Multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system

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 devices, and particularly to a multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device.

Background Art

[0002] An automatic sorting device is a machine that sorts sorted items according to preset computer instructions and transports the sorted items to a predetermined position. With the development of laser scanning, barcode, and computer control technologies, automatic sorting devices can continuously sort a large number of sorted items, have extremely low sorting error rates, and almost achieve unmanned sorting operations, etc. Features, and their use in logistics is becoming increasingly common.

[0003] Conventional sorting devices often have complex structures and include mechanisms such as a plurality of parallel movement mechanisms and lifting mechanisms. Therefore, they are difficult to operate, not easy to maintain, and costly. In particular, for users who want to improve the secondary sorting efficiency of sorted items, the capital investment in the secondary sorting process of sorted items soars too much.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device that is low-cost, easy to maintain, and has a high sorting speed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This invention provides a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device. The multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device includes a device 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. All of the multiple layers of rails are fixed to the device frame. A supply area is provided on the side of the device frame. The supply unit is provided in the supply area and supplies sorted items to the sorting carts of each layer. This invention has characteristics such as low cost, ease of operation, ease of maintenance, high sorting speed, high accuracy, and the ability to sort items of different dimensions. Therefore, the efficiency of secondary sorting of sorted items is improved, the investment of funds in the secondary sorting process of sorted items is reduced, labor costs are reduced, and sorting accuracy is improved. This invention enables manual / automatic supply and can sort items quickly and accurately to predetermined positions. In addition, a rail-type direct transmission structure is used for the transmission of the carts, and sorted items are supplied vertically. Since the supply direction coincides with the operating direction, the stability of the sorted items can be maintained to the maximum extent.

[0006] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system, the supply unit includes a supply conveyor and a supply lifter. The supply conveyor includes a supply base and a supply conveying assembly provided on the supply base. The supply lifter is connected between the supply conveyor and the sorting carts of each layer. The supply lifter has a lifting conveying cart that is movable up and down.

[0007] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator further includes a frame-type support base, at least one pair of lifting timing pulleys provided within the frame-type support base and distributed vertically, a lifting timing belt provided between the pair of lifting timing pulleys, and a lifting servo motor provided on the frame-type support base. The lifting servo motor is connected to transmit power to the lifting timing pulleys. The lifting timing belt is connected to the lifting transport trolley.

[0008] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator further includes a vertical beam, a lifting servo motor provided on the vertical beam, a lifting guide rail fixed to one side of the vertical beam, and a lifting slider sliding along the lifting guide rail. The lifting servo motor is connected to transmit power to the lifting transport trolley. The lifting slider is fixedly connected to the lifting transport trolley.

[0009] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is the lifting transport trolley, which includes a lifting transport support base, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on the lifting transport support base, and a lifting transport belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers.

[0010] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the supply conveying assembly includes a supply conveying support base, a supply drive source mounted on the supply conveying support base, a pair of supply rollers rotatably mounted on the supply conveying support base, and a supply conveying belt connected to the pair of supply rollers. The supply conveying support base is fixedly connected to the supply base. The supply drive source is connected to transmit power to the supply rollers.

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

[0012] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, multiple sets of the supply and transport assemblies are provided. A substantially triangular region is formed between two adjacent sets of the supply and transport assemblies. The supply rollers are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less.

[0013] A preferred option for the multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is a motor as the supply drive source. Each 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-driven timing belt connected between the first and second pulleys. The transmission roller is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the supply conveying belt and is distributed below the pair of supply rollers. The diameter of the transmission roller is greater than the diameter of the supply roller.

[0014] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is a sorting trolley comprising a trolley frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably mounted on the trolley frame, and a sorting conveyor belt connected to the pair of sorting rollers.

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

[0016] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, each of the main position-regulating stoppers includes two position-regulating gates rotatably mounted on the trolley frame. The sorting trolley is provided with each of the position-regulating gates having a stopper drive source connected to transmit power to each of the position-regulating gates. The stopper drive source is fixed to the trolley frame.

[0017] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting trolley further includes a lifting drive source and a lifting transmission unit mounted on the trolley frame. A pair of the main position restricting stoppers are mounted on the trolley frame so as to be movable up and down. The lifting drive source is connected to transmit power to the pair of the main position restricting stoppers via the lifting transmission unit, causing the pair of the main position restricting stoppers to move up and down synchronously.

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

[0019] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the bottom plate of the sliding tank has a first side close to the sorting trolley and a second side away from the sorting trolley. The dropping mechanism is provided with a flexible stopper on the first side of the bottom plate of the sliding tank. The flexible stopper includes a plurality of flexible strips provided at intervals.

[0020] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting drive assembly includes at least one set of timing belt drive assemblies. The timing belt drive assembly includes a pair of trolley timing pulleys rotatably mounted on the device frame, a trolley timing belt connected between the pair of trolley timing pulleys, and a trolley servo motor connected to transmit power to one end of the trolley timing pulley. The extension direction of the trolley timing belt is parallel to the extension direction of the rails. The trolley frame of the sorting trolley is fixedly connected to the trolley timing belt.

[0021] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is a supply unit comprising supply compartments provided in the supply area, corresponding to rails and distributed vertically, and a supply assembly provided in each of the supply compartments. The supply assembly includes a supply slide tank.

[0022] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system is a supply unit comprising supply compartments provided in a supply area, corresponding to rails and distributed vertically, and supply assemblies provided in each of the supply compartments. The supply assemblies include supply transport vehicles.

[0023] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the supply area and the supply unit are located at the non-end positions in the extending direction of the device frame. In the extending direction of the device frame, the sorting trolley and the sorting drive assembly are provided on both sides of the supply unit. The sorting drive assemblies on both sides intersect in the supply area such that the motion strokes of the sorting trolleys on both sides overlap in the supply area.

[0024] The present invention further provides the following multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device. The device includes a device frame. The device frame is provided with multiple layers of rails distributed vertically, sorting carts mounted movably on the rails, and a sorting drive assembly for moving the sorting carts on the rails. A supply conveyor is provided on the side of the device frame. The supply conveyor is provided with a supply conveyor assembly and a supply elevator connected to the supply conveyor assembly and sorting carts so as to be movable vertically. The supply conveyor can be operated manually or automatically by the arrangement of the supply device. When items to be sorted are placed into the supply conveyor assembly, they are transported to the sorting carts by the supply elevator. The sorting drive assembly controls the sorting carts to move to predetermined positions.

[0025] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator includes a frame-type support base. Within the frame-type support base are provided at least one pair of vertically distributed lifting timing pulleys. A lifting timing belt is provided between the pair of lifting timing pulleys. The frame-type support base is also provided with a lifting servo motor connected to transmit power to the lifting timing pulleys. A lifting transport cart is connected to the lifting timing belt. When the lifting servo motor operates, the lifting timing pulleys and the lifting timing belt rotate, allowing the lifting transport cart to be raised or lowered to rails of different heights, and transporting the items to be sorted from the lifting transport cart to the sorting cart.

[0026] As a preferred option of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply elevator includes a vertical beam, a lifting servo motor provided on the vertical beam, a lifting guide rail fixed to one side of the vertical beam, a lifting slider that slides on the lifting guide rail, and a lifting carrier that is connected to the lifting servo motor for transmission. The lifting slider is fixedly connected to the lifting carrier. When the lifting servo motor operates, the lifting carrier rises or falls to rails at different heights by means of the lifting guide rail and the lifting slider. Then, the lifting carrier conveys the items to be sorted to the sorting trolley.

[0027] As a preferred option of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor assembly includes a supply conveyor support base, a pair of supply rollers rotatably mounted on the supply conveyor support base, and a supply conveyor belt connected to the pair of supply rollers. The lifting carrier includes a lifting conveyor support base, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on the lifting conveyor support base, and a lifting conveyor belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers.

[0028] As a preferred option of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor is provided with a control panel and a scanner. The scanner is used to scan the items to be sorted to confirm the position where the items should proceed. The control panel is used for displaying the operating state of the device and for operation. Also, generally, an alarm is further provided to issue a warning when an abnormality occurs.

[0029] As a preferable option of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the sorting carriage includes a carriage frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably attached to the carriage frame, and a sorting conveyor belt connected to the pair of sorting rollers. Travel wheels are provided at the bottom of the carriage frame. Side position regulating stoppers are respectively provided on the carriage frame on both sides of the sorting conveyor belt. Further, at least two blocking bars are provided on the sorting conveyor belt. The structures of the side position regulating stoppers and the blocking bars ensure that the objects to be sorted do not accidentally fall from the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting rollers are driven by a motor. Alternatively, the sorting rollers are electric rollers. Thereby, the forward and reverse movements of the sorting conveyor belt are realized.

[0030] As a preferable option of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, lateral side wheels are provided on both sides of the carriage frame, and vertical portions that abut against the side wheels are provided on both sides of the rail. The rail may be two angle steels installed facing each other. The travel wheels are installed on the horizontal portion. Further, the side wheels abut against the vertical portion and play a role in guiding the movement.

[0031] As a preferable option of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the sorting drive assembly includes at least one set of timing belt transmission assemblies. The timing belt transmission assembly includes a pair of carriage timing pulleys rotatably attached to the frame, a carriage timing belt connected between the pair of carriage timing pulleys, and a carriage servo motor connected to drive one end of the carriage timing pulley. The extending direction of the carriage timing belt is parallel to the extending 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, enabling the sorting carriage to be horizontally moved to a predetermined position.

[0032] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, two sets of timing belt transmission assemblies are provided. In a direction perpendicular to the parallel movement direction of the sorting cart, the two sets of timing belt transmission assemblies are connected symmetrically to both sides of the cart frame of the sorting cart. This makes the force acting on the entire sorting cart more uniform, thereby further improving the stability of parallel movement along the rails.

[0033] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor is located at the end of the side 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 in a matrix pattern vertically on one side of the supply conveyor in the extension direction. Shelves are provided on the outer side of the drop slide tanks. The shelves are provided with receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks. The items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down into the receiving frames along the drop slide tanks. This structure is an end-feed structure. Since the sorting cart can only move to one side of the supply conveyor along the extension direction of the device frame, the overall structure of the device is simplified and costs are reduced.

[0034] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply conveyor is located in 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 side of the drop slide tanks. The shelves are provided with receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks. The items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down into the receiving frames along the drop slide tanks. This structure is a central supply structure (i.e., a non-end supply structure). Since the sorting cart is movable on both sides of the supply conveyor along the extension direction of the frame, it is possible to relatively shorten the distance the sorting cart travels back and forth between the supply lifter and the drop slide tanks in one cycle, or to relatively increase the number of drop slide tanks. Thus, sorting efficiency is greatly improved.

[0035] A preferred option for the multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is that the number of supply conveying assemblies in the supply conveying machine is one or more, and the number of corresponding supply elevators is also one or more.

[0036] The present invention further provides the following multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device. The device includes a device frame. The device frame is provided with multiple layers of 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 the side of the device frame. The device frame at the location of the supply area is provided with supply compartments corresponding to the rails and distributed vertically. Each of the supply compartments is provided with a supply assembly. The supply area can be supplied manually or automatically by arranging a supply device. Items to be sorted are placed into the supply assembly in the supply compartment and then dropped onto the sorting cart. The sorting drive assembly controls the sorting cart to move to a predetermined position.

