Intelligent sorting and discharging equipment for filter production line

Abstract

The invention discloses a sorting and shunting system for cylindrical filters. The sorting and shunting system comprises a structure connecting frame, a transverse adjusting assembly, a sorting assembly, a longitudinal adjusting assembly and a displacement discharging assembly. The sorting assembly is integrated with a size recognition assembly and a recognition grabbing assembly, the size recognition assembly obtains outer diameter parameters of the filter in advance and dynamically feeds back the outer diameter parameters to the recognition grabbing assembly to adjust the peripheral clamping stroke in a self-adaptive mode, and flexible lossless grabbing of the filters of multiple specifications is achieved. The grabbed filter is transferred to a butt joint station, the displacement discharging assembly is inserted into a hollow groove of the filter and is tensioned in the radial direction, the displacement discharging assembly and the outer diameter of the sorting assembly are clamped to form internal and external space relay alternation, and finally overturning discharging is completed in cooperation with the longitudinal adjusting assembly. The problem of compatibility of mixed line sorting of products of multiple specifications is solved, damage to shells caused by rigid clamping is avoided, and the flexibility and transferring stability of the system are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the filter manufacturing industry, specifically to an intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line. Background Technology

[0002] As a core filtration consumable in automotive engines and various industrial hydraulic systems, filters typically consist of a thin-walled metal shell, filter element, and sealing gasket. Their surface coating process requires high precision and is prone to physical deformation. On modern fully automated filter production lines, after assembly and testing, products undergo high-speed sorting and unloading based on visual inspection results or finished product specifications before being transferred to subsequent packaging or palletizing processes.

[0003] However, existing sorting equipment mostly uses fixed-stroke mechanical mechanisms, which are difficult to handle multi-specification products with large diameter spans. Frequent production changeovers and adjustments severely restrict the efficiency of mixed-flow production and fail to meet the stringent requirements of modern industry for highly flexible, non-destructive, and precise sorting. To address these technical issues, there is an urgent need to develop a more mature intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for filter production lines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A smart sorting and unloading device for a filter production line includes a structural connecting frame, a lateral adjustment component, a sorting component, a longitudinal adjustment component, and a shifting unloading component. The structural connecting frame is arranged parallel to a first conveyor belt, and the lateral adjustment component is connected to the structural connecting frame. The sorting component adjusts its horizontal position through the lateral adjustment component. The sorting component includes an identification gripping component and a size identification component. The size identification component is used to acquire the outer diameter parameters of the cylindrical filter in real time and dynamically feeds back the outer diameter parameters to the identification gripping component to adjust the clamping stroke. The longitudinal adjustment component is connected to the structural connecting frame. The shifting unloading component is connected to the longitudinal adjustment component. The shifting unloading component tensions the inner hole of the hollow groove in the filter and forms an alternating workstation with the outer diameter clamping of the identification gripping component, thereby achieving non-destructive diversion and unloading of the cylindrical filter.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: by using a relay sorting logic of flexible outer diameter envelopment and dynamic inner hole tension, the technical defects of easy slippage in traditional single-point gripping are eliminated; combined with visual forward measurement and multi-station rotating architecture, high-frequency adaptive processing of filters of different specifications is realized, effectively reducing the risk of workpiece damage and production stoppage caused by positioning errors. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover assembly in an intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shifting and unloading component in an intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of the matching control module in an intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for a filter production line according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] In the diagram: 1-Structural connecting frame, 2-Horizontal adjustment assembly, 3-Sorting assembly, 4-Identification and gripping assembly, 5-Size identification assembly, 6-Vertical adjustment assembly, 7-Shifting and unloading assembly, 201-Fixed frame, 202-Limiting slide, 203-Sliding component, 204-First telescopic adjustment component, 401-Rotation control component, 402-Connecting arm, 403-Cover frame assembly, 4031-Limiting cover, 4032-Second telescopic adjustment component, 4033-Anti-slip positioning post, 4034-Positioning identification component, 501-Extension plate, 502-Matching control module, 5021-Diameter identification unit, 5022-Clamping control unit, 5023-Action control unit, 5024-Displacement control unit, 601-Third telescopic adjustment component, 602-Slot frame, 603-Tilting component, 701-Fourth telescopic adjustment component, 702-Tensioning component, 703-Anti-slip layer. Detailed Implementation

