Feeding device and feeding method for automatic detection of tableware

Abstract

The invention discloses a feeding device for tableware automatic detection. The feeding device comprises a main body rack, an annular conveying rail and a feeding carrier. An upper feeding table and a lower feeding table are arranged on the main body rack in a spaced mode in the first direction, and the upper feeding table and the lower feeding table extend in the second direction; the two annular conveying rails are symmetrically arranged on the main body rack, any annular conveying rail is provided with a straight rail section and a bent rail section, the straight rail sections are arranged above the upper feeding table and the lower feeding table, and the two ends of the straight rail sections are connected through the bent rail sections; the feeding carrier is arranged on the annular conveying rail and operates along the annular conveying rail, and the feeding carrier is used for bearing and clamping tableware products; the upper feeding table and the lower feeding table are each provided with a visual detection system, and the feeding carrier turns over in the process of running from the upper feeding table to the lower feeding table. The continuity and compatibility of an automatic tableware production line can be improved, and then the equipment utilization rate can be increased.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of tableware detection, and in particular to a feeding device and a feeding method for automatic detection of tableware. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of industrial manufacturing, quality detection of tableware before leaving the factory is a key link to ensure product quality. With the improvement of industrial automation level, tableware manufacturing industry also widely adopts automatic production lines to realize automatic production. In some automatic production lines, an automatic detection system is integrated in the product conveying line to realize automatic detection of tableware.

[0003] Due to the large number of types and sizes of tableware, in many small and medium-sized factories or assembly lines, quality inspection still relies on manual visual inspection or contact type detection tools. In some production lines that realize automatic detection, a detection system is composed of a visual detection system and a computer integrated in the product conveying line. In addition, in order to realize comprehensive detection of tableware, face-up detection is an indispensable process. The existing technology usually adopts an independent face-up mechanism, such as an integrated face-up manipulator or a turnover cylinder on the conveying line.

[0004] The existing automatic production conveying line and detection system are mostly special equipment, which is difficult to quickly adapt to different types and sizes of tableware, and has low equipment utilization rate. At the same time, the independent face-up mechanism is easy to damage the continuity of automatic production, and is not convenient for face-up detection of different types and sizes of products, thereby limiting the production efficiency of the automatic production line. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide a feeding device and a feeding method for automatic detection of tableware, which solves the problems of low compatibility and poor continuity of the conveying line in the prior art for automatic production and detection of tableware.

[0006] To achieve this purpose, the present application adopts the following technical solutions: A feeding device for automatic detection of tableware, comprising: a main frame, an upper feeding table and a lower feeding table are arranged on the main frame in a first direction, and the upper feeding table and the lower feeding table extend in a second direction; a pair of annular conveying tracks are arranged on the main frame and symmetrically arranged, any one of the annular conveying tracks has a straight track section and a curved track section, the upper feeding table and the lower feeding table are both provided with the straight track section above, and the two ends of the straight track section are connected through the curved track section; a feeding carrier is arranged on the annular conveying track and runs along the annular conveying track, and the feeding carrier is used for carrying and clamping tableware products; Both the upper and lower feeding platforms are equipped with vision detection systems, and the feeding carrier flips over during its journey from the upper feeding platform to the lower feeding platform.

[0007] Optionally, both the upper feeding platform and the lower feeding platform are equipped with conveyor belts, and the length of the conveyor belts is greater than the length of the straight rail section.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes a drive assembly, which includes a conveyor belt drive and a carrier drive. The conveyor belt drive is used to drive the conveyor belt of the upper feeding platform and the conveyor belt of the lower feeding platform to run simultaneously, and the carrier drive is used to drive the feeding carrier to run on the annular conveyor rail.

[0009] Optionally, the cross-sections of the two annular conveyor rails are U-shaped with opposite openings.

[0010] Optionally, the feeding carrier includes: The carrier body consists of two symmetrical support seats connected by two symmetrical rotating shafts. Rollers rotating on the rotating shafts are provided on the outer side of each support seat and slide in the annular conveyor rail. The clamping assembly is provided on one side of each of the two carriers opposite each other. The two sets of clamping assemblies can clamp and fix the tableware products when they enter the carrier. A telescopic component is provided between the carrier body and the clamp assembly, for driving the clamp assembly to move toward or away from the carrier seat.

[0011] Optionally, the clamp assembly on either side includes: The clamp seat is a shell structure and is connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic member. The clamp seat has a vertical sliding hole along a first direction on the side opposite to the bearing seat, and a transverse sliding hole extending along a third direction is provided on the top of the clamp seat. A support block is slidably disposed in the vertical sliding hole. The support block has an L-shaped structure, with one end sliding in the vertical sliding hole and the other end located outside the clamp seat. A clamping block is slidably disposed in the transverse sliding hole. The clamping block has an L-shaped structure, with one end located at the top of the clamping seat and sliding in the transverse sliding hole, and the other end located on the side of the clamping seat where the vertical sliding hole is provided. The drive unit is located in the clamp seat. When the tableware product is transported to the feeding carrier, the tableware product is placed on the support block to press down the support block and make it slide in the vertical sliding hole. When the support block slides down in the first direction, the drive unit drives the clamping block to slide in the third direction.

