CN219003823U

CN219003823U - Sorting equipment

Info

Publication number: CN219003823U
Application number: CN202220884253.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尤韦·弗莱舍
Original assignee: Tomra Sorting NV
Current assignee: Tomra Sorting NV
Priority date: 2021-04-21
Filing date: 2022-04-15
Publication date: 2023-05-12
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-15
Also published as: DE202022000936U1; FI13243Y1; FR3122107B3; FR3122107A3; ES1296440Y; ES1296440U; AU2021102101A4; PL130737U1

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sorting apparatus (1) comprising a spraying device and a nozzle bar (2) for spraying a pressurized gaseous medium towards a stream of objects for sorting the objects and directing the objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations. The spraying device has a plurality of outlets (4) with a base portion (27) and a projection (28). A nozzle strip is fitted to the spraying device and has a plurality of nozzles (5) with at least one flexible tongue (20) and with an internal channel (37), wherein, at rest, the perimeter of a first base portion (13) of the channel is substantially equal to or smaller than the outer perimeter of the base portion (27) of the outlet to provide a snap-fit connection when the nozzle is fitted to the outlet. The sorting apparatus according to the present disclosure facilitates replacement of nozzle bars and allows for a reduced nozzle pitch configuration and thus enables efficient sorting of small particles.

Description

Sorting equipment

Technical Field

The present inventive concept relates to a sorting apparatus.

Background

Sorting equipment may be used, for example, in the mining, recycling or scrapping industries to sort objects such as plastics, metals, stones, precious stones and diamonds from a stream of material. Such a sorting device may also be referred to as a sorting machine. Sorting equipment may also be used in the food industry for sorting different kinds of food products, such as potatoes or fresh vegetables. The sorting apparatus generally comprises a spraying device having an outlet through which gaseous medium is sprayed towards the objects to be sorted, and some kind of receiving means for receiving the sorted objects.

In order to determine which objects are to be sorted from a stream of materials, sorting equipment is typically operated using a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, such as an optical or inductive transmitting unit and receiving unit. For example, as described in AT395,545B, the transmitting unit includes light sources (such as diode light sources) that emit light beams that are tethered to the photocell in the receiving unit via a lens system. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are typically connected to a central computing unit that processes the input data and determines the position, size and type of individual objects in the material flow based on the light beam received by the receiving unit and the light beam emitted by the transmitting unit.

The individual objects are then sorted based on their complete identification/determination in the stream. The sorting operation is performed by injecting a gaseous medium for the individual objects based on the identification/determination of the individual objects by the computing unit. The sorting apparatus comprising an outlet and a guide channel to the outlet may be controlled by a valve (such as a solenoid valve) and may be operated by a computing unit.

A sorting apparatus, such as the one described in AT395,545B, uses nozzles arranged to spray gaseous medium in a "bottom-up" direction, which means that the nozzles are arranged to spray gaseous medium in a direction having a component opposite to gravity. The stream is conveyed towards the nozzles, for example by a conveyor belt, after which the objects in the stream are allowed to fall from the edges of the conveyor belt. During the descent of the falling objects, the nozzles spray the gaseous medium towards the objects to be sorted, thereby changing the falling path of the objects (for example by pushing them into a container or onto another conveyor belt).

Sorting equipment with nozzles arranged "bottom-up" has several advantages compared to nozzles arranged to eject gaseous medium in a direction having a component force coinciding with gravity. For example, a "bottom-up" arrangement generally provides higher sorting accuracy and less gaseous medium consumption. However, a disadvantage of nozzles arranged "bottom-up" is that dust and particles are more easily transported into the nozzle, resulting in nozzle clogging and/or degradation of components (such as valves) arranged inside or before the nozzle.

The sorting apparatus may have a nozzle which is secured to an outlet located on the sorting apparatus by means of a separate clamping plate which is held in place by a plurality of small screws. In rough, dusty mining environments, a disadvantage of using screws is that the screws can become dirty and clogged and easily lost (e.g., when disassembled during maintenance). In addition, the clamping plates require some space between the nozzles to have the required strength, so the clamping plates limit the nozzle spacing arrangement, thereby limiting the ability to effectively sort small particles.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the inventive concept to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to provide a solution which improves the prior art at least to some extent and/or which provides a less complex structure than prior art solutions. This and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a nozzle bar for sorting objects.

The present inventive concept aims to provide a nozzle bar that is secured to an outlet located on a sorting apparatus by means of a snap-fit connection between the nozzle bar and the outlet, thereby facilitating replacement of the nozzle bar (e.g. upon wear, during maintenance, etc.), and allowing a reduced nozzle pitch arrangement, and thereby enabling efficient sorting of small particles.

According to a first aspect of the present utility model there is provided a sorting apparatus comprising a spray device and a nozzle bar, wherein:

the injection device for injecting pressurized gaseous medium towards a stream of objects to sort the objects and direct the objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations, the injection device comprising:

-a cover;

a plurality of outlets for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium, each of the outlets having an exposed portion extending a predetermined distance from the cover, each of the exposed portions having a base portion and a protrusion, wherein an outer circumference of the base portion is smaller than an outer circumference of the protrusion, and the base portion is arranged between the cover and the protrusion,

the nozzle bar is configured to be fitted to the spraying device, the nozzle bar comprising:

-an interconnect portion having a front side and a back side, a plurality of openings arranged in rows on the back side of the interconnect portion;

-a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row and extending from the front side of the interconnect portion;

wherein one of the plurality of openings and one of the plurality of nozzles form a respective pair, the pairs of openings and the nozzles being arranged opposite each other along the interconnection portion, and wherein a center-to-center distance between two adjacent openings matches a center-to-center distance between two adjacent outlets;

wherein each of the plurality of nozzles comprises:

a nozzle tip comprising a tip opening for injecting pressurized gas and at least one flexible tongue extending towards and defining the tip opening;

one or more internal channel walls defining an internal channel extending from the opening in the interconnecting portion to the top end opening for injecting pressurized gas,

wherein the internal passage comprises:

A first base portion having a perimeter and a height,

a second base portion having a perimeter and a height,

an inlet portion having a radius and a height, wherein the second base portion is disposed between the first base portion and the inlet portion;

an outlet portion having a height, wherein the inlet portion is disposed between the second base portion and the outlet portion;

wherein the inlet portion of the channel is configured to receive pressurized gaseous medium from a respective one of the outlets and the at least one tongue is configured to deflect in a flow direction of the pressurized gaseous medium to increase an area of the tip opening as the pressurized gaseous medium passes through the tip opening,

wherein, in rest, the perimeter of the first base portion of the channel is substantially equal to or smaller than the outer perimeter of the base portion of the outlet to provide a snap-fit connection when the nozzle is fitted to the outlet.

