Item removal device and item inspection device

Abstract

To provide an article removal device which can accurately set an air blowing operation time required for removal of an article in a short time, and an article inspection device.SOLUTION: An article removal device, which removes a work-piece Wp on a conveyor transport path 21a to the exterior by blowing air toward a discharge direction crossing a transport direction, comprises: static air blow time setting means 41 that sets an air blow time Ta_s concerning static article discharge property for discharging the work-piece Wp resting on the transport path 21a by blowing air; discharge property determination means 42 that determines whether or not the work-piece Wp is discharged outside the transport path 21a by blowing air during the air blow time Ta_s set by the air blow time setting means; actual air blow time calculation means 43 which calculates an actual air blow time Ta_d concerning kinetic article discharge property for discharging the work-piece Wp outside the transport path 21a during actual transportation on the basis of the determination result and the air blow time Ta_s.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article rejection device and an article inspection device, and particularly to an air blow type article rejection device and an article inspection device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] An air blow type article rejection device that uses a jet of compressed air from an air nozzle to reject selected articles with defective inspection results from a production line, or to distribute and discharge products at a specific destination to a specific discharge line of an article conveyance line, and an article inspection device having the same as a sorting unit have been known heretofore.

[0003] In this type of article rejection device and article inspection device, not only the mass of the selected article, but also the size, shape, conveyance speed, conveyance posture, etc. make it impossible to accurately apply the discharge force by air injection from the air nozzle to the selected article, and there are cases where the operation time of article rejection by air injection (hereinafter also referred to as sorting operation time) cannot be sufficiently ensured. In such cases, accurate article rejection operation may become difficult.

[0004] Therefore, conventionally, when detecting abnormalities in conveyance intervals, postures, and other conveyance states due to displacement of articles on a conveyor, etc., the article is targeted for discharge, and air blowing control is performed according to changes in the center of gravity position of the discharge target article due to changes in the conveyance state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this device, based on the detection information of a light-shielding sensor for article detection, the degree of inclination of the article with respect to the conveyance direction is calculated, and settings are made to make the discharge time by air blowing and the delay time from abnormality detection to the start of discharge different depending on whether the inclination is large or not.

[0005] Furthermore, some systems are designed to minimize the impact of air jets on weight measurement by calculating the installation position of the air jet mechanism and the timing of weight measurement by the weight measurement mechanism and air jet injection by the air jet mechanism, so that weight measurement by the weight measurement mechanism is not affected by air jet injection (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0006] Furthermore, some systems ensure reliable discharge of items by sequentially switching on electromagnetic valves connected to multiple air nozzles for predetermined periods of time, so that air is sprayed sequentially for predetermined periods from multiple adjacent air nozzles in the transport direction, thereby securing a total spraying time on the items to be discharged (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-179969 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-136249 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-95327 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, in the conventional former type of item removal device described above, in order to remove the items to be removed from the transport system of the production line, the delay time from the determination of the items to be removed to the start of the removal operation, and the operation time of air blowing required for item removal, were adjusted as multiple timing parameters in an arbitrary procedure or set according to the detection information of the transport state, so setting these parameters took a long time.

[0009] Furthermore, regarding the parameters related to the air blowing operation time (sorting operation time), there was a tendency to set them to unnecessarily large values ​​in order to reduce the parameter setting time, due to reasons such as the need to confirm discharge during actual transport many times while changing other timing parameters. This led to a problem of a tendency for the sorting capacity (number of items that can be discharged per minute) to decrease.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an article removal device and an article inspection device that can accurately set the air blowing operation time required for article removal in a short amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] [1] The article removal device according to the present invention is an article removal device that, in order to achieve the above objective, removes articles on a predetermined transport path of an article transport line by blowing air in a discharge direction intersecting the article transport direction, and is characterized by comprising: static air blow time setting means for setting an air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics for removing articles of a predetermined mass stationary on the predetermined transport path by blowing air in the discharge direction; discharge feasibility determination means for determining whether or not the articles will be discharged outside the predetermined transport path by blowing air for the air blow time set by the static air blow time setting means; and actual air blow time calculation means for calculating an actual air blow time related to dynamic article discharge characteristics for removing the articles outside the predetermined transport path during actual transport, based on the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means and the air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics.

