Optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of plastic bottle optical sorting mechanism, it relates to the technical field of plastic bottle sorting, the plastic bottle optical sorting mechanism, including conveying line, the top surface of conveying line is equipped with color sorter, one end of conveying line is provided with support frame, the inner wall of support frame is equipped with sorting assembly and auxiliary assembly, wherein:the sorting assembly includes air inlet pipe and gas distributor, the inner wall of support frame is installed to air inlet pipe, the side end of air inlet pipe is equipped with a plurality of gas distributors, the middle part of gas distributor is provided with first solenoid valve, the top end of gas distributor is equipped with spray head;The auxiliary assembly includes water inlet pipe and four-way pipe, the inner wall of support frame is installed to water inlet pipe.The utility model works cooperatively by sorting assembly and auxiliary assembly, jet sorting is flushed by water flow at the same time Scum, avoid the influence of subsequent sorting precision by Scum accumulation, improve equipment continuous operation ability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plastic bottle sorting technology, specifically to an optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles. Background Technology

[0002] Plastic bottles enter the sorting system via chain or belt conveyor. High-resolution CCD / CMOS cameras quickly capture the shape, color, texture, and other features of the plastic bottles. Based on the detection results of the color sorter, the plastic bottles are blown in or grabbed by a robotic arm and placed into the corresponding collection channel or chute, and sorted by material (such as PET, HDPE), color, size, etc.

[0003] Existing optical sorting mechanisms for plastic bottles sort plastic bottles by placing them on a belt conveyor. The optical sorter then identifies the color and other characteristics of the passing bottles. Based on the detection results, high-pressure nozzles at the end of the belt conveyor spray high-pressure air according to the sorting position, stopping after spraying. This process is repeated to complete the sorting. However, in existing sorting mechanisms, the nozzles only spray high-pressure air when sorting is required. When not in use or when the machine is stopped, plastic debris, dust, or particles from the plastic can accumulate on the inner wall of the nozzle orifice, especially when the nozzle orifice diameter is small. This can cause blockages, resulting in uneven air output and sorting errors. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides an optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles, which has the advantages of precise sorting and simultaneous debris removal, cleaning fluid recycling, multi-channel independent control, edge dead corner cleaning, and equipment sealing protection. It addresses the problems of existing optical sorting mechanisms for plastic bottles. In these mechanisms, plastic bottles are placed on a belt conveyor, and an optical sorter identifies the color and other characteristics of the passing bottles. Based on the detection results, high-pressure nozzles at the tail end of the belt conveyor spray high-pressure air according to the sorting position, stopping after spraying, and repeating this process to complete the sorting. However, in existing sorting mechanisms, the nozzles only spray high-pressure air when sorting is required. When not in use or stopped, plastic debris, dust, or particles from the plastic tend to accumulate on the inner wall of the nozzle orifice, especially when the nozzle orifice diameter is small, causing blockages, uneven air output, and sorting errors.

[0005] To achieve precise sorting and simultaneous debris removal, cleaning fluid recycling, multi-channel independent control, edge and dead-angle cleaning, and equipment sealing protection, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles, including a conveyor line, a color sorter mounted on the top surface of the conveyor line, a support frame at one end of the conveyor line, and sorting components and auxiliary components mounted on the inner wall of the support frame, wherein:

[0006] The sorting assembly includes an air inlet pipe and an air distribution pipe. The air inlet pipe is installed on the inner wall of the support frame. Multiple air distribution pipes are installed on the side end of the air inlet pipe. A first solenoid valve is provided in the middle of the air distribution pipe. A nozzle is installed at the top of the air distribution pipe.

[0007] The auxiliary components include a water inlet pipe and a four-way pipe. The water inlet pipe is installed on the inner wall of the support frame, and the four-way pipe is installed at the top of the water inlet pipe. A connecting pipe is installed at the top of the four-way pipe, and multiple water distribution pipes are installed on the top surface of the connecting pipe. A second solenoid valve is provided in the middle of the water distribution pipe. The water distribution pipe is connected to the air distribution pipe and is used to spray out debris. Side pipes for assisting in cleaning debris are installed on both sides of the four-way pipe.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a controller is installed on one side of the color sorter, and the first solenoid valve is electrically connected to the controller.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the controller is electrically connected to the color sorter, the nozzle's spray end is vertically upward and corresponds to the tail end of the conveyor line, and the multiple air distribution pipes are each connected to different water inlet pipes.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the second solenoid valve is electrically connected to the controller, a connecting pipe is connected to the other side of the four-way pipe, a pump is connected to the other end of the connecting pipe, and a circulation pipe is connected to the top of the pump.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a filter is connected to the middle of the circulation pipe, the pump is electrically connected to the controller, and a sealing component is installed on the top surface of the support frame.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the sealing assembly includes a mounting groove, which is installed on the top surface of the support frame, and the outer surface of the nozzle is in close contact with the inner wall of the mounting groove.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a sealing cover is provided on the upper part of the mounting groove, the sealing cover is rotatably connected to the mounting groove through three hinges, and a latch is installed on one side of the mounting groove.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides an optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles, which has the following advantages:

