Knitting needle detection equipment for automobile interior fabric processing

Abstract

The invention provides knitting needle detection equipment for automobile interior fabric processing, a first laser detection mechanism is used for detecting the size of a knitting needle in each detection station, a magnetic control mechanism comprises a magnetic field generation assembly capable of generating a variable magnetic field in a detection area, and a second laser detection mechanism comprises a plurality of laser detection cylinders. Each laser detection cylinder is provided with a needle inlet, and when the knitting needle is in a suspension state in the variable magnetic field, each laser detection cylinder can cover the knitting needle through the needle inlet so as to detect surface defects of the knitting needle; the sorting area comprises a plurality of air sorting pipes used for classifying and screening the knitting needles according to detection results of the knitting needles and a plurality of collecting openings matched with the air sorting pipes, so that the problems that an existing knitting needle detection device is simple in sorting structure and lacks recognition capacity for complex defects are solved; the problems that sorting accuracy and stability under high-speed operation are difficult to guarantee, the intelligent level is low, and comprehensive detection of the knitting needles cannot be achieved are solved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application filed on October 15, 2025, with application number 2025114726888 and invention title "A Knitting Needle Inspection Device for Automotive Fabric Processing". Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of automotive fabric processing technology, and specifically relates to a knitting needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing. Background Technology

[0003] Automotive fabrics are functional textile materials used in automotive interiors. They must possess properties such as abrasion resistance, flame retardancy, UV resistance, and comfort, and their quality directly affects the aesthetics and safety of the interior. As a key component determining fabric quality, the precision and condition of the knitting needles are crucial and must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet production requirements.

[0004] As disclosed in CN107726995B, an automatic needle detection device based on machine vision includes a detection plate connected to a servo motor and driven to rotate. Around the detection plate are arranged an automatic needle feeding device, an image acquisition and processing unit, and a sorting device. The automatic needle feeding device pushes the needles onto the detection plate. The image acquisition and processing unit acquires images of the needles from different angles and performs image processing to obtain detection results. The sorting device sorts the needles according to the detection results. The automatic needle feeding device includes a base plate with a reduction motor mounted on it. The output shaft of the reduction motor is connected to a crank via a key. The crank is connected to a connecting rod via a copper sleeve. The connecting rod is connected to a slider, which is connected to a square slider. The square slider is located on a linear guide rail and can slide along the linear guide rail. The linear guide rail is fixed to the base plate. The slider is connected to a flat push rod via screws. The flat push rod pushes the needles in the vertical needle plate onto the detection plate. However, the sorting structure of the aforementioned patents is relatively simple, making it difficult to guarantee the accuracy and stability of sorting under high-speed operation; the image acquisition and processing part lacks the ability to identify complex defects, has a low level of intelligence, and cannot achieve comprehensive detection of knitting needles.

[0005] Based on this, this application proposes a knitting needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of existing needle inspection devices having simple sorting structures and lacking the ability to identify complex defects, which makes it difficult to guarantee sorting accuracy and stability at high speeds, as well as having low levels of intelligence and being unable to achieve comprehensive inspection of needles.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing, comprising a ring-shaped conveyor belt and a needle loading area, an inspection area and a sorting area arranged sequentially along the periphery of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is evenly equipped with several inspection stations for carrying knitting needles; A needle feeding box is set up in the needle feeding area, and the lower end of the needle feeding box is equipped with several needle feeding ports for feeding knitting needles into each inspection station. The detection area is equipped with a first laser detection mechanism, a magnetic control mechanism, and a second laser detection mechanism. The first laser detection mechanism is used to detect the size of the knitting needles in each detection station. The magnetic control mechanism includes a magnetic field generating component that can generate a variable magnetic field in the detection area. The second laser detection mechanism includes several laser detection cylinders, each of which has a needle inlet. When the knitting needle is suspended in the variable magnetic field, each laser detection cylinder can be placed on the knitting needle through the needle inlet mask to detect surface defects of the knitting needle. The sorting area includes several air-selection tubes for classifying and screening knitting needles based on the detection results, and several collection ports adapted to each air-selection tube.

