Product classification device

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of product classification, and discloses a product classification device, which comprises a feeding mechanism, a first transfer mechanism, a code scanning mechanism, a second transfer mechanism and a discharging mechanism.The product classification device supplies products to be classified to the code scanning mechanism through the feeding mechanism and the first transfer mechanism, and the code scanning mechanism accurately identifies the categories of the products through a code scanner.In addition, the product classification device places the products that have been scanned according to categories into corresponding placement areas through the second transfer mechanism, and when any placement area is full of products, the second transfer mechanism can simultaneously transfer all the products in the placement area to a corresponding discharging area for discharging.According to the above, the product classification device can realize the automatic classification of products, has high work efficiency, and can accurately classify the products by scanning and identifying the categories of the products through the code scanner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of product classification technology, and in particular to a product classification device. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of products such as watch cases and mobile phone covers, since the same product has several models, and different models are slightly different, the products need to be classified according to category before proceeding to the next processing step. In the existing technology, product classification is done manually, but manual classification is inefficient and has a low accuracy rate.

[0003] Therefore, the above problems urgently need to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a product sorting device to solve the problems of low efficiency and low accuracy of manual sorting.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Product sorting device, including:

[0007] The feeding mechanism is configured to transport products to be sorted to the feeding station;

[0008] A first transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the product from the loading station to the barcode scanning station;

[0009] A barcode scanning mechanism is provided at the barcode scanning station. The barcode scanning mechanism includes a barcode scanner and a sorting table. The barcode scanner is configured to scan the identification code on the product. The sorting table is divided into two or more placement areas, and the two or more placement areas respectively store different categories of the product.

[0010] The second transfer mechanism is capable of transferring the products to different placement areas according to their categories based on the scanning results, and can transfer all the products in any placement area to the unloading station after the area is full of products; and

[0011] A feeding mechanism is provided at the feeding station. The feeding mechanism includes two or more feeding areas. The second transfer mechanism can place the products into different feeding areas according to their categories.

[0012] Preferably, the product sorting device further includes a first visual inspection module. The first transfer mechanism includes a first transfer module and a first picking module. The first transfer module can drive the first picking module to move sequentially from the loading station to the first visual inspection module and the barcode scanning station. The first visual inspection module can acquire an image of the product being transported by the first picking module. The first transfer module can also drive the first picking module to rotate, and the rotation axis is perpendicular to the side of the first picking module facing the product.

[0013] Preferably, the scanning mechanism further includes:

[0014] There are two or more first conveyor lines, and each of the first conveyor lines is provided with a first transfer mechanism. Each first conveyor line includes at least two conveyor bodies, and each of the conveyor bodies is provided with a first carrier. The two ends of each conveyor body are a first loading position and a first unloading position, respectively. The first transfer mechanism can transfer the product to the first carrier located at the first loading position.

[0015] The system includes a transport module and a barcode scanner. The transport module can transport the product from the first carrier located at the first unloading position to the barcode scanner, and the barcode scanner can scan the product located at the barcode scanner.

[0016] Preferably, the first carrier is provided with at least two rows of first placement positions, the barcode scanner includes a second conveyor line, the second conveyor line is provided with at least two second carriers, the second carriers are provided with a row of second placement positions, the second conveyor line can drive at least two second carriers to move sequentially to the second loading position, the handling module can pick up at least two rows of the products from the first carrier, and can place at least two rows of the products into at least two second carriers one by one, the second conveyor line can also drive at least two second carriers to move sequentially to the second unloading position, and the barcode scanner is provided at the second unloading position.

[0017] Preferably, the handling module includes a second transfer module and a second picking module. The second transfer module is configured to drive the second picking module to move along a first horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The first unloading position and the second loading position are arranged at intervals along the first horizontal direction. After the first carrier moves to the first unloading position, at least two rows of the first loading positions are arranged along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

[0018] At least two second carriers are arranged in a row along the second horizontal direction. The barcode scanner also includes a movable plate. All second carriers are correspondingly provided with the movable plate. The second conveyor line is configured to drive the movable plate to move along the second horizontal direction. One of the movable plates is fixed in position along the vertical direction, and the other movable plates are all movable along the vertical direction. One of the second carriers is fixedly connected to the movable plate, and the other second carriers are slidably connected to the movable plate along the second horizontal direction.

[0019] Preferably, the placement area is provided with two or more third placement positions, the number of the third placement positions in the placement area is the same as the number of the second placement positions on the second carrier, the second transfer mechanism includes a third transfer module and a third handling module, the third transfer module can drive the third handling module to move between the second unloading position and the sorting table, the third handling module includes a first driving member and two or more third handling members, the two or more third handling members correspond one-to-one with two or more second placement positions on the second carrier, all the third handling members are correspondingly provided with the first driving member, the first driving member is configured to drive the third handling member to move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0020] Preferably, the scanning mechanism includes two or more sorting stations, and each sorting station is provided with the second transfer mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, the product sorting device further includes a defective product tray, and the second transfer mechanism is capable of transporting the defective products to the defective product tray.

[0022] Preferably, the product sorting device further includes a flipping mechanism, wherein the second transfer mechanism is capable of sequentially transporting the product from the placement area to the flipping mechanism and the unloading station, and the flipping mechanism is configured to flip the product.

