Sorting and capping device

Abstract

This invention aims to provide a sorting and canning device that ensures the integrity of canned sheet food and achieves high sorting and canning efficiency. The invention includes a transport component, a color and shape detection module, a discharge component, several buffer components, and a can loading and canning module. The transport component cooperates with an external food slicing component. The transport component includes a transport turntable with several through holes. Each through hole has a supporting component that receives the sliced ​​food and opens and closes the through holes. The color and shape detection module cooperates with the supporting component. The discharge component and the several buffer components each include an opening mechanism that cooperates with the supporting component. The buffer components receive and buffer the sliced ​​food. After buffering a sufficient quantity, they cooperate with the can loading and canning module to load the food into a confined can. This invention applies to the field of food processing technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing technology, and particularly to a sorting and canning device. Background Technology

[0002] In the canned food processing industry, food typically undergoes processes such as surface treatment, shaping, sorting, and canning. Surface treatment and shaping have largely been automated, replacing traditional manual labor and improving efficiency. However, sorting and canning usually still require manual labor. For example, when sorting canned sliced ​​pineapple, the slices need to be categorized based on color, shape integrity, and thickness, and slices of the same color need to be canned together. Because there are multiple color categories, ordinary sorting equipment cannot accurately detect color variations, leading to mixed colors that do not meet product requirements. Therefore, manual assistance is often necessary.

[0003] Meanwhile, because sliced ​​pineapples are fragile and easily damaged, canning them by robotic arms can easily damage them, so manual canning is often required. For example, a food processing device and method disclosed in CN114903185A specifically discloses a food rotation drive mechanism, a first vision component, a cutting and deburring mechanism, and a slicing and sorting module. In this solution, after slicing and sorting, the sliced ​​pineapples are dropped onto the conveyor belt by an opening and closing component, which makes it difficult to lift them for canning and cannot guarantee the integrity of the sliced ​​pineapples. At the same time, the use of a chain conveyor with a limiting plate to limit the sliced ​​pineapples and drive them to move on the sorting plate can also cause damage to the sliced ​​pineapples during the sorting process.

[0004] Therefore, a sorting and canning device is needed that can ensure the integrity of canned sheet food and has high sorting and canning efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a sorting and canning device that can ensure the integrity of canned sheet food and has high sorting and canning efficiency.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: This invention includes a transport component, a color and shape detection module, a discharge component, several buffer components, and a can loading and filling module. The transport component cooperates with an external food slicing component. The transport component includes a transport turntable with several through holes. Each through hole is equipped with a support component. The support component receives the sliced ​​food and opens and closes the through hole. The color and shape detection module cooperates with the support component. The discharge component and several buffer components each include an opening mechanism that cooperates with the support component. The several buffer components receive and buffer the sliced ​​food. After buffering a sufficient quantity, they cooperate with the can loading and filling module to fill the confined can.

[0007] As can be seen from the above scheme, by using a transport turntable as the transmission structure and setting through holes and a carrying component as the sorting and falling channel and control structure, it is ensured that the sliced ​​food will not suffer additional damage during the sorting process. The color and shape detection module performs appearance inspection on the sliced ​​food on the carrying component. During the inspection process, the sliced ​​food is relatively stationary relative to the carrying component, thus avoiding transportation damage. The discharge component discharges sliced ​​food in special condition or that is not up to standard. The buffer component picks up sliced ​​food of the same color at the corresponding workstation and buffers it. By buffering, the single falling distance of the sliced ​​food is reduced, thereby avoiding damage to the sliced ​​food. At the same time, the canning operation is achieved through the falling mechanism. The overall structure is compact and reliable. The can feeding and canning module is used for empty can feeding, canning limit, and full can discharge, achieving efficient sorting and canning operations.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing assembly includes a pair of hinged hinge plates that are engaged with the transport turntable. The load-bearing portions of the two hinge plates cooperate to close the through hole. A tension spring is provided between the two hinge plates, which drives the load-bearing portions of the two hinge plates to move closer to each other. Rollers are rotatably provided at the ends of the two hinge plates away from the load-bearing portions, and the two rollers cooperate with the opening mechanism.