[0012] With this configuration, in the present invention, when an air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics is set for discharging an article of a predetermined mass stationary on a predetermined transport path to the outside of the predetermined transport path by blowing air in the discharge direction, a discharge feasibility determination means determines whether or not the article will be discharged to the outside of the predetermined transport path by blowing air for that air blow time. Based on the determination result and the air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics, an actual air blow time calculation means calculates the actual air blow time related to dynamic article discharge characteristics for discharging the article to the outside of the predetermined transport path during actual transport. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform discharge confirmation multiple times while changing other timing parameters, and the tendency to make the air blowing operation time unnecessarily large for reliable discharge can be effectively suppressed.

[0013] [2] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system may further include a parameter setting screen having a mass setting unit for inputting and setting the mass of the article, and a basic operation time setting means that can change the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics. In this case, the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics can be changed as the basic operation time according to the mass of the article.

[0014] [3] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the configuration may further include a dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means for setting a correction coefficient related to the dynamic article discharge characteristics for calculating the actual air blow time using the actual air blow time calculation means. In this way, by multiplying the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics by the correction coefficient related to the dynamic article discharge characteristics, the effective actual air blow time related to the dynamic article discharge characteristics can be calculated in a short time.

[0015] [4] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system may further be configured to include a correction selection means for selectively operating the dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means. In this case, it becomes possible to choose whether or not to calculate a relatively short actual air blow time by multiplying the air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics by a correction coefficient related to dynamic article discharge characteristics, depending on whether or not high discharge capacity is required.

[0016] [5] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basic operation time setting means may be configured to have a request input unit that requests a change in the setting of the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics. In this case, a request input for a change in the setting of the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics can be made according to the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means, or a setting input that has been experienced for the target article can be made.

[0017] [6] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basic operation time setting means can be configured to set the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics according to the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means. In this case, the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics can be automatically set for new articles.

[0018] [7] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the discharge feasibility determination means may be configured to include a discharge sensor that detects when the article has been discharged outside the predetermined transport path. In this case, since the discharge sensor can directly detect when the article has been discharged outside the predetermined transport path, it becomes possible to quickly and accurately determine whether or not the article is to be discharged.

[0019] [8] To achieve the above objective, the article inspection device according to the present invention is equipped with an article elimination device having any of the above configurations as a sorting unit, and an inspection unit that performs a predetermined article inspection for each article on the article transport line.

