Nut sorter

Abstract

The application discloses a nut sorting device and relates to the technical field of mechanical part sorting equipment. The nut sorting device comprises a sorting workbench and a material poking piece. The sorting workbench is formed with a sorting boss. The sorting boss is formed with a guide slope for guiding a to-be-sorted nut to slide to the edge. The sorting workbench is also formed with a plurality of material falling holes penetrating through in the thickness direction. The material falling holes are distributed along the edge of the sorting boss in the circumferential direction. The material poking piece is arranged on the sorting workbench. The material poking piece is formed with a material poking part. The material poking part is suitable for rotating around the sorting boss to poke the to-be-sorted nut on the sorting workbench to the material falling hole. The nut sorting device can automatically sort mixed nuts, guarantee smooth operation of an assembly line, ensure assembly quality safety and reduce labor cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mechanical parts sorting equipment, and in particular to a nut sorter. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, at the same workstation on an automotive assembly line, processes such as engine compartment assembly, chassis connection, and interior trim fixing all rely on nuts as critical connecting parts, with M4, M6, M8, and M10 being the four most commonly used types. However, in actual operation, due to frequent material transfers and constant handling, these four types of nuts are often mixed up in the workstation's material box. During assembly, workers have to compare and select nuts one by one, a process that not only consumes a significant amount of valuable assembly preparation time but also requires frequent switching of attention, severely impacting the overall rhythm of the assembly line.

[0003] The sorting of mixed nuts on automotive assembly lines still relies heavily on manual labor, resulting in extremely low efficiency. Automotive assembly lines have extremely high production speed requirements; manually selecting nuts requires comparing each one to its model. When the quantity of nuts is large, this consumes a significant amount of assembly preparation time, easily causing assembly line downtime due to material shortages, and severely slowing down the assembly process. Furthermore, automotive assembly demands extremely high precision in nut matching; using the wrong nut can lead to loose component connections, causing serious safety hazards. Moreover, workers are prone to fatigue from prolonged high-intensity work, making it easy to confuse nuts of similar models. In addition, automotive assembly lines require a large number of sorting personnel, increasing the company's human resource investment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one object of this invention is to provide a nut sorter. According to the nut sorter of this invention, mixed nuts can be automatically sorted, ensuring smooth operation of the assembly line, safe assembly quality, and reduced labor costs.

[0005] The nut sorter according to the present invention includes: a sorting worktable, the sorting worktable having a sorting boss, the sorting boss having a guide ramp for guiding the nuts to be sorted to slide towards the edge, the sorting worktable also having a plurality of discharge holes extending in the thickness direction, the discharge holes being distributed circumferentially along the edge of the sorting boss, the diameter of the plurality of discharge holes being adapted to the circumscribed circle diameter of nuts of different specifications to be sorted; and a material-pushing component, the material-pushing component being disposed on the sorting worktable, the material-pushing component having a material-pushing portion, the material-pushing portion being located outside the sorting boss and adapted to rotate around the sorting boss to push the nuts to be sorted on the sorting worktable toward the discharge holes.