[0008] Optionally, the needle box is equipped with a turntable, which has several curved stirring rods for moving the knitting needles in the needle box, and one end of the turntable is connected to a second drive motor for driving it to rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

[0009] Optionally, the needle box is provided with several needle insertion channels. Each needle insertion channel is divided from top to bottom into a tapered needle insertion section and a curved needle insertion section whose lower end is connected to each needle insertion port. A limiting component is provided in the curved needle insertion section. When the needle falls from the tapered needle insertion section into the curved needle insertion section, the limiting component can limit or release the needle.

[0010] Optionally, the first laser detection mechanism includes several infrared laser sensors, each of which can detect the size of the knitting needles in each detection station.

[0011] Optionally, the second laser detection mechanism also includes a soft magnetic plate disposed on one side of the conveyor belt. The soft magnetic plate is capable of generating a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field of the variable magnetic field, so that the knitting needles in the magnetic field are suspended.

[0012] Optionally, the magnetic field generating component includes a controller and an electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic coil being energized by the controller to generate a variable magnetic field.

[0013] Optionally, the second laser detection mechanism further includes a first control box for controlling each laser detection cylinder. The upper end of the first control box is connected to two symmetrically arranged cylinders, which are used to drive each laser detection cylinder closer to or away from the knitting needle.

[0014] Optionally, each of the laser detection tubes is provided with several infrared laser projectors and several camera arrays arranged alternately along the circumference of its inner arm. The infrared laser projectors can emit infrared lasers onto the surface of the knitting needle, and the camera arrays are used to collect the light signals from the surface of the knitting needle to detect surface defects.

[0015] Optionally, a hardness testing mechanism is provided in the testing area. The hardness testing mechanism includes a second mounting base on the base plate, a second control box on the side of the second mounting base facing the conveyor belt, a transducer at the lower end of the second control box, and an air coupling rod connected to the lower end of the transducer. The ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer are emitted to the surface of the knitting needle through the air coupling rod to test the hardness of the knitting needle.

