TW201736011A - Automatic component segregator enabled with a smart diode testing kits - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatic segregation of working and non-working parts from waste printed circuit boards or electronic waste with minimal or no manual efforts. The apparatus comprises a component segregation section and a functionality check section, to segregate functional and non-functional components in the various stages depending upon their functionality, nature and reusability. The apparatus takes in the bulk waste product as feed; the entry of the same is sensed by the sensors provided on the conveyor belt and that initiates the segregation process. The components from the waste product then undergo a number of stages wherein all necessary steps are taken like, size sorting, metallic parts sorting, reusable parts sorting. The apparatus is enabled with at least one smart diode testing device that checks the functionality of the diodes.

Description

Automatic component splitter enabled with smart diode test kit

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically separating recyclable and reusable components from electronic waste. In particular, it relates to an apparatus and method for automatically separating a working component and a non-working portion of a waste printed circuit board.

For the sustainable development of ecology in many countries, e-waste management is an important requirement. The effective classification of waste is a major issue in today's society and is emerging as an emerging issue in the waste management industry to ensure that waste management is effective and sustainable. The economic value of waste is best achieved when classifying.

The trend to automate things that are manually controlled has become a common practice today. Automating things will reduce the burden on humans. In addition, the cost and labor of manually operated products is much higher than that of automated systems.

The main problem with manually operated waste management systems is the inspection and separation of components based on their re-response and reuse potential. Common methods include manual methods where a person must shuttle to a different location, inspect where the waste is collected, or require a team to identify and separate components. This is a bit complicated and Time-consuming program. Therefore, given the technological advances in recent years, today's waste management systems are not efficient. Therefore, proper identification, separation and application of waste management methods for the underlying components of e-waste cannot ensure the effective use of e-waste.

In addition, there is another problem in which recyclers need to identify the value or reuse of the underlying components of electronic waste to determine or plan an appropriate waste management strategy. PCB is an important component of electrical equipment, with a precious metal, non-metallic components, such as diodes, semiconductors, inductors, ports of movable boards and other components. Therefore, recycling is a more complex task. The complexity of the regeneration process is not only because of the difference in valuable components, but because there are removable components that need to be reused, recycled or regenerated depending on the functional state of the component.

Reusing functional components such as diodes, inductors, semiconductors, etc., can be a better and cost effective method for efficient waste management procedures.

CN101444784A discloses a method and apparatus for efficiently recycling waste circuit boards in a vacuum. According to the disclosed method, the waste circuit board is placed in a vacuum vessel and heated for pyrolysis, wherein most of the pyrolysis volatiles are cooled and liquefied into liquid oil, and the remaining portion is brought into a gas collection. A centrifuge device separates the solder from the board during pyrolysis; classifies and collects the electronic components of the substrate and the pyrolysis board for further separation and recovery. The main disadvantage of the method is that the heating during the pyrolysis process may affect the function of the working element and even pyrolysis under vacuum conditions.

US6234317 is disclosed for sorting raw materials, pretreatment or recycling A device for bulk materials. The device has a lower utility for recycling purposes because the primary function of removing components from the PCB must be performed separately.

In order to overcome the limitations of the prior art, one way is to propose a method that ensures an effective waste management procedure regardless of the nature, functional state and content of valuable materials such as metals, non-metals, and the like. This approach should focus on the ease of operation, low dependency on manpower, and the tendency to implement one or more waste management techniques simultaneously without interrupting simultaneous processing.

Therefore, there is a need for a method that automatically separates components and determines the functional state of the components, which helps recyclers to set up the process and objectives of the waste management process, as well as reuse, recycle, and re-recover components.

[Object of the Invention]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide an automatic component separator including a component separation region and a functional inspection portion equipped with at least one diode test kit or device, the regions being continuously connected to be based on their function, properties, and Reusability separates functions in various stages as well as non-functional diodes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) control device that operates in an automatic mode through a series of input/output modules, sensor modules, and a communication processor. Separation procedure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for separating components present in a waste printed circuit board or electronic waste.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a separation process according to each The sequence requires the customization of devices such as temperature, speed, time and other specific parameters.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensing mechanism for actuating a device to sense the presence of waste on the conveyor belt and initiate movement of the belt.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated operation including, for example, dimensional classification, metal classification, and diode classification, from printed circuit boards or any electronic waste products having components in the range of reuse, recycling, and recycling. The method of classification.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of inspecting and separating working or reusable diodes from electronic waste.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a device having a safety mechanism for protecting damage to embedded components present in electronic waste.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for automatically separating work and non-working components from waste printed circuit boards or electronic waste with minimal or no manpower. The apparatus includes a component separation zone and a functional inspection zone that is equipped with at least one diode testing device for separating functions and non-functional diodes in various stages depending on their function, nature, and availability.

