Tableware sorting device

By using a destacking component and a conveying component in a tableware sorting device, the automatic separation of plates and stacked tableware is achieved, solving the problems of low efficiency and low precision in the existing technology and improving the sorting efficiency and automation level.

CN223385470UActive Publication Date: 2025-09-26CHONGQING YU NAN POLYTRON TECH
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422872078.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tableware sorting devices are inefficient and have low precision when separating bowls or cups stacked on plates, requiring manual intervention, resulting in low sorting efficiency.

Method used

A tableware sorting device is designed, which adopts a destacking component including a roller and a blade. A gap is set between the blade and the conveying component. The roller is driven by external power to rotate, which drives the blade to rotate. The blade blocks and moves the stacked tableware, separating the plates from other tableware. Combined with the conveying component, buffer line and collection line, automatic sorting is realized.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the automatic separation of plates and stacked tableware, improves the sorting efficiency and accuracy, reduces manual intervention, improves the degree of automation, and ensures the stable delivery and cleaning preparation of tableware.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223385470U_ABST
    Figure CN223385470U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of automatic sorting, and particularly discloses a tableware sorting device which comprises a stack removing assembly and a conveying assembly used for conveying tableware, the stack removing assembly is arranged above the conveying assembly and comprises a roller and blades, and the roller is installed above the conveying assembly; the blades are installed on the outer side of the roller, and gaps for only dishes to pass through are formed between the blades and the conveying assembly. External power drives the roller to rotate to drive the blades to rotate, and the blades block and move the laminated tableware on the tableware, so that the plate is separated from other tableware. According to the tableware sorting device, the automation degree and accuracy in the tableware sorting process are improved, the buffering assembly line and the brushes are arranged, the problems of stacking and collision of tableware in the conveying process are effectively solved, and the separation and conveying efficiency is improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of automatic sorting, and in particular relates to a tableware sorting device. Background Art

[0002] In my country's current catering industry, set bowls are a widely used set of tableware; they are usually composed of at least a plate and a bowl, and may also include a cup or a glass to be used together with the set bowl.

[0003] To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of dishwashing, complete dishwashing equipment has become available on the market. However, before using these devices, the plates, bowls, and cups in the mixed dishware set must be sorted for targeted and efficient cleaning. This sorting process often involves placing the dishware set on an assembly line after use. Using a graded filtering process based on the differences in the set's dimensions, the plates, bowls, and cups can be quickly sorted.

[0004] However, sorting presents a challenge: bowls and cups often overlap on plates, preventing the assembly line from separating these stacked dishes. These dishes are then transported to the dishwashing unit along with the plates. Consequently, sorting requires only one person on the assembly line to manually remove the stacked dishes from the plates. This process can be inadvertent, leading to small portions of the dishes spilling out along with the plates, resulting in low efficiency and poor separation accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to provide a tableware sorting device, which can automatically separate a plate from the tableware stacked on the plate during the tableware sorting process with high accuracy.

[0006] The purpose of the utility model is achieved through such a technical solution. A tableware sorting device includes: a destacking component and a conveying component for conveying tableware, the destacking component is arranged above the conveying component, and the destacking component includes:

[0007] Roller, installed above the conveying assembly;

[0008] The blade is installed on the outside of the roller, and there is a gap between the blade and the conveying assembly that is only large enough for the plate to pass through;

[0009] External power drives the roller to rotate, driving the blades to rotate, and the blades block and move the stacked tableware on the tableware to separate the plate from other tableware.

[0010] Preferably, there are two or more blades, which are evenly spaced along the circumference of the roller.

[0011] Preferably, a buffer portion is provided at the contact point between the blade and the tableware.

[0012] Preferably, the conveying assembly includes a tableware sorting line, a tableware collecting line and a buffer line, one end of the buffer line is connected to the tableware sorting line, and the other end is connected to the tableware collecting line.

[0013] Preferably, there are two or more groups of buffer lines, which are evenly spaced along the width direction of the buffer lines, and the length of the buffer lines from one side to the other side gradually increases.

[0014] Preferably, the conveying speeds of the sorting line, the buffer line and the collecting line increase sequentially.

[0015] Preferably, a guide plate is provided on one edge of the buffer line along the length direction.

[0016] Preferably, a brush is provided on the side of the buffer line close to the sorting line.

