A height detection device for baked goods

Abstract

This application discloses a height detection device for baked goods, comprising: a first photoelectric detection component disposed on the side of a conveyor belt with its detection end facing the conveyor belt, configured to detect the height of passing baked goods and to emit a first trigger signal when the height of the baked goods is within a preset height range; a second photoelectric detection component disposed on the side of the conveyor belt with its detection end facing the conveyor belt, used to emit a second trigger signal when a baked goods is detected passing by; a rejection device disposed on the side of the conveyor belt, having an actuator, used to drive the actuator to operate when a control signal is received, so that the actuator rejects the passing baked goods; and a controller electrically connected to the first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, and the rejection device, used to emit a control signal when the second trigger signal is received; and to block the control signal when the first trigger signal is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of industrial automation, and in particular to a height detection device for baked goods. Background Technology

[0002] Baked goods expand or shrink in volume due to factors such as ingredient ratios, fermentation, and baking. When the height of baked goods does not meet standards, it often indicates a problem with the recipe, production process, or food quality. Therefore, before packaging baked goods, height testing is necessary, and any products that do not meet the height requirements should be discarded.

[0003] Currently, the height detection of baked goods mainly relies on manual operation, where inspectors make an initial judgment by visual observation, followed by verification using measuring fixtures. However, this method requires a continuous investment of human resources, depends on human experience, and has limited accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application discloses a height detection device for baked goods, which can conveniently and reliably inspect the height of baked goods to ensure compliance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a height detection device for baked goods, applied to a production line for baked goods. The production line includes a conveyor belt with multiple conveying sections, and the height detection device includes:

[0006] A first photoelectric detection component is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt, with the detection end of the first photoelectric detection component facing the conveyor belt to form a first detection area. The first detection area has a preset height range. The first photoelectric detection component is configured to detect the height of baked goods passing through the first detection area and to issue a first trigger signal when the height of the baked goods is within the preset height range. The preset height range corresponds to the height range of baked goods with acceptable dimensions, and the lowest height threshold in the preset height range is higher than the height of the conveyor plane of the conveyor belt.

[0007] The second photoelectric detection component is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt, with the detection end of the second photoelectric detection component facing the conveyor belt to form a second detection area. The second photoelectric detection component is used to emit a second trigger signal when it detects that baked food has passed through the second detection area.

[0008] The rejection device is located on the side of the conveyor belt. The rejection device has an execution unit located downstream of the first detection area and the second detection area in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The rejection device is used to drive the execution unit to move when it receives a control signal, so that the execution unit rejects the baked goods within its own range of motion from the conveyor belt.

[0009] The controller, the first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, and the rejection device are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to send a control signal to the rejection device when it receives a second trigger signal, so that the rejection device rejects the baked goods detected in the second detection area; and to block the control signal when it receives a first trigger signal, so that the baked goods that are of acceptable size detected in the first detection area are exempt from rejection.

[0010] Optionally, the controller includes an intermediate relay, and the first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, and the rejection device are all electrically connected to the intermediate relay. The intermediate relay has a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a trigger terminal. The first connection terminal and the second connection terminal maintain a conductive electrical connection when the intermediate relay is not triggered. The first connection terminal is connected to the second photoelectric detection component, the second connection terminal is connected to the rejection device, and the trigger terminal is connected to the first photoelectric detection component and is used to trigger the intermediate relay to change the electrical connection state of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. The intermediate relay is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component and the rejection device when it receives a first trigger signal from the first photoelectric detection component.

[0011] Optionally, the controller may also include:

[0012] A first time relay is electrically connected to a first photoelectric detection component and an intermediate relay. The first time relay is configured to receive a first trigger signal and adjust the first trigger signal to an effective level duration with a first preset duration, so that the intermediate relay disconnects the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component and the rejection device within the first preset duration. The first preset duration is the time required for the conveyor belt to transport the baked goods from the first detection area to the downstream of the execution unit.

[0013] Optionally, the controller may also include:

[0014] The second time relay is electrically connected to the second photoelectric detection component and the rejection device. The second time relay is configured to receive a second trigger signal and send a control signal to the rejection device after delaying the second trigger signal for a second preset time. The second preset time is the time required for the conveyor belt to transport the baked goods from the second detection area to the execution unit.