The snap-fit connection reduces downtime when the nozzle bar needs to be removed after wear, for servicing the outlet, etc.

The sorting apparatus comprises injection means for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium towards the stream of objects for sorting the objects and directing the objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations. The pressurized gaseous medium may be supplied by a gas supply means for providing the gaseous medium having the first gas operating pressure to the injection device. In other words, the operating pressure of the gas supplied by the gas supply means is, for example, different from the ambient pressure in the room or location in which the sorting apparatus is located. It is this operating pressure of the gaseous medium that sorts/deflects the objects and/or deflects one or more tongues in the nozzle tip by this pressure. The operating pressure is preferably from 1bar to 10bar, more preferably from 2bar to 8bar

The spraying device comprises a cover, which is typically located at the outermost surface of the spraying device.

A plurality of outlets are arranged for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium, each outlet having an exposed portion extending a predetermined distance from the cover, each exposed portion having a base portion and a protrusion, wherein an outer perimeter of the base portion is smaller than an outer perimeter of the protrusion. The base portion is disposed between the cover and the protrusion. Furthermore, the nozzle bar is configured to be fitted to a spraying device. The nozzle bar includes an interconnect.

The interconnect portion has a front side and a back side, and a plurality of openings arranged in rows on the back side of the interconnect portion. The back side of the nozzle bar faces the cover when the nozzle bar is secured to the outlet. The back side of the interconnecting portion of the sorting apparatus is preferably arranged to be substantially flush against the cover of the sorting apparatus when the nozzle bar is fitted to the spraying device in use.

According to one example, the interconnecting portion is shaped as a flange extending away from the inner nozzle passage. The flange and/or the channel wall surrounding the first base part may be arranged to strengthen the inlet part of the nozzle and to provide the inlet part of the nozzle with a degree of rigidity, which ensures that the nozzle bar remains on the outlet when the pressurized gaseous medium is injected through the nozzle. It should be noted that the stiffness of the interconnect and/or channel walls is determined not only based on the selected nozzle material but also on the width or thickness of the interconnect. Furthermore, thinner nozzle walls/interconnects may bend more than thicker nozzles/interconnects. The choice of material, the thickness of the nozzle wall/interconnection portion and the shape of the outlet portion is therefore preferably adapted to such an extent that the nozzle wall/interconnection portion is only bent such that the nozzle bar remains on the outlet when pressurized gaseous medium is ejected through the nozzle.

The nozzle bar includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row and extending in the same direction from a front side of the interconnect portion. One of the plurality of openings and one of the plurality of nozzles form a respective pair, the pair of openings and nozzles being disposed opposite one another along the interconnecting portion. The center distance between two adjacent openings is matched with the center distance between two adjacent outlets.

Each of the plurality of nozzles includes a nozzle tip including a tip opening for injecting pressurized gas and at least one flexible tongue extending toward and defining the tip opening. The nozzle tip is, for example, dome-shaped.

In a rest state, for example when no pressurized gaseous medium flows through the nozzles, or in other words when no gaseous medium having a first gas operating pressure is supplied to the nozzles, each nozzle may have a top end opening with a first outlet area. When the nozzle is subjected to a gaseous medium (such as air) having a first operating pressure, the flexible tongue deflects and the outlet area increases to a second outlet area, wherein the second outlet area is larger than the first outlet area. Particles and/or dust etc. are less likely to enter beyond the outlet portion and further into the passage of the nozzle, because they are less hindered by the first outlet area of the outlet portion when the nozzle is at rest or otherwise unaffected by the pressurized gaseous medium. The first outlet area is preferably smaller than the outlet area of said outlet of the spraying device. The outlet portion may be arranged to minimize or completely close the tip opening of the nozzle, at least when the nozzle does not eject gaseous medium through the outlet portion of the nozzle (i.e. when the nozzle is at rest).

One advantage of this is that particles and/or dust etc. that have adhered to, for example, the outlet portion may be shaken off when the outlet portion is deflected. Furthermore, during deflection of the outlet portion, such as by pulses or continuous streams of ejected gaseous medium through the outlet, particles and/or dust etc. are less likely to adhere to the outlet portion, as at least some of these portions of the nozzle move when ejecting the gaseous medium.

Each nozzle includes one or more internal passageway walls defining an internal passageway. An internal passage extends between an opening in the interconnect portion and the tip. The internal passageway fluidly connects the inlet portion of the nozzle with the top end opening of each nozzle. Further, an inner channel wall defining an inner channel extends from an opening in the interconnect portion to a top end opening in the outlet portion.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section formed by the inner walls of one, two, three or all of the first base portion, the second base portion, the inlet portion and the outlet portion is substantially elliptical, circular, rectangular or square, e.g. throughout at least half or all of the respective portions; the cross section is taken along the axial direction of the nozzle. The diameter of the cross section of the respective portion may be constant or varying or continuously varying in the axial direction of the nozzle.

The internal passageway includes a cylindrical first base portion, a cylindrical second base portion, a cylindrical inlet portion, and a dome-shaped outlet portion.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the height of the first base part is 1mm-6 mm, preferably 1mm-4mm, most preferably 2mm-3mm. The cylindrical first base portion has a radius and a height, wherein the height is about 1.1mm. Thus, the height may be greater than 2mm, for example up to 3mm or up to 5mm, and may also be less than 1mm, for example as low as 0.5mm or as low as 0.25mm. Furthermore, the first base part has a circumference measured in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle.

