A cutlery sorting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the classification field of tableware, especially a tableware classification device, which has a conveying surface for conveying tableware, and comprises a baffle arranged on the conveying surface, the baffle gradually increases the occupation of the effective area of the conveying surface, wherein the baffle is retained in the same dimensional space, so that various tableware with different diameter elements sequentially falls according to the step-by-step reduction of the support area; the utility model classifies tableware according to the size elements of the tableware, the baffle with a fixed dimension space gradually occupies the effective area of the conveying surface, so that the support area of the conveying surface for the tableware gradually reduces, and the tableware falls from the conveying surface due to the influence of gravity after insufficient support, in other words, the tableware floats in position in the corresponding area, which can ensure that various tableware can accurately fall into the corresponding position; in summary, the classification device replaces the classification link of workers, and mechanical production has higher sustainability and faster production speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tableware classification, and more particularly to a tableware classification device. Background Technology

[0002] Disposable sterilized tableware is provided in banquets, teahouses and other venues. A set of sterilized tableware includes bowls, plates and cups. After the meal, they are all collected and sterilized on the washing line. The subsequent tableware packing process is carried out by workers to match and collect the tableware in preparation for subsequent sealing and packaging.

[0003] The reliance on workers for sorting processes prevents capacity from being increased.

[0004] The old-fashioned method of workers selecting tableware on a conveyor belt, which directly serves as an efficiency node for production capacity, exhibits an extremely low efficiency ceiling, which is the fundamental reason why production capacity cannot be increased. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a tableware sorting device that sorts different types of tableware based on their diameter.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a tableware sorting device, having a conveying surface for conveying tableware, characterized in that it includes a baffle disposed on the conveying surface, wherein the baffle gradually increases its encroachment on the effective area of ​​the conveying surface, wherein the baffle remains in the same dimensional space, so that various types of tableware with different diameter elements fall in an orderly manner according to the gradual reduction of the support area.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0008] This invention categorizes tableware based on its size. A baffle with a fixed dimensional space gradually encroaches on the effective area of ​​the conveyor surface, reducing the supporting area for the tableware. When the support becomes insufficient, the tableware falls off the conveyor surface due to its own weight. In other words, this causes the tableware to float in certain areas, ensuring that each type of tableware falls accurately into its designated position. In summary, this categorization device replaces manual sorting, enabling more continuous and faster production using mechanized manufacturing.

[0009] The baffle includes interconnected inclined guide surfaces and straight guide surfaces. Multiple baffles are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the tableware, with the inclined guide surfaces and straight guide surfaces facing each other. Furthermore, the multiple straight guide surfaces are progressively staggered in the direction the tableware falls. In this specific embodiment, this progressive arrangement is as follows: Figure 6As shown, the tableware gradually approaches the edge of the conveyor surface from left to right. This design mainly emphasizes the characteristic of the tableware moving without jamming. In addition, the inclined guide surface is used to effectively disperse the impact force, further reducing the risk of scratches and chips. Of course, this only describes the setting of one station. This specific embodiment is a dual-station system, where the tableware falls in opposite directions at the two stations. The other station's progressive approach is from right to left, gradually approaching the edge of the conveyor surface.

[0010] There are at least three dividers, corresponding to plates, bowls, and teacups respectively; of course, multiple dividers can be set according to the needs of consumers to further distinguish individual types of tableware, such as large bowls and small bowls.

[0011] The baffle is fixed to the frame of the feeding conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the baffle is connected to the frame through a telescopic mechanism. Tableware of the same type is also classified by size. For example, plates are 6 inches, 7 inches, etc. The telescopic mechanism adjusts the area occupied by the baffle in the effective area to ensure adaptive adjustment to the lower classification of tableware of the same type.

[0012] The telescopic mechanism includes a pin, a connecting screw, and a clamping fastener. One end of the pin is connected to a baffle. The clamping fastener is set on the frame of the feeding conveyor belt. The clamping fastener has a pair of spaced fastening parts. The gap between the fastening parts has a side that is adapted to the pin. The pin located in the gap is locked to the fastening part by the connecting screw. The result of the gap shrinking is to fix the position of the pin.

[0013] The aforementioned conveying surface is the feeding surface of the feeding conveyor belt, and a receiving conveyor belt is also provided below the feeding conveyor belt to collect sorted plates, bowls, teacups, etc.

[0014] At least three feeding conveyor belts are provided. In this specific embodiment, there are three feeding conveyor belts, and the baffles on the multiple feeding conveyor belts are spaced apart along the feeding direction (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the layers are staggered in an upward progressive manner from left to right, and there are three corresponding receiving conveyor belts to ensure that each type of tableware can be sent out on the same conveyor line. In other words, the landing positions of the same type of tableware are effectively staggered, cleverly avoiding collisions between tableware. In another workstation, this arrangement is symmetrical, and the baffle 1 of the other workstation is set in a staggered upward progressive manner from right to left.