[0015] Optionally, the first photoelectric detection component includes a laser light curtain sensor, with the transmitter and receiver of the laser light curtain sensor arranged opposite each other and located on opposite sides of the conveyor belt.

[0016] Optionally, the minimum height threshold of the preset height range is 2mm lower than the standard height of baked goods, and the maximum height threshold of the preset height range is 3mm higher than the standard height of baked goods.

[0017] Optionally, the second photoelectric detection component includes a diffuse reflection sensor, which is located on the same side of the conveyor belt or on opposite sides of the conveyor belt as the rejection device.

[0018] Optionally, the execution unit includes:

[0019] A cylinder is positioned on the side of the conveyor belt, with its piston rod facing the conveyor belt and extending horizontally.

[0020] The push plate, located at the front end of the piston rod of the cylinder, is used to push the baked goods that have passed through the cylinder off the conveyor belt after the cylinder is started.

[0021] The rejection device also includes:

[0022] A solenoid valve is used to start a cylinder when a control signal is received.

[0023] Optionally, the height detection device further includes: a transmission unit, which constitutes part of the conveyor belt, wherein the first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, the rejection device and the controller are all located on the side of the transmission unit.

[0024] Optionally, the operating speed of the transmission unit is higher than the operating speed of the other transmission sections in the conveyor belt.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are at least as follows:

[0026] In the height detection device for baked goods provided in this application embodiment, the first photoelectric detection component can emit a first trigger signal when it detects that the height of the baked goods passing through the first photoelectric component on the conveyor belt is qualified; the second photoelectric detection component can emit a second trigger signal when it detects that there is baked goods passing through the second photoelectric component on the conveyor belt; the rejection device can reject the baked goods passing through the rejection device on the conveyor belt based on the control signal emitted by the controller; the controller can emit or block control signals based on the received first and second trigger signals, thereby controlling the rejection device to reject or exempt the rejection of baked goods passing through the execution unit.

[0027] Specifically, upon receiving the second trigger signal (i.e., when baked goods are detected), the control device sends a control signal, causing the rejection device to activate the actuator and reject the detected baked goods. Upon receiving the first trigger signal (i.e., when the baked goods are detected as being of acceptable size), the control device blocks the control signal. When the rejection device does not receive a control signal, it will not activate the actuator to reject passing baked goods, thus exempting size-compliant baked goods from rejection. Therefore, only when size-compliant baked goods are detected are they retained on the conveyor belt due to exemption from rejection; other baked goods, detected by the second photoelectric detection device but not exempted, are rejected and leave the conveyor belt, ensuring that the height of baked goods passing the height detection device on the conveyor belt is within acceptable limits. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conveyor belt equipped with a height detection device according to an embodiment of this application in a production line;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a conveyor belt equipped with another height detection device according to an embodiment of this application in a production line;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of another height detection device according to an embodiment of this application when an intermediate relay is included in the second photoelectric detection component;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connection of another height detection device according to an embodiment of the application.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 100 - Height detection device; 10 - First photoelectric detection component; 101 - Baked food; 102 - Conveyor belt; 103 - Power supply; 20 - Second photoelectric detection component; 30 - Rejection device; 40 - Controller; 41 - Intermediate relay; 411 - First connection terminal; 412 - Second connection terminal; 413 - Trigger terminal; 42 - First time relay; 43 - Second time relay; 50 - Transmission unit. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0036] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0037] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; 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, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0040] In the production and processing of baked goods, substandard height often indicates problems with the recipe, production process, or food quality. To prevent problematic baked goods from entering the market, their height needs to be checked before packaging. Currently, pre-packaging height checks of baked goods mainly rely on manual operation, which has limited efficiency and accuracy. This application combines two photoelectric detection components, one for height and the other for presence, to automatically detect the height of baked goods on the production line and remove substandard goods from the conveyor belt, effectively improving detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0041] Baked goods are produced and processed using a production line. The production line mainly consists of conveyor belts, which typically include multiple conveyor sections. The height detection device described in this application can be applied to this conveyor belt and installed in one of its conveyor sections. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram shows a conveyor belt equipped with a height detection device in a production line. The direction of movement of the conveyor belt is indicated by the arrow in the diagram.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the height detection device 100 in this application may include a first photoelectric detection component 10, a second photoelectric detection component 20, a rejection device 30, and a controller (not shown).

