Sorting apparatus and multi-level sorting device

Abstract

A sorting device and a multi-grade sorting apparatus are provided. The sorting device includes a feeding assembly, an information identification assembly, a transition assembly, and a pushing assembly (400). The feeding assembly includes a feeding rotary disk (101). The information identification assembly is configured to identify information of the supporting cups conveyed by the feeding rotary disk (101). The transition assembly includes a transition rotary disk (201). An outer peripheral sidewall of the transition rotary disk (201) is provided with recessed transition transfer-positions (202). The transition transfer-positions (202) are fixed with the supporting cups in a magnetic attraction manner. The pushing assembly (400) includes a pushing component (401). The supporting cups are pushed out from the transition transfer-positions (202) by the pushing component (401). The feeding rotary disk (101) transfers the supporting cups to the transition rotary disk (201). The pushing component (401) pushes the supporting cups out from the transition rotary disk (201). The supporting cups pushed out by the pushing component (401) are directly or indirectly transferred to a discharge channel.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310642384.6, filed on May 31, 2023, to China Patent Office, and entitled "SORTING DEVICE AND MULTI-GRADE SORTING APPARATUS". The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, but are not limited to, the technical field of battery manufacturing apparatuses, and in particular to, a sorting device and a multi-grade sorting apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] During process of manufacturing batteries, the batteries need to be sorted according to the detection data of the batteries to screen out batteries of different qualities. During a sorting process, the batteries are generally clamped to a designated region by a robotic arm. However, if the batteries to be sorted have a plurality of grades, the way of using the robotic arm to clamp the batteries is difficult to complete. Moreover, the robotic arm has a complicated scheduling and low efficiency, and the batteries when clamped are prone to falling. In addition, when the batteries are sorted, the batteries or supporting cups for carrying the batteries need to be code scanned to obtain the detection data of the batteries. A code scanner gun is generally used for code scanning. Battery codes or supporting cup codes are two-dimensional codes, bar codes, etc. Obviously, such a code scanning method is inefficient, subject to significant mutual interference between adjacent two of the batteries or the supporting cup, and has low accuracy.SUMMARY

[0004] The following is a summary of topics described in detail in the present disclosure. This summary is not intended to limit a scope of the claims.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a sorting device and a multi-grade sorting apparatus, and technical solutions adopted are as follows.

[0006] A sorting device and a multi-grade sorting apparatus are provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The sorting device includes a feeding assembly, an information identification assembly, a transition assembly, and a pushing assembly. The feeding assembly includes a feeding rotary disk. The information identification assembly is configured to identify information of the supporting cups conveyed by the feeding rotary disk. The transition assembly includes a transition rotary disk. An outer peripheral sidewall of the transition rotary disk is provided with recessed transition transfer-positions. The transition transfer-positions are fixed with the supporting cups in a magnetic attraction manner. The pushing assembly includes a pushing component. The supporting cups are pushed out from the transition transfer-positions by the pushing component. The feeding rotary disk transfers the supporting cups to the transition rotary disk. The pushing component pushes the supporting cups out from the transition rotary disk. The supporting cups pushed out by the pushing component are directly or indirectly transferred to a discharge channel.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk is provided with a plurality of recessed feeding transfer-positions. The outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk is provided with ratchet tooth grooves to define the plurality of feeding transfer-positions.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the information collection assembly includes a radio frequency code scanner.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sorting device further includes a clamping assembly disposed at an inlet of the sorting device. The clamping assembly includes a clamping rotary disk. An outer peripheral sidewall of the clamping rotary disk is provided with recessed clamping transfer-positions. The clamping rotary disk transfers the supporting cups to the feeding rotary disk.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pushing assembly is provided with a pushing guide inclined surface. During the rotation of the transition rotary disk, the pushing guide inclined surface abuts against an outer periphery of each of the supporting cups, so that the supporting cups are pushed out from the transition transfer-positions.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pushing assembly further includes a pushing driver connected with the pushing component. The pushing driver drives the pushing component to move along a radial direction of the transition rotary disk.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sorting device further includes one or more discharge assemblies. Each of the discharge assemblies includes a discharge rotary disk. An outer peripheral sidewall of the discharge rotary disk is provided with recessed discharge transfer-positions. The supporting cups are pushed from the transition transfer-positions to the discharge transfer-positions by the pushing component. The discharge assemblies transfer the supporting cups to the discharge channel.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of the discharge assemblies is set to N, and the number of the at least one pushing assembly is set to M, where N is greater than or equal to 2, and M is equal to N or N-1.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sorting device further includes a first detection assembly, and the first detection assembly is configured to detect whether there is a battery on each of the supporting cups conveyed in the feeding assembly or the transition assembly; and / or the sorting device includes a second detection assembly, and the second detection assembly is configured to detect whether there is a battery on each of the supporting cups pushed out form the discharge assemblies.