[0006] The nut sorter according to the present invention, by setting material drop holes adapted to the diameters of nuts of different specifications, and cooperating with the rotation and actuation of the material feeding component and the guidance of the sorting boss guide slope, can achieve automatic sorting of mixed nuts. Compared with the manual sorting method in related technologies, it improves sorting efficiency, saves a lot of assembly preparation time, and effectively avoids the problem of assembly line downtime due to slow manual sorting, thus helping to ensure the smooth operation of the assembly line. At the same time, using a mechanical structure for sorting avoids fatigue caused by long-term high-intensity manual work, thereby reducing the risk of nut model confusion caused by human factors, improving the accuracy of nut sorting, and thus ensuring the quality and safety of automobile assembly. In addition, the application of this nut sorter can also reduce the manpower input of enterprises in the sorting process and reduce labor costs.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the nut sorter further includes: a guide baffle, the guide baffle being fixedly disposed on the edge of the sorting workbench and extending circumferentially along the sorting table surface, the guide baffle defining a guide channel suitable for guiding the nuts to be sorted from the edge of the sorting boss to the discharge hole, and a discharge hole correspondingly disposed in each guide channel.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the width of the guide channel gradually decreases from one end near the sorting boss to the other end near the corresponding discharge hole.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guide baffle includes a plurality of guide portions, which are distributed circumferentially along the sorting boss and connected sequentially, each guide portion defining a guide channel; each guide portion includes: a first side plate disposed on the side of the material discharge hole corresponding to the guide channel away from the sorting boss; a second side plate connected to one end of the first side plate and extending toward the sorting boss; a third side plate connected to the other end of the first side plate and extending toward the sorting boss; wherein the first side plate, the second side plate and the third side plate together enclose the guide channel, and the first side plate, the second side plate and the third side plate are respectively tangent to the edge of the material discharge hole corresponding to the guide channel.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper edge of the guide baffle is formed with a flange that bends toward the inside of the guide channel.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the edge profile of the sorting boss is circular, and the height of the sorting boss gradually decreases from the center to the edge to form the guide slope.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the nut sorter further includes: a drive shaft extending along the central axis of the sorting boss and passing through the sorting boss; a material feeding member connected to the drive shaft and extending radially; and the drive shaft being adapted to drive the material feeding member to rotate around the sorting boss.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the feeding part is located at one end of the feeding member opposite to the drive shaft and extends parallel to the drive shaft. The outer periphery of the feeding part is provided with a plurality of bristles, which are distributed at intervals along the axial and circumferential directions of the feeding part and extend radially outward along the feeding part.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the nut sorter further includes: a drive component, the output end of which is connected to the drive shaft for driving the drive shaft to rotate; and a control module, which is electrically connected to the drive component and is used to control the start, stop and speed of the drive component.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the nut sorter further includes: a receiving worktable, the receiving worktable being arranged parallel to and spaced apart below the sorting worktable; a receiving component, the receiving component being connected to the receiving worktable and extending toward the sorting worktable, the receiving component having a receiving channel extending axially therein, the receiving component being constructed as a plurality of corresponding to a plurality of dropping holes, the upper opening of the receiving channel of each receiving component being directly opposite to the corresponding dropping hole to be adapted to receive the nuts to be sorted falling from the dropping hole; wherein, the diameter of the upper opening of each receiving channel is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding dropping hole, and each receiving channel is coaxially arranged with the corresponding dropping hole.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a nut sorter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of a nut sorter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting workbench and guide baffle of a nut sorter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the receiving workbench and receiving component of a nut sorter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the drive shaft and the feeding component of a nut sorter according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure label: 1. Nut sorter; 11. Receiving workbench; 12. Sorting workbench; 121. Sorting boss; 122. Material discharge hole; 13. Receiving parts; 131. Receiving channel; 14. Material feeding component; 141. Material feeding section; 142. Brush bristles; 15. Guide baffle; 151. Guide channel; 152. Guide part; 1521. First side plate; 1522. Second side plate; 1523. Third side plate; 16. Drive shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships 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. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] In related technologies, at the same workstation on an automotive assembly line, processes such as engine compartment assembly, chassis connection, and interior trim fixing all rely on nuts as critical connecting parts, with M4, M6, M8, and M10 being the four most commonly used types. However, in actual operation, due to frequent material transfers and constant handling, these four types of nuts are often mixed up in the workstation's material box. During assembly, workers have to compare and select nuts one by one, a process that not only consumes a significant amount of valuable assembly preparation time but also requires frequent switching of attention, severely impacting the overall rhythm of the assembly line.