[0037] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the supply assembly includes a supply slide tank and / or a supply transport vehicle. That is, the supply assembly includes only the supply slide tank; or the supply assembly includes only the supply transport vehicle; or the supply assembly includes both the supply slide tank and the supply transport vehicle.

[0038] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is the supply transport vehicle, which includes a supply transport support base, a pair of supply rollers mounted on the supply transport support base, and a supply transport belt connected to the pair of supply rollers. The items to be sorted are placed on the supply transport belt of the supply transport vehicle, and as the supply rollers rotate the supply transport belt, the items to be sorted are dropped onto a sorting cart.

[0039] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system, the supply slide tank is provided with an inclination that gradually slopes downward along the supply direction. When items to be sorted are placed in the supply slide tank, they slide down along the inclined surface of the supply slide tank onto the sorting trolley.

[0040] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system is that the supply slide tank is equipped 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 items to be sorted from sliding out of the supply slide tank. The opening / closing device is opened only when the sorting cart reaches the supply slide tank, allowing the items to be sorted to slide out of the supply slide tank.

[0041] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system is to provide a lamp assembly in each of the supply compartments. The lamp assembly can indicate the status of the items to be sorted. For example, a green lamp indicates that items can be inserted, and a red lamp indicates that items cannot be inserted.

[0042] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system is to provide a scanner in one of the multiple supply compartments for code-scanning and identifying items to be sorted and determining the position to which the items should proceed.

[0043] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting system is that the device frame on the supply area side is equipped with a control panel. Furthermore, a detection grid is provided for each supply section. Generally, an alarm is also provided. A scanner is used to scan the items to be sorted. The control panel is used for displaying and operating the device's operating status. The alarm sounds a warning in the event of an abnormality.

[0044] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting trolley includes a trolley frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably mounted on the trolley frame, and a sorting conveyor belt connected to the pair of sorting rollers. The trolley frame is provided with running wheels at its bottom. Lateral position-restricting stoppers (i.e., barriers) are provided on both sides of the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting conveyor belt is also provided with at least two barrier bars. The structure of the lateral position-restricting stoppers and barrier bars ensures that sorted items do not unexpectedly fall from the sorting conveyor belt. The sorting rollers are motor-driven, or are electric rollers. This enables forward and reverse motion of the sorting conveyor belt.

[0045] A preferred option for the multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is that the trolley frame is provided with lateral side wheels on both sides, and the rails are provided with vertical sections on both sides that contact the side wheels. The rails may be two angle steels installed facing each other. The running wheels are mounted on the horizontal section. The side wheels also contact the vertical section and serve to guide the movement.

[0046] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, the sorting drive assembly includes at least one timing belt drive assembly. The timing belt drive assembly includes a pair of trolley timing pulleys rotatably mounted on a frame, a trolley timing belt connected between the pair of trolley timing pulleys, and a trolley servo motor connected to transmit power to one end of the trolley timing pulley. The extension direction of the trolley timing belt is parallel to the extension direction of the rail. The trolley frame of the sorting trolley is fixedly connected to the trolley timing belt. When the trolley servo motor is operated, the trolley timing pulleys and the trolley timing belt rotate, enabling the sorting trolley to move horizontally to a predetermined position.

[0047] As a preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device, two sets of timing belt transmission assemblies are provided. In a direction perpendicular to the parallel movement direction of the sorting cart, the two sets of timing belt transmission assemblies are connected symmetrically to both sides of the cart frame of the sorting cart. This makes the force acting on the entire sorting cart more uniform, thereby further improving the stability of parallel movement along the rails.

[0048] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is that the supply area is located at the end of the side of the device frame in the extending direction of the device frame. The device frame is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks distributed in a matrix pattern vertically on one side of the supply area. Shelves are provided on the outer side of the drop slide tanks. The shelves are provided with receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks. Items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down into the receiving frames along the drop slide tanks. This structure is an end-feed structure. Since the sorting cart can only move to one side of the supply area along the extending direction of the device frame, the overall structure of the device is simplified and costs are reduced.

[0049] A preferred option for a multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is that the supply area is located in the center of the side of the device frame in the extending direction of the device frame. The device frame is provided with a certain number of drop slide tanks distributed in a matrix pattern vertically on both sides of the supply area. Shelves are provided on the outer sides of the drop slide tanks. The shelves are provided with receiving frames corresponding to the drop slide tanks. Items to be sorted on the sorting cart slide down into the receiving frames along the drop slide tanks. This structure is a central supply structure (i.e., a non-end supply structure). Since the sorting cart is movable to both sides of the supply area along the extending direction of the device frame, it is possible to relatively shorten the distance the sorting cart travels back and forth between the supply area and the drop slide tanks in one trip, or to relatively increase the number of drop slide tanks. Thus, sorting efficiency is greatly improved.

[0050] The present invention further provides a sorting trolley including a trolley frame. The trolley frame is provided with two sorting rollers that are parallel to each other. A sorting conveyor belt is provided between the two sorting rollers. The trolley frame further includes two lateral position regulating stoppers. The lateral position regulating stoppers extend along the longitudinal direction of the sorting conveyor belt. The two lateral position regulating 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 lateral position regulating stoppers and the ends of the sorting conveyor belt, respectively. The sorting trolley further includes a main position regulating stopper for blocking objects to be sorted placed on the sorting conveyor belt from passing through the first opening and / or the second opening. By providing the main position regulating stopper, a sorting trolley is provided that has the function of preventing objects to be sorted from falling. As a result, assuming that objects to be sorted are received and loaded normally, sorting efficiency is greatly improved because objects to be sorted will not fall from the sorting trolley.

[0051] A preferred option for the sorting cart is that the main position regulating stopper is provided on the sorting conveyor belt. In this case, the main position regulating stopper includes a plurality of barrier bars provided at intervals along the length of the sorting conveyor belt.

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

[0053] A preferred option for the sorting cart is that the stopper drive source is either a linear displacement stopper drive source or a rotation stopper drive source.

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

[0055] A preferred option for the sorting cart is that the cart frame is further provided with multiple running wheels.

[0056] The present invention further provides a sorting trolley comprising a trolley frame, a pair of sorting rollers rotatably mounted on the trolley frame, a sorting conveyor belt connected to the outer circumference of the pair of sorting rollers, a pair of lateral position regulating 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 regulating stoppers distributed at both ends of the sorting conveyor belt in the conveying direction of the sorting conveyor belt, and a lifting drive source and a lifting transmission unit mounted on the trolley frame. The pair of lateral position regulating stoppers and the pair of main position regulating stoppers are mounted on the trolley frame. The pair of main position regulating stoppers are mounted on the trolley frame so as to be able to move up and down. The lifting drive source is connected to transmit power to the pair of main position regulating stoppers via the lifting transmission unit, causing the pair of main position regulating stoppers to move up and down synchronously. In the present invention, the objective of cost reduction is achieved by simultaneously and synchronously lifting and lowering two main position regulating stoppers with one lifting drive source. Furthermore, in this invention, the movement method of the main position regulating stopper is set to vertical movement, that is, parallel movement in the vertical direction. In this case, compared to the movement method of vertical rotation in the prior art, the requirement for the space above the main position regulating stopper is reduced, so that the sorting cart can be attached to the sorting system more easily.

[0057] A preferred option for the sorting cart is a motor as the lifting drive source. The lifting transmission unit includes a first transmission assembly connected to transmit power to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source, and a second transmission assembly connected to transmit power to each main position regulating stopper. Both sets of the second transmission assemblies are connected to transmit power to the first transmission assembly.

[0058] As a preferred option for the sorting cart, the second transmission assembly includes a transmission rotating shaft rotatably supported on the cart frame. The first transmission assembly is distributed on the outer side of one of the lateral position regulating stoppers. The first transmission assembly also includes a first drive pulley fixed to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source, a first driven pulley fixed to the transmission rotating shaft of each second transmission assembly, and a first timing belt. The first timing belt is connected to the outer circumference of the first drive pulley and the two first driven pulleys.

[0059] As a preferred option for a sorting trolley, the first transmission assembly further includes a motor mounting frame, a tension adjustment groove provided 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 trolley frame by the tension adjustment bolt. The tension adjustment groove is an elliptical groove.

[0060] As a preferred option for the sorting trolley, the first transmission assembly further includes two idler gears rotatably mounted on the trolley frame. The two idler gears are distributed on both sides of the first drive pulley and both abut against the outside of the first timing belt.

[0061] As a preferred option for a sorting cart, the second transmission assembly includes, for each set, two lead screws distributed at both ends of a main position regulating stopper, a lead nut connected to the lead screws, a second driven pulley fixed to each lead screw, and a second timing belt. Both of the lead screws are mounted vertically and rotatably attached to the cart frame. One of the lead screws is connected to the first transmission assembly. The second timing belt is connected to the outer circumference of the two second driven pulleys in the second transmission assembly. The lead nut is connected to the main position regulating stopper.

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

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

[0064] The present invention further provides a supply conveyor including a supply base and a plurality of supply conveyor assemblies attached to the supply base. Each supply conveyor assembly includes a supply drive source attached to the supply base, a drive roller and a driven roller rotatably attached to the supply base, and a supply conveyor belt connected to the outer circumference of the drive roller and the driven roller. The supply drive source is connected to transmit power to the drive roller. The supply drive sources of the plurality of supply conveyor assemblies are independent of each other. In the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belt, the plurality of supply conveyor assemblies are connected in sequence and distributed in a stepped manner from high to low. Also, two adjacent supply conveyor assemblies are arranged next to each other. The plurality of supply conveyor assemblies in the present invention are driven by independent supply drive sources. Therefore, the conveying speed of the supply conveyor belt of each supply conveyor assembly is controlled independently. This allows for better control of the movement speed of sorted items on multiple supply and transport assemblies, thus preventing excessive accumulation of sorted items at the front of the supply and transport machine and improving the efficiency of the device. Furthermore, in this invention, multiple supply and transport assemblies are arranged in a stepped configuration. The height of the multiple supply and transport assemblies decreases sequentially from rear to front. That is, two adjacent supply and transport assemblies are offset vertically, allowing them to be positioned more closely together. This reduces the gap between two adjacent supply and transport assemblies, preventing items from falling. In addition, because the multiple supply and transport assemblies have a stepped structure that goes from high to low, it is also possible to prevent light sorted items from bouncing up.

[0065] As a preferred option for a supply conveyor, the supply conveyor assembly further includes, for each set, a detection unit mounted on a supply base. The detection unit is used to detect whether or not there are items to be sorted passing on the supply conveyor belt of the supply conveyor assembly.

[0066] As 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 so as to face both sides of the supply conveyor belt of multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belt, and are higher than the supply conveyor belt of the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies. The detection unit includes a grating sensor fixed to the outside of the base guard plates and a detection opening provided in the base guard plates. The detection opening allows exposure of the grating sensor.

[0067] A preferred option for the supply conveyor is that in each supply conveyor assembly, the bottom of the detection opening and the top of the supply conveyor belt are aligned to the same height.

[0068] A preferred option for the supply conveying machine is that a receiving and retraction area is provided at the tip of the base guard plate in the conveying direction of the supply conveying belt.