[0023] Preferably, the product sorting device further includes a second vision inspection module, which is configured to acquire images of the products being transported to the loading station, and is electrically connected to the first transfer mechanism.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0025] This invention supplies products to be classified to a scanning mechanism via a feeding mechanism and a first transfer mechanism. The scanning mechanism accurately identifies the product category using a barcode scanner. Furthermore, this invention uses a second transfer mechanism to place the scanned products into corresponding placement areas according to their categories. Moreover, once any placement area is full, the second transfer mechanism can simultaneously transfer all products in that area to the corresponding unloading area for unloading. Therefore, the product classification device of this invention can achieve automated product classification with high efficiency. Furthermore, the product classification device accurately classifies products by scanning barcodes to identify their categories. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the product sorting device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the feeding mechanism, the first vision detection module, and the second vision detection module in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first transfer mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first conveyor line in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the transport module in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the barcode scanner, barcode scanning station, and first material station in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the barcode scanner, barcode scanning station, and first material station in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting table in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second transfer mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0038] In the picture:

[0039] 1. Feeding mechanism; 2. First transfer mechanism; 21. First transfer module; 22. First handling module; 221. First handling component; 222. First drive unit; 23. Rotating axis; 31. Barcode scanner; 311. Scanning dock; 32. Sorting table; 321. Placement area; 3211. Third placement position; 33. First conveyor line; 331. Conveyor line body; 3311. First feeding position; 3312. First unloading position; 332. First carrier; 3321. First placement position; 34. Handling module; 341. Second transfer module; 342. Second handling module; 3421. Second handling component; 3422. Third drive unit; 35. Barcode scanner; 351. Second conveyor line; 3511. Second feeding position; 3512. Second unloading position; 3513. Conveyor belt; 3514. Connecting plate; 351 5. Guide plate; 35151. Guide hole; 352. Second carrier; 3521. Second placement position; 3522. Through hole; 353. Moving plate; 3531. Second drive unit; 3532. Connecting rod; 4. Second transfer mechanism; 41. Third transfer module; 42. Third handling module; 421. First drive component; 422. Third handling component; 5. Unloading mechanism; 51. Tray conveyor; 511. Loading area; 512. Unloading area; 61. First vision inspection module; 62. Second vision inspection module; 71. First material handling platform; 711. Fourth placement position; 72. Second material handling platform; 8. Tilting mechanism; 81. Platform; 811. Fifth placement position; 812. Clearance hole; 82. Mounting plate; 83. Tilting gripper; 84. Second drive component; 85. Third drive component; 9. Unloading conveyor line. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0041] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0044] For product classification during the manufacturing process, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 1 to 12 This embodiment provides a product sorting device, which includes a feeding mechanism 1, a first transfer mechanism 2, a barcode scanning mechanism, a second transfer mechanism 4, and a discharging mechanism 5. The feeding mechanism 1 is configured to transport products to be sorted to a feeding station. The first transfer mechanism 2 is configured to transfer products from the feeding station to the barcode scanning station. The barcode scanning mechanism is located at the barcode scanning station and includes a barcode scanner 31 and a sorting table 32. The barcode scanner 31 is configured to scan the identification code on the product to identify the product category. The sorting table 32 is divided into four placement areas 321, which respectively store products of different categories. The second transfer mechanism 4 can transfer products to different placement areas 321 according to the scanning result, and can transfer all products in any placement area 321 to the discharging station after the area is full. The discharging mechanism 5 is located at the discharging station and includes four discharging areas 512. The second transfer mechanism 4 can place products to different discharging areas 512 according to their categories.

[0045] Specifically, taking a watch case as an example, the watch case consists of a case body and a crystal, which are bonded together with adhesive. During the watch case production process, the adhesive needs to be cured in an oven. The watch cases removed from the oven flow to a product sorting device for classification. From this, the loading mechanism 1 transports the watch cases removed from the oven to the loading station. The first transfer mechanism 2 transfers the watch cases to the barcode scanning station for scanning, thereby identifying the category of the watch case based on the identification code on the case. Then, the second transfer mechanism 4 places the watch cases into the corresponding placement area 321 according to the scanning results. For any placement area 321, once it is full of watch cases, the second transfer mechanism 4 transfers all the watch cases in that placement area 321 to the corresponding unloading area 512 for unloading.

[0046] Based on the above, this embodiment supplies products to be classified to the scanning mechanism through the feeding mechanism 1 and the first transfer mechanism 2. The scanning mechanism accurately identifies the product category using the barcode scanner 31. Furthermore, this embodiment uses the second transfer mechanism 4 to place the scanned products into the corresponding placement areas 321 according to their categories. Moreover, once any placement area 321 is full, the second transfer mechanism 4 can simultaneously transfer all products in that placement area 321 to the corresponding unloading area 512 for unloading. Therefore, the product classification device in this embodiment can achieve automated product classification with high efficiency. Furthermore, the product classification device accurately classifies products by scanning and identifying their categories using the barcode scanner 31.

[0047] It is understood that in other optional embodiments, the sorting table 32 may also be divided into two, three, five, or other numbers of placement areas 321, the number of placement areas 321 being specifically determined by the number of product categories, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. Correspondingly, in other optional embodiments, the feeding mechanism 5 may also be configured to include two, three, five, or other numbers of feeding areas 512, the number of feeding areas 512 being specifically determined by the number of product categories, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0048] It is worth noting that, for example, in this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 1 is a feeding conveyor line, which is used to transport the product to the feeding station.