[0012] Optionally, the support block and the clamping block are both machined with teeth on the side walls inside the clamping seat, and the driving part includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear and a fourth gear that mesh in sequence, and the first gear, the second gear, the third gear and the fourth gear are all rotatably connected to the clamping seat; As the support block slides downward in the first direction, the teeth on its sidewall mesh with the first gear, and the teeth on the sidewall of the clamping block mesh with the fourth gear.

[0013] Optionally, the feeding carrier further includes a lateral clamping assembly, and each set of clamping assemblies is correspondingly provided with a set of lateral clamping assemblies, wherein any set of lateral clamping assemblies includes: Two movable blocks are spaced apart along the second direction. The two movable blocks are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixture seat. A guide rod and a screw are movably connected between the two movable blocks. The screw is threadedly connected to the movable block. A screw, with its two ends respectively inserted into the two movable blocks and threadedly connected to the movable blocks, the screw passing through the clamp seat, and the second gear fixedly sleeved on the screw; A guide rod, the two ends of which are respectively movably inserted into the two movable blocks, the guide rod passing through the clamp seat, and the third gear being rotatably sleeved on the guide rod; In this configuration, the movable blocks located on the same side along the second direction in the lateral clamping assemblies on both sides are connected by a telescopic sleeve. The telescopic sleeve is provided with a clamping block, and the clamping block is inclined towards the side wall on the opposite side.

[0014] Optionally, the clamp seat has an extension on the bottom side away from the support seat, and the extension has a groove, into which the lower end of the support block can be fitted. A permanent magnet is provided on the support block, an electromagnetic block is provided at the bottom of the groove, a contact switch is provided near the discharge end of the lower feeding platform, and a contact point is provided on the clamp seat. When the feeding carrier runs to the contact switch, the contact point contacts the contact switch, energizing the electromagnetic block so that the electromagnetic block and the permanent magnet repel each other.

[0015] This invention also provides a feeding method using the automated tableware detection feeding device described above, comprising the following steps: S1. The tableware products are sequentially conveyed to the feeding carrier located on the upper feeding platform, and the tableware products are clamped and fixed. S2. The feeding carrier carrying the tableware products runs along the circular conveyor rail; S3. The vision inspection system located on the upper feeding platform inspects the front of the tableware products in the feeding carrier; S4. The feeding carrier flips over after passing through the curved rail section and enters the lower feeding platform. S5. The vision inspection system located on the lower feeding platform inspects the back of the tableware products in the feeding carrier; S6. The feeding carrier releases the tableware products that have completed the inspection and continues to transport them along the lower feeding platform.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention provides a feeding device for automated tableware inspection, in which the main frame is set in the automated tableware production line, and the tableware products to be inspected are transported to the feeding carrier; when the feeding carrier runs in the upper feeding platform, the front of the tableware products is facing up, and the vision inspection system set on the upper feeding platform performs quality inspection on the front of the tableware products; when the feeding carrier passes through the curved section and enters the lower feeding platform, the feeding carrier rotates the tableware products as a whole, so that the bottom of the tableware products is facing up, and during the continuous operation of the feeding carrier, the vision inspection system set on the lower feeding platform performs quality inspection on the bottom of the tableware products. By using a feeding carrier to carry tableware products and continuously rotating them via a circular conveyor rail, comprehensive inspection of the tableware products can be achieved during transport. This improves the continuity of the automated tableware production line and thus increases production efficiency. Furthermore, the feeding carrier eliminates the need for dedicated feeding devices for different types and sizes of tableware. The functional modules for carrying and holding tableware products can be modular or adjustable, allowing for rapid adaptation to different tableware types and sizes. This enhances equipment compatibility and ultimately improves equipment utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives that the present invention can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a feeding device for automated tableware inspection.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a feeding device for automated tableware inspection.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the feeding carrier.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the feeding carrier.

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a structural cross-sectional view of the feeding carrier.

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of part B in the middle.

[0026] Illustrations: 1. Main frame; 11. Upper feeding platform; 12. Lower feeding platform; 13. Conveyor belt; 2. Circular conveyor rail; 21. Straight rail section; 22. Curved rail section; 3. Feeding carrier; 31. Carrier body; 311. Bearing seat; 312. Rotating shaft; 313. Roller; 32. Clamp assembly; 321. Clamp seat; 3211. Vertical sliding hole; 3212. Horizontal sliding hole; 3213. Extension; 321 4. Slot; 322. Support block; 323. Clamping block; 324. Drive unit; 3241. First gear; 3242. Second gear; 3243. Third gear; 3244. Fourth gear; 33. Telescopic component; 34. Lateral clamping assembly; 341. Moving block; 342. Screw; 343. Guide rod; 344. Telescopic sleeve; 345. Clamping block; 4. Conveyor belt drive unit; 5. Vision inspection system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described below are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship 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. It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component positioned centrally in the connection.