[0020] With this configuration, in the present invention, when the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics is set in the sorting unit, it is determined whether the article is sorted and discharged outside the predetermined conveyance path by the blowing of air for that air blow time. Based on the determination result and the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics, the actual air blow time related to the dynamic article discharge characteristics for discharging the article being actually conveyed outside the predetermined conveyance path is calculated. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform multiple discharge confirmations while changing other timing parameters such as the delay time from the determination of the discharge target article according to the article inspection result to the start of the discharge operation. It is not necessary to set the sorting operation time by air blowing to a value larger than necessary, and it becomes possible to provide an article inspection apparatus that can accurately set the air blowing operation time required for article discharge in a short time.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an article exclusion apparatus and an article inspection apparatus that can accurately set the air blowing operation time required for article discharge in a short time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an article inspection apparatus including an article exclusion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a schematic main part plan view showing the configuration of a conveyance unit in an article inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a front view of the main part of the conveyance unit in an article inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a timing chart showing the operation timings of a plurality of different defective sorting and discharge operations in an article inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram of a parameter setting screen in which varieties can be registered in an article inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] (a) shows a first adjustment screen for rough adjustment of the air blow time in an article exclusion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) shows a second adjustment screen for fine adjustment of the air blow time in an article exclusion apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (a) shows a third adjustment screen for manually setting the air blow time and performing an air blow test when the automatically set air blow time exceeds the recommended range in an article removal device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (b) shows a fourth adjustment screen which is an air blow time type selection screen. [Figure 7] (a) shows a fifth adjustment screen for actual transport and discharge confirmation, showing the adjusted sorting delay time and sorting operation time in an article removal device according to one embodiment of the present invention; (b) shows a sixth adjustment screen in which the sorting delay time can be adjusted in stages; and (c) shows a sixth adjustment screen as a setting information confirmation screen that displays registered information and the adjusted sorting delay time and sorting operation time. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows a part of the process for automatically calculating the overall correction coefficient during the sorting operation time adjustment work using a series of operation screens in an item inspection device according to one embodiment of this present invention. [Figure 9] Following Figure 8, this flowchart shows the remaining steps of the process for automatically calculating the overall correction coefficient during the sorting operation time adjustment work using a series of operation screens in an item inspection device according to one embodiment of this embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the processing procedure for adjusting the sorting delay time based on the sorting operation time that has been adjusted in the article inspection device according to one embodiment of this model. [Figure 11] This graph shows the static material discharge characteristics of an material removal device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the vertical axis representing air blow time and the horizontal axis representing workpiece mass. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figures 1 and 2 show the configuration of an article elimination device and an article inspection system that uses the same as a sorting unit, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] First, let me explain its structure.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the article inspection device 1 of this embodiment is composed of an inspection machine 10 which is an article inspection unit and an air jet sorting machine 20 which is an article removal device.

[0027] The inspection machine 10 comprises a first transport unit 11 that transports the workpiece Wp, which is the item to be inspected, in a predetermined transport direction, for example, in the X direction in Figure 1; an inspection unit 12 that performs a predetermined inspection of the item on the item transport path by the first transport unit 11; a control unit 13 (first control unit) that controls them; and an item detection sensor 18 that detects when the workpiece Wp enters the inspection area of ​​the inspection unit 12.

[0028] The first conveying unit 11 is, for example, a belt conveyor type in which an endless conveyor belt is wound around a plurality of rollers, and has a conveyor transport path 11a capable of transporting articles in the X direction.

[0029] The inspection unit 12 performs, for example, X-ray inspection and has an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector for that inspection. However, the inspection unit 12 may also perform other inspections, such as metal detection, mass measurement, shape inspection, etc., or perform at least one of several such inspections.

[0030] The control unit 13 includes, for example, a transport control means 13a that controls the transport speed and transport interval of the workpiece Wp by the first transport unit 11 and outputs a transport control signal Cb and a stop command signal Ct to the air jet sorting machine 20; an inspection control means 13b that controls the output of the X-ray generator and controls the X-ray line detection period and inspection period of the X-ray detector according to the transport speed of the workpiece Wp; a calculation control means 13c that calculates various control values ​​to control the inspection and transport of items by both means; a sorting control means 13d that outputs a sorting command signal Rj according to the inspection result of the inspection unit 12, or further outputs item detection information from the item detection sensor 18 to the air jet sorting machine 20; and an operation display means 13e that enables operation input and screen display.

[0031] The sorting control means 13d in the control unit 13 generates a sorting command signal Rj instructing the sorting and discharge of defective workpieces Wp in response to the inspection results from the inspection unit 12, for example, if an inspection result indicates that a foreign object has been detected in a particular workpiece Wp. This signal is output to the air jet sorting machine 20, which is the sorting unit, within a predetermined time from the time the workpiece Wp is detected by the item detection sensor 18. The operation display means 13e can perform parameter setting operations such as specifying the size and transport posture of the workpiece Wp, including the workpiece length L (mm), workpiece width W (mm), and workpiece height H (mm), as well as the workpiece mass M (g), the inspection machine conveyor speed Vx (mm / s), which is the transport speed of the first transport unit 11, the sorting machine conveyor speed Vrj (mm / s), which is the transport speed of the second transport unit 21, the sorting capacity PPS (pieces / s) of the air jet sorting machine 20, and the sorting timing time (s). In addition, it can also display alarms.