[0012] 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, and 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.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 1As shown, an intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line includes a structural connecting frame 1, a horizontal adjustment component 2, a sorting component 3, a vertical adjustment component 6, and a shifting unloading component 7. The structural connecting frame 1 is arranged parallel to a first conveyor belt, and the horizontal adjustment component 2 is connected to the structural connecting frame 1. The sorting component 3 achieves horizontal position adjustment through the horizontal adjustment component 2. The sorting component 3 includes an identification gripping component 4 and a size identification component 5. The size identification component 5 is used to acquire the outer diameter parameters of the cylindrical filter in real time and dynamically feeds back to the identification gripping component 4 according to the outer diameter parameters to adjust the clamping stroke. The vertical adjustment component 6 is connected to the structural connecting frame 1. The shifting unloading component 7 is connected to the vertical adjustment component 6. The shifting unloading component 7 tensions the inner hole of the hollow groove in the filter and forms an alternating workstation with the outer diameter clamping of the identification gripping component 4 to achieve non-destructive diversion and unloading of the cylindrical filter.

[0014] The structural connecting frame 1 serves as the support benchmark for the entire machine. The main crossbeam spans horizontally above the first conveyor belt, and its main axis remains absolutely parallel to the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt. The lateral adjustment assembly 2 is installed on the inner linear guide rail of the structural connecting frame 1, responsible for supporting the sorting assembly 3 to move precisely back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt flow direction. The sorting assembly 3 physically wraps the filter through the internal identification gripping assembly 4, and completes the posture compensation of the workpiece before descent through the size identification assembly 5. At the end outlet side of the structural connecting frame 1, the longitudinal adjustment assembly 6 is fixedly installed. The operating logic of this system is to achieve a lossless and stable alternation of outer diameter gripping and inner hole tensioning. During operation, the sorting assembly 3 is positioned above the conveyor belt under the drive of the lateral adjustment assembly 2, and uses the identification gripping assembly 4 to wrap around and clamp the filter shell from the outside; then, the sorting assembly 3 lifts the filter and moves it horizontally to the docking position of the longitudinal adjustment assembly 6. At this time, the shifting and unloading assembly 7 is in the rising position, and its working end is inserted into the central aperture of the cylindrical filter. The moment the gripping component 4 releases the outer diameter, the shifting and unloading component 7 immediately activates the inner hole tensioning mechanism, locking the filter. Then, the longitudinal adjustment component 6 cooperates to complete the flipping and unloading action.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 1As shown, the lateral adjustment assembly 2 includes: a fixed frame 201, a limiting slide 202, a sliding member 203, and a first telescopic adjustment member 204; the fixed frame 201 is fixedly connected to the structural connecting frame 1; the limiting slide 202 is fixedly connected to the fixed frame 201 and is used to provide horizontal guiding support for the sliding member 203; the sliding member 203 is an electric slide; one end of the first telescopic adjustment member 204 is connected to the bottom side of the sliding member 203, and the output end of the first telescopic adjustment member 204 is connected to the sorting assembly 3, driving the sorting assembly 3 to reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the first conveyor belt; the first telescopic adjustment member 204 is an electric telescopic frame.

[0016] The lateral adjustment component 2 is used to achieve dynamic lateral coverage of the sorting station. The limiting slide 202 uses two parallel precision linear guides, the surfaces of which are hardened and chrome-plated to ensure wear resistance during long-term operation. The slider 203 engages with the limiting slide 202. The power transmission is accomplished by the first telescopic adjustment component 204. The stator of the first telescopic adjustment component 204 is fixed to the end of the fixed frame 201, and the extended end of the moving shaft is connected to the slider 203. Through the output of pulse signals from the central control PLC, the first telescopic adjustment component 204 drives the slider 203 to move linearly along the limiting slide 202. Simultaneously, the end of the first telescopic adjustment component 204 extends downwards to connect to the sorting component 3.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the identification and grasping component 4 includes: a rotation control component 401, several connecting arms 402, and a cover assembly 403; the rotation control component 401 is connected to the output end of the first telescopic adjustment component 204; the rotation control component 401 is an electric shaft seat; the several connecting arms 402 are symmetrically distributed in a cross shape and connected to the rotation control component 401; the cover assembly 403 is provided in four groups and is respectively set at the end of the connecting arms 402; the rotation control component 401 drives the connecting arms 402 to rotate periodically, so that the four groups of cover assemblies 403 are switched sequentially to the identification and grasping station and the docking and diversion station.