[0049] In addition, the scanning mechanism also includes two first conveyor lines 33. Each first conveyor line 33 is equipped with a first transfer mechanism 2. Each first conveyor line 33 includes two conveyor bodies 331. Each conveyor body 331 is equipped with a first carrier 332. The two ends of the conveyor body 331 are a first loading position 3311 and a first unloading position 3312, respectively. The first transfer mechanism 2 can transfer the product to the first carrier 332 located at the first loading position 3311. The conveyor body 331 can drive the first carrier 332 to move between the first loading position 3311 and the first unloading position 3312, so that the first carrier 332 can receive the product at the first loading position 3311 and transport the product to the first unloading position 3312.

[0050] Furthermore, the scanning mechanism also includes a transport module 34 and a scanning station 35. The transport module 34 can transport the product from the first carrier 332 located at the first unloading position 3312 to the scanning station 35. The barcode scanner 31 can scan the product located at the scanning station 35 to identify the product category.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, a single first conveyor line 33 is provided with two conveyor line bodies 331, thereby reducing the standby time of the first transfer mechanism 2 and further improving the working efficiency of the product sorting device. For example, for the two first carriers 332 respectively provided on the two conveyor line bodies 331, when one of the first carriers 332 receives products at the first loading position 3311, the other first carrier 332 can move from the first loading position 3311 to the first unloading position 3312 and complete the unloading at the first unloading position 3312, and then return to the first loading position 3311. Thus, after one of the first carriers 332 is full of products, the first transfer mechanism 2 can quickly switch to transfer products to the other first carrier 332.

[0052] Moreover, this embodiment is provided with two first conveyor lines 33, which can reduce the standby time of the handling module 34 and further improve the working efficiency of the product sorting device. In this embodiment, for the four conveyor lines 331, the four first carriers 332 can move to the first unloading position 3312 in sequence, and the handling module 34 can pick up products from the four first carriers 332 in sequence. After one of the first carriers 332 is empty, the handling module 34 can quickly switch to picking up products from the other first carrier 332.

[0053] It is understood that in other optional embodiments, the scanning mechanism may be configured to include three or four or more first conveyor lines 33, and the first conveyor line 33 may be configured to include three or four or more conveyor line bodies 331. The number of first conveyor lines 33 and the number of conveyor line bodies 331 included in a single first conveyor line 33 are specifically set according to the actual working conditions of the first transfer mechanism 2 and the handling module 34. This embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0054] Furthermore, the first carrier 332 is provided with two rows of first placement positions 3321. For example, four first placement positions 3321 form a row. The barcode scanner 35 includes a second conveyor line 351, on which two second carriers 352 are provided. Each second carrier 352 is provided with a row of second placement positions 3521. For example, four second placement positions 3521 form a row. The second conveyor line 351 can drive the two second carriers 352 to move sequentially to the second loading position 3511. The handling module 34 can pick up two rows of products from the first carrier 332 and place the two rows of products sequentially into the two second carriers 352. The second conveyor line 351 also... The device can drive two second carriers 352 to move sequentially to the second unloading position 3512. The barcode scanner 31 is set at the second unloading position 3512 and can scan a row of products at the same time. Specifically, the identification code is set on the outer periphery of the product. The second carrier 352 is provided with four through holes 3522, which correspond one-to-one with the four second loading positions 3521, thereby exposing the identification codes of the four products loaded on the second carrier 352. The barcode scanner 31 includes four scanning terminals 311. After the second carrier 352 moves to the second unloading position 3512, the four through holes 3522 and the four scanning terminals 311 are directly opposite each other, thereby enabling the simultaneous scanning of a row of products.

[0055] As shown above, since this embodiment can scan a row of products simultaneously and identify the category of the row of products at once, this embodiment can further improve the working efficiency of the product sorting device.

[0056] It is understood that in other alternative embodiments, the first carrier 332 may also be configured to include three or four or more first placement positions 3321. Correspondingly, the second conveyor line 351 is provided with three or four or more second carriers 352. The number of second carriers 352 provided on the second conveyor line 351 is equal to the number of rows of first placement positions 3321 provided by a single first carrier 332. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on the number of rows of first placement positions 3321 provided by a single first carrier 332 or the number of second carriers 352 provided on the second conveyor line 351.

[0057] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first transfer mechanism 2 includes a first transfer module 21 and a first picking module 22. The first transfer module 21 can drive the first picking module 22 to move between the loading station and the barcode scanning station. The first picking module 22 includes two first picking parts 221, so that the first picking module 22 can pick up two products at a time and place the two products into two rows of first placement positions 3321 respectively. That is, the first picking module 22 can place one product into each of the two rows of first placement positions 3321 at a time, thereby improving the working efficiency of the first transfer mechanism 2, and further improving the working efficiency of the product sorting device.

