objects forward and dropping them onto the sorting cart 20. In other words, the forward direction is also the supply direction of the supply assembly.

[0170] Preferably, as shown in Figures 38 to 41, a lamp assembly 16 is provided in each supply compartment. The lamp assembly 16 can indicate the insertion status of the sorted items. For example, a green lamp indicates that insertion is possible, and a red lamp indicates that insertion is not possible. In addition, one of the multiple supply compartments is provided with a scanner 14 for code scanning and identifying the sorted items to confirm the position to which the sorted items should proceed. A control panel 13 is provided on the device frame 10 on the supply area 11 side. The control panel 13 is used to display and operate the operating status of the device. Furthermore, a multi-rail intelligent sorting device is usually further provided with an alarm. The alarm issues a warning when an abnormality occurs.

[0171] Example 6 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The sixth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the fifth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus in the following respects. That is, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, in the sixth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus, the supply assembly includes a supply slide tank 80 and a supply transport vehicle 90. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 43, the rails 12, the sorting carts 20 thereon, and the supply compartments are arranged in three layers, one above the other. The supply assembly in the top supply compartment is the supply transport vehicle 90. The supply transport vehicle 90 is located at the rear of the equipment frame 10. The supply assembly in the middle and bottom supply compartments is the supply slide tank 80. The supply slide tank 80 is located at the rear of the equipment frame 10. The supply slide tank 80 is arranged at a gradual downward incline along the supply direction. That is, the supply slide tank 80 is inclined downward toward the front.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 42, for the top-level rail 12, the sorting cart 20 above it, and the supply transport cart 90, after the sorting cart 20 moves to the front side of the supply transport cart 90, the supply transport cart 90 transports the objects forward. As a result, the objects are dropped onto the sorting cart 20. Also, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, for the rails 12 on each of the lower two levels, the sorting cart 20 above it, and the supply slide tank 80, after the sorting cart 20 moves to the front side of the supply slide tank 80, the objects are placed onto the supply slide tank 80. Then, the objects slide downward and forward along the slope of the supply slide tank 80 and slide down onto the sorting cart 20, thereby realizing forward transport of the objects. Therefore, the forward direction is also the supply direction by the supply assembly.

[0173] Preferably, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, a detection grating 17 is provided for each supply compartment. The detection grating 17 is used to detect whether or not sorted objects are present in the supply compartment. In addition, an opening / closing device is provided for each supply slide tank 80. When the sorting cart 20 has not reached the front end of the supply slide tank 80, the opening / closing device is closed to prevent the sorted objects from sliding out of the supply slide tank 80. The opening / closing device is opened only when the sorting cart 20 has reached the front end of the supply slide tank 80, allowing the sorted objects to slide out of the supply slide tank 80. In addition, a lamp assembly 16 is provided for each supply compartment. The lamp assembly 16 is attached to the rear end of each supply slide tank 80.

[0174] Example 7 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The seventh embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the sixth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus in the following respects: the seventh embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus uses the feed slide troughs 80 of the sixth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus for all of the feed assemblies.

[0175] Example 8 of multi-rail intelligent sorting device The eighth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus differs from the fifth embodiment in the following respects. That is, as shown in FIG. 44 , the eighth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus employs a central supply structure. Specifically, in the extension direction of the apparatus frame 10, the supply area 11 is located at the center of the rear edge of the apparatus frame 10. The apparatus frame 10 is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks 61, shelves 51, and receiving frames 52 on both the left and right sides of the supply area 11 in the extension direction. The sorting cart 20 can move left or right to receive the sorted items, and then move left or right to transport the sorted items. The sorting cart 20 then moves back in the opposite direction to the supply area 11 to continue transporting the sorted items. This process is repeated. Therefore, the eighth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus employs a central supply structure, which can also be called a non-terminal supply structure. The sorting cart can move to both the left and right sides of the supply area 11 along the extension direction of the device frame 10. Compared to the end-feed structure adopted in the fifth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device, assuming the same number of drop slide tubs 61, the central feed structure relatively shortens the distance traveled by the sorting cart 20 between the supply area 11 and the drop slide tub 61, thereby reducing the stroke of the sorting cart 20. Furthermore, assuming the same stroke of the sorting cart 20, the central feed structure allows for more drop slide tubs 61 to be installed. Finally, the eighth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device with the central feed structure significantly improves sorting efficiency. Furthermore, the eighth embodiment of the multi-rail intelligent sorting device is applicable when the device frame 10 is long and the number of drop slide tubs 61 and receiving frames 52 is large.