[0043] The first photoelectric detection component 10 is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt 102. The detection end of the first photoelectric detection component 10 faces the conveyor belt 102 to form a first detection area. The first detection area has a preset height range. The first photoelectric detection component 10 is configured to detect the height of the baked food 101 passing through the first detection area and to issue a first trigger signal when the height of the baked food 101 is within the preset height range.

[0044] The first photoelectric detection component 10 is used to detect whether the height of the baked goods 101 moving past its detection end on the conveyor belt 102 is qualified, and to issue a first trigger signal when the height of the baked goods 101 is qualified; otherwise, no first trigger signal is issued. The first photoelectric detection component 10 may include various photoelectric sensor devices capable of achieving the above-mentioned detection purpose, such as a measuring light curtain, a reflective sensor combination, or a photoelectric sensor array. For example, when the first photoelectric detection component 10 includes a measuring light curtain, the height of the baked goods 101 passing through the detection end can be directly obtained within the measuring range of the measuring light curtain, thereby determining whether the height of the baked goods 101 is qualified. As another example, when the first photoelectric detection component 10 includes a reflective sensor combination, a set of reflective sensors, respectively set in the vertical direction at the maximum height threshold and the minimum height threshold of the qualified baked goods 101, can be set on the side of the conveyor belt, and the detection results of the two sensors can be used to determine whether the height of the passing baked goods 101 is qualified.

[0045] Since the output signal of the detection end in the first photoelectric detection component 10 may suffer from problems such as weak signal, noise interference, and mismatch with the subsequent receiving device, the first photoelectric detection component 10 may also include a signal processor. This processor can be an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a logic gate array, or other different types of signal processors. Since the first trigger signal can indicate whether the height of several baked goods 101 consecutively passing through its detection end is qualified, the first trigger signal can be a pulse signal; that is, several baked goods 101 consecutively passing through the detection end can be represented by several positive or negative pulses. In other cases, depending on the type of the generating and receiving device of the first trigger signal, the first trigger signal can also be other types of signals such as analog signals or wireless signals.

[0046] Based on the different types of detection ends in the first photoelectric detection component 10, different first detection areas are formed when the detection end faces the conveyor belt 102 for detection. For example, when the detection end is a measuring light curtain, the first detection area is the planar area within its detection coverage. Since the height change of a single baked food 101 is usually not significant, if the height of any cross-section of the baked food 101 along the conveyor belt movement direction is detected as qualified when passing through the planar area, the height of the baked food 101 can be determined to be qualified. In other cases, multiple height detections can be performed when the baked food 101 passes through the planar area, and the qualification of the height of the baked food 101 can be determined based on the percentage of qualified height results. For another example, when the detection end is a photoelectric sensor array, the first detection area is the spatial area within its detection coverage. Similarly, the qualification of the height of the baked food 101 can be determined based on the qualification of the height of any cross-section of the baked food 101 along the conveyor belt 102 movement direction, or the height detection results can be sampled at multiple cross-sections along the conveyor belt 102 movement direction, and the qualification of the height of the baked food 101 can be determined based on the percentage of qualified height results.

[0047] The first detection area has a preset height range, which corresponds to the height range of the qualified baked goods 101, and the lowest height threshold in the preset height range should be higher than the conveying plane of the conveyor belt 102.

[0048] Since the measurement range of the first photoelectric detection component 10 may not completely cover the entire height range of the baked goods 101 from the surface of the conveyor belt 102 to the highest point of the baked goods 101, and the structure of the conveyor plane of the conveyor belt 102 may cause inaccurate detection results of the first photoelectric detection component 10 due to reflection, light blocking, etc., the preset height range of the first detection area can be set to correspond to the height range of the baked goods with acceptable dimensions, and the lowest height threshold in the preset height range is higher than the surface of the conveyor belt 102. This ensures that the first photoelectric detection component 10 accurately detects the baked goods 101 with acceptable dimensions, while avoiding the waste of detection and computing resources caused by additional height detection of baked goods with unacceptable dimensions.