The cylindrical second base portion has a radius and a height, wherein the height is about 2mm. Thus, the height may be 1mm to 4mm, or may be greater than 4mm, for example up to 6mm or up to 10mm; it may also be less than 1mm, for example as low as 0.5mm or as low as 0.25mm. Furthermore, the second base part has a circumference measured in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle.

The cylindrical inlet portion has a radius and a height, wherein the height is about 0.25 mm-6. 6mm, preferably 0.5mm-3.5mm, most preferably 1.5mm-2.5mm. Thus, the height may be 0.5mm-3.5mm, or 0.5mm-2mm, which may be greater than 3mm, e.g. up to 4mm or up to 6mm, or may be less than 0.5mm, e.g. down to 0.25mm. The cylindrical second base portion is arranged between the cylindrical first base portion and the cylindrical inlet portion.

The dome-shaped outlet portion has a height, wherein the cylindrical inlet portion is arranged between the cylindrical second base portion and the outlet portion. The dome-shaped outlet portion enables the outlet portion to at least partially self-close when no gaseous medium having a first gas operating pressure is provided to the nozzle. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the dome-shaped outlet portion is self-supporting when the nozzle is in the closed state.

The inlet portion of the internal passageway is configured to receive pressurized gaseous medium from a respective one of the outlets, and the at least one tongue is configured to deflect in a flow direction of the pressurized gaseous medium to increase an area of the tip opening as the pressurized gaseous medium passes through the tip opening. In rest (i.e. when the outlet of the spraying device is not assembled), the perimeter of the first base portion of the internal channel is substantially equal to or smaller than the outer perimeter of the base portion of the outlet, so as to provide a snap-fit connection when the nozzle is assembled to the outlet.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sum of the respective heights of the first base portion, the second base portion, the inlet portion and the outlet portion is equal to at least 95% of the vertical distance from the backside of the strip portion to the tip of the nozzle.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base portion and the protrusion of each of the outlets and the first base portion and the second base portion of the internal channel of each of the nozzles are cylindrical, and wherein a ratio between a circumference of the protrusion of the outlet and a circumference of the base portion of the outlet is in a range of 1.05 to 1.25. The ratio between the radius of the second base portion of the cylinder and the radius of the first base portion of the cylinder is either 1.08 to 1.2 or 1.11 to 1.17. Thus, the ratio between the perimeter of the protrusion of the outlet and the perimeter of the base portion of the outlet is less than 1.1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle bar covers a first surface portion of the cap of the spraying device when the nozzle bar is assembled to the spraying device, and wherein the first surface of the cap is inclined 30 to 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, with respect to a vertical plane intersecting a plurality of centerlines of the plurality of nozzles. The first surface of the cap is inclined at preferably 30 to 45 degrees with respect to a vertical plane intersecting the plurality of centerlines of the plurality of nozzles.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle bar is a one-piece material selected from the group comprising rubber, polyurethane, silicone or other materials that are similarly resilient. The use of rubber is advantageous because rubber is a relatively inexpensive material and provides the desired material properties as described above. The use of polyurethane is advantageous because polyurethane provides the desired material properties as described above.

Further, by providing the outlet portion comprising a flexible material when the gaseous medium is ejected through the top end opening, the pressure level of the gaseous medium is allowed to influence the cross-sectional dimension at the outlet portion (e.g. described as the extent of opening of the nozzle or the cross-sectional dimension of the outlet portion). Thus, an increase in the pressure level of the gaseous medium will not only increase the amount of gas ejected from the nozzle (as a direct result of having a higher pressure) but also increase the cross-sectional size of the outlet portion (as a result of the higher pressure will increase the extent to which the outlet portion deflects outwards), so that more gaseous medium can be ejected through the outlet portion.

The outlet portion is movable axially and radially outwardly as compared to the internal passage of the nozzle when the outlet portion is deflected. The outlet portion is movable such that the outlet opening and the channel wall have equal cross-sectional areas. The outlet portion may also deflect to an extent such that the cross-sectional area is greater than the cross-sectional area of the inner channel.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the height of the interconnecting portion is greater than the distance from the inlet to the second base portion along the centre line of the nozzle channel.

The height of the interconnecting portion is for example at least 10% greater, or at least 20% greater, or at least 30% greater, or at least 40% greater, or at least 50% greater than the distance from the opening to the cylindrical second base portion along the centre line of the nozzle. Additionally or alternatively, the height of the interconnection portion is e.g. at most 50%, or at most 40%, or at most 30%, or at most 25%, or at most 20% greater than the distance from the opening to the cylindrical second base portion along the centre line of the nozzle.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the internal channel comprises a first base portion disposed entirely or partially within the interconnecting portion. Alternatively or additionally, the internal channel includes a first base portion disposed entirely within the interconnect portion and a second base portion disposed partially or entirely within the interconnect portion.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the inner channel further comprises a first tapered portion having a height. The tapered portion is disposed between the first base portion and the opening in the interconnecting portion. The first tapered portion tapers gradually from the first base portion to the opening in the interconnecting portion. Further, the inner channel includes a second tapered portion having a height, the second tapered portion being disposed between the second base portion and the inlet portion. The tapered portion tapers gradually from the second base portion to the inlet portion.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the ratio between the height of the cylindrical second base portion and the height of the cylindrical first base portion is 0.3 to 1.5, or 0.5 to 0.8, or 0.3 to 0.5.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the utility model, the outlet portion is defined by at least a first slit and a second slit intersecting each other, and optionally having an intersection point coinciding with the central axis of the channel of the nozzle. The intersecting slits divide the nozzle outlet into a plurality of sections, each of which deflects when subjected to the flow of gaseous medium. By selecting the lengths of the first and second slits and the intersection of the slits, the deflection characteristics of the nozzle outlet portion can be changed. Advantageously, the outlet is provided with two more up to 8 slits. For example, the outlet is provided with 1 to 8, preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 2 to 4 slits. When the outlet is provided with two slits, the slits are advantageously arranged with a uniform angle between the slits, e.g. 90 degrees or a cross shape, as seen in the axial direction of the nozzle. If the nozzle outlet is provided with three slits, the angle between two adjacent slits is 60 degrees. In general, the greater the number of intersecting slits, the lower the opening pressure of the nozzle, and the more uniform the opening of the nozzle. However, at the same time higher amounts may lead to higher wear of the nozzle dome material.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the outlet portion has a through hole. The through hole may be arranged to have a center coinciding with the central axis of the nozzle. The through holes may be circular holes. With all embodiments of the utility model, the axial direction of the nozzle coincides with the central axis of the nozzle.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the nozzle bar is formed as a single piece, and the bar may include 2 to 100 nozzles. The strip and the nozzle may be manufactured from the same material. Furthermore, it allows for a simple installation and quick replacement of worn nozzles.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present utility model, the center-to-center distance between two adjacent nozzles is 3mm-8mm, preferably 4mm to 7mm, more preferably 4.5mm to 5.5mm. However, depending on the size of each nozzle, the distance may be larger, for example 8mm to 20mm or even larger. The distance between two adjacent nozzles is configured according to the type and size of the objects to be sorted. Naturally, the smaller the centre-to-centre distance between two adjacent nozzles, the more nozzles can be fitted to the device for sorting objects.