[0176] To sum up, the multi-rail intelligent sorting device of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0177] 1. It has the characteristics of low cost, easy operation, easy maintenance, high sorting speed, high accuracy, and the ability to sort objects of different sizes, etc. Therefore, it not only improves the efficiency of secondary sorting of objects, but also reduces the investment required for the secondary sorting process of objects, reduces labor costs, and improves sorting accuracy.

[0178] 2. Manual / automatic feeding is possible, and the items can be sorted quickly and accurately into the designated positions.

[0179] 3. A rail-type direct drive structure is used for the trolley transmission, and the sorted items are fed vertically. The feeding direction is the same as the operating direction, so the stability of the sorted items can be maintained to the maximum.

[0180] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can supplement or modify the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent supplements or modifications that those skilled in the art can make without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention are still encompassed within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-rail intelligent sorting device, A multi-rail intelligent sorting device comprising an equipment frame (10), multiple layers of rails (12) distributed vertically, sorting carts (20) movably attached to each of the rails (12), a sorting drive assembly (70) for moving the sorting carts (20) on the rails (12), and a supply unit, wherein the multiple layers of rails (12) are all fixed to the equipment frame (10), a supply area (11) is provided on the side of the equipment frame (10), and the supply unit is provided in the supply area (11) and supplies sorted items to the sorting carts (20) of each layer.

2. 2. The multi-rail intelligent sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit includes a supply conveyor (30) and a supply elevator (40), the supply conveyor (30) includes a supply base (31) and a supply conveying assembly (32) mounted on the supply base (31), the supply elevator (40) is connected between the supply conveyor (30) and the sorting cart (20) of each layer, and the supply elevator (40) has a lifting transport cart (45) that can move up and down.

3. 3. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the supply elevator (40) further includes a frame-type support base (41), at least one pair of vertically distributed lifting timing pulleys (42) installed within the frame-type support base (41), a lifting timing belt (43) installed between the pair of vertically distributed lifting timing pulleys (42), and a lifting servo motor (44) installed on the frame-type support base (41), the lifting servo motor (44) connected to the lifting timing pulleys (42) for power transmission, and the lifting timing belt (43) connected to the lifting transport cart (45).

4. 3. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 2, wherein the supply elevator (40) further includes a vertical beam (46), a lifting servo motor (44) provided on the vertical beam (46), a lifting guide rail (47) fixed to one side of the vertical beam (46), and a lifting slider (48) sliding on the lifting guide rail (47), wherein the lifting servo motor (44) is connected to the lifting transport cart (45) for power transmission, and the lifting slider (48) is fixedly connected to the lifting transport cart (45).

5. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the lifting and lowering transport cart (45) includes a lifting and lowering transport support base, a pair of lifting and lowering rollers rotatably attached to the lifting and lowering transport support base, and a lifting and lowering transport belt connected to the pair of lifting and lowering rollers.

6. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 2, characterized in that the supply conveying assembly (32) includes a supply conveying support base, a supply driving source (321) attached to the supply conveying support base, a pair of supply rollers (322) rotatably attached to the supply conveying support base, and a supply conveying belt (323) connected to the pair of supply rollers (322), wherein the supply conveying support base is fixedly connected to the supply base (31), and the supply driving source (321) is connected to transmit power to the supply rollers (322).

7. 7. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 6, wherein the supply conveying assembly (32) is provided in a plurality of sets, the supply driving sources (321) of the plurality of sets of the supply conveying assembly (32) are independent of each other, the plurality of sets of the supply conveying assembly (32) are connected in sequence in the conveying direction of the supply conveying belt (323) and are distributed in a stepped manner from a high place to a low place, and two adjacent sets of the supply conveying assembly (32) are arranged adjacent to each other.

8. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of sets of the supply conveying assemblies (32) are provided, an approximately triangular area (318) is formed between two adjacent sets of the supply conveying assemblies (32), and the supply rollers (322) are small diameter rollers having a diameter of 40 mm or less.

