Closure Element Sorting Device for Precise Angular Orientation

A second sorting device acts as an intermediary between the first sorting device and the capping machine. This intermediate device receives elements that have achieved bottom orientation but lack precise angular positioning, and applies additional sorting actions to ensure correct angular orientation before elements reach the capping machine, thereby resolving the reliability issue without compromising the bottom orientation already achieved.

The system performs preliminary detection and sorting actions at multiple stages before the final capping operation. The first sorting device performs preliminary bottom orientation detection and sorting, then the second sorting device performs preliminary angular positioning detection and sorting. This multi-stage preliminary action approach allows adequate detection time at each stage while maintaining high overall processing speed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and detection accuracy.

The sorting process is segmented into multiple independent stages: first sorting device for bottom orientation, second sorting device for angular positioning, and selective removal mechanisms at each stage. This segmentation allows the system to remove only elements that fail specific criteria at each stage, rather than removing excessive compliant elements. Elements passing each stage are confirmed compliant, minimizing yield loss while maintaining reliability.

The sorting devices utilize the elements' own physical properties (gravity, center of gravity position, natural rolling motion) to achieve individual handling and positioning. Elements are placed in positions where gravity and geometry naturally guide them to correct orientations without requiring complex active manipulation mechanisms. This self-service approach achieves precise positioning while minimizing device complexity.