[0049] Since the first photoelectric detection component 10 only detects within the height range of the baked goods 101 that are of acceptable size, baked goods 101 that are too tall or too short may not be accurately detected and identified after passing through the first detection area. Therefore, the height detection device 100 of this embodiment further includes a second photoelectric detection component 20 for detecting the presence of the baked goods 101.

[0050] The second photoelectric detection component 20 is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt 102, with the detection end of the second photoelectric detection component 20 facing the conveyor belt 102 to form a second detection area. The second photoelectric detection component 20 is used to issue a second trigger signal when it detects that baked food 101 has passed through the second detection area.

[0051] When the second photoelectric detection component 20 detects whether baked goods 101 are passing by, it forms a second detection area at the detection end of the second photoelectric detection component 20 on the conveyor belt 102. Depending on the type of the second photoelectric detection component 20, this second detection area can be a straight line passing through the conveyor belt 102, a planar area on the surface of the conveyor belt 102, or a spatial area above the conveyor belt 102. The second photoelectric detection component 20 is used to detect whether baked goods 101 are present in the second detection area, and emits a second trigger signal when baked goods 101 are detected; otherwise, it does not emit a second trigger signal. The second detection component can include various photoelectric sensors capable of achieving the above detection purpose, such as through-beam sensors and reflective sensors. Similar to the first photoelectric detection component 10, the second photoelectric detection component 20 can also include a signal processor. The second trigger signal, similar to the first trigger signal, can be a pulse signal.

[0052] Since the first photoelectric detection component 10 and the second photoelectric detection component 20 independently detect whether the height of the baked goods 101 is qualified and whether it exists, there are no specific restrictions on the relative positions of the first photoelectric detection component 10 and the second photoelectric detection component 20, as well as the first detection area and the second detection area, in the direction of sensor movement. Specifically, the first photoelectric detection component 10 can be located upstream or downstream of the second photoelectric detection device in the direction of conveyor belt 102 movement, or the first photoelectric detection component 10 and the second photoelectric detection component 20 can also be located at different heights at the same position in the direction of conveyor belt 102 movement. Similarly, the first detection area can be located upstream or downstream of the second detection area in the direction of conveyor belt 102 movement, or the first detection area and the second detection area can completely or partially overlap in the direction of conveyor belt 102 movement.

[0053] The rejection device 30 is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt 102. The rejection device 30 has an execution unit. The execution unit is located downstream of the first detection area and the second detection area in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 102. The rejection device 30 is used to drive the execution unit to operate when a control signal is received, so that the execution unit rejects the baked food 101 within its own operating range from the conveyor belt 102.

[0054] The actuator can remove baked goods 101 from the conveyor belt 102 by pushing, blowing, or other means. The non-compliant baked goods 101 removed by the conveyor belt 102 can be recycled through a defective goods box. Depending on its operation, the actuator of the rejection device 30 can be any component capable of rejection, such as a push rod or a nozzle. Since the operation of the actuator of the rejection device 30 depends on the detection results of the first photoelectric detection component 10 and the second photoelectric detection component 20, the baked goods 101 should have already been detected by the first photoelectric detection component and the second photoelectric detection component 20 when passing through the rejection device 30. That is, the rejection device 30 is located downstream of the first and second detection areas in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 102.

[0055] The controller, the first photoelectric detection component 10, the second photoelectric detection component 20, and the rejection device 30 are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to send a control signal to the rejection device 30 when it receives a second trigger signal, so that the rejection device 30 rejects the baked goods 101 detected in the second detection area; and to block the control signal when it receives a first trigger signal, so that the baked goods 101 that are of acceptable size detected in the first detection area are exempt from rejection.

[0056] The controller blocking the control signal can include the following situations: by cutting off the electrical connection, the rejection device 30 cannot receive the control signal generated based on the second trigger signal, and does not generate a control signal or the second trigger signal. In the case where no control signal or the second trigger signal is generated, the electrical connection can be cut off, so that the controller does not generate a control signal because it does not receive the second trigger signal; or the second photoelectric detection component 20 can be not activated, so that the second photoelectric detection component 20 does not generate the second trigger signal, thereby the controller does not generate a control signal because it does not receive the second trigger signal.