According to at least one example embodiment, the pressurized gaseous medium may be, for example, compressed air. The gaseous medium may be ejected through the outlet in the form of pulses or, for example, in the form of a stream (such as a continuous stream).

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the length of the nozzle bar is 2mm to 100mm, preferably 3mm to 15mm or 4mm to 10mm.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the interconnection portion may deflect or at least vibrate with the outlet portion at least to some extent and depending on, for example, the pressure level of the gaseous medium as it is ejected through the outlet portion. Thus, for example, particles and/or dust or the like adhering to the outlet portion (e.g., to an outer surface of the outlet portion) may be shaken off when the gaseous medium is ejected through the outlet portion.

In some fields of application, the accuracy of the sorting apparatus is very important. One way to improve the accuracy is to arrange the nozzles on the concave side of the parabola described by the falling particles from bottom to top. Another way to provide high precision is to arrange the nozzle channel and nozzle tip as described herein. According to one arrangement, the outlets are arranged at a 45 degree angle from bottom to top and the pressure of the gaseous medium is sufficient to redirect falling particles to a predetermined direction when the nozzle is in use, which is different from the direction of non-impacted particles. Further, in this arrangement, when the nozzle is in use, the diameter of the nozzle outlet is d and the outlet tip of the spraying device is arranged at a distance from the falling particles 5*d. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, when a nozzle is used in this arrangement and there is a falling object flow that is separated in the horizontal direction and preferably also in the falling direction by a distance of at least 5*d, the gaseous medium sprayed through the nozzle impinges only one particle of the particle flow and not an adjacent particle.

Each outlet may be connected to the gas supply means by a separate channel. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the gas supply means comprises a plurality of conduits, each conduit leading to a separate outlet.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centerlines of the channels of two adjacent nozzles of the plurality of nozzles is 1mm-100mm.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the sorting apparatus may comprise injection means for injecting pressurized gaseous medium towards the stream of objects for sorting the objects and directing the objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations. The spraying device may comprise a cover on which a plurality of outlets may be arranged. The nozzle bar may be configured to fit to a plurality of outlets of the spraying device. Each of the plurality of outlets has an exposed portion extending a predetermined distance from the cover. Each exposed portion has a base portion and a protrusion, wherein an outer circumference of the base portion is smaller than an outer circumference of the protrusion, and the base portion is disposed between the cover and the protrusion. During operation, the nozzle bar is assembled to the plurality of outlets and, in order to achieve a snap fit between each of the plurality of outlets and each of the plurality of nozzles of the nozzle bar, the circumference of the cylindrical first base portion of the inner channel is substantially equal to or smaller than the outer circumference of the cylindrical base portion of the outlet at rest so as to provide a snap connection when the nozzles are assembled to the outlets.

The sorting apparatus may further comprise a calculation unit, a receiving unit and a transmitting unit for determining which objects are to be sorted from the stream. The receiving unit and the transmitting unit may be, for example, optical or inductive transmitting units and receiving units. For example, the transmitting unit may comprise a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as a diode light source that emits light beams that are bound to the photocell in the receiving unit by a lens system. Alternatively, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit may be based on a change in color of the object to be sorted. Here, the camera may be used as a receiving unit, and a fluorescent light source such as a fluorescent tube may be used as a transmitting unit. Alternatively, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit may be based on the emitted X-rays and a complementary sensor array.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the emitter (or emitting unit) comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation (such as a visible light source). Alternatively, the emitter comprises an X-ray source or a radio frequency source. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit (or receiving means) comprises a camera for detecting visible light, an X-ray camera or another receiving device for receiving electromagnetic radiation.

The transmitting unit and the receiving unit are typically connected to a computing unit that processes the input data and determines the position, size and type of the individual objects in the material flow, for example based on the light beam received by the receiving unit and the light beam emitted by the transmitting unit. The individual objects may then be sorted based on their complete determination/identification in the stream. Based on the determination/identification of the individual objects by the computing unit, the sorting operation may be performed by spraying the gaseous medium for the individual objects through the nozzle. The sorting device and its guide channels may be controlled by valves, such as solenoid valves, and operated by a computing unit.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the transport means comprises a conveyor belt for conveying a stream of objects to be sorted. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the transport means comprises a chute arranged for transporting a material flow with objects to be sorted. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the receiving means comprises a conveyor belt for further transporting the received and/or sorted objects. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the receiving means comprise at least one container or bin for receiving received objects and/or sorted objects. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the receiving means comprise at least one chute for further transporting the object.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the sorting apparatus comprises an array of adjacent nozzles. As described above, the sorting apparatus may further include: means for conveying the products to be sorted; a device for scanning the product; means for determining whether to accept the device selection or reject the device selection; and means for transmitting the acceptance device selection or rejection device selection to the receiving device.

The objects to be sorted can thus be conveyed, for example, on a conveyor belt or provided, for example, by a chute. During sorting, the product may be scanned on a conveyor belt or chute, or while flying off the end of the conveyor belt or after the chute. An acceptance or rejection decision of the object may then be made based on the results of the conveyor and the receiving device (e.g. based on an optical scan) and the product may be sorted or ignored or rejected if appropriate.