[0015] The receiving conveyor belt is also equipped with baffles to control the landing position of the tableware and prevent it from rolling off the receiving conveyor belt.

[0016] It also includes a guide conveyor belt and a guide plate. The guide plate is connected to the frame of the guide conveyor belt, so that the position of the guide plate on the guide conveyor belt is fixed. The guide conveyor belt is the upper station of the feeding conveyor belt. Its purpose is to guide the position of the tableware and ensure that the tableware enters the feeding conveyor belt one by one. The guide plate is tilted outward relative to the conveying surface of the guide conveyor belt. Its purpose is to guide the tableware to correct its position and ensure that the tableware fits against the baffle in the feeding conveyor belt.

[0017] The timing of contact with the guide plate allows for adjustments to the front and back positions of the tableware, enabling it to enter the feeding conveyor belt individually and in an orderly manner.

[0018] In addition, at least three guide conveyor belts are provided. In this specific embodiment, there are three guide conveyor belts: a first-level guide conveyor belt, a second-level guide conveyor belt, and a third-level guide conveyor belt. The three guide conveyor belts are staggered outwards in sequence along the feeding direction, and the three guide conveyor belts have progressively increasing conveyor belt speeds. This differential speed is used to disperse the stacked tableware. For example, two stacked tableware will come into contact with the next level guide conveyor belt one after another. The difference in the timing of the contact causes any one tableware to move relative to the other tableware. This effect creates a gap between the moving tableware and the other tableware, making it easier for subsequent tableware to enter the feeding conveyor belt one by one. Furthermore, the progressively increasing conveyor belt speeds prevent collisions between tableware.

[0019] The guide conveyor belt also serves to separate stacked tableware. For example, when a plastic cup falls into a teacup, the first-level guide conveyor belt, the second-level guide conveyor belt, and the third-level guide conveyor belt are connected in sequence according to the direction of tableware transport. At the same time, there is a height difference between each level of the conveyor belt, and the whole is arranged in a layered layout. This causes the teacup to shake or flip as it passes through the next level of the guide conveyor belt, thereby pouring or throwing the plastic cup out of the teacup.

[0020] In some environments, multiple sets of guide conveyor belts are provided. For example, in this specific embodiment, the second-level guide conveyor belt and the third-level guide conveyor belt are provided as a set. The purpose is to avoid designing excessively long driven rollers and prevent the equipment from experiencing stability decline. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point B.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point C.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a 3D view of the baffle.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the baffle viewed from above.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the various feeding conveyor belts viewed from above.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding conveyor belt structure when tilted. Detailed Implementation

[0029] like Figure 1-8 As shown, a tableware sorting device has a conveying surface for conveying tableware. It is characterized by including a baffle 1 disposed on the conveying surface. The baffle 1 gradually increases its encroachment on the effective area of ​​the conveying surface. The baffle 1 remains in the same dimensional space, so that various types of tableware with different diameters fall in an orderly manner according to the gradual decrease of the supporting area.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0031] This invention categorizes tableware based on its size. A baffle 1 with a fixed dimensional space gradually encroaches on the effective area of ​​the conveyor surface, reducing the supporting area for the tableware. When the support is insufficient, the tableware falls off the conveyor surface due to its own weight. In other words, this causes the tableware to float in the corresponding area, ensuring that each type of tableware falls accurately into its designated position. In summary, this categorization device replaces the manual sorting process, allowing for more continuous and faster production using mechanical methods.

[0032] The baffle 1 includes interconnected inclined guide surfaces 1a and straight guide surfaces 1b. Multiple baffles 1 are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the tableware with the inclined guide surfaces 1a and straight guide surfaces 1b facing each other. Furthermore, the multiple straight guide surfaces 1b are staggered in a progressive manner towards the direction in which the tableware falls. In this specific embodiment, this progressive arrangement is as follows: Figure 6As shown, the tableware gradually approaches the edge of the conveyor surface from left to right. This design mainly emphasizes the characteristic of the tableware moving without jamming. In addition, the inclined guide surface 1a is used to effectively disperse the impact force, further reducing the risk of scratches and chips. Of course, this only describes the setting of one station. This specific embodiment is a dual station, where the tableware falls in opposite directions at the two stations. The other station's progressive approach is from right to left, gradually approaching the edge of the conveyor surface.

[0033] At least three baffles 1 are provided, corresponding to plates, bowls, and teacups respectively; of course, multiple baffles can be provided according to the needs of consumers to further distinguish individual types of tableware, such as large bowls and small bowls among bowls.

