A sorting module and modular sorter

Abstract

The application discloses a sorting module and a modular sorting machine, which comprise a workbench, a feeding component and a code scanning component are sequentially arranged on the workbench, at least one detachable sorting module is sequentially and connected to the side of the code scanning component, the sorting module is communicated with the code scanning component, adjacent sorting modules are communicated with each other, multiple sorting modules are sequentially communicated to form a continuous sorting channel, the sorting module comprises at least one sorting component and at least one discharging component, multiple sorting components are sequentially communicated to form a sorting channel, and the sorting component is communicated with the discharging component. By arranging multiple detachable sorting modules outside the discharging end of the workbench and allowing adjacent modules to be freely communicated with each other, the number of sorting levels of the sorting machine is no longer limited by the initial design of the equipment, the number of sorting modules can be flexibly increased or reduced according to the grading requirements of actual products, on-demand configuration is realized, and the applicability of the equipment is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sorting machine technology, specifically to a sorting module and a modular sorting machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of material sorting, disc sorters are widely used due to their compact structure and high sorting efficiency. These machines typically have multiple fixed sorting levels (i.e., discharge channels) around one or more turntables, with each level corresponding to a specific product grade or category.

[0003] However, existing disc sorting machines have significant limitations. The number and layout of their sorting levels are fixed during the equipment design and manufacturing stage. Once the equipment is completed, the sorting level cannot be changed. As the market's product grading standards become increasingly diversified and personalized, the fixed level configuration is difficult to meet production needs. When it is necessary to add new sorting levels or adjust the functions of existing levels, it is usually necessary to make major modifications to the entire machine structure, or even redesign and manufacture it. This results in high equipment modification costs and long cycles, which seriously restricts production efficiency and makes it impossible to adapt to the production scenarios of rapid product line iteration and changes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sorting module and a modular sorting machine. A detachable sorting module is set on the outside of the discharge end of the worktable, and adjacent modules are freely connected. This makes the number of sorting grades of the sorting machine no longer limited by the initial design of the equipment. Users can flexibly increase or decrease the number of sorting modules according to the actual grading requirements of the products, realize on-demand configuration, and greatly improve the applicability of the equipment.

[0005] This invention provides the following technical solution: a sorting module, comprising at least one sorting component and at least one discharging component, wherein multiple sorting components are sequentially connected to form a sorting channel, the sorting components are connected to the discharging component, the discharging component is disposed between adjacent sorting components, and discharges material from the discharging component, the sorting component includes a first sorting side rail, a second sorting side rail, a sorting disc, and a sorting ejection mechanism, the sorting ejection mechanism is located above the sorting disc, and ejects material from the sorting disc, the first sorting side rail and the second sorting side rail are both distributed on concentric circles of the sorting disc, the first sorting side rail and the second sorting side rail are respectively located on both sides of the discharging component, forming an arc-shaped sorting channel, the first sorting side rail guides the feeding of the sorting disc, and the second sorting side rail guides the discharging of the sorting disc.

[0006] In order to eject the material from the sorting wheel, the sorting ejection mechanism includes a bracket, an ejection cylinder, and a top block. The bracket is fixed on the surface of the sorting module, the lower surface of the bracket is connected to the ejection cylinder, and the top block is connected to the output end of the ejection cylinder, which is used to eject the material from the wheel to the discharge component.

[0007] In order to adsorb materials onto the sorting wheel for conveying, multiple sorting grooves are formed on the circumferential surface of the sorting wheel. The sorting grooves are concave arc grooves. Multiple magnetic mounting holes are formed on the sorting wheel. The magnetic mounting holes are formed on the edge of the sorting wheel and are distributed parallel to the sorting grooves. The magnetic mounting holes are used to install magnetic devices.

[0008] To guide the feeding and discharging of the feeding wheel, the feeding component includes a feeding wheel, a guide rail, and a vertical rail. The guide rail and the vertical rail are located on both sides of the feeding position of the feeding wheel, and the guide rail is concentrically distributed with the feeding wheel.

[0009] To prevent damage from jammed materials, the guide rail includes a curved rail and a rotating rail. The end of the curved rail is rotatably connected to the rotating rail, and the lower end of the rotating rail is connected to a pin. An arc-shaped waist hole is provided on the worktable, and the lower end of the pin is inserted into the arc-shaped waist hole. The lower surface of the worktable is provided with springs, positioning devices, and proximity sensors distributed vertically. The other end of the spring is connected to the pin, the positioning device abuts against the side of the pin, and the proximity sensor is located on the side of the pin to detect the position of the rotating rail.