In one embodiment, the selection of the accepting or rejecting device may be based on the size of the object to be sorted. The selection of the accepting or rejecting device may also be based on optical analysis of the object to be sorted, or on both the optical analysis and the size of the object to be sorted.

It should be appreciated that the selection of an accept or reject device may be determined through the use of software to select an accept or reject device based on selection criteria for the accept or reject device. These criteria may be based on the size or type of the object to be sorted, however, it should be understood that they may also be based on other properties of the object.

The sorting apparatus may further comprise means for determining whether the size of the scanned object is below an air acceptance or rejection threshold and means for activating at least one nozzle when the size of the scanned object is below the air acceptance or rejection threshold.

The sorting apparatus may further comprise means for determining whether the size of the scanned object is above an air acceptance or rejection threshold and means for activating at least one nozzle when the size of the scanned object is above the air acceptance or rejection threshold.

In general, all terms used herein should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a" and "an" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, means, component, device, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Drawings

The inventive concept will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

fig. 4 shows in cross-section a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 6 illustrates a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept;

fig. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

fig. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

fig. 10a shows a cross section of a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 10b shows a perspective view of the outlet shown in FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 11a illustrates a cross-section of a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 11b shows a perspective view of the outlet shown in FIG. 11 a;

FIG. 12a illustrates a cross-section of a nozzle bar according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept;

FIG. 12b shows a cross section of the same nozzle bar as FIG. 12 a;

fig. 13 is a schematic view of a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept; and

fig. 14a and 14b show perspective views of a sorting apparatus according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept.

Detailed Description

In the following description, the inventive concept is described with reference to such sorting apparatus. Such a sorting device may be a sorting machine. It should be noted that this in no way limits the scope of the inventive concept, which is also applicable in other situations, such as other types or variants of devices than the embodiments shown in the drawings. Furthermore, references to specific components in relation to embodiments of the present inventive concept do not mean that these components cannot be used advantageously with other embodiments of the present inventive concept.

Fig. 1 shows a sorting apparatus 1 comprising injection means for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium towards a stream of objects for sorting the objects and directing the objects towards at least two different predetermined destinations. Furthermore, the injection device comprises a cover 3, wherein a plurality of outlets 4 are provided for injecting the pressurized gaseous medium. Furthermore, the spraying device comprises a nozzle bar 2, which is configured to be fitted to the spraying device. The nozzle bar 2 is provided with at least one nozzle 5 for ejecting a gaseous medium towards the stream of objects for sorting the objects and guiding the objects. The cap 3 is provided with a nozzle bar 2 assembled to a plurality of outlets 4. Further, the sorting apparatus 1 comprises a gas supply means (not shown). The plurality of nozzles are all arranged "bottom-up", i.e. each nozzle 5 of the plurality of nozzles is arranged to spray gaseous medium in a direction having a component force opposite to the force of gravity (i.e. each nozzle is arranged to direct a gaseous medium portion upwards compared to a horizontal arrangement of nozzle bars).

Fig. 2 shows a section of the sorting apparatus 1. The nozzle bar 2 and the plurality of outlets 4 are configured to be fitted to a surface portion 6 of the cover 3, which surface portion 6 may be inclined 30 to 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, with respect to a vertical plane intersecting the center lines of the plurality of outlets 4. Furthermore, the cover 3 comprises a hollow space 7 through which a conduit 8 may be provided for connection to the plurality of outlets 4 and nozzle bars 2 at the inclined surface 6 of the cover 3.

Each nozzle 5 of the plurality of nozzles is arranged to receive gaseous medium from the gas supply means. The gas supply means may for example be connected to a plurality of conduits 8, wherein each conduit is in fluid communication with a respective nozzle 5.

Furthermore, the sorting apparatus may comprise pressure level regulating means arranged to control the pressure of the gaseous medium supplied to the plurality of nozzles 5. For example, the pressure level adjustment means may be arranged to increase and/or decrease the pressure level of the supplied gaseous medium.

Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a sorting apparatus 1 comprising a nozzle bar 2 with a plurality of nozzles 5, a plurality of outlets 4, a cover 3 in which a conduit 8 is arranged.

Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the nozzle bar 2 and the plurality of outlets 4. Furthermore, the nozzle bar 2 comprises a plurality of nozzles 5 as described in relation to fig. 5 to 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle bar 2 comprises at least two nozzles 5. However, the nozzle bar 2 may comprise more than two nozzles 5. For example, two to eight nozzles or even more than eight nozzles may be used. According to an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle bar comprises eight nozzles. The distance or spacing between two adjacent nozzles may be from 1mm to 100 mm, preferably 4.8mm. The pitch is defined herein as the distance between the centerlines of two adjacent nozzles.

Each nozzle 5 of the plurality of nozzles comprises one or more inner channel walls defining an inner channel 37. An internal passage 37 extends from the opening 12 to the top end opening 19 for injecting pressurized gas. Each internal channel 37 comprises at least a first base portion wall 23, a second base portion wall 24, an inlet portion wall 25, an outlet portion wall 15. The first base portion wall 23 has a height h _bp1 And is arranged to surround the first base portion 13. Furthermore, the first base part wall 23 and the first base part 13 have a height h _bp1 . The second base portion wall 24 has a height H _bp2 And is arranged to surround the second base portion 14. In addition, the second base portion wall 24 and the second base portion 14 have a height H _bp2 . The inlet portion 16 has a height h _ip And is arranged around the inlet portion wall 25. Thus, the inlet portion 16 and the inlet portion wall 25 have a height h _ip . The outlet portion wall 15 has a height h _op And is arranged around the outlet portion 17.

Each nozzle 5 comprises an inlet portion 16 for receiving gaseous medium and an outlet portion 17 for spraying gaseous medium towards the objects to be sorted. Each nozzle 5 includes an outer surface and an inner surface extending in the extending direction of the nozzle 5. The inner surface is defined as one or more inner channel walls surrounding the inner channel 37A, the centre line C extending in the longitudinal direction of each nozzle in the centre of the inner channel 37.