[0032] On the other hand, the air jet sorting machine 20 is incorporated downstream on the article transport line of the inspection machine 10 and includes a second transport section 21 having a conveyor transport path 21a located downstream of the conveyor transport path 11a of the inspection machine 10, an air nozzle 22 positioned to the side of the conveyor transport path 21a (sorting transport path), a solenoid valve 23 that opens and closes the air supply path upstream of the air nozzle 22, a filter regulator 24 (regulator) upstream of the solenoid valve 23 that controls the pressure of the air (compressed air) supplied to the air nozzle 22, i.e., the air pressure, to a predetermined pressure, and an air pipe 25 upstream of the filter regulator 24 that connects to an air source such as an air compressor (not shown).

[0033] Furthermore, the air jet sorting machine 20 is equipped with a monitoring unit 26 that monitors the supply flow rate Qs and supply pressure (air pressure) Ps of the air supplied from the air source side to the filter regulator 24 through the air piping 25, an air tank 27 positioned upstream of the monitoring unit 26 to suppress fluctuations in the supply flow rate Qs and air pressure Ps, an item detection sensor 28 that detects workpieces Wp that have been transported (transferred) onto the conveyor transport path 21a of the second transport unit 21 by the first transport unit 11, and a sorting control unit 30 (second control unit) that receives transport control signal Cb and sorting command signal Rj from the control unit 13, as well as monitoring information from the monitoring unit 26 and item detection information from the item detection sensor 28, and controls the air injection from the air nozzle 22 by controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 23 based on this input information.

[0034] The second conveying unit 21 is, for example, a belt conveyor type in which an endless conveyor belt is wound around multiple rollers, and has a conveyor transport path 21a located downstream (to the right in Figure 1) from the conveyor transport path 11a of the first conveying unit 11. Of course, this second conveying unit 21 is not limited to a belt conveyor type.

[0035] The air nozzle 22 is located downstream of the inspection section 12 of the inspection machine 10 and is, for example, a flat, round, or spot type. When air controlled to a predetermined pressure Pj by the filter regulator 24 is supplied via the solenoid valve 23, it is possible to perform air jet injection into the sorting section Zj, which is a predetermined transport section of the sorting and transport section 21.

[0036] When the solenoid valve 23 opens in response to an open control signal input from the sorting control unit 30, it allows compressed air supplied by the filter regulator 24, controlled to a predetermined pressure Pj, to flow into the air nozzle 22. Conversely, when the open control signal input from the sorting control unit 30 is removed and the valve closes, it can shut off the compressed air from the filter regulator 24 to the air nozzle 22.

[0037] The air piping 25 is connected to an air source such as an air compressor (not shown), and is also connected to a plurality of other devices A and B, each having a pneumatically operated part (not shown), so that compressed air from the air source can be supplied to each of devices A and B and the air jet sorting machine 20 of this embodiment.

[0038] The monitoring unit 26 has, as means of monitoring the flow rate Qs and pressure Ps of air supplied from the air source side via the air piping 25 and air tank 27, at least a movable pressure-receiving component such as a diaphragm that responds to the differential pressure between the front and rear, and a sensor that detects its displacement. Of course, the monitoring unit 26 may also have a flow meter and pressure gauge such as a vortex flow meter, thermal mass flow meter, or Coriolis flow meter, or it may use an air power meter.

[0039] The sorting control unit 30 is configured to receive a sorting command signal Rj from the control unit 13 of the inspection machine 10 according to the inspection result of the inspection unit 12, and to open and close the solenoid valve 23 using ON / OFF control by a programmable controller or control board.