The device automatically receives bulk waste as a feedstock; its input is then sensed by a sensor disposed on the conveyor belt and the separation process is initiated. The components from the waste then go through multiple stages, taking all necessary steps such as shredding, size classification, metal classification, classification of reused components such as chips, diodes, resistors, and the like.

The removed components, particularly the diodes, are then tested through the kit/device for reuse. If the test is negative, it is directed to recycling program. In the functional inspection zone, the physical integrity of the separated diodes is checked and further tested by various component specificities; if the diode passes the test, it is eligible for reuse. If it fails the test, it will be sent to the machine for recycling.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least one smart diode test kit enabling device that checks the function of the diode is used. The Smart Diode Test Kit checks the conductivity of the diode to evaluate the reusability of the diode.

The two-pole system checks through these smart kits to determine if they should be mechanically recycled or reused. On the test bench, the physical integrity of the removed diode is checked and the conductivity test is performed; if the diode passes the physical integrity and conductivity tests, it is eligible for reuse. If not, the diode is mechanically recovered.

110‧‧‧Main screening unit

115‧‧‧ feeder

120‧‧‧Conveying system

125, 130, 140‧‧ ‧ Roller separator

145‧‧‧ main frame

200‧‧‧ functional inspection area

200‧‧‧ delivery system

210‧‧‧ inspection area

215‧‧‧Diode Test Kit

230‧‧‧Connecting plate

235‧‧‧negative connection plate

240‧‧‧Base

245‧‧‧Switch

250‧‧‧ Shell

255‧‧‧Test PCB

260‧‧‧Mounting screws

270‧‧‧ indicating device

300‧‧‧Classification system

The various features, advantages and other uses of the electronic waste recycling method and apparatus of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. An isometric view of the component separator device continuously attached to the functional inspection zone as described in the embodiments.

Figure 2a is a process flow diagram illustrating a component removal procedure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2b is a schematic flow diagram for explaining the processing of the remaining material obtained.

Figure 3 is a process diagram depicting various stages, such as size classification, metal classification, and wafer classification, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a main component isolator according to an embodiment of the invention and A perspective view of the functional inspection zone used to separate the diodes.

Figure 5 is a layout of a PLC control system for controlling various component removal machines equipped in the apparatus.

Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating the mechanism of diode reuse.

Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a diode test kit assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a diode test kit assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of a diode test kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawings in which some but not all embodiments of the invention are illustrated. In fact, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

Numerous modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will be apparent to those skilled in the <RTIgt; Therefore, it must be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are included within the scope of the appended drawings. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not limiting.

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a component separator depicting a complete system for performing a separation procedure. In a first step, primary screening unit 110 receives electronic waste components from component removal machine 400 for sorting. Except blank In addition to the blank board, the component removal machine provides two types of parts, thin and thick. The primary screening unit 110 screens portions containing solder balls, dust, diodes, capacitors, pins, and particles, which are further used in a separate classification system 300. Further, the diodes are classified and separated by any suitable method, preferably a roller separation method. Thereafter, the diode is selectively delivered to the functional inspection zone 200 and determined as a function of the diode by conductivity measurement. The functional inspection zone 200 is equipped with at least one diode test kit 215 for evaluating the function of the separated diodes. For functional evaluation of the diode, an inspection zone 210 is provided on at least one side of the region 200. In another embodiment, the functional inspection zone includes at least one delivery system for transporting the diodes toward the scrutiny area 210.

Figure 2a is a process flow diagram depicting a component removal procedure in which waste material is supplied to the component removal machine/device. A component removal machine (CRM) performs preparatory steps for primary classification of, for example, electronic waste and component removal of electronic waste, particularly waste printed circuit boards. After the component is removed, the blank is sent to the comminution and the recovery process is further performed. The removed components are then sent to the separation process for carrying out the invention. Specifically, the component removal machine attached to the front of the sorting device removes all working and non-working components from the printed circuit board and transports the components for various inspections to ensure proper waste according to the type and state of each component. Management method. For example, if the input printed circuit board is used as a feedstock, the device will remove all embedded components of the printed circuit board and transport all of the above components to function with various sensing modules and smart test kits provided in the device. an examination. If the component is in good working condition, it will be used for reuse. purpose. Similarly, if the component is found to be defective, other methods of waste management may be selected based on the re-recovery and reuse potential of the defective component described above. The blank plate after the component is removed is sent to the metal re-recovery process.