The nozzle bar 2 as shown in fig. 5 to 9 comprises an interconnect portion 9 having a front side 10 and a back side 11. When the nozzle bar 2 is fixed to the outlet 4, the back side 11 of the nozzle bar 2 faces the cover 3 after the outlet 4 is attached to the cover. In an exemplary embodiment, the back side 11 of said interconnection portion 9 of the sorting apparatus 1 is arranged substantially flush with the cover 3 of the sorting apparatus when the nozzle bar 2 is fitted to the outlet 4 in use.

Furthermore, the nozzle bar 2 comprises a plurality of openings 12 arranged in a row on the back side 11 of the interconnect portion 9. The nozzle bar comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row and extending from the front side 10 of the interconnect portion 9, all in the same direction.

It should be noted that the entire nozzle bar 2 may be flexible. Any of the nozzle bar 2 and/or the outlet portion 17 and/or the

channel walls

15, 23, 24, 25 may be made flexible by including a flexible material, such as rubber, polyurethane, silicone or other similar resilient material.

The outlet portion 17 may have a dome shape or a hemispherical shape. The outlet portion may include an outlet portion wall 15 forming an interior passage 37. The outlet portion wall 15 surrounds the outlet portion 17. The dome-shaped nozzle tip 18 comprises an outlet portion wall 15 and an opening for ejecting pressurized gaseous medium. The dome-shaped nozzle tip 18 may include at least one flexible tongue 20 extending toward the centerline of the nozzle 2 and defining a tip opening 19. Thus, the at least one flexible tongue 20 may be provided with at least one flexible tongue extending around the periphery of the top end opening 19.

According to another exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 5 to 7, the top end opening 19 comprises at least four flexible tongues 20, which are defined by at least a first slit 21 and a second slit 22 intersecting each other, the first slit 21 and the second slit 22 optionally having an intersection point coinciding with the central axis of the nozzle. In other words, the first slit 21 and the second slit 22 intersect at the center point of the dome-shaped nozzle tip 18. The first slit 21 and the second slit 22 are arranged in a cross shape. Thus, the first slit 21 and the second slit 22 define a flexible tongue 20. However, the nozzle dome 18 may include more than two slits that are uniformly arranged on the nozzle dome and intersect. For example, two to four intersecting slits, even up to 8 or more slits, may be used. In general, a greater number of intersecting slits results in a lower and more uniform opening of the nozzle 5. However, a simultaneously higher number may result in higher wear of the nozzle dome material.

According to one exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 8 and 9, the outlet portion may comprise only one flexible tongue 20. Thus, the flexible tongue 20 surrounds a top opening 19 which is circular and is arranged in the centre point of said tongue 20.

Each nozzle dome is arranged such that the intersection center points of the nozzle domes are aligned along the center line C of the internal channel 37. When the nozzle bar 2 is connected to the outlet 4, the centre line of the internal channel 37 coincides with and is parallel to the centre line of the outlet portion 17. The first slit 21 and the second slit 22 may divide the tip 18 of the nozzle 5 into four equal sized sections.

The difference between the use of slits and circular nozzle holes is that the circular nozzle holes are not completely closed when no gaseous medium, such as compressed air, is supplied to the inlet of the nozzle. The diameter of each circular nozzle hole is in the range of 1.5mm. However, the diameter h may be configured to be greater than or less than 1.5mm depending on the pressure of the gaseous medium supplied to the nozzle. If the pressure of the supplied gaseous medium is large, the diameter of the through-holes may be smaller than 1.5mm, for example between 0.5mm and 1.5mm. If the pressure of the supplied gaseous medium is small, the diameter of the through-holes may be larger than 1.5mm, for example between 1.5mm and 3 mm.

The nozzle bars are shown in fig. 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b and 12a and 12 b.

According to this example, the height of the interconnect portion (H in FIG. 5 _ip ) Greater than the distance along the centre line of the nozzle from the opening 12 to the cylindrical second base portion 14. In the example shown in FIG. 12a, H _ip Is 2mm; and a distance from the opening 12 to the cylindrical second base portion 14 along the centre line of the nozzle is 1.5mm.

According to this example, the internal channel comprises a cylindrical first base portion 13 arranged entirely within the interconnection portion 9 and a second base portion 13 arranged partly within the interconnection portion 9. The cylindrical first base portion 13 has a radius r _bp1 And height h _bp1 Wherein the height is 0.5mm to 3mm, or 0.7mm to 2mm, or 0.8mm to 1.4mm, or 0.9mm to 1.3mm. Further, the first base portion 13 has a circumference N _bp1 The perimeter is measured in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the gaseous medium through the nozzle. In addition, the internal passage 37 includes a radial R _bp2 And height H _bp2 Is provided, a cylindrical second base portion 14 of the same. In addition, the second base portion 24 has a perimeter N _bp2 The circumference being in a direction of flow with the gaseous medium through the nozzleMeasured in a vertical plane. Radius R of the second base portion 14 _bp2 Greater than the radius r of the cylindrical first base portion 13 _bp1 。

In addition, the internal passage 37 includes a radial r _ip And height h _ip Is provided, is a cylindrical inlet portion 16. A cylindrical second base portion 14 is arranged between the cylindrical first base portion 13 and the cylindrical inlet portion 16. The dome-shaped outlet portion 17 has a height h _op . The dome-shaped outlet portion 17 comprises a top end opening 19 for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium. The outlet portion wall 15 comprises at least one flexible tongue 20 extending towards and defining said top end opening 19. A cylindrical inlet portion 16 is arranged between the cylindrical second base portion 14 and an outlet portion 17 provided with a top end opening 19. The sum of the respective heights of the cylindrical first base portion 13, the cylindrical second base portion 14, the cylindrical inlet portion 16 and the dome-shaped outlet portion 17 is equal to at least 95% of the vertical distance H from the back side 11 of the interconnection portion 9 to the top end 18 of the nozzle 5, whereby:

(h _bp1 +H _bp2 +h _ip +h _op ≤0.95H)

as shown in fig. 12a, 1.15+2+1.35+1.5=6.ltoreq.0.95h=0.95×7=6.65.