[0022] The sorting of mixed nuts on automotive assembly lines still relies heavily on manual labor, resulting in extremely low efficiency. Automotive assembly lines have extremely high production speed requirements; manually selecting nuts requires comparing each one to its model. When the quantity of nuts is large, this consumes a significant amount of assembly preparation time, easily causing assembly line downtime due to material shortages, and severely slowing down the assembly process. Furthermore, automotive assembly demands extremely high precision in nut matching; using the wrong nut can lead to loose component connections, causing serious safety hazards. Moreover, workers are prone to fatigue from prolonged high-intensity work, making it easy to confuse nuts of similar models. In addition, automotive assembly lines require a large number of sorting personnel, increasing the company's human resource investment.

[0023] The following is for reference. Figures 1-5 A nut sorter 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0024] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the nut sorter 1 according to the present invention includes a sorting worktable 12 and a feeding member 14. The sorting worktable 12 is formed with a sorting boss 121, which has a guide ramp for guiding the nut to be sorted to slide towards the edge. When the nut is placed on the sorting boss 121, under the action of gravity, the nut will gradually move towards the edge along the guide ramp, making it easier for it to be fed to the drop hole 122 by the feeding member 141.

[0025] The sorting workbench 12 also has multiple through-holes 122 in the thickness direction. The through-holes 122 are distributed circumferentially along the edge of the sorting boss 121. The diameter of the multiple through-holes 122 is adapted to the outer diameter of the circumscribed circle of nuts of different specifications to be sorted.

[0026] For example, if it is necessary to sort nuts of four types, namely M4, M6, M8 and M10, four feeding holes 122 can be set accordingly. The diameter of each hole is slightly larger than the nominal diameter of each type of nut, so as to ensure that the nuts of the corresponding type can pass through smoothly, while nuts smaller than the diameter cannot pass through, thereby achieving preliminary type screening.

[0027] A feeding component 14 is disposed on the sorting worktable 12. The feeding component 14 has a feeding part 141, which is located outside the sorting boss 121 and is adapted to rotate around the sorting boss 121 to feed the nuts to be sorted on the sorting worktable 12 toward the discharge hole 122. The rotation of the feeding part 141 provides power for the movement of the nuts, and can effectively push those nuts that may remain on the surface of the sorting worktable 12 or the edge of the sorting boss 121 toward the discharge hole 122 area, thereby improving sorting efficiency.

[0028] In practical use, the nuts to be sorted are placed on the sorting boss 121, and the nuts slide towards the edge under the guidance of the guide ramp. At the same time, the feeding part 141 of the feeding component 14 rotates around the sorting boss 121, further pushing the nuts towards the discharge hole 122. When the nut moves to the discharge hole 122 that matches its own diameter, it will fall through the discharge hole 122, thereby realizing the automatic sorting and collection of nuts of different specifications.

[0029] The nut sorter 1 according to the present invention, by setting material drop holes 122 adapted to the diameters of nuts of different specifications, and cooperating with the rotation of the material feeding component 14 and the guidance of the sorting boss 121 guide slope, can realize the automatic sorting of mixed nuts. Compared with the manual sorting method in related technologies, it improves sorting efficiency, saves a lot of assembly preparation time, effectively avoids the problem of assembly line downtime due to slow manual sorting, and helps to ensure the smooth operation of the assembly line. At the same time, using mechanical structure for sorting avoids fatigue caused by long-term high-intensity manual work, thereby reducing the risk of nut model confusion caused by human factors, improving the accuracy of nut sorting, and thus ensuring the quality and safety of automobile assembly. In addition, the application of this nut sorter 1 can also reduce the manpower input of enterprises in the sorting process and reduce labor costs.

[0030] Therefore, the nut sorter 1 according to the present invention can automatically sort mixed nuts, ensuring smooth operation of the final assembly line, safe assembly quality, and reduced labor costs.