[0016] Optionally, several collection ports are arranged one-to-one on the opposite side of each air separator, and one end of each collection port is connected to a needle collection tube. The lower end of the needle collection tube is provided with a pull-out needle collection box. When each air separator blows and selects the knitting needles, the knitting needles can be collected into the pull-out needle collection box in sequence through each collection port and the needle collection tube.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention proposes a needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing. It comprises several inspection stations evenly distributed on a conveyor belt to support the needles. A first laser inspection mechanism detects the size of the needles at each station. A magnetic field generating component generates a variable magnetic field within the inspection area. Several laser inspection tubes, each with a needle inlet, are used so that when the needles are suspended in the variable magnetic field, each laser inspection tube can be placed on the needle through a needle inlet mask to detect surface defects. Furthermore, a sorting area is equipped with several air separators that classify and screen the needles based on the inspection results, and several collection ports adapted to each air separator. Compared to existing needle inspection devices, this invention employs a non-contact detection method with suspended needles, combined with laser detection. This reduces needle damage while improving the ability to identify complex defects, enhancing the level of intelligence and achieving comprehensive needle inspection. In addition, it enables needle classification and screening, improving the sorting accuracy of needles during high-speed transport, thus ensuring the quality of automotive fabrics.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, the technical solution of the present invention can effectively solve the problems of the existing needle detection device having a simple sorting structure and lacking the ability to identify complex defects, which makes it difficult to guarantee the sorting accuracy and stability under high-speed operation, as well as having a low level of intelligence and being unable to achieve comprehensive detection of needles.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention can be better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a knitting needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing, shown from a first perspective, is presented according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a knitting needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing, shown from a second perspective according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a knitting needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a needle-feeding box according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the detection station according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an electrical control box according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the laser detection tube according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a pull-out needle collection box according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure label: 1-Conveyor belt; 2-Detection station; 3-Needle insertion box; 301-Needle insertion port; 302-Needle inlet; 4-Laser detection cylinder; 401-Needle inlet; 5-Gas separator; 6-Collection port; 7-Driven roller; 8-Driven roller; 9-First drive motor; 10-First limit plate; 11-Second limit plate; 12-Support leg; 13-Base plate; 14-Bracket; 15-Turntable; 16-Stirring rod; 17-Second drive motor; 18-Conical lower needle section; 19-Bent lower needle section; 20-Support ; 21-Electric push rod; 22-Guide ramp; 23-Infrared laser sensor; 24-Soft magnetic plate; 25-Controller; 26-Electromagnetic coil; 27-Electrical control box; 28-First control box; 29-Cylinder; 30-First mounting base; 31-Infrared laser projector; 32-Camera array; 33-Second mounting base; 34-Second control box; 35-Transducer; 36-Air coupling rod; 37-Third control box; 38-Needle receiving tube; 39-Pull-out needle collection box; 40-Protective layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to more fully understand the technical solutions of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described more comprehensively and in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the one or more embodiments of the present invention described below are merely one or more specific ways to implement the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not exhaustive. It should be understood that other ways belonging to a general inventive concept can be used to implement the technical solutions of the present invention, and should not be limited to the embodiments described exemplary. Based on one or more embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Reference Figure 1-8 The present invention provides a needle inspection device for processing automotive interior fabrics, including a ring-shaped conveyor belt 1 and a needle loading area, an inspection area and a sorting area arranged sequentially along the periphery of the conveyor belt 1. The conveyor belt 1 is evenly equipped with several inspection stations 2 for carrying knitting needles; A needle feeding box 3 is provided in the needle feeding area, and a number of needle feeding ports 301 are provided at the lower end of the needle feeding box 3 for feeding knitting needles into each detection station 2; The detection area is equipped with a first laser detection mechanism, a magnetic control mechanism, and a second laser detection mechanism. The first laser detection mechanism is used to detect the size of the knitting needle in each detection station 2. The magnetic control mechanism includes a magnetic field generating component that can generate a variable magnetic field in the detection area. The second laser detection mechanism includes several laser detection cylinders 4, each of which has a needle inlet 401. When the knitting needle is suspended in the variable magnetic field, each laser detection cylinder 4 can cover the knitting needle through the needle inlet 401 to detect surface defects of the knitting needle. The sorting area includes several air separation tubes 5 for classifying and screening needles based on the detection results, and several collection ports 6 adapted to each air separation tube 5.

[0025] In one embodiment, a drive roller 7 and a driven roller 8 are respectively provided at both ends inside the conveyor belt 1. The lower end of the drive roller 7 is connected to a first drive motor 9. When the first drive motor 9 drives the drive roller 7, the drive roller 7 can drive the driven roller 8 and the conveyor belt 1 to rotate.

[0026] In one embodiment, two first limiting plates 10 are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the driving roller 7 and the driven roller 8 for limiting the inner side of the conveyor belt 1.

[0027] In one embodiment, a second limiting plate 11 for limiting the outer side of the conveyor belt 1 is provided.

[0028] Specifically, the first limiting plate 10 and the second limiting plate 11 can prevent the conveyor belt 1 from deviating during the transmission of knitting needles, thus ensuring the stability of the knitting needle transmission.

[0029] In one embodiment, the lower ends of the first limiting plate 10 and the second limiting plate 11 are each provided with a plurality of legs 12 for supporting them.

[0030] In one embodiment, the lower ends of several legs 12 are provided with a base plate 13 for supporting them.

[0031] In one embodiment, a support 14 for mounting the needle box 3 on the conveyor belt 1 is provided on the base plate 13.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, a turntable 15 is provided inside the needle box 3. The turntable 15 is provided with several curved stirring rods 16 for moving the knitting needles inside the needle box 3. One end of the turntable 15 is connected to a second drive motor 17 for driving it to rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the plurality of stirring rods 16 are rod-shaped structures made of ceramic material.

[0034] Specifically, the lengths of the stirring rods 16 are not the same, and they can rotate within the needle box 3 to a certain extent under the action of the second drive motor 17, so as to move the knitting needles.