Furthermore, the ratio of the radius of the cylindrical second base portion 14 to the radius of the cylindrical first base portion 13 is 1.01 to 1.1 (1.05. Ltoreq.R _bp2 /R _bp1 Less than or equal to 1.25) or from 1.05 to 1.2.

As shown in FIG. 12a (1.05.ltoreq.R) _bp2 /R _bp1 ＝3.2/2.8＝1.14≤1.2)。

The channel wall of the nozzle shown in fig. 11a and 11b comprises a shoulder at the interface between the top of said first base portion and the bottom of the second base portion, which shoulder is continuous in the direction surrounding said axial direction of the nozzle.

The interconnecting portion 9 is arranged for stiffening at the first base portion wall 23 of the nozzle 5 and provides a degree of stiffness which ensures that the nozzle bar 2 only bends to such an extent that the nozzle bar remains on the outlet 4 when the pressurized gaseous medium is injected through the nozzle. Root of Chinese character According to one example, the height H of the interconnect 9 _ip Greater than the first portion H _pb1 Is a high level of (2). According to at least one embodiment, the height of the interconnection portion is greater than the distance from the inlet opening 12 to the top of the first base portion, or optionally greater than the distance from the cover surface to the bottom of the protruding portion of the outlet in the axial direction, or optionally greater than the distance from the inlet to the bottom of the second base portion + 15% of the height of the second base portion, or optionally equal to the distance from the inlet to the bottom of the second base portion + 25% of the height of the second base portion, as shown in fig. 12 a.

The sorting apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of outlets 4 for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium, each outlet 4 having an exposed portion 26 extending a predetermined distance from the cover 3, each exposed portion 26 having a base portion 27 and a protrusion 28, as shown in fig. 10a to 10 b. Further, the outer circumference O of the base portion 27 _bp Less than the outer circumference O of the projection 28 _pr (O _bp ＜O _pr ). The outer perimeter of the base portion 27 and the outer perimeter of the protrusion 28 are measured in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the gaseous medium through each of the plurality of outlets 4. Further, the base portion 27 is arranged between the cover 3 and the projection 28.

In addition, the perimeter of the first base portion 13 of the internal passage 37 at rest is substantially equal to or less than the outer perimeter (N _bp1 ≤1.01*O _bp ) This improves the snap-fit connection when the nozzle 5 is fitted to the outlet 4. The nozzle bar 2 is in rest when not in use and is not assembled to the plurality of outlets 4.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of outlets 4 comprises an attachment portion 32 which is not exposed in use. In use, the attachment portion 32 is arranged with an end aperture 33 located within each of the plurality of conduits 8. The exposed portion 26 and the attachment portion 32 extend in opposite directions from each other along a central axis common to the exposed portion 26 and the attachment portion 32. Further, each outlet includes a protruding flange 34 disposed between the exposed portion 26 and the attachment portion 32. The outer diameter of the protruding flange 34 is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the catheter 8. The protruding flange 34 thus secures the outlet 4 within the aperture 33 of the conduit 8. Furthermore, the cover 3 may comprise a recess 35, in which the protruding flange 34 may be arranged. The recess 35 ensures that only the exposed portion 26 of the outlet 4 extends outside the cover 3. Thus, the back side 11 of the nozzle bar 2 may be arranged substantially flush with the cover 3 when the nozzle bar is fitted to the cover.

The attachment portion 32 includes at least one (preferably two) protrusions 36 protruding from the outer surface 31 of the attachment portion 32. The protrusion 36 may extend partially or completely around the circumference of the attachment portion 32. The outer surface of the attachment portion 32 is in full or partial contact with the inner surface of the catheter 8. Furthermore, the circumference of the at least one protrusion is substantially equal to or greater than the circumference of the inner surface of the conduit 8, so as to provide a press fit between the conduit 8 and the attachment portion 32 of the outlet 4. The conduit 8 may comprise a flexible material so that the conduit can expand when the attachment portion 32 of the outlet 4 is received in the conduit 8. Thus, when the outlet is mounted to the conduit, a friction force is generated between the at least one protrusion and the conduit. Thus, when the injection device injects pressurized gaseous medium towards the object flow, the resulting press fit retains the outlet within the conduit.

Furthermore, the cylindrical inner channel 37 comprises a height h _tp1 Is provided, the first tapered portion 29 of (a). The first tapered portion 29 is arranged between the cylindrical first base portion 13 and the opening 12 in the interconnection portion 9. The cylindrical first tapered portion 29 tapers gradually from the opening 12 in the interconnection portion to the first base portion 13. In addition, the cylindrical inner channel 37 also comprises a height h _tp2 Is provided for the second tapered portion 30 of the (c). The second tapered portion 30 is arranged between the cylindrical second base portion 14 and the cylindrical inlet portion 16, and the second tapered portion 30 tapers gradually from the second base portion 14 to the cylindrical inlet portion 16.

The nozzle bar 2 is subjected to a pressurized gaseous medium, for example air supplied by a gas supply means. The pressurized gaseous medium may be, for example, compressed air having a pressure of 1bar to 10bar, more preferably 2bar to 8bar, when entering the inlet section 16. When the pressurized gaseous medium is not supplied to the gas supply means through the nozzle bars 2, the pressurized gaseous medium is in a stationary state.

Fig. 13 schematically shows a sorting system 200 comprising a sorting device 1 for sorting objects 202 using a pressurized gaseous medium 231. The system 200 comprises a transport device 204 in the form of a conveyor belt 204 for transporting a stream of material with objects 202 to be sorted. The system 200 further comprises receiving means 206 in the form of two

receptacles

206A, 206B for receiving the sorted objects 202'. The system 200 may also include a computing unit, a receiving unit and a transmitting unit (not shown) to determine which objects 202 to sort from the material stream. The calculation unit then controls the flow of pressurized gaseous medium supplied to the nozzles in the sorting device 1, typically based on the determination/identification of the object 202, possibly together with pressure level adjustment means.