[0031] It should be noted that the fact that the diameters of multiple discharge holes 122 are compatible with the diameters of different specifications of nuts to be sorted does not mean that the diameters of the discharge holes 122 are exactly the same as the diameters of the corresponding specifications of nuts to be sorted. In actual design, the diameter of the discharge hole 122 can be larger than the outer circle diameter of the corresponding specification nut, ensuring that the corresponding model of nut can pass smoothly through the discharge hole 122 and guaranteeing the smoothness of the sorting process. For example, for an M4 model nut, its outer circle diameter is 7mm, corresponding to a discharge hole 122 diameter of 9mm; for an M6 model nut, its outer circle diameter is 10mm, corresponding to a discharge hole 122 diameter of 12mm, and so on.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the nut sorter 1 also includes a guide baffle 15, which is fixedly installed on the edge of the sorting workbench 12 and extends circumferentially along the sorting table surface. This allows the nuts to move under the guidance of the guide baffle 15 during the process of being moved by the feeding part 141, further optimizing the movement path of the nuts during the sorting process and increasing the probability that the nuts will accurately fall into the corresponding feeding hole 122, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the entire sorting process.

[0033] The guide baffle 15 defines a guide channel 151 suitable for guiding the nuts to be sorted from the edge of the sorting boss 121 to the discharge hole 122. Each guide channel 151 is provided with a corresponding discharge hole 122. When the feeding part 141 moves the nut to the entrance of the guide channel 151, the nut will move along the guide channel 151 to the corresponding discharge hole 122 under the restriction and guidance of the guide baffle 15, reducing the possibility of the nut rolling randomly on the sorting workbench 12 and deviating from the target discharge hole 122.

[0034] Once the nuts to be sorted are placed on the sorting boss 121, they move towards the edge of the boss 121 under the influence of gravity and the feeding mechanism 14. At this time, the guide channel 151 defined by the guide baffle 15 provides a relatively narrow and defined path for the nuts to move. As the nuts move along the guide channel 151, each guide channel 151 corresponds to a drop hole 122, ensuring that the nuts accurately reach their corresponding drop hole 122 position under the guidance of the guide channel 151. Nuts with a diameter matching the drop hole 122 can fall smoothly through it; however, nuts with a mismatched diameter will be blocked by the edge of the drop hole 122 and will continue to move along the guide channel 151 under the feeding mechanism 141 until they encounter a drop hole 122 that matches their diameter.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 1-3As shown, the width of the guide channel 151 gradually decreases from one end near the sorting boss 121 to the other end near the corresponding drop hole 122. This results in a wider entrance to the guide channel 151 near the edge of the sorting boss 121, allowing it to more easily accommodate nuts sliding from the edge of the boss. As the guide channel 151 extends towards the drop hole 122, its width gradually narrows, providing better limiting and guiding for the movement of the nuts. This ensures that the nuts converge more precisely towards the center of the drop hole 122, further reducing the risk of nuts failing to fall smoothly due to deviation from the center of the drop hole 122. For example, the width at the entrance of the guide channel 151 can be set to be larger than the largest diameter of the nuts to be sorted, while the channel width at the drop hole 122 can be slightly larger than the diameter of the corresponding drop hole 122. This ensures that the nuts enter the channel smoothly and is effectively guided as they approach the drop hole 122.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the guide baffle 15 includes multiple guide parts 152, which are distributed circumferentially along the sorting boss 121 and connected in sequence. Each guide part 152 defines a guide channel 151, so that when a nut in a certain guide channel 151 cannot pass through because its diameter is larger than the diameter of the corresponding drop hole 122 of the guide channel 151, the nut can enter the next guide channel 151 under the continuous pushing of the feeding part 141 and continue to be sorted, thus avoiding the accumulation and blockage of nuts in a certain guide channel 151 and ensuring the continuity and smoothness of the entire sorting process.

[0037] Each guide section 152 includes a first side plate 1521, a second side plate 1522, and a third side plate 1523. The first side plate 1521 is disposed on the side of the guide channel 151 opposite to the material drop hole 122, away from the sorting boss 121. This allows the first side plate 1521 to restrict the nut from moving away from the material drop hole 122, ensuring that the nut moves towards the material drop hole 122 within the guide channel 151. When the nut moves to the position of the material drop hole 122, the first side plate 1521 abuts against the nut, preventing the nut from moving outward beyond the material drop hole 122.