[0035] Ceramic materials have high hardness, low coefficient of friction and excellent wear resistance. When in contact with knitting needles, they can effectively reduce the micro-cutting effect caused by mechanical friction. At the same time, ceramics have a high elastic modulus but controllable toughness. During the knitting process, stress can be dispersed through micro-deformation to avoid scratches or breakage of the knitting needle surface caused by local stress concentration.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, the needle box 3 is provided with several needle insertion channels. Each needle insertion channel is divided from top to bottom into a tapered needle insertion section 18 and a curved needle insertion section 19 whose lower end is connected to each needle insertion port 301. A limiting component is provided in the curved needle insertion section 19. When the knitting needle falls from the tapered needle insertion section 18 into the curved needle insertion section 19, the limiting component can limit or release the knitting needle.

[0037] In one specific embodiment, the limiting component includes a support 20 and an electric push rod 21 mounted on the support 20. The electric push rod 21 can close or open the lower needle section 19 of the bend.

[0038] In one specific embodiment, the upper end of the needle box 3 is also provided with a needle feeding port 302 for feeding knitting needles.

[0039] Specifically, the knitting needles can enter the needle box 3 through the upper needle port 302, and after being agitated by several stirring rods 16, they enter the conical lower needle section 18, and are finally placed into each testing station 2 through the curved lower needle section 19 and the needle port 301.

[0040] In one embodiment, two guide ramps 22 are symmetrically arranged in each detection station 2. Both guides are used to guide the knitting needle to the center of each detection station 2. Specifically, guiding the knitting needle to the center of each detection station 2 can reduce the detection error caused by the knitting needle deviation during subsequent detection, thereby improving the accuracy of the knitting needle detection. Moreover, both guide ramps 22 are made of ceramic material, which has the same technical effect as the plurality of stirring rods 16, and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first laser detection mechanism includes a plurality of infrared laser sensors 23, each of which is capable of detecting the size of the knitting needles in each detection station 2.

[0042] Specifically, infrared laser sensors 23 are respectively positioned at corresponding locations at both ends of the knitting needle. The emitting end of the infrared laser sensor 23 can emit modulated infrared laser. When the end of the knitting needle blocks the light path, the receiving end accurately measures the blocking position by detecting the light intensity attenuation or phase change. Combined with the spacing data of the infrared laser sensors 23 on both sides, the total length of the knitting needle and the diameters at both ends can be calculated simultaneously, thereby realizing the detection of the knitting needle size. The specific structure and working principle of the infrared laser sensor 23 are existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second laser detection mechanism further includes a soft magnetic plate 24 disposed on one side of the conveyor belt 1. The soft magnetic plate 24 is capable of generating a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field of the variable magnetic field, so that the knitting needle in the magnetic field is in a suspended state.

[0044] In one specific embodiment, the magnetic field generating component includes a controller 25 and an electromagnetic coil 26, the electromagnetic coil 26 being energized by the controller 25 to generate a variable magnetic field.

[0045] Specifically, when the electromagnetic coil 26 is energized, it generates a magnetic field with the opposite polarity to that of the soft magnetic plate 24. A repulsive force is formed between the two, which balances the gravity of the knitting needle located in the magnetic field, causing the needle to suspend above the conveyor belt. The controller 25 can adjust the current intensity to dynamically control the suspension height of the knitting needle, thus better adapting it to each laser detection cylinder 4 for more accurate surface defect detection. After the magnetic field disappears, the residual magnetism of the soft magnetic plate 24 rapidly decays, the repulsive force disappears, and the knitting needle naturally falls back onto the conveyor belt 1 under the influence of gravity for transport to subsequent inspection processes.

[0046] It is worth noting that using a needle suspension method for detection has several advantages. First, it eliminates direct contact between the needle and the conveyor belt 1, reducing frictional loss and extending equipment life. Second, the suspension reduces vibration interference, ensuring the needle remains in a stable position during detection and effectively improving accuracy. Third, by adjusting the current of the electromagnetic coil 26, it can quickly adapt to the suspension requirements of needles of different specifications, enhancing the flexibility of the needle detection equipment. Furthermore, the soft magnetic plate 24 requires no continuous power supply; only the electromagnetic coil 26 consumes power, and the magnetic field can be switched instantaneously, reducing energy consumption. This achieves contactless suspension and precise return of the needle, improving detection efficiency and reliability.