[0069] A preferred option for the supply conveyor is that the supply drive source is a motor, distributed offset from the drive rollers. Furthermore, each supply conveyor assembly includes a transmission unit. The supply drive source is connected to the drive rollers via the transmission unit.

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

[0071] As a preferred option for a feed conveyor, the feed conveyor assembly further includes an adjustment unit for each set. The adjustment unit includes an adjustment groove opened in the feed base, an adjustment plate fixed to the feed base, and an adjustment screw rotatably inserted into the adjustment plate. Both the adjustment groove and the adjustment screw extend linearly along the conveying direction of the feed conveyor belt. The driven roller includes a roller shaft and a roll mounted on the outer circumference of the roller shaft so as to rotate. Both ends of the roller shaft are engaged in the adjustment groove and screwed into the adjustment screw.

[0072] The present invention further provides a supply base on which a transport assembly mounting area is provided, and a supply transport machine including a plurality of supply transport assemblies mounted on the transport assembly mounting area. The plurality of supply transport assemblies are arranged front to back along the transport direction. Each supply transport assembly includes a supply drive source, a pair of supply rollers arranged front to back along the transport direction, and a supply transport belt connected to the outer circumference of the pair of supply rollers. The supply rollers are rotatably supported on the supply base and connected to transmit power to the supply drive source. A substantially triangular area is formed between two sets of supply transport assemblies that are adjacent front to back. The supply rollers are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less. In the present invention, the upper end of the supply transport belt is supported by a pair of supply rollers, thereby providing the supply transport belt with a transport plane that transports the sorted items horizontally forward. In particular, small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less are used for the supply rollers. This significantly reduces the size of the roughly triangular area formed between two adjacent supply and transport assemblies, making the connection between the two sets of supply and transport assemblies flatter. This effectively prevents small items to be sorted from getting stuck in the roughly triangular area, thus ensuring that items transported forward by the rear supply and transport assembly are smoothly transferred to the front supply and transport assembly. This greatly reduces the probability of items falling, ultimately guaranteeing the reliability and accuracy of sorting.

[0073] A preferred option for the supply conveyor is a supply roller with a diameter of 28 to 32 mm.

[0074] A preferred option for the supply conveyor is a motor as the supply drive source. Each supply conveyor assembly further includes a transmission roller rotatably supported on a 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-driven timing belt connected between the first and second pulleys. 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 greater than the diameter of the supply roller.

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

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

[0077] A preferred option for the supply conveyor is that the outer surface of the supply conveyor belt is provided with at least one position-regulating rib extending in the circumferential direction. If there are multiple position-regulating ribs, the multiple position-regulating ribs are arranged left to right in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor assembly.

[0078] A preferred option for the supply and conveying machine is to provide multiple conveying assembly mounting areas on the supply base. These multiple conveying assembly mounting areas are arranged left and right in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply and conveying assembly. Each of these conveying assembly mounting areas is equipped with multiple sets of supply and conveying assemblies.

[0079] The present invention further provides a dropping mechanism including a sliding tank bottom plate fixed to the frame. The sliding tank bottom plate has a first side close to the sorting trolley and a second side away from the sorting trolley. The height of the first side is greater than the height of the second side. Furthermore, a flexible stopper is provided on the first side. By providing a flexible stopper on the side of the sliding tank bottom plate close to the sorting trolley and reducing the distance between them, a fall prevention effect is achieved, thereby ensuring efficient operation of the sorting device. In addition, the flexible stopper reduces the distance between the first side of the sliding tank bottom plate and the sorting trolley, and the flexible stopper itself also has a certain load-carrying capacity. Therefore, if an object to be sorted, lowered from the sorting trolley, falls onto the flexible stopper, the load-carrying performance of the flexible stopper can also ensure that the object to be sorted enters the sliding tank bottom plate, thereby ensuring the smooth completion of the dropping process.

[0080] A preferred option for the dropping mechanism is that when the sorting trolley must lower the items to be sorted that are placed on it onto the bottom plate of the sliding tank, the height of the sorting trolley is greater than the height of the first side.

[0081] A preferred option for the dropping mechanism is that multiple partitions are provided at intervals on the upper surface of the bottom plate of the sliding tank, and a dropping slide tank is formed between two adjacent partitions and the bottom plate of the sliding tank. The sorting cart lowers the items to be sorted that are placed on it into a predetermined dropping slide tank.

[0082] As a preferred option for the drop mechanism, the flexible stopper includes several flexible pads.

[0083] A preferred option for the drop mechanism is that the flexible stopper includes a plurality of flexible strips, which are spaced apart and provided on the first side.

[0084] As a preferred option for the dropping mechanism, the bottom plate of the slide tank includes a main plate body and a bent portion connected to form an L shape. The main plate body includes a first side and a second side. The first side is connected to the bent portion. Multiple spaced through holes are provided at the connection point between the main plate body and the bent portion. Furthermore, a pressing plate is 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 multiple sets of insertion holes provided at intervals along the length of the first plate body. Each set of insertion holes includes a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole provided at intervals along the width of the first plate body. One end of the flexible strip is inserted sequentially through the through holes, the second insertion hole and the first insertion hole to form a U shape. The second plate body is detachably connected to the bent portion.

[0085] As a preferred option for the drop mechanism, the second plate body is provided with connecting holes, and the bent portion is provided with fastening elongated holes. The connection holes and fastening elongated holes are connected by a tightening member.

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

[0087] As a preferred option for the drop 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 mounted on 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 mounted on the rail by the second parallel movement transmission unit. In the extending direction of the rail, receiving stations are provided at the non-end positions of the rail for the first sorting cart and the second sorting cart to receive objects. The receiving stations are distributed on the motion stroke of the first sorting cart as it moves along the rail, and on the motion stroke of the second sorting cart as it moves along the rail. As a result, the motion strokes of the first sorting cart and the motion strokes of the second sorting cart overlap at the receiving stations. This arrangement enables centralized supply, thereby significantly improving sorting efficiency. Furthermore, since the two parallel-movement transmission units that power the two sorting carts no longer interfere with each other, the overall structure becomes simpler and more stable.

[0089] A preferred option for the sorting drive assembly is that the receiving station is located in the center of the rail.

[0090] A preferred option for the sorting drive assembly is that the rails are horizontal and there are two of them. The two rails are parallel to each other and are positioned opposite each other in the horizontal width direction. The first and second parallel movement transmission units are positioned between the two rails. In the horizontal width direction of the rails, both sides of the first sorting trolley and both sides of the second sorting trolley are movably attached to the two rails, respectively.

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

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

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

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

[0095] As a preferred option for 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 by the drive of 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 by the drive of 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] As a preferred option for the sorting drive assembly, the wheel axes of the first parallel drive wheel, the first parallel driven wheel, the second parallel drive 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, respectively, racks, ropes, belts, or chains. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0097] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of Figure 1 with the shelves and receiving frame hidden. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the sorting cart shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the sorting cart shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of Embodiment 3 of the sorting cart shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of enclosure A in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of enclosure B in Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of Figure 7. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view of Figure 7. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the supply and conveying machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a front view of the multiple supply and transport assemblies shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the supply and conveying machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the two supply and transport assemblies in Figure 14, mounted in a single transport assembly mounting area. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of Figure 15 from a different angle. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of Figure 16 with the base guard plate, power supply, first pulley, and pulley transmission timing belt omitted. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the connection point between two adjacent supply and transport assemblies in Figure 14. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of Embodiment 1 of the supply elevator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a side view of Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the supply elevator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a side view of Figure 21. [Figure 23]Figure 23 is a perspective view of the drop mechanism in Figure 1. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a side view of Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an enlarged view of enclosure C in Figure 24. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the flexible stopper, pressure plate, and slide tank bottom plate in Figure 23. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the bottom plate of the slide tank in Figure 23. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of enclosure D in Figure 27. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the pressure plate in Figure 23. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the flexible strip in Figure 23. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the rail, sorting trolley, and sorting drive assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a perspective view of Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a perspective view of the installation method of the rails, sorting trolley, and sorting drive assembly shown in Figure 33. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a plan view of Figure 34. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a perspective view of an alternative installation method for the rails, sorting trolley, and sorting drive assembly shown in Figure 33. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a perspective view of Embodiment 4 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a perspective view of Embodiment 5 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a plan view of Figure 38. [Figure 40]Figure 40 is a perspective view of Figure 38 with the shelves and receiving frame hidden. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a perspective view of the rail, sorting cart, sorting drive assembly, and supply transport vehicle in Figure 38. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a perspective view of Embodiment 6 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the rail, sorting trolley, sorting drive assembly, and supply slide tank in Figure 42. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a perspective view of Embodiment 8 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below 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 information disclosed herein.

[0099] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., described in the drawings of this specification are merely for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art in combination with the contents disclosed in the specification, and do not define any limiting conditions that can be implemented in this invention; therefore, they should be understood to have no substantial technical significance. Any additions to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to the size shall be considered to be included within the scope covered by the technical contents disclosed in this invention, provided that they do not affect the effects that can be achieved and the objectives that can be attained in this invention. Furthermore, terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "center," and "one" referenced in this specification are also merely for clarity and do not limit the scope that can be implemented in this invention. Therefore, changes or adjustments to relative relationships are also considered to be within the scope that can be implemented in this invention, provided that they do not substantially change the technical contents.

[0100] Furthermore, it should be explained that when a component is described as being "fixed" or "attached" to another component, it may be located directly on the other component, or an intervening component may be present simultaneously. Also, when one component is described as being "connected" to another component, it may be connected directly to the other component, or it may be connected indirectly to the other component via an intervening component.

[0101] Furthermore, any references to "First," "Second," etc., in this application are merely for convenience and should not be interpreted as explicitly or implicitly indicating relative importance or suggesting the number of technical features covered. Therefore, in cases where "First" and "Second" refer to limited features, they may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, while the technical means of each embodiment can be combined with each other, it must be assumed that this is feasible for a person skilled in the art. If a combination of technical means results in a contradiction or is impossible to implement, such a combination of technical means should be considered nonexistent and not included in the scope of protection claimed in this application.

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

[0103] Example 1 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device As shown in Figures 1 to 3, Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device includes a device frame 10. The device frame 10 is provided with multiple layers of rails 12 distributed vertically, sorting trolleys 20 that are movably attached to each rail 12, a sorting drive assembly 70 that moves the sorting trolleys 20 on the rails 12, and a supply unit. For convenience of description, the extension direction (i.e., the length direction) of the rails 12 in Figures 1 to 3 is defined as the left-right direction. That is, in the drawing shown in Figure 2, the bottom and top of the paper are the rear and front directions, respectively, and the left and right sides of the paper are the left and right directions, respectively. Therefore, the movement method of the sorting trolleys 20 on the rails 12 is parallel movement from left to right. The rails 12 have a vertical multi-layer structure, and the sorting trolleys 20 attached to each layer of rails 12 also have a vertical multi-layer structure. A supply area 11 is provided on the side of the device frame 10. The supply unit is located in the supply area 11 and supplies items to be sorted to the sorting carts 20 in each layer. The items to be sorted are items and articles such as lipstick, clothing, and bags. In this embodiment, the supply area 11 is located on the rear side of the device frame 10 in the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to the left-to-right parallel movement direction of the sorting carts 20.