[0010] The present invention provides the following technical solution: a modular sorting machine, including a workbench, on which a feeding component and a barcode scanning component are sequentially arranged. At least one detachable sorting module is sequentially connected to the side of the barcode scanning component. The sorting module is connected to the barcode scanning component, and adjacent sorting modules are connected to each other. Multiple sorting modules are sequentially connected to form a continuous sorting channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sorting module includes two interconnected first sorting components and second sorting components, as well as a first feeding component and a second feeding component. The first sorting component is disposed outside the barcode scanning component and is connected to the barcode scanning component. The first feeding component is disposed near the outside of the first sorting component and is connected to the first sorting component. The second sorting component of one sorting module is connected to the first sorting component of the adjacent sorting module.

[0012] In order to extend the length of the sorting channel and facilitate the increase of sorting grades, the first sorting component and the second sorting component are distributed alternately to form a wave-shaped sorting channel. The first feeding component and the second feeding component are respectively located on both sides of the workbench along its length, at the upper or lower end of the sorting channel, and are connected to the sorting channel.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are: (1) By setting a detachable sorting module on the outside of the workbench discharge end and allowing adjacent modules to be freely connected, the number of sorting grades of the sorting machine is no longer limited by the initial design of the equipment. Users can flexibly increase or decrease the number of sorting modules according to the actual product grading requirements, thereby achieving on-demand configuration and greatly improving the applicability of the equipment. (2) The sorting module adopts a detachable independent unit design. When it is necessary to change the sorting level, only the sorting module needs to be disassembled or reassembled. There is no need to make large-scale changes to the overall structure. This significantly shortens the product line change or equipment upgrade cycle and greatly reduces the user's equipment investment and modification costs. (3) By designing the sorting components and feeding components to be staggered and intermittently distributed, a sorting channel with a waveform curve is formed. The feeding components are set on the edge of the workbench, so that the feeding position is concentrated and the sorting module can be linearly connected in the horizontal direction. The new module is easy to install and disassemble. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the sorting machine of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of the sorting machine of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the invention sorting machine; In the diagram: 1. Feeding component; 11. Feeding wheel; 12. Feeding rod; 13. Feeding guide rail; 2. Scanning component; 3. First sorting component; 4. First unloading component; 5. Second sorting component; 51. First sorting side rail; 52. Sorting ejection mechanism; 521. Bracket; 522. Ejection cylinder; 523. Top block; 53. Sorting wheel; 531. Sorting trough; 532. Magnetic mounting hole; 54. Second sorting side rail; 6. Second unloading component; 61. Unloading wheel; 62. Guide rail; 621. Curved rail; 622. Rotating rail; 63. Vertical rail. Detailed Implementation

[0015] 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. Example

[0016] Please see Figures 2 to 4 The present invention provides a technical solution: a sorting module, including at least one sorting component and at least one feeding component, multiple sorting components are connected in sequence to form a sorting channel, the sorting components are connected to the feeding component, the feeding component is arranged between adjacent sorting components, and the material is discharged from the feeding component; Generally, a single sorting module represents one sorting grade. The sorting module includes a sorting component and a feeding component. The sorting component is located outside the barcode scanning component 2 and is connected to the barcode scanning component 2. Multiple sorting components are connected sequentially along the material conveying direction to form a continuous sorting channel. The feeding component is located outside the sorting component and is connected to the sorting component. It is used to receive materials of a specific sorting grade separated from the sorting component.

[0017] The sorting component includes a first sorting side rail 51, a second sorting side rail 54, a sorting disc 53, and a sorting ejection mechanism 52. The sorting ejection mechanism 52 is located above the sorting disc 53 and ejects the material from the sorting disc 53. The first sorting side rail 51 and the second sorting side rail 54 are both distributed on concentric circles of the sorting disc 53. The first sorting side rail 51 and the second sorting side rail 54 are located on both sides of the material discharge component. The first sorting side rail 51 is set on the sorting disc 53. On the feed side, the feed guide of the sorting disc 53 ensures that the material smoothly enters the sorting trough 531 of the sorting disc 53 from the upstream component. The second sorting side rail 54 is set on the discharge side of the sorting disc 53 to guide the discharge of the sorting disc 53, ensuring that the sorted material can be smoothly transferred from the sorting disc 53 to the next sorting component. The first sorting side rail 51 and the second sorting side rail 54 are used to guide the material transfer between different sorting discs 53.