[0015] The multi-grade sorting apparatus provided by the present disclosure includes at least two sorting devices and a second conveying assembly. The supporting cups sorted by a previous-stage one of the sorting devices are transferred to a next-stage one of the sorting devices through the second conveying assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the sorting devices includes a first rejection assembly. The first rejection assembly is configured to reject the supporting cups unidentified by the information identification assembly in the feeding assembly or the transition assembly; and / or at least one of the sorting devices includes a second rejection assembly, and the second rejection assembly is configured to reject the defective supporting cups from the feeding assembly or the transition assembly.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of the sorting devices includes a backup discharge channel, and the supporting cups on the discharge rotary disk can be transferred to the backup discharge channel.

[0018] Other aspects will become apparent upon reading and understanding the accompanying drawings and detailed description.BENEFICIAL EFFECTS

[0019] The embodiments of the present disclosure have at least following beneficial effects. In the sorting device, the feeding rotary disk transfers the supporting cups to the transition rotary disk. The information identification assembly identifies the information of the supporting cups of the feeding rotary disk at the feeding rotary disk, thereby preventing the information identification assembly from being disturbed by a magnetic field on the transition rotary disk, and improving the identification accuracy. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be widely applied to the technical field of battery production equipment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The described and / or additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and readily understood when taken in conjunction with the following drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments shown in the following drawings are exemplary and are merely used to explain the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a structural view of a sorting device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in which two discharge assemblies and one pushing assembly are provided. FIG. 2 is a structural view of a transition rotary disk and a pushing assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a structural view of a sorting device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, in which three discharge assemblies and two pushing assemblies are provided, and a first rejection assembly and a first rejection channel are provided. FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-grade sorting apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Reference numbers are illustrated as follows: 101, feeding rotary disk; 102, feeding transfer-position; 201, transition rotary disk; 202, transitional transfer-position; 203, first guide structure; 301, discharge rotary disk; 302, discharge transfer-position; 303, second guide structure; 304, third guide structure; 400, pushing assembly; 401, pushing component; 402, pushing guide inclined surface; 501, clamping rotary disk; 502, clamping transfer-position; 503, fourth guide structure; 600, blocking assembly; 701, first rejection assembly; 702, first rejection channel; 801, feeding channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGs. 1 to 4. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, and reference numerals that are the same or similar all along represent same or similar members or members have the same or similar functions. The embodiments that are described with reference to the accompany drawings are examples, and are only used to interpret the present disclosure, instead limiting the present disclosure.

[0023] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that, orientations or position relationships indicated by terms such as "center", "middle", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "in", "out", "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" are orientations or position relationship shown based on the accompanying drawings, and are merely used for describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the apparatus or element must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be understood as a limitation on the present disclosure. In addition, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "plurality" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "connected", "coupled", and "fixed" are used broadly, and may be, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integrated connections; may be mechanical connections, may also be electrical connections; may also be direct connections or indirect connections via intervening structures; may also be inner communications of two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0025] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sorting device. The sorting device includes a feeding assembly and an information identification assembly. The feeding assembly includes a feeding rotary disk 101. The information identification assembly is used for identifying information of supporting cups conveyed on the feeding rotary disk 101. An upper computer of the sorting device identifies and classifies the supporting cups according to the information collected by the information identification assembly.

[0026] Optionally, the sorting device includes a transition assembly. The transition assembly includes a transition rotary disk 201. The feeding rotary disk 101 is capable of transferring the supporting cups to the transition rotary disk 201. The transition rotary disk 201 is rotatable to transfer the supporting cups. Referring to the drawings, the sorting device includes a pushing assembly 400. The pushing assembly 400 includes a pushing component 401. The pushing component 401 is disposed on the transition rotary disk 201. The pushing component 401 is movable. The supporting cups are pushed out from the transition rotary disk 201 by the pushing component 401. The supporting cups pushed out by the pushing component 401 are directly or indirectly transferred to a discharge channel.