[0009] A further preferred embodiment is that one of the opening and closing plates has a deflection portion at one end where the roller is located, and the roller is located on the deflection portion of the opening and closing plate. The opening mechanism includes an opening cylinder and a push plate located at the movable end of the opening cylinder. When the opening cylinder is activated, the push plate simultaneously pushes and cooperates with the two rollers, thereby causing the two opening and closing plates to overcome the tension of the tension spring and open the through hole.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the buffer assembly includes a buffer base and several buffer cylinders. The buffer base is provided with a guide hole that mates with the through hole. The movable end of each buffer cylinder is provided with a buffer plate. The side of the buffer base is provided with a corresponding through groove that mates with the buffer plate.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the buffer assembly includes at least two sets of buffer cylinders distributed axially along the guide hole.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the tank loading module includes a roller conveyor line with at least two transmission channels. Each transmission channel includes an empty material channel, a full material channel, and a can filling limiting component. The empty material channel is connected to an external tank supply, and the full material channel is connected to a tank collection area. The can filling limiting component includes a horizontal push cylinder and a positioning cylinder. The horizontal push cylinder moves the empty tank sequentially from the empty material channel to the loading position and the full material channel. The positioning cylinder positions the tank at the loading position. The sides of the horizontal push cylinder and the positioning cylinder are respectively provided with a first tank blocking cylinder and a second tank blocking cylinder.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the color and shape detection module includes a surface detection component, a thickness detection component, and an outer edge detection component, which are sequentially arranged above the transport turntable and cooperate with the corresponding carrier component. The surface detection component and the outer edge detection component both include a detection camera, and the thickness detection component includes several sets of distance detection sensors.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness detection component further includes a lifting cylinder, and the thickness detection component includes at least three sets of distance sensors, with all the distance sensors evenly arranged along the circumferential direction on the movable end of the lifting cylinder.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge assembly includes a discharge pipe and a distribution cylinder. The inlet end of the discharge pipe is fitted with the through hole. A distribution plate is movably disposed on the discharge pipe. The distribution cylinder is connected to the distribution plate and drives the distribution plate to rotate inside the discharge pipe.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the transport component further includes a drive motor that is poweredly connected to the transport turntable. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first three-dimensional structure of the present invention without an outer frame;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second three-dimensional structure of the present invention without an outer frame;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the transport component;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the supporting component;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the discharge assembly;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the cache component;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the roller conveyor line. Detailed Implementation

[0025] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the present invention includes a transport component 1, a color and shape detection module, a discharge component 2, two sets of buffer components 3, and a can loading and filling module. The transport component 1 cooperates with the external food slicing component 10. The transport component 1 includes a transport turntable 11 with eight through holes 12 evenly arranged along the circumference. Each through hole 12 is provided with a bearing component 4. The bearing component 4 receives the sliced ​​food and opens and closes the through hole 12. The bearing component 4 is normally closed and opens when cooperating with the discharge component 2 and the two sets of buffer components 3, allowing the sliced ​​food to fall. The color and shape detection module cooperates with the bearing component 4. The discharge component 2 and the two sets of buffer components 3 each include an opening mechanism 5 that cooperates with the bearing component 4. The two sets of buffer components 3 respectively receive and buffer white and yellow sliced ​​food. After buffering ten sliced ​​food pieces, they cooperate with the can loading and filling module to fill the sliced ​​food into the limited can.