[0015] This optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles works in tandem with its sorting and auxiliary components. While using air jets for sorting, water jets simultaneously flush away debris, preventing debris buildup from affecting subsequent sorting accuracy and improving the equipment's continuous operation capability. Furthermore, the tight fit between the sealing cap and the mounting groove prevents dust or debris from entering the nozzle during sorting, extending the equipment's lifespan and reducing maintenance frequency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model from another angle;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the support frame of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting component and auxiliary component of this utility model.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Conveyor line; 10. Color sorter; 11. Controller; 12. Support frame; 2. Sorting assembly; 20. Air inlet pipe; 21. Air distribution pipe; 22. First solenoid valve; 23. Nozzle; 3. Auxiliary assembly; 30. Water inlet pipe; 31. Four-way pipe; 32. Connecting pipe; 33. Water distribution pipe; 34. Second solenoid valve; 35. Side pipe; 36. Circulation pipe; 37. Filter; 38. Pump; 39. Connecting pipe; 4. Sealing assembly; 40. Mounting groove; 41. Sealing cover; 42. Hinge; 43. Lock. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model. Example 1

[0023] Please see Figures 1-2 This utility model discloses an optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles, including a conveyor line 1, a color sorter 10 mounted on the top surface of the conveyor line 1, a support frame 12 provided at one end of the conveyor line 1, and a sorting component 2 and an auxiliary component 3 mounted on the inner wall of the support frame 12, wherein:

[0024] The sorting assembly 2 includes an air inlet pipe 20 and an air distribution pipe 21. The air inlet pipe 20 is installed on the inner wall of the support frame 12. Multiple air distribution pipes 21 are installed on the side end of the air inlet pipe 20. A first solenoid valve 22 is provided in the middle of the air distribution pipe 21. A nozzle 23 is installed at the top of the air distribution pipe 21.

[0025] The auxiliary component 3 includes a water inlet pipe 30 and a four-way pipe 31. The water inlet pipe 30 is installed on the inner wall of the support frame 12, and the four-way pipe 31 is installed at the top of the water inlet pipe 30. A connecting pipe 32 is installed at the top of the four-way pipe 31, and multiple water distribution pipes 33 are installed on the top surface of the connecting pipe 32. A second solenoid valve 34 is provided in the middle of the water distribution pipe 33. The water distribution pipe 33 is connected to the air distribution pipe 21 and is used to spray out debris. Side pipes 35 for assisting in cleaning debris are installed on both sides of the four-way pipe 31.

[0026] A controller 11 is installed on one side of the color sorter 10, and the first solenoid valve 22 is electrically connected to the controller 11.

[0027] The controller 11 is electrically connected to the color sorter 10. The nozzle 23 sprays vertically upward and corresponds to the tail end of the conveyor line 1. Multiple air distribution pipes 21 are connected to different water inlet pipes 30 respectively.

[0028] Start conveyor line 1 and place the groups of plastic bottles to be sorted sequentially on the top surface of conveyor line 1. Start color sorter 10 and controller 11. Color sorter 10 identifies the color of the plastic bottles and transmits the signal to controller 11. Start pump 38 to allow the cleaning solution in inlet pipe 30 to enter connecting pipe 32 and water distribution pipe 33 through four-way pipe 31. After color sorter 10 identifies the color of the plastic bottle, controller 11 controls the first solenoid valve 22 of the corresponding air distribution pipe 21 to open according to a preset program. High-pressure gas is sprayed vertically upward through nozzle 23 from the target air distribution pipe 21, blowing the plastic bottles of the corresponding color from the end of conveyor line 1 to the designated collection area. Example 2

[0029] Based on the above embodiment 1, please refer to Figures 3-5 The second solenoid valve 34 is electrically connected to the controller 11. The other side of the four-way pipe 31 is connected to the connecting pipe 39. The other end of the connecting pipe 39 is connected to the pump 38. The top of the pump 38 is connected to the circulation pipe 36.

[0030] A filter 37 is connected to the middle of the circulation pipe 36, the pump 38 is electrically connected to the controller 11, and a sealing component 4 is installed on the top surface of the support frame 12.

[0031] The sealing assembly 4 includes a mounting groove 40, which is mounted on the top surface of the support frame 12, and the outer surface of the nozzle 23 is in close contact with the inner wall of the mounting groove 40.

[0032] A sealing cover 41 is provided on the upper part of the mounting groove 40. The sealing cover 41 is rotatably connected to the mounting groove 40 through three hinges 42. A latch 43 is installed on one side of the mounting groove 40.