[0038] The second side plate 1522 is connected to one end of the first side plate 1521 and extends toward the sorting boss 121; the third side plate 1523 is connected to the other end of the first side plate 1521 and extends toward the sorting boss 121. The second side plate 1522 and the third side plate 1523 are located on both sides of the guide channel 151, respectively, and are used to constrain the movement of the nut from both sides of the guide channel 151, thereby guiding the nut to move toward the discharge hole 122 within the guide channel 151.

[0039] The first side plate 1521, the second side plate 1522 and the third side plate 1523 together form a guide channel 151, and the first side plate 1521, the second side plate 1522 and the third side plate 1523 are respectively tangent to the edge of the material drop hole 122 corresponding to the guide channel 151.

[0040] The first side plate 1521 is tangent to the edge of the drop hole 122 corresponding to the guide channel 151. This ensures that when the nut moves within the guide channel 151 to the drop hole 122, it contacts the first side plate 1521, thus restricting the nut's movement direction and allowing it to accurately align with the center of the drop hole 122, facilitating the nut's smooth drop from the drop hole 122. Simultaneously, the second side plate 1522 and the third side plate 1523 are tangent to the edge of the drop hole 122, allowing the two side walls of the guide channel 151 to smoothly transition into the drop hole 122. As the nut moves along the second side plate 1522 and the third side plate 1523, it naturally converges towards the center of the drop hole 122, further improving the accuracy of the nut's entry into the drop hole 122.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper edge of the guide baffle 15 is formed with a flange that bends inward toward the guide channel 151, so that the flange can limit the movement of the nut, effectively preventing the nut from jumping out of the guide channel 151 from above the guide baffle 15 during the process of being moved by the material-picking part 141, thereby preventing the nut from falling off the sorting workbench 12 and ensuring the stability and continuity of the sorting operation.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the edge contour of the sorting boss 121 is circular. The circle provides symmetry, ensuring that when the nut moves on the sorting boss 121, regardless of its position, the support and guidance from the boss are relatively uniform in all directions. This allows the nut to slide relatively smoothly towards the edge under gravity. Simultaneously, the circular edge contour also ensures that the relative position of the feeding part 141 to the edge of the sorting boss 121 remains stable as it rotates around it. This makes the movement trajectory of the feeding part 141 more regular and allows it to act more evenly on the nuts on the sorting boss 121, thus improving feeding efficiency and smoothness.

[0043] The sorting boss 121 gradually decreases in height from the center to the edge to form a guide ramp. Starting from the center of the sorting boss 121, its height continuously decreases as it extends towards the edge, thus forming a ramp with a certain slope on the surface of the sorting boss 121. The guide ramp provides a natural tendency for the nuts to move. Due to gravity, the nuts will move along the guide ramp from the center of the sorting boss 121 to the edge, allowing the nuts to automatically converge towards the edge of the sorting boss 121, guiding the nuts into the guide channel 151 and the drop hole 122, thereby improving the automation level of nut sorting.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the nut sorter 1 also includes a drive shaft 16, which extends along the central axis of the sorting boss 121 and passes through the sorting boss 121, so that the drive shaft 16 can be stably installed at the center of the sorting boss 121 to drive the material feeding component 14 to rotate.

[0045] The feeding component 14 is connected to the drive shaft 16 and extends radially. Therefore, one end of the feeding component 14 is fixed to the drive shaft 16, and the other end extends away from the drive shaft 16, making the rotation of the feeding component 14 more stable and reliable, providing continuous and uniform power for turning the nuts. When the drive shaft 16 rotates under the drive of the power source, the feeding component 14 can perform a circular motion around the drive shaft 16, and its feeding part 141 rotates around the sorting boss 121, thereby turning the nuts on the sorting boss 121.