[0017] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] The tableware sorting device of the present invention is provided with a de-stacking assembly above the conveying assembly. The de-stacking assembly is provided with blades that can rotate and have a gap with the de-stacking assembly. The rotation of the blades provides a force on the tableware, and applies an oblique upward force to the stacked tableware above the plate. The tableware above the dinner plate is separated from the plate and enters the conveying assembly for separation. After the conveying assembly passes through the de-stacking assembly, only the plate is retained. The sorting process does not require worker operation, saves manpower, has a high degree of automation, and ensures that bowls and cups are separated from the plates. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the specific embodiments. In all the drawings, each element or part is not necessarily drawn according to the actual scale.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a tableware sorting device of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the conveying component.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 1-de-stacking assembly, 11-roller, 12-blade, 13-gap,

[0024] 2- conveying assembly, 21- mesh filter, 22- sorting line, 23- collection line, 24- buffer line, 241- guide plate, 242- brush,

[0025] 3- Bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 A tableware sorting device includes: a de-stacking component 1 and a conveying component 2 for conveying tableware, the de-stacking component 1 is arranged above the conveying component 2, the de-stacking component 1 includes a roller 11 and a blade 12, the roller 11 is installed above the conveying component 2; the blade 12 is installed on the outside of the roller 11, and a gap 13 is provided between the blade 12 and the conveying component 2 for only plates to pass through; external power drives the roller 11 to rotate, driving the blade 12 to rotate, and the blade 12 moves the stacked tableware on the tableware to separate the plates from other tableware. Specifically, the conveying component 2 adopts the existing production line, and the conveying component 2 is provided with a mesh filter 21, which is installed on the production line and carries and filters the tableware as the production line moves. The mesh filter 21 is larger than the size of the dishware to be separated but smaller than the size of the dishware retained on the mesh filter 21. For example, when plates, bowls, and cups need to be separated, the mesh filter 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the plates but larger than the bowls and cups. Alternatively, when bowls and cups need to be separated, the mesh filter 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the bowls but larger than the cups, thereby effectively separating the dishware. Preferably, the mesh filter 21 is recessed to facilitate the smooth, weight-dependent drop of dishware from the mesh filter 21. The roller 11 is fixedly mounted above the conveyor assembly 2 via the bracket 3. The roller 11 is axially defined with a plurality of first mounting holes. The upper ends of the blades 12 are provided with second mounting holes that mate with the first mounting holes. The blades 12 are removably mounted to the roller 11 using bolts, facilitating replacement. A motor is installed on the assembly line. The motor's output shaft is connected to the roller 11, driving the roller 11. Adjusting the motor's speed adjusts the roller 11's rotational speed, and the blades 12's frequency of contact with the dishware is adjusted by adjusting the speed. It should be noted that the roller 11 can rotate counterclockwise or clockwise, but no matter which direction it rotates, its rotation speed must be adjusted to enable the blades 12 to separate the stacked tableware.

[0027] The tableware sorting device of the present invention first places the tableware to be sorted in the loading area of ​​the conveyor assembly 2. A mesh filter 21 is then used on the conveyor assembly 2 to sort the tableware (bowls and cups) not stacked with plates. Simultaneously, roller 11 is activated, moving the tableware through the assembly line to the front of the destacking assembly 1, where it contacts blades 12. Because there is a gap between blades 12 and the conveyor assembly 2, single-layer plates pass directly through. The rotation of blades 12 applies a force to the stacked tableware, applying an upward, oblique force to the stacked tableware above the plates. The tableware above the plates detaches from the plates and enters the conveyor assembly 2 for separation. After the conveyor assembly 2 passes through the destacking assembly 1, only the plates remain. Blades 12 adjust the plates' position, keeping any raised plates flat on the assembly line. The destacking process requires no operator intervention, saving manpower and offering a high degree of automation. Bowls and cups are effectively separated from the plates, and the sorted tableware enters the washing process.

[0028] See also Figure 1 Furthermore, to improve the accuracy of separating plates from other tableware, plates passing through the destacking assembly 1 pass through two blades 12. The first blade 12 is used to remove stacked tableware, while the second blade 12 inspects and removes stacked tableware. Two or more blades 12 are provided, evenly spaced along the circumference of the roller 11. Preferably, the distance between adjacent blades 12 is less than the outer diameter of the retained tableware, the outer diameter of the roller 11 is larger than the outer diameter of the plates, and there are five blades 12.

[0029] Furthermore, a buffer is provided where the blade 12 contacts the tableware. This buffer prevents rigid contact with the tableware when encountering significant resistance, thus preventing damage. Materials for the buffer include, but are not limited to, acrylic, rubber, and silicone, with rubber being preferred. Blades 12 are made of a soft material, allowing for slight oscillation. This soft material allows for a small movement of bowls and cups, effectively separating them from plates.

[0030] See also Figure 2 Furthermore, the conveying assembly 2 includes a sorting line 22, a collection line 23, and a buffer line 24. One end of the buffer line 24 is connected to the tableware sorting line 22, and the other end is connected to the tableware collection line 23. Specifically, the destacking assembly 1 is arranged above the sorting line 22, and the buffer line 24 is arranged below the sorting line 22. The buffer line 24 and the collection line 23 are connected and on the same horizontal plane. Preferably, the buffer line 24 and the collection line 23 are formed integrally. There are multiple groups of buffer lines 24, which are evenly spaced along the width of the buffer line 24, and the length of the buffer line 24 on one side increases from the other side. Each group of buffer lines 24 is equipped with an independent drive motor, which can independently control the operation of each group of buffer lines 24 and adjust the movement speed of each group of buffer lines 24 according to the working scenario. The width of the buffer lines 24 is greater than that of the sorting lines 22. The width of each set of buffer lines 24 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the plates. During use, tableware may be concentrated and moved from the sorting lines 22 to the buffer lines 24. Because the buffer lines 24 are of different and independent lengths, the tableware arrives at the collection lines 23 at different locations and times. This ensures that the tableware moves in an orderly and separate manner, thereby preventing tableware blockage, improving the separation and conveying efficiency of the conveyor assembly 2, and ensuring stable operation of the device. Preferably, four sets of buffer lines 24 are provided.