[0057] It should be noted that if the controller does not activate the second photoelectric detection component 20 based on the generation of the first trigger signal, the first trigger signal needs to be generated before the second photoelectric detection component 20 performs detection. Therefore, the first detection area should be located upstream of the second detection area in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 102.

[0058] The controller may include various electronic circuits or electronic devices such as relays, transistor switches, logic gates, and field-programmable gate arrays that can achieve the above functions.

[0059] In the height detection device 100 provided in this application embodiment, the first photoelectric detection component 10 can issue a first trigger signal when it detects that the height of the baked food 101 passing through the first photoelectric component on the conveyor belt 102 is qualified; the second photoelectric detection component 20 can issue a second trigger signal when it detects that there is baked food 101 passing through the second photoelectric component on the conveyor belt 102; the rejection device 30 can reject the baked food 101 passing through the rejection device 30 on the conveyor belt 102 based on the control signal issued by the controller; the controller can issue or block control signals based on the received first and second trigger signals, thereby controlling the rejection device 30 to reject or exempt the rejection of the baked food 101 passing through the execution unit.

[0060] Specifically, upon receiving the second trigger signal, i.e., upon detecting the presence of baked goods 101, the control device sends a control signal, causing the rejection device 30 to drive the execution unit to operate and reject the detected baked goods 101. Upon receiving the first trigger signal, i.e., upon detecting that the baked goods 101 are of acceptable size, the control device blocks the control signal. When the rejection device 30 does not receive a control signal, it will not drive the execution unit to reject passing baked goods 101, thus exempting size-compliant baked goods 101 from rejection. Therefore, only when a size-compliant baked goods 101 is detected is the baked goods 101 retained on the conveyor belt 102 due to exemption from rejection; other baked goods 101 are rejected from the conveyor belt 102 because they are detected by the second photoelectric detection device but are not exempted, thereby ensuring that the height of baked goods 101 passing through the height detection device 100 on the conveyor belt 102 is acceptable.

[0061] To achieve the following objectives: to send a control signal to the rejection device 30 based on the second trigger signal generated by the second photoelectric detection component 20, and to block the control signal based on the first trigger signal generated by the first photoelectric detection component 10, the controller may include an intermediate relay. If the intermediate relay is used as the controller alone, then because the intermediate relay has a normally closed circuit function, the second trigger signal can be directly transmitted to the rejection device 30 as a control signal.

[0062] like Figure 3The diagram shows the connection relationship of the height detection device 100 according to an embodiment of this application when the second photoelectric detection component 20 includes an intermediate relay 41. In an optional embodiment, the first photoelectric detection component 10, the second photoelectric detection component 20, and the rejection device 30 are all electrically connected to the intermediate relay 41. The intermediate relay 41 has a first connection terminal 411, a second connection terminal 412, and a trigger terminal 413. The first connection terminal 411 and the second connection terminal 412 are kept electrically connected when the intermediate relay 41 is not triggered. The first connection terminal 411 is connected to the second photoelectric detection component 20, the second connection terminal 412 is connected to the rejection device 30, and the trigger terminal 413 is connected to the first photoelectric detection component 10 and is used to trigger the intermediate relay 41 to change the electrical connection state of the first connection terminal 411 and the second connection terminal 412. The intermediate relay 41 is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component 20 and the rejection device 30 when it receives a first trigger signal from the first photoelectric detection component 10.

[0063] The intermediate relay 41 typically has two sets of signal terminals, including a common terminal, a normally open contact, and a normally closed contact, as well as a set of power supply terminals for controlling the coil's closed state. In this embodiment, the first photoelectric detection component 10 is connected to one of the power supply terminals (i.e., the trigger terminal 413). The other power supply terminal can be connected to the positive or negative terminal of the power supply 103 depending on the polarity of the effective level of the first trigger signal generated by the first photoelectric detection component 10. The second photoelectric detection component 20 and the rejection device 30 are respectively connected to the common terminal and the normally closed contact of the set of signal terminals (i.e., the first connection terminal 411 and the second connection terminal 412). By including the intermediate relay 41 connected in the above manner in the controller, the logic functions to be implemented by the controller can be conveniently and reliably realized. At the same time, since the connection between the second photoelectric detection component 20 and the power supply 103 is not affected, the second photoelectric detection component 20 will not be repeatedly started, thus not affecting its service life.

