Material sorting machine

Abstract

According to the material sorting machine, after materials are heated, the materials are conveyed to the conveying front end of the conveying unit through the vibration feeding unit, the conveying unit can convey the heated materials, an infrared camera assembly is installed on a supporting frame, and the supporting frame is arranged on the conveying unit in a crossing mode; therefore, the temperature of the material is detected through the infrared camera assembly, due to the difference of materials or composition elements of different materials, the absorbed heat and the stored heat are different, the temperatures of the different materials are different, and qualified materials and unqualified materials can be distinguished according to the temperature difference. The rejecting unit changes the moving track of the unqualified materials or the qualified materials thrown out of the conveying tail end of the conveying unit, the unqualified materials and the qualified materials are separated, rejecting of the unqualified materials is achieved, and finally the qualified materials and the unqualified materials are contained in a partitioned mode through the material collecting unit. Therefore, sorting of materials with small color and surface texture differences is effectively completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of material sorting technology, and in particular to a material sorting machine. Background Technology

[0002] Material sorting is a crucial step in industrial production, resource recycling, and environmental protection. Its purpose is to classify mixed materials according to specific criteria (such as size, density, color, and material composition). Effective material sorting can improve product quality, reduce costs, minimize waste, and promote resource recycling.

[0003] A color sorter is a machine that uses photoelectric technology to separate materials by color. It is widely used in industries such as food, agriculture, and recycling to separate particles or objects of different colors to ensure product quality or purity. For example, in rice processing, color sorters can remove discolored, moldy, or other non-compliant rice grains; in the plastic recycling industry, it can be used to sort different types of plastic fragments.

[0004] However, some materials have very little difference in color and surface texture, and traditional color sorters cannot identify them by color at all, making it impossible to effectively separate the materials. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a material sorting machine that can effectively sort materials with small differences in color and surface texture.

[0006] The embodiments of this application can be implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a material sorting machine, including a frame unit and a vibrating feeding unit, a conveying unit, a signal acquisition unit, a rejection unit and a material collection unit disposed on the frame unit;

[0008] The vibrating feeding unit is used to collect the heated material and transfer it to the conveying front end of the conveying unit;

[0009] The conveying unit is used to convey heated materials;

[0010] The signal acquisition unit includes a support frame and an infrared camera assembly mounted on the support frame. The support frame spans the conveying unit, and the infrared camera assembly is used to detect the temperature of the material.

[0011] The rejection unit is located at the end of the conveying unit. The rejection unit can operate according to the detection results of the infrared camera assembly and change the trajectory of unqualified materials or qualified materials after they are thrown out from the end of the conveying unit.

[0012] The material collection unit is used to separate qualified materials from unqualified materials.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the support frame includes two uprights and a crossbeam. The two uprights are located on both sides of the conveying unit, and the bottom of the uprights is connected to the frame unit. The crossbeam is connected between the tops of the two uprights, and the infrared camera assembly is disposed on the crossbeam.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the infrared camera assembly is located at the middle of the crossbeam along its length.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the signal acquisition unit further includes a temperature calibration component and / or a lens calibration component disposed on the support frame.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the rejection unit includes a housing and a valve drive plate, multiple valves, and multiple nozzles located within the housing. The housing is mounted on the frame unit and located at the conveying end of the conveying unit. The housing contains an air chamber, and the air chamber, the valves, and the nozzles are sequentially connected through pipelines. The nozzles extend out of the housing. The valve drive plate can control at least one valve to open or close based on the detection results of the infrared camera assembly.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the rack unit includes a rack assembly and a base. The rack assembly is a frame structure formed by connecting multiple tubes and has at least three legs, with the bottom end of each leg connected to a base.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the conveying unit includes a belt conveyor, and the frame unit further includes a belt cleaning and collection assembly disposed on the frame assembly, the belt cleaning and collection assembly being used to clean dirt from the belt of the belt conveyor.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the frame unit further includes a blower assembly disposed on the frame assembly, the blower assembly being used to blow air to cool the belt conveyor.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the rejection unit includes a nozzle, and the frame unit further includes a filter assembly disposed on the frame assembly, the filter assembly being connected to the nozzle.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the material sorting machine further includes an image processing unit, which is electrically connected to both the infrared camera assembly and the rejection unit.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include, for example:

[0023] By heating the material and then conveying it to the front end of the conveying unit via a vibrating feeding unit, the heated material is transported. Since the infrared camera component is mounted on a support frame that spans the conveying unit, the temperature of the material is detected by the infrared camera component. Due to differences in the material composition or constituent elements of different materials, their heat absorption and storage will also vary, resulting in different temperatures for different materials. Therefore, qualified and unqualified materials can be distinguished based on temperature differences. Then, the rejection unit changes the trajectory of unqualified or qualified materials after they are thrown out from the end of the conveying unit, separating the unqualified materials from the qualified materials and achieving the rejection of unqualified materials. Finally, the material collection unit is used to separate qualified and unqualified materials, thereby effectively sorting materials with small differences in color and surface texture. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the material sorting machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the material sorting machine according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the mid-rack unit;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the signal acquisition unit;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the removal unit.

[0030] Icons: 1-Vibrating feeder unit; 2-Frame unit; 21-Ground; 22-Belt cleaning and collection assembly; 23-Frame assembly; 24-Blower assembly; 25-Filter assembly; 30-Conveying unit; 4-Signal acquisition unit; 41-Infrared camera assembly; 42-Support frame; 43-Temperature calibration assembly; 44-Lens calibration assembly; 5-Image processing unit; 6-Rejection unit; 61-Valve drive plate; 62-Air chamber; 63-Box; 64-Valve; 65-Nose; 7-Material collection unit. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0032] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this application is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 on this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 5 This application discloses a material sorting machine, including a frame unit 2 and a vibrating feeding unit 1, a conveying unit 30, a signal acquisition unit 4, a rejection unit 6 and a material collection unit 7 disposed on the frame unit 2;

[0039] The vibrating feeder 1 is used to collect the heated material and transfer it to the conveying front end of the conveying unit 30;

[0040] The conveying unit 30 is used to convey heated materials;

[0041] The signal acquisition unit 4 includes a support frame 42 and an infrared camera assembly 41 disposed on the support frame 42. The support frame 42 spans the conveying unit 30, and the infrared camera assembly 41 is used to detect the temperature of the material.

[0042] The rejection unit 6 is located at the end of the conveying unit 30. The rejection unit 6 can operate according to the detection results of the infrared camera assembly 41 to change the running trajectory of unqualified materials or qualified materials after they are thrown out from the end of the conveying unit 30.

[0043] Material collection unit 7 is used to separate qualified and unqualified materials into different zones.

[0044] In this way, by heating the material and then relying on the vibrating feeding unit 1 to transport the material to the front end of the conveying unit 30, the conveying unit 30 can transport these heated materials. Since the infrared camera component 41 is installed on the support frame 42, which spans the conveying unit 30, the temperature of the material can be detected by the infrared camera component 41. Due to the differences in the material or composition of different materials, the absorption and storage of heat will also be different, so the temperature of different materials will also be different. Therefore, qualified materials and unqualified materials can be distinguished based on the temperature difference. Then, the rejection unit 6 changes the running trajectory of unqualified materials or qualified materials after being thrown out from the end of the conveying unit 30, separating unqualified materials from qualified materials and realizing the rejection of unqualified materials. Finally, the material collection unit 7 is used to divide and collect qualified materials and unqualified materials, thereby effectively completing the sorting of materials with small differences in color and surface texture.

[0045] It is understood that, in order to realize the data processing of the images captured by the infrared camera component 41, the material sorting machine in this embodiment also includes an image processing unit 5. The image processing unit 5 is electrically connected to both the infrared camera component 41 and the rejection unit 6. In this way, the image processing unit 5 can process and compare the image data collected by the infrared camera component 41. The comparison method adopts the prior art of comparing the temperature obtained by the infrared camera component 41 with a preset temperature. The material with a large difference is judged as unqualified material, and the material with a small difference is judged as qualified material. Then, the image processing unit 5 controls the rejection unit 6 to change the running trajectory of unqualified or qualified materials after they are thrown out of the conveying unit 30, thereby realizing the distinction between qualified and unqualified materials.

[0046] The frame unit 2 mainly provides installation and load-bearing functions for other components. Specifically, the frame unit 2 includes a frame assembly 23 and a base 21. The frame assembly 23 is a frame structure formed by connecting multiple tubes and has at least three legs. The bottom end of each leg is connected to a base 21, so as to have sufficient load-bearing capacity while using less material and light weight.