[0104] When the multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device performs sorting work, an operator loads the items to be sorted into a supply unit, which then supplies the items to the corresponding sorting cart 20 in the target layer. The sorting drive assembly 70 controls the sorting cart 20 to move along the rail 12 on which it is located to a predetermined position in the left-right direction, and then lowers the items to be sorted. According to this invention, it is possible to effectively improve the efficiency of secondary sorting of the items to be sorted. Furthermore, because the structure of the multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is relatively simplified, costs are reduced and maintenance becomes easier. In addition, it becomes easier to operate, sorting accuracy is improved, and items of different dimensions can be sorted. At the same time, according to this invention, the investment of funds in the secondary sorting process of the items to be sorted is reduced, labor costs are reduced, and sorting accuracy is improved.

[0105] Furthermore, there are several preferred embodiments of the sorting trolley 20 used in the above-described multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device.

[0106] Example 1 of sorting cart 20 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sorting cart 20 includes a cart frame 21, a pair of sorting rollers 22 rotatably mounted on both the front and rear ends of the cart frame 21, and a sorting conveyor belt 23 connected to the two sorting rollers 22. The cart frame 21 also has running wheels 211 on both the front and rear bottoms. The running wheels 211 are fitted onto rails 12. The sorting rollers 22 are rotationally driven by a conveying drive source (e.g., a motor). Alternatively, electric rollers are used for the sorting rollers 22. This enables forward and reverse movement of the sorting conveyor belt 23, thereby enabling dropping onto the front or rear side of the sorting cart 20 (i.e., the dropping slide tank 61, described later).

[0107] Preferably, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sorting cart 20 further includes a pair of lateral position regulating stoppers 24. The pair of lateral position regulating stoppers 24 are fixed to the cart frame 21. The pair of lateral position regulating stoppers 24 are 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 regulating stoppers 24 have a shielding plate structure. In addition, the sorting conveyor belt 23 is provided with at least two barrier bars 25. Each barrier bar 25 extends to the left and right. Multiple barrier bars 25 are provided at intervals in the rotational direction (i.e., conveying direction) of the sorting conveyor belt 23. The structure of the lateral position regulating stoppers 24 and barrier bars 25 ensures that the items to be sorted do not fall unexpectedly from the sorting conveyor belt 23. The specific cross-sectional shape of the barrier bars 25 is not limited and may be linear, plate-shaped, block-shaped, columnar, or irregularly shaped, etc.

[0108] Preferably, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bogie frame 21 is provided with side wheels 212 facing sideways on both the front and rear sides. That is, the wheel axis of the side wheels 212 extends vertically. Vertical sections are provided on both sides of the rail 122 that contact the side wheels 212. The rail 12 may be two angle steels installed facing each other. The running wheels 211 are mounted on the horizontal section of the rail 12. The side wheels 212 also contact the vertical section of the rail 12 and act to guide the movement.

[0109] Example 2 of sorting cart 20 As shown in Figure 6, in Embodiment 2 of the sorting cart 20, a pair of main position restricting stoppers 26 are added to the base of Embodiment 1 of the sorting cart 20. The pair of main position restricting stoppers 26 are distributed 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 restricting stoppers 26 are attached to the cart frame 21. In addition, a pair of lateral position restricting 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, openings are formed between the pair of lateral position restricting stoppers 24. Of these, the front opening is defined as the first opening 231, and the rear opening is defined as the second opening 232. Both the first opening 231 and the second opening 232 allow the passage of items to be sorted. The pair of main position restricting stoppers 26 are provided at the first opening 231 and the second opening 232, respectively. The front main position regulating stopper 26 can close or open the first opening 231 by moving toward or toward the first opening 231. The rear main position regulating stopper 26 can close or open the second opening 232 by moving toward or toward the second opening 232. In this way, during the process of the sorting cart 20 transporting the items to be sorted, the pair of main position regulating stoppers 26 close the first opening 231 and the second opening 232. As a result, the forward and backward movement of the items to be sorted is blocked by the pair of main position regulating stoppers 26, preventing the items from falling downward from the first opening 231 or the second opening 232, thus providing a fall prevention effect.

[0110] Preferably, the main position regulating stopper 26 has multiple motion modes such as vertical movement, vertical rotation, and horizontal rotation. The main position regulating stopper 26 may be a single barrier plate or two barrier plates, left and right. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, each main position regulating stopper 26 includes two position regulating gates 261, left and right. The sorting cart 20 further includes a stopper drive source 27 connected to each position regulating gate 261. The stopper drive source 27 is fixed to the cart frame 21. The stopper drive source 27 may be a gas cylinder, motor, electromagnet, etc., and moves the connected position regulating gate 261 up and down, vertical rotation, or horizontal rotation. When the stopper drive source 27 moves the position regulating gate 261 until the first opening 231 or the second opening 232 is open, the items to be sorted can enter the sorting cart 20 or be unloaded from the sorting cart 20. Furthermore, when the stopper drive source 27 moves the position regulating gate 261 until the first opening 231 or the second opening 232 is closed, the objects to be sorted on the sorting cart 20 are prevented from falling, thus providing a fall prevention function. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the movement method of the position regulating gate 261 is rotation.

[0111] In addition, in Embodiment 2 of the sorting cart 20, the sorting conveyor belt 23 may be provided with the blocking bar 25 as in Embodiment 1 of the sorting cart 20. Alternatively, the sorting conveyor belt 23 may not be provided with the blocking bar 25, as shown in Figure 6. When the blocking bar 25 is provided on the sorting conveyor belt 23, 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 Embodiment 3 of the sorting cart 20 differs from Embodiment 2 of the sorting cart 20 in the specific structure of the main position restricting stopper 26. In Embodiment 3 of the sorting cart 20, 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 restricting stoppers 26 has a single shielding plate structure. The pair of main position restricting stoppers 26 are attached to the cart frame 21 so as to be able to move up and down. The lifting drive source is connected to the pair of main position restricting stoppers 26 via the lifting transmission unit, causing the pair of main position restricting stoppers 26 to move up and down synchronously. When the sorting cart 20 moves to the supply unit to receive the items to be sorted, and when the sorting cart 20 moves to the drop slide tank 61 (described later) to unload the items to be sorted, the lifting drive source moves the two front and rear main position restricting stoppers 26 upward simultaneously and synchronously via the lifting transmission unit, thereby separating the main position restricting stoppers 26 from the entrance and exit. As a result, the main position restricting stoppers 26 no longer perform a blocking action, so that the items to be sorted are either carried into the sorting conveyor belt 23 through the entrance and exit, or carried out from the sorting conveyor belt 23 through the entrance and exit. On the other hand, during the movement of the sorting cart 20 on which the items to be sorted are placed, the lifting drive source moves the two front and rear main position restricting stoppers 26 downward simultaneously and synchronously via the lifting transmission unit until they hit the outside of the entrance and exit. As a result, the main position regulating stopper 26 acts as a barrier, preventing sorted items on the sorting conveyor belt 23 from falling from the entrance / exit, thus providing a good fall prevention function. In this invention, the objective of cost reduction is achieved by raising and lowering two main position regulating stoppers 26 simultaneously and synchronously using one lifting drive source. Furthermore, in this invention, the movement method of the main position regulating stopper 26 is set to lifting and lowering, that is, parallel movement in the vertical direction. In this case, compared with a movement method that rotates up and down, the requirement for the space above the main position regulating stopper 26 is reduced, so that the sorting cart 20 can be attached to the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device more easily.

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

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 10, the lifting drive source is a motor. The lifting transmission unit includes a first transmission assembly 28 connected to the motor shaft of the lifting drive source, and a second transmission assembly 29 connected to each main position regulating stopper 26. Both sets of second transmission assemblies 29 are connected to the first transmission assembly 28. The first transmission assembly 28 may be a rack and pinion assembly, a sprocket chain assembly, or a timing belt pulley assembly. The second transmission assembly 29 may be a screw 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 distributed on the outer side of the right-side lateral position regulating stopper 24. The second transmission assembly 29 includes a transmission rotation shaft 291 that is rotatably supported on the trolley frame 21. The first transmission assembly 28 also includes a first drive 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 circumference of the first drive 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 sets of second transmission assemblies 29 rotate simultaneously and synchronously through the two first driven pulleys 282 and the first timing belt 283. As a result, the two sets of second transmission assemblies 29 operate synchronously, enabling synchronous upward or downward movement of the two main position restricting stoppers 26.

[0116] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 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 trolley 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 idler gears 286 that are rotatably mounted to the trolley frame 21. The two idler gears 286 are distributed on both the front and rear sides of the first drive pulley 281 and both abut the outside of the first timing belt 283. By providing the idler gears 286, the two left and right portions of the first timing belt 283, which extends in the front and rear directions, can be made parallel to each other.

[0117] A preferred structure of the second transmission assembly 29 is as follows: As shown in Figures 7, 9, and 11, the second transmission assembly 29 includes, for each set, two lead screws 292 distributed at both the left and right ends of the main position regulating stopper 26, a lead nut 293 connected to the lead screws 292, a second driven pulley 294 fixed to the lower end of each lead screw 292, and a second timing belt 295. Both lead screws 292 are mounted vertically and are rotatably attached to the trolley frame 21 via a bearing housing. The right lead screw 292 closer to the first transmission assembly 28 constitutes the transmission rotation shaft 291. Therefore, the right lead 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 right lead screw 292. The second timing belt 295 is connected to the outer circumference of the two second driven pulleys 294 on the left and right sides of the second transmission assembly 29. Furthermore, the feed nut 293 is connected to the main position regulating stopper 26. In this way, the lifting drive source rotates the right-side feed screw 292 in the two sets of front and rear second transmission assemblies 29 simultaneously and synchronously via the first transmission assembly 28. The right-side feed screw 292 rotates the left-side feed screw 292 simultaneously and synchronously via the second driven pulley 294 and the second timing belt 295. As a result, the two front and rear main position regulating stoppers 26 move synchronously upward or downward via the feed nut 293.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a fitting gap 296 is provided between the feed nut 293 and the main position regulating 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 regulating stopper 26 via a thrust bearing. By providing the thrust bearing and the fitting gap 296, the main position regulating stopper 26 can have a certain amount of front-rear movement relative to the feed nut 293. As a result, misalignment is eliminated, and provided that synchronization is guaranteed, the occurrence of the stacking phenomenon is avoided.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply unit includes a supply conveyor 30 (also referred to as a supply platform) and a supply lifter 40. The supply conveyor 30 includes a supply base 31 and a supply conveying assembly 32 provided on the supply base 31. The supply lifter 40 is connected between the supply conveyor 30 and the sorting trolleys 20 of each layer. The supply lifter 40 has a lifting conveying trolley 45 that can move up and down. The supply lifter 40 is used to move the items to be sorted, which are sent out from the supply conveying assembly 32, to the sorting trolleys 20 of the target layer. Therefore, the supply conveyor 30 is provided on the rear side of the device frame 10. In this way, when the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device performs sorting work, the worker puts the items to be sorted into the supply conveying assembly 32 of the supply conveyor 30. The supply and transport assembly 32 transports the items to be sorted forward to the lifting transport trolley 45 of the supply elevator 40. Then, by raising and lowering the lifting transport trolley 45 of the supply elevator 40, the items to be sorted are transported to the sorting trolley 20 of the corresponding layer. After that, the items to be sorted are moved to the predetermined position by moving the sorting trolley 20 from side to side, and then the items to be sorted are lowered. This multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device completes the vertical transport by the supply elevator 40 and the horizontal transport by the sorting trolley 20, thus further improving the efficiency of secondary sorting of the items to be sorted.