[0064] In other embodiments, the power supply terminal of the second photoelectric detection component 20 can be connected to the first connection terminal 411 and the second connection terminal 412 of the intermediate relay 41, respectively, and the first photoelectric detection component 10 can be connected to the trigger terminal 413 of the intermediate relay 41. Thus, when the controller receives the first trigger signal, the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component 20 and the power supply 103 is cut off, so that the second photoelectric detection component 20 cannot generate the second trigger signal.

[0065] If the rejection device 30 and the first detection area are far apart along the sensor's movement direction, when the first photoelectric detection component 10 emits the first trigger signal and the rejection device 30 performs exemption rejection of the size-compliant baked goods 101 based on the first trigger signal, the baked goods 101 may not have yet reached the execution unit. When the baked goods 101 pass through the execution unit, the exemption rejection by the rejection device 30 for the baked goods that have passed through the execution unit has already ended. This may lead to erroneous detection results. To avoid the above situation, such as... Figure 4 As shown, in an embodiment according to this application, the controller may further include a first time relay 42, wherein, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connection of the height detection device 100 according to an embodiment of the application.

[0066] The first time relay 42 is electrically connected to the first photoelectric detection component 10 and the intermediate relay 41. The first time relay 42 is configured to receive a first trigger signal and adjust the first trigger signal to an effective level duration with a first preset duration, so that the intermediate relay 41 disconnects the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component 20 and the rejection device 30 within the first preset duration. The first preset duration is the time required for the conveyor belt 102 to transport the baked food 101 from the first detection area to the downstream of the execution unit.

[0067] Within a first preset duration, by maintaining a valid level for the first trigger signal, the rejection device 30 ensures that the passing baked goods 101 are always exempted from rejection. The first preset duration can be reasonably set according to the time required for the conveyor belt 102 to transport the baked goods 101 from the first detection area to the downstream of the execution unit; for example, it can be set to 0.3 seconds or 2 seconds. This setting prevents the following situation from occurring: the baked goods 101 with acceptable dimensions are incorrectly rejected due to inappropriate timing of arrival at the rejection device 30.

[0068] Optionally, to prevent non-compliant baked goods 101 located before compliant baked goods 101 on conveyor belt 102 from being incorrectly exempted and rejected, the first time relay 42 can be configured to first delay the output of the first trigger signal for a period of time before adjusting the effective level duration of the first trigger signal. The delay output time can correspond to the time when the baked goods 101 has just been transported from the first detection area to the execution unit, and the effective level duration can correspond to the time required for the baked goods 101 to be transported from just arriving at the execution unit to downstream of the execution unit.

[0069] Optionally, in order to ensure that the first trigger signal effectively triggers the closing and opening of the coil of the intermediate relay 41, a time delay relay can be set to adjust the voltage amplitude of the first trigger signal, for example, adjusting the voltage amplitude of the first trigger signal to 24 volts.

[0070] Depending on the actual circuit connection, the first time relay 42 can be a time delay turn-on relay, a time delay turn-off relay, a custom time relay, or other types of time relays that can achieve the above functions.

[0071] Similarly, when the rejection device 30 and the second detection area are far apart along the sensor's movement direction, to ensure the accuracy of the detection results, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the controller may also include a second time relay 43.

[0072] The second time relay 43 is electrically connected to the second photoelectric detection component 20 and the rejection device 30. The second time relay 43 is configured to receive a second trigger signal and send a control signal to the rejection device 30 after delaying the second trigger signal for a second preset time. The second preset time is the time required for the conveyor belt 102 to transport the baked food 101 from the second detection area to the execution unit.

[0073] Similar to the first time relay 42, by setting the second time relay 43 to delay the second trigger signal for a second preset time, it can be ensured that the rejection device 30 only performs its action when the baked food 101 detected in the second detection area is transported to the execution unit, thus avoiding erroneous detection caused by timing. The second preset time can be reasonably set according to the time required for the conveyor belt 102 to transport the baked food 101 from the second detection area to the execution unit, for example, it can be set to 0.2 seconds or 0.5 seconds.