[0018] The identification and gripping component 4 adopts a multi-station indexing structure to improve system throughput. The rotation control component 401 is mounted on the output flange of the first telescopic adjustment component 204. The connecting arm 402 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the rotation control component 401. Its main structure is a four-way symmetrical cross-shaped aluminum alloy reinforcing arm, with a standard interface at the distal end of each arm for mounting the cover assembly 403. There are four sets of cover assemblies 403 in the system. The advantage of this layout is that it achieves overlapping action times: when the first set of cover assemblies 403 is in the gripping station directly below, performing the filter envelope action, the second set of cover assemblies 403 rotates 90 degrees with the connecting arm 402 to the scanning or buffering station, and the third set is in the 180-degree docking and diversion station. Each cycle of the rotation control component 401 driving the connecting arm 402 to rotate 90 degrees completes one station switch. This discontinuous stepping rotation allows the first telescopic adjustment component 204 to maintain vertical displacement while switching between different execution units through rotation, effectively eliminating the idle travel time loss caused by the reciprocating motion of a single-arm manipulator.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover assembly 403 includes: a limiting cover 4031, a second telescopic adjustment member 4032, an anti-slip positioning post 4033, and a positioning identification member 4034; a plurality of second telescopic adjustment members 4032 are distributed circumferentially along the inner wall of the limiting cover 4031; the second telescopic adjustment members 4032 are electric telescopic frames; the anti-slip positioning post 4033 is connected to the end of the second telescopic adjustment member 4032, and the second telescopic adjustment member 4032 adjusts the telescopic amount according to the outer diameter parameter, so that the anti-slip positioning post 4033 performs centripetal adaptive clamping on filters of different specifications; the positioning identification member 4034 is connected to the bottom of the limiting cover 4031 and is used to lock the grasping trigger timing by sensing the partition unit on the first conveyor belt; the positioning identification member 4034 is a photoelectric sensor.

[0020] The housing assembly 403 is the terminal effector that directly contacts the filter. The limiting cover 4031 is a hollow cylinder, closed at the top and open at the bottom, with sufficient redundancy in its inner wall space to accommodate filters of different outer diameters. Several second telescopic adjustment members 4032 are evenly spaced on the inner circumference of the limiting cover 4031. Each second telescopic adjustment member 4032 has an anti-slip positioning post 4033 connected to the end of its output rod. The surface of the positioning post is covered with a silicone pad to increase static friction and buffer pressure during gripping. A positioning identification member 4034 is embedded in the bottom edge of the limiting cover 4031. During actual gripping, when the positioning identification member 4034 detects that the partition unit on the conveyor belt below has reached its position, the PLC issues a command to lower the sorting head as a whole. Once the limit cover 4031 covers the filter, the second telescopic adjustment component 4032 precisely controls the extension amount according to the data pre-transmitted by the size recognition component 5, so that the anti-slip positioning column 4033 retracts towards the center at the same time, realizing the centripetal and adaptive clamping of the outer wall of the filter.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 1 As shown, the size identification component 5 includes an extension plate 501 and a matching control module 502; the extension plate 501 is fixed on the first telescopic adjustment member 204 and moves synchronously with the sorting component 3; the matching control module 502 is suspended above the cover assembly 403 via the extension plate 501 and is used to pre-complete the coaxiality calibration and size measurement of the filter below before the cover assembly 403 descends.

[0022] The matching control module 502 of the size recognition component 5 is installed at the end of the extension plate 501. It integrates an industrial vision camera and a high-precision line laser rangefinder, with its viewing axis scanning the first conveyor belt vertically downwards. During system operation, the matching control module 502 does not measure the current gripping station, but rather performs a forward-looking scan of the filter to be processed before entering the gripping area. As the filter passes through the scanning area, the matching control module 502 extracts the workpiece's contour information in real time, calculating its end face center coordinates and precise outer diameter. This data is instantly transmitted to the PLC register and bound to the current conveyor belt encoder data. When the filter moves below the recognition gripping component 4, the lateral adjustment component 2 automatically adjusts its lateral displacement based on the previously measured coordinate deviation value to achieve coaxial alignment; simultaneously, the second telescopic adjustment component 4032 presets the cylinder stroke based on the measured diameter. This time difference compensation mechanism between detection and execution completely solves the gripping failure problem caused by material position deviation or specification changes, achieving truly flexible production.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 4As shown, the matching control module 502 includes: a diameter recognition unit 5021, used to calculate the center coordinates and diameter of the end face of the cylindrical filter in real time; a clamping control unit 5022, used to control the preset stroke of the second telescopic adjustment member 4032 according to the diameter, so as to reduce the physical impact during dynamic clamping; an action control unit 5023, used to coordinate the lifting and lowering of the first telescopic adjustment member 204 and the rotation angle of the rotation control member 401; and a displacement control unit 5024, used to control the lateral displacement of the sliding member 203 according to the diversion target station.

