Track system, shuttle car system, and sorting system

Abstract

This disclosure provides a track system, a shuttle car system, and a sorting system. The track system includes a descent track switching mechanism. The descent track switching mechanism includes a descent track switching segment provided between a first longitudinal descent track segment and a second longitudinal descent track segment. The descent track switching segment has a first end rotatably connected to the first longitudinal descent track segment and a second end provided as a free end. In the closed state, the second end of the descent track switching segment is joined to the second longitudinal descent track segment, connecting the first and second longitudinal descent track segments. In the open state, the second end of the descent track switching segment separates from the second longitudinal descent track segment. In the process of the shuttle car moving from the lateral track to the second longitudinal descent track segment, the descent track switching segment is configured to rotate and switch from the closed state to the open state due to the pushing action of the shuttle car. There is no need to install a dedicated drive mechanism for opening and closing the descending orbit switching segment, thereby simplifying the structure of the orbit system.

Description

Cross-reference

[0001] This disclosure is based on an application with Chinese Application No. 202310854631.9 and a filing date of July 12, 2023, and claims the priority thereof. The disclosure content of the Chinese application is incorporated into this disclosure as a whole.

Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an orbital system, a shuttle car system, and a sorting system.

Background Art

[0003] The sorting system is used to seed the sorted goods into the racks. Its normal configuration includes a sorting wall, an orbital system, and a shuttle car. The orbital system includes a horizontal orbit and a vertical orbit. When the shuttle car carries the goods and moves to the target sorting position of the target layer of the sorting wall, the goods are released, and the goods fall into the container of the rack through an inclined chute.

[0004] It should be noted here that the description of this background art only provides the background art related to this disclosure and does not necessarily constitute the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to an orbital system, a shuttle car system, and a sorting system.

[0006] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an orbital system. The orbital system is a lateral orbit extending along a first direction, a vertical descending orbit including a first vertical descending orbit segment and a second vertical descending orbit segment provided at a first end of the lateral orbit and spaced apart in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an arch-shaped transition segment connecting the first end of the lateral orbit and the second vertical descending orbit segment A descent trajectory switching mechanism includes a descent trajectory switching segment provided between a first longitudinal descent trajectory segment and a second longitudinal descent trajectory segment, wherein the descent trajectory switching segment has a first end rotatably connected to the first longitudinal descent trajectory segment and a second end provided as a free end, and the descent trajectory switching mechanism has a closed state and an open state, wherein in the closed state, the second end of the descent trajectory switching segment is joined to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment to connect the first longitudinal descent trajectory segment and the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment, and in the open state, the second end of the descent trajectory switching segment is separated from the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment, and the descent trajectory switching mechanism is configured such that, in the process of the shuttle car moving from the lateral trajectory to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment via an arch-shaped transition segment, the descent trajectory switching segment rotates due to the pushing action of the shuttle car and switches from the closed state to the open state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the track system further includes a longitudinal ascending track provided at a second end of a transverse track, the longitudinal ascending track including a first longitudinal ascending track segment and a second longitudinal ascending track segment extending along a second direction and spaced apart, the second longitudinal ascending track being connected to the second end of the transverse track, and the track system further includes an ascending track switching mechanism, the ascending track switching mechanism including an ascending track switching segment provided between the first longitudinal ascending track segment and the second longitudinal ascending track segment, and a drive mechanism for driving the ascending track switching segment to open and close, the drive mechanism configured to drive the ascending track switching segment to open and close automatically.

[0008] In some embodiments, the descent trajectory switching mechanism further includes a rotating shaft rotatably connected to a first longitudinal descent trajectory segment and a return means connected to the rotating shaft, wherein the descent trajectory switching segment has a first end connected to the rotating shaft, and the return means is configured to apply a tensile force to the rotating shaft to return the descent trajectory switching segment to a closed state after it has detached from the shuttle car.

[0009] In some embodiments, the return means includes a link rod and an elastic element, wherein the first end of the link rod is connected to the pivot shaft and the second end of the link rod is connected to the elastic element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a tension spring.

[0011] In some embodiments, the descending trajectory switching mechanism further includes a damper located near the first end of a link rod, and the process of the link rod being pulled by a return means to return the descending trajectory switching segment to a closed state includes a first stage and a second stage, in which the link rod does not come into contact with the damper, and in which the link rod comes into contact with the damper.