[0040] The discharge performance (discharge mass according to air pressure power) of the air jet sorting machine 20, which is composed of the pneumatic circuit downstream of the air piping 25, is generally determined by the supply pressure and supply flow rate of the air, with the supply pressure Ps being set to, for example, 0.4 to 0.9 [MPaG]. The supply flow rate Qs is the flow rate value (ANR) converted to atmospheric air under standard conditions (20°C, 1 atm, 65% humidity), and is set to, for example, 400 [L / min] to 500 [L / min] (ANR), which is a common standard flow rate level for pneumatic components. As a result, the air jet sorting machine 20 supplies compressed air supplied from the air source to the air nozzle 22 via the solenoid valve 23, and can remove the conveyed workpiece Wp from the product conveying line by air blowing from the air nozzle 22.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the control unit 13 of the inspection machine 10 and the sorting control unit 30 of the air jet sorting machine 20 check whether a predetermined sorting delay time Toff has elapsed from the time t11 when the workpiece Wp to be sorted (to be excluded), corresponding to the sorting command signal Rj, is detected by the item detection sensor 18 (or the item detection time by the item detection sensor 28), and then the sorting control unit 30 outputs an open-valve drive signal to the solenoid valve 23 for a predetermined sorting operation time Ton from the time t12 (air blow start timing) when the sorting delay time Toff has elapsed. Then, the air pressure (compressed air energy) of the air blow during the period when the solenoid valve 23 is open blows or slips the workpiece Wp to be sorted in the sorting section Zj so that it is discharged from the conveyor transport path 21a in the Y direction (downward in Figure 1) for sorting and discharge.

[0042] Specifically, the sorting control unit 30 includes a memory 31 (characteristic storage means) that stores characteristic data tables for calculating air blow time and corresponding calculation formulas, which are created based on prior experimental results according to the mass and transport conditions of the workpiece Wp to be sorted. Based on the table and calculation formulas stored in the memory 31, the unit calculates the air blow times Ta_s and Ta_d required to remove the items to be sorted. It then starts outputting an open signal to the solenoid valve 23 corresponding to the air blow times Ta_s and Ta_d when a predetermined sorting delay time Toff, which is determined by the transport distance and transport speed of the workpiece Wp to a predetermined position in the sorting section Zj, has elapsed, and continues the air blow output for a predetermined sorting operation time Ton.

[0043] More specifically, the sorting control unit 30 can first calculate the sorting operation time Ton, which is the air blowing operation time for controlling the air blow according to the mass of the items to be sorted that have been registered as a type (for example, the workpiece mass (M) in Figure 4), and the response time of the solenoid valve 23 and the time allocated to filling the air tank 27 (hereinafter simply referred to as the tank filling time) Tchg, based on characteristic data tables and calculation formulas stored in the memory 31, using tables or calculation formulas stored in the memory 31.

[0044] The sorting control unit 30 also receives an item detection signal from the item detection sensor 28 when each workpiece Wp is transferred from the conveyor transport path 11a of the inspection machine 10 to the conveyor transport path 21a of the air jet sorting machine 20, and also receives an item detection signal from the upstream item detection sensor 18 that detects the loading of items onto the conveyor transport path 11a of the inspection machine 10. As shown in Figure 3, the sorting control unit 30 can calculate, for each workpiece Wp to be sorted, the sorting delay time Toff(s) from when the workpiece Wp is detected until it reaches a predetermined position in the sorting section Zj, the product pitch equivalent time A1(s / piece) from the time t11 when the preceding workpiece Wp enters the sorting section Zj to the time t21 when the subsequent workpiece Wp enters the sorting section Zj, the sorting operation time Ton from the time t12 when the sorting delay time Toff has elapsed, the required operation cycle Aw(s) until the response time of the solenoid valve 23 and the tank filling time Tchg have elapsed, and the product pitch limit A1' from the time t12 when the sorting delay time Toff has elapsed to the time t21 when the subsequent workpiece Wp enters the sorting section Zj.

[0045] Furthermore, the sorting control unit 30 can set the timing for opening and closing the solenoid valve 23, for example, the opening times t12, t22 and closing times t13, t23 in Figure 3, based on the calculated sorting delay time Toff, which is the time from the detection of incoming goods from the item detection sensor 28 until the workpiece Wp to be sorted enters the sorting section Zj, and the sorting operation time Ton, which is the air blow time calculated by the aforementioned characteristic data table or calculation formula.

