Sheet material sorting device and sorting method

Abstract

The invention discloses a sheet material arranging device and method. The sheet material arranging device comprises a first conveying assembly, a second conveying assembly, a first driving unit and a second driving unit. The tail end of the second conveying assembly and the head end of the first conveying assembly can be connected front and back for conveying materials forwards. The first driving unit is used for driving the head end of the first conveying assembly to be arranged below the tail end of the second conveying assembly so as to form a material arranging channel for materials to enter. The material arranging channel downwards communicates with the material arranging cavity, a partition plate is arranged in the material arranging cavity, and the partition plate can be switched between a first position and a second position so as to guide materials to enter the first cavity or the second cavity; the material arranging device is adopted in the material arranging method. The material sorting device is reasonable in structure, materials are sorted and collected while precise material sorting is conducted, and the materials are prevented from being scratched and abraded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sheet material production technology, specifically to a sheet material handling device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automation technology and intelligent manufacturing, many modern production lines have achieved a high degree of automation. In the processing of sheet materials such as flat printed materials, packaging bags and paper, conveyor lines are usually used to complete multiple processes.

[0003] In production practice, in order to reduce labor costs, intelligent identification systems are often used to detect defects in materials on the production line, and defective materials are removed by a material sorting and removal mechanism, thus completing the material sorting and removal process.

[0004] In the prior art, when materials are conveyed along one or multiple parallel paths on the conveyor line, the material rejection and sorting mechanism will reject defective materials as well as good materials in the parallel paths, which facilitates the subsequent bundling and packaging of a set number of materials, thus facilitating automated production. As shown in the application with application number 202122802207.9 entitled "A Telescopic Conveying Mechanism and Packaging Bag Removal Device", the removal mechanism often adopts the method of pressing contact, guiding contact, roller contact or blowing release to apply additional force to change the movement direction of the material, thereby causing the material to enter the removal channel and thus realize the removal and sorting operation. For contact-based material handling with rejection mechanisms, materials are often transported at high speeds. The contact between the rejection mechanism and the material can wear down the material surface, damage patterns, and even create creases, affecting product quality, especially for materials with relatively fragile and easily worn surfaces. For air-blowing material handling with rejection mechanisms, relying solely on air-blowing rejection is insufficient for precise material handling. Furthermore, sudden changes in airflow can cause materials to deviate from their set trajectory and float uncontrollably, leading to production malfunctions and hindering production efficiency.

[0005] In addition, the above-mentioned rejection and sorting methods will mix defective materials with good materials, increasing the workload of subsequent sorting and making it difficult to reduce the company's production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a sheet material handling device and method, which solves the technical problems of easy wear, scratching of material surfaces, and easy formation of creases in existing material handling techniques. It has the technical effects of reasonable structure, precise material handling, and simultaneous classification and collection of materials while avoiding scratching and wear. The technical solution adopted is as follows: A sheet material feeding device includes a first conveying component, a second conveying component, a first driving unit, and a second driving unit; The end of the second conveying component and the beginning of the first conveying component can be connected to each other for forward material conveying; The first driving unit is used to drive the first conveying component to be positioned below the end of the second conveying component to form a material handling channel for material entry; preferably, along the conveying direction, the second conveying component is positioned in front of the first conveying component, and the first driving unit is used to drive the first conveying component to be positioned below the end of the second conveying component to form a material handling channel for material entry.

[0007] The material handling channel communicates downward with the material handling chamber. The material handling chamber is provided with one or more partitions, which divide the material handling chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. Under the action of the second driving unit, the partitions can switch between a first position and a second position. When the partition is in the first position, the partition guides the material handling channel into the first chamber. When the partition is in the second position, the partition guides the material handling channel into the second chamber.

[0008] Based on the above technical solution, the second drive unit is designed to drive the partition to move up and down, left and right, or swing, so as to switch between the first position and the second position.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the partition plate is provided with through holes to reduce friction with materials; Based on the above technical solution, the material is conveyed forward on the first conveying component and the second conveying component along one or more parallel branches, and at least one partition is provided on each branch.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the end of the second conveying component is hinged to the frame, and the first drive unit is designed to drive the head end of the first conveying component to swing downward to form a material handling channel.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the first drive unit is any one of a cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, electric cylinder, motor belt drive mechanism, motor chain drive mechanism, nut screw drive mechanism, gear rack drive mechanism or linear motor.