[0058] It is understood that in other optional embodiments, if the first carrier 332 is configured to include three or four or more first placement positions 3321, the first picking module 22 is configured to include three or four or more first picking components 221, the number of first picking components 221 being equal to the number of rows of first placement positions 3321 provided in a single first carrier 332. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0059] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the first picking member 221 is a suction cup, which can pick up the product. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the first picking member 221 can also be a pneumatic gripper or a pneumatic chuck, or other structures that can be used to pick up products. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0060] Based on the above, for products conveyed to the loading station by the loading mechanism 1, since the positions of any two products may be the same or different, the products need to be transported to the barcode scanning station in a specific position to ensure that the barcode scanner 31 can accurately scan the identification code on the product. Specifically, the products need to be transported to the first carrier 332 in a specific position to ensure that the identification code of the products can be exposed through the through hole 3522 for the products subsequently transported to the second carrier 352 by the transport module 34.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the product sorting device further includes a first visual inspection module 61. The first transfer module 21 can drive the first picking module 22 to move sequentially from the loading station to the first visual inspection module 61 and the barcode scanning station. The first visual inspection module 61 can acquire an image of the product being picked up by the first picking module 22. The first transfer module 21 can also drive the first picking module 22 to rotate, and the rotation axis 23 is perpendicular to the side of the first picking module 22 facing the product. That is, the rotation axis 23 is perpendicular to the adsorption surface of the first picking component 221, so that the first transfer module 21 can adjust the position of the product picked up by the first picking module 22.

[0062] Specifically, the first vision inspection module 61 is located on one side of the feeding conveyor line. The first transfer mechanism 2 can drive the product through the field of view of the first vision inspection module 61. For the product being transported to the feeding station, if the product is in a preset position, after being inspected by the first vision inspection module 61, the first transfer module 21 directly drives the first pick-up module 22 to place the product into the first carrier 332. If the product is deviated from the preset position, after being inspected by the first vision inspection module 61, the first transfer module 21 drives the first pick-up module 22 to rotate and correct the position of the product before placing the product into the first carrier 332.

[0063] However, since the first picking module 22 in this embodiment picks up two products at a time, if both products are in a preset position, they can be directly placed into the first carrier 332. But if only one of the two products is in the preset position, or if both products are deflected relative to the preset position, the position of the individual product needs to be corrected. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first picking module 22 also includes a first driving unit 222. All first picking components 221 are correspondingly provided with the first driving unit 222. The first driving unit 222 is used to drive the first picking component 221 to move in a direction perpendicular to the adsorption surface of the first picking component 221. For two products picked up by the first picking module 22, if the poses of both products are deviated from the preset poses, the pose of one of the products is first corrected. Specifically, the first transfer module 21 drives the first picking module 22 to rotate and corrects the pose of the product. Then, the product is moved in a direction perpendicular to the adsorption surface of the first picking component 221 to place the product into the first carrier 332. Then, the pose of the other product is corrected, and after correction, the product is moved in a direction perpendicular to the adsorption surface of the first picking component 221 to place the product into the first carrier 332.

[0064] Similarly, if only one of the two products has a deviated pose from the preset pose, the product with the preset pose is first placed in the first carrier 332. Then, the pose of the other product is corrected, and after correction, the product is placed in the first carrier 332.

[0065] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the first transfer module 21 is a robotic arm. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the first transfer module 21 may also be a drive structure composed of a three-axis moving module and a rotating module. This embodiment does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0066] It is also worth noting that the first drive unit 222 can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder or an electric cylinder, and this embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on it.

[0067] In addition, for the products conveyed to the loading station, there is a problem of positional deviation for products placed upright, but there is also a problem of products being placed backwards. Therefore, in addition to the first vision detection module 61, the product sorting device also includes a second vision detection module 62. The second vision detection module 62 is configured to acquire images of the products conveyed to the loading station. For example, the second vision detection module 62 is set at the loading station and located directly above the loading conveyor line. The second vision detection module 62 is electrically connected to the first transfer mechanism 2, so that the first transfer mechanism 2 only picks up products that are placed upright.

[0068] For products that are placed upside down, the product sorting device also includes a feeding conveyor line 9. The feeding conveyor line can transport the upside-down products to the feeding conveyor line 9, thereby unloading the upside-down products.

[0069] It is understood that a transition conveyor line (not shown in the figure) is provided between the feeding conveyor line and the unloading conveyor line 9. Since the specific structure of the transition conveyor line is existing technology, it will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0070] Furthermore, the handling module 34 includes a second transfer module 341 and a second picking module 342. The second transfer module 341 is configured to drive the second picking module 342 to move along a first horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The first unloading position 3312 and the second loading position 3511 are arranged at intervals along the first horizontal direction. After the first carrier 332 moves to the first unloading position 3312, the two rows of first loading positions 3321 are arranged along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. As described above, the second transfer module 341 can first drive the second picking module 342 to move along the first horizontal direction to above the first unloading position 3312. Then, the second transfer module 341 drives the second picking module 342 to descend vertically so that the second picking module 342 picks up two rows of products. Then, the second transfer module 341 drives the second picking module 342 to rise vertically and move along the first horizontal direction so that the second picking module 342 moves to above the second loading position 3511. Then, the second transfer module 341 drives the second picking module 342 to descend vertically so that the two rows of products are placed one row at a time into the two second carriers 352.