[0027] Referring to the drawings, the sorting device includes a worktable. The transition rotary disk 201 is rotatably disposed on the worktable. An outer peripheral sidewall of the transition rotary disk 201 is provided with recessed transition transfer-positions 202. A plurality of transition transfer-positions 202 are provided. The transition transfer-positions 202 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral sidewall of the transition rotary disk 201. The transition transfer-positions 202 are formed as grooves. It may be understood that the supporting cups may enter the transition transfer-positions 202 from the feeding rotary disk 101. With the rotation of the transition rotary disk 201, the supporting cups complete the sorting process.

[0028] Optionally, the transition transfer-positions 202 are fixed with the supporting cups in a magnetic attraction manner. Specifically, the transition rotary disk 201 is provided with magnetic attraction members located on an inner wall of each of the transition transfer-positions 202. The magnetic attraction members are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of each of the transition transfer-positions 202. In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction members are provided as magnets or electromagnetic structures.

[0029] Regarding positions of the magnetic attraction members, the magnetic attraction members may alternatively be located on the transition rotary disk 201 close to the transition transfer-positions 202.

[0030] It may be understood that the feeding rotary disk 101 is rotatably disposed on the worktable. An outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk 101 is provided with a plurality of recessed feeding transfer-positions 102. The feeding transfer-positions 102 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk 101 to adjust a spacing between adjacent two of the supporting cups. Specifically, the feeding transfer-positions 102 are formed as grooves.

[0031] In this case, the supporting cups can enter the feeding transfer-positions 102. With the rotation of the feeding rotary disk 101, the supporting cups move from the feeding transfer-positions 102 to the transition transfer-positions 202 one by one to complete the feeding of the supporting cups to the transition rotary disk 201. It may be understood that in the feeding rotary disk 101, the plurality of feeding transfer-positions 102 are distributed at equal intervals to adjust the spacing between adjacent two of the supporting cups, thereby avoiding mutual interference between adjacent two of the supporting cups and preventing the identification accuracy of the information identification assembly from being affected.

[0032] Optionally, the transition assembly includes a first guide structure 203. The first guide structure 203 is disposed on the worktable. Guided by the first guide structure 203, the supporting cups are transferred from the feeding transfer-positions 102 to the transition transfer-positions 202. Optionally, the first guide structure 203 is provided with a guide retaining edge along a section of a contour on the outer periphery of the transition rotary disk 201, so as to prevent the supporting cups from falling out from the transition transfer-positions 202 during the rotation of the transition rotary disk 201.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first guide structure 203 is provided for guiding the supporting cups. In some embodiments, the first guide structure 203 is alternatively provided for guiding the supporting cups and the batteries on the supporting cups, so that when the supporting cups are transferred from the feeding transfer-positions 102 to the transition transfer-positions202, the supporting cups are prevented from tilting under inertia or the batteries are separated from the supporting cups under inertia.

[0034] It may be understood that a rotational speed of the feeding rotary disk 101 is controlled to match a rotational speed of the transition rotary disk 201, so that the feeding transfer-positions 102 correspond to the transition transfer-positions 202. Guided by the first guide structure 203, the supporting cups are transferred from the feeding transfer-positions 102 to the transition transfer-positions 202.

[0035] In some embodiments, the feeding assembly includes a fourth guide structure 503 disposed on the worktable. Specifically, guided by the fourth guide structure 503, the supporting cups are transferred from a feeding channel 801 to the feeding transfer-positions 102. Optionally, the fourth guide structure 503 is provided with a guide retaining edge along a section of a contour on an outer periphery of the feeding rotary disk 101, so that limited by the guide retaining edge, the supporting cups are prevented from falling out from the transition transfer-positions 102 during the rotation of the feeding rotary disk 101.

[0036] In one embodiment, the information identification assembly identifies radio frequency identification (RFID) tags of the supporting cups by using the RFID technology. Specifically, the information collection assembly includes a radio frequency code scanner, e.g., an RFID code scanner.

[0037] Considering that magnetic fields generated by the magnetic attraction members may interfere with the operation of the information identification assembly, the information identification assembly is disposed on the worktable close to the feeding rotary disk 101. The information identification assembly is used for identifying the supporting cups at the feeding transfer-positions 102. Specifically, the information identification assembly is located below the feeding rotary disk 101. During the rotation of the feeding rotary disk 101, the supporting cups located at the feeding transfer-positions 102 enter an identification region of the information identification assembly, thereby realizing code scanning identification of the supporting cups by the information identification assembly.