[0012] Based on the above technical solution, the partition includes an inclined guide section. The guide section is designed such that when the partition is switched to the first position and the first end of the first conveying component swings downward, the end of the guide section connects with the first end of the first conveying component to guide the material into the first chamber; when the partition is switched to the second position and the first end of the first conveying component swings downward, the end of the guide section is positioned above the first end of the first conveying component to guide the material into the second chamber.

[0013] Based on the above technical solution, a baffle is provided above the conveying platform formed by the first conveying component and the second conveying component. The baffle extends along the conveying direction and a conveying channel is formed between two adjacent baffles.

[0014] A method for handling sheet-like materials, using the handling apparatus described above, includes the following steps: S1. Under the action of the first driving unit, the connection state between the end of the second conveying component and the beginning of the first conveying component is switched to the point where the beginning of the first conveying component is placed below the end of the second conveying component to form a material handling channel for material to enter. S2. Under the action of the second driving unit, the partition corresponding to the position of the defective material is switched to the second position to guide the defective material into the second chamber; the partition corresponding to the position of the good material is switched to the first position to guide the defective material into the first chamber. S3. Under the action of the first driving unit, the end of the second conveying component and the beginning of the first conveying component are connected again to convey materials forward.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, when the first position is the initial position of the partition, after executing step S3, the second driving unit drives the partition to switch from the second position to the first position.

[0016] Beneficial effects This invention has a reasonable structure. The first and second conveying components can be connected front and rear to convey materials forward. Alternatively, under the action of the first driving unit, a material handling channel is formed at the connection between the first and second conveying components for material entry. This material handling channel communicates with the material handling chamber. When the partition is in the first position, the material handling channel communicates with the first chamber; when the partition is in the second position, the material handling channel communicates with the second chamber. This allows for the sorting and collection of good and defective materials within the same material handling channel, avoiding the need for multiple material handling channels, saving space, simplifying equipment, reducing production costs, and resulting in good economic benefits. Furthermore, good and defective materials enter the first or second chamber within the material handling chamber under inertia. This method avoids the need for the material handling mechanism in existing technologies to apply additional force, such as contact or air blowing, to drive materials into the material handling channel. This effectively prevents scratching or abrasion of materials, or the formation of creases on the materials. It also avoids static electricity generated by contact friction, reducing the amount of dust adhering to the materials and improving product quality. Furthermore, compared to the existing technology where good and defective products are handled in the same material handling channel, the separate collection of good and defective materials significantly reduces the workload of subsequent manual sorting. It also facilitates the subsequent uniform packaging and bundling according to the set quantity, with a high degree of automation, which helps to reduce labor costs.

[0017] In this invention, the material handling chamber is provided with one or more partitions. The material is conveyed forward along one or more parallel paths on the first conveying component and the second conveying component. At least one partition is provided on each path. When there are multiple partitions and multiple paths, on the one hand, good products and defective products can be effectively classified and collected, and on the other hand, the partitions corresponding to each path can be flexibly set, making it more flexible to use. It avoids the practice of changing partitions according to the size of the material, saving time and effort, and is highly efficient and flexible.

[0018] In this invention, the partition includes an inclined guide section. When the partition is switched to the first position and the first end of the first conveying component swings downward, the guide section connects with the first end of the first conveying component. This ensures that the material enters the first chamber smoothly and without shaking, guaranteeing the stability of the transmission and preventing material jumping. Furthermore, when the first chamber extends fully along the conveying direction, it also ensures that the material falls smoothly and naturally to the bottom of the first chamber. In addition, the guide section is provided with through holes, which can reduce friction with the material. When the partition is switched to the second position and the first end of the first conveying component swings downward, the lower end face of the guide section is positioned above the first end of the first conveying component, thus ensuring that the material enters the material handling channel smoothly and steadily. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only one embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be derived from the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 Example 1: A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second conveying component and the first conveying component being connected front to back to convey materials forward; Figure 2 : Figure 1 A top view of the material handling unit; Figure 3 : Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the side view of the material handling unit; Figure 4 : A three-dimensional structural diagram of the second drive unit and the partition plate during assembly in Example 1; Figure 5 Example 1: A schematic diagram of the structure in which the first conveying component is positioned below the end of the second conveying component to form a material handling channel, and the good materials on the branch channels a2, a3 and a4 enter the first chamber under the action of inertia; Figure 6 Example 1: A schematic diagram showing the structure in which the first conveying component is positioned below the second conveying component to form a material handling channel, and defective materials on branch a1 enter the second chamber under inertia. Figure 7 : A three-dimensional structural diagram of the first drive unit and the first conveying component assembled in Embodiment 1; Figure 8 Example 2: A schematic diagram of the structure in which the first end of the first conveying component is placed below the end of the second conveying component to form a material handling channel; Figure 9 Example 3: A schematic diagram of the structure in which the first end of the first conveying component is placed below the end of the second conveying component to form a material handling channel; Figure 10 Example 4: A schematic diagram of the partition swinging left and right to switch between a first position and a second position; Detailed Implementation The following description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate specific embodiments described herein to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Some embodiments may include or substitute parts and features of other embodiments. The scope of the embodiments herein encompasses the entire scope of the claims and all available equivalents thereof. Throughout this document, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used only to distinguish one element from another without requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between the elements. Indeed, a first element can also be referred to as a second element, and vice versa. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a structure, apparatus, or device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a structure, apparatus, or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the structure, apparatus, or device that includes said element. The various embodiments described herein are presented in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments; similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably.