[0029] This invention provides an automated feeding device for tableware inspection, comprising a main frame, a circular conveyor rail, and a feeding carrier. An upper feeding platform and a lower feeding platform are spaced apart along a first direction on the main frame, and the upper and lower feeding platforms extend along a second direction. Two circular conveyor rails are symmetrically arranged on the main frame, each having a straight section and a curved section. A straight section is located above both the upper and lower feeding platforms, and both ends of the straight section are connected by curved sections. The feeding carrier is located on and runs along the circular conveyor rail, and is used to carry and clamp tableware products. A vision inspection system is installed on both the upper and lower feeding platforms, and the feeding carrier flips during its movement from the upper feeding platform to the lower feeding platform.

[0030] The present invention provides a feeding device for automated tableware inspection, in which the main frame is set in the automated tableware production line, and the tableware products to be inspected are transported to the feeding carrier; when the feeding carrier runs in the upper feeding platform, the front of the tableware products is facing up, and the vision inspection system set on the upper feeding platform performs quality inspection on the front of the tableware products; when the feeding carrier passes through the curved section and enters the lower feeding platform, the feeding carrier rotates the tableware products as a whole, so that the bottom of the tableware products is facing up, and during the continuous operation of the feeding carrier, the vision inspection system set on the lower feeding platform performs quality inspection on the bottom of the tableware products. By using a feeding carrier to carry tableware products and continuously rotating them via a circular conveyor rail, comprehensive inspection of the tableware products can be achieved during transport. This improves the continuity of the automated tableware production line and thus increases production efficiency. Furthermore, the feeding carrier eliminates the need for dedicated feeding devices for different types and sizes of tableware. The functional modules for carrying and holding tableware products can be modular or adjustable, allowing for rapid adaptation to different tableware types and sizes. This enhances equipment compatibility and ultimately improves equipment utilization.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Example 1: like Figures 1-7 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a feeding device for automated inspection of tableware, used in a scenario where tableware products are continuously conveyed for automated inspection in an automated tableware production line, aiming to provide a feeding device with high compatibility and continuity.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the feeding device for automated tableware inspection includes a main frame 1, a circular conveyor rail 2, and a feeding carrier 3. An upper feeding platform 11 and a lower feeding platform 12 are spaced apart along a first direction on the main frame 1, and the upper and lower feeding platforms 11 and 12 extend along a second direction. Two circular conveyor rails 2 are symmetrically arranged on the main frame 1. Each circular conveyor rail 2 has a straight section 21 and a curved section 22. A straight section 21 is located above both the upper and lower feeding platforms 11 and 12, and both ends of the straight section 21 are connected by the curved section 22. The feeding carrier 3 is located on and runs along the circular conveyor rail 2, and is used to carry and clamp tableware products. A vision inspection system 5 is installed on both the upper and lower feeding platforms 11 and 12. The feeding carrier 3 flips during its movement from the upper feeding platform 11 to the lower feeding platform 12.

[0034] Specifically, the feeding device for automated tableware inspection can be integrated into the automated tableware production line, continuously conveying tableware products while simultaneously performing automated inspection. The main frame serves as the foundation support for the device. Fixed upper feeding platform 11 and lower feeding platform 12 are spaced apart along a first direction on the main frame, both extending along a second direction. Two annular conveyor rails 2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the main frame along the first direction. The annular conveyor rails 2 can be waist-shaped, having two parallel straight rail sections 21 and two curved rail sections 22 connecting the straight rail sections 21. The two straight rail sections 21 are located above the upper feeding platform 11 and the lower feeding platform 12, respectively. Multiple feeding carriers 3 are arranged between the two annular conveyor rails 2, evenly spaced and capable of running smoothly along the annular conveyor rails 2.

[0035] The system includes a vision inspection system 5 installed on both the upper feeding platform 11 and the lower feeding platform 12. The vision inspection system 5 may include a vision camera and a computer processor. The vision camera takes pictures of the product to be inspected, and the computer processor analyzes and processes the pictures to perform timely inspection of the product surface. Furthermore, to ensure the clarity of the pictures taken by the vision camera, the vision camera can slide back and forth along a second direction. When taking pictures, it can maintain the same moving direction and speed as the feeding carrier 3. After taking pictures, it quickly returns to the starting position to take pictures of the next feeding carrier 3, thereby realizing continuous cyclic image acquisition.