[0012] In some embodiments, the descending trajectory switching mechanism further includes a first buffer member, which is provided at a second end of the descending trajectory switching segment.

[0013] In some embodiments, the longitudinal descent track further includes a longitudinal guide plate extending in a second direction and provided outside the first longitudinal descent track segment and the second longitudinal descent track segment, the longitudinal guide plate including a first housing cavity bent outward and a second buffer member provided within the first housing cavity, and when the descent track switching mechanism is in the open state, the second end of the descent track switching segment is housed within the first housing cavity and in contact with the second buffer member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the descending track switching segment includes a track switching rack segment and an arch-shaped guide segment provided inside the track switching rack segment and adjacent to the lateral track, wherein the track switching rack segment is for connecting a first longitudinal descending track segment and a second longitudinal descending track segment in the closed state, and the arch-shaped guide segment is for guiding the shuttle car in the open state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the arched transition segment includes a second containment cavity, and in the closed state, the end of the arched guide segment is housed within the second containment cavity.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a shuttle car system. The shuttle car system includes a shuttle car and the above-described track system, wherein, in the process of the shuttle car moving from a lateral track to a second longitudinal descent track segment via an arch-shaped transition segment, the descent track switching segment is configured to rotate and switch from a closed state to an open state due to the pushing action of the shuttle car.

[0017] In some embodiments, the shuttle car includes a body and drive wheels provided on the body, and the descending track switching segment is configured to be released by the pushing action of the drive wheels.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drive wheel includes a drive gear that meshes with a rack in the track system and a rubber-coated roller located inside the drive gear, the rubber-coated roller being configured to push a descending track switching segment.

[0019] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a sorting system. The sorting system includes a sorting wall body, a shuttle car, and the above-mentioned track system, the track system being provided on the sorting wall body, and configured such that in the process of the shuttle car moving from a lateral track to a second vertical descent track segment via an arch-shaped transition segment, the descent track switching segment rotates due to the pushing action of the shuttle car and switches from a closed state to an open state.

[0020] Further features and advantages of this publication will become apparent through a detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of this publication with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] The drawings described herein provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, constitute a part of this application, and the exemplary embodiments and their descriptions of the present disclosure are for explaining the present disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation on the present disclosure. In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sorting system in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic operation principle diagram of a shuttle car in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a shuttle car in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram when a shuttle car runs on a track system in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a descending orbit switching mechanism in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 6 to 10 are schematic diagrams of the process in which a descending orbit switching segment is released by the pushing operation of a shuttle car in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic configuration diagram when a shuttle car runs on a lateral track in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic configuration diagram when a shuttle car pushes open a descending orbit switching segment in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram when a descending orbit switching segment is in a closed state in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a descending orbit switching segment in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the configuration when the descending trajectory switching segment is in the open state in some of the embodiments described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The technical solutions in the embodiments described herein will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments described herein. Clearly, the embodiments described herein are only a selection of embodiments, not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is in fact merely descriptive and should not be considered in any way as an limitation on the embodiments herein or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by a person skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein without performing work worthy of inventive step are within the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0033] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of parts and steps, numerical formulas, and numerical values ​​described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this publication. At the same time, for the sake of explanatory convenience, the dimensions of the parts shown in the drawings should be understood not to be based on actual proportional relationships. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific numerical values ​​are to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. Note that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it is not necessary to discuss it further in subsequent drawings.

[0034] For the sake of clarity, spatial relative terms such as "above," "above," "on top of," and "on top of" may be used here to describe the spatial relationship between one device or feature shown in the diagram and another device or feature. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations during use or operation of a device other than the orientation described in the diagram. For example, if a device in the diagram is inverted, a device described as "above another device or structure" or "on top of another device or structure" would then be positioned "below the other device or structure" or "below the other device or structure." Thus, the exemplary term "above" may include both orientations of "above" and "below." The device may be positioned in other different ways, and the spatial relative descriptions used here may be interpreted accordingly.

[0035] Because the sorting wall has multiple target levels, the shuttle car needs to ascend or descend vertically to reach a target level. Therefore, a track switching mechanism is provided between the horizontal and vertical tracks to allow the shuttle car to selectively enter the horizontal track corresponding to the target level. The challenge to be solved is how to appropriately configure the operation process of the track switching mechanism.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the sorting system includes a supply table 3, a sorting wall body 5, a track system 1, and a shuttle car 2. Here, the track system 1 includes a plurality of lateral tracks 11 and a longitudinal ascending track 12 and a longitudinal descending track 13 provided at both ends of the plurality of lateral tracks 11, respectively.