[0021] The terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" used in this document to indicate orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used solely for the convenience of describing the document and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description herein, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two elements; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this document, unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0023] In this article, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0024] In this article, the term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0025] Example 1 like Figures 1-7 The sheet material feeding device shown includes a first conveying assembly 1, a second conveying assembly 2, a first driving unit 3, and a second driving unit 4; The end of the second conveying component 2 and the beginning of the first conveying component 1 can be connected front and rear to convey materials forward, specifically as follows: In this embodiment, the first conveying component 1 and the second conveying component 2 constitute part of the conveyor line. Both the first conveying component 1 and the second conveying component 2 are horizontally arranged. The material on the conveyor line is conveyed forward in four directions a1, a2, a3, a4. Along the conveying direction, the first conveying component 1 is located behind the second conveying component 2. Figure 2 As shown; In this configuration, both the first conveying component 1 and the second conveying component 2 are belt conveyor mechanisms, which are existing technologies and include multiple conveyor belts arranged at even intervals. Thus, when the end of the second conveying component 2 and the beginning of the first conveying component 1 are connected, the material is conveyed forward.

[0026] The first drive unit 3 is used to drive the first conveying assembly 1 to be positioned below the end of the second conveying assembly 2, so as to form a material handling channel 100 for material entry; specifically: like Figure 7 As shown, the first conveying assembly 1 includes a fixed roller 11, a movable roller 12, and a conveyor belt 13 sleeved on the fixed roller 11 and the movable roller 12. The two ends of the fixed roller 11 are rotatably connected to the frame 10. The fixed roller 11 can rotate under the action of the external drive unit 7 to convey materials forward. The two ends of the fixed roller 11 and the movable roller 12 are connected by two mounting plates 14. Taking one side as an example, the first end of the mounting plate 14 is sleeved on one end of the fixed roller 11 and rotatably connected to the fixed roller 11. A bearing is sleeved at its rotatable connection. The other end of the mounting plate 14 is sleeved on one end of the movable roller 12 and rotatably connected to the movable roller 12. In this way, the first conveying assembly 1 is arranged on the frame with the first end able to swing up and down.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first driving unit 5 is a linear motor, such as... Figure 7As shown, a linear motor is fixed on the frame 10, and a turntable 31 is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the linear motor. A rocker arm 32 is eccentrically mounted on the turntable 31. A long hole 141 is provided at the corresponding position of the mounting plate 14. A rocker arm bearing is sleeved on the length of the rocker arm 32 that extends into the long hole 141. The rocker arm bearing is clearance-fitted with the long hole 141. The rocker arm 32 and the long hole 141 are designed such that when the linear motor drives the turntable 31 to rotate, the rocker arm 32 is displaced to the first end of the long hole 141. At this time, the conveying platform formed by the first conveying assembly 1 is horizontally arranged. When the rocker arm 32 is displaced to the second end of the long hole 141, the conveying platform formed by the first conveying assembly 1 swings downward and tilts, and the first end of the first conveying assembly 1 is placed below the end of the second conveying assembly 2, forming a material handling channel 100, which facilitates the material on the first conveying assembly 1 to enter the material handling channel 100 under the action of inertial force.

[0028] In other embodiments of the present invention, the first drive unit 5 may be any one of a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an electric cylinder, a motor belt drive mechanism, a motor chain drive mechanism, a nut screw drive mechanism, or a gear rack drive mechanism, and those skilled in the art may select one according to their needs.

[0029] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the material handling channel 100 is connected downward to the material handling chamber 200. The material handling chamber 200 is provided with multiple partitions 5, which divide the material handling chamber into a first chamber 201 and a second chamber 202. like Figure 4 As shown, the upper part of the partition 5 includes an inclined guide section to facilitate the guidance of material drop. The guide section has a downward inclination angle along the conveying direction.