[0026] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the supporting component 4 includes a pair of hinged opening and closing plates 41 that are hinged to the transport turntable 11. The supporting portions 42 of the two opening and closing plates 41 cooperate to close the through hole 12. A tension spring is provided between the two opening and closing plates 41, which drives the supporting portions 42 of the two opening and closing plates 41 to move closer to each other. Rollers 43 are rotatably provided at the ends of the two opening and closing plates 41 away from the supporting portions 42. One of the opening and closing plates 41 has a deflection portion 44 at the end where the roller 43 is located. The roller 43 is located on the deflection portion 44 of the opening and closing plate 41. The opening mechanism 5 includes an opening cylinder 51 and a push plate 52 provided at the movable end of the opening cylinder 51. When it is necessary to release the sliced ​​food, the opening cylinder 51 is activated and drives the push plate 52 to simultaneously push and cooperate with the two rollers 43, thereby causing the two opening and closing plates 41 to overcome the tension of the tension spring and open the through hole 12. The tension spring keeps the two opening and closing plates 41 in a normally closed state. The rollers 43 are designed as a linkage component to ensure a fast and smooth opening process, while preventing wear on the push plate 52 or the opening and closing plates 41 during the pushing process, thus extending their service life. The deflection design causes the hinge points of the two rollers 43 and the two opening and closing plates 41 to form an angle. The push plate 52 is parallel to the line connecting the two rollers 43 at the current workstation, thereby ensuring that the two opening and closing plates 41 move synchronously during the pushing process. This prevents tilting of the sliced ​​food due to differences in opening and closing speeds, ensuring that the sliced ​​food falls accurately and smoothly into the buffer component 3.

[0027] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the buffer component 3 includes a buffer seat 31 and at least two sets of buffer cylinders 32. The buffer seat 31 is provided with a guide hole 33, and the at least two sets of buffer cylinders 32 are distributed axially along the guide hole 33 to form a multi-layer buffer structure. The guide hole 33 is aligned with the through hole 12 of the current station to receive the sliced ​​food. The movable end of the buffer cylinder 32 is provided with a buffer plate 34, and the side of the buffer seat 31 is provided with a corresponding through groove 35 that cooperates with the buffer plate 34. By reducing the single drop distance of the sliced ​​food through the multi-layer buffer structure, the phenomenon of flipping or offsetting the sliced ​​food during the drop is effectively avoided, so that the canning process is basically free of jamming.

[0028] like Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the tank loading module includes a roller conveyor line 6, which has at least two transmission channels. Each transmission channel includes an empty material channel 61, a full material channel 62, and a can loading limiting component. The can loading limiting component includes a horizontal push cylinder 63 and a positioning cylinder 64. Both the horizontal push cylinder 63 and the positioning cylinder 64 have contoured push blocks at their movable ends. The sides of the horizontal push cylinder 63 and the positioning cylinder 64 are respectively equipped with a first tank blocking cylinder 65A and a second tank blocking cylinder 65B. The first tank blocking cylinder 65A has a first limiting plate 66 that cooperates with the empty material channel 61, and the second tank blocking cylinder 65B has a second limiting plate 67 that isolates the loading position from the full material channel 62. The input end of the empty material channel 61 is connected to the empty material channel 61 of the previous sorting and canning device or to an external tank supply line, thereby achieving continuous tank supply for the long line. The output end of the empty material channel 61 is connected to the empty material channel 61 of the next sorting and canning device or the empty tank recycling area. The full material channel 62 is connected to the full material channel 62 of the previous sorting and canning device, and the output end of the full material channel 62 is connected to the tank collection area. The horizontal push cylinder 63 and the positioning cylinder 64 are respectively equipped with a first positioning sensor 68 and a second positioning sensor 69. During material receiving, the first limiting plate 66 first limits the empty can channel 61. When the first positioning sensor 68 detects an empty can in place, the horizontal push cylinder 63 pushes the empty can from the empty material channel 61 to the loading position. After the second positioning sensor 69 detects an empty can input at the loading position, the positioning cylinder 64 extends to position the empty can, while the horizontal push cylinder 63 retracts, aligning the empty can with the outlet of the buffer component 3. The buffer component 3 then performs the material dropping action. After one loading action is completed, the positioning cylinder 64 resets and the second limiting plate 67 is released. Subsequently, the horizontal push cylinder 63 pushes in an empty can, pushing the loaded can body into the full material channel 62. The positioning cylinder 64 then positions the new empty can. During the can emptying process, the horizontal push cylinder 63 directly pushes the empty can into the full material channel 62, thus emptying the loading position.

[0029] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, a guide plate is provided on one side of the full material channel 62 near the empty material channel 61. The guide plate enables the cans output from the loading position to be automatically arranged. Furthermore, in a production line where multiple roller conveyor lines 6 are connected in sequence, each output can automatically approaches the other side of the full material channel 62 under the action of the guide plate. If the space on this side already contains a can output from the previous line, the current can is temporarily blocked by the guide plate. After the previous can passes smoothly, it enters the space on this side according to the direction of the guide plate, realizing the orderly output of the production line's connected lines.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the color and shape detection module includes a surface detection component 7, a thickness detection component 8, and an outer edge detection component 9, sequentially disposed above the transport turntable 11 and cooperating with the corresponding carrier component 4. The surface detection component 7 includes a first detection camera and a ring light source. The ring light source illuminates the surface of the sliced ​​food, and the first detection camera captures an image which is then transmitted back to the host computer. The host computer performs color classification based on the image captured by the first detection camera. The outer edge detection component 9 includes a second detection camera and an edge magnifying lens. The second detection camera captures an image of the edge of the sliced ​​food through the edge magnifying lens, and the host computer judges the shape integrity based on the image captured by the second detection camera.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the thickness detection component 8 includes three sets of distance detection sensors 81 and a lifting cylinder 82. The three sets of distance detection sensors 81 are evenly arranged along the circumferential direction on the movable end of the lifting cylinder 82. When the sliced ​​food arrives at the detection station, the lifting cylinder 82 presses down, and the host computer calculates the thickness of the sliced ​​food based on the signals fed back by the three sets of distance detection sensors 81.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the discharge assembly 2 includes a discharge pipe 21 and a distributing cylinder 22. The distributing cylinder 22 is a rotary cylinder. The inlet end of the discharge pipe 21 cooperates with the through hole 12. A distributing plate 23 is movably disposed on the discharge pipe 21. The distributing cylinder 22 is connected to the distributing plate 23 and drives the distributing plate 23 to rotate within the discharge pipe 21. The distributing plate 23 separates special-colored food and substandard food within the discharge pipe 21. A partition that cooperates with the distributing plate 23 is also provided inside the discharge pipe 21, dividing the rear half of the discharge pipe 21 into two output channels. The output sliced ​​food is output to a specific collection area via a conveyor belt disposed below the discharge pipe 21.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the transport component 1 further includes a drive motor 13 that is poweredly connected to the transport turntable 11. The drive motor 13 drives the transport turntable 11 to rotate one workstation distance each time, so that the carrying component 4 moves to the corresponding workstation to perform the corresponding process.

[0034] In this embodiment, an arc-shaped scraper is also provided between the external food slicing assembly 10 and the color and shape detection module. The arc-shaped scraper cooperates with the surface of the transport turntable 11. The arc-shaped scraper limits the sliced ​​food, thereby pushing the offset sliced ​​food back into the through hole 12 and removing the residue from the surface of the transport turntable 11.

[0035] The workflow of this invention:

[0036] After the external food slicing component 10 completes the food slicing and releases it, the sliced ​​food falls onto the carrying component 4 directly below it. The transport turntable 11 moves the sliced ​​food sequentially to the surface detection component 7, the thickness detection component 8, and the outer edge detection component 9. The host computer determines the color, thickness, and edge integrity of the sliced ​​food based on the detection results and classifies the sliced ​​food according to the three parameters. Yellow and white sliced ​​food are released in the two sets of buffer components 3 respectively, while non-yellow and non-white third-color sliced ​​food is released in the special material channel of the discharge component 2. Unqualified food is released in the unqualified material channel of the discharge component 2.

[0037] The can loading module positions the empty can at the loading position, and the buffer component 3 releases the buffered sliced ​​food into the empty can at the loading position through a multi-buffer release method, thereby completing the sorting and canning. Fully loaded cans are then sorted and output through the full loading channel 62.

[0038] Although the embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to actual solutions, they do not constitute a limitation on the meaning of the present invention. Modifications to the embodiments and combinations with other solutions based on this specification will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A sorting and canning device, comprising a transport assembly (1) that cooperates with an external food slicing assembly, characterized in that: The sorting and canning device further includes a color and shape detection module, a discharge component (2), several buffer components (3), and a can loading and canning module. The transport component (1) includes a transport turntable (11), which has several through holes (12). Each through hole (12) is provided with a bearing component (4). The bearing component (4) receives the sliced ​​food and opens and closes the through hole (12). The color and shape detection module cooperates with the bearing component (4). The discharge component (2) 2) and several buffer components (3) each include an opening mechanism (5) that cooperates with the bearing component (4). The buffer component (3) includes a buffer seat (31) and at least two sets of buffer cylinders (32). The buffer seat (31) is provided with a guide hole (33). The at least two sets of buffer cylinders (32) are axially distributed along the guide hole (33) to form a multi-layer buffer structure. The guide hole (33) cooperates with the through hole (12). The movable end of the buffer cylinder (32) is provided with a buffer plate (34). The side of the seat (31) is provided with a corresponding through groove (35) that cooperates with the buffer plate (34). Several buffer components (3) receive and buffer sliced ​​food. After buffering a sufficient quantity, they cooperate with the can loading module to load the food into the limited can. The can loading module includes a roller conveyor line (6). The roller conveyor line (6) is provided with at least two transmission channels. The transmission channels include an empty material channel (61), a full material channel (62), and a can loading limiting component. The empty material channel (61) is connected to the outer can. The feeding connection is connected to the full material channel (62) and the tank collection area. The can filling limiting component includes a horizontal push cylinder (63) and a positioning cylinder (64). The horizontal push cylinder (63) drives the empty can to move sequentially from the empty material channel (61) to the filling position and the full material channel (62). The positioning cylinder (64) positions the tank located at the filling position. The sides of the horizontal push cylinder (63) and the positioning cylinder (64) are respectively provided with a first tank blocking cylinder (65A) and a second tank blocking cylinder (65B).

2. The sorting and canning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing assembly (4) includes a pair of hinged opening and closing plates (41) that are hinged to the transport turntable (11). The bearing portions (42) of the two opening and closing plates (41) cooperate to close the through hole (12). A tension spring is provided between the two opening and closing plates (41). The tension spring drives the bearing portions (42) of the two opening and closing plates (41) to move closer to each other. Rollers (43) are rotatably provided at the ends of the two opening and closing plates (41) away from the bearing portions (42). The two rollers (43) cooperate with the opening mechanism (5).

3. The sorting and canning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the opening and closing plates (41) has a deflection part (44) at one end of the roller (43). The roller (43) is located on the deflection part (44) of the opening and closing plate (41). The opening mechanism (5) includes an opening cylinder (51) and a push plate (52) located at the movable end of the opening cylinder (51). When the opening cylinder (51) is activated, the push plate (52) simultaneously pushes and cooperates with the two rollers (43), thereby enabling the two opening and closing plates (41) to overcome the tension of the tension spring and open the through hole (12).

4. The sorting and canning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer assembly (3) includes at least two sets of buffer cylinders (32) axially distributed along the guide hole (33).

5. The sorting and canning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The color and shape detection module includes a surface detection component (7), a thickness detection component (8) and an outer edge detection component (9) arranged sequentially above the transport turntable (11) and cooperating with the corresponding bearing component (4). The surface detection component (7) and the outer edge detection component (9) both include detection cameras, and the thickness detection component (8) includes several sets of distance detection sensors (81).

6. The sorting and canning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thickness detection component (8) further includes a lifting cylinder (82), and the thickness detection component (8) includes at least three sets of distance detection sensors (81), and all the distance detection sensors (81) are evenly arranged on the movable end of the lifting cylinder (82) along the circumferential direction.

7. The sorting and canning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge assembly (2) includes a discharge pipe (21) and a distribution cylinder (22). The feed end of the discharge pipe (21) is engaged with the through hole (12). The discharge pipe (21) is movably provided with a distribution plate (23). The distribution cylinder (22) is connected to the distribution plate (23) and drives the distribution plate (23) to rotate inside the discharge pipe (21).

8. The sorting and canning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport component (1) also includes a drive motor (13) that is poweredly connected to the transport turntable (11).

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