[0071] Two second carriers 352 are arranged in a row along a second horizontal direction. The barcode scanner 35 also includes a movable plate 353. All second carriers 352 are correspondingly provided with movable plates 353. The second conveyor line 351 is configured to drive the movable plates 353 to move along the second horizontal direction. One of the movable plates 353 is fixed in a vertical position, and the other movable plates 353 can move in a vertical direction, so that the two movable plates 353 can move alternately to the second loading position 3511. Specifically, when the two movable plates 353 move towards each other to converge, one of the movable plates 353 descends in a vertical direction to avoid the other movable plate 353.

[0072] Furthermore, one of the second carriers 352 is fixedly connected to the movable plate 353, while the other second carriers 352 are slidably connected to the movable plate 353 along the second horizontal direction. This allows the two second carriers 352 to move directly below the two rows of products picked up by the second picking module 342, thereby enabling the second picking module 342 to place the two rows of products into the two second carriers 352 respectively. For example, for the second carrier 352 whose position is fixed relative to the movable plate 353, the second carrier 352 is located directly below the first row of products when it moves to the second loading position 3511. For the second carrier 352 that can slide relative to the movable plate 353, the second carrier 352 will adjust its position when it moves to the second loading position 3511 so that it is located directly below the second row of products.

[0073] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second conveyor line 351 includes a conveyor belt 3513 and a drive motor (not shown in the figure) for driving the conveyor belt 3513 to operate. One movable plate 353 is fixedly connected to the upper belt of the conveyor belt 3513, and a connecting plate 3514 is fixedly connected to the lower belt of the conveyor belt 3513. The other movable plate 353 is slidably connected to the connecting plate 3514 in the vertical direction. The conveyor belt 3513 can drive the two movable plates 353 to move between the second loading position 3511 and the second unloading position 3512.

[0074] Additionally, exemplarily, in this embodiment, the second conveyor line 351 further includes a guide plate 3515. The guide plate 3515 is provided with a guide hole 35151. The end of the guide hole 35151 near the second loading position 3511 and the end near the second unloading position 3512 are higher, and the middle position of the guide hole 35151 is lower. For the moving plate 353 that can move in the vertical direction, a connecting rod 3532 is fixedly connected to its bottom. The end of the connecting rod 3532 away from the moving plate 353 is slidably connected in the guide hole 35151. When the moving plate 353 moves from the second loading position 3511 to the second unloading position 3512 or from the second unloading position 3512 to the second loading position 3511, the end of the connecting rod 3532 away from the moving plate 353 can roll along the guide hole 35151 and drive the moving plate 353 to first descend and then rise in the vertical direction.

[0075] Understandably, after the second carrier 352 moves to the second unloading position 3512, the barcode scanner 31 aligns with the through hole 3522 on the second carrier 352 along the second horizontal direction, thereby enabling it to scan the products on the second carrier 352 through the through hole 3522. For the second carrier 352, which is fixed in position relative to the moving plate 353, the distance between the products on the second carrier 352 and the barcode scanner 31 along the second horizontal direction is fixed each time the second carrier 352 moves to the second unloading position 3512. This distance is a reference value, and the barcode scanner 31 can accurately scan the products on the second carrier 352 whose distance is equal to the reference value. Regarding the second carrier 352 that slides relative to the moving plate 353, since the second carrier 352 adjusts its position when it moves to the second loading position 3511, the distance between the second carrier 352 and the barcode scanner 31 is not equal to the reference value after each time it moves to the second unloading position 3512. However, in order to ensure that the barcode scanner 31 can accurately scan the product on any second carrier 352, in this embodiment, for the second carrier 352 that can slide relative to the moving plate 353, the second carrier 352 will adjust its position when it moves to the second unloading position 3512 until the distance between it and the barcode scanner 31 along the second horizontal direction is equal to the reference value.

[0076] Specifically, a second carrier 352 is fixedly connected to one of the movable plates 353, and a second drive unit 3531 is installed on the other movable plates 353. The second drive unit 3531 is used to drive the second carrier 352 installed on the movable plate 353 to move along the second horizontal direction.

[0077] It is understood that the second drive unit 3531 can be selected as a linear drive structure such as a cylinder or an electric cylinder, and this embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on it.

[0078] It is also understood that in this embodiment, the second transfer module 341 is composed of a KK module and a drive cylinder. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the second drive unit 3531 may also be composed of two KK modules or two drive cylinders. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0079] In addition, the second picking module 342 includes a second picking member 3421 and a third driving unit 3422. The second picking member 3421 is arranged in two rows, with four second picking members 3421 in each row. The two rows of second picking members 3421 are arranged along the second horizontal direction. Moreover, the two rows of second picking members 3421 are each provided with a third driving unit 3422. The third driving unit 3422 is used to drive one row of second picking members 3421 to move up and down in the vertical direction, so that the second picking module 342 can pick up all products on the first carrier 332 at the same time and can place the two rows of products into the two second carriers 352 respectively.