9. 9. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 8, wherein the supply driving source (321) is a motor, and each set of the supply conveying assembly (32) further includes a transmission roller (36) rotatably supported on the supply base (31), a first pulley (371) fixed to the motor shaft of the supply driving source (321), a second pulley (372) fixed to the transmission roller (36), and a pulley transmission timing belt (373) connected between the first pulley (371) and the second pulley (372), wherein the transmission roller (36) contacts the inner surface of the supply conveying belt (323) and is distributed below the pair of supply rollers (322), and the diameter of the transmission roller (36) is larger than the diameter of the supply rollers (322).

10. 2. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the sorting cart (20) comprises a cart frame (21), a pair of sorting rollers (22) rotatably mounted on the cart frame (21), and a sorting conveyor belt (23) connected to the pair of sorting rollers (22).

11. 11. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 10, wherein the sorting cart (20) further includes a pair of lateral position control stops (24) attached to the cart frame (21) and a pair of main position control stops (26) attached to the cart frame (21), a first opening (231) and a second opening (232) are formed between the sorting conveyor belt (23) and the pair of lateral position control stops (24), the first opening (231) and the second opening (232) are distributed on both ends of the sorting conveyor belt (23) in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt (23), and the main position control stops (26) are movably attached to the cart frame (21) to close or open the first opening (231) and the second opening (232).

12. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device described in claim 11, characterized in that each of the main position control stoppers (26) includes two position control gates (261) rotatably attached to the cart frame (21), and the sorting cart (20) is provided with a stopper drive source (27) connected to each of the position control gates (261) so as to transmit power to each of the position control gates (261), and the stopper drive source (27) is fixed to the cart frame (21).

13. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 11, characterized in that the sorting cart (20) further includes a lifting drive source and a lifting transmission unit attached to the cart frame (21), a pair of the main position control stoppers (26) are attached to the cart frame (21) so as to be able to rise and fall, and the lifting drive source is connected to transmit power to the pair of the main position control stoppers (26) via the lifting transmission unit, thereby synchronously lifting and lowering the pair of the main position control stoppers (26).

14. The device further includes a receiving device (50) and a dropping mechanism (60) provided on the outer periphery of the device frame (10), The receiving device (50) includes a shelf (51) and a plurality of receiving frames (52) attached to the shelf (51) and distributed in a matrix; The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 1, characterized in that the dropping mechanism (60) includes a slide tank bottom plate (62) fixed to the device frame (10) and a plurality of partitions (624) attached to the slide tank bottom plate (62), and a plurality of drop slide tanks (61) distributed in a matrix are formed between the slide tank bottom plate (62) and the plurality of partitions (624), and the plurality of drop slide tanks (61) correspond one-to-one to the plurality of receiving frames (52).

15. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 14, characterized in that the slide tank bottom plate (62) has a first side edge (6211) close to the sorting cart (20) and a second side edge (6212) away from the sorting cart (20), and the dropping mechanism (60) is provided with a flexible stopper (63) on the first side edge (6211) of the slide tank bottom plate (62), and the flexible stopper (63) includes a plurality of flexible strips (631) arranged at intervals.

16. 2. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 1, wherein the sorting drive assembly (70) includes at least one timing belt transmission assembly, the timing belt transmission assembly including a pair of carriage timing pulleys (71) rotatably mounted on the device frame (10), a carriage timing belt (72) connected between the pair of carriage timing pulleys (71), and a carriage servo motor (73) connected to one end of the carriage timing pulley (71) for transmission, the extension direction of the carriage timing belt (72) is parallel to the extension direction of the rail (12), and the carriage frame (21) of the sorting cart (20) is fixedly connected to the carriage timing belt (72).

17. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply unit includes supply compartments arranged in the supply area (11) and corresponding to the rails (12) and distributed vertically, and a supply assembly arranged in each of the supply compartments, and the supply assembly includes a supply slide tray (80).

18. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply unit includes supply compartments arranged in the supply area (11) and corresponding to the rails (12) and distributed vertically, and a supply assembly arranged in each of the supply compartments, and the supply assembly includes a supply transport vehicle (90).

19. The multi-rail intelligent sorting device of claim 1, 2, 17 or 18, characterized in that the supply area (11) and the supply unit are arranged at non-end positions in the extension direction of the device frame (10), the sorting cart (20) and the sorting drive assembly (70) are arranged on both sides of the supply unit in the extension direction of the device frame (10), and the sorting drive assemblies (70) on both sides intersect in the supply area (11) so that the movement strokes of the sorting carts (20) on both sides overlap in the supply area (11).

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