Referring to Figure 2b, a schematic flow diagram for processing the remaining material obtained is explained. The removed components are sent to size sorting, screening, metal sorting, and wafer sorting. The size classification of the removed components is performed by a drum separation method. The metal present in the removed component is classified by a magnetic sorter.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a process diagram of various stages, such as size classification, metal classification, and wafer classification, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Dimensional classification is further accomplished by passing the components through the rollers and the separate connectors/ports, processor jacks/irons, diodes/transistors, etc., where the diodes/transistors are sent for functional checks to assess whether they are needed It is led to mechanical recycling or reuse.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a main component separator and a functional inspection zone for separating the diodes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the separator includes a frame 145 for supporting the delivery system 120 and other subassemblies. There are two types of PCB material parts that are processed by CRM rather than the components of the blank board, ie thin and thick parts. The primary screening unit 110 screens and subdivides the solder balls, dust, diodes, pins, and fine particles for use in a separate sorting system. The main screening unit 110, together with the screen, forms a cam mechanism that oscillates back and forth. It is the same as the vibration feeder. The main screening unit 110 is a component remover machine (CRM) receiving component, wherein the coarse component It is separated from the fine elements. Thicker components include components such as heat sinks, sockets, connectors, copper coils, diodes, coils, connector pedestals, transistors, inductors, wafers, and the like. The coarse elements are passed to a feeder 115 that receives all sizes/coarse categories of the mixing elements. It is suitable for cam mechanisms that vibrate back and forth. It is the same as the vibrating feeder. Feeder 115 is continuously coupled to delivery system 120. The conveyor system 120 includes a motor-driven conveyor belt that extends longitudinally along the main frame 145 and conveys the coarse classification of the mixing elements through the various stages of separation. The delivery system further includes a camera and a proximity sensor to sense the components on the conveyor belt and trigger the motor to move the conveyor belt in a desired direction. A plurality of roller separators 125, 130, and 140 are disposed at appropriate positions above the conveyor belt to adjust the height so that the conveyor belt operates just below the separator. Each of the drum separator units is provided with at least one hopper 155 for receiving and collecting components from the drum separator unit. Each roller separator unit separates the components according to their size and transfers the remaining components to another roller separator unit, wherein the components are separated according to the same principle (based on size). The separated components are collected in the corresponding hopper 155 as described above. The hopper is used as a guide for the separation material and helps to transfer it to the function inspection portion 200.

For the separation of the magnetic elements, a magnetic separator/classifier 160 is provided. After the magnetic separator/classifier is connected to the drum separator, the magnetic separation process is initiated by the components left after the drum separation process, and the separated iron material is directed to a collection bin.

In another embodiment, the functional inspection zone 200 includes a delivery system, an inspection region 210, and at least one diode test kit 215. The delivery system delivers the separated diodes to the examination area for functional evaluation therein.

Referring to Figure 5, the layout of the PLC control system for controlling the various component removal machines is equipped in the apparatus. The PLC system operates all machines, drums and sorting motors in an automatic mode. The status of the operation is displayed on the LCD/TFT screen to monitor the normal function of the unit.

Referring to Figure 6, Figure 6 illustrates a flow diagram of the diode reuse mechanism in which each type of diode undergoes preliminary physical testing. If the diode passes the physical test, a further test called conductivity (or connectivity) test is performed. If the diode fails in either test, it is sent to mechanical recycling.

Referring to Figure 7, Figure 7 provides a front view of the diode test kit assembly. In this embodiment, kit assembly 215 includes at least one diode test kit. The diode test kit includes an ON/OFF switch 245, a housing 250, at least one test PCB 255, at least one mounting screw 260, at least one connection plate, and at least one indicating device 270.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a diode test kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the diode test kit includes a housing 220, at least one test PCB 225, a positive connection plate 230, and a negative connection plate 235, all of which are mounted on the base 240.

Referring to Figure 9, Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the diode test kit. In this embodiment, the kit includes a housing 220, at least one test PCB 225, a positive connection plate 230, and a negative connection plate 235, all of which are mounted on the base 240. In another embodiment of the invention, the diode test kit includes an indicator LED, a test PCB, a positive connection plate, a negative connection plate, and a housing that are flashing to indicate whether the diode is operational and conductive. The diode test kit also includes kits On/Off button. Test to make sure the diode is working. By connecting the positive electrode to the positive electrode connection plate and the negative electrode to the negative electrode connection plate, if the indicator LED flashes, it indicates that the diode is conducting and operating.