[0036] It should be noted that a feeding system can be set at the inlet end of the upper feeding platform 11. The feeding system can be a robot, a vibratory feeder or a conveyor belt, etc., to transport the tableware products along the production line to the feeding carrier 3; while a sorting system can be set at the outlet end of the lower feeding platform 12 to sort the tableware products that have completed the inspection and continuously transport the qualified products to the subsequent processes.

[0037] The specific implementation process of this embodiment is as follows: The tableware products are conveyed to the feeding carrier 3 through the feeding system, and the feeding carrier 3 clamps and fixes the tableware products; during the operation of the feeding carrier 3 on the upper feeding platform 11, the front of the tableware products is facing up, and the vision inspection system 5 set on the upper feeding platform 11 performs quality inspection on the front of the tableware products; when the feeding carrier 3 passes through the curved rail section 22 and enters the lower feeding platform 12, the feeding carrier 3 rotates the tableware products as a whole, so that the bottom of the tableware products is facing up; during the operation of the feeding carrier 3 on the lower feeding platform 12, the vision inspection system 5 set on the lower feeding platform 12 performs quality inspection on the bottom of the tableware products. This enables comprehensive testing of tableware products without requiring machine downtime. Testing can be conducted during the conveying process, improving the continuity of the automated tableware production line and thus increasing production efficiency. Furthermore, the feeding carrier 3 carries and clamps the tableware products, eliminating the need for dedicated feeding devices for different types and sizes. The functional modules of the feeding carrier 3 for carrying and clamping tableware products can be modular or adjustable, allowing for rapid adaptation to different types and sizes of tableware products. This improves equipment compatibility and ultimately increases equipment utilization.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, both the upper feeding platform 11 and the lower feeding platform 12 are equipped with conveyor belts 13, the length of which is greater than the length of the straight rail section 21. Specifically, the upper feeding platform 11 is equipped with an upper conveyor belt 13, and the lower feeding platform 12 is equipped with a lower conveyor belt 13. In the second direction, the lengths of both the upper and lower conveyor belts 13 are greater than the lengths of the corresponding straight rail section 21 of the annular conveyor rail 2. Thus, in the upper feeding platform 11, the starting end of the upper conveyor belt 13 is a distance from the end of the straight rail section 21; while in the lower feeding platform 12, the ending section of the lower conveyor belt 13 is a distance from the straight rail section 21. Therefore, the tableware products are conveyed to the upper conveyor belt 13 from the previous process. Before the feeding system distributes the tableware products sequentially, the tableware products can be guided and run stably by the conveyor belt 13 to ensure that the tableware products can be input into the feeding carrier 3 in the correct direction and speed. When the feeding carrier 3 runs to the end of the lower feeding platform 12 and releases the tableware products, the tableware products will fall on the rear section of the lower conveyor belt 13. The conveyor belt 13 can continue to smoothly transport the tableware products that have completed double-sided inspection to the downstream sorting or packaging station, avoiding the tableware from tipping over or colliding after the carrier is released.

[0039] Furthermore, the feeding device for automated tableware inspection also includes a drive assembly, which includes a conveyor belt 13 drive and a carrier drive. The conveyor belt 13 drive is used to drive the conveyor belt 13 of the upper feeding platform 11 and the conveyor belt 13 of the lower feeding platform 12 to run simultaneously. The carrier drive is used to drive the feeding carrier 3 to run on the circular conveyor rail 2.

[0040] For example, the conveyor belt 13 drive can be a motor and belt drive, driving the upper conveyor belt 13 and the lower conveyor belt 13 to run simultaneously. The carrier drive can include gears mounted on the feeding carrier 3 and a motor driving the gears to rotate. The annular conveyor rail 2 can be a toothed track, and the feeding carrier 3 can run in a self-driven manner; or, multiple feeding carriers 3 can be connected as a whole by linkages, with linear motors installed at diagonal positions on the upper feeding platform 11 and the lower feeding platform 12, or pushers installed on the conveyor belt 13, thereby driving multiple feeding carriers 3 to run synchronously on the annular conveyor rail 2, which helps to ensure the continuity of the feeding device.

[0041] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sections of the two annular conveyor rails 2 are U-shaped with opposite openings. A pulley may be installed on the feeding carrier 3, and the pulley slides within the U-shaped rails. Thus, the annular conveyor rails 2 can be used to limit and support the feeding carrier 3 on both the upper feeding platform 11 and the lower feeding platform 12, ensuring that the feeding carrier 3 can operate smoothly within the annular conveyor rails 2.