[0031] Furthermore, the conveying speeds of the sorting line 22, the buffering line 24 and the collecting line 23 are increased in sequence. By utilizing the speed difference, it is further ensured that the tableware will not be blocked, and the stable operation of the device is guaranteed.

[0032] See also Figure 2Furthermore, a guide plate 241 is provided along one edge of the buffer line 24 along its length. To reduce the storage area of ​​the collection line 23, the width of the tableware collection line 23 is smaller than that of the buffer line 24. The guide plate 241 ensures that tableware moving from the buffer line 24 moves along the guide plate 241 toward the collection line 23 in an orderly manner, without affecting the movement of the tableware due to the reduced width.

[0033] See also Figure 1 Furthermore, a brush 242 is provided on the side of the buffer line 24 close to the tableware sorting line 22. Specifically, the brush 242 is rotatably mounted on the buffer line 24. The brush 242 is cylindrical and is driven to rotate by external power. The height of the buffer line 24 is lower than that of the sorting line 22, and the brush 242 is set between the two heights. When the tableware flows out of the sorting line 22, it moves along the outside of the brush 242 to the buffer line 24. This not only acts as a buffer to reduce collisions between the tableware and prevent the tableware from falling directly onto the buffer line 24, thus protecting the tableware, but also provides slight friction during the tableware conveyance process, helping the tableware to adjust its posture and filtering out some debris on the tableware.

[0034] The tableware sorting device of the present invention features a de-stacking assembly 1 positioned above a conveyor assembly 2. Rotating blades 12 exert a force on the tableware, applying an upward, diagonal force to the stacked tableware above the plates. The tableware above the plates is then separated from the plates and transported to the conveyor assembly 2 for separation. After the conveyor assembly 2 passes through the de-stacking assembly 1, only the plates remain. The sorting process requires no operator intervention, saving manpower and achieving a high degree of automation. Bowls and cups are separated from the plates, and the de-stacking assembly 1 can adjust the position of the tableware so that it lies flat against the conveyor assembly 2. Multiple independently driven buffer lines 24 of varying lengths are provided to ensure orderly movement of the tableware within the buffer lines 24, preventing blockages, improving separation and transport efficiency, and ensuring stable operation of the device. A rolling brush 242 is positioned between the buffer lines 24 and the tableware sorting line 22. This not only acts as a buffer to reduce collisions between the tableware but also provides slight friction during transport, helping the tableware adjust its position and filtering out any debris.

[0035] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the utility model in detail. It should be understood that the above is only a specific implementation method of the utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the scope of the present utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A tableware sorting device, characterized in that: include: A de-stacking assembly (1) and a conveying assembly (2) for conveying tableware, wherein the de-stacking assembly (1) is arranged above the conveying assembly (2), and the de-stacking assembly (1) comprises: A roller (11) is installed above the conveying assembly (2); A blade (12) is mounted on the outside of the roller (11), and a gap (13) is provided between the blade (12) and the conveying assembly (2) for only the plates to pass through; External power drives the roller (11) to rotate, driving the blade (12) to rotate and move the stacked tableware on the plate to separate the plate from other tableware.

2. The tableware sorting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are more than two blades (12) which are evenly spaced along the circumference of the roller (11).

3. The tableware sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A buffer portion is provided at the contact point between the blade (12) and the tableware.

4. The tableware sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conveying assembly (2) comprises a tableware sorting line (22), a tableware collecting line (23) and a buffer line (24). One end of the buffer line (24) is connected to the tableware sorting line (22), and the other end is connected to the tableware collecting line (23).

5. The tableware sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The buffer lines (24) are provided with more than two groups, which are evenly spaced along the width direction of the buffer lines (24), and the length of the buffer lines (24) on one side to the buffer lines (24) on the other side gradually increases.

6. The tableware sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The conveying speeds of the sorting line (22), the buffering line (24) and the collecting line (23) increase in sequence.

7. The tableware sorting device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The conveying speeds of the sorting line (22), the buffering line (24) and the collecting line (23) increase in sequence.

8. The tableware sorting device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that: A guide plate (241) is provided along the length direction on one side edge of the buffering pipeline (24).

9. The tableware sorting device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that: A brush (242) is provided on one side of the buffer line (24) close to the sorting line (22).