A parts sorting apparatus and a pre-positioning recovery device therefor

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of part front recovery device, including recycling mechanism and recycling channel, front recovery device is used to set between visual detection device and sorting device, recycling channel has feed inlet, for with the discharge outlet of feeding hopper and the conveying structure of the part sent to the discharge outlet of feed inlet entrance. By setting front recovery device between sorting device and visual detection device, problem parts can be backflow to feeding hopper by front recovery device, realize cyclic feeding and identification sorting, until the identification and sorting of all parts are completed, without manual auxiliary recovery problem parts, improve the identification sorting efficiency of part, reduce the working strength of operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of parts sorting technology, specifically to a parts sorting equipment and its pre-recycling device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing, machine vision technology has become one of the key technologies for improving production efficiency and quality. In the process of classifying and sorting parts, the use of machine vision technology can achieve efficient identification and intelligent classification of complex features of parts, significantly improving the sorting efficiency and accuracy of sorting equipment.

[0003] In existing sorting equipment, after parts are moved from the hopper to the conveyor, the vision inspection device detects and identifies the parts on the conveyor. When the vision inspection device identifies the type of part, it controls the sorting mechanism to sort the part into the corresponding collection box.

[0004] However, when multiple parts on the conveyor are stacked, interlocked, or placed close together, multiple parts may appear simultaneously below the vision inspection device. In this case, the vision inspection device cannot identify the type of a single part at the same time, and the parts appearing in the above situation are classified as problematic parts. When the vision inspection device identifies a problematic part, the sorting equipment does not sort it but allows it to continue conveying on the conveyor until it falls into the collection box at the end of the conveyor. Then, the operator has to empty it into the loading hopper for re-sorting, which greatly increases the workload of the operator. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a parts sorting equipment and its pre-recycling device to improve the sorting efficiency of the sorting equipment and reduce the workload of operators.

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a pre-processing recycling device for parts, comprising a recycling mechanism and a recycling channel. The pre-processing recycling device is disposed between a visual inspection device and a sorting device. The recycling channel has an inlet, an outlet communicating with a hopper, and a conveying structure for conveying parts entering through the inlet to the outlet. The recycling mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator / pusher for moving problematic parts detected by the visual inspection device into the recycling channel. The pneumatic actuator includes a power drive component and an air pipe connected to the power drive component. The power drive component is connected to a controller to provide gas driving force when a problematic part is detected, and moves the problematic part toward the recycling channel through the air pipe. The pusher includes a power source and a pushing component driven by the power source. The power source is connected to the controller to drive the pushing component to output a pushing force toward the problematic part towards the inlet of the recycling channel when a problematic part is detected.

[0007] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are as follows: by setting up a pre-recycling device between the sorting device and the vision inspection device, problematic parts can be returned to the feeding hopper through the pre-recycling device, realizing cyclic feeding and identification sorting until all parts are identified and sorted, without the need for manual assistance in recycling problematic parts, thereby improving the efficiency of parts identification and sorting and reducing the workload of operators.

[0008] Preferably, the discharge port is positioned above the feeding hopper to collect the defective parts into the feeding hopper.

[0009] Preferably, the power drive component is an air gun, which is connected to the controller to output airflow when a problematic part is detected. The air pipe is connected to the nozzle of the air gun and is arranged opposite to the feed inlet. The air pipe is used to output the airflow output by the air gun toward the feed inlet of the recycling channel in a direction perpendicular to the part conveying direction.

[0010] Preferably, the power drive component is a negative pressure fan, which is used to connect to the controller to generate negative pressure when a faulty part is detected. The air pipe is installed in the recycling channel and is used to apply the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure fan to the faulty part so that the faulty part moves toward the feed port of the recycling channel.

[0011] Secondly, this utility model provides a parts sorting device, comprising a recycling mechanism and a recycling channel. The pre-recycling device is positioned between a vision inspection device and a sorting device. The recycling channel has an inlet, an outlet communicating with a hopper, and a conveying structure for transporting parts entering through the inlet to the outlet. The recycling mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator / pusher for moving problematic parts detected by the vision inspection device into the recycling channel. The pneumatic actuator includes a power drive component and an air pipe connected to the power drive component. The power drive component is connected to a controller to provide gas driving force when a problematic part is detected, and moves the problematic part towards the recycling channel via the air pipe. The pusher includes a power source and a pushing component driven by the power source. The power source is connected to the controller to... When a faulty part is detected, the drive pusher outputs a pushing force towards the faulty part through the feed inlet of the recycling channel; the discharge port is positioned above the feed hopper to collect the faulty part into the feed hopper; the power drive is an air gun, which is connected to the controller to output airflow when a faulty part is detected; the air pipe is connected to the nozzle of the air gun and positioned opposite the feed inlet, and the air pipe is used to output the airflow output by the air gun towards the feed inlet of the recycling channel in a direction perpendicular to the part conveying; the power drive is a negative pressure fan, which is connected to the controller to create negative pressure when a faulty part is detected; the air pipe is positioned inside the recycling channel, and the air pipe is used to apply the negative pressure created by the negative pressure fan to the faulty part, causing the faulty part to move towards the feed inlet of the recycling channel;