[0042] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the feeding carrier 3 includes a carrier body 31, a clamping assembly 32, and a telescopic member 33. The carrier body 31 consists of two symmetrical support seats 311, which are connected by two symmetrical rotating shafts 312. Rollers 313 rotating on the rotating shafts 312 are provided on the outer side of the support seats 311, and the rollers 313 slide in the annular conveyor rail 2. Clamping assemblies 32 are provided on opposite sides of the two support seats 311. The two sets of clamping assemblies 32 can clamp and fix the tableware products when they enter the carrier. The telescopic member 33 is located between the carrier body 31 and the clamping assembly 32 and is used to drive the clamping assembly 32 to move towards or away from the support seats 311.

[0043] Specifically, the core frame of the feeding carrier 3 is the carrier body 31, which consists of two symmetrical support seats 311. The two support seats 311 are connected by two parallel rotating shafts 312, forming a stable rectangular frame. The two ends of the rotating shafts 312 pass through the support seats 311 and extend outward. The ends of the rotating shafts 312 are rotatably connected to rollers 313, which slide in the U-shaped annular conveyor rail 2. The diameter of the rollers 313 is the same as the inner width of the annular conveyor rail 2, so that the feeding carrier 3 can run smoothly in the annular conveyor rail 2 under the drive of the carrier drive component. A clamping assembly 32 is provided on the inner side of each support seat 311. The clamping assemblies 32 on both sides work together to clamp and fix the tableware products. The telescopic component 33 can be an electric push rod or a small cylinder. One end of the telescopic component 33 is fixed on the support seat 311 and the other end is fixed on the clamp assembly 32. When the telescopic component 33 is activated, it can push the clamp assembly 32 to move closer to or further away from the support seat 311. The telescopic components 33 on both sides are activated synchronously, thereby adjusting the distance between the two sets of clamp assemblies 32 to accommodate tableware products of different types or sizes.

[0044] Furthermore, the clamp assembly 32 on either side includes a clamp base 321, a support block 322, a clamping block 323, and a drive unit 324. The clamp base 321 is a shell structure and is connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic member 33. The clamp base 321 has a vertical sliding hole 3211 along a first direction on the side opposite to the support seat 311, and a transverse sliding hole 3212 extending along a third direction is opened on the top of the clamp base 321. The support block 322 is slidably disposed in the vertical sliding hole 3211. The support block 322 has an L-shaped structure, with one end sliding in the vertical sliding hole 3211 and the other end located outside the clamp base 321. The clamping block 323 is slidably disposed in the transverse sliding hole 3212. 23 has an L-shaped structure, with one end located at the top of the clamping seat 321 and sliding in the horizontal sliding hole 3212, and the other end located on the side of the clamping seat 321 where the vertical sliding hole 3211 is provided; the driving unit 324 is provided in the clamping seat 321. When the tableware product is transported to the feeding carrier 3, the tableware product is placed on the support block 322 to press down the support block 322 and make it slide in the vertical sliding hole 3211. When the support block 322 slides down in the first direction, the driving unit 324 drives the clamping block 323 to slide in the third direction.

[0045] Specifically, the clamp base 321 is a hollow shell structure, with one side fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic member 33. Therefore, the entire clamp assembly 32 can be driven by the telescopic member 33 to move as a whole towards or away from the center of the carrier. A vertical sliding hole 3211 along a first direction is opened on the side of the clamp base 321 facing the center of the carrier, and the vertical sliding hole 3211 communicates with the interior of the shell structure. A transverse sliding hole 3212 along a third direction (i.e., perpendicular to the conveying direction) is opened on the top of the clamp base 321. The support block 322 has an L-shaped structure, for example, it can be composed of a vertical rod and a horizontal bar. The vertical rod part slides in the vertical sliding hole 3211 and can slide up and down in the hole, while its horizontal bar part is always located outside the clamp base 321 to support the edge of the tableware. The clamping block 323 also has an L-shaped structure, consisting of a horizontal rod and a vertical rod. The horizontal rod portion slides in the transverse sliding hole 3212, while the vertical rod portion extends downward and is located on the side of the clamping seat 321 where the vertical sliding hole 3211 is opened. The side wall of the clamping seat 321 can be provided with a through hole communicating with the transverse sliding hole 3212 to accommodate the vertical rod portion of the clamping block 323, so that the clamping block 323 can be completely embedded in the clamping seat 321. The driving unit 324 is disposed inside the clamping seat 321 to realize the motion coupling between the support block 322 and the clamping block 323. For example, when the support block 322 slides downward along the vertical sliding hole 3211, the driving unit 324 can drive the clamping block 323 to move along the transverse sliding hole 3212 towards the center of the feeding carrier 3.

[0046] For example, a fixing rod along a first direction is provided in the vertical sliding hole 3211, and a support block 322 is slidably sleeved on the outside of the fixing rod. Below the support block 322, a spring is sleeved on the fixing rod. The spring ensures that the support block 322 is at the uppermost end of the vertical sliding hole 3211 when no external force is applied.