[0038] In one embodiment, the sorting device includes one or more discharge assemblies. Each of the discharge assemblies includes a discharge rotary disk 301. The discharge rotary disk 301 is rotatably disposed on the worktable. An outer peripheral sidewall of the discharge rotary disk 301 is provided with recessed discharge transfer-positions 302. A plurality of discharge transfer-positions 302 are provided. The discharge transfer-positions 302 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral sidewall of the discharge rotary disk 301. The discharge transfer-positions 302 are formed as grooves.

[0039] It may be understood that the supporting cups can be transferred from the transition transfer-positions 202 to the discharge transfer-positions 302. Specifically, the rotational speed of the transition rotary disk 201 is controlled to match a rotational speed of the discharge rotary disk 301, so that the transition transfer-positions 202 can correspond to the discharge transfer-positions 302. The supporting cups are transferred from the transition transfer-positions 202 to the discharge transfer-positions 302 by the pushing component 401. With the rotation of the discharge rotary disk 301, the discharge rotary disk 301 transfers the supporting cups to the discharge channel.

[0040] It should be noted that under a case where the sorting device is provided with the discharge assemblies, the pushing component 401 pushes the supporting cups from the transition rotary disk 201 to the discharge rotary disk 301. Under a case where the sorting device is not provided with the discharge assembly, the pushing component 401 pushes the supporting cups from the transition rotary disk 201 to the discharge channel.

[0041] In some embodiments, the discharge assembly includes a third guide structure 304 disposed on the worktable. Guided by the third guide structure 304, the supporting cups are transferred out from the discharge transfer-positions 302 and move along the third guide structure 304 to the discharge channel.

[0042] In some embodiments, the discharge transfer-positions 302 are fixed with the supporting cups in a magnetic attraction manner. Specifically, the discharge rotary disk 301 is provided with magnetic attraction members located on an inner wall of each of the discharge transfer-positions 302. The magnetic attraction members are symmetrically arranged on the inner wall of each of the discharge transfer-positions 302. Optionally, the magnetic attraction members are provided as magnets or electromagnetic structures.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least one pushing assembly 400 is provided corresponding to different sorting grades, so that the corresponding supporting cups are respectively pushed out according to different grades. It may be understood that the sorting device is configured with at least two discharge channels corresponding to different sorting grades.

[0044] Optionally, at least two discharge assemblies are provided. Specifically, the number of the discharge assemblies is set to N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The number of the at least one pushing assembly 400 is set to M, where M is equal to N or N-1. It may be understood that each of the discharge assemblies is distributed according to a corresponding one of the grades. Specifically, the discharge assemblies are distributed at intervals on an outer periphery of the transition rotary disk 201, and the discharge assemblies surround the transition rotary disk 201, so as to prevent the discharge channels corresponding to the discharge assemblies from being arranged in parallel, which is convenient to maintain the discharge channels and facilitate the layout of apparatuses for subsequent processes.

[0045] In some embodiments, in the sorting device, the number of the pushing assemblies 400 is equal to the number of the discharging assemblies. Each of the discharging assemblies is provided with a corresponding one of the pushing assemblies 400.

[0046] In some embodiments, in the sorting device, the number of pushing assemblies 400 is one less than the number of the discharge assemblies. Specifically, along a rotation direction of the transition rotary disk 201, the first to the (N-1)-th discharge assemblies are respectively configured with the pushing assembly 400, and the N-th discharging assembly is not configured with the pushing assembly 400. In this case, the worktable is provided with a second guide structure 303 at the N-th discharge assembly. Guided by the second guide structure 303, the supporting cups move from the transition transfer-positions 202 to the discharge transfer-positions 302. In some embodiments, the second guide structure 303 may also alternatively be provided for guiding the supporting cups and the batteries in the supporting cups.

[0047] Referring to the drawings, the pushing component 401 is disposed on an upper side of the transition rotary disk 201. Optionally, the pushing component 401 is movable on the upper side of the transition rotary disk 201. Regarding the position of the pushing component 401, in some embodiments, the pushing component 401 is disposed on a lower side of the transition rotary disk 201. In other embodiments, under a case where the transition rotary disk 201 has a double-layer structure, the pushing component 401 is disposed between the double-layer structures of the transition rotary disk 201.