[0033] Controller 11 synchronously opens the second solenoid valve 34 of the water distribution pipe 33, allowing the cleaning fluid to be sprayed out through the water distribution pipe 33. This fluid, combined with the airflow from the air distribution pipe 21, washes away the debris generated during the sorting process from the surface of the conveyor line 1. Side pipe 35 sprays cleaning fluid onto both sides of the conveyor line 1's edges to assist in cleaning residual debris in sorting dead corners. The cleaning fluid, carrying debris, flows back to the pump 38 through the circulation pipe 36, is filtered by the filter 37, and then re-enters the water inlet pipe 30, achieving the recycling of the cleaning fluid.

[0034] The working principle and usage process of this utility model are as follows: Turn on conveyor line 1 and place the plastic bottle groups to be sorted sequentially on the top surface of conveyor line 1. Start color sorter 10 and controller 11. Color sorter 10 identifies the color of the plastic bottles and transmits the signal to controller 11. Turn on pump 38 to allow the cleaning solution in inlet pipe 30 to enter connecting pipe 32 and distribution pipe 33 through four-way pipe 31.

[0035] Bottle sorting: After the color sorter 10 identifies the color of the plastic bottle, the controller 11 controls the first solenoid valve 22 of the corresponding air distribution pipe 21 to open according to the preset program. The target air distribution pipe 21 sprays high-pressure gas vertically upward through the nozzle 23, blowing the plastic bottle of the corresponding color from the end of the conveyor line 1 to the designated collection area.

[0036] Debris removal: Controller 11 synchronously opens the second solenoid valve 34 of the water distribution pipe 33, and the cleaning fluid is sprayed out through the water distribution pipe 33. This fluid, combined with the airflow from the air distribution pipe 21, washes away the debris generated during the sorting process from the surface of the conveyor line 1. The side pipe 35 sprays cleaning fluid onto both sides of the conveyor line 1's edges to assist in cleaning residual debris in sorting dead corners.

[0037] Liquid circulation: The cleaning fluid carrying debris flows back to the pump 38 through the circulation pipe 36, and after being filtered by the filter 37, it re-enters the water inlet pipe 30, realizing the recycling of the cleaning fluid.

[0038] Sealing maintenance: After sorting, close all solenoid valves and pump 38. Close the sealing cover 41 and secure it with the latch 43 to prevent dust or debris from entering the mounting slot 40 and protect the nozzle 23 from contamination.

Claims

1. A plastic bottle optical sorting mechanism, comprising a conveying line (1), a color sorter (10) is installed on the top surface of the conveying line (1), and a supporting frame (12) is arranged at one end of the conveying line (1), characterized in that: The inner wall of the support frame (12) is equipped with a sorting component (2) and an auxiliary component (3), wherein: The sorting assembly (2) includes an air inlet pipe (20) and an air distribution pipe (21). The air inlet pipe (20) is installed on the inner wall of the support frame (12). Multiple air distribution pipes (21) are installed on the side end of the air inlet pipe (20). A first solenoid valve (22) is provided in the middle of the air distribution pipe (21). A nozzle (23) is installed at the top of the air distribution pipe (21). The auxiliary component (3) includes a water inlet pipe (30) and a four-way pipe (31). The water inlet pipe (30) is installed on the inner wall of the support frame (12). The four-way pipe (31) is installed at the top of the water inlet pipe (30). A connecting pipe (32) is installed at the top of the four-way pipe (31). Multiple water distribution pipes (33) are installed on the top surface of the connecting pipe (32). A second solenoid valve (34) is provided in the middle of the water distribution pipe (33). The water distribution pipe (33) is connected to the air distribution pipe (21) and is used to spray out debris. Side pipes (35) for assisting in cleaning debris are installed on both sides of the four-way pipe (31).

2. A plastic bottle optical sorting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: A controller (11) is installed on one side of the color sorter (10), and the first solenoid valve (22) is electrically connected to the controller (11).

3. The optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles according to claim 2, characterized in that: The controller (11) is electrically connected to the color sorter (10). The nozzle (23) has its spray end pointing vertically upward and corresponding to the tail end of the conveyor line (1). The multiple air distribution pipes (21) are connected to different water inlet pipes (30).

4. The optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second solenoid valve (34) is electrically connected to the controller (11). The other side of the four-way pipe (31) is connected to a connecting pipe (39). The other end of the connecting pipe (39) is connected to a pump (38). The top of the pump (38) is connected to a circulation pipe (36).

5. The optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles according to claim 4, characterized in that: A filter (37) is connected to the middle of the circulation pipe (36), the pump (38) is electrically connected to the controller (11), and a sealing assembly (4) is installed on the top surface of the support frame (12).

6. The optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sealing assembly (4) includes a mounting groove (40) which is mounted on the top surface of the support frame (12), and the outer surface of the nozzle (23) is in close contact with the inner wall of the mounting groove (40).

7. The optical sorting mechanism for plastic bottles according to claim 6, characterized in that: A sealing cover (41) is provided on the upper part of the mounting groove (40). The sealing cover (41) is rotatably connected to the mounting groove (40) through three hinges (42). A latch (43) is installed on one side of the mounting groove (40).

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