[0120] Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supply conveyor 30 is equipped with a control panel 13 and a scanner 14. The scanner 14 is used to scan the items to be sorted and to confirm the position to which the items should proceed. The control panel 13 is used for displaying the operating status of the device and for operation. In addition, multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting devices are usually further equipped with an alarm that issues a warning in the event of an abnormality.

[0121] Furthermore, there are several preferred embodiments of the supply conveyor 30 used in the above-described multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device.

[0122] Example 1 of the supply and conveying machine 30 As shown in Figures 12 and 13, Embodiment 1 of the supply conveyor 30 includes a supply base 31 and a plurality of supply conveyor assemblies 32 attached to the supply base 31. A conveyor belt structure is used for the supply conveyor assemblies 32. That is, each supply conveyor assembly 32 includes a supply conveyor support base, a pair of supply rollers 322 rotatably mounted on both the front and rear sides of the supply conveyor support base, and a supply conveyor belt 323 connected to the pair of supply rollers 322. The supply rollers 322 can be driven by an independent supply drive source 321 (e.g., a motor). Alternatively, electric rollers are used for the supply rollers 322. The supply conveyor support base is a base frame 311, which will be described later. In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, a supply drive source 321 is provided for each set of supply conveyor assemblies 32. The pair of supply rollers 322 in each supply conveyor assembly 32 are a drive roller 3221 and a driven roller 3222, respectively. The supply drive source 321 is connected to the drive roller 3221 to transmit power. The supply drive sources 321 of multiple sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 are independent of each other. In the conveying direction in which the supply conveying belt 323 conveys the sorted items forward, the multiple sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 are connected sequentially from rear to front and are distributed in a stepped manner from high to low. Therefore, the supply conveying assembly 32 distributed at the rear is the highest, and the supply conveying assembly 32 distributed at the front is the lowest. In addition, two sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 that are adjacent to each other in the front and rear are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0123] In Embodiment 1 of the supply conveying machine 30, each supply conveying assembly 32 is driven by an independent supply drive source 321. Therefore, the conveying speed of the supply conveying belt 323 of each supply conveying assembly 32 is controlled independently. This allows for better control of the movement speed of the sorted items on multiple supply conveying assemblies 32, thereby preventing excessive accumulation of sorted items at the front end of the supply conveying machine 30 and improving the efficiency of the device. Furthermore, in this invention, multiple supply conveying assemblies 32 are arranged in a stepped manner. In addition, the height of the multiple supply conveying assemblies 32 decreases sequentially from rear to front. That is, two adjacent supply conveying assemblies 32 are offset vertically, allowing for better adjacent placement of two adjacent supply conveying assemblies 32. This reduces the gap between two adjacent supply conveying assemblies 32 front to back, preventing items from falling. Furthermore, by arranging multiple supply and conveying assemblies 32 in a stepped manner from high to low, it becomes possible to avoid the formation of a groove in the central part of the supply and conveying belt 323. This prevents the problem of light items being sorted bouncing up on the supply and conveying belt 323, and ensures reliable supply.

[0124] Preferably, the number of supply and convey assemblies 32 in the supply and convey machine 30 is determined according to the actual need and may be two, three, four, or more. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, there are three supply and convey assemblies 32.

[0125] Furthermore, a preferred structure for the supply base 31 is as follows. As shown in Figure 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 the left and right sides of the supply conveyor belt 323 of multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor belt 323. In addition, the base guard plates 312 are further higher than the supply conveyor belt 323 of the multiple sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32. By providing the base guard plates 312, it is possible to avoid the situation in which the items to be sorted on the supply conveyor belt 323 fall from both the left and right sides, thereby improving the reliability when conveying the items to be sorted forward.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, each supply and conveying assembly 32 includes a detection unit attached to the supply base 31. The detection unit is used to detect whether or not there are items to be sorted passing on the supply and conveying belt 323 of the supply and conveying assembly 32. This makes it possible to detect when the first item to be sorted is passing forward on the supply and conveying machine 30, and when the last item to be sorted is passing forward, and to use this for sorting start control and sorting stop control. It is also possible to detect the length of the items to be sorted being conveyed on the supply and conveying machine 30, and if the length of the items to be sorted exceeds a threshold, it is determined that an item has been mistakenly fed. In this case, a warning is issued to improve safety during operation.

[0127] Preferably, as shown in Figure 12, the detection unit 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 exposure of the grating sensor 33. In addition, in each supply conveying assembly 32, the bottom of the detection opening 313 and the top of the supply conveying belt 323 are aligned at the same height, making it possible to more reliably detect whether or not there are items to be sorted passing on the supply conveying belt 323.

[0128] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, in the transport direction in which the supply transport belt 323 transports the sorted items forward, a receiving and retraction area 314 is provided at the tip (i.e., the front end) of the base guard plate 312. This prevents the base guard plate 312 from obstructing the receiving of the sorted items by the sorting cart 20 of the sorting system.

[0129] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the supply drive source 321 is distributed offset from the drive roller 3221. In addition, each supply conveying assembly 32 includes a transmission unit. The supply drive source 321 is connected to the drive roller 3221 via the transmission unit. The offset distribution of the supply drive source 321 and the drive roller 3221 allows for a reduction in the lateral size of the supply conveying machine 30, making it easier to install in a sorting system. Preferably, the transmission unit includes a second drive 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 circumference of the second drive pulley 324 and the third driven pulley 325.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, each supply conveying assembly 32 includes an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit includes an adjustment groove 315 opened 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. Both the adjustment groove 315 and the adjustment screw 35 extend linearly in the forward and backward directions along the conveying direction of the supply conveying belt 323. The driven roller 3222 includes a roller shaft 3223 and a roll attached to the outer circumference of the roller shaft 3223 so as to rotate. Both ends of the roller shaft 3223 are engaged in the adjustment groove 315 and screwed into the adjustment screw 35. By rotating the adjustment screw 35, the forward and backward position of the roller shaft 3223 of the driven roller 3222 within the adjustment groove 315 can be adjusted. In other words, by adjusting the front-to-back position of the driven roller 3222, the tension of the supply conveying belt 323 in the supply conveying assembly 32 can be adjusted, making it possible to reliably convey the sorted items forward.

[0131] Example 2 of the supply and conveying machine 30 As shown in Figure 14, Embodiment 2 of the supply conveyor 30 includes a supply base 31 on which a conveyor assembly mounting area 316 is provided, and a plurality of supply conveyor assemblies 32 attached to 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 plurality of supply conveyor assemblies 32 are arranged front to back along the conveying direction. The number of supply conveyor assemblies 32 attached to one conveyor assembly mounting area 316 is determined according to the actual need and may be two, three, or more sets. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, two sets of supply conveyor assemblies 32 are attached to one conveyor assembly mounting area 316.

[0132] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, base guard plates 312 are fixed to both the left and right sides of the conveying assembly mounting area 316 on the supply base 31. The base guard plates 312 are part of the supply base 31. Each supply conveying assembly 32 includes a supply drive source 321, a pair of supply rollers 322 arranged front to back along the conveying direction, and a supply conveying belt 323 connected to the outer circumference of the pair of supply rollers 322. The arrangement height of the pair of supply rollers 322 is the same. Therefore, the supply conveying belt 323 has a conveying plane connected to the upper ends of the pair of supply rollers 322. Both the left and right ends of the supply rollers 322 are rotatably supported by the base guard plates 312 of the supply base 31 and are connected to transmit power to the supply drive source 321. A roughly triangular area 318 is formed between two sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 that are adjacent front to back. The supply rollers 322 are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less. In other words, the supply roller 322 is a roller with an unusual outer diameter size, and a small-diameter roller that is much smaller than the typical outer diameter size is used.

[0133] In the supply conveying machine 30 according to the present invention, when the supply drive source 321 is operated, a pair of supply rollers 322 rotate, and at the same time, the supply conveying belt 323 also rotates. The sorting person places multiple items to be sorted, which are awaiting sorting, onto the conveying surface of the supply conveying belt 323 in the supply conveying assembly 32 at the rearmost end of the supply conveying machine 30. The supply conveying belt 323 of the supply conveying assembly 32 conveys the items to be sorted toward the front. In particular, the supply rollers 322 in the present invention are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less. By doing so, the size of the roughly triangular region 318 formed between two sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 adjacent to each other is greatly reduced, making the connection between the two sets of supply conveying assemblies 32 adjacent to each other flatter. This effectively prevents small objects to be sorted from getting stuck in the roughly triangular area 318, thus ensuring that objects transported forward by the rear supply and transport assembly 32 are smoothly transferred to the front supply and transport assembly 32. This significantly reduces the probability of objects falling, ultimately guaranteeing the reliability and accuracy of sorting. Finally, the objects to be sorted are transported forward by the supply and transport belts 323 of the multiple supply and transport assemblies 32, and then transported to the front end of the supply and transport machine 30. After that, the objects to be sorted are received by the sorting cart 20. Thus, the rear end of the supply and transport machine 30 is the supply end of the objects to be sorted, and the front end of the supply and transport machine 30 is the delivery end of the objects to be sorted.

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

[0135] Preferably, the diameter of the supply roller 322 in this application is 28 to 32 mm. This effectively prevents small-volume items to be sorted from getting caught in the roughly triangular region 318, while ensuring good support performance for the supply conveyor belt 323.

[0136] Furthermore, if a small-diameter roller is used for 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, if a structure is used in which the supply drive source 321 rotates the supply roller 322 and rotates the supply conveyor belt 323, there is a drawback that the rotational speed of the supply conveyor belt 323 may not meet the requirements. For this reason, the drive structure in which the supply drive source 321 rotates the supply conveyor belt 323 in this application is preferably as follows. That is, as shown in Figures 15 to 18, the supply drive source 321 is a motor. Furthermore, each 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 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 size. The diameter of the transmission roller 36 is larger than the diameter of the supply roller 322. Preferably, the diameter of the transmission roller 36 is 3 to 5 times the diameter of the supply roller 322. The transmission roller 36 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the supply conveyor belt 323 and is distributed below the pair of supply rollers 322. In this way, the supply drive source 321 rotates the transmission roller 36 via the first pulley 371, the second pulley 372 and the pulley-driven timing belt 373. Because there is a large contact area and a large frictional force between the transmission roller 36 and the supply conveyor belt 323, the transmission roller 36 can cause the supply conveyor belt 323 to rotate. This improves the reliability of the rotational motion of the supply conveyor belt 323, ensuring accurate transport of sorted items forward, while also guaranteeing that the rotational speed of the supply conveyor belt 323 meets the design requirements.

[0137] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15 and 17, a motor mounting area 38 is formed on the outer circumference 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 install the supply drive source 321, further compacts the overall structure, and reduces the total space occupied by the supply conveyor 30.