[0048] In one embodiment, the pushing component 401 is provided with a pushing guide inclined surface 402. The pushing guide inclined surface 402 is provided as a planar surface or an arc surface. The pushing guide inclined surface 402 is located on a front end surface of the pushing component 401.

[0049] Specifically, taking the case where the transition transfer-positions 202 correspond to the discharge transfer-positions 302 as a reference, a distal end of the pushing guide inclined surface 402 is closer to the discharge transfer-position 302 than a proximal end of the pushing guide inclined surface 402. Taking the rotation direction of the transition rotary disk 201 as a reference, the distal end of the pushing guide inclined surface 402 is in the front, and the proximal end of the pushing guide inclined surface 402 is in the rear. In this case, during the rotation of the transition rotary disk 201, the pushing guide inclined surface 402 abuts against an outer side surface of each of the supporting cups to push the supporting cups out from the transition transfer-positions 202.

[0050] It may be understood that guided by the pushing guide inclined surface 402, the supporting cups at the transition transfer-positions 202 move with the rotation of the transition rotary disk 201, and the supporting cups can move along the pushing guide inclined surface 402, so that the supporting cups are pushed out from the transition transfer-positions 202.

[0051] Optionally, the pushing assembly 400 includes a pushing driver. The pushing driver includes a motor or a cylinder. The pushing component 401 is connected with the pushing driver. The pushing driver drives the pushing component 401 to move. Specifically, the pushing driver can push the pushing component 401 to move along a radial direction of the transition rotary disk 201, so that the pushing component 401 moves to a position capable of guiding the supporting cups, or retracts to a position capable of avoiding the supporting cups.

[0052] Under a case where the pushing component 401 is provided with the pushing guide inclined surface 402, when a plurality of consecutive supporting cups need to be pushed out to one of the discharge channels corresponding to the pushing component 401, the pushing driver drives the pushing component 401 to the position capable of guiding the supporting cups. With the rotation of the transition rotary disk 201, the plurality of consecutive supporting cups are guided out from the corresponding transition transfer-positions 202 along the pushing guide inclined surface 402. It may be understood that the plurality of consecutive supporting cups can be pushed out from the transition transfer-positions 202 by one movement of the pushing component 401, thereby reducing the number of movements of the pushing component 401 and increasing the lifespan of the pushing assembly.

[0053] It should be noted that the pushing driver is electrically connected with the upper computer of the sorting device, and the upper computer controls the operation of each pushing driver according to identified types of the supporting cups.

[0054] In some embodiments, if the pushing component 401 is not provided with the pushing guide inclined surface 402, the pushing component 401 pushes the supporting cups to move from the transition transfer-positions 202 to the discharge transfer-positions 302. Specifically, the pushing driver drives the pushing component 401 to extend along the radial direction of the transition rotary disk 201, and the pushing component 401 pushes the supporting cups.

[0055] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk 101 is provided with ratchet tooth grooves to define the feeding transfer-positions 102. A shape of each of the ratchet tooth grooves is a one-way structure to help toggle the supporting cups on the feeding channel 801, so that the supporting cups enter the feeding transfer-positions 102.

[0056] Specifically, one side edge of each of the feeding transfer-positions 102 serves as a hooking portion, and the other side edge serves as a flow guide portion. The flow guide portion has a smaller inclination than the hooking portion. During the rotation of the feeding rotary disk 101, the hooking portion is used for toggling the supporting cups in the feeding channel 801, so that the supporting cups move with the feeding rotary disk 101 and enter the feeding transfer-positions 102. On the other hand, after the supporting cups enter the feeding transfer-positions 102, limited by the flow guide portion and the fourth guide structure 503, the supporting cups can be prevented from jamming the feeding rotary disk 101 during the rotation of the feeding rotary disk 101.

[0057] In some embodiments, referring to the drawings, the feeding rotary disk 101 is provided in a ratchet shape.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sorting device includes a clamping assembly disposed at an inlet of the sorting device. The clamping assembly transfers the supporting cups conveyed to the sorting device to the feeding assembly.

[0059] Specifically, the clamping assembly includes a clamping rotary disk 501 rotatably disposed on the worktable. An outer peripheral sidewall of the clamping rotary disk 501 is provided with recessed clamping transfer-positions 502. A plurality of clamping transfer-positions 502 are provided. The clamping transfer-positions 502 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral sidewall of the clamping rotary disk 501. The clamping transfer-positions 502 are formed as grooves. It may be understood that on the feeding channel 801 of the sorting device, the clamping rotary disk 501 rotates, so that the supporting cups in the feeding channel 801 adjacent to the feeding rotary disk 101 are arranged evenly and at equal intervals.