[0074] The second time relay 43 can be the same as or different from the first time relay 42. Since a time relay typically includes more than one set of signal terminals, the second time relay 43 and the first time relay 42 can be the same time relay.

[0075] Optionally, the first photoelectric detection component 10 includes a laser light curtain sensor, with the transmitter and receiver of the laser light curtain sensor arranged opposite each other and located on both sides of the conveyor belt 102.

[0076] The height data of the sized baked goods 101 can be directly obtained by using a laser light curtain sensor. Furthermore, compared to other types of photoelectric sensor components or arrays, the laser light curtain sensor is more convenient in terms of installation, debugging, and obtaining results regarding whether the height is within acceptable limits.

[0077] In actual installation, the transmitter and receiver of the laser light curtain sensor can be set at the same height at both ends of the conveyor belt 102, so that the measurement range of the laser sensor at this height can cover the height range of the qualified baked goods 101.

[0078] Optionally, the minimum height threshold of the preset height range is 2mm lower than the standard height of baked goods 101, and the maximum height threshold of the preset height range is 3mm higher than the standard height of baked goods 101.

[0079] Since baked goods 101 tend to expand and rise more during the production process, while shrinking and falling back usually indicates a problem with food quality, the preset height range can be set asymmetrically relative to the standard height of baked goods 101 to ensure that baked goods 101 with the correct dimensions are of good quality.

[0080] Optionally, the second photoelectric detection component 20 includes a diffuse reflection sensor, which is disposed on the same side of the conveyor belt 102 or on both sides of the conveyor belt 102, respectively.

[0081] The second photoelectric detection component 20 performs presence detection within the second detection area. The diffuse reflection sensor has strong resistance to environmental interference and provides more accurate detection results for presence detection. At the same time, the diffuse reflection sensor is a single-sided photoelectric sensor, which can effectively save installation space.

[0082] In one alternative embodiment, the actuator may include a cylinder and a push plate. The rejection device 30 may also include a solenoid valve.

[0083] The cylinder is located on the side of the conveyor belt 102, with the piston rod of the cylinder facing the conveyor belt 102 and extending horizontally; the push plate is located at the front end of the piston rod of the cylinder, and is used to push the baked food 101 that has passed through the cylinder off the conveyor belt 102 after the cylinder is started; the solenoid valve is used to start the cylinder when a control signal is received.

[0084] Compared to actuators such as push rods and air blowing devices, cylinders are more reliable in baking food processing environments with powdery particles. By combining cylinders and push plates as actuators, it is possible to ensure that non-compliant baked goods 101 are successfully removed by conveyor belt 102.

[0085] In other embodiments, the cylinder and solenoid valve can be replaced by other devices capable of performing the above functions, such as an electric cylinder.

[0086] To facilitate the height detection of baked goods 101 on different production lines by the height detection device 100, and to enable the height detection device 100 to be switched between different production lines, in an optional embodiment, the height detection device 100 may further include: a transmission unit, which constitutes part of the transmission section of the conveyor belt 102, wherein the first photoelectric detection component 10, the second photoelectric detection component 20, the rejection device 30 and the controller are all located on the side of the transmission unit.

[0087] By incorporating a transmission unit within the height detection device 100, and integrating the first photoelectric detection component 10, the second photoelectric detection component 20, the rejection device 30, and the controller into the transmission unit, the height detection device 100 can be modularly configured. Therefore, when height detection of baked goods 101 on different production lines is required, the transmission unit of the height detection device 100 can be directly connected to the conveyor section of that production line, facilitating the switching of the height detection device 100 across multiple production lines.

[0088] In some cases, at the same time, more than one baked goods 101 may pass through the first detection area, the second detection area, or the execution section. In such cases, the height detection device 100 may not be able to accurately reject baked goods 101 that are not up to size. To avoid this situation, in an optional embodiment, the operating speed of the transmission unit may be set to be higher than the operating speed of the other transmission sections in the conveyor belt 102.

[0089] By setting the speed of the transmission unit to be higher than the operating speed of the other transmission sections in the conveyor belt 102, the accumulation of baked goods 101 at the height detection device 100 can be effectively avoided, thereby reducing the occurrence of multiple baked goods 101 passing through the first detection area, the second detection area, or the execution unit at the same time, and ensuring that the height detection device 100 accurately rejects baked goods 101 that are not up to size.