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15 to 17, each supply conveying assembly 32 includes a tension adjustment roller 39 and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension adjustment roller 39 is located in the motor mounting area 38. The tension adjustment roller and the transmission roller 36 are parallel. The tension adjustment roller 39 includes a roller shaft portion 391 and a tension drum portion 392 that is rotatably attached to the roller shaft portion 391. The tension drum portion 392 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the supply conveying belt 323. The roller shaft portion 391 is mounted to the supply base 31 so as to be movable back and forth via the tension adjustment assembly. In this way, by adjusting the front-to-back position of the roller shaft portion 391 using the tension adjustment assembly, the front-to-back position of the tension adjustment roller 39 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the degree of tension of the supply conveying 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 a supply base 31, an adjustment groove 3171 opening in the supply base 31 and extending in the front-rear direction, an adjustment bolt extending in the front-rear direction, and a lock nut connected to the adjustment bolt. The adjustment bolt and lock nut are not shown. The roller shaft portion 391 is inserted into the adjustment groove 3171 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The adjustment bolt is inserted into the roller shaft portion 391 and the adjustment base 317. The lock nut abuts against the outer circumference of the roller shaft portion 391.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15 and 17, the outer surface of the supply conveyor belt 323 is provided with at least one position regulating rib 3231 extending in the circumferential direction. When there are multiple position regulating ribs 3231, the multiple position regulating ribs 3231 are arranged left and right in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the supply conveyor assembly 32. The position regulating ribs 3231 improve the accuracy of conveying sorted items forward by regulating their position in the left and right direction as they are conveyed forward on the supply conveyor belt 323. The number of position regulating ribs 3231 on each supply conveyor belt 323 is determined according to the actual need. In this embodiment, there are two position regulating ribs 3231, one on the left and one on the right.

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, multiple transport assembly mounting areas 316 are provided on the supply base 31. The multiple transport assembly mounting areas 316 are arranged left and right in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the supply transport assembly 32. Multiple sets of supply transport assemblies 32 are mounted on each transport assembly mounting area 316. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, there are two transport assembly mounting areas 316 on the supply base 31, one on the left and one on the right. Also, two sets of supply transport assemblies 32 are mounted on each transport assembly mounting area 316. By providing this configuration, the supply efficiency of the items to be sorted can be improved, and ultimately, the sorting efficiency of the sorting system can be improved.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, in the transport direction in which the supply transport assembly 32 transports the sorted items forward, the multiple sets of supply transport assemblies 32 are distributed in a stepped manner from rear to front and from high to low. That is, the supply transport assemblies 32 distributed on the rear side are higher than the supply transport assemblies 32 distributed on the front side. By using a structure in which the heights of two adjacent sets of supply transport assemblies 32 are offset, the gap between the two adjacent sets of supply transport assemblies 32 can be reduced more effectively. As a result, the roughly triangular area 318 becomes even smaller, thus achieving better fall prevention. Moreover, by using multiple sets of supply transport assemblies 32 on the front and rear sides, it is possible to avoid the formation of a groove in the central part of the supply transport belt 323. As a result, the problem of light sorted items bouncing up on the supply transport belt 323 is avoided, and the reliability of supply is firmly guaranteed.

[0142] Furthermore, there are several preferred embodiments of the supply elevator 40 used in the above-described multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device.

[0143] Example 1 of the supply elevator 40 As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the supply elevator 40 includes a frame-type support base 41. At least one pair of vertically distributed lifting timing pulleys 42 are provided within the frame-type support base 41. In the embodiment shown in Figures 19 and 20, there are two pairs of lifting timing pulleys 42, one on the left and one on the right. Therefore, there are four lifting timing pulleys 42, each rotatably mounted in one of the four corners of the frame-type support base 41. A lifting timing belt 43 is provided between the upper and lower lifting timing pulleys 42 of each pair. A lifting servo motor 44 is also provided on the top or bottom of the frame-type support base 41. The lifting servo motor 44 is connected to either the two upper lifting timing pulleys 42 or the two lower lifting timing pulleys 42. A lifting transport cart 45 is connected between the two left and right lifting timing belts 43. The lifting transport cart 45 is capable of receiving and loading. When the lifting servo motor 44 operates, it rotates the lifting timing pulley 42, causing the lifting timing belt 43 to rotate vertically. This raises or lowers the lifting transport cart 45 to rails 12 at different heights, and transports the items to be sorted from the lifting transport cart 45 to the sorting cart 20 on the rails 12.

[0144] Example 2 of the supply elevator 40 As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the supply elevator 40 includes a vertical beam 46 extending vertically, a lifting servo motor 44 provided on the top or bottom of the vertical beam 46, a lifting guide rail 47 fixed to one side of the vertical beam 46, a lifting slider 48 sliding along the lifting guide rail 47, and a lifting transport trolley 45 connected to transmit power to the lifting servo motor 44. The lifting slider 48 is fixedly connected to the lifting transport trolley 45. The lifting transport trolley 45 is capable of receiving and loading. When the lifting servo motor 44 operates, the lifting transport trolley 45 rises or falls to rails 12 of different heights via the lifting guide rail 47 and the lifting slider 48. The lifting transport trolley 45 then transports the items to be sorted to a sorting trolley 20 on the rails 12.

[0145] Preferably, in the two embodiments of the supply lifting machine 40 described above, a conveyor belt structure is used for the lifting conveyor trolley 45. As shown in Figure 19, the lifting conveyor trolley 45 includes a lifting conveyor support base, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on both the front and rear sides of the lifting conveyor support base, and a lifting conveyor belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers. The lifting rollers can be driven by independent motors, or the lifting rollers are electric rollers.

[0146] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, receiving devices 50 and dropping mechanisms 60 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the device frame 10 in the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to the left-to-right parallel 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 a plurality of receiving frames 52 attached to the shelf 51. The plurality of receiving frames 52 are distributed in a matrix-like manner, with multiple layers vertically and multiple frames on the left and right sides of each layer. The dropping mechanism 60 also includes a plurality of dropping slide tanks 61. A certain number of dropping slide tanks 61 are distributed in a matrix-like manner, with multiple layers vertically and multiple frames on the left and right sides of each layer. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the plurality of receiving frames 52 on the shelf 51 and the plurality of 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 also extend so as to be inclined downwards and outwards. The sorting cart 20 moves the items to be sorted, which are placed on it, in a left-right direction to the target drop slide tank 61, and then lowers the items to be sorted into the drop slide tank 61. The items to be sorted slide down along the drop slide tank 61 onto the receiving frame 52 on its outside. This makes the automated sorting even more intelligent.

[0147] Furthermore, the preferred structure of the dropping mechanism 60 is as follows. As shown in Figures 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 in shape. The slide tank bottom plate 62 includes a first side 6211 and a second side 6212 that are arranged to face each other front and rear. The first side 6211 is close to the sorting trolley 20, i.e., it is the inner side of the slide tank bottom plate 62. The second side 6212 is spaced away from the sorting trolley 20, i.e., it is the outer side of the slide tank bottom plate 62. Moreover, the height of the first side 6211 is higher than the height of the second side 6212. Furthermore, since the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank is provided to be inclined downward and outward, the dropping slide tank 61 is also provided to be inclined downward and outward. As a result, the sorted items dropped from the first side 6211 onto the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank slide down to the second side 6212 due to gravity, and then are dropped into the receiving device 50. Preferably, the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank further includes a third side and a fourth side provided opposite each other on the left and right. One connecting plate 64 is provided on each of the third side and the fourth side. The bottom plate 62 of the slide tank is attached to the device frame 10 via the connecting plates 64.

[0148] During sorting, the sorting cart 20 first moves to the supply conveyor 30 and receives the items to be sorted from the supply conveyor 30. Then, the sorting cart 20 moves the items to be sorted to a predetermined position on the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank. The sorting cart 20 then lowers the items to be sorted, and the items pass through the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank and are dropped into the receiving device 50, completing the dropping process. To prevent the items to be sorted from falling into the gap between the sorting cart 20 and the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank and to ensure the smooth completion of the dropping process, a flexible stopper 63 is provided on the first side edge 6211 of the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank, as shown in Figure 23. The flexible stopper 63 contributes to reducing the gap between the sorting cart 20 and the bottom plate 62, preventing items from falling, and is also capable of automatically returning to its elastic state during the collision process with the sorting cart 20, making it resistant 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 to be sorted on the sorting cart 20 are more likely to fall than heavier items to be sorted. When lighter items to be sorted fall from the sorting cart 20, they fall onto the flexible stopper 63. Since the flexible stopper 63 itself has a certain load-carrying capacity, the load-carrying performance of the flexible stopper 63 can also guarantee that the items to be sorted enter the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank, and thus ensure that the dropping is completed smoothly.

[0149] Furthermore, when the sorting cart 20 attempts to lower the items to be sorted, which are placed on it, onto the bottom plate 62 of the sliding tank, the height of the sorting cart 20 is higher than the height of the first side 6211, so there is a height difference between the sorting cart 20 and the bottom plate 62 of the sliding tank. This height difference makes it possible to cause the items to be sorted, which are far from the sorting cart 20, to perform parabolic motion, thereby greatly improving the possibility of dropping the items onto the bottom plate 62 of the sliding tank.

[0150] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the form of the flexible stopper 63, and it may include several flexible pads provided along the first side 6211. Also, as shown in Figures 23 to 25, the flexible stopper 63 may include multiple flexible strips 631. The multiple flexible strips 631 are provided on the first side 6211 at intervals from left to right. Compared to a single flexible pad, the multiple flexible strips 631 can reduce the resistance force that the sorting cart 20 experiences during movement, while also reducing wear on the flexible strips 631 themselves, thus extending the overall service life compared to a flexible pad.

[0151] In the embodiment using the multiple flexible strips 631 described above, as shown in Figures 24 to 29, the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank includes a main plate body 621 and a bent portion 622 connected to form an L shape. The main plate body 621 includes the first side 6211 and the second side 6212 described above. The extension direction of the first side 6211 and the second side 6212 is parallel to the length direction of the main plate body 621. The first side 6211 is connected to the bent portion 622. Furthermore, multiple through holes 623 are provided at intervals in the extension direction of the first side 6211 at the connection point between the main plate body 621 and the bent portion 622. 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 sets of through holes spaced apart along its length. The length of the first plate body 661 is parallel to the extension direction of the first side 6211. Each set of through holes includes a first through hole 6611 and a second through hole 6612 spaced apart along the width of the first plate body 661. As shown in Figures 23 to 25 and Figure 30, one end of the flexible strip 631 is inserted sequentially through the through hole 623, the second through hole 6612, and the first through hole 6611 to form a U-shaped section 632. The second plate body 662 is detachably connected to the bent section 622. This configuration prevents the flexible strip 631 from falling off the bottom plate 62 of the slide tank during use, making the mounting structure more robust and stable.

[0152] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 25, 26, 28, and 29, a connecting hole 6621 is provided in the second plate body 662, and a fastening slot 6221 is provided in the bent portion 622. The fastening slot 6221 extends along the width direction of the bent portion 622. The inner diameter of the connecting hole 6621 is smaller than the length of the fastening slot 6221. The connection between the connecting hole 6621 and the fastening slot 6221 is made 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, making it convenient to fix flexible strips 631 of different sizes to the slide tank bottom plate 62. Also, as shown in Figure 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 6211. By providing this configuration, the structural strength of the main plate body 621 can be enhanced, which contributes to supporting sorted objects of different weights.