[0046] The drive shaft 16 is adapted to drive the feeding part 141 to rotate around the sorting boss 121. When the drive shaft 16 starts to rotate, since it is connected to the feeding part 14, the feeding part 14 will move in a circular motion around the sorting boss 121 together with the drive shaft 16, so that the feeding part 14 can continuously sweep across various positions on the sorting boss 121, thereby exerting a force on the nuts placed on the sorting boss 121.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the feeding part 141 is located at the end of the feeding member 14 opposite to the drive shaft 16 and extends parallel to the drive shaft 16. The feeding member 14 is connected to the drive shaft 16 and rotates with it, while the feeding part 141 is located at the end of the feeding member 14 away from the drive shaft 16, so that the feeding part 141 can be in a region further away from the drive shaft 16, thereby covering a wider peripheral area on the sorting boss 121 and expanding the range of action on the nuts. By extending parallel to the drive shaft 16, the feeding part 141 ensures that its movement trajectory has good regularity and stability during rotation with the drive shaft 16. It can make regular circular motion around the drive shaft 16, so that the direction and range of the force exerted by the feeding part 141 on the nuts are relatively uniform, which is beneficial for orderly sorting of nuts.

[0048] The outer periphery of the feeding section 141 is provided with multiple bristles 142, which are spaced apart along the axial and circumferential directions and extend radially outward from the feeding section 141. Axially, the spaced distribution of the bristles 142 ensures that the feeding section 141 can act on the nuts at different axial positions, covering nuts of different heights or areas at different axial positions on the sorting boss 121. Circumferentially, the spaced distribution of the bristles 142 prevents them from being too dense and interfering with each other, while also ensuring that bristles 142 contact the nuts at different angles during the rotation of the feeding section 141, improving the comprehensiveness and uniformity of feeding. The radial outward extension of the bristles 142 allows them to contact nuts farther from the center of the feeding section 141, increasing the contact range between the feeding section 141 and the nuts. When the feeding section 141 rotates, the outward-extending bristles 142 sweep across the nut, applying a force along the circumferential tangential direction to the nut, guiding the nut to move toward the edge of the sorting boss 121, and finally into the guide channel 151.

[0049] It should be noted that the bristles 142 can be made of a soft and elastic material. When in contact with the nut, they can effectively move the nut while avoiding scratching or damage to the nut surface, thus protecting the nut's appearance and precision. Furthermore, the elasticity of the bristles 142 can adapt to the shape of nuts of different sizes, ensuring a stable pulling force can be applied to nuts of various types, further improving the material pulling effect.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5As shown, the nut sorter 1 also includes a drive unit and a control module. The output end of the drive unit is connected to the drive shaft 16 for transmission, and the drive unit is used to drive the drive shaft 16 to rotate. The drive unit drives the drive shaft 16 to rotate through its own operation, and the rotation of the drive shaft 16 enables the connected feeding component 14 and feeding part 141 to move in a circular motion around the sorting boss 121, thereby realizing the feeding and sorting operation of nuts.

[0051] The control module is electrically connected to the drive unit and is used to control the start, stop and speed of the drive unit.

[0052] In actual production, the nut sorter 1 needs to be turned on or off as needed according to different production requirements and processes. For example, when production starts, the control module sends a start signal, the drive unit starts working, and drives the drive shaft 16 to rotate, so that the feeding section 141 starts to sort the nuts; when production ends or the sorting operation needs to be paused, the control module sends a stop signal, the drive unit stops running, and the feeding section 141 also stops moving.

[0053] When there are many nuts or when rapid sorting is required, the control module can increase the rotation speed of the drive component, making the drive shaft 16 rotate faster and the circumferential motion speed of the feeding part 141 also increase accordingly, thereby speeding up the nut sorting speed. Conversely, when the nut size is large or more precise sorting is required, the control module can reduce the rotation speed of the drive component, making the movement of the feeding part 141 slower and more stable, ensuring that each nut can be accurately sorted.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the nut sorter 1 also includes a receiving workbench 11 and a receiving component 13. The receiving workbench 11 is arranged parallel to and spaced apart below the sorting workbench 12, forming a layered working space, which provides a reasonable layout for the sorting and collection of nuts.