[0080] The third drive unit 3422 can be a linear drive structure such as a cylinder or an electric cylinder, and this embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on it.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, the second lifting member 3421 is a suction cup, which can pick up the product. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the second lifting member 3421 can also be a pneumatic gripper or a pneumatic chuck, or other structures that can be used to pick up products. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0082] Furthermore, the placement area 321 is provided with four third placement positions 3211. The number of third placement positions 3211 in the placement area 321 is the same as the number of second placement positions 3521 on the second carrier 352, thereby meeting the working requirements of the second transfer mechanism 4. The second transfer mechanism 4 includes a third transfer module 41 and a third picking module 42. The third transfer module 41 can drive the third picking module 42 to move between the second unloading position 3512 and the sorting table 32, thereby transporting the product from the second carrier 352 to the sorting table 32. Specifically, the third picking module 42 includes a first driving member 421 and a third picking member 422. The number of third picking members 422 is specifically set according to the number of second placement positions 3521 provided on the second carrier 352. For example, in this embodiment, the third picking module 42 includes four third picking members 42. 2. The four third picking components 422 correspond one-to-one with the four second placement positions 3521 on the second carrier 352. Each of the three third picking components 422 is provided with a first driving component 421. The first driving component 421 is configured to drive the three picking components 422 to rise and fall in the vertical direction. That is, each of the three third picking components 422 can rise and fall independently. On the one hand, all the three third picking components 422 can be picked up from the second carrier 352 located at the second unloading position 3512 at the same time. On the other hand, after the third picking module 42 moves to the sorting table 32, the third transfer module 41 can drive the third picking module 42 to move according to the category of the product picked up by the third picking module 42, so that the third picking module 42 can be adapted to move to the corresponding placement area 321, thereby placing each product picked up by the third picking module 42 into the corresponding placement area 321.

[0083] Specifically, taking the example of four products of different categories picked up by the third picking module 42, after the third picking module 42 moves to the sorting table 32, the third transfer module 41 can drive the third picking module 42 to move sequentially to the four placement areas 321. After the third picking module 42 moves to any placement area 321, the third picking component 422, which picks up the product corresponding to the placement area 321, descends vertically, thereby placing the product corresponding to the placement area 321 into the placement area separately.

[0084] Similarly, if there are products of the same category among the four products picked up by the third picking module 42, after the third picking module 42 moves to the corresponding placement area 321, the third picking component 422 that picks up the products of the same category descends vertically together, thereby placing the products of the same category into the placement area 321.

[0085] It is understood that the first driving component 421 can be selected as a linear drive structure such as a cylinder or an electric cylinder, and this embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on it.

[0086] Additionally, exemplarily, the third transfer module 41 is a robotic arm. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the third transfer module 41 may also be a drive structure composed of drive components such as KK modules. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0087] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the scanning mechanism includes two sorting stations 32, and each sorting station 32 is equipped with a second transfer mechanism 4. Both second transfer mechanisms 4 can be used by the scanning station 35 to transport products and place them on their corresponding sorting station 32.

[0088] As described above, on the one hand, this embodiment uses two second transfer mechanisms 4 to classify the scanned products, thereby further improving the working efficiency of the product classification device. On the other hand, for any one of the second transfer mechanisms 4 and its corresponding sorting table 32, after the third transfer module 41 drives the third picking module 42 to move to one of the placement areas 321, if the third picking module 42 needs to place two or more similar products into the placement area 321, and the number of remaining third placement positions 3211 in the placement area 321 is less than the number of similar products to be placed, then the third picking module 42 places products into the remaining third placement positions 3211 in the placement area 321. After the placement area 321 is full of products, for products that are not placed in the placement area 321, the second transfer mechanism 4 places them into the placement area 321 corresponding to the same type of product on another sorting table 32. Then, the third transfer module 41 drives the third picking module 42 back to the original sorting table 32 and places other types of products into the corresponding placement areas 321. Then, all products in the placement area 321 that is full of products are transferred to the material feeder.

[0089] It is understood that in other optional embodiments, three or more sorting stations 32 may be provided, and all sorting stations 32 are provided with a second transfer mechanism 4. This embodiment does not impose a specific limit on the number of sorting stations 32.

[0090] Furthermore, the product sorting device also includes a defective product platform, and the second transfer mechanism 4 can transport defective products to the defective product platform. That is, in addition to sorting good products, the product sorting device in this embodiment can also sort defective products.

[0091] Based on the above description, this embodiment is provided with two second transfer mechanisms 4. Accordingly, the product sorting device includes two defective product platforms, and the two defective product platforms correspond one-to-one with the two second transfer mechanisms 4.

[0092] For example, to facilitate the receiving of defective products by staff or specialized receiving mechanisms, and considering the limited travel of the third transfer module 41, in this embodiment, one of the two defective product receiving platforms is located between the two second transfer mechanisms 4; this platform is the first receiving platform 71. The other platform is located on the side of one of the second transfer mechanisms 4 away from the other; this platform is the second receiving platform 72. The first receiving platform 71 includes four fourth placement positions 711, and the second receiving platform 72 is configured to place items for loading... The second transfer mechanism 4, which is away from the second material receiving table 72, can place defective products to the fourth loading position 711. The second transfer mechanism 4, which is close to the second material receiving table 72, can place defective products into the tray placed on the second material receiving table 72. It can be understood that after the first material receiving table 71 is full, the second transfer mechanism 4, which is close to the second material receiving table 72, can move all the products on the first material receiving table 71 to the tray placed on the second material receiving table 72. After the tray is full, the staff or a special receiving mechanism can replace the tray.