[0153] Furthermore, a preferred structure of the sorting drive assembly 70 is as follows: As shown in Figures 2 and 31, the sorting drive assembly 70 includes at least one set of timing belt transmission assemblies. Each set of timing belt transmission assemblies includes a pair of trolley timing pulleys 71 rotatably mounted on the left and right ends of the device frame 10, a trolley timing belt 72 connected between the pair of trolley timing pulleys 71, and a trolley servo motor 73 connected to transmit power to one end of the trolley timing pulley 71. The extension direction of the trolley timing belt 72 is parallel to the extension direction of the rail 12. The trolley frame 21 of the sorting trolley 20 is fixedly connected to the trolley timing belt 72. When the trolley servo motor 73 operates, it rotates the trolley timing pulleys 71, causing the trolley timing belt 72 to rotate, thereby moving the sorting trolley 20 horizontally to a predetermined position in the left-right direction. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figure 31, two sets of timing belt transmission assemblies are provided. In the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the parallel movement direction of the sorting cart 20, 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 acting on the entire sorting cart 20 more uniform, thereby further improving the stability of the lateral parallel movement along the rail 12.

[0154] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the device frame 10 has a straight-line frame structure that extends linearly in the left-right direction. In the direction of extension of the device frame 10 (i.e., the length direction of the device frame 10), the supply area 11 and supply unit are located at the left or right end of the side of the device frame 10 along the direction of extension. In the diagram shown in Figure 1, the supply unit is located at the right end of the rear side of the device frame 10. In the direction of extension, the device 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 supply elevator 40. After the sorting cart 20 moves to the right to receive the items to be sorted at the supply elevator 40, it can only move parallel to the left to transport the items to be sorted. After that, the sorting cart 20 moves to the right again to the supply elevator 40, and then moves parallel to the left to transport the items to be sorted. This is repeated. Therefore, Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device has an end-supply structure. The sorting cart 20 can only move left and right along the extension direction of the device frame 10, on the left side of the supply unit. This makes it possible to relatively simplify the overall structure of the device and reduce costs. Furthermore, this structure is applicable when the length of the device frame 10 in the left-right direction is short.

[0155] Example 2 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 2 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, as shown in Figure 32, the number of supply transport assemblies 32 in the supply transporter 30 is multiple, and the number of corresponding supply elevators 40 is also multiple. In Embodiment 2 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device shown in Figure 32, both the supply transport assemblies 32 of the supply transporter 30 and the corresponding supply elevators 40 are two on the left and two on the right, thus improving sorting efficiency.

[0156] Example 3 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device employs a central supply structure. Specifically, as shown in Figure 33, in the extension direction of the device frame 10, the supply unit is located in the center of the rear side of the device frame 10. In the extension direction of the device frame 10, a certain number of drop slide tanks 61, shelves 51, and receiving frames 52 are provided on both the left and right sides of the supply conveyor 30 and the supply elevator 40. The sorting cart 20 can move to the supply elevator 40 in the left-right direction to receive the items to be sorted, and then move parallel to the left or right to transport the items to be sorted. After that, the sorting cart 20 moves again in the opposite direction to the supply elevator 40 and continues to transport the items to be sorted. This is repeated. Therefore, Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device has a central supply structure, and can also be called a non-end supply structure. The sorting cart is movable on both the left and right sides of the supply unit along the extension direction of the device frame 10. Compared to the terminal supply structure adopted in Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, assuming the same number of drop slide tanks 61 are arranged, the central supply structure can relatively shorten the distance the sorting cart 20 travels back and forth between the supply elevator 40 and the drop slide tanks 61 in one cycle, thereby reducing the single reciprocating stroke of the sorting cart 20. Also, assuming the same single reciprocating stroke of the sorting cart 20, the central supply structure can accommodate more drop slide tanks 61. Finally, Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device having a central supply structure can significantly improve sorting efficiency.

[0157] In Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, as shown in Figures 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, then 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 goods. For convenience of description, the sorting cart 20 distributed on the left side of the supply unit is defined as the first sorting cart 741, and the timing belt transmission assembly distributed on the left side of the supply unit is defined as the first parallel movement transmission assembly 742. The cart servo motor 73 in the first parallel movement transmission assembly 742 constitutes the first parallel movement drive source 743. Furthermore, the two front and rear 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, to which transmission is connected, constitute a first assembly. On the other hand, the sorting cart 20 distributed to the right side of the supply unit is defined as a second sorting cart 751, and the timing belt transmission assembly distributed to 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. Furthermore, the two front and rear 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, to which transmission is connected, constitute a second assembly. The first sorting cart 741 and the second sorting cart 751 can be any of the multiple embodiments of the sorting cart 20 described above.

[0158] Therefore, in Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, the first sorting trolley 741 is movably mounted on the rail 12 by a first parallel movement transmission unit, and the second sorting trolley 751 is movably mounted on the rail 12 by a second parallel movement transmission unit. In the extending direction of the rail 12, receiving stations 123 for the first sorting trolley 741 and the second sorting trolley 751 to receive objects are provided at the non-end positions of the rail 12. The receiving stations 123 are distributed on the motion stroke of the first sorting trolley 741 when it moves along the rail 12, and on the motion stroke of the second sorting trolley 751 when it moves along the rail 12. As a result, the motion stroke of the first sorting trolley 741 and the motion stroke of the second sorting trolley 751 overlap at the receiving stations 123.

[0159] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, the rail 12 is preferably a horizontal rail, and preferably has two front and rear rails, a first rail 121 and a second rail 122. 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, other shapes may be used for the rail 12. For example, the rail 12 may be a curved rail, an L-shaped rail, or a T-shaped rail. The front and rear sides of the first sorting trolley 741 are movably attached to the first rail 121 and the second rail 122, respectively. Similarly, the front and rear sides of the second sorting trolley 751 are movably attached to the first rail 121 and the second rail 122, respectively. This ensures that the stability of the first sorting trolley 741 and the second sorting trolley 751 is maintained during long periods of operation.

[0160] Furthermore, the installation methods for the first parallel transmission assembly 742 and the second parallel transmission assembly 752 preferably include the following:

[0161] Method 1: As shown in Figures 34 and 35, two sets of first parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 742 and two sets of second parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 752 are provided, which are symmetrical in the front-to-back direction. In the front-to-back direction, the two sets of second parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 752 are provided between the two sets of first parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 742. In the left-to-right direction, the right portions of the two sets of first parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 742 and the left portions of the two sets of second parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 752 are provided so as to intersect at the receiving station 123. That is, in the left-to-right direction, the right end of the first parallel-transmission transmission assembly 742 is distributed to the right of the left end of the second parallel-transmission transmission assembly 752, and the left end of the second parallel-transmission transmission assembly 752 is distributed to the left of the right end of the first parallel-transmission transmission assembly 742. As a result, the motion stroke of the first sorting cart 741 and the motion stroke of the second sorting cart 751 overlap at the receiving station 123. This prevents the first parallel movement transmission assembly 742 and the second parallel movement 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, thereby effectively improving sorting efficiency. Furthermore, it becomes possible to stably support the sorting cart 20, thus avoiding a situation where the connection point between the parallel movement transmission assembly and the sorting cart 20 is biased towards the end of the sorting cart 20, causing the end of the sorting cart 20 not connected to the parallel movement transmission assembly to tilt downwards.

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

[0163] Method 3: The difference from Method 1 is as follows. Specifically, one pair of first parallel transmission assemblies 742 and one pair of second parallel transmission assemblies 752 are provided, which are symmetrical in the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, both the first parallel transmission assembly 742 and the second parallel transmission assembly 752 are located between the two rails 12. The first parallel transmission assembly 742 and the second parallel transmission assembly 752 are provided with a gap between them in the front-rear direction in the horizontal width direction of the rail 12.

[0164] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, when two sets of the first parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 742 are provided front and rear, it is preferable that the two front and rear trolley timing pulleys 71 distributed on the same side in the left-right direction of the two sets of first parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 742 are fixed to a single first synchronous shaft 744 that extends front and rear. The first synchronous shaft 744 is connected to the trolley servo motor 73 of the first parallel-transmission transmission assembly 742. Also, when two sets of the second parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 752 are provided front and rear, it is preferable that the two front and rear trolley timing pulleys 71 distributed on the same side in the left-right direction of the two sets of second parallel-transmission transmission assemblies 752 are fixed to a single second synchronous shaft 754 that extends front and rear. The second synchronous shaft 754 is connected to the trolley servo motor 73 of the second parallel-transmission transmission assembly 752.

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

[0166] Furthermore, in other embodiments, as shown in Figure 36, only one rail 12 is provided, and the first sorting trolley 741 and the second sorting trolley 751 are movably attached to the rail 12. In this case, the first parallel transmission assembly 742 and the second parallel 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 parallel transmission assembly 742 and the second parallel transmission assembly 752 are provided on the same side of the rail 12, they are provided with a gap between them and do not interfere with each other.

[0167] Example 4 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 4 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 3 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, as shown in Figure 37, there are multiple supply conveying assemblies 32 in the supply conveying machine 30, and there are also multiple corresponding supply elevators 40. Embodiment 4 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device shown in Figure 37 also has a central supply structure. Since there are two supply conveying assemblies 32 and two corresponding supply elevators 40 in the supply conveying machine 30 in the center of the device frame 10, the sorting efficiency is further improved.

[0168] Example 5 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 5 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 1 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, as shown in Figures 38 and 39, the structure of the supply unit is different. The supply unit includes supply compartments and supply assemblies. There are multiple supply compartments. All of the multiple supply compartments are located at the positions of the supply area 11 on the device frame 10, corresponding to the rails 12 and distributed vertically. Each supply compartment is provided with a supply assembly. When the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device performs sorting work, the supply area 11 is used for manual supply or automatic supply by the arrangement of the supply device. The items to be sorted are fed into the supply assembly. When the supply assembly transports the items to be sorted forward, the items move to the sorting cart 20 of the corresponding layer. The sorting drive assembly 70 only needs to control the sorting cart 20 so that it moves along the rail 12 on which the sorting cart 20 is located in the left-right direction to a predetermined position and then lowers the items to be sorted. The multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is provided with multiple supply compartments distributed vertically. Therefore, based on the height at which the sorting destination of the items to be sorted is located, the items to be sorted are directly fed into the supply assembly of the supply compartment at the corresponding height, and then the sorting cart 20 completes the horizontal transfer. This effectively improves the efficiency of secondary sorting of the items to be sorted. Furthermore, because the structure of the multi-layer rail intelligent sorting device is relatively simplified, costs are reduced and maintenance becomes easier. In addition, it becomes easier to operate, sorting accuracy is improved, and items of different dimensions can be sorted. At the same time, according to this invention, the investment of funds in the secondary sorting process of the items to be sorted is reduced, labor costs are reduced, and sorting accuracy is improved.