In fig. 13, the stream of objects 202 is transported by a conveyor belt 204 towards the sorting device 1, after which the objects 202 in the stream are allowed to fall from the edge of the conveyor belt 204. During the descent of the falling object 202, a specific nozzle 101' in the sorting device 1 ejects pressurized gaseous medium towards the object 202' to be sorted, whereby the path of the object 202' is changed compared to the falling path of the object not handled by the pressurized gaseous medium 231. Thus, the sorted object 202' may be pushed and sorted to, for example, container 206B.

The sorting system 200 in fig. 13 is designed such that some objects 202 in the material flow, such as objects of a specific size, color and/or material, do not cause the sorting device 1 to jet a pressurized gaseous medium. These objects may, for example, naturally fall from conveyor 204 into container 206A. Objects 202 that do not cause the sorting device 1 to eject pressurized gaseous medium may also be so large that they are affected to a very low extent by the ejected pressurized gaseous medium, compared to objects 202' to be sorted.

The object 202' to be sorted may be identified/determined, for example, by the calculation unit, the transmission unit and the reception unit described earlier, which are part of the sorting system. Based on this identification/determination of the object 202' to be sorted, a specific nozzle 101' in the sorting device 1 is activated, thereby allowing the pressurized gaseous medium 231 to be injected towards the object 202 '. In this arrangement the outlets are arranged at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, from bottom to top and when the nozzle is in use the pressure of the gaseous medium is sufficient to redirect falling particles in a predetermined direction which is different from the direction of non-impacted particles. Further, in this arrangement, the diameter of the nozzle outlet is 2mm when the nozzle is in use, and the outlet tip of the spraying device is arranged at a distance of 10mm from the falling particles. In the presence of a stream of falling particles, the particles are separated by a distance of at least 10mm in the horizontal direction and also preferably in the falling direction. When the gaseous medium is ejected through the nozzle, it impinges only one particle of the particle stream and not an adjacent particle.

As described above, the sorting apparatus may include any number of outlets and the nozzle bar may include any number of nozzles. The sorting apparatus according to the utility model shown in fig. 14a has at least 8 outlets and at least 8 nozzles. Fig. 14b shows a spray device with 48 outlets and a nozzle bar comprising 48 nozzles. According to one example, the spraying device is equipped with two or more nozzle bars, wherein the nozzle bars cover sub-portions of the outlet. The spraying device can be equipped with, for example, 8 nozzle bars arranged side by side, wherein each nozzle bar covers 6 outlets, i.e. 48 outlets/nozzle in total; or 4 bars, each having 18, 12, 10 and 8 nozzles, respectively, i.e. 48 outlets/nozzles in total. According to another example, the nozzle bar comprises 8 nozzles and the spraying device has 64 outlets, i.e. 8 bars are provided. According to another example, the nozzle bar comprises 8 nozzles and the spraying device has 190 outlets, i.e. 24 bars are provided, wherein two nozzles are not used. According to another example, the nozzle bar comprises 8 nozzles and the spraying device has 672 outlets, i.e. 84 bars are provided.

Claims

1. Sorting apparatus comprising a spraying device and a nozzle bar (2), characterized in that:

a cover (3);

a plurality of outlets (4) for injecting a pressurized gaseous medium, each of the outlets having an exposed portion extending a predetermined distance from the cover, each of the exposed portions (26) having a base portion (27) and a protrusion (28), wherein the outer circumference of the base portion is smaller than the outer circumference of the protrusion, and the base portion (27) is arranged between the cover (3) and the protrusion (28),

an interconnect portion (9) having a front side (10) and a back side (11), a plurality of openings (12) arranged in rows on the back side of the interconnect portion (9);

a plurality of nozzles (5) arranged in a row and extending from the front side of the interconnect portion;

wherein one of the plurality of openings (12) and one of the plurality of nozzles (5) form a respective pair, the pairs of openings and nozzles being arranged opposite each other along the interconnection portion (9), and wherein a center-to-center distance between two adjacent openings (12) matches a center-to-center distance between two adjacent outlets (4);

Wherein each of the nozzles (5) of the plurality of nozzles comprises:

a nozzle tip (18) comprising a tip opening (19) for injecting pressurized gas and at least one flexible tongue (20) extending towards and defining the tip opening;

one or more internal channel walls defining an internal channel (37) extending from the opening (12) in the interconnection portion to the top end opening (19) for injecting pressurized gas,

wherein the internal passage comprises:

a first base portion (13) having a perimeter and a height,

a second base portion (14) having a perimeter and a height,

-an inlet portion (16) having a radius and a height, wherein the second base portion (14) is arranged between the first base portion (13) and the inlet portion (16);

-an outlet portion (17) having a height, wherein the inlet portion (16) is arranged between the second base portion (14) and the outlet portion (17);

Wherein the inlet portion (16) of the inner channel is configured to receive pressurized gaseous medium from a respective one of the outlets (4) and the at least one flexible tongue (20) is configured to deflect in a flow direction of the pressurized gaseous medium to increase an area of the top end opening (19) when the pressurized gaseous medium passes through the top end opening,

wherein, at rest, the perimeter of the first base portion (13) of the internal channel is equal to or smaller than the outer perimeter of the base portion (27) of the outlet to provide a snap-fit connection when the nozzle is fitted to the outlet.

2. The sorting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion and the protrusion of each outlet and the first base portion and the second base portion of the internal channel of each nozzle are cylindrical, and wherein a ratio between a perimeter of the protrusion of the outlet and a perimeter of the base portion of the outlet is in a range of 1.05 to 1.25.

3. Sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the nozzle bar is of one piece of material, the material being rubber, polyurethane or silicone.

4. The sorting apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle bar covers a first surface portion of the cap of the spraying device when the nozzle bar is assembled to the spraying device, and wherein the first surface of the cap is inclined at 30 to 60 degrees with respect to a vertical plane intersecting a plurality of centerlines of the plurality of nozzles.

5. Sorting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height of the interconnection portion is greater than the distance from the opening (12) to the second base portion (14) along the centre line of the internal channel.

6. The sorting apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first surface of the cover is inclined 45 degrees with respect to a vertical plane intersecting a plurality of centerlines of the plurality of nozzles.