[0034] The baffle 1 is fixed on the frame of the feeding conveyor belt 3. In some embodiments, the baffle 1 is connected to the frame through the telescopic mechanism 2. Tableware of the same type is also classified by size. For example, plates are 6 inches, 7 inches, etc. The area occupied by the baffle 1 in the effective area is adjusted by the telescopic mechanism 2 to ensure adaptive adjustment to the lower classification of tableware of the same type.

[0035] The telescopic mechanism 2 includes a pin 21, a connecting screw 22, and a clamping fastener 23. One end of the pin 21 is connected to the baffle 1. The clamping fastener 23 is set on the frame of the feeding conveyor belt 3. The clamping fastener 23 has a pair of spaced fastening parts 23a. The gap between the fastening parts 23a has a side that is adapted to the pin 21. The pin 21 located in the gap is locked to the fastening part 23a by the connecting screw 22. The position of the pin 21 is fixed by the contraction of the gap.

[0036] The aforementioned conveying surface is the feeding surface of the feeding conveyor belt 3, and a receiving conveyor belt 4 is also provided below the feeding conveyor belt 3 for collecting sorted plates, bowls, teacups, etc.

[0037] At least three feeding conveyor belts 3 are provided. In this specific embodiment, there are three feeding conveyor belts 3, and the baffles 1 on the multiple feeding conveyor belts 3 are spaced apart along the feeding direction (e.g. Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the layers are staggered in an upward progressive manner from left to right. The receiving conveyor belt 4 is also equipped with three belts to ensure that each type of tableware can be sent out on the same conveyor line. In other words, the landing positions of the same type of tableware are effectively staggered, cleverly avoiding collisions between tableware. In another workstation, this arrangement is symmetrical. The baffle 1 of the other workstation is set in a staggered manner from right to left.

[0038] The above description of baffle settings is for illustrative purposes only. The baffles at the workstations should be set up in a staggered manner, either from right to left or from left to right, according to the actual environment.

[0039] Of course, depending on the customer's needs, either the left or right station can be used for production in the dual-station tableware sorting device.

[0040] The receiving conveyor belt 4 is also equipped with a partition 5 to constrain the landing position of the tableware and prevent the tableware from rolling off the receiving conveyor belt 4.

[0041] It also includes a guide conveyor belt 6 and a guide plate 7. The guide plate 7 is connected to the frame of the guide conveyor belt 6, so that the position of the guide plate 7 on the guide conveyor belt 6 is fixed. The guide conveyor belt 6 is the upper station of the feeding conveyor belt 3. Its purpose is to guide the position of the tableware and ensure that the tableware enters the feeding conveyor belt 3 one by one. The guide plate 7 is inclined outward relative to the conveying surface of the guide conveyor belt 6. Its purpose is to guide the tableware to make positional corrections and ensure that the tableware fits against the baffle 1 in the feeding conveyor belt 3.

[0042] The timing of contact with the guide plate 7 allows for adjustment of the tableware's position, enabling the tableware to enter the feeding conveyor belt 3 individually and in an orderly manner.

[0043] In addition, at least three guide conveyor belts 6 are provided. In this specific embodiment, there are three guide conveyor belts 6: a first-level guide conveyor belt 61, a second-level guide conveyor belt 62, and a third-level guide conveyor belt 63. The three guide conveyor belts 6 are staggered outwards in sequence along the feeding direction, and the three guide conveyor belts 6 have progressively increasing conveyor belt speeds. This differential speed is used to disperse the stacked tableware. For example, two stacked tableware will come into contact with the next level guide conveyor belt 6 one after another. The difference in the timing of the contact causes any one tableware to move relative to the other tableware. This effect creates a gap between the moving tableware and the other tableware, making it easier for subsequent tableware to enter the feeding conveyor belt 3 one by one. Furthermore, the progressively increasing conveyor belt speeds prevent collisions between tableware.

[0044] The guide conveyor belt 6 also has the function of smoothing materials, which is used to separate stacked tableware. For example, when a plastic cup falls into a teacup, the first-level guide conveyor belt 61, the second-level guide conveyor belt 62, and the third-level guide conveyor belt 63 are connected in sequence according to the conveying direction of the tableware. At the same time, there is a height difference between each level of the conveyor belt, and the whole is arranged in a layered layout. This causes the teacup to shake or flip as it passes through the next level guide conveyor belt 6, thereby pouring or throwing the plastic cup out of the teacup.

[0045] In some environments, the guide conveyor belt 6 is provided in multiple sets. For example, in this specific embodiment, the tableware sorting device is a dual-station device, and the second-level guide conveyor belt 62 and the third-level guide conveyor belt 63 are provided in one set. The purpose is to avoid designing excessively long driven rollers and prevent the equipment from experiencing stability decline.

[0046] It should be noted that, to prevent various types of tableware from falling randomly and to further improve the sorting accuracy of tableware, taking a plastic cup as an example: during the transmission process of the guide conveyor belt 6, there may be a tipping phenomenon due to the drop. In order to ensure that the plastic cup can smoothly contact the baffle 1, the feeding conveyor belt 3 is set at an angle (e.g., Figure 8 As shown), the plastic cup is made to stick to the baffle 1 by tilting at an angle a (the tilt angle a can be freely adjusted according to the actual situation); as for the case where the overall diameter of the plastic cup increases after it is tilted, the telescopic mechanism is adjusted appropriately.

[0047] It should also be noted that the frame of the feeding conveyor belt 3 is equipped with sensors and a pushing mechanism. Considering that some types of tableware need to be further sorted, sensors are used for identification. For example, beverage cups have multiple subcategories, and their size differences are very small. The subcategories of beverage cups include ceramic and plastic materials. In order to distinguish between these two types of beverage cups, the sensor can be a photoelectric sensor. The pushing mechanism is controlled by light signals to push one type of beverage cup off the feeding conveyor belt. This is just one example. In fact, it can also be applied to other types of tableware, and the implementation method will not be described in detail.

[0048] Meanwhile, photoelectric sensors are only one type of detection method. Other detection methods can also be used for identification. For example, existing visual recognition uses industrial cameras and computers to distinguish between ceramic and plastic beverage cups.

[0049] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model. Various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present utility model by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present utility model should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A tableware sorting apparatus having a conveying surface for conveying tableware, characterized by comprising: It includes baffles disposed on the conveying surface, the baffles gradually increasing their encroachment on the effective area of ​​the conveying surface, wherein the baffles remain in the same dimensional space, so that various tableware with different diameter elements fall in an orderly manner according to the gradual reduction of the support area.

2. The dish sorting device of claim 1, wherein, The baffle includes interlocking inclined guide surfaces and straight guide surfaces. Multiple baffles are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the tableware with the inclined guide surfaces and straight guide surfaces facing each other. The multiple straight guide surfaces are staggered in a progressive manner in the direction in which the tableware falls.

3. A device for sorting tableware according to claim 2, characterized in that There are at least three baffles to further differentiate between specific types of tableware.

4. The dish sorting device of claim 2, wherein, It also includes a feeding conveyor belt and a telescopic mechanism. The baffle is fixed on the frame of the feeding conveyor belt and is connected to the frame through the telescopic mechanism. The telescopic mechanism can be used to adjust the area occupied by the baffle in the effective area.

5. A device for sorting tableware according to claim 4, characterized in that The telescopic mechanism includes a pin, a connecting screw, and a clamping fastener. One end of the pin is connected to a baffle. The clamping fastener is set on the frame of the feeding conveyor belt. The clamping fastener has a pair of spaced fastening parts. The gap between the fastening parts has a side that is adapted to the pin. The pin located in the gap is locked to the fastening part by the connecting screw. The result of the gap shrinking is to fix the position of the pin.

6. A cutlery sorting device according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that, Below the feeding conveyor belt, there is also a receiving conveyor belt. There are at least three feeding conveyor belts. The baffles on the multiple feeding conveyor belts are staggered in a progressive manner along the feeding direction. There are also three receiving conveyor belts.

7. A device for sorting tableware according to claim 6, characterized in that The baffles are set in a staggered, progressive manner from right to left or from left to right.

8. The dish sorting device of claim 6, wherein, The receiving conveyor belt is also equipped with baffles to control the landing position of the tableware.

9. The dish sorting device of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a guide conveyor belt and a guide plate, with the guide plate connected to the frame of the guide conveyor belt, so that the position of the guide plate on the guide conveyor belt is fixed.

10. The dish sorting device of claim 8, wherein, There are at least three guide conveyor belts: a first-level guide conveyor belt, a second-level guide conveyor belt, and a third-level guide conveyor belt, each with a progressively increasing conveyor belt speed. The three guide conveyor belts are staggered outwards in sequence along the feeding direction.

11. A tableware sorting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Sensors and a pushing mechanism are installed on the frame of the feeding conveyor belt. The sensors are used to detect the differences between various types of tableware, and the output end of the pushing mechanism corresponds to the tableware on the feeding conveyor belt.

12. A cutlery sorting device according to claim 11, characterised in that The sensor is either a photoelectric sensor or a visual recognition mechanism consisting of an industrial camera and a computer.

13. The dish sorting device of claim 11, wherein, The feeding conveyor belt is set at an incline, and the incline angle makes various tableware fit snugly against the baffle.

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