[0046] Furthermore, the sorting control unit 30 has a sorting operation monitoring means that monitors whether the product pitch equivalent times A1 and A2 (s / piece) shown in Figure 3 have reached the required operation cycle Aw(s) necessary for reliable sorting.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 3, the product pitch equivalent times A1 and A2 are the processing times for each target workpiece Wp, starting from the item detection time t11 and t21 when the corresponding workpiece Wp is brought onto the conveyor transport path 11a of the inspection machine 10, respectively. The product pitch limits A1' and A2', obtained by subtracting the sorting delay time Toff from these product pitch equivalent times A1 and A2, represent the actual allowable operating time for air jet sorting.

[0048] In the figure, the sorting operation time Ton is the period during which an effective choke flow period of the solenoid valve 23 can be ensured, and an air blow time can be reliably set to allow workpieces Wp of a predetermined mass to be sorted to be discharged from the conveyor transport path 21a. This is calculated based on a characteristic data table and calculation formula for air blow time that are pre-stored in memory 31.

[0049] Furthermore, the tank filling time Tchg is the air pressure power charge time required to restore the air pressure power supplied from the air source side to the required level by closing the solenoid valve 23 after each sorting and discharge operation in which the solenoid valve 23 is opened for the sorting operation time Ton. In this embodiment, it is calculated as the response time of the solenoid valve 23 and the time required to accumulate a predetermined level of pressure in the air tank 27.

[0050] In this embodiment, the article inspection device 1 discharges the workpieces Wp on the article transport line to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air from the air jet sorter 20 in a discharge direction (Y direction in the same figure) that intersects with the article transport direction (X direction in Figure 1). The control unit 13 of the inspection machine 10 and the sorting control unit 30 of the air jet sorter 20 have the following functions to facilitate the calculation and setting of the air blow times Ta_s and Ta_d corresponding to the aforementioned sorting operation time Ton.

[0051] First, the control unit 13 or the sorting control unit 30 stores and sets the air blow time Ta required to blow air from the air nozzle 22 in the Y direction to discharge an ideal workpiece Wi, which is stationary on the conveyor transport path 21a of the air jet sorting machine 20 with predetermined basic shape, posture, and discharge conditions such as air blow distance, outside the conveyor transport path 21a, as a base characteristic of static article discharge characteristics that can be specified according to the workpiece mass M [g], as shown by the solid line in Figure 11. The control unit 13 or the sorting control unit 30 stores the base characteristic of static article discharge characteristics in memory 31 in the form of a data table or calculation formula, for example, the following equation (1). Ta[s]=xM[g]+y ···(1) This base characteristic indicates the air blow time required when an ideal workpiece Wi, with ideal discharge conditions such as shape, is air-blown in a stationary (static) state by the air jet sorting unit 20, depending on the discharge mass.

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 13 or the sorting control unit 30 stores in memory 31, in the form of a data table or calculation formula, similar to the base characteristics, the actual air blow time Ta_s required to blow air from the air nozzle 22 in the Y direction at a predetermined air blow distance onto the actual workpiece Wp stationary on the conveyor transport path 21a in the shape and transport posture of each type of item, and discharge it outside the conveyor transport path 21a, as a static actual item discharge characteristic that can be specified according to the workpiece mass M[g], as shown by the dotted line in Figure 11.

[0053] The actual air blow time Ta_s referred to here can be expressed in the form of the following formula (2), using the increase rate (x / Actk) obtained by dividing the increase rate x of the air blow time Ta per unit mass based on the base characteristics by the overall correction coefficient Actk, assuming that the degree of decrease in air blow discharge force due to differences in the shape, orientation and air blow distance of the actual workpiece Wp compared to the ideal workpiece Wi is taken into account by correcting for the same reason using, for example, the overall correction coefficient Actk. Ta_s[s]=(x / Actk)·M[g]+y ···(2) In this embodiment, the process of calculating the overall correction coefficient Actk, which corresponds to the reduction in air blow discharge force due to differences in the shape and orientation of the actual workpiece Wp, air blow distance, etc., can be automatically performed during the sorting operation time Ton adjustment process, which will be described later.