[0093] Additionally, it should be noted that, based on production requirements, the products flowing out of the product sorting device need to be in an upside-down state as they flow to the downstream processing station. Therefore, in this embodiment, the product sorting device also includes a flipping mechanism 8. The second transfer mechanism 4 can sequentially transport the products from the placement area 321 to the flipping mechanism 8 and the unloading station. The flipping mechanism 8 is configured to flip the products. That is, in this embodiment, the products in the placement area 321 are first transported to the flipping mechanism 8 for flipping, and then transported to the unloading area 512 for unloading.

[0094] Based on the above, it is understood that all second transfer mechanisms 4 are equipped with a corresponding flipping mechanism 8.

[0095] For example, in this embodiment, the flipping mechanism 8 includes a platform 81 with fifth placement positions 811. It is understood that the number of fifth placement positions 811 is the same as the number of third placement positions 3211 in the placement area 321. That is, in this embodiment, the platform 81 has four fifth placement positions 811. The second transfer mechanism 4 can simultaneously transport four products in the placement area 321 and place each of the four products into one of the four fifth placement positions 811. The fifth placement position 811 is provided with a clearance hole 812. In addition to the platform 81, the flipping mechanism 8 also includes a mounting plate 82, flipping grippers 83, a second driving member 84, and a third driving member 85. The platform 81 is slidably connected to the mounting plate 82 in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the four fifth placement positions 811. The number of flipping grippers 83 is the same as the number of fifth placement positions 811. That is, the flipping mechanism 8 includes four... The four flipping grippers 83 correspond one-to-one with the four fifth placement positions 811. The second driving member 84 can drive the platform 81 to move in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the four fifth placement positions 811, so that the platform 81 has a first working position away from the flipping grippers 83 and a second working position between the two claws of the flipping grippers 83. When the platform 81 is in the first working position, the second transfer mechanism 4 can place the four products one by one into the four fifth placement positions 811. Then, the platform 81 moves from the first working position to the second working position. When the platform 81 is in the second working position, the four flipping grippers 83 correspond one-to-one with the four fifth placement positions 811, and the two claws of the flipping grippers 83 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the fifth placement position 811, and are respectively located directly above and directly below the clearance hole 812, so that the flipping grippers 83 can clamp the products.

[0096] The third driving component 85 can drive the mounting plate 82 to move up and down vertically. After the platform 81 is in the second working position and the flipping gripper 83 clamps the product, the third driving component 85 drives the mounting plate 82 to descend vertically, thereby causing the platform 81 to descend vertically. Moreover, since the fifth placement position 811 is provided with a clearance hole 812, this embodiment can avoid the flipping gripper 83 interfering with the movement of the platform 81, thereby allowing the platform 81 to move away from the flipping gripper 83 vertically. After descent, the flipping gripper 83 flips, thereby flipping the product. Then, the platform 81 rises vertically until the two claws of the flipping gripper 83 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the fifth placement position 811. Then, the flipping gripper 83 releases its grip on the product, and the product is placed back in the fifth placement position 811. After that, the second drive unit 84 drives the platform 81 to reset to the first working position. The second flipping mechanism 8 picks up all the products from the platform 81 and transfers all the products to the unloading area 512 for unloading.

[0097] It is understood that both the second drive component 84 and the third drive component 85 can be selected as linear drive structures such as cylinders or electric cylinders, and this embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0098] Additionally, it should be noted that since products placed upside down are not suitable for picking up, in this embodiment, the second transfer mechanism 4 includes two third picking modules 42, which are symmetrically arranged. The third picking component 422 of one third picking module 42 is a suction cup, and the third picking component 422 of the other third picking module 42 is a pneumatic gripper. The third transfer module 41 can exchange the positions of the two third picking modules 42, so that one third picking module 42 is always in working state. For the third picking module 42 in working state, its third picking component 422 faces downward, so that it can pick up or place products.

[0099] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the second transfer mechanism 4 picks up the product from the barcode scanner 35 and places the product on the sorting station 32, and when the sorting station 32 picks up the product and places the product on the carrier 81, the third picking component 422 is a suction cup third picking module 42 in working state. When the second transfer mechanism 4 picks up the product from the carrier 81 and places the product on the unloading area 512, the third picking component 422 is a pneumatic gripper third picking module 42 in working state.

[0100] Of course, in other optional embodiments, the second transfer mechanism 4 may also be provided with only one third picking module 42. The third picking component 422 of the third picking module 42 may be a suction cup or a pneumatic gripper, etc. This embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0101] Furthermore, it should be noted that in this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 5 includes two tray conveyors 51. Each tray conveyor 51 is provided with a feeding area 511 and two feeding areas 512. The feeding area 511 is used to supply empty trays to the two feeding areas 512, and the feeding area 512 can send out fully loaded trays.

[0102] It is understood that since the specific structure and working principle of the material tray conveyor 51 are existing technologies, this embodiment will not elaborate on them.

[0103] In summary, in this invention, the feeding mechanism 1 and the first transfer mechanism 2 supply products to be classified to the scanning mechanism. The scanning mechanism accurately identifies the product category using the barcode scanner 31. The second transfer mechanism 4 places the scanned products into the corresponding placement area 321 according to their category. After any placement area 321 is full of products, the second transfer mechanism 4 can simultaneously transfer all products in that placement area 321 to the corresponding unloading area 512 for unloading. This enables automated product classification with high work efficiency. Furthermore, the product classification device identifies the product category by scanning the barcode with the barcode scanner 31, thus enabling accurate product classification.