[0055] The receiving component 13 is connected to the receiving workbench 11 and extends toward the sorting workbench 12. A receiving channel 131 extending axially is formed within the receiving component 13. The receiving component 13 is constructed as multiple components corresponding one-to-one with multiple discharge holes 122. The upper opening of the receiving channel 131 of each receiving component 13 is directly opposite to the corresponding discharge hole 122 to receive nuts to be sorted falling from the discharge hole 122. Thus, when nuts of different types pass through their respective discharge holes 122, they fall into the receiving channel 131 below and are ultimately collected, achieving classified storage.

[0056] The receiving component 13 is connected to the receiving workbench 11 and extends toward the sorting workbench 12. A receiving channel 131 extending along its axial direction is formed in the receiving component 13. The receiving component 13 is constructed to correspond one-to-one with a plurality of dropping holes 122. The upper opening of the receiving channel 131 of each receiving component 13 is aligned with the corresponding dropping hole 122 to receive the nuts to be sorted falling from the dropping hole 122.

[0057] The upper opening diameter of each receiving channel 131 is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding dropping hole 122, and each receiving channel 131 is coaxially arranged with the corresponding dropping hole 122.

[0058] The upper opening diameter of the receiving channel 131 is relatively small, while the corresponding dropping hole 122 has a larger diameter. The larger diameter of the dropping hole 122 ensures that the nuts fall smoothly from the sorting table 12, while the smaller diameter of the upper opening of the receiving channel 131 provides some support and restraint for the nuts falling from the dropping hole 122. Furthermore, if a small nut falls from the dropping hole 122 of a large nut, the smaller nut will be blocked by the edge of the upper opening of the receiving channel 131 because the smaller diameter of the upper opening of the receiving channel 131 is smaller than that of the dropping hole 122. It will not be able to enter the receiving channel 131 and will fall directly onto the receiving table 11, allowing for subsequent manual or other secondary processing, further improving sorting accuracy.

[0059] The material receiving channel 131 and the material dropping hole 122 are coaxially arranged, which ensures that the nuts falling from the material dropping hole 122 can accurately enter the material receiving channel 131, reduce the collision between the nuts and the inner wall of the material receiving channel 131 during the falling process, reduce noise and potential damage to the nuts, and at the same time ensure the smooth collection of nuts.

[0060] The receiving channel 131 is coaxially arranged with the corresponding dropping hole 122. Therefore, the central axis of each receiving channel 131 coincides with the central axis of the corresponding dropping hole 122, so that the nut falling from the dropping hole 122 can accurately enter the center position of the receiving channel 131, ensuring the smoothness and accuracy of the nut falling path.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the control module is equipped with a power indicator light, a running indicator light, and a fault warning light. During the nut sorting process, workers can judge the real-time operating status of the equipment by observing the status of the power indicator light, running indicator light, and fault warning light on the control module. Specifically, when the power indicator light is lit normally, it indicates that the equipment is powered on; when the running indicator light is lit, the equipment is in normal operating condition; and if the equipment malfunctions, the fault warning light will light up immediately to serve as a warning. At this time, workers can stop the equipment operation in a timely manner by operating the preset operation buttons on the control module.

[0062] After the nuts on the turntable have been sorted, the staff can operate the control module to shut down the equipment and take out the required different types of nuts from the collection parts for use in the subsequent assembly operation, which effectively improves production efficiency and ease of operation.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the nut sorter 1 further includes a support frame, on which the receiving worktable 11 is disposed. The support frame has sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the weight of the sorting worktable 12, the sorting boss 121, the drive unit, and other components, as well as the forces generated during the sorting process. Adjustable feet can be provided at its bottom. By rotating and adjusting the feet, the levelness of the support frame can be adjusted to ensure that the sorting worktable 12 is in a horizontal state, further improving the accuracy and stability of sorting. At the same time, the height design of the support frame needs to consider the convenience of the operator, so that the height of the receiving worktable 11 is suitable for the operator to pick up and put down the receiving parts 13, reducing operator fatigue.