[0054] Specifically, in the air jet sorting unit 20, there are multiple factors that reduce the discharge force, such as the size and transporting posture of the workpiece W, friction between the workpiece and the conveyor transport path 21a, the width of the conveyor transport path 21a, the mounting angle of the air nozzle 22, the diffusion of air, and the degree of air contact. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to accurately determine the air blow time Ta for discharging the workpiece W by calculation alone. However, in this embodiment, by performing an adjustment operation for the air blow time Ta for the actual workpiece Wp in a stationary state (hereinafter referred to as static adjustment), the air blow time Ta_s can be easily and accurately determined during the adjustment operation.

[0055] This static adjustment of the air blow time Ta is based on the idea that the aforementioned overall correction coefficient Actk can be determined by air blowing the actual workpiece Wp in a stationary (static) state, taking into account the "base characteristics of air blow time Ta for the discharge mass M of an ideal workpiece Wi," which takes into account the friction between the workpiece W and the conveyor path 21a, the width of the conveyor, etc.

[0056] For example, the predetermined basic shape of an ideal workpiece Wi is a rectangular parallelepiped whose product length L in the conveying direction is greater than the width and height perpendicular to the conveying direction, and which has sides perpendicular to the air blowing direction. In contrast, the actual workpiece Wp differs from the ideal workpiece Wi in terms of its shape, orientation, air blowing distance, etc., and this difference reduces the air blowing discharge force. From this perspective, the degree of reduction in air blowing discharge force is as shown in the following equation (3): Actk = Ak × Ck × Tk × Mk ... (3) The overall correction coefficient Actk can be determined by multiplying the air blow coefficient Ak, the shape coefficient Ck, the transport posture coefficient Tk, and the air nozzle mounting coefficient Mk.

[0057] However, the air blow correction coefficient Ak is a coefficient of 1 or less that corresponds to the reduction in discharge force due to the degree of contact when the product length L (mm) is shorter than the air nozzle width Lg (mm) and the entire air blow cannot be applied to the product. The shape coefficient Ck is a coefficient of 1 or less that corresponds to the reduction in discharge force due to the degree of contact when the outer surface of the actual workpiece Wp is inclined or curved relative to the predetermined basic shape of the ideal workpiece Wi, and the air blow cannot be applied perpendicularly. Furthermore, the transport posture coefficient Tk is a coefficient of 1 or less that corresponds to the reduction in air blow discharge force due to disturbance of the workpiece posture during transport, and the air nozzle mounting coefficient Mk is a coefficient of 1 or less that corresponds to the reduction in air blow discharge force due to differences in the air nozzle mounting angle.

[0058] The aforementioned calculation formulas (1) and (2) can be transformed into the following formulas (1') and (2'), xM = Ta[s] - y ···(1') xM = (Ta_s-y)Actk ···(2´) From both transformed equations, we can obtain equation (4), and from this equation, we can obtain calculation formula (5). Ta-y = (Ta_s-y)Actk ···(4) Actk = (Ta-y) / (Ta_s-y) ···(5) Thus, the overall correction coefficient Actk can be calculated using formula (5) relating to static item discharge characteristics.

[0059] Therefore, when performing static adjustment for the actual workpiece Wp, the overall correction coefficient Actk is determined in advance using equation (5) based on the required air blow time Ta_s and the base characteristic air blow time Ta, and by applying this coefficient value to calculation equation (3), the discharge characteristics of the air blow time Ta_s corresponding to the discharge mass M during transport of the actual workpiece Wp can be easily determined without individually setting or adjusting numerous coefficients such as the air blow coefficient Ak, shape coefficient Ck, transport posture coefficient Tk, and air nozzle mounting coefficient Mk.

[0060] On the other hand, in actual transport, generally, the moment air is blown onto the workpiece W, the frictional state between the workpiece W and the conveyor path 21a changes, making it possible to discharge the workpiece in a shorter air blow time than the static air blow time Ta_s.