[0060] It may be understood that a rotational speed of the clamping rotary disk 501 is controlled to match the rotational speed of the feeding rotary disk 101, so that the clamping transfer-positions 502 correspond to the feeding transfer-positions 102, so that the clamping rotary disk 501 transfers the supporting cups to the feeding rotary disk 101.

[0061] Referring to the drawings, under a case where the feeding assembly is provided with a fourth guide structure 503. Guided by the fourth guide structure 503, the supporting cups are transferred from the clamping transfer-positions to the feeding transfer-positions 102. Under a case where the feeding transfer-positions 102 of the feeding rotary disk 101 are provided as the ratchet tooth grooves, the supporting cups are transferred to the first guide structure by the cooperation between the feeding transfer-positions 502 and the feeding transfer-positions 102, thereby preventing the supporting cups from moving along a direction away from the feeding transfer-positions 102 due to a toggle force when the supporting cups are moved to the feeding transfer-positions 102, and preventing the feeding rotary disk 101 from being stuck and unable to rotate.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sorting device includes a rotary disk driving assembly. The rotary disk driving assembly includes a rotary disk driving assembly. The rotary disk driving assembly includes a motor. The rotary disk driving assembly is disposed on the worktable. A rotating shaft of the rotary disk driving assembly is connected with a driving gear. Rotating shafts of the clamping rotary disk 501, the feeding rotary disk 101, the transition rotary disk 201, and the discharge rotary disk 301 are respectively provided with a driven gear. The rotary disk driving assembly drives the driven gears to rotate in a meshing transmission manner, thereby driving each driven gear to rotate.

[0063] In one embodiment, the transition assembly includes a first counting assembly. The first counting assembly records the number of rotations of the transition rotary disk 201 with an encoder. The upper computer of the sorting device receives information of the encoder to obtain the rotational speed of the transition rotary disk 201.

[0064] Optionally, the transition assembly includes a second counting assembly. The second counting assembly includes a sensing structure and a sensor. The sensor is provided as a photoelectric sensor. The sensing structure is connected to the rotating shaft of the transition rotary disk 201. The sensor is fixedly disposed in the sorting device. During the rotation of the transition rotary disk 201, the sensing structure triggers the sensor, and the upper computer obtains the rotational speed of the transition rotary disk 201 according to a signal frequency triggered by the sensor.

[0065] The upper computer compares results of the first counting assembly and the second counting assembly, so as to ensure that the rotational speed of the transition rotary disk 201 meets a preset value.

[0066] In one embodiment, the sorting device includes a blocking assembly 600 disposed at the inlet of the sorting device. The blocking assembly 600 is used for blocking the supporting cups conveyed to the sorting device. Specifically, the blocking assembly 600 includes a blocking driver and a blocking component. The blocking driver is connected to the blocking component. The blocking component can move to the inlet of the sorting device to block the feeding of the sorting device.

[0067] It may be understood that the blocking component is provided as a baffle, a block, or a stopper lever. The blocking driver includes a motor or a cylinder. Driven by the blocking driver, the blocking component can enter or exit the feeding channel 801.

[0068] In one embodiment, the sorting device includes a first detection assembly. The first detection assembly is used for detecting whether there is a battery in each supporting cup conveyed in the feeding assembly or the transition assembly, so that the upper computer of the sorting device can determine whether this supporting cup is an empty cup.

[0069] Specifically, the first detection assembly is connected to the worktable. The first detection assembly is provided close to the feeding rotary disk 101 or the transition rotary disk 201. The first detection assembly includes a first supporting cup detection member and a first battery detection member. If the first detection assembly detects a supporting cup but does not detect a battery, the upper computer determines that this supporting cup is an empty cup.

[0070] In one embodiment, the sorting device includes a second detection assembly. The second detection assembly is used for detecting whether there is a battery on each supporting cup pushed out in the discharge assembly, so that the upper computer of the sorting device can determine whether this supporting cup is an empty cup.

[0071] Specifically, the second detection assembly is connected to the worktable. The second detection assembly is disposed close to the discharge rotary disk 301. The second detection assembly includes a second supporting cup detection member and a second battery detection member. If the second detection assembly detects a supporting cup but does not detect a battery, the upper computer determines that this supporting cup is an empty cup.