[0047] In one embodiment, an electrical control box 27 for arranging the controller 25 and the electromagnetic coil 26 is provided on the first limiting plate 10.

[0048] In one embodiment, the second laser detection mechanism further includes a first control box 28 for controlling each laser detection cylinder 4. The upper end of the first control box 28 is connected to two symmetrically arranged cylinders 29, which are used to drive each laser detection cylinder 4 to move closer to or away from the knitting needle.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the base plate 13 is provided with a first mounting seat 30 for mounting two cylinders 29.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, each laser detection cylinder 4 is provided with several infrared laser projectors 31 and several camera arrays 32 arranged alternately along the circumference of its inner arm. The infrared laser projectors 31 can emit infrared lasers onto the surface of the knitting needle, and the camera arrays 32 are used to collect the light signals from the surface of the knitting needle to detect surface defects of the knitting needle.

[0051] Specifically, the first control box 28 enables centralized control of each laser detection cylinder 4, and two cylinders 29 drive each laser detection cylinder 4 to move precisely in the vertical direction, allowing each laser detection cylinder 4 to move closer to or further away from the needle surface to meet the detection needs of different needle specifications. Several infrared laser projectors 31 emit infrared lasers of specific wavelengths onto the needle surface, forming a uniform light spot coverage area, while the camera array 32 collects light signals reflected or scattered from the needle surface from multiple angles. By analyzing parameters such as light intensity distribution and reflection angle, microscopic defects such as needle tip burrs, needle body scratches, and surface unevenness can be accurately identified.

[0052] The coordinated operation of several infrared laser projectors 31 and several camera arrays 32 overcomes the dependence of traditional visual inspection on ambient light, and the circumferential staggered layout design expands the detection coverage and reduces the detection blind zone. Combined with the high penetration of infrared lasers and the high resolution of cameras, the detection rate of small defects in knitting needles is significantly improved, so as to achieve comprehensive inspection of knitting needles.

[0053] The specific structures of the infrared laser projectors 31 and the camera arrays 32 are all existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0054] In one embodiment, a hardness testing mechanism is provided in the detection area. The hardness testing mechanism includes a second mounting base 33 disposed on the base plate 13. A second control box 34 is disposed on the side of the second mounting base 33 facing the conveyor belt 1. A transducer 35 is disposed at the lower end of the second control box 34. An air coupling rod 36 is connected to the lower end of the transducer 35. The ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer 35 are emitted to the surface of the knitting needle through the air coupling rod 36 to perform hardness testing on the knitting needle.

[0055] Specifically, the transducer 35 converts the high-frequency electrical pulses output from the second control box 34 into ultrasonic vibrations, which are then concentrated and emitted onto the surface of the knitting needle via the air coupling rod 36, forming a stable sound field without direct contact. This non-contact characteristic avoids scratching the surface of the knitting needle by traditional hardness testers. The focusing design of the air coupling rod 36 improves the utilization rate of acoustic energy, ensures detection accuracy, is compatible with the continuous detection mode of the conveyor belt 1, and meets the high-speed detection requirements on the conveyor belt 1.

[0056] In one specific embodiment, the electrical control box 27 is equipped with a third control box 37 for controlling the air output of each air separator 5. Specifically, the third control box 37 has a built-in solenoid valve group and a pressure regulating module, which independently controls the air output of each air separator 5 through circuit connection. Its air output structure consists of a high-pressure air source, a solenoid valve, a pressure regulating valve, and an air output nozzle: when the third control box 37 receives a sorting signal, the corresponding solenoid valve opens, the compressed air is precisely regulated to the set pressure by the pressure regulating valve, and is ejected at high speed through the air output nozzle to form a directional airflow. This allows the knitting needles to be classified and screened according to the detection results of the knitting needles, namely the size, surface defect degree, and hardness of the knitting needles, so as to significantly improve the screening accuracy of knitting needles under high-speed transmission.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, a plurality of collection ports 6 are arranged one-to-one on the opposite side of each air separation tube 5, and one end of each collection port 6 is connected to a needle collection tube 38. The lower end of the needle collection tube 38 is provided with a pull-out needle collection box 39. When each air separation tube 5 blows and selects the knitting needles, the knitting needles can be collected into the pull-out needle collection box 39 in sequence through each collection port 6 and the needle collection tube 38.