[0037] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the vertical ascending trajectory 12 includes a plurality of vertical ascending trajectory segments 12A provided at intervals and an ascending trajectory switching segment 12B provided between two adjacent vertical ascending trajectory segments 12A. The vertical descending trajectory 13 includes a plurality of vertical descending trajectory segments provided at intervals and a descending trajectory switching segment provided between two adjacent vertical descending trajectory segments. The shuttle car performs an ascending operation entirely on the ascending trajectory segments 12A, and the shuttle car performs a descending operation entirely on the descending trajectory segments.

[0038] In related technologies, the opening and closing of track switching segments are entirely controlled by a drive mechanism. For the drive mechanism to control the opening and closing of track switching segments, it is necessary to precisely control the opening and closing times of the segments based on the shuttle car's trajectory, making the control strategy extremely complex. Furthermore, each track switching segment requires its own independent drive mechanism, which further complicates the structure of the sorting wall and increases costs.

[0039] Figure 2 schematically shows that the orbit system 1 includes four lateral orbits 11. All shuttle cars enter the orbit system from the right end of the lowest lateral orbit, travel leftward along the lateral orbit 11, then ascend via the longitudinal ascending orbit segment 12A, and after reaching the ascending orbit switching segment 12B, depending on the target sorting position, shuttle car 2 may continue ascending along the ascending orbit switching segment 12B or travel along the ascending orbit switching segment 12B and enter the lateral orbit. At this time, the open and closed state of the ascending orbit switching segment 12B is determined by the target sorting position of shuttle car 2. After shuttle car 2 completes sorting at the target sorting position, it needs to descend the longitudinal descending orbit 13 to return to the starting point and continue receiving cargo.

[0040] The inventors of this application discovered in their research that all shuttle cars that have completed sorting move from the lateral track 11 to the longitudinal descent track 13, and at this time, all descent track switching segments corresponding to the lateral track 11 of each level must be opened so that the shuttle cars can travel from the lateral track 11 to the longitudinal descent track 13. In other words, during the process in which the shuttle cars complete sorting and travel from the lateral track 11 to the descent track 13, all descent track switching segments are in an open state, yielding the travel space to the shuttle cars.

[0041] Based on the above findings, the inventors of this application propose setting the track switching mechanism for the longitudinal descent track to a passive opening and closing type. Specifically, the descent track switching segment of the longitudinal descent track is set to open and close passively by the pushing action of the shuttle car, eliminating the need to install an active drive mechanism, thereby simplifying the track structure and reducing costs. Furthermore, it reduces the difficulty of controlling the track system.

[0042] The track system provided in the embodiment of this application can be used not only in sorting systems but also for loading and unloading cargo in storage facilities. The structure and operation process of the track system are described in detail below.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1, 4, and 5, some embodiments of this disclosure provide a track system. The track system 1 of these embodiments includes a transverse track 11 extending along a first direction, a longitudinal descent track 13, an arched transition segment, and a descent track switching mechanism, wherein the longitudinal descent track 13 is provided at a first end of the transverse track 11, and the longitudinal descent track 13 includes a first longitudinal descent track segment 131 and a second longitudinal descent track segment 132 spaced apart in a second direction. The first and second directions intersect. The first end of the transverse track 11 and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132 are connected via an arched transition segment. The descent track switching mechanism 4 includes a descent track switching segment 41 provided between the first longitudinal descent track segment 131 and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132. The first end of the descent trajectory switching segment 41 is rotatably connected to the first longitudinal descent trajectory segment 131, and the second end of the descent trajectory switching segment 41 is provided as a free end. The descent trajectory switching mechanism 4 has a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the second end of the descent trajectory switching segment 41 is joined to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132, connecting the first longitudinal descent trajectory segment 131 and the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132. In the open state, the second end of the descent trajectory switching segment 41 separates from the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132. In the process of the shuttle car 2 moving from the lateral trajectory 11 to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132, the descent trajectory switching segment 41 is configured to rotate and switch from the closed state to the open state due to the pushing action of the shuttle car 2.