[0018] The sorting ejection mechanism 52 includes a bracket 521, an ejection cylinder 522, and a top block 523. The bracket 521 is fixed to the surface of the sorting module by bolts. The lower end of the bracket 521 is connected to the ejection cylinder 522. The top block 523 is connected to the output end of the ejection cylinder 522 and is used to eject the material from the wheel. The cylinder body of the ejection cylinder 522 and the top block 523 face the junction between the sorting wheel 53 and the discharge wheel 61, so as to facilitate the ejection of the material from the sorting trough 531 into the discharge wheel 61.

[0019] like Figure 4As shown, the sorting wheel 53 is rotatably connected to the worktable via bearings and is driven to rotate by a motor, preferably a stepper motor or a servo motor, to control the rotation angle of the sorting wheel 53. Multiple sorting grooves 531 are formed on the circumferential surface of the sorting wheel 53. Each sorting groove 531 is a concave arc groove, the curvature of which matches the outline of the material to be sorted. The sorting grooves 531 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the sorting wheel 53. Multiple magnetic mounting holes are also provided on the sorting wheel 53. 532, magnetic mounting holes 532 are formed on the edge of the sorting wheel 53 and are distributed parallel to the sorting groove 531. The magnetic mounting holes 532 are used to install magnetic devices. When the material to be sorted is a ferromagnetic material, the magnetic device can attract the material into the sorting groove 531, preventing the material from being thrown out of the sorting groove 531 when rotating at high speed, thus improving the stability and reliability of the sorting process. The specific magnetic force of the magnetic device can be adapted to the weight of the material and the rotation speed of the sorting wheel 53.

[0020] Each feeding component includes a feeding wheel 61, a guide rail 62, and a vertical rail 63. The feeding wheel 61 is rotatably mounted on the worktable via bearings and is driven to rotate by a drive motor. The guide rail 62 and the vertical rail 63 are located on both sides of the feeding position of the feeding wheel 61. The guide rail 62 is concentrically distributed with the feeding wheel 61 and extends in an arc along the circumference of the feeding wheel 61 to guide the material discharge. The vertical rail 63 is located on the discharge side of the feeding wheel 61 and extends along the width of the worktable. The guide rail 62 and the vertical rail 63 together guide the material and discharge it from the feeding wheel 61.

[0021] Furthermore, the guide rail 62 includes a curved rail 621 and a rotating rail 622. The end of the curved rail 621 is rotatably connected to the rotating rail 622 via a pin. The curved rail 621 is located on the feeding side of the feeding wheel 61. The lower end of the other end of the rotating rail 622 is connected to a pin. An arc-shaped waist hole is provided on the worktable, and the lower end of the pin is inserted into the arc-shaped waist hole. A spring, a positioning device, and a proximity sensor are fixed on the lower surface of the worktable. The other end of the spring is connected to the lower end of the pin. The positioning device abuts against the side of the pin to position the rotating rail 622. Preferably, the positioning device is a bolt with a flexible pad at the end. By rotating the bolts, the extension length of the positioning device can be adjusted, further adjusting the position of the rotating track 622. When the material is stuck, if the material continues to enter the guide track 62, the material will overcome the pressure of the spring and push the rotating track 622 to rotate outward at a certain angle. The spring provides a buffer to prevent the stuck material from colliding hard with the guide track 62 and causing damage. At the same time, the proximity sensor is located on the side of the rotating track 622. When the rotating track 622 shifts outward, the proximity sensor will not detect the rotating track 622, thereby generating a stop signal and causing the sorting machine to stop urgently, which facilitates the staff to handle the stuck position and reset the equipment.