[0061] For example, the frictional force decreases because, as air pressure acts in the direction of the air blow, the static friction release force and the vertically distributed load due to the braking action of the workpiece W on the conveyor path 21a decrease on the side where the air pressure acts, the air pressure acting on the workpiece W during transport starts from the leading end in the workpiece transport direction, which is the discharge direction, and the support state on the conveyor path 21a side changes depending on the position in the transport direction, causing the friction between the conveyor path 21a and the workpiece W during transport to change from static friction to dynamic friction.

[0062] On the other hand, if the air blow time that becomes shorter than the static air blow time Ta_s due to this reduction in frictional force is defined as the dynamic air blow time, the dynamic air blow time Ta_d corresponding to the static air blow time Ta_s can be calculated using the following equation (6), with a conveying speed correction coefficient k (k≦1) determined by the conveying speed Vrj for each conveyor type (belt width, belt material, etc.). Ta_d[s]=k×Ta_s ···(6) Therefore, the dynamic air blow time Ta_d during actual transport can be easily calculated based on the static air blow time Ta_s.

[0063] Next, we will explain the adjustment process for the sorting operation time Ton of the air jet sorter 20, which involves static adjustments on the actual workpiece Wp, and the subsequent adjustment process for the sorting delay time Toff.

[0064] Figures 4 through 7 show a series of operation screens that enable the calculation of the overall correction coefficient Actk, as described above, to be performed automatically during the adjustment of the sorting operation time Ton.

[0065] In this embodiment, first, when the parameter setting screen 131, which is the product registration screen shown in Figure 4, is opened, the input of product registration information such as work length L [mm], work width W [mm], work height W [mm], work mass M [g], inspection machine conveyor speed Vx [m / min], and sorting machine conveyor speed Vrj [m / min] is requested. Note that the conveyor speed is converted from [m / min] to [mm / s] in the control unit 13 and the sorting control unit 30.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, a parameter setting screen 131, which is a product registration screen, is generated. This parameter setting screen 131 displays multiple input boxes 131a, 131b, and 131c for inputting parameters related to the workpiece shape, multiple input boxes 131d and 131e for inputting parameters related to the conveying speed, an input box 131ma (mass setting section) for inputting parameters related to the workpiece mass, and a display screen 131p for confirming the corresponding location. When multiple input values ​​are imported into the parameter setting screen 131 as product information, and then "Proceed" 131f is selected, the first adjustment screen 132 opens in Figure 5(a). In the first adjustment screen 132, the operator is required to perform a rear-side air blow test, in which the workpiece W is placed at the far end of the conveyor transport path 21a in the air blow direction and the operator checks whether discharge by air blow (static air blow) is possible while the workpiece is stationary.

[0067] In the first adjustment screen 132 shown in Figure 5(a), after placing the workpiece W towards the back and selecting the operation button "Air Blow Test" button 132a, the user is required to confirm whether or not discharge is possible by selecting either the "Discharge Possible" button 132b or the "Discharge Not Possible" button 132c. If "Discharge Not Possible" 132c is selected, the air blow time for the next air blow test is automatically extended by a predetermined time tα (e.g., 10ms) within the recommended range up to the maximum air blow time Ta_max, and a rough adjustment is made.

[0068] The second adjustment screen 133 shown in Figure 5(b) is selected when the "Next" button is selected in Figure 5(a). On this second adjustment screen 133, the user is required to position the workpiece W not at the back but at the center or front of the conveyor path 21a in the air blow direction, and then select the "Air Blow Test" button 133a. After that, the user is required to confirm whether or not discharge is possible by selecting either the "Discharge Possible" button 133b or the "Discharge Not Possible" button 133c. If the "Discharge Not Possible" button 133b is selected, the air blow time for the next air blow test is automatically extended by a time tβ (e.g., 5ms) shorter than the predetermined time tα, within the recommended range up to the maximum air blow time Ta_max, and fine-tuned.

[0069] The third adjustment screen 134 shown in Figure 6(a) is designed so that if the air blow test is performed with the workpiece W positioned at the back, the air blow test time will be extended to the maximum air blow time Ta_max, exceeding the recommended range. In such cