Automatic associated sorting equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to automatic associated sorting equipment. The equipment comprises an equipment frame, a discharging assembly, a detecting assembly, a sorting assembly and a receiving assembly. The discharging assembly comprises a discharging conveying mechanism and a discharging bin mechanism arranged on the discharging conveying mechanism. The detection assembly comprises a switching butt joint mechanism in butt joint fit with the discharging conveying mechanism and a product visual recognition mechanism arranged corresponding to the switching butt joint mechanism. The sorting assembly comprises a main sorting conveying mechanism, a supplementary material replacement conveying mechanism, a supplementary material replacement box and a sorting detection replacement mechanism. The material receiving assembly comprises a replacement material receiving conveying mechanism and a replacement material receiving bin mechanism which are in butt joint with the material supplementing replacement conveying mechanism, a main material receiving conveying mechanism and a main material receiving bin mechanism which are in butt joint with the main sorting conveying mechanism, and a material receiving marking mechanism in butt joint with the main material receiving conveying mechanism. According to the invention, the problems of low sorting efficiency and insufficient detection precision when circuit board products are subjected to associated sorting in a manual mode or through automatic equipment with a single function can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of circuit board testing technology, and in particular to an automated associative sorting device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the processing and manufacturing of circuit board products, there is a product association and sorting process. This requires scanning and recognizing the QR codes on the products to achieve product association, and also requires sorting the products and packaging the target products together.

[0003] In traditional technologies, the sorting of circuit board products generally relies on manual operation or single-function automated equipment, resulting in insufficient sorting efficiency and detection accuracy. Specifically, manual sorting takes about 10 seconds per piece (pieces / quantity unit), with long scanning time and low sorting efficiency. Moreover, when batch identification equipment identifies multiple circuit board products, the recognition rate of steel plate codes and black-background gray codes is less than 80%, resulting in low recognition accuracy and seriously affecting production efficiency and product yield. Furthermore, when using specialized identification equipment to identify each circuit board product, the scanning and identification time is long, and the identification efficiency is low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an automated associative sorting device that can solve the problems of low sorting efficiency and insufficient detection accuracy when associating and sorting circuit board products by manual means or single-function automated equipment in traditional technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated associative sorting device, comprising:

[0006] The equipment frame is provided with a feeding station, an inspection station, a sorting station, and a receiving station arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction.

[0007] The discharge assembly includes a discharge conveying mechanism located at the loading station and a discharge hopper mechanism located on the discharge conveying mechanism.

[0008] The detection component includes a switching docking mechanism that is arranged laterally at the detection station and works in conjunction with the material discharge conveying mechanism, and a product visual recognition mechanism that is correspondingly arranged to the switching docking mechanism for simultaneously realizing batch recognition and special recognition.

[0009] The sorting assembly includes a main sorting conveyor and at least one replenishment / replacement conveyor arranged side-by-side in the transverse direction at the sorting station, a replenishment / replacement box corresponding to each of the replenishment / replacement conveyors, and a sorting detection / replacement mechanism spanning above the main sorting conveyor and the replenishment / replacement conveyor. Both the main sorting conveyor and the replenishment / replacement conveyor are docked with the switching / connection mechanism.

[0010] The receiving assembly includes a replacement receiving conveyor mechanism that interfaces with the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism, a replacement receiving bin mechanism disposed on the replacement receiving conveyor mechanism, a main receiving conveyor mechanism that interfaces with the main sorting conveyor mechanism, a main receiving bin mechanism disposed on the main receiving conveyor mechanism, and a receiving and marking mechanism that interfaces with the main receiving conveyor mechanism.

[0011] Optionally, the switching docking mechanism includes a switching docking frame arranged laterally at the bottom of the equipment frame, a switching linear drive module arranged on the switching docking frame, a switching guide rail arranged side by side with the switching linear drive module, and a switching conveying mechanism slidably arranged on the switching linear drive module and the switching guide rail. The switching conveying mechanism is used to dock the main sorting conveying mechanism or the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism with the discharge conveying mechanism.

[0012] Optionally, the product visual recognition mechanism includes a first batch recognition mechanism and a second batch recognition mechanism respectively located at the bottom and top of the equipment rack, and a single-unit recognition mechanism located above the switching conveyor mechanism. The first batch recognition mechanism and the second batch recognition mechanism are located on the upper and lower sides of the switching conveyor mechanism, respectively, and are spatially offset from the single-unit recognition mechanism.

[0013] Optionally, both the first batch identification mechanism and the second batch identification mechanism include an identification mounting frame disposed on the equipment rack, and a plurality of full inspection camera modules disposed on the identification mounting frame, wherein the plurality of full inspection camera modules are all disposed facing the switching conveyor mechanism;

[0014] The single-unit identification mechanism includes a single-unit identification frame arranged laterally at the detection station, a first lateral drive module arranged on the single-unit identification frame, a first longitudinal drive module arranged on the first lateral drive module, a first lifting drive module arranged on the first longitudinal drive module, and a special inspection camera module arranged on the first lifting drive module, the special inspection camera module being located above the switching conveyor mechanism.

[0015] Optionally, two discharge components are arranged side by side at the loading station;

[0016] Each of the aforementioned discharge conveying mechanisms includes a discharge conveying frame mounted on the equipment frame, and discharge conveying belt structures arranged side by side on both sides of the discharge conveying frame;

[0017] The discharge hopper mechanism includes a discharge storage hopper disposed on the discharge conveyor frame, a discharge lifting structure disposed on the equipment frame and located below the discharge storage hopper, and at least one discharge distribution structure on each side of the discharge conveyor frame.

[0018] Optionally, the sorting, inspection, and replacement mechanism includes a sorting and inspection frame arranged laterally on the equipment frame, a second lateral drive module arranged on the sorting and inspection frame, at least one second longitudinal drive module arranged on the second lateral drive module, and a replacement material handling structure and a replacement visual inspection module arranged on each of the second longitudinal drive modules. The replacement material handling structure and the replacement visual inspection module are arranged vertically corresponding to the main sorting conveyor mechanism and the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism.

[0019] Optionally, the replacement material handling structure includes a replacement mounting base disposed on the second longitudinal drive module, a plurality of material handling lifting drive components disposed on the replacement mounting base, and a material handling suction nozzle disposed on each of the material handling lifting drive components;

[0020] The displacement visual inspection module includes an inspection mounting plate disposed on the displacement mounting base, an inspection lifting drive component disposed on the inspection mounting plate, and a camera visual inspection module disposed on the inspection lifting drive component.

[0021] Optionally, the sorting component includes one replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism arranged side by side on both sides of the main sorting and conveying mechanism, and a corresponding replenishment and replacement box is provided at each replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism;

[0022] The sorting, detection and replacement mechanism includes two second longitudinal drive modules arranged side by side on the second transverse drive module. Each second longitudinal drive module is provided with a replacement material handling structure and a replacement visual detection module. Each replacement material handling structure and the corresponding replacement visual detection module correspond to a replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism.

[0023] Optionally, both the replacement receiving conveyor mechanism and the main receiving conveyor mechanism include a receiving conveyor frame mounted on the equipment frame, and receiving conveyor belt structures arranged side by side on both sides of the receiving conveyor frame;

[0024] Both the replacement receiving bin mechanism and the main receiving bin mechanism include a receiving storage bin on the receiving conveyor frame, a receiving lifting structure on the equipment frame and located below the receiving storage bin, and at least one receiving blocking structure on each side of the receiving conveyor frame.

[0025] Optionally, the receiving and marking mechanism includes a marking conveying mechanism and a label printing mechanism arranged side by side on the equipment frame, and a label picking and labeling mechanism located above the marking conveying mechanism and corresponding to the label printing mechanism. The marking conveying mechanism is connected to the main receiving conveying mechanism.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this invention include:

[0027] The automated associative sorting equipment proposed in this invention can perform batch identification of multiple circuit board products in each pallet to be sorted through a product vision recognition mechanism set at its detection station. When circuit board products that cannot be identified in batches are found, they can be identified separately, which can improve the identification efficiency and ensure the accuracy of identification. Moreover, when sorting multiple circuit board products in a pallet, multiple pallets can be automatically diverted, with one pallet as the main one for automatic screening, while other pallets are automatically replaced and replenished for the main screening pallet, which can greatly improve the sorting efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the discharge component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the discharge component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detection component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detection component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the switching docking mechanism of the detection component described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first batch identification mechanism (or second batch identification mechanism) of the detection component described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the individual identification mechanism of the detection component described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sorting component and part of the receiving component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sorting component and part of the receiving component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sorting, detection, and replacement mechanism of the sorting component described in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sorting, detection, and replacement mechanism of the sorting component described in this embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the receiving component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the receiving component of the automated associative sorting equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0044] In the diagram: 10. Automated associative sorting equipment; 100. Equipment frame; 110. Workbench; 200. Discharge assembly; 210. Discharge conveying mechanism; 212. Discharge conveying frame; 214. Discharge conveyor belt structure; 220. Discharge bin mechanism; 222. Discharge storage bin; 224. Discharge lifting structure; 226. Discharge distribution structure; 300. Detection assembly; 310. Switching docking mechanism; 312. Switching docking frame; 314. Switching linear drive module; 316. Switching guide... 318. Track; 320. Switching conveyor mechanism; 322. Product visual recognition mechanism; 322. First batch recognition mechanism; 3222. Recognition mounting frame; 3224. Full inspection camera module; 324. Second batch recognition mechanism; 326. Individual recognition mechanism; 3262. Individual recognition frame; 3264. First lateral drive module; 3266. First longitudinal drive module; 3267. First lifting drive module; 3268. Special inspection camera module; 400. Sorting component; 410. Main... 420. Sorting and conveying mechanism; 430. Replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism; 440. Replenishment and replacement box; 441. Sorting and inspection replacement mechanism; 442. Sorting and inspection frame; 444. Second transverse drive module; 446. Second longitudinal drive module; 448. Replacement and loading / unloading structure; 4482. Replacement mounting base; 4484. Loading / unloading lifting drive; 4486. Loading / unloading suction nozzle; 449. Replacement vision inspection module; 4492. Inspection mounting plate; 4494. Inspection lifting drive; 44 96. Camera vision inspection module; 500. Receiving assembly; 510. Main receiving conveyor mechanism; 512. Receiving conveyor frame; 514. Receiving conveyor belt structure; 520. Main receiving bin mechanism; 522. Receiving storage bin; 524. Receiving lifting structure; 526. Receiving blocking structure; 530. Replacement receiving conveyor mechanism; 540. Replacement receiving bin mechanism; 550. Receiving marking mechanism; 552. Marking conveyor mechanism; 554. Label printing mechanism; 556. Label picking and labeling mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, the present invention provides an automated associative sorting device 10, including a device frame 100, and a discharge component 200, a detection component 300, a sorting component 400, and a receiving component 500 arranged longitudinally on the device frame 100. The discharge component 200 can stack circuit board products to be sorted on pallets, and can sequentially discharge pallets containing multiple circuit board products to be sorted to the detection component 300; the detection component 300 can identify each circuit board product in the pallet, and can transport the identified pallets to the sorting component 400 respectively; the sorting component 400 can sort the circuit board products in one pallet, and can replace and replenish the circuit board products in the sorted pallets by replacing them with circuit board products from other pallets; then, the receiving component 500 can stack and store the sorted pallets, and can label them, and can also store other replaced pallets. This automated associative sorting device 10 can automatically identify and sort multiple circuit board products in a pallet.

[0047] Specifically, the equipment rack 100 is provided with a loading station, an inspection station, a sorting station, and a receiving station in sequence along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the discharge assembly 200 may include a discharge conveying mechanism 210 located at the loading station, and a discharge hopper mechanism 220 located on the discharge conveying mechanism 210. Moreover, the inspection assembly 300 may include a switching docking mechanism 310 located laterally at the inspection station and docking with the discharge conveying mechanism 210, and a product visual recognition mechanism 320 corresponding to the switching docking mechanism 310 for simultaneously performing batch identification and specific identification.

[0048] The unloading bin mechanism 220 of the unloading component 200 can stack and store the circuit board products to be sorted, and the unloading conveyor mechanism 210 can transport the trays containing multiple circuit board products to the switching docking mechanism 310 of the detection component 300. After the trays containing multiple circuit board products are transported to the switching docking mechanism 310, the product vision recognition mechanism 320 can first perform batch recognition on the multiple circuit board products in each tray. When there are circuit board products that cannot be batch recognized, they are specifically recognized.

[0049] Furthermore, the sorting assembly 400 may include a main sorting conveyor 410 and at least one replenishment and replacement conveyor 420 arranged side by side in the sorting station, a replenishment and replacement box 430 corresponding to each replenishment and replacement conveyor 420, and a sorting detection and replacement mechanism 440 spanning above the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420. Both the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420 may be docked with the switching docking mechanism 310.

[0050] After all the circuit board products in the tray have been identified, the identified tray can be transported to the main sorting conveyor 410 of the sorting component 400 through the switching docking mechanism 310; when some circuit board products in the tray cannot be identified, the tray can be transported to the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420 through the switching docking mechanism 310.

[0051] When both the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420 and the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410 have trays containing multiple circuit board products, the circuit board products in the tray at the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420 can be inspected by the sorting, detection, and replacement mechanism 440 of the sorting component 400. When a qualified circuit board product is detected, it is picked up. Then, the sorting, detection, and replacement mechanism 440, which has picked up the qualified circuit board product, can inspect the circuit board products in the tray at the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410. When a non-qualified circuit board product is detected, the sorting, detection, and replacement mechanism 440 can pick up the non-qualified circuit board product and place it in the position of the original non-qualified circuit board product, thereby replacing the non-qualified circuit board products in the tray at the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410. The non-qualified circuit board products can then be placed in the replenishment and replacement box 430 until the tray at the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410 is full of qualified circuit board products.

[0052] Furthermore, the receiving assembly 500 may include a replacement receiving conveyor 530 that is connected to the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420, a replacement receiving bin mechanism 540 provided on the replacement receiving conveyor 530, a main receiving conveyor 510 that is connected to the main sorting conveyor 410, a main receiving bin mechanism 520 provided on the main receiving conveyor 510, and a receiving marking mechanism 550 that is connected to the main receiving conveyor 510.

[0053] When the pallet at the main sorting conveyor 410 is full of qualified circuit board products, the qualified pallet will be conveyed to the main receiving conveyor 510 of the receiving assembly 500, and the qualified pallets will be automatically stacked and stored by the main receiving bin mechanism 520. When the number of qualified pallets stored reaches a preset quantity, they can be conveyed to the receiving and labeling mechanism 550 for labeling by the main receiving conveyor 510.

[0054] Furthermore, for the circuit board products in the tray at the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420, after all replacements are completed, the empty tray or the tray with only uncertain circuit board products remaining can be conveyed to the replacement receiving conveying mechanism 530 through the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420, and the replacement tray can be stacked and stored through the replacement receiving bin mechanism 540.

[0055] In summary, the automated associative sorting equipment 10 proposed in this invention can perform batch identification of multiple circuit board products in each pallet to be sorted through the product visual recognition mechanism 320 set at its detection station. When circuit board products that cannot be identified in batches are found, they can also be identified separately, which can improve the identification efficiency and ensure the accuracy of identification. Moreover, when sorting multiple circuit board products in a pallet, multiple pallets can be automatically diverted, with one pallet as the main one for automatic screening, while other pallets are used to automatically replace and replenish the main screening pallet, which can greatly improve the sorting efficiency.

[0056] Furthermore, such as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, two discharge components 200 can be arranged side by side at the loading station, allowing for simultaneous material storage and discharge, thus increasing storage capacity and discharge speed. Alternatively, one or more discharge components 200 can be installed at the loading station. Furthermore, the switching docking mechanism 310 can dock with any discharge component 200, conveying the pallet from any discharge component 200 to the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420 or the main sorting conveying mechanism 410 of the sorting component 400.

[0057] Moreover, such as Figures 3 to 4 As shown, each discharge conveying mechanism 210 may include a discharge conveying frame 212 mounted on the workbench 110 of the equipment frame 100, and discharge conveyor belt structures 214 arranged side by side on both sides of the discharge conveying frame 212. Furthermore, the discharge bin mechanism 220 may include a discharge storage bin 222 mounted on the discharge conveying frame 212, a discharge lifting structure 224 mounted on the equipment frame 100 and located below the discharge storage bin 222, and at least one discharge distribution structure 226 mounted on each side of the discharge conveying frame 212.

[0058] In the initial state, pallets containing multiple circuit board products to be sorted can be stacked in the discharge storage bin 222 of the discharge bin mechanism 220 and supported by the discharge distribution structures 226 on the two discharge conveyor frames 212 of the discharge conveyor mechanism 210. When it is necessary to discharge the pallets in the discharge storage bin 222, the discharge lifting structure 224 can block and support the pallets at the bottom of the discharge storage bin 222, and the discharge distribution structure 226 can extend and retract to release the blockage and support of the pallets at the bottom of the discharge storage bin 222. Then, the discharge lifting structure 224 can be lowered by the height of one pallet, and the discharge distribution structure 226 can be extended to block and support the pallets at the bottom of the discharge storage bin 222 again. The discharge lifting structure 224 can then continue to lower so that the pallets it supports fall onto the two discharge conveyor belt structures 214 of the discharge conveyor mechanism 210. At this point, the trays containing multiple circuit board products that need to be sorted can be transported to the switching conveyor 318 of the switching docking mechanism 310 (the switching conveyor 318 is pre-connected with the discharge conveyor 210) via the two discharge conveyor belt structures 214.

[0059] Furthermore, the discharge and distribution structure 226 may include a discharge and distribution telescopic drive member disposed on the discharge conveying frame 212 of the discharge conveying mechanism 210, and a discharge and distribution plate connected to the discharge and distribution telescopic drive member. The discharge and distribution telescopic drive member can drive the discharge and distribution plate to extend and retract, so that it extends to the inner side of the bottom of the discharge storage bin 222 to support the pallet therein, or it can extend and retract to the outer side of the bottom of the discharge storage bin 222 to release the support of the pallet therein. Furthermore, the discharge lifting structure 224 may include a discharge lifting drive member disposed on the workbench 110 of the equipment frame 100, and a discharge lifting plate disposed on the top of the discharge lifting drive member. The discharge lifting drive can drive the discharge lifting plate to move up and down, so that the discharge lifting plate can be raised to the bottom of the discharge storage bin 222 to support the pallet therein, or the discharge lifting plate can be lowered to the lower side of the discharge conveyor frame 212 of the discharge conveyor mechanism 210 so that the pallet falls onto the discharge conveyor belt structure 214 on the discharge conveyor frame 212.

[0060] In addition, such as Figures 5 to 6As shown, the switching docking mechanism 310 of the detection component 300 may include a switching docking frame 312 arranged laterally at the bottom of the equipment frame 100, a switching linear drive module 314 arranged on the switching docking frame 312, a switching guide rail 316 arranged side by side with the switching linear drive module 314, and a switching conveying mechanism 318 slidably arranged on the switching linear drive module 314 and the switching guide rail 316. The switching conveying mechanism 318 is used to dock the main sorting conveying mechanism 410 or the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420 with the discharge conveying mechanism 210. In this way, pallets can be conveyed to multiple sorting conveying mechanisms (including the main sorting conveying mechanism 410 and the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420) through one or two discharge conveying mechanisms 210, and all discharge pallets can be detected by a set of product vision recognition mechanism 320, simplifying the equipment and detection process and improving detection efficiency.

[0061] By switching the linear drive module 314, the switching conveyor 318 can be driven to reciprocate along the switching guide rail 316, thus enabling it to reciprocate laterally along the equipment frame 100. This facilitates the docking of the inlet end of the switching conveyor 318 with the outlet end of the outlet conveyor 210, allowing for easy receipt of pallets conveyed by the outlet conveyor 210; it also facilitates the docking of the outlet end of the switching conveyor 318 with the inlet end of the main sorting conveyor 410 or the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420, allowing for easy transport of the received pallets to the main sorting conveyor 410 or the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420.

[0062] Moreover, such as Figure 7 As shown, the switching conveyor mechanism 318 may include a switching conveyor base mounted on the switching linear drive module 314 and the switching guide rail 316, a switching conveyor frame mounted on the switching conveyor base, and switching conveyor belt structures arranged side by side on both sides of the switching conveyor frame. The two switching conveyor belt structures can be docked with the two discharge conveyor belt structures 214 to receive the pallets conveyed by the two discharge conveyor belt structures 214.

[0063] Moreover, such as Figures 5 to 6As shown, the product visual recognition mechanism 320 may include a first batch recognition mechanism 322 and a second batch recognition mechanism 324 respectively located at the bottom and top of the equipment rack 100, and an individual recognition mechanism 326 located above the switching conveyor mechanism 318. The first batch recognition mechanism 322 and the second batch recognition mechanism 324 are located on the upper and lower sides of the switching conveyor mechanism 318, respectively, and are spatially offset from the individual recognition mechanism 326. By setting a batch recognition mechanism on each of the upper and lower sides of the switching conveyor mechanism 318, product identification (such as QR codes) on multiple circuit board products in the trays discharged onto the switching conveyor mechanism 318 can be batch-recognized from both sides. Some circuit board products may have product identification on the front and some may have it on the back, thus enabling comprehensive recognition of multiple circuit board products in the tray and improving recognition efficiency. Moreover, the offset arrangement of the individual recognition mechanism 326 and the second batch recognition mechanism 324 ensures that they do not affect or interfere with each other during operation.

[0064] Furthermore, when certain circuit board products in the pallet cannot be properly identified by the batch identification mechanism, the individual identification mechanism 326 above the switching conveyor 318 can be used to specifically identify the individual circuit board products that cannot be identified in batches, thereby improving the identification accuracy. In addition, the first batch identification mechanism 322, the second batch identification mechanism 324, and the individual identification mechanism 326 can all be fixedly installed at the middle position (longitudinal center line) of the equipment frame 100, and the discharge conveyor 210 of the discharge assembly 200 and the main sorting conveyor 410 of the sorting assembly 400 can also be fixedly installed at the middle position of the equipment frame 100, which facilitates the detection and switching of pallets.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, both the first batch identification mechanism 322 and the second batch identification mechanism 324 may include an identification mounting frame 3222 disposed on the equipment rack 100, and a plurality of full-inspection camera modules 3224 disposed on the identification mounting frame 3222, with the plurality of full-inspection camera modules 3224 all facing the switching conveyor mechanism 318. Specifically, the identification mounting frame 3222 of the first batch identification mechanism 322 is disposed at the bottom of the equipment rack 100 (below the workbench 110), such that the plurality of full-inspection camera modules 3224 of the first batch identification mechanism 322 are located below the switching conveyor mechanism 318; the identification mounting frame 3222 of the second batch identification mechanism 324 is disposed at the top of the equipment rack 100 (above the workbench 110), such that the plurality of full-inspection camera modules 3224 of the first batch identification mechanism 322 are located above the switching conveyor mechanism 318. When the tray on the switching conveyor 318 is located between the first batch identification mechanism 322 and the second batch identification mechanism 324, multiple circuit board products in the tray can be batch identified from both sides by the multiple full inspection camera modules 3224 of the two mechanisms.

[0066] Moreover, such as Figure 9 As shown, the individual identification mechanism 326 includes an individual identification frame 3262 arranged laterally at the inspection station (located on the workbench 110 of the equipment rack 100, between the switching conveyor mechanism 318 and the second batch identification mechanism 324), a first lateral drive module 3264 arranged on the individual identification frame 3262, a first longitudinal drive module 3266 arranged on the first lateral drive module 3264, a first lifting drive module 3267 arranged on the first longitudinal drive module 3266, and a special inspection camera module 3268 arranged on the first lifting drive module 3267. The special inspection camera module 3268 is located above the switching conveyor mechanism 318. The first horizontal drive module 3264 and the first vertical drive module 3266 can drive the inspection camera module 3268 to move in a plane above the switching conveyor mechanism 318, so that the inspection camera module 3268 can perform special identification on the circuit board products at any point in the tray; moreover, the first lifting drive module 3267 can lift and move the inspection camera module 3268, and the distance between the inspection camera module 3268 and the circuit board products can be adjusted to adjust the detection accuracy.

[0067] In addition, such as Figures 10 to 11 As shown, the sorting, detection and replacement mechanism 440 of the sorting component 400 may include a sorting and detection frame 442 arranged laterally on the equipment frame 100, a second lateral drive module 444 arranged on the sorting and detection frame 442, at least one second longitudinal drive module 446 arranged on the second lateral drive module 444, and a replacement material handling structure 448 and a replacement visual inspection module 449 arranged on each second longitudinal drive module 446. The replacement material handling structure 448 and the replacement visual inspection module 449 are arranged vertically in correspondence with the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment replacement conveyor 420.

[0068] The second lateral drive module 444 and the second longitudinal drive module 446 can drive the replacement pick-and-place structure 448 and the replacement vision inspection module 449 to move laterally and longitudinally between the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment replacement conveyor 420, so that the replacement vision inspection module 449 can inspect the circuit board products in the trays on the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment replacement conveyor 420, and can replace the circuit board products in the trays on the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment replacement conveyor 420 through the replacement pick-and-place structure 448. Specifically, when a qualified circuit board product is detected in the tray of the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420 by the replacement vision inspection module 449, the qualified circuit board product can be picked up by the replacement pick-and-place structure 448. Then, the replacement pick-and-place structure 448 and the picked-up qualified circuit board product can be transferred to the tray of the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410. The synchronously moving replacement vision inspection module 449 can inspect the circuit board products in the tray of the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410. When a non-qualified circuit board product is detected, the non-qualified circuit board product can be picked up by the replacement pick-and-place structure 448, and the previously picked-up qualified circuit board product can be placed in the original position of the non-qualified circuit board product, thereby replacing the non-qualified circuit board products in the tray of the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410. Then, the picked-up non-qualified circuit board products can be transferred to the replenishment and replacement box 430. The rising action is repeated until all non-qualified circuit board products in the tray of the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410 are replaced. At this time, the pallet filled with qualified circuit board products can be transported to the main receiving conveyor 510 of the receiving assembly 500 through the main sorting conveyor 410.

[0069] In addition, the circuit board products in the tray on the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420 can also be inspected by the replacement vision inspection module 449. When a non-conforming circuit board product is detected, it can be picked up and transferred to the replenishment and replacement box 430 by the replacement pick-and-place structure 448. If an uncertain circuit board product is detected in the tray on the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420, it can be retained, that is, not transferred to the replenishment and replacement box 430, nor replaced. Furthermore, when an uncertain circuit board product is detected in the tray on the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410 by the replacement vision inspection module 449, it can also be picked up and transferred to the tray on the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420 by the replacement pick-and-place structure 448. After the circuit board products in the tray on the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420 have been inspected and replaced, the tray can be transported to the replacement receiving conveyor mechanism 530 by the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism 420.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figures 12 to 13As shown, the replacement and loading structure 448 may include a replacement mounting base 4482 disposed on the second longitudinal drive module 446, a plurality of loading and unloading lifting drive members 4484 disposed on the replacement mounting base 4482, and a loading and unloading suction nozzle 4486 disposed on each loading and unloading lifting drive member 4484. The plurality of loading and unloading lifting drive members 4484 can drive the plurality of loading and unloading suction nozzles 4486 to move up and down, allowing for the adsorption and gripping of multiple circuit board products. For example, four loading and unloading lifting drive members 4484 and four loading and unloading suction nozzles 4486 may be provided, wherein two loading and unloading suction nozzles 4486 can be used to grip unqualified circuit board products in the tray of the main sorting conveyor 410, and the remaining two loading and unloading suction nozzles 4486 can be used to grip qualified circuit board products in the tray of the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420, facilitating the replacement of unqualified circuit board products in the tray of the main sorting conveyor 410. In addition, at least two of each of the material handling lifting drive 4484 and the material handling suction nozzle 4486 may be provided.

[0071] Furthermore, the replacement vision inspection module 449 may include a detection mounting plate 4492 disposed on the replacement mounting base 4482, a detection lifting drive 4494 disposed on the detection mounting plate 4492, and a camera vision inspection module 4496 disposed on the detection lifting drive 4494. The detection lifting drive 4494 can drive the camera vision inspection module 4496 to move up and down, so that the camera vision inspection module 4496 moves closer to or away from the circuit board products on the tray, so that the camera vision inspection module 4496 can accurately inspect the circuit board products in the trays on the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment replacement conveyor 420.

[0072] In this embodiment, the sorting component 400 may include a replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420 arranged side by side on both sides of the main sorting conveying mechanism 410, and a corresponding replenishment and replacement box 430 is provided at each replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420. By providing a replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420 on each side of the main sorting conveying mechanism 410, replacement circuit board products can be supplied from both sides to the main sorting conveying mechanism 410, providing a sufficient number of circuit board products to be replaced.

[0073] Furthermore, the sorting, detection, and replacement mechanism 440 may include two second longitudinal drive modules 446 arranged side-by-side on the second transverse drive module 444. Each second longitudinal drive module 446 may be provided with a replacement material handling structure 448 and a replacement visual inspection module 449. Each replacement material handling structure 448 and its corresponding replacement visual inspection module 449 correspond to a replenishment replacement conveying mechanism 420. In this way, two sets of sorting, detection, and replacement mechanisms 440 can be formed. Each set of sorting, detection, and replacement mechanisms 440 includes a shared second transverse drive module 444, a second longitudinal drive module 446 disposed on the second transverse drive module 444, and a replacement material handling structure 448 and a replacement visual inspection module 449 disposed on the second longitudinal drive module 446. Each sorting, inspection, and replacement mechanism 440 can correspond to a replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420, used to inspect and replace circuit board products in the trays on the main sorting conveying mechanism 410 and the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism 420, making the inspection and replacement of circuit board products in the trays on the main sorting conveying mechanism 410 faster and more efficient.

[0074] Furthermore, both the main sorting conveyor 410 and the replenishment and replacement conveyor 420 may include a sorting conveyor frame on the workbench 110 of the equipment frame 100, and a sorting conveyor belt structure on each side of the sorting conveyor frame. The two sorting conveyor belt structures can be used to receive pallets conveyed by the two switching conveyor belt structures of the switching conveyor 318, and can transport the sorted pallets to the replacement receiving conveyor 530 or the main receiving conveyor 510.

[0075] In addition, such as Figures 14 to 15 As shown, both the replacement receiving conveyor mechanism 530 and the main receiving conveyor mechanism 510 of the receiving assembly 500 may include a receiving conveyor frame 512 mounted on the workbench 110 of the equipment frame 100, and receiving conveyor belt structures 514 arranged side by side on both sides of the receiving conveyor frame 512. The two receiving conveyor belt structures 514 can dock with the two sorting conveyor belt structures of the main sorting conveyor mechanism 410 or the replenishment replacement conveyor mechanism 420 to receive the sorted pallets that are conveyed.

[0076] Furthermore, both the replacement receiving bin mechanism 540 and the main receiving bin mechanism 520 may include a receiving storage bin 522 disposed on the receiving conveyor frame 512, a receiving lifting structure 524 disposed on the equipment frame 100 and located below the receiving storage bin 522, and at least one receiving blocking structure 526 disposed on each side of the receiving conveyor frame 512.

[0077] When the sorted pallet is conveyed to the position above the receiving lifting structure 524 by the replacement receiving conveyor 530 or the main receiving conveyor 510, the pallet can be lifted into the receiving storage bin 522 by the receiving lifting structure 524. Moreover, during the process of lifting the pallet into the receiving storage bin 522 by the receiving lifting structure 524, the pallet can move against the receiving stop structure 526, so that the receiving stop structure 526 releases its obstruction on the rising pallet, allowing the pallet to rise above the receiving stop structure 526 and enter the bottom of the receiving storage bin 522; then, by lowering the receiving lifting structure 524, the lifted pallet falls to the top of the receiving stop structure 526, so that the receiving stop structure 526 resets and blocks the pallet from the bottom, allowing the pallet to be stacked and stored in the receiving storage bin 522.

[0078] Furthermore, in the replacement receiving bin mechanism 540, the receiving stop structure 526 may include a limiting mounting block disposed on the receiving conveyor frame 512, a rotating hinge disposed on the limiting mounting block, and a limiting stop block disposed on the limiting mounting block and located outside the rotating hinge. A portion of the inner side of the rotating hinge extends into the receiving storage bin 522, and a portion is located above the limiting mounting block. The top surface of the limiting mounting block can support the inner side of the rotating hinge from below, so that the portion of the rotating hinge protruding into the receiving storage bin 522 can support the pallet in the receiving storage bin 522; moreover, the limiting stop block can limit the rotating hinge from the outside, preventing it from over-rotating and failing to return to its original position.

[0079] Furthermore, in some embodiments, in the main receiving bin mechanism 520, the receiving blocking structure 526 may include a receiving telescopic drive member disposed on the receiving conveyor frame 512, and a receiving telescopic baffle connected to the receiving telescopic drive member. The receiving telescopic drive member can drive the receiving telescopic baffle to extend and retract to block and open the bottom of the receiving storage bin 522.

[0080] In addition, in some other embodiments, in the main receiving bin mechanism 520, the receiving blocking structure 526 may include a telescopic drive base on each side of the receiving conveyor frame 512, a bin telescopic drive component on each telescopic drive base, a telescopic base plate connected to the bin telescopic drive component and slidably disposed on the receiving conveyor frame 512, a limiting mounting block disposed on the telescopic base plate, a rotating hinge rotatably disposed on the limiting mounting block, and a limiting stop block disposed on the limiting mounting block and located outside the rotating hinge. A portion of the inner side of the rotating hinge extends into the receiving storage bin 522, and a portion is located above the limiting mounting block. Furthermore, the receiving storage bin 522 is provided on the telescopic base plates on both sides, so that the telescopic drive of the bin can drive the two sides of the receiving storage bin 522 to move closer or further away. When the number of pallets stored in the receiving storage bin 522 reaches a preset quantity, the pallets in the receiving storage bin 522 will be dropped onto the two receiving conveyor belt structures 514, thereby transporting the pallets to the marking conveyor mechanism 552 of the receiving marking mechanism 550.

[0081] In addition, the receiving and marking mechanism 550 may include a marking conveying mechanism 552 and a label printing mechanism 554 arranged side by side on the equipment frame 100, and a label picking and applying mechanism 556 located above the marking conveying mechanism 552 and corresponding to the label printing mechanism 554. The marking conveying mechanism 552 is connected to the main receiving conveying mechanism 510. After the pallet is conveyed to the marking conveying mechanism 552, the label can be printed by the label printing mechanism 554, and the printed label can be applied to the pallet by the label picking and applying mechanism 556, allowing the pallet to be unloaded.

[0082] Furthermore, the marking conveying mechanism 552 may include a marking conveying frame mounted on the worktable 110 of the equipment frame 100, and a marking conveyor belt structure on each side of the marking conveying frame. Moreover, the label printing mechanism 554 may include a label printing host mounted outside the marking conveying frame, and a label dispensing station mounted on the label printing host. The label picking and applying mechanism 556 may include a labeling frame mounted on the worktable 110 of the equipment frame 100, a label picking and applying drive structure mounted on the labeling frame, and a label suction structure mounted on the label picking and applying drive structure.

[0083] The label printing host can print the label to be applied and transport it to the label output table. The label picking and labeling drive structure can move the label suction structure to the label output table and pick up the label from the label output table. Then, the label picking and labeling drive structure can move the label suction structure to the tray on the labeling conveyor 552 and attach the label to the tray.

[0084] The automated associative sorting equipment 10 proposed in this invention significantly improves the recognition capability, production efficiency, and personnel savings for complex QR codes on circuit board products by constructing a two-level recognition system of batch recognition and specialized recognition. For complex QR codes such as steel plate codes and black-background gray codes on circuit board products, specialized camera inspection equipment is used to identify products not detected during batch inspection one by one, increasing the overall recognition accuracy to over 99.9%. Compared to using rapid batch recognition, individual point recognition, or overall manual sorting, the overall recognition efficiency can be increased by 400%, greatly shortening the overall recognition cycle. Moreover, each device can save 3 people per day in associative sorting.

[0085] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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 between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0086] It should be noted that in this invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0087] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features of the invention herein.

Claims

1. An automated associative sorting device, characterized in that, include: The equipment frame is provided with a feeding station, an inspection station, a sorting station, and a receiving station arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction. The discharge assembly includes a discharge conveying mechanism located at the loading station and a discharge hopper mechanism located on the discharge conveying mechanism. The detection component includes a switching docking mechanism that is arranged laterally at the detection station and works in conjunction with the material discharge conveying mechanism, and a product visual recognition mechanism that is correspondingly arranged to the switching docking mechanism for simultaneously realizing batch recognition and special recognition. The sorting assembly includes a main sorting conveyor and at least one replenishment / replacement conveyor arranged side-by-side in the transverse direction at the sorting station, a replenishment / replacement box corresponding to each of the replenishment / replacement conveyors, and a sorting detection / replacement mechanism spanning above the main sorting conveyor and the replenishment / replacement conveyor. Both the main sorting conveyor and the replenishment / replacement conveyor are docked with the switching / connection mechanism. The receiving assembly includes a replacement receiving conveyor mechanism that interfaces with the replenishment and replacement conveyor mechanism, a replacement receiving bin mechanism disposed on the replacement receiving conveyor mechanism, a main receiving conveyor mechanism that interfaces with the main sorting conveyor mechanism, a main receiving bin mechanism disposed on the main receiving conveyor mechanism, and a receiving and marking mechanism that interfaces with the main receiving conveyor mechanism.

2. The automated associative sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching docking mechanism includes a switching docking frame arranged laterally at the bottom of the equipment frame, a switching linear drive module arranged on the switching docking frame, a switching guide rail arranged side by side with the switching linear drive module, and a switching conveying mechanism slidably arranged on the switching linear drive module and the switching guide rail. The switching conveying mechanism is used to dock the main sorting conveying mechanism or the replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism with the discharge conveying mechanism.

3. The automated associative sorting equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The product visual recognition mechanism includes a first batch recognition mechanism and a second batch recognition mechanism respectively located at the bottom and top of the equipment rack, and a single-unit recognition mechanism located above the switching conveyor mechanism. The first batch recognition mechanism and the second batch recognition mechanism are located on the upper and lower sides of the switching conveyor mechanism, respectively, and are spatially offset from the single-unit recognition mechanism.

4. The automated associative sorting equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first batch identification mechanism and the second batch identification mechanism include an identification mounting frame disposed on the equipment rack, and multiple full inspection camera modules disposed on the identification mounting frame, wherein the multiple full inspection camera modules are all arranged facing the switching conveyor mechanism; The single-unit identification mechanism includes a single-unit identification frame arranged laterally at the detection station, a first lateral drive module arranged on the single-unit identification frame, a first longitudinal drive module arranged on the first lateral drive module, a first lifting drive module arranged on the first longitudinal drive module, and a special inspection camera module arranged on the first lifting drive module, the special inspection camera module being located above the switching conveyor mechanism.

5. The automated associative sorting equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two discharge components are arranged side by side at the loading station; Each of the aforementioned discharge conveying mechanisms includes a discharge conveying frame mounted on the equipment frame, and discharge conveying belt structures arranged side by side on both sides of the discharge conveying frame; The discharge hopper mechanism includes a discharge storage hopper disposed on the discharge conveyor frame, a discharge lifting structure disposed on the equipment frame and located below the discharge storage hopper, and at least one discharge distribution structure on each side of the discharge conveyor frame.

6. The automated associative sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The sorting, inspection, and replacement mechanism includes a sorting and inspection frame arranged laterally on the equipment frame, a second lateral drive module arranged on the sorting and inspection frame, at least one second longitudinal drive module arranged on the second lateral drive module, and a replacement material handling structure and a replacement visual inspection module arranged on each of the second longitudinal drive modules. The replacement material handling structure and the replacement visual inspection module are arranged vertically corresponding to the main sorting conveyor mechanism and the replenishment replacement conveyor mechanism.

7. The automated associative sorting equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The replacement material handling structure includes a replacement mounting base disposed on the second longitudinal drive module, a plurality of material handling lifting drive components disposed on the replacement mounting base, and a material handling suction nozzle disposed on each of the material handling lifting drive components. The displacement visual inspection module includes an inspection mounting plate disposed on the displacement mounting base, an inspection lifting drive component disposed on the inspection mounting plate, and a camera visual inspection module disposed on the inspection lifting drive component.

8. The automated associative sorting equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sorting component includes one replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism arranged side by side on both sides of the main sorting and conveying mechanism, and a corresponding replenishment and replacement box is provided at each replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism; The sorting, detection and replacement mechanism includes two second longitudinal drive modules arranged side by side on the second transverse drive module. Each second longitudinal drive module is provided with a replacement material handling structure and a replacement visual detection module. Each replacement material handling structure and the corresponding replacement visual detection module correspond to a replenishment and replacement conveying mechanism.

9. The automated associative sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Both the replacement receiving conveyor mechanism and the main receiving conveyor mechanism include a receiving conveyor frame mounted on the equipment frame, and receiving conveyor belt structures arranged side by side on both sides of the receiving conveyor frame; Both the replacement receiving bin mechanism and the main receiving bin mechanism include a receiving storage bin on the receiving conveyor frame, a receiving lifting structure on the equipment frame and located below the receiving storage bin, and at least one receiving blocking structure on each side of the receiving conveyor frame.

10. The automated associative sorting equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The receiving and marking mechanism includes a marking and conveying mechanism and a label printing mechanism arranged side by side on the equipment frame, and a label picking and labeling mechanism located above the marking and conveying mechanism and corresponding to the label printing mechanism. The marking and conveying mechanism is connected to the main receiving and conveying mechanism.

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