[0044] In the embodiment disclosed herein, the trajectory system is such that the shuttle car pushes open the descent trajectory switching segment 41 as it moves from the lateral trajectory 11 to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132. That is, the descent trajectory switching segment 41 is not actively opened by a drive mechanism during the shuttle car's movement, but is passively pushed open by the shuttle car. After the descent trajectory switching segment 41 detaches from the shuttle car 2, it returns to a closed state, thus eliminating the need to install a dedicated drive mechanism for opening and closing the descent trajectory switching segment 41, simplifying the sorting system structure and reducing costs. Furthermore, since the opening of the descent trajectory switching segment 41 is performed by the shuttle car's pushing action, there is no need to set up a dedicated control strategy for its opening, simplifying the trajectory control strategy.

[0045] It needs to be explained here that Figures 4 and 5 schematically show that the lateral track 11 extends horizontally. The first longitudinal descent track segment 131 and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132 extend vertically. That is, the extension directions of the lateral track 11 and the longitudinal track are perpendicular to each other. However, in other embodiments not shown, the extension directions of the lateral track 11 and the longitudinal track do not have to be perpendicular; for example, the longitudinal track may be provided at an incline.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the lateral track 11 includes a lateral rack track and a lateral guide plate, which are spaced apart and facing each other. The gap between the lateral rack track and the lateral guide plate is for gripping the drive wheels of the shuttle car. In other words, the structure of the lateral track 11 is a groove-shaped structure, and the two side walls of the groove-shaped structure are the lateral rack track and the lateral guide plate, respectively, and when the shuttle car 2 is running on the lateral track 11, the drive gears of the drive wheels of the shuttle car 2 mesh with the rack on the lateral rack track.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the longitudinal descent track 13 further includes longitudinal guide plates 16 spaced apart outside the first longitudinal descent track segment 131 and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132. When the shuttle car travels from the transverse track 11 to the second longitudinal descent track segment 132, the shuttle car's drive wheels are sandwiched between the longitudinal guide plates 16 and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the lateral track 11 is connected to a second longitudinal descent track segment 132 via an arched transition segment 15, thereby allowing the shuttle car to move smoothly from the lateral track 11 to the second longitudinal descent track segment 132 along the arched transition segment 15.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, during its descent, the shuttle car 2 pushes open the descent trajectory switching segment 41, opening the descent trajectory switching mechanism. After the shuttle car has completely reached the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132, the descent trajectory switching segment 41 returns to its closed state. At this point, the descent trajectory switching segment 41 connects the first longitudinal descent trajectory segment 131 and the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132, allowing other shuttle cars to also move directly from the first longitudinal descent trajectory segment 131 through the descent trajectory switching segment 41 to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132.

[0050] In some embodiments, the track system 1 further includes a first longitudinal ascending track segment and a second longitudinal ascending track segment that extend along a second direction and are spaced apart, the second longitudinal ascending track segment being connected to a second end of the transverse track 11, and the track system 1 further includes an ascending track switching mechanism. The ascending track switching structure includes an ascending track switching segment provided between the first longitudinal ascending track segment and the second longitudinal ascending track segment, and a drive mechanism for driving the ascending track switching segment to open and close. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the ascending track switching segment to open and close automatically. By analyzing and examining the upward and downward motion of the shuttle car, the trajectory system 1 of the disclosed embodiment is configured to automatically open and close the upward trajectory switching segment and to passively open and close the downward trajectory switching segment by the shuttle car's pushing action. This ensures control accuracy on the shuttle car's upward trajectory through the automatic opening and closing of the upward trajectory switching segment, while simplifying the structure and control logic of the sorting system through the passive opening and closing of the downward trajectory switching segment.

[0051] As shown in Figure 13, the descending track switching segment 41 includes a rack segment 412 and a plate-like structure 411 provided on one side in the width direction of the rack segment 412, and the rack segment 412 is joined to the racks of the first longitudinal descending track segment 131 and the second longitudinal descending track segment 132. As shown in Figure 14, an arch-shaped guide segment 413 is provided inside the plate-like structure 411. Referring to Figure 12, when the drive wheels 28 of the shuttle car pass the intersection of the lateral track 11 and the second longitudinal descending track segment 132, the arch-shaped guide segment 413 provides guidance.