[0030] Under the action of the second drive unit 4, the partition 5 can switch between the first position and the second position; such as Figure 5 As shown, when the partition 5 is in the first position, the partition guides the material handling channel 100 into the first chamber 201; as Figure 6 As shown, when the partition 5 is in the second position, the partition 5 guides the material management channel 100 into the second chamber 202.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the partition 5 includes an upper plate 51 and a lower plate 52 arranged vertically. The upper parts of the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52 are attached and fixed to form a guide section, and the lower parts of the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52 are arranged at an angle to form a space for accommodating the second drive unit 4.

[0032] In addition, both the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52 include through holes extending along the axis to reduce friction with materials and reduce electrostatic adsorption. In this embodiment, the second drive unit 4 includes a second cylinder, and the piston rod of the second cylinder is fixedly connected to the lower parts of both the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52, such as... Figure 6 As shown, when the second cylinder drives the partition 5 to move to the upper limit position, the partition 5 is in the second position, and the head of the lower plate 52 is placed on the upper part of the first end of the first conveying assembly 1, so that the material on the first conveying assembly 1 enters the second chamber 202 of the material handling chamber 200 under the action of inertia. like Figure 5 As shown, when the second cylinder drives the partition 5 to move to its lower limit, the partition 5 is in the first position, so that the end of the guide section is connected to the first conveying component 1 and the inclination is roughly the same, so as to guide the material into the first chamber 201 of the material handling chamber 200 under the action of inertia. In other embodiments of the present invention, the second drive unit may be any one of a hydraulic cylinder, an electric cylinder, a motor belt drive mechanism, a motor chain drive mechanism, a nut screw drive mechanism, a gear rack drive mechanism, or a linear motor. In addition, those skilled in the art can select according to their needs.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, multiple partitions 5 are arranged side by side along the width of the conveyor line and operate independently. That is, the partitions 5 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the second drive unit 4, and the second drive unit 4 is slidable along the width of the conveyor line. In this way, the position of the partitions 5 can be flexibly arranged according to the number and position of the branches on the conveyor line, making it more flexible to use.

[0034] In this embodiment, each branch a1, a2, a3, a4 is provided with two partitions 5, which operate simultaneously to accurately remove material. In other embodiments of the invention, if the number of branches is adjusted from four to two, the position of the partitions 5 can be adjusted by using the sliding second drive unit 4, so that the partitions 5 corresponding to the positions of the two branches can operate, making the use more flexible.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, a baffle 6 is provided above the conveying platform formed by the first conveying component 1 and the second conveying component 2. The baffle 6 extends along the conveying direction, and a conveying channel is formed between two adjacent baffles 6. Each conveying channel is a branch a1, a2, a3, a4, wherein the partition 5 avoids the extension line of the baffle 6.

[0036] A method for processing sheet materials, using the processing device described above, takes the classification and collection of defective and good materials as an example. In other embodiments of the present invention, materials with a first characteristic and materials with a second characteristic can also be classified and collected.

[0037] In this embodiment, the conveyor line is provided with four branches a1, a2, a3, and a3. When a material on branch a1 is detected as defective, and the materials on branches a2, a3, and a3 in the same row as the defective material are identified as good materials, the following steps are included: When the defective material on S1 and a1 approaches the head end of the first conveying component 1, under the action of the first driving unit 3, the connection between the end of the second conveying component 2 and the head end of the first conveying component 1 is switched to the position where the head end of the first conveying component 1 is placed below the end of the second conveying component 2, so as to form a material handling channel 100 for material entry. S2. Wherein, when the first position is the initial position of the partition 5, under the action of the second driving unit 4, the partition 5 corresponding to the position of the branch a1 switches from the first position to the second position to guide the defective material into the second chamber 202, such as... Figure 6 As shown; multiple baffles 5 corresponding to the positions of branches a2, a3, a3 are held in the first position to guide defective materials into the first chamber 201, as... Figure 5 As shown; S3. Under the action of the first driving unit 3, the first conveying component 1 is reset to a horizontal state, and the end of the second conveying component 2 and the beginning of the first conveying component 1 are connected again to convey materials forward.

[0038] This cycle repeats itself.