[0047] The vibrating feeder unit 1 can adopt the structure of existing technology, which will not be specifically described in this application. The vibrating feeder unit 1 mainly generates excitation force by driving the eccentric block to rotate through the motor, causing the entire feed trough to vibrate periodically. This vibration enables the material to move in a specific direction within the feed trough. The vibration frequency and amplitude can be adjusted as needed to adapt to different types and characteristics of materials. Therefore, the vibrating feeder unit 1 can collect heated materials and uniformly transfer them to the conveyor belt through the vibration of the vibrating motor. A gate is set to control the flow rate, ensuring that the material does not overlap when it reaches the conveyor belt.

[0048] The basic working principle of the conveying unit 30 is to utilize mechanical structures (such as belts, chains, rollers, etc.) and power sources (such as electric motors) to achieve continuous or intermittent material transport. The conveying speed, direction, and load-bearing capacity can be adjusted according to specific application requirements. In this embodiment, a belt conveyor is selected as the conveying unit 30. It is suitable for transporting bulk materials, bagged items, and packaged goods of various shapes and sizes. It has a simple structure, is easy to maintain, and is suitable for long-distance horizontal or slightly inclined conveying.

[0049] The frame unit 2 also includes a belt cleaning and collection assembly 22 disposed on the frame assembly 23. The belt cleaning and collection assembly 22 is used to clean dirt from the belt of the belt conveyor, effectively removing materials adhering to the belt surface and preventing these materials from re-entering the conveying system or polluting the environment; reducing the risk of belt wear and tear caused by material accumulation, extending belt life; ensuring smooth belt operation, and avoiding slippage or other malfunctions caused by material accumulation. It also reduces the impact of material spillage on the working environment, maintaining good production hygiene conditions; thus keeping the conveyor unit 30 clean, extending belt life, and ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the production process.

[0050] The frame unit 2 also includes a blower assembly 24 disposed on the frame assembly 23. The blower assembly 24 is used to blow air to cool down critical parts of the belt conveyor (such as the belt, motor, reducer, and rollers), reducing the temperature of these working components, ensuring stable operation, and extending the service life of the equipment. In addition, the blower assembly 24 can also help remove residual light materials or dust from the belt, keeping the belt clean.

[0051] The support frame 42 includes two uprights and a crossbeam. The two uprights are located on both sides of the conveying unit 30, and their bottoms are connected to the frame unit 2. The crossbeam connects the tops of the two uprights. The infrared camera assembly 41 is mounted on the crossbeam, so that the infrared camera assembly 41 is positioned above the material, specifically at the middle of the crossbeam's length. This ensures the infrared camera assembly 41 is securely installed and can accurately monitor the material on the belt conveyor.

[0052] The signal acquisition unit 4 also includes a temperature calibration component 43 and / or a lens calibration component 44 disposed on the support frame 42. The temperature calibration component 43 and lens calibration component 44 can employ existing technology. The main operating principle of the temperature calibration component 43 is to first align the infrared camera component 41 with a standard blackbody source, ensuring a suitable distance between them, then start the calibration program, input or confirm the actual temperature of the blackbody source, and after calibration, check whether the temperature reading of the infrared camera component 41 meets the requirements, repeating the calibration if necessary. The main operating principle of the lens calibration component 44 is to first place the calibration target within the calibration area, ensuring that the infrared camera component 41 can clearly see the target, then use the infrared camera component 41 to capture an image of the calibration target, then run the calibration program, adjust the lens parameters based on the captured image data, retake the image, and confirm whether the calibration effect is satisfactory; if it does not meet the ideal state, the above steps can be repeated until the best effect is achieved.

[0053] The rejection unit 6 includes a housing 63 and a valve drive plate 61, multiple valves 64, and multiple nozzles 65 located within the housing 63. The housing 63 is installed on the frame unit 2 and located at the end of the conveying unit 30. The housing 63 contains an air chamber 62. The air chamber 62, valves 64, and nozzles 65 are connected sequentially through pipelines. The air chamber 62 is mainly used to store high-pressure gas. The housing 63 provides installation and protection and is installed on the frame assembly 23. When the valves 64 receive a command, they can instantly open or close the air passage. The nozzles 65 serve as the carriers for gas transportation and extend outside the housing 63. The valve drive plate 61 can control at least one valve 64 to open or close based on the detection results of the infrared camera assembly 41. Thus, the nozzles 65 blow high-pressure gas onto the unqualified materials to change their trajectory, thereby separating the unqualified materials from the qualified materials and achieving rejection of the unqualified materials.