[0052] The structure and operation process of the sorting system in one specific embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below, based on Figures 1 to 15.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the sorting system of this embodiment includes a sorting wall body 5, a shuttle car 2, and a track system 1. The track system 1 is provided on the sorting wall body 5, and in the process in which the shuttle car 2 moves from the lateral track 11 to the second vertical descent track segment 132 via the arch-shaped transition segment 15, the descent track switching segment 41 is configured to rotate due to the pushing action of the shuttle car 2 and switch from a closed state to an open state.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the shuttle car 2 in some embodiments includes a body 21, drive wheels 28, upper guide wheels 22, lower guide wheels 23, inner guide wheels 24, and a current collector 25, all mounted on the body 21. The drive wheels 28 are for driving and moving the body 21. Each guide wheel is for guiding the movement of the body 21.

[0055] The drive wheel 28 includes a drive gear 281 and a rubber-coated roller 282. Referring to Figure 4, during the operation of the shuttle car 2, the drive gear 281 is configured to mesh with the rack of the track system. The rubber-coated roller 282 is intended to support the vehicle body 21 by joining with the support surface of the track system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the shuttle car 2 includes a vehicle body 21 and drive wheels 28 provided on the vehicle body 21. The descending trajectory switching segment 41 is configured to be released by the pushing action of the drive wheels 28. To clearly show the process by which the shuttle car 2 acts on the descending trajectory switching segment 41, each process diagram shows only the drive wheels 28 acting on the descending trajectory switching segment 41.

[0057] To reduce noise when the drive wheel 28 pushes open the descending track switching segment 41, in some embodiments, the drive wheel 28 includes a drive gear 281 that meshes with the rack of the track system and a rubber-coated roller 282 provided inside the drive gear 281. The rubber-coated roller 282 is configured to push the descending track switching segment 41.

[0058] In some embodiments, the track system further includes a first buffer member, which is provided at the second end of the descending track switching segment 41. For example, the first buffer member may be a buffer pad, such as a rubber pad, that is fixedly installed at the second end of the descending track switching segment 41.

[0059] As shown in Figure 11, the vertical descent track further includes a vertical guide plate 16 extending in a second direction and provided outside the first vertical descent track segment 131 and the second vertical descent track segment 132, the vertical guide plate 16 including a first housing cavity 161 bent outward and a second buffer member provided within the first housing cavity 161. When the descent track switching mechanism is in the open state, the second end of the descent track switching segment 41 is housed in the first housing cavity 161 and in contact with the second buffer member. The installation of the second buffer member can reduce noise.

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the descending trajectory switching mechanism 4 further includes a rotating shaft 45 rotatably connected to the first longitudinal descending trajectory segment 131 and a return means connected to the rotating shaft 45. The first end of the descending trajectory switching segment 41 is connected to the rotating shaft 45. The return means is configured to apply a tensile force to the rotating shaft 45 to return the descending trajectory switching segment 41 to a closed state. This ensures that once the descending trajectory switching segment 41 is opened by a collision with the shuttle car and the shuttle car has fully entered the descending segment, and the force applied to the descending trajectory switching segment 41 has disappeared, the return means pulls the descending trajectory switching segment 41 back into a closed state, allowing the descending trajectory switching segment 41 to return quickly.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the return mechanism includes a link rod 43 and an elastic element 42. The first end of the link rod 43 is connected to the rotating shaft 45. The second end of the link rod 43 is connected to the elastic element 42. When the descending trajectory switching segment 41 is opened, the elastic element 42 is stretched, and after the thrust of the shuttle car applied to the descending trajectory switching segment 41 disappears, the tensile force of the elastic element 42 acts on the link rod 43 and then on the rotating shaft 45, causing the descending trajectory switching segment 41 to quickly return to the closed state. As can be seen here, the opening and closing of the descending trajectory switching segment 41 in the embodiment disclosed can be achieved without the need to install and drive a dedicated drive mechanism, further simplifying the structure of the trajectory system.

[0062] In some embodiments, the elastic element 42 includes a tension spring.

[0063] In some embodiments, the descending trajectory switching mechanism further includes a damper 46 provided near the first end of the link rod. The process by which the link rod 43 is pulled by a return means to return the descending trajectory switching segment 41 to a closed state includes a first stage and a second stage, in which the link rod 43 does not contact the damper 46, and in which the link rod 43 contacts the damper 46.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the connection point of the link rod 43 to the rotation axis 45 is close to its upper end. That is, there is a certain distance between the connection point of the link rod 43 to the rotation axis 45 and its upper end. As a result, when the link rod 43 rotates due to the tension of the return mechanism, the upper end of the link rod 43 also rotates around the rotation axis 45. In the first stage when the rotation of the link rod 43 begins, the link rod 43 does not come into contact with the damper 46, increasing the speed of the link rod 43's rotation in the first stage. In the second stage when the rotation of the link rod 43 approaches its end, the link rod 43 comes into contact with the damper 46 to reduce the return impact force.

[0065] The damper 46 is provided on the sorting wall body 5 and is located on the outside of the upper end of the link rod 43. When the link rod 43 rotates due to the tension of the return mechanism, the upper end of the link rod 43 rotates outward for a certain period of time and comes into contact with the damper 46.

[0066] As shown in Figure 14, in some embodiments, the descending trajectory switching segment 41 includes an arch-shaped guide segment 413 provided on the side adjacent to the lateral trajectory 11. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the arch-shaped guide segment 413 guides the shuttle car's movement during the process of moving from the lateral trajectory 11 to the second longitudinal descending trajectory segment 132.

[0067] As shown in Figure 15, in some embodiments, the arched transition segment 15 includes a second housing cavity 151. In the closed state, the end of the arched guide segment 413 is housed within the second housing cavity 151. In the closed state, the arched guide segment 413 is located within the second housing cavity 151A, thereby connecting the rack of the descent trajectory switching segment 41 with the rack of the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132, enabling the shuttle car to descend.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, when the shuttle car is traveling on the lateral track and is not in contact with the descent track switching segment 41, the descent track switching segment 41 is in a closed state. At this time, the descent track switching segment 41 connects to the first longitudinal descent track segment 131 and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132 to form a closed descent track, allowing other shuttle cars to pass through this closed descent track and perform continuous descent operations. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the process of the shuttle car gradually moving from the lateral track to the second longitudinal descent track segment 132, when the shuttle car moves to the intersection of the lateral track and the second longitudinal descent track segment 132, its drive wheels 28 collide with the descent track switching segment 41 and push it to rotate and open it. The shuttle car then moves into the gap created by the opening of the descent track switching segment 41 and moves to the second longitudinal descent track segment 132.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, after the shuttle car has completely moved to the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132, the descent trajectory switching segment 41 returns to its closed state due to the loss of thrust from the shuttle car and the action of the tension spring. The shuttle car continues to descend along the second longitudinal descent trajectory segment 132.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are intended to illustrate, and not limit, the technical solutions of this Publication. Although this Publication is described in detail with reference to better embodiments, ordinary articulators in the art can still modify specific methods of implementation of this Publication or substitute certain technical features equally, without deviating from the spirit of the technical solutions of this Publication and all being included within the scope of the technical solutions claimed and protected by this Publication.

Claims

1. It is an orbital system, A lateral track (11) extending along the first direction, A longitudinal descent track (13) is provided at the first end of the lateral track (11) and includes a first longitudinal descent track segment (131) and a second longitudinal descent track segment (132) provided at intervals in a second direction intersecting the first direction, An arch-shaped transition segment (15) connects the first end of the lateral track (11) and the second vertical descending track segment (132), A descent trajectory switching mechanism (4) includes a descent trajectory switching segment (41) provided between the first vertical descent trajectory segment (131) and the second vertical descent trajectory segment (132), wherein the descent trajectory switching segment (41) has a first end rotatably connected to the first vertical descent trajectory segment (131) and a second end provided as a free end, and the descent trajectory switching mechanism (4) has a closed state and an open state, and in the closed state, the second end of the descent trajectory switching segment (41) is joined to the second vertical descent trajectory segment (132) to the first vertical descent trajectory A descending trajectory switching mechanism (4) is configured such that, in the open state, the second end of the descending trajectory switching segment (41) connects the path segment (131) and the second vertical descending trajectory segment (132), and in the process of the shuttle car (2) moving from the horizontal trajectory (11) through the arch-shaped transition segment (15) to the second vertical descending trajectory segment (132), the descending trajectory switching segment (41) rotates due to the pushing action of the shuttle car (2) and switches from the closed state to the open state, A track system characterized by including

2. The orbital system according to claim 1, The aforementioned track system (1) further includes a longitudinal ascending track (12) provided at the second end of the transverse track (11), The longitudinal ascending track (12) includes a first longitudinal ascending track segment and a second longitudinal ascending track segment that extend along a second direction and are spaced apart. The second vertical ascending trajectory is connected to the second end of the horizontal trajectory (11), The orbital system further includes an ascending orbit switching mechanism, The ascending trajectory switching mechanism includes an ascending trajectory switching segment provided between the first vertical ascending trajectory segment and the second vertical ascending trajectory segment, and a drive mechanism for driving the ascending trajectory switching segment to open and close it. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the upward trajectory switching segment to automatically open and close it. A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

3. A track system according to claim 1 or 2, The descending trajectory switching mechanism (4) further includes a rotating shaft (45) rotatably connected to the first vertical descending trajectory segment (131) and a return means connected to the rotating shaft (45), The descending trajectory switching segment (41) has a first end connected to the rotating shaft (45), and the return means is configured to apply a tensile force to the rotating shaft (45) so that the descending trajectory switching segment (41) detaches from the shuttle car (2) and then returns to the closed state. A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

4. The orbital system according to claim 3, The return means includes a link rod (43) and an elastic element (42), The link rod (43) has its first end connected to the rotating shaft (45), The link rod (43) has a second end connected to the elastic element (42). A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

5. The orbital system according to claim 4, The elastic element (42) includes a tension spring. A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

6. A track system according to claim 4 or 5, The descending trajectory switching mechanism further includes a damper (46) provided near the first end of the link rod (43), The process by which the link rod (43) is pulled by the return means to return the descending trajectory switching segment (41) to the closed state includes a first step and a second step, In the first stage, the link rod (43) does not come into contact with the damper (46), and in the second stage, the link rod (43) comes into contact with the damper (46). A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

7. A track system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned downward trajectory switching mechanism further includes a first buffer member, The first buffer member is provided at the second end of the descending trajectory switching segment (41), A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

8. A track system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned vertical descent track further includes vertical guide plates that extend in a second direction and are provided outside the first vertical descent track segment (131) and the second vertical descent track segment (132), The vertical guide plate includes a first housing cavity bent outward and a second buffer member provided within the first housing cavity. When the descending trajectory switching mechanism is in the open state, the second end of the descending trajectory switching segment (41) is housed in the first housing cavity and in contact with the second buffer member. A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

9. A track system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The descending track switching segment (41) includes a track switching rack segment (412) and an arch-shaped guide segment (413) provided inside the track switching rack segment (412) and adjacent to the lateral track (11). The aforementioned track switching rack segment (412) is for connecting the first vertical descent track segment (131) and the second vertical descent track segment (132) in the closed state. The arch-shaped guide segment (413) is for guiding the shuttle car when it is open. A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

10. The orbital system according to claim 9, The arched transition segment includes a second containment cavity (132A), and in the closed state, the end of the arched guide segment (413) is housed within the second containment cavity. A trajectory system characterized by the following features.

11. It is a shuttle car system, The system includes a shuttle car (2) and a track system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. In the process by which the shuttle car (2) moves from the lateral trajectory (11) to the second vertical descent trajectory segment (132) via the arch-shaped transition segment (15), the descent trajectory switching segment (41) is configured to rotate due to the pushing action of the shuttle car (2) and switch from the closed state to the open state. A shuttle car system characterized by the following features.

12. A shuttle car system according to claim 11, The shuttle car (2) includes a body (21) and drive wheels (28) provided on the body (21), The descending track switching segment (41) is configured to be released by the pushing action of the drive wheel (28). A shuttle car system characterized by the following features.

13. A shuttle car system according to claim 12, The drive wheel (28) includes a drive gear (281) that meshes with the rack of the track system and a rubber-coated roller (282) provided inside the drive gear (281), the rubber-coated roller (282) being configured to push the descending track switching segment (41). A shuttle car system characterized by the following features.

14. It is a sorting system, The system includes a sorting wall body (5), a shuttle car (2), and a track system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The track system is provided on the sorting wall body (5), In the process by which the shuttle car (2) moves from the lateral trajectory (11) to the second vertical descent trajectory segment (132) via the arch-shaped transition segment (15), the descent trajectory switching segment (41) is configured to rotate due to the pushing action of the shuttle car (2) and switch from the closed state to the open state. A sorting system characterized by the following features.

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