[0047] For example, while waiting for the food to be loaded, the support block 322, under the action of the spring, is positioned at the upper part of the vertical sliding hole 3211, which allows the clamping block 323 to retract completely into the horizontal sliding hole 3212. Therefore, the tableware can smoothly enter between the two sets of clamping assemblies 32. The bottom of the tableware rests on the horizontal bar of the support block 322, and the weight of the tableware causes the support block 322 to slide downwards along the vertical sliding hole 3211. During this downward sliding process, the support block 322, through the drive unit 324, drives the clamping block 323 to slide along the horizontal sliding hole 3212 towards the center of the feeding carrier 3. The vertical bar portion of the clamping block 323 can abut against the top of the tableware. When the tableware is completely placed on the support block 322, the downward movement of the support block 322 stops, and the clamping block 323 reaches the predetermined clamping position, thus securely clamping and fixing the tableware between the support block 322 and the clamping block 323. The clamping action is triggered and maintained by the weight of the tableware itself. The bottom is supported by the support block 322 and the top is clamped by the clamping block 323, forming a stable constraint with high reliability.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, further, both the support block 322 and the clamping block 323 have teeth machined on their sidewalls inside the clamping seat 321. The driving part 324 includes a first gear 3241, a second gear 3242, a third gear 3243, and a fourth gear 3244 that mesh in sequence. The first gear 3241, the second gear 3242, the third gear 3243, and the fourth gear 3244 are all rotatably connected to the clamping seat 321. During the downward sliding of the support block 322 in the first direction, the teeth on its sidewall mesh with the first gear 3241, and the teeth on the sidewall of the clamping block 323 mesh with the fourth gear 3244.

[0049] Specifically, the first gear 3241 meshes with the second gear 3242, the second gear 3242 meshes with the third gear 3243, the third gear 3243 meshes with the fourth gear 3244, the teeth on the support block 322 mesh with the first gear 3241, and the teeth on the clamping block 323 mesh with the fourth gear 3244. Therefore, when the support block 322 slides along the first direction, it drives the first gear 3241 to rotate, which in turn drives the second gear 3242, the third gear 3243, and the fourth gear 3244 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the clamping block 323 to slide along the third direction.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the feeding carrier 3 further includes a lateral clamping assembly 34. Each set of clamping assemblies 32 is correspondingly provided with a set of lateral clamping assemblies 34. Any set of lateral clamping assemblies 34 includes: Two movable blocks 341 are spaced apart along the second direction. The two movable blocks 341 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fixture base 321. A guide rod 343 and a screw 342 are movably connected between the two movable blocks 341. The screw 342 is threadedly connected to the movable block 341. The screw 342 has two ends inserted into two moving blocks 341 and threadedly connected to the moving blocks 341. The screw 342 passes through the clamp seat 321, and the second gear 3242 is fixedly sleeved on the screw 342. Guide rod 343, with its two ends movably inserted into two moving blocks 341 respectively, guide rod 343 passing through clamp seat 321, and third gear 3243 rotatably sleeved on guide rod 343; Among them, the movable blocks 341 located on the same side along the second direction in the lateral clamping assemblies 34 on both sides are connected by a telescopic sleeve 344. The telescopic sleeve 344 is provided with a clamping block 345, and the clamping block 345 is inclined towards the side wall on the opposite side.

[0051] Specifically, symmetrical movable blocks 341 are provided on both sides of each fixture base 321. A screw 342 and a guide rod 343 are connected between the two movable blocks 341, and the screw 342 and the guide rod 343 pass through the fixture base 321. A second gear 3242 is fixedly sleeved on the screw 342, and both ends of the screw 342 are threadedly connected to the two movable blocks 341 on both sides, with opposite thread directions. Thus, when the screw 342 rotates, it can drive the two movable blocks 341 to move relative to or away from each other. A third gear 3243 is rotatably sleeved on the guide rod 343, and both ends of the guide rod 343 are movably inserted into the two movable blocks 341, ensuring that the movable blocks 341 can only move along the length of the screw 342. For example, the support block 322 drives the first gear 3241 to rotate, and simultaneously drives the second gear 3242 to rotate, thereby driving the screw 342 to rotate, allowing the movable blocks 341 to move closer to each other.

[0052] Meanwhile, lateral clamping components 34 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the clamping seats 321. The two sets of lateral clamping components 34 are connected between the moving blocks 341 on the same side by a telescopic sleeve 344 to accommodate the spacing adjustment between the two sets of clamping components 32. A clamping block 345 is set in the middle of the telescopic sleeve 344. The clamping block 345 can be easily adapted to the tableware product. In addition, the opposite sidewalls of the two clamping blocks 345 can be gradually inwardly inclined surfaces. For example, when the tableware product initially enters the feeding carrier 3, the inclined surfaces of the clamping blocks 345 on both sides can facilitate the entry of the tableware product and adjust the direction of the tableware product so that the tableware product can enter the feeding carrier 3 at an accurate angle. Afterward, as the tableware product continues to descend and is gradually clamped, the clamping blocks 345 on both sides move closer to each other, which can further clamp the sides of the tableware product to ensure that the tableware product is stably clamped and fixed in the feeding carrier 3.