In general, the diode test kit includes a housing 220, at least one test PCB 225, at least one positive connection plate 230, at least one negative conductive plate 235, LED device 270 for power indication, and ON/OFF for adjustment kit The state switch 245, and the plurality of connecting plates, that is, the positive connecting plate 230 and the negative connecting plate 235 for connecting to the positive end and the negative end of the diode.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an automatic component separator for separating electronic waste components is provided, comprising:

a) a framework;

b) at least one feeder for receiving the component to be separated;

c) at least one delivery system for moving the component away from the feeder, the system comprising a motor driven conveyor belt, at least one proximity sensor

d) a plurality of roller separator units for separating the diodes, each of the roller separator units comprising at least one roller separator and at least one hopper;

e) at least one magnetic sorter adjacent to the roller separator unit for separating the magnetic elements;

f) at least one functional inspection zone, the at least one hopper adjacent to the drum separator unit, comprising at least one diode testing device, at least one inspection zone, and at least one for moving the diode self-feeding hopper to the inspection Device of the district; Wherein the transport system senses the load and begins to transport the component toward the roller separator unit; the roller separator unit separates and moves the diode to be inspected into at least one hopper relative to the roller separator unit; and functional inspection The region receives the diode from at least one of the hoppers to pass at least one functional test of the at least one diode test device actuator.

110‧‧‧Main screening components

200‧‧‧ functional inspection area

300‧‧‧Classification system

400‧‧‧Component removal machine

Claims (6)

An automatic component separator for separating electronic waste components, comprising: a) a frame; b) at least one feeder for receiving components to be separated; c) at least one transport system for moving the components away In the above feeder, the system includes a motor-driven conveyor belt, at least one proximity sensor, and d) a plurality of roller separator units for separating the diodes, each of the roller separator units including at least one roller separator And at least one hopper; e) at least one magnetic sorter adjacent to said roller separator unit for separating the magnetic elements; and f) at least one functional inspection zone adjacent said at least one of said roller separator units a hopper comprising at least one diode testing device, at least one inspection zone, and at least one device for moving the diode from the hopper to the inspection zone; wherein: the conveyor belt receives the component from the hopper Transmitting the conveying system to transport the component toward the roller separator unit; the roller separator unit is disposed on the conveyor belt One of the sides can adjust the height such that the conveyor belt operates just below the separator; the roller separator unit separates and moves the separated diodes to be detected to at least relative to the drum separator unit In a hopper; the functional inspection zone receives the diode from at least one hopper to perform at least one functional test of the component through the at least one diode testing device; The above splitter is controlled by a programmable logic controller. The automatic component separator of claim 1, wherein the functional test can be performed in a manual or automatic mode or both. The automatic component separator of claim 1, wherein the conveying system further comprises an imaging module for detecting the presence of components on the conveyor belt. An automatic component separator for separating electronic waste components, comprising: a) a frame; b) at least one feeder for receiving components to be separated; c) at least one transport system for moving the components away In the above feeder, the system includes a motor-driven conveyor belt, at least one proximity sensor, and d) at least one roller separator unit for separating the diodes according to respective sizes of the diodes, each unit including at least a roller separator and at least one hopper; e) at least one magnetic sorter adjacent to said roller separator unit for separating magnetic elements; and f) at least one functional inspection zone adjacent to said roller separator unit At least one feed hopper comprising at least one diode testing device, at least one inspection zone, and at least one device for moving the diode self-feeding hopper to the inspection zone; wherein: once the conveyor belt is received from the feeder The above-mentioned component triggers the conveying system to convey the component toward the roller separator unit; the roller separator unit is disposed above One of the top of an adjustable belt The height of the joint is such that the conveyor belt operates just below the separator; the drum separator unit separates and moves the separated diode to be detected into at least one hopper relative to the drum separator unit The functional inspection zone receives the diode from at least one hopper to perform at least one functional test of the component through the at least one diode test device; and the splitter is controlled by a programmable logic controller. The automatic component separator of claim 4, wherein the functional test is performed in a manual or automatic mode or both. The automatic component separator of claim 4, wherein the conveying system further comprises an imaging module for detecting the presence of components on the conveyor belt.