[0104] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A product sorting device, characterized in that, include: The feeding mechanism (1) is configured to transport products to be sorted to the feeding station; The first transfer mechanism (2) is configured to transfer the product from the loading station to the barcode scanning station; A barcode scanning mechanism is set at the barcode scanning station. The barcode scanning mechanism includes a barcode scanner (31) and a sorting table (32). The barcode scanner (31) is configured to scan the identification code on the product. The sorting table (32) is divided into two or more placement areas (321), and the two or more placement areas (321) respectively store different categories of the product. The second transfer mechanism (4) is capable of transferring the products to different placement areas (321) according to the scanning results, and can transfer all the products in any placement area (321) to the unloading station after the placement area (321) is full of products; and The unloading mechanism (5) is set at the unloading station. The unloading mechanism (5) includes two or more unloading areas (512). The second transfer mechanism (4) can place the product into different unloading areas (512) according to the category. The scanning mechanism also includes: Two or more first conveyor lines (33), each of the first conveyor lines (33) is provided with a first transfer mechanism (2), each of the first conveyor lines (33) includes at least two conveyor bodies (331), each of the conveyor bodies (331) is provided with a first carrier (332), the two ends of the conveyor body (331) are a first loading position (3311) and a first unloading position (3312) respectively, and the first transfer mechanism (2) can transfer the product to the first carrier (332) located at the first loading position (3311); The transport module (34) and the barcode scanner (35) are provided. The transport module (34) can transport the product from the first carrier (332) located at the first unloading position (3312) to the barcode scanner (35). The barcode scanner (31) can scan the product located at the barcode scanner (35). The first carrier (332) is provided with at least two rows of first placement positions (3321). The barcode scanner (35) includes a second conveyor line (351). At least two second carriers (352) are provided on the second conveyor line (351). The second carriers (352) are provided with a row of second placement positions (3521). The second conveyor line (351) can drive at least two second carriers (352) to move sequentially to the second loading position (3511). The handling module (34) can pick up at least two rows of the products from the first carrier (332) and place at least two rows of the products into at least two second carriers (352) one row at a time. The second conveyor line (351) can also drive at least two second carriers (352) to move sequentially to the second unloading position (3512). The barcode scanner (31) is located at the second unloading position (3512). The transport module (34) includes a second transfer module (341) and a second pick-up module (342). The second transfer module (341) is configured to drive the second pick-up module (342) to move along a first horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The first unloading position (3312) and the second loading position (3511) are arranged at intervals along the first horizontal direction. After the first carrier (332) moves to the first unloading position (3312), at least two rows of the first loading positions (3321) are arranged along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. At least two second carriers (352) are arranged in a row along the second horizontal direction. The barcode scanner (35) also includes a movable plate (353). All second carriers (352) are correspondingly provided with the movable plate (353). The second conveyor line (351) is configured to drive the movable plate (353) to move along the second horizontal direction. One of the movable plates (353) is fixed in position along the vertical direction, and the other movable plates (353) can move along the vertical direction. One of the second carriers (352) is fixedly connected to the movable plate (353), and the other second carriers (352) are slidably connected to the movable plate (353) along the second horizontal direction.

2. The product sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The product sorting device further includes a first visual inspection module (61). The first transfer mechanism (2) includes a first transfer module (21) and a first picking module (22). The first transfer module (21) can drive the first picking module (22) to move sequentially from the loading station to the first visual inspection module (61) and the barcode scanning station. The first visual inspection module (61) can acquire an image of the product being transported by the first picking module (22). The first transfer module (21) can also drive the first picking module (22) to rotate, and the rotation axis (23) is perpendicular to the side of the first picking module (22) facing the product.

3. The product sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The placement area (321) is provided with two or more third loading positions (3211). The number of third loading positions (3211) in the placement area (321) is the same as the number of second loading positions (3521) on the second carrier (352). The second transfer mechanism (4) includes a third transfer module (41) and a third picking module (42). The third transfer module (41) can drive the third picking module (42) to move between the second unloading position (3512) and the sorting position. The third lifting module (42) moves between the platforms (32). It includes a first driving member (421) and two or more third lifting members (422). The two or more third lifting members (422) correspond one-to-one with two or more second placement positions (3521) on the second carrier (352). All the third lifting members (422) are correspondingly provided with the first driving member (421). The first driving member (421) is configured to drive the third lifting members (422) to move up and down in the vertical direction.

4. The product sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning mechanism includes two or more sorting stations (32), and each sorting station (32) is provided with the second transfer mechanism (4).

5. The product sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The product sorting device also includes a defective product platform, and the second transfer mechanism (4) is capable of transporting the defective products to the defective product platform.

6. The product sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The product sorting device further includes a flipping mechanism (8), and the second transfer mechanism (4) is capable of sequentially transporting the product from the placement area (321) to the flipping mechanism (8) and the unloading station. The flipping mechanism (8) is configured to flip the product.

7. The product sorting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The product sorting device further includes a second vision inspection module (62), which is configured to acquire an image of the product being transported to the loading station, and is electrically connected to the first transfer mechanism (2).

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