[0022] The present invention also provides a technical solution: a modular sorting machine, including a workbench, on which a feeding component 1 and a barcode scanning component 2 are arranged in sequence. The feeding component 1 is used to receive the incoming material from upstream and to orderly send the material to be sorted into the subsequent work station. The barcode scanning component 2 is used to read the identification information carried on the material and transmit the reading result to the control system of the whole machine. At least one detachable sorting module is connected to the side of the barcode scanning component 2 in sequence. The sorting module is fixed to the workbench by bolts. The sorting module is connected to the barcode scanning component 2. Adjacent sorting modules are connected to each other and are connected in sequence along the length of the workbench to form a continuous sorting channel. The number of sorting modules can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the actual sorting grade requirements to achieve on-demand configuration and greatly improve the applicability of the equipment. like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, when a single sorting module is a sorting grade, including a sorting component and a feeding component, the sorting machine has a total of 9 sorting modules, which can sort materials into 9 grades. The number of sorting modules can be flexibly increased or decreased according to the actual sorting grade requirements, realizing on-demand configuration and greatly improving the applicability of the equipment.

[0023] When a single sorting module adds two sorting levels, the single sorting module includes two interconnected first sorting components 3 and second sorting components 5, as well as a first feeding component 4 and a second feeding component 6. The first sorting component 3 is located outside the barcode scanning component 2, and its inlet is connected to the outlet of the barcode scanning component 2. The first feeding component 4 is located near the outside of the first sorting component 3 and is connected to it. The second sorting component 5 is located on the outlet side of the first sorting component 3, and its inlet is connected to the outlet of the first sorting component 3. The second feeding component 6 is located near the outside of the second sorting component 5 and is connected to its feeding outlet. The second sorting component 5 of one sorting module is connected to the first sorting component 3 of an adjacent sorting module, thereby connecting adjacent sorting modules. In this embodiment, multiple sorting modules are connected sequentially according to requirements to achieve a chain-like expansion of sorting levels.

[0024] The first sorting component 3 and the second sorting component 5 are arranged alternately, with the first sorting component 3 located on one side of the sorting channel and the second sorting component 5 located on the other side. The two are arranged alternately to form a wave-shaped sorting channel. This wave-shaped channel layout causes the direction of travel of the material to deflect periodically when it is conveyed between adjacent sorting components, thereby effectively extending the length of the sorting path without increasing the length of the workbench. This provides ample space for the arrangement of multiple sorting grades. The first feeding component 4 and the second feeding component 6 are respectively set on the two sides of the first sorting component 3 and the second sorting component 5, located at the upper or lower end of the sorting channel and connected to the sorting channel. The first feeding component 4 and the second feeding component 6 are used to collect materials of different grades. When no feeding component is set on the outside of the sorting channel, the material continues to be conveyed to the next sorting module.

[0025] like Figure 2As shown, the feeding component 1 includes a feeding wheel 11, a feeding rod 12, and a feeding guide rail 13. The feeding wheel 11 is bearing-connected to the worktable. The feeding guide rail 13 is distributed on the side of the feeding wheel 11 and guides the material feeding. The feeding rod 12 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the feeding wheel 11. The rotation center of the feeding rod 12 is the same as the rotation center of the feeding wheel 11. The feeding rod 12 does not rotate with the feeding wheel 11. The feeding rod 12 is located on one side of the feeding guide rail 13. The material is fed between the feeding rod 12 and the feeding guide rail 13. The inner end of the feeding rod 12 and the end of the feeding guide rail 13 limit the material. The material is fed in by the rotation of the feeding wheel 11. Furthermore, a spring is connected between the outer end of the feed rod 12 and a pin. A positioning device is also provided on the outer side of the feed rod 12. The positioning device is used to adjust the position of the feed rod 12. When the material feeding is stuck, the material will squeeze the end of the feed rod 12 near the feed wheel 11, causing the end of the feed rod 12 away from the feed wheel 11 to deflect outward, thereby stretching the spring and preventing the material from being squeezed and damaged. The end of the feed rod 12 away from the feed wheel 11 is detected by a proximity sensor. When the end of the feed rod 12 away from the feed wheel 11 deflects outward, the proximity sensor will not detect a signal and will generate a stop signal, which will facilitate personnel to handle the stuck part and reset the equipment.