[0054] In addition, the frame unit 2 also includes a filter assembly 25 disposed on the frame assembly 23. The filter assembly 25 is connected to the nozzle 65 and mainly serves to filter the high-pressure gas delivered from the gas storage tank or high-pressure gas pipeline before providing it to the air cavity 62 of the rejection unit 6 to prevent impurities from being blown onto the material.

[0055] The material collection unit 7 mainly includes a collection hopper, which has a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is used to collect qualified materials, and the second chamber is used to collect unqualified materials. The first chamber is located in front of the second chamber in the conveying direction. In this way, the nozzle 65 points upward and blows high-pressure air to lift the unqualified materials, so that the landing point of the unqualified materials is farther than that of the qualified materials, thereby realizing the separate collection of qualified and unqualified materials in the collection hopper.

[0056] In summary, this application discloses a material sorting machine. The material is heated and then conveyed to the front end of the conveying unit 30 via a vibrating feeding unit 1. The conveying unit 30 then transports the heated material. Since the infrared camera component 41 is mounted on the support frame 42, which spans the conveying unit 30, the infrared camera component 41 detects the temperature of the material. Due to differences in material composition or constituent elements, the absorption and storage of heat by different materials will vary, resulting in different temperatures. Therefore, qualified and unqualified materials can be distinguished based on temperature differences. The rejection unit 6 then alters the trajectory of unqualified or qualified materials after they are ejected from the conveying end of the conveying unit 30, separating them from the qualified materials and removing the unqualified materials. Finally, the material collection unit 7 separates the qualified and unqualified materials, effectively sorting materials with small differences in color and surface texture.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A material sorting machine, characterized in that, It includes a frame unit (2) and a vibrating feeding unit (1), a conveying unit (30), a signal acquisition unit (4), a rejection unit (6) and a material collection unit (7) disposed on the frame unit (2); The vibrating feeder (1) is used to collect the heated material and transfer the material to the conveying front end of the conveying unit (30); The conveying unit (30) is used to convey heated materials; The signal acquisition unit (4) includes a support frame (42) and an infrared camera assembly (41) disposed on the support frame (42). The support frame (42) spans the conveying unit (30), and the infrared camera assembly (41) is used to detect the temperature of the material. The rejection unit (6) is located at the end of the conveying unit (30). The rejection unit (6) can operate according to the detection result of the infrared camera assembly (41) and change the running trajectory of unqualified materials or qualified materials after they are thrown out from the end of the conveying unit (30). The material collection unit (7) is used to divide the material into qualified and unqualified materials.

2. The material sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (42) includes two columns and a crossbeam. The two columns are located on both sides of the conveying unit (30), and the bottom of the columns is connected to the frame unit (2). The crossbeam is connected between the tops of the two columns, and the infrared camera assembly (41) is disposed on the crossbeam.

3. The material sorting machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The infrared camera assembly (41) is located at the middle part of the crossbeam along its length.

4. The material sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal acquisition unit (4) further includes a temperature calibration component (43) and / or a lens calibration component (44) disposed on the support frame (42).

5. The material sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rejection unit (6) includes a housing (63) and a valve drive plate (61), multiple valves (64) and multiple nozzles (65) located inside the housing (63). The housing (63) is installed on the frame unit (2) and located at the end of the conveying unit (30). The housing (63) has an air chamber (62). The air chamber (62), the valves (64) and the nozzles (65) are connected in sequence through pipelines. The nozzles (65) extend out of the housing (63). The valve drive plate (61) can control at least one valve (64) to open or close according to the detection result of the infrared camera assembly (41).

6. The material sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame unit (2) includes a frame assembly (23) and a floor squat (21). The frame assembly (23) is a frame structure formed by connecting multiple tubes and has at least three legs. The bottom end of each leg is connected to a floor squat (21).

7. The material sorting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The conveying unit (30) includes a belt conveyor, and the frame unit (2) further includes a belt cleaning and collection assembly (22) disposed on the frame assembly (23), the belt cleaning and collection assembly (22) being used to clean dirt on the belt of the belt conveyor.

8. The material sorting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The frame unit (2) further includes a blower assembly (24) disposed on the frame assembly (23), the blower assembly (24) being used to blow air to cool the belt conveyor.

9. The material sorting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rejection unit (6) includes a nozzle (65), and the frame unit (2) further includes a filter assembly (25) disposed on the frame assembly (23), the filter assembly (25) being connected to the nozzle (65).

10. The material sorting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material sorting machine also includes an image processing unit (5), which is electrically connected to the infrared camera assembly (41) and the rejection unit (6).

Images