[0058] In one embodiment, a protective layer 40 for protecting the knitting needles is provided inside the pull-out needle collection box 39.

[0059] Specifically, the protective layer 40 is made of foamed silicone, whose high elasticity and cushioning can effectively absorb the impact force of the knitting needle during transportation or storage, preventing the needle tip from bending or the needle body from breaking. At the same time, the aging resistance of silicone ensures that it will not deform after long-term use.

[0060] It is worth noting that the first drive motor 9, the second drive motor 17, the electric push rod 21, the controller 25, the first control box 28, the second control box 34, and the third control box 37 of the present invention are all electrically connected to each other, so as to facilitate reasonable adjustment according to the detection needs.

[0061] Furthermore, the structure and control principle of the first control box 28, the second control box 34 and the third control box 37 are existing technologies, and will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The needle inspection device of the present invention, when inspecting needles: First, the first drive motor 9 is started to drive the active roller 7 to rotate, which in turn drives the driven roller 8 and the annular conveyor belt 1 to run in a cycle. The knitting needle is inserted into the needle box 3 through the upper needle port 302. Inside the box, the turntable 15 rotates under the drive of the second drive motor 17, causing the ceramic stirring rod 16 to agitate the knitting needle, causing it to pass through the tapered lower needle section 18 and the curved lower needle section 19. After being released by the limiting assembly controlled by the electric push rod 21, it falls from the needle port 301 into the detection station 2. The guide ramp 22 guides the knitting needle to the center of the station to prevent it from deviating.

[0063] Then, conveyor belt 1 sends the knitting needle into the inspection area. First, infrared laser sensor 23 emits modulated infrared laser light. By detecting light intensity attenuation or phase change, the diameter of both ends and the total length of the knitting needle are measured to complete the size inspection. Subsequently, electromagnetic coil 26 is energized under the regulation of controller 25, generating a magnetic field with the opposite polarity to that of soft magnetic plate 24, causing the knitting needle to suspend above the conveyor belt. At this time, cylinder 29 drives laser inspection cylinder 4 to move down, covering the knitting needle through needle inlet 401. Infrared laser projector 31 emits laser light onto the surface of the knitting needle, and camera array 32 collects reflected light signals from multiple angles to analyze defects such as needle tip burrs and needle body scratches. After the inspection is completed, the magnetic field disappears, and the knitting needle falls back into inspection station 2.

[0064] Next, the knitting needle is conveyed to the bottom of the hardness testing mechanism. The transducer 35 of the hardness testing mechanism generates ultrasonic waves under the control of the second control box 34. The ultrasonic waves are emitted to the surface of the knitting needle through the air coupling rod 36, and the hardness is detected by the sound wave reflection characteristics.

[0065] Finally, the knitting needles enter the sorting area. The third control box 37 controls the air separator 5 to blow air, which sorts the knitting needles according to the detection structure and blows them into the corresponding collection port 6. The needles then fall into the pull-out needle collection box 39 through the needle collection tube 38. The foamed silicone protective layer 40 inside the box buffers the impact and prevents damage to the knitting needles.

[0066] The entire process is controlled collaboratively by the electrical control box 27, the first control box 28, and the second control box 34, enabling non-contact detection and automatic sorting of needle size, surface defects, and hardness.