[0026] Workflow: Based on the number of grades of the products to be sorted, a corresponding number of sorting modules are installed on the workbench. When a single sorting module is a sorting grade, n sorting modules are installed in an n-grade sorting machine. The sorting modules are connected in sequence to form a continuous sorting channel. Feeding: The material enters the feeding wheel 11 of the feeding component 1 from the upstream conveyor line. Under the guidance of the feeding guide rail 13, the material enters the barcode scanning component 2 one by one. When a material passes through the barcode scanning unit 2, the barcode scanner reads the identification information carried on the material and transmits the information to the control system. The control system determines the sorting level to which the material should belong based on the reading result. Multi-stage sorting: When material enters the first sorting module, the sorting wheel rotates carrying the material. When the material reaches the discharge position, the control system judges based on the scanning result. If the material belongs to the first sorting level, it sends an execution command to the sorting ejection mechanism 52. The ejection cylinder 522 is activated, and the ejector block 523 ejects the material from the sorting trough 531. The material falls into the discharge wheel 61 of the first discharge component 4 via the guide rail 62, collecting the material of that sorting level. If the material does not belong to the first sorting grade, the ejection mechanism of the first sorting component 3 will not operate. The material will rotate with the sorting wheel 53 into the second sorting component 5. The control system will make another judgment in the second sorting component 5. If the material belongs to the second sorting grade, the ejection mechanism of the second sorting component 5 will operate to push the material into the second discharge component 6 for collection. If the material does not belong to the second sorting grade, the ejection mechanism of the second sorting component 5 will not operate. The material will enter the next sorting component along with the second sorting component 5, and repeat the above judgment and sorting process. Each time the material passes through a sorting component, the system will determine whether the material is in that sorting grade and select the material. If the material has not been ejected after passing through, it will be discharged from the last discharge port.

[0027] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sorting module, characterized in that: The system includes at least one sorting component and at least one discharging component. Multiple sorting components are sequentially connected to form a sorting channel. The sorting components are connected to the discharging component, which is positioned between adjacent sorting components to discharge material. Each sorting component includes a first sorting side rail, a second sorting side rail, a sorting disc, and a sorting ejection mechanism. The sorting ejection mechanism is located above the sorting disc and ejects material from the disc. The first and second sorting side rails are both distributed on concentric circles of the sorting disc. The first and second side rails are located on opposite sides of the discharging component, forming an arc-shaped sorting channel. The first sorting side rail guides the material feeding to the sorting disc, and the second sorting side rail guides the material discharging from the disc.

2. A sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting and ejection mechanism includes a support, an ejection cylinder, and a top block. The support is fixed on the surface of the sorting module, the lower surface of the support is connected to the ejection cylinder, and the top block is connected to the output end of the ejection cylinder, which is used to eject the material from the wheel to the discharge component.

3. A sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sorting wheel has multiple sorting grooves on its circumferential surface. The sorting grooves are concave arc grooves. The sorting wheel has multiple magnetic mounting holes. The magnetic mounting holes are located on the edge of the sorting wheel and are distributed parallel to the sorting grooves. The magnetic mounting holes are used to install magnetic devices.

4. A sorting module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding component includes a feeding wheel, a guide rail, and a vertical rail. The guide rail and the vertical rail are located on both sides of the feeding position of the feeding wheel, and the guide rail and the feeding wheel are distributed concentrically.

5. A sorting module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide rail includes a curved rail and a rotating rail. The end of the curved rail is rotatably connected to the rotating rail, and the lower end of the rotating rail is connected to a pin. An arc-shaped waist hole is provided on the worktable, and the lower end of the pin is inserted into the arc-shaped waist hole. The lower surface of the worktable is provided with springs, positioning devices, and proximity sensors distributed vertically. The other end of the spring is connected to the pin. The positioning device abuts against the side of the pin. The proximity sensor is located on the side of the pin to detect the position of the rotating rail.

6. A modular sorting machine, comprising a worktable, wherein a feeding component and a barcode scanning component are sequentially arranged on the worktable, characterized in that: At least one detachable sorting module as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is sequentially connected to the side of the scanning component. The sorting module is connected to the scanning component, adjacent sorting modules are connected to each other, and multiple sorting modules are sequentially connected to form a continuous sorting channel.

7. A modular sorting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sorting module includes two interconnected first sorting components and second sorting components, as well as a first feeding component and a second feeding component. The first sorting component is located outside the barcode scanning component and is connected to the barcode scanning component. The first feeding component is located near the outside of the first sorting component and is connected to the first sorting component. The second sorting component of one sorting module is connected to the first sorting component of the adjacent sorting module.

8. A modular sorting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first sorting component and the second sorting component are distributed alternately to form a wave-shaped sorting channel. The first feeding component and the second feeding component are respectively located on the two sides near the length of the workbench, at the upper or lower end of the sorting channel, and are connected to the sorting channel.

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