[0024] The matching control module 502 is the algorithmic hub for the entire machine's operation, with its internal logic divided into four levels. First, the diameter recognition unit 5021 uses an edge extraction algorithm to separate the circular end face of the filter from the visual image, eliminating background interference from the conveyor belt and outputting millimeter-level diameter data in real time. Then, the clamping control unit 5022 uses this data to call a preset pressure-stroke correspondence table in its internal database to control the inflation pressure of the second telescopic adjustment member 4032, ensuring the most suitable clamping force is applied to filters of different weights and materials. The motion control unit 5023 is responsible for the time sequence management of multi-axis linkage. It monitors the Z-axis height of the first telescopic adjustment member 204 and the rotation angle of the rotation control member 401, ensuring through logical interlocking that rotation only starts after the cover has risen to a safe height. Finally, the displacement control unit 5024 is linked to the downstream diversion task. Based on the filter's classification attributes, it instructs the sliding member 203 to move to the corresponding unloading station. In one embodiment of the present invention: like Figure 1 As shown, the shifting and feeding assembly 7 is connected to the longitudinal adjustment assembly 6, and the third telescopic adjustment member 601 is connected to the structural connecting frame 1; the third telescopic adjustment member 601 is an electric telescopic frame; the slot frame 602 is connected to the third telescopic adjustment member 601, and the third telescopic adjustment member 601 drives the slot frame 602 to perform longitudinal position compensation; the flipping member 603 is rotatably connected to the slot frame 602; the flipping member 603 is an electric rotating shaft; the fourth telescopic adjustment member 701 is inclinedly arranged on the flipping member 603; the fourth telescopic adjustment member 701 is an electric telescopic frame; several tensioning members 702 are controlled by the fourth telescopic adjustment member 701 and open radially outward to lock the filter from the inside; the tensioning member 702 is an electric telescopic arc plate, and the outer side of the tensioning member 702 is covered with an anti-slip layer 703 to increase friction and protect the inner wall.

[0025] The third telescopic adjustment component 601 is vertically fixed to the side end of the structural connecting frame 1. It drives the slot frame 602 via a lead screw to adjust its longitudinal height, compensating for length differences in filters of different specifications. The flipping component 603 is installed inside the slot frame 602, serving as the power core for unloading. The fourth telescopic adjustment component 701 is obliquely installed on the flipping component 603. Its actuating end is a slender tapered rod, capable of unobstructed insertion into the center aperture of the filter. Several tensioning components 702 are embedded circumferentially in the side wall of the rod; in this embodiment, these are miniature eccentric expansion blocks. When the identification and gripping assembly 4 moves the filter directly above it and closes, the fourth telescopic adjustment component 701 extends upward into the aperture. The tensioning components 702 are squeezed outward radially by the internal push rod, thus locking from inside the filter. At this time, the external cover assembly 403 releases its clamp and rotates away, allowing the fourth telescopic adjustment component 701 to carry the filter. Next, the tilting component 603 rotates downwards with the filter, the tensioning component 702 retracts, and the filter slides smoothly into the feed chute along the guide channel with the anti-slip layer 703. The anti-slip layer 703 is made of high-polymer wear-resistant plate, which not only provides the necessary guiding friction, but also protects the cleanliness and integrity of the internal structure of the filter with its low coefficient of friction.