[0072] It may be understood that if the second detection assembly detects that one supporting cup to be discharged from the discharge rotary disk 301 is an empty cup, the sorting device gives an alarm to prompt the worker that there is an error in sorting.

[0073] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the sorting device may further include the first detection assembly and the second detection assembly. In this case, if the detection results of the first detection assembly and the second detection assembly as to whether the supporting cups are empty cups are contradictory, the sorting device gives an alarm.

[0074] The present disclosure relates to a multi-grade sorting apparatus. The multi-grade sorting apparatus includes one or more sorting devices. The sorting devices classify and sort according to information of the supporting cups. Optionally, at least two sorting devices are provided to achieve multi-gear sorting of the supporting cups.

[0075] Specifically, the sorting devices are arranged in a cascaded configuration, and the supporting cups sorted by a first stage of the sorting device are discharged to a next stage of the sorting device to realize further sorting until a last stage of the sorting device outputs the supporting cups.

[0076] Optionally, the multi-stage sorting device includes a second conveying assembly. Specifically, the discharge assembly of a previous stage of the sorting device conveys the supporting cups to the next stage of the sorting device through the second conveying assembly. A discharge end of the second conveying assembly is connected to the feeding channel 801 of the next stage of the sorting device, and a feeding end of the second conveying assembly is connected to the discharge channel of the previous stage of the sorting device.

[0077] In one embodiment, at least one of the sorting devices includes a backup discharge channel. The supporting cups on the discharge rotary disk 301 can be transferred to the backup discharge channel. It may be understood that if the number of supporting cups in one of the stages is too large, resulting in a backlog, the backup discharge channel can be activated.

[0078] In order to make the supporting cups enter the backup discharge channel, the sorting device where the backup discharge channel is located moves the supporting cups from the transition rotary disk 201 to the backup discharge channel in a pushing manner, or the sorting device guides the supporting cups from the transition rotary disk 201 to the backup discharge channel with a guide structure.

[0079] It should be noted that under a case where a plurality of sorting devices are provided, at least one of the sorting devices is provided with the backup discharge channel. Under a case where one sorting device is provided, the sorting device is provided with the backup discharge channel.

[0080] In one embodiment, at least one sorting device includes a first rejection assembly 701. The first rejection assembly 701 is used for rejecting the supporting cups not identified by the information identification assembly in the feeding assembly or the transition assembly. Optionally, the sorting device where the first rejection assembly 701 is located is provided with a first rejection channel 702, and the rejected supporting cups are sent out from the first rejection channel 702.

[0081] It may be understood that the first rejection assembly 701 includes a first rejection member and a first rejection member connected with the first rejection member. Optionally, a front end of the first rejection member is provided with a rejection guide inclined surface.

[0082] It should be noted that under a case where the plurality of sorting devices are provided, at least one of the sorting devices is provided with the first rejection assembly 701. Under a case where one sorting device is provided, the sorting device is provided with the backup discharge channel.

[0083] In one embodiment, at least one sorting device includes a second rejection assembly. The second rejection assembly is used for rejecting the supporting cups that are defective products in the feeding assembly or the transition assembly. Optionally, the sorting device where the second rejection assembly is located is provided with a second rejection channel, and the rejected supporting cups are sent out from the second rejection channel.

[0084] It may be understood that the second rejection assembly includes a second rejection member and a second rejection driver connected with the second rejection member. Optionally, a front end of the second rejection member is provided with a rejection guide inclined surface.

[0085] Under a case where the plurality of sorting devices are provided, at least one of the sorting devices other than a first stage of the sorting device is provided with the second rejection assembly. Under a case where one sorting devices is provided, the sorting device is provided with the second rejection assembly.

[0086] In some embodiments, it may also be alternatively provided that the at least one sorting device includes the first rejection assembly 701 and the second rejection assembly. In some embodiments, the first rejection assembly 701 and the second rejection assembly are respectively disposed in different sorting devices.

[0087] In one embodiment, the multi-stage sorting apparatus includes a first conveying assembly, and the first conveying assembly conveys the supporting cups to the sorting device. Specifically, the first conveying assembly includes a first conveying structure. The first conveying structure includes a conveying belt or a conveying chain plate. The first conveying assembly is provided with a magnetic structure close to the sorting device. The magnetic structure can improve the stability of conveying the supporting cups from the first conveying structure to the sorting device, and prevent the supporting cups from vibrating.