[0064] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0065] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A nut sorting device, characterized in that, include: The sorting workbench (12) has a sorting boss (121) and a guide slope for guiding the nuts to be sorted to slide to the edge. The sorting workbench (12) also has a plurality of material dropping holes (122) that are through in the thickness direction. The material dropping holes (122) are distributed circumferentially along the edge of the sorting boss (121). The diameter of the plurality of material dropping holes (122) is adapted to the outer circle diameter of the nuts to be sorted of different specifications. Material feeding component (14) is disposed on the sorting workbench (12). The material feeding component (14) has a feeding part (141) located outside the sorting boss (121) and adapted to rotate around the sorting boss (121) to push the nuts to be sorted on the sorting workbench (12) toward the discharge hole (122).

2. The nut sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A guide baffle (15) is fixedly disposed on the edge of the sorting workbench (12) and extends circumferentially along the sorting table surface. The guide baffle (15) defines a guide channel (151) suitable for guiding the nuts to be sorted from the edge of the sorting boss (121) to the discharge hole (122). Each guide channel (151) is provided with a corresponding discharge hole (122).

3. The nut sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the guide channel (151) gradually decreases from one end near the sorting boss (121) to the other end near the corresponding drop hole (122).

4. The nut sorter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide baffle (15) includes a plurality of guide parts (152), which are distributed circumferentially along the sorting boss (121) and connected in sequence, and each guide part (152) defines a guide channel (151). Each of the guide sections (152) includes: The first side plate (1521) is disposed on the side of the material drop hole (122) corresponding to the guide channel (151) away from the sorting boss (121); The second side plate (1522) is connected to one end of the first side plate (1521) and extends toward the sorting boss (121); The third side plate (1523) is connected to the other end of the first side plate (1521) and extends toward the sorting boss (121); The first side plate (1521), the second side plate (1522), and the third side plate (1523) together enclose the guide channel (151), and the first side plate (1521), the second side plate (1522), and the third side plate (1523) are respectively tangent to the edge of the material drop hole (122) corresponding to the guide channel (151).

5. The nut sorter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper edge of the guide baffle (15) has a flange that bends toward the guide channel (151).

6. The nut sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting boss (121) has a circular edge profile, and the height of the sorting boss (121) gradually decreases from the center to the edge to form the guide slope.

7. The nut sorter according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A drive shaft (16) extends along the central axis of the sorting boss (121) and passes through the sorting boss (121). The material feeding component (14) is connected to the drive shaft (16) and extends radially. The drive shaft (16) is adapted to drive the material feeding part (141) to rotate around the sorting boss (121).

8. The nut sorter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The feeding part (141) is located at one end of the feeding member (14) away from the drive shaft (16) and extends parallel to the drive shaft (16). The outer periphery of the feeding part (141) is provided with a plurality of bristles (142). The plurality of bristles (142) are distributed at intervals along the axial and circumferential directions of the feeding part (141) and extend outward along the radial direction of the feeding part (141).

9. The nut sorter according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A driving component, the output end of which is connected to the driving shaft (16) for driving the driving shaft (16) to rotate; A control module is electrically connected to the drive component, and the control module is used to control the start, stop and speed of the drive component.

10. The nut sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A receiving workbench (11) is arranged parallel to and spaced apart below the sorting workbench (12); A receiving component (13) is connected to the receiving workbench (11) and extends toward the sorting workbench (12). A receiving channel (131) extending along its axial direction is formed in the receiving component (13). The receiving component (13) is constructed as a plurality of receiving holes (122) corresponding one-to-one. The upper opening of the receiving channel (131) of each receiving component (13) is arranged opposite to the corresponding receiving hole (122) to be suitable for receiving the nuts to be sorted falling from the receiving hole (122). The upper opening diameter of each receiving channel (131) is smaller than the diameter of the corresponding dropping hole (122), and each receiving channel (131) is coaxially arranged with the corresponding dropping hole (122).

Images