[0039] Example 2 The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that the first driving unit 3 is designed to drive the end of the second conveying assembly 2 to flip upwards, so that the end of the second conveying assembly 2 is positioned above the beginning of the first conveying assembly 1, thereby forming the material handling channel 100; furthermore, the upper section forming the outer wall of the first chamber 201 is connected upwards to the second conveying assembly 2, such as... Figure 8 As shown, when the end of the second conveying component is flipped upwards, it can also guide the material well.

[0040] Example 3 The difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 is that the first driving unit 3 is designed to drive the first conveying assembly 1 to fall as a whole, so that the head end of the first conveying assembly 1 is positioned below the tail end of the second conveying assembly 2, thereby forming the material handling channel 100. Figure 9 As shown; or drive the second conveying assembly 2 to rise as a whole, so that the first end of the first conveying assembly 1 is placed below the end of the second conveying assembly 2, thereby forming a material handling channel; Example 4 The difference between Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 is that the second drive unit 4 is designed to drive the partition 5 to swing left and right and / or move back and forth, so as to switch between a first position and a second position, such as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0041] The present invention has been described above by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications or variations made based on the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A sheet food material device characterized by, The device comprises a first conveying assembly (1), a second conveying assembly (2), a first driving unit (3) and a second driving unit (4); The end of the second conveying assembly (2) and the head of the first conveying assembly (1) can be connected in sequence for conveying materials forward; The first driving unit (3) is used to drive the head of the first conveying assembly (1) to be placed below the end of the second conveying assembly (2) to form a material sorting channel (100) for materials to enter; The material sorting channel (100) is communicated downward with a material sorting cavity (200), and one or more partitions (5) are arranged in the material sorting cavity (200), which divides the material sorting cavity (200) into a first chamber (201) and a second chamber (202), and the partitions (5) can be switched between a first position and a second position under the action of the second driving unit (4); when the partitions (5) are in the first position, the partitions (5) guide the materials in the material sorting channel (100) to enter the first chamber (201), and when the partitions (5) are in the second position, the partitions (5) guide the materials in the material sorting channel (100) to enter the second chamber (202).

2. The sheet food material device according to claim 1, characterized by, The second driving unit (4) is designed to drive the partitions (5) to move up and down, left and right or swing to switch between the first position and the second position.

3. The sheet food material device according to claim 2, characterized by, The partitions (5) are provided with through holes to reduce the friction with the materials.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the materials are conveyed forward on the first conveying assembly (1) and the second conveying assembly (2) along one or more parallel branches, and at least one partition (5) is arranged on each branch.

5. The sheet food material device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by The end of the first conveying assembly (1) is hinged to a rack (10), and the first driving unit (3) is designed to drive the head of the first conveying assembly (1) to swing downward to form the material sorting channel (100).

6. The sheet food material device according to claim 5, characterized by The first driving unit (3) is any one of a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, an electric cylinder, a motor belt transmission mechanism, a motor chain transmission mechanism, a nut and screw rod transmission mechanism, a gear and rack transmission mechanism or a linear motor.

7. The sheet food material device according to claim 5, characterized by The partitions (5) comprise an inclined guide section, and the end of the guide section is connected with the head of the first conveying assembly (1) to guide the materials to enter the first chamber (201) when the partitions (5) are switched to the first position and the head of the first conveying assembly (1) swings downward, and the end of the guide section is placed above the head of the first conveying assembly (1) to guide the materials to enter the second chamber (202) when the partitions (5) are switched to the second position and the head of the first conveying assembly (1) swings downward.

8. A sheet food material device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, A baffle (6) is arranged above the conveying platform formed by the first conveying assembly (1) and the second conveying assembly (2), the baffle (6) extends along the conveying direction, and a conveying channel is formed between adjacent baffles (6).

9. A sheet food material method characterized by, The device is used in the method, and the method comprises the steps of: S1, under the action of the first driving unit (3), the end of the second conveying assembly (2) and the head of the first conveying assembly (1) are switched from the front and rear connection state to the state that the head of the first conveying assembly (1) is placed below the end of the second conveying assembly (2) to form a material sorting channel (100) for material entering; S2, under the action of the second driving unit (4), the baffle (5) corresponding to the position of the defective material is switched to the second position to guide the defective material into the second chamber (202), and the baffle (5) corresponding to the position of the good material is switched to the first position to guide the defective material into the first chamber (201); S3, under the action of the first driving unit (3), the end of the second conveying assembly (2) and the head of the first conveying assembly (1) are connected again to convey the material forward.

10. The sheet food material method according to claim 9, characterized by, When the first position is the initial position of the baffle (5), after step S3 is performed, the second driving unit (4) drives the baffle (5) to switch from the second position to the first position.

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