[0169] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 38 to 41, the supply assembly includes a supply transport vehicle 90. The supply transport vehicle 90 is located on the rear side of the device frame 10. As the sorting cart 20 moves in a parallel motion from side to side, the sorting cart 20 can move to the front side of the supply transport vehicle 90. A transport belt structure is used for the supply transport vehicle 90. 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. By placing the items to be sorted on the supply transport belt of the supply transport vehicle 90 and rotating the supply transport belt by the rotation of the supply rollers, the items to be sorted are transported forward and dropped onto the sorting cart 20. In other words, the forward direction is also the supply direction by the supply assembly.

[0170] Preferably, as shown in Figures 38 to 41, each supply compartment is provided with a lamp assembly 16. The lamp assembly 16 can indicate the status of the items to be sorted. For example, a green lamp indicates that items can be sorted, and a red lamp indicates that items cannot be sorted. In addition, one of the supply compartments is provided with a scanner 14 for code scanning and identification of the items to be sorted, and for confirming the position to which the 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 for displaying the operating status of the device and for operation. Furthermore, multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting devices are usually also provided with alarms. The alarms emit a warning when an abnormality occurs.

[0171] Example 6 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 6 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 5 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, in Embodiment 6 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply assembly includes a supply slide tank 80 and a supply transport cart 90. In the embodiment shown in Figure 43, the rail 12, the sorting trolley 20 on it, and the supply compartments are arranged in three layers vertically. The supply assembly in the uppermost supply compartment is the supply transport cart 90. The supply transport cart 90 is distributed on the rear side of the device frame 10. The supply assembly in the intermediate and lowermost supply compartments is the supply slide tank 80. The supply slide tank 80 is distributed on the rear side of the device frame 10. The supply slide tank 80 is provided with an inclination that gradually moves downward along the supply direction. That is, the supply slide tank 80 is inclined downward and forward.

[0172] As shown in Figure 42, for the uppermost rail 12, the sorting trolley 20 on it, and the supply transport vehicle 90, after the sorting trolley 20 moves to the front of the supply transport vehicle 90, the supply transport vehicle 90 transports the items to be sorted forward. As a result, the items to be sorted are dropped onto the sorting trolley 20. Also, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, for the lower two layers of rails 12, the sorting trolley 20 on them, and the supply slide tank 80, after the sorting trolley 20 moves to the front of the supply slide tank 80, the items to be sorted are placed into the supply slide tank 80. Then, the items to be sorted slide forward and downward along the slope of the supply slide tank 80 and slide down onto the sorting trolley 20, thereby achieving forward transport of the items to be sorted. Thus, the forward direction is also the supply direction by the supply assembly.

[0173] Preferably, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, a detection grid 17 is provided for each supply compartment. The detection grid 17 is used to detect whether or not there are items to be sorted in the supply compartment. An opening / closing device is also 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 items to be sorted 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 items to be sorted to slide out of the supply slide tank 80. A ramp assembly 16 is also provided for each supply compartment. The ramp assembly 16 is attached to the rear end of each supply slide tank 80.

[0174] Example 7 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 7 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 6 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, in Embodiment 7 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, the supply slide tank 80 from Embodiment 6 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device is used for all of the supply assemblies.

[0175] Example 8 of a multi-layer rail-type intelligent sorting device Embodiment 8 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device differs from Embodiment 5 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device in the following respects. Specifically, as shown in Figure 44, Embodiment 8 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device employs a central supply structure. In particular, in the extension direction of the device frame 10, the supply area 11 is located in the center of the rear side of the device frame 10. In the extension direction, the device 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. The sorting cart 20 can move to the supply area 11 in the left-right direction to receive the items to be sorted, and then move parallel to the left or right to transport the items to be sorted. After that, the sorting cart 20 moves again in the opposite direction to the supply area 11 and continues to transport the items to be sorted. This is repeated. Therefore, Embodiment 8 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device has a central supply structure, and can also be called a non-end supply structure. The sorting cart is movable to both the left and right sides of the supply area 11 along the extension direction of the device frame 10. Compared to the terminal supply structure adopted in Embodiment 5 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, assuming the same number of drop slide tanks 61 are arranged, the central supply structure can relatively shorten the distance the sorting cart 20 travels back and forth between the supply area 11 and the drop slide tanks 61 in one cycle, thus reducing the single reciprocating stroke of the sorting cart 20. Also, assuming the same single reciprocating stroke of the sorting cart 20, the central supply structure can accommodate more drop slide tanks 61. In conclusion, Embodiment 8 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device having a central supply structure can significantly improve sorting efficiency. Furthermore, Embodiment 8 of the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device is applicable when the length of the device frame 10 is long and the number of drop slide tanks 61 and receiving frames 52 is large.

[0176] In summary, the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to the present invention has the following beneficial effects.

[0177] 1. It has characteristics such as low cost, ease of operation, ease of maintenance, high sorting speed, high accuracy, and the ability to sort items of different dimensions. Therefore, the efficiency of secondary sorting of items is improved, the investment of funds in the secondary sorting process of items is reduced, labor costs are reduced, and sorting accuracy is improved.

[0178] 2. Manual / automatic feeding is possible, allowing for quick and accurate sorting of items to be placed in their designated locations.

[0179] 3. A rail-type direct transmission structure is used for power transmission on the trolley, and the items to be sorted are supplied vertically. Since the supply direction coincides with the direction of operation, the stability of the items to be sorted can be maintained to the maximum extent.

[0180] The above embodiments are merely illustrative in illustrating the principles and effects of the present invention and do not limit it. Those familiar with the art can supplement or modify the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent supplements or modifications completed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed herein remain within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device, The device includes a device 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 all of the multiple layers of rails (12) are fixed to the device frame (10), a supply area (11) is provided on the side of the device frame (10), and the supply unit is provided in the supply area (11) and supplies items to be sorted to the sorting carts (20) of each layer. The supply unit includes a supply conveyor (30) and a supply lifter (40), the supply conveyor (30) includes a supply base (31) and a supply conveyor assembly (32) provided on the supply base (31), the supply lifter (40) is connected between the supply conveyor (30) and the sorting carts (20) of each layer, and the supply lifter (40) has a lifting conveyor cart (45) that can move up and down. The supply elevator (40) further includes a frame-type support base (41), at least one pair of vertically distributed lifting timing pulleys (42) provided within the frame-type support base (41), a lifting timing belt (43) provided between the pair of lifting timing pulleys (42), and a lifting servo motor (44) provided on the frame-type support base (41), wherein the lifting servo motor (44) is connected to transmit power to the lifting timing pulleys (42), and the lifting timing belt (43) is connected to the lifting transport trolley (45), characterized in that the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device.

2. The multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting transport trolley (45) includes a lifting transport support base, a pair of lifting rollers rotatably mounted on the lifting transport support base, and a lifting transport belt connected to the pair of lifting rollers.

3. The supply transport assembly (32) includes a supply transport support base, a supply drive source (321) attached to the supply transport support base, a pair of supply rollers (322) rotatably mounted on the supply transport support base, and a supply transport belt (323) connected to the pair of supply rollers (322), wherein the supply transport support base is fixedly connected to the supply base (31), and the supply drive source (321) is connected to transmit power to the supply rollers (322), characterized in that the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 1.

4. The multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that a plurality of supply transport assemblies (32) are provided, the supply drive sources (321) of the plurality of supply transport assemblies (32) are independent of each other, the plurality of supply transport assemblies (32) are connected in order in the transport direction of the supply transport belt (323) and are distributed in a stepped manner from high to low, and two adjacent sets of supply transport assemblies (32) are arranged adjacent to each other.

5. The multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 3, characterized in that multiple sets of the supply and transport assemblies (32) are provided, a substantially triangular region (318) is formed between two adjacent sets of the supply and transport assemblies (32), and the supply rollers (322) are small-diameter rollers with a diameter of 40 mm or less.

6. The multilayer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 5, wherein the supply drive source (321) is a motor, and the supply conveying assembly (32) further includes, for each set, a transmission roller (36) rotatably supported on the supply base (31), 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), wherein the transmission roller (36) is in contact with the inner circumferential 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 greater than the diameter of the supply roller (322).

7. The multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sorting trolley (20) includes a trolley frame (21), a pair of sorting rollers (22) rotatably attached to the trolley frame (21), and a sorting conveyor belt (23) connected to the pair of sorting rollers (22).

8. The multilayer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 7, wherein the sorting trolley (20) further includes a pair of lateral position regulating stoppers (24) attached to the trolley frame (21), and a pair of main position regulating stoppers (26) attached to the trolley frame (21), wherein a first opening (231) and a second opening (232) are formed between the sorting conveying belt (23) and the pair of lateral position regulating stoppers (24), the first opening (231) and the second opening (232) are distributed at both ends of the sorting conveying belt (23) in the conveying direction of the sorting conveying belt (23), and the main position regulating stoppers (26) are movably attached to the trolley frame (21) to close or open the first opening (231) and the second opening (232).

9. Each of the main position-regulating stoppers (26) includes two position-regulating gates (261) rotatably mounted on the trolley frame (21), and the sorting trolley (20) is provided with a stopper drive source (27) connected to each of the position-regulating gates (261) to transmit power to each of the position-regulating gates (261), the stopper drive source (27) being fixed to the trolley frame (21), characterized in that the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 8.

10. The sorting trolley (20) further includes a lifting drive source and a lifting transmission unit attached to the trolley frame (21), a pair of main position restricting stoppers (26) are mounted on the trolley frame (21) so as to be able to move up and down, the lifting drive source is connected to the pair of main position restricting stoppers (26) via the lifting transmission unit, and the multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 8 is characterized in that it synchronously lifts and lowers the pair of main position restricting stoppers (26).

11. Furthermore, the device frame (10) includes a receiving device (50) and a dropping mechanism (60) provided on the outer side, 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 drop 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), wherein a plurality of drop slide tanks (61) are formed between the slide tank bottom plate (62) and the plurality of partitions (624) in a matrix arrangement, and the plurality of drop slide tanks (61) and the plurality of receiving frames (52) correspond one-to-one, as described in claim 1.

12. The multilayer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 11, wherein the slide tank bottom plate (62) has a first side (6211) adjacent to the sorting trolley (20) and a second side (6212) separated from the sorting trolley (20), and the dropping mechanism (60) is provided with a flexible stopper (63) on the first side (6211) of the slide tank bottom plate (62), and the flexible stopper (63) includes a plurality of flexible strips (631) provided at intervals.

13. The multilayer rail intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the sorting drive assembly (70) includes at least one set of timing belt drive assemblies, the timing belt drive assemblies including a pair of trolley timing pulleys (71) rotatably mounted on the device frame (10), a trolley timing belt (72) connected between the pair of trolley timing pulleys (71), and a trolley servo motor (73) connected to transmit power to one end of the trolley timing pulley (71), the extension direction of the trolley timing belt (72) being parallel to the extension direction of the rail (12), and the trolley frame (21) of the sorting trolley (20) being fixedly connected to the trolley timing belt (72).

14. The multi-layer rail type intelligent sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply area (11) and the supply unit are provided at the non-end position in the extending direction of the device frame (10), the sorting trolley (20) and the sorting drive assembly (70) are provided on both sides of the supply unit in the extending direction of the device frame (10), and the sorting drive assemblies (70) on both sides intersect in the supply area (11) such that the motion strokes of the sorting trolleys (20) on both sides overlap in the supply area (11).

Images