[0090] 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 it. 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 utility model.

Claims

1. A height detection device for baked goods, applied to a production line for baked goods, the production line including a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt including multiple conveying sections, characterized in that... The height detection device includes: A first photoelectric detection component is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt, with the detection end of the first photoelectric detection component facing the conveyor belt to form a first detection area. The first detection area has a preset height range. The first photoelectric detection component is configured to detect the height of baked goods passing through the first detection area and to issue a first trigger signal when the height of the baked goods is within the preset height range. The preset height range corresponds to the height range of baked goods with acceptable dimensions, and the lowest height threshold in the preset height range is higher than the conveying plane height of the conveyor belt. A second photoelectric detection component is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt, with the detection end of the second photoelectric detection component facing the conveyor belt to form a second detection area. The second photoelectric detection component is used to emit a second trigger signal when it detects that baked food has passed through the second detection area. A rejection device is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt. The rejection device has an execution unit located downstream of the first detection area and the second detection area in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt. The rejection device is used to drive the execution unit to move when a control signal is received, so that the execution unit rejects the baked goods within its own range of motion from the conveyor belt. The controller is electrically connected to the first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, and the rejection device. The controller is configured to send the control signal to the rejection device when it receives the second trigger signal, so that the rejection device rejects the baked goods detected in the second detection area; and to block the control signal when it receives the first trigger signal, so that the baked goods with qualified size detected in the first detection area are exempt from rejection.

2. The height detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller includes an intermediate relay. The first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, and the rejection device are all electrically connected to the intermediate relay. The intermediate relay has a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a trigger terminal. The first connection terminal and the second connection terminal maintain a conductive electrical connection when the intermediate relay is not triggered. The first connection terminal is connected to the second photoelectric detection component, and the second connection terminal is connected to the rejection device. The trigger terminal is connected to the first photoelectric detection component and is used to trigger the intermediate relay to change the electrical connection state between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. The intermediate relay is configured to disconnect the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component and the rejection device when it receives a first trigger signal from the first photoelectric detection component.

3. The height detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller also includes: A first time relay is electrically connected to the first photoelectric detection component and the intermediate relay. The first time relay is configured to receive the first trigger signal and adjust the first trigger signal to an effective level duration with a first preset duration, so that the intermediate relay disconnects the electrical connection between the second photoelectric detection component and the rejection device within the first preset duration. The first preset duration is the time required for the conveyor belt to transport the baked food from the first detection area to the downstream of the execution unit.

4. The height detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller also includes: The second time relay is electrically connected to the second photoelectric detection component and the rejection device. The second time relay is configured to receive the second trigger signal and send a control signal to the rejection device after delaying the second trigger signal for a second preset time. The second preset time is the time required for the conveyor belt to transport the baked food from the second detection area to the execution unit.

5. The height detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first photoelectric detection component includes a laser light curtain sensor, with the transmitter and receiver of the laser light curtain sensor arranged opposite each other and located on both sides of the conveyor belt.

6. The height detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The minimum height threshold of the preset height range is 2mm lower than the standard height of the baked goods, and the maximum height threshold of the preset height range is 3mm higher than the standard height of the baked goods.

7. The height detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second photoelectric detection component includes a diffuse reflection sensor, which is located on the same side of the conveyor belt as the rejection device or on opposite sides of the conveyor belt.

8. The height detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The execution unit includes: A cylinder is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt, such that the piston rod of the cylinder faces the conveyor belt and extends horizontally; A push plate, located at the front end of the piston rod of the cylinder, is used to push the baked goods that have passed through the cylinder off the conveyor belt after the cylinder is started. The rejection device further includes: A solenoid valve is used to activate the cylinder when the control signal is received.

9. The height detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The height detection device further includes a transmission unit, which constitutes part of the transmission section of the conveyor belt. The first photoelectric detection component, the second photoelectric detection component, the rejection device, and the controller are all located on the side of the transmission unit.

10. The height detection device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operating speed of the transmission unit is higher than the operating speed of the other transmission sections in the conveyor belt.

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