[0088] Optionally, the multi-grade sorting apparatus includes a third detection assembly disposed in the feeding channel 801. The third detection assembly is used for detecting whether a preset number of supporting cups enter the multi-grade sorting apparatus from the first conveying assembly. The upper computer of the multi-grade sorting apparatus starts the sorting device according to a signal of the third detection assembly, thereby improving the sorting efficiency of the multi-grade sorting apparatus and avoiding idling of each sorting device.

[0089] Hereinafter, the structure of the multi-grade sorting apparatus will be described with reference to the specific embodiment in FIG. 4.

[0090] The multi-grade sorting apparatus includes a first sorting device, a second sorting device, and a third sorting device. The first conveying assembly conveys the supporting cups to the first sorting device. The first sorting device sorts the supporting cups according to the information of the supporting cups, and conveys the supporting cups to two second sorting devices respectively through the second conveying assembly. The third sorting device sorts the supporting cups according to the information of the supporting cups, and discharges the supporting cups through the third conveying assembly.

[0091] In the description of this specification, when reference terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" appear, it means that specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art.

[0093] In the description of the present disclosure, if the symbol " , " appears in the patent title, it indicates a "and" relationship, rather than an "or" relationship. For example, if the patent title is "A , B", it means that the contents claimed in the present disclosure are: a technical solution with a subject name of A and a technical solution with a subject name of B.

Claims

1. A sorting device, comprising: a feeding assembly comprising a feeding rotary disk; an information identification assembly configured to identify information of supporting cups conveyed on the feeding rotary disk; a transition assembly comprising a transition rotary disk, wherein an outer peripheral sidewall of the transition rotary disk is provided with recessed transition transfer-positions, and the transition transfer-positions are fixed with the support cups in a magnetic attraction manner; and at least one pushing assembly comprising a movable pushing component, wherein the supporting cups are pushed out from the transition transfer-positions by the pushing component; wherein the feeding rotary disk is capable of transferring the supporting cups to the transition rotary disk, the pushing component pushes the supporting cups out from the transition rotary disk, and the supporting cups pushed out by the pushing component are directly or indirectly transferred to a discharge channel.

2. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk is provided with a plurality of recessed feeding transfer-positions, and the outer peripheral sidewall of the feeding rotary disk is provided with ratchet tooth grooves to define the plurality of feeding transfer-positions.

3. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information collection assembly comprises a radio frequency code scanner.

4. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a clamping assembly disposed at an inlet of the sorting device, wherein the clamping assembly comprises a clamping rotary disk, an outer peripheral sidewall of the clamping rotary disk is provided with recessed clamping transfer-positions, and the clamping rotary disk transfers the supporting cups to the feeding rotary disk.

5. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the pushing component is provided with a pushing guide inclined surface, and during the rotation of the transition rotary disk, the pushing guide inclined surface abuts against an outer periphery of each of the supporting cups, so that the supporting cups are pushed out from the transition transfer-positions.

6. The sorting device according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the pushing assembly further comprises a pushing driver connected with the pushing component, and the pushing driver drives the pushing component to move along a radial direction of the transition rotary disk.

7. The sorting device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more discharge assemblies, wherein each of the discharge assemblies comprises a discharge rotary disk, an outer peripheral sidewall of the discharge rotary disk is provided with recessed discharge transfer-positions, the supporting cups are pushed from the transition transfer-positions to the discharge transfer-positions by the pushing assembly, and the discharge assemblies transfer the supporting cups to the discharge channel.

8. The sorting device according to claim 7, wherein the number of the discharge assemblies is set to N, and the number of the at least one pushing assembly is set to M, where N is greater than or equal to 2, and M is equal to N or N-1.

9. A multi-grade sorting apparatus, comprising: at least two sorting devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a second conveying assembly, wherein the supporting cups sorted by a previous-stage one of the sorting devices are transferred to a next-stage one of the sorting devices through the second conveying assembly.

10. The multi-grade sorting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the sorting devices further comprises a first rejection assembly, and the first rejection assembly is configured to reject the supporting cups unidentified by the information identification assembly in the feeding assembly or the transition assembly; and / or wherein at least one of the sorting devices further comprises a second rejection assembly, and the second rejection assembly is configured to reject the supporting cups being defective products from the feeding assembly or the transition assembly.

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