[0053] For example, the clamp base 321 has an extension 3213 on the bottom side away from the support base 311, and the extension 3213 has a groove 3214. The lower end of the support block 322 can be embedded in the groove 3214. A permanent magnet is provided on the support block 322, and an electromagnetic block is provided at the bottom of the groove 3214. A contact switch is provided near the discharge end of the lower feeding table 12, and a contact is provided on the clamp base 321. When the feeding carrier 3 runs to the contact switch, the contact contacts the contact switch, energizing the electromagnetic block so that the electromagnetic block and the permanent magnet repel each other.

[0054] For example, when the tableware product initially enters the feeding carrier 3, the support block 322 is pressed down, and the crossbar portion of the support block 322 is embedded in the groove 3214. At this time, the electromagnetic block is not energized, and there is no magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet block and the electromagnetic block. When the feeding carrier 3 moves to the position where the contact switch is provided in the lower feeding table 12, and the contact on the clamp seat 321 contacts the contact switch and triggers it, the electromagnetic block is energized, causing the electromagnetic block and the permanent magnet block to repel each other. This causes the support block 322 to slide towards the top of the clamp seat 321, and drives the clamping block 323 to retract into the clamp seat 321. This releases the clamping state of the tableware product, allowing it to detach from the feeding carrier 3 and fall onto the conveyor belt 13 on the lower feeding table 12. The conveyor belt 13 then transports the tableware product to the sorting system, realizing continuous conveying and inspection of the tableware product.

[0055] Example 2: This invention also provides a feeding method using the aforementioned automated tableware detection feeding device, comprising the following steps: S1. The tableware products are sequentially conveyed to the feeding carrier 3 located on the upper feeding platform 11, and the tableware products are clamped and fixed. S2. The feeding carrier 3 carrying the tableware products runs along the annular conveyor rail 2; S3. The vision inspection system 5 located on the upper feeding platform 11 inspects the front of the tableware products in the feeding carrier 3. S4. After the feeding carrier 3 flips over after passing through the curved rail section 22, it enters the lower feeding platform 12. S5. The vision inspection system 5 located on the lower feeding platform 12 inspects the back of the tableware products in the feeding carrier 3. S6. The feeding carrier 3 releases the tableware products that have completed the inspection and continues to transport them along the lower feeding platform 12.

[0056] Among them, the feeding device for automated tableware inspection achieves automated inspection from automatic feeding, adaptive clamping, double-sided inspection, automatic flipping to release and unloading, while ensuring continuous and uninterrupted inspection process and high production efficiency. At the same time, the feeding carrier 3 provides a stable clamping platform, and the annular conveyor rail 2 enables the feeding carrier 3 to flip during the conveying process, ensuring that both the front and back sides are inspected. In addition, the clamping component 32 in the feeding carrier 3 clamps the tableware products based on the tableware's own weight, which can automatically adapt to tableware of different sizes, making it easy to flexibly apply to inspection lines for various products.

[0057] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeding device for automated detection of tableware, characterized in that, include: The main frame (1) is provided with an upper feeding platform (11) and a lower feeding platform (12) spaced apart along a first direction, and the upper feeding platform (11) and the lower feeding platform (12) extend along a second direction; Two circular conveyor rails (2) are symmetrically arranged on the main frame (1). Each of the circular conveyor rails (2) has a straight rail section (21) and a curved rail section (22). The straight rail section (21) is located above the upper feeding platform (11) and the lower feeding platform (12). Both ends of the straight rail section (21) are connected by the curved rail section (22). A feeding carrier (3) is provided on the annular conveyor rail (2) and runs along the annular conveyor rail (2). The feeding carrier (3) is used to carry and clamp tableware products. The upper feeding platform (11) and the lower feeding platform (12) are both equipped with a vision inspection system (5), and the feeding carrier (3) flips over during the process of moving from the upper feeding platform (11) to the lower feeding platform (12).

2. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the upper feeding platform (11) and the lower feeding platform (12) are equipped with conveyor belts (13), and the length of the conveyor belts (13) is greater than the length of the straight rail section (21).

3. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a drive assembly, which includes a conveyor belt (13) drive and a carrier drive. The conveyor belt (13) drive is used to drive the conveyor belt (13) of the upper feeding platform (11) and the conveyor belt (13) of the lower feeding platform (12) to run simultaneously. The carrier drive is used to drive the feeding carrier (3) to run on the annular conveyor rail (2).

4. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sections of the two annular conveyor rails (2) are U-shaped with openings facing each other.

5. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding carrier (3) includes: The carrier body (31) is composed of two symmetrical support seats (311). The two support seats (311) are connected by two symmetrical rotating shafts (312). Rollers (313) rotating on the rotating shafts (312) are provided on the outer side of the support seats (311). The rollers (313) slide in the annular conveyor rail (2). The clamping assembly (32) is provided on one side of each of the two carriers (311), and the two sets of clamping assemblies (32) can clamp and fix the tableware products when they enter the carrier. Telescopic component (33) is disposed between the carrier body (31) and the clamp assembly (32) for driving the clamp assembly (32) to move toward or away from the support seat (311).

6. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamp assembly (32) on either side includes: The clamp seat (321) is a shell structure and is connected to the telescopic end of the telescopic member (33). The clamp seat (321) has a vertical sliding hole (3211) along the first direction on the side away from the bearing seat (311), and a transverse sliding hole (3212) extending along the third direction is provided on the top of the clamp seat (321). The support block (322) is slidably disposed in the vertical sliding hole (3211). The support block (322) has an L-shaped structure, with one end sliding in the vertical sliding hole (3211) and the other end located outside the clamp seat (321). A clamping block (323) is slidably disposed in the transverse sliding hole (3212). The clamping block (323) has an L-shaped structure, with one end located at the top of the clamping seat (321) and sliding in the transverse sliding hole (3212), and the other end located on the side of the clamping seat (321) where the vertical sliding hole (3211) is provided. The drive unit (324) is located in the clamp seat (321). When the tableware product is transported to the feeding carrier (3), the tableware product is placed on the support block (322) to press down the support block (322) and make it slide in the vertical sliding hole (3211). When the support block (322) slides down in the first direction, the drive unit (324) drives the clamping block (323) to slide in the third direction.

7. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support block (322) and the clamping block (323) are both machined with teeth on the sidewalls inside the clamping seat (321). The driving part (324) includes a first gear (3241), a second gear (3242), a third gear (3243) and a fourth gear (3244) that mesh in sequence. The first gear (3241), the second gear (3242), the third gear (3243) and the fourth gear (3244) are all rotatably connected to the clamping seat (321). As the support block (322) slides downward in the first direction, the teeth on its sidewall mesh with the first gear (3241), and the teeth on the sidewall of the clamping block (323) mesh with the fourth gear (3244).

8. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 7, characterized in that, The feeding carrier (3) further includes a lateral clamping assembly (34), and each set of clamping assemblies (32) is provided with a set of lateral clamping assemblies (34). Any set of lateral clamping assemblies (34) includes: Two movable blocks (341) are spaced apart along the second direction. The two movable blocks (341) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the clamp seat (321). A guide rod (343) and a screw (342) are movably connected between the two movable blocks (341). The screw (342) is threadedly connected to the movable block (341). A screw (342) is inserted into two movable blocks (341) at both ends and threadedly connected to the movable blocks (341). The screw (342) passes through the clamp seat (321). The second gear (3242) is fixedly sleeved on the screw (342). Guide rod (343), the two ends of the guide rod (343) are respectively movably inserted into the two moving blocks (341), the guide rod (343) passes through the clamp seat (321), and the third gear (3243) is rotatably sleeved on the guide rod (343); Among them, the movable blocks (341) located on the same side along the second direction in the lateral clamping assemblies (344) on both sides are connected by a telescopic sleeve (344). The telescopic sleeve (344) is provided with a clamping block (345), and the clamping block (345) is inclined towards the side wall on the opposite side.

9. The feeding device for automated tableware detection according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamp seat (321) has an extension (3213) at the bottom of the side opposite to the bearing seat (311), and the extension (3213) has a groove (3214) on it, and the lower end of the support block (322) can be embedded in the groove (3214). A permanent magnet is provided on the support block (322), an electromagnetic block is provided at the bottom of the groove (3214), a contact switch is provided near the discharge end of the lower feeding platform (12), and a contact point is provided on the clamp seat (321). When the feeding carrier (3) runs to the contact switch, the contact point contacts the contact switch to energize the electromagnetic block, so that the electromagnetic block and the permanent magnet repel each other.

10. A feeding method, employing the feeding device for automated tableware detection as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The tableware products are sequentially conveyed to the feeding carrier (3) located on the upper feeding platform (11), and the tableware products are clamped and fixed. S2. The feeding carrier (3) carrying tableware products runs along the annular conveyor rail (2); S3. The vision inspection system (5) located on the upper feeding platform (11) inspects the front of the tableware products in the feeding carrier (3); S4. After the feeding carrier (3) passes through the curved rail section (22) and flips over, it enters the lower feeding platform (12). S5. The vision inspection system (5) located on the lower feeding platform (12) inspects the back of the tableware products in the feeding carrier (3); S6. The feeding carrier (3) releases the tableware products that have completed the inspection and continues to transport them along the lower feeding platform (12).

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