[0026] In summary, the relay-style sorting logic of flexible outer diameter envelopment and dynamic inner hole tension eliminates the technical defects of traditional single-point gripping that easily slips off; combined with visual forward measurement and multi-station rotating architecture, it realizes high-frequency adaptive processing of filters of different specifications, effectively reducing the risk of workpiece damage and production stoppage caused by positioning errors.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An intelligent sorting and unloading device for a filter production line, characterized in that, The system includes a structural connecting frame (1), a lateral adjustment component (2), a sorting component (3), a longitudinal adjustment component (6), and a shifting and unloading component (7). The structural connecting frame (1) is arranged parallel to the first conveyor belt, and the lateral adjustment component (2) is connected to the structural connecting frame (1). The sorting component (3) adjusts its horizontal position through the lateral adjustment component (2). The sorting component (3) includes an identification gripping component (4) and a size identification component (5). The size identification component (5) is used to obtain the outer diameter parameters of the cylindrical filter in real time and dynamically feeds them back to the identification gripping component (4) to adjust the clamping stroke according to the outer diameter parameters. The longitudinal adjustment component (6) is connected to the structural connecting frame (1). The shifting and unloading component (7) is connected to the longitudinal adjustment component (6). The shifting and unloading component (7) forms an alternating work position with the outer diameter clamping of the identification gripping component (4) by tensioning the inner hole of the hollow groove in the filter, thereby realizing the non-destructive diversion and unloading of the cylindrical filter.

2. The intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for the filter production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lateral adjustment component (2) includes: a fixed frame (201), a limiting slide (202), a sliding member (203), and a first telescopic adjustment component (204); the fixed frame (201) is fixedly connected to the structural connecting frame (1); the limiting slide (202) is fixedly connected to the fixed frame (201) and is used to provide horizontal guiding support for the sliding member (203); one end of the first telescopic adjustment component (204) is connected to the bottom side of the sliding member (203), and the output end of the first telescopic adjustment component (204) is connected to the sorting component (3) to drive the sorting component (3) to reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the first conveyor belt.

3. The intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for the filter production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The identification and grasping component (4) includes: a rotation control component (401), several connecting arms (402), and a cover assembly (403); the rotation control component (401) is connected to the output end of the first telescopic adjustment component (204); the several connecting arms (402) are symmetrically distributed in a cross shape and connected to the rotation control component (401); the cover assembly (403) has four sets and is respectively set at the end of the connecting arms (402); the rotation control component (401) drives the connecting arms (402) to rotate periodically, so that the four sets of cover assemblies (403) are switched sequentially to the identification and grasping station and the docking and diversion station.

4. The intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for the filter production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover assembly (403) includes: a limiting cover (4031), a second telescopic adjustment member (4032), an anti-slip positioning post (4033), and a positioning identification member (4034); a plurality of second telescopic adjustment members (4032) are distributed circumferentially along the inner wall of the limiting cover (4031); the anti-slip positioning post (4033) is connected to the end of the second telescopic adjustment member (4032), and the second telescopic adjustment member (4032) adjusts the telescopic amount according to the outer diameter parameter, so that the anti-slip positioning post (4033) performs centripetal adaptive clamping on filters of different specifications; the positioning identification member (4034) is connected to the bottom of the limiting cover (4031) and is used to lock the grasping trigger timing by sensing the partition unit on the first conveyor belt.

5. The intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for the filter production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size identification component (5) includes an extension plate (501) and a matching control module (502); the extension plate (501) is fixed on the first telescopic adjustment member (204) and moves synchronously with the sorting component (3); the matching control module (502) is suspended above the cover assembly (403) through the extension plate (501) and is used to pre-complete the coaxiality calibration and size measurement of the filter below before the cover assembly (403) descends.

6. The intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for the filter production line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The matching control module (502) includes: a diameter recognition unit (5021) for real-time calculation of the center coordinates and diameter of the end face of the cylindrical filter; a clamping control unit (5022) for controlling the preset stroke of the second telescopic adjustment member (4032) according to the diameter to reduce physical impact during dynamic clamping; an action control unit (5023) for coordinating the lifting and lowering of the first telescopic adjustment member (204) and the rotation angle of the rotation control member (401); and a displacement control unit (5024) for controlling the lateral displacement of the sliding member (203) according to the diversion target station.

7. The intelligent sorting and unloading equipment for the filter production line according to claim 6, characterized in that, The shifting and feeding assembly (7) is connected to the longitudinal adjustment assembly (6), and the third telescopic adjustment member (601) is connected to the structural connecting frame (1); the slot frame (602) is connected to the third telescopic adjustment member (601), and the third telescopic adjustment member (601) drives the slot frame (602) to perform longitudinal position compensation; the flipping member (603) is rotatably connected to the slot frame (602); the fourth telescopic adjustment member (701) is inclinedly arranged on the flipping member (603); a plurality of tensioning members (702) are controlled by the fourth telescopic adjustment member (701) and open radially outward to lock the filter from the inside, and the outside of the tensioning member (702) is covered with an anti-slip layer (703) to increase friction and protect the inner wall.

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