[0067] This invention proposes a needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing. It comprises several inspection stations evenly distributed on a conveyor belt to support the needles. A first laser inspection mechanism detects the size of the needles at each station. A magnetic field generating component generates a variable magnetic field within the inspection area. Several laser inspection tubes, each with a needle inlet, are used so that when the needles are suspended in the variable magnetic field, each laser inspection tube can be placed on the needle through a needle inlet mask to detect surface defects. Furthermore, a sorting area is equipped with several air separators that classify and screen the needles based on the inspection results, and several collection ports adapted to each air separator. Compared to existing needle inspection devices, this invention employs a non-contact detection method with suspended needles, combined with laser detection. This reduces needle damage while improving the ability to identify complex defects, enhancing the level of intelligence and achieving comprehensive needle inspection. In addition, it enables needle classification and screening, improving the sorting accuracy of needles during high-speed transport, thus ensuring the quality of automotive fabrics.

[0068] While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented in any other form without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative and not restrictive, and many modifications and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knitting needle inspection device for automotive interior fabric processing, characterized in that, It includes a circular conveyor belt and needle-feeding area, detection area and sorting area arranged sequentially along the perimeter of the conveyor belt; The conveyor belt is evenly equipped with several inspection stations for carrying knitting needles; A needle feeding box is set up in the needle feeding area, and the lower end of the needle feeding box is equipped with several needle feeding ports for feeding knitting needles into each inspection station. The detection area is equipped with a first laser detection mechanism, a magnetic control mechanism, and a second laser detection mechanism. The first laser detection mechanism is used to detect the size of the knitting needles in each detection station. The magnetic control mechanism includes a magnetic field generating component that can generate a variable magnetic field in the detection area. The second laser detection mechanism includes several laser detection cylinders, each of which has a needle inlet. When the knitting needle is suspended in the variable magnetic field, each laser detection cylinder can be placed on the knitting needle through the needle inlet mask to detect surface defects of the knitting needle. The sorting area includes several air separation tubes for classifying and screening knitting needles based on the detection results, and several collection ports adapted to each air separation tube. The first laser detection mechanism includes several infrared laser sensors, each of which can detect the size of the knitting needles in each detection station; The second laser detection mechanism also includes a soft magnetic plate disposed on one side of the conveyor belt. The soft magnetic plate can generate a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field of the variable magnetic field, so that the knitting needle in the magnetic field is in a suspended state. The magnetic field generating component includes a controller and an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil can be energized by the controller to generate a variable magnetic field. The second laser detection mechanism also includes a first control box for controlling each laser detection cylinder. The upper end of the first control box is connected to two symmetrically arranged cylinders, which are used to drive each laser detection cylinder to move closer to or away from the knitting needle.

2. The knitting needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle box is equipped with a turntable, which has several curved stirring rods for moving the knitting needles in the needle box. One end of the turntable is connected to a second drive motor for driving it to rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

3. The knitting needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The needle box is provided with several needle insertion channels. Each needle insertion channel is divided from top to bottom into a tapered needle insertion section and a curved needle insertion section whose lower end is connected to each needle insertion port. A limiting component is provided in the curved needle insertion section. When the needle falls from the tapered needle insertion section into the curved needle insertion section, the limiting component can limit or release the needle.

4. The knitting needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the laser detection tubes has several infrared laser projectors and several camera arrays arranged alternately along the circumference of its inner arm. The infrared laser projectors can emit infrared lasers onto the surface of the knitting needle, and the camera arrays are used to collect the light signals from the surface of the knitting needle to detect surface defects.

5. The knitting needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A hardness testing mechanism is provided in the testing area. The hardness testing mechanism includes a second mounting base on the base plate. A second control box is provided on the side of the second mounting base facing the conveyor belt. A transducer is provided at the lower end of the second control box. An air coupling rod is connected to the lower end of the transducer. The ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer are emitted to the surface of the knitting needle through the air coupling rod to test the hardness of the knitting needle.

6. The knitting needle inspection device for automotive fabric processing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several collection ports are arranged one-to-one on the opposite side of each air separator, and one end of each collection port is connected to a needle collection tube. The lower end of the needle collection tube is provided with a pull-out needle collection box. When each air separator blows and selects the knitting needles, the knitting needles can be collected into the pull-out needle collection box in sequence through each collection port and the needle collection tube.

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