[0012] It also includes a hopper for storing parts, a feeding device, a vision inspection device, a conveying device for conveying parts, and a sorting device. The feeding device is used to convey parts in the hopper to the conveying device. The vision inspection device is used to collect the status information of the parts on the conveying device and transmit it to the controller. The sorting device includes a sorting mechanism, a sorting channel, and a parts collection box. The sorting channel is connected to the parts collection box. The sorting mechanism is signal-connected to the controller and is used to sort the parts into the corresponding sorting channel in response to the control commands issued by the controller, and then sort the parts into the corresponding parts collection box.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes a material guiding mechanism, which is disposed between the feeding device and the conveying device. The feeding end of the material guiding mechanism is correspondingly disposed with the discharging end of the feeding device, and the discharging end of the material guiding mechanism is correspondingly disposed with the conveying device. The material guiding mechanism is used to guide the parts from the feeding device to the conveying device.

[0014] Preferably, the material guiding mechanism includes a feeding channel and a vibration mechanism. The feeding channel is V-shaped, and the vibration mechanism is located below the feeding channel. The vibration mechanism is used to drive the feeding channel to vibrate.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above technical solution is that by setting the feeding channel in a V shape and setting a vibration mechanism, the parts can be arranged in a row as much as possible when passing through the feeding channel. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example and not limitation, and like or corresponding reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sorting equipment of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a two-dimensional structural diagram of the sorting equipment of this utility model from a second perspective;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the recycling channel of the sorting equipment;

[0020] Figure 4 A second-view structural diagram of the recycling channel of the sorting equipment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recycling channel of the sorting equipment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 1. Feeding hopper; 2. Feeding device; 3. Guiding mechanism; 31. Feeding channel; 4. Conveying device; 41. Conveying channel; 5. Vision inspection device; 51. Camera; 52. Vision inspection bracket; 62. Recycling channel; 623. Conveying structure; 6231. Horizontal plate; 6232. Vertical plate; 6233. Side plate; 6234. Inclined plate; 71. Sorting channel; 72. Parts collection box; 8. Mounting frame. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described below are only some, not all, of the embodiments disclosed. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0025] The principles and spirit of this utility model will be explained in detail below with reference to several representative embodiments.

[0026] Embodiment 1 of a parts sorting device (hereinafter referred to as sorting device) provided by the present invention:

[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the sorting equipment includes a hopper 1, a feeding device 2, a conveying device 4, a guiding mechanism 3, a vision inspection device 5, a sorting device, and a pre-collection device. The length direction of the sorting equipment is left-right, and the width direction is front-back. The conveying device 4 extends left and right and is used to convey parts from right to left. The feeding device 2 is located in front of the conveying device 4.

[0028] Both the feeding hopper 1 and the feeding device 2 are fixedly mounted on the mounting frame 8. The feeding device 2 is used to transport parts from the feeding hopper 1 to the conveying device 4. In this embodiment, the feeding device 2 is an existing scraper conveyor. In other embodiments, the feeding device 2 can also be an existing screw conveyor or bucket elevator.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying device 4 includes a conveying channel 41, a conveyor belt, and a conveying motor for driving the conveyor belt. The conveying channel 41 is located below the discharge end of the feeding device 2. After the parts fall from the discharge end of the feeding device 2 into the conveying channel 41 under the action of gravity, they move towards the sorting device under the action of the conveyor belt.

[0030] The guiding mechanism 3 is located on the upper right side of the feeding hopper 1 and above the conveying device 4. The guiding mechanism 3 is located between the discharge end of the feeding device 2 and the conveying device 4, and is used to guide the parts output from the discharge end of the feeding device 2 to the conveying device 4.

[0031] The material guiding mechanism 3 includes a feeding channel 31 and a vibration mechanism (not shown in the figure). The feeding channel 31 includes two V-shaped side plates 6233. The inlet end of the feeding channel 31 corresponds to the outlet end of the feeding device 2, and the outlet end of the feeding channel 31 corresponds to the conveying channel 41 of the conveying device 4. The inlet end of the feeding channel 31 is higher than the outlet end. After the parts output from the outlet end of the feeding device 2 fall into the feeding channel 31, under the influence of their own gravity, the parts move from the inlet end of the feeding channel 31 to the outlet end and then fall onto the conveying channel 41 for conveying by the conveyor belt. The vibration mechanism is fixedly mounted on the frame and includes a vibration source located below the feeding channel 31. Under the vibration of the vibration source, the V-shaped feeding channel 31 vibrates, thereby arranging the parts in a row as much as possible on the feeding channel 31.

[0032] A visual inspection device 5 is mounted on the conveyor device 4 and is signal-connected to the controller. The visual inspection device 5 can collect status information of mixed parts (including part position information and real-time image information of parts passing through the visual inspection device 5) and transmit this status information to the controller in signal form. The visual inspection device 5 includes a camera 51, a light source, a laser sensor, and a visual inspection bracket 52. The visual inspection bracket 52 is mounted above the conveyor channel 41. The camera 51 and the light source are both mounted on the visual inspection bracket 52, and the laser sensor is located at the position of the camera 51. When a part moves below the camera 51, the laser sensor can obtain the current position of the part and transmit the part's position signal to the controller, which then controls the camera 51 to take a picture. After acquiring the real-time image of the part, the camera 51 transmits the image to the controller. In response to the collected signal, the controller can issue control commands to control the status or actions of the sorting device and the pre-recycling device.

[0033] The pre-recycling device is located on the left side of the vision inspection device 5, and includes a recycling mechanism and a recycling channel 62.

[0034] The recycling mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator includes a power drive and an air pipe connected to the power drive. In this embodiment, the power drive is an air gun, which is signal-connected to a controller. The air pipe is located on the rear side of the conveying channel 41, and the outlet of the air pipe faces the conveying channel 41, for outputting the airflow from the air gun toward the recycling channel 62 in a direction perpendicular to the part conveying.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, the recycling channel 62 is fixedly installed on the front side of the conveying channel 41. The recycling channel 62 has an inlet, an outlet, and a conveying structure 623. The conveying structure 623 includes two horizontal plates 6231 spaced vertically, two side plates 6233 spaced horizontally, two vertical plates 6232 spaced front-to-back, and two inclined plates 6234 spaced front-to-back with a certain angle. The horizontal plates 6231 and side plates 6233 form the inlet, the vertical plates 6232 and side plates 6233 form the outlet, and the side plates 6233 and inclined plates 6234 form a guiding space for conveying parts entering through the inlet to the outlet. The inlet is located on the front side of the conveying channel 41 and is opposite to the outlet of the air pipe, used to receive parts; the outlet is correspondingly located above the loading hopper 1, used to recycle parts into the loading hopper 1.

[0036] The sorting device is located to the left of the pre-collection device and includes a sorting channel 71, a parts collection box 72, a sorting mechanism, and a sorting motor for driving the sorting mechanism. The sorting motor is connected to the controller via signal. The sorting channel 71 has the same structure as the collection channel 62, and the sorting mechanism has the same structure as the collection mechanism, so it will not be described again here. The parts collection box 72 is located on one side of the conveyor channel 41. According to the type of parts, multiple parts collection boxes 72 are arranged at intervals along the direction of the conveyor channel 41, and each parts collection box 72 corresponds to a type of part. The sorting channel 71 and the parts collection box 72 are arranged correspondingly to guide the movement trajectory of the parts, so that when the parts move under the action of the sorting mechanism, they can smoothly move into the corresponding parts collection box 72.

[0037] When the sorting equipment is working, the feeding device 2 transports the parts in the feeding hopper 1 to the guiding mechanism 3, and the feeding channel 31 moves the parts in an orderly manner to the conveying channel 41. When a large number of parts are transported, it is inevitable that multiple parts will stack, jam, or be next to each other during the transport process on the feeding channel. When the vision detection device 5 identifies the stacked / jammed or next to each other (hereinafter referred to as problematic parts), the controller controls the air gun of the recycling mechanism to output airflow, and the airflow is applied to the problematic parts through the air pipe, thereby blowing the problematic parts into the recycling channel 62 and recycling them back to the feeding hopper 1, so as not to let these problematic parts enter the sorting channel 71. If the above situation does not occur, the sorting device sorts the parts into the corresponding parts collection box 72.

[0038] By setting up a pre-recycling device between the sorting device and the vision inspection device 5, problematic parts can be returned to the feeding hopper 1 through the pre-recycling device. Then, they are fed and sorted in a cyclic manner through the feeding device 2, the guiding mechanism 3, and the conveying device 4, until all parts are identified and sorted. This eliminates the need for manual assistance in recycling problematic parts, improves the efficiency of parts identification and sorting, and reduces the workload of operators.

[0039] Embodiment 2 of the sorting equipment provided by this utility model:

[0040] The main difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the power drive component is a negative pressure fan, which is connected to the controller via a signal connection, and the air pipe is installed inside the recovery channel 62. When a problematic part is detected, the controller controls the negative pressure fan to create negative pressure, which is then applied to the problematic part through the air pipe, causing it to move towards the feed inlet of the recovery channel 62. Once the problematic part reaches the recovery channel 62, it falls along the conveying structure 623 into the feeding hopper 1 under its own gravity, thus achieving the recovery of the problematic part.

[0041] Example 3 of the sorting equipment provided by this utility model:

[0042] The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that a pusher is used instead of a pneumatic actuator. The pusher includes a power source and a pushing component that is driven by the power source. The power source is signal-connected to the controller. The pushing component is located on the rear side of the conveying channel 41 and is positioned opposite to the feed inlet of the recycling channel 62. When a defective part is detected, the controller controls the power source to drive the pushing component towards the feed inlet, thereby pushing the defective part into the recycling channel 62, thus achieving the recycling of the defective part.

[0043] The present invention provides a pre-processing recycling device for parts, which adopts the pre-processing recycling device of the sorting equipment described above. The pre-processing recycling device has the same structure as the pre-processing recycling device in the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

Claims

1. A parts pre-collection device, comprising a collection mechanism and a collection channel (62), characterized in that, The pre-collection device is used to be installed between the visual inspection device (5) and the sorting device; The recycling channel (62) has an inlet, an outlet for communicating with the hopper (1), and a conveying structure (623) for conveying parts entering through the inlet to the outlet; the recycling mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator / pusher for moving problematic parts detected by the visual inspection device (5) into the recycling channel (62); the pneumatic actuator includes a power drive and an air pipe connected to the power drive, the power drive being connected to a controller to provide gas driving force when a problematic part is detected, and to move the problematic part toward the recycling channel (62) through the air pipe; the pusher includes a power source and a pusher being driven by the power source, the power source being connected to the controller to drive the pusher toward the inlet of the recycling channel (62) to output a pushing force to the problematic part when a problematic part is detected.

2. The parts pre-recycling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge port is positioned above the feed hopper (1) to collect problematic parts into the feed hopper (1).

3. The parts pre-collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power drive is an air gun, which is connected to the controller to output airflow when a faulty part is detected. The air pipe is connected to the nozzle of the air gun and is positioned opposite to the feed port. The air pipe is used to output the airflow output by the air gun toward the feed port of the recycling channel (62) in a direction perpendicular to the part conveying direction.

4. The pre-processing recycling device for parts according to claim 2, wherein the power drive is a negative pressure fan, the negative pressure fan is used to connect with the controller to generate negative pressure when a problem part is detected, and the air pipe is set in the recycling channel (62), the air pipe is used to apply the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure fan to the problem part so that the problem part moves toward the feed port of the recycling channel (62).

5. A parts sorting device, characterized in that, The device includes the parts pre-collection device according to any one of claims 1-4, and further includes a hopper (1) for storing parts, a feeding device (2), a vision inspection device (5), a conveying device (4) for conveying parts, and a sorting device. The feeding device (2) is used to convey the parts in the hopper (1) to the conveying device (4). The vision inspection device (5) is used to collect the status information of the parts on the conveying device (4) and transmit it to the controller. The sorting device includes a sorting mechanism, a sorting channel (71), and a parts collection box (72). The sorting channel (71) is connected to the parts collection box (72). The sorting mechanism is signal-connected to the controller and is used to sort the parts into the corresponding sorting channel (71) in response to the control command issued by the controller, and then sort the parts into the corresponding parts collection box (72).

6. The parts sorting equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a material guiding mechanism (3), which is arranged between the feeding device (2) and the conveying device (4). The feeding end of the material guiding mechanism (3) is correspondingly arranged with the discharge end of the feeding device (2), and the discharge end of the material guiding mechanism (3) is correspondingly arranged with the conveying device (4). The material guiding mechanism (3) is used to guide the parts from the feeding device (2) to the conveying device (4).

7. The parts sorting equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The material guiding mechanism (3) includes a feeding channel (31) and a vibration mechanism. The feeding channel (31) is V-shaped and the vibration mechanism is located below the feeding channel (31). The vibration mechanism is used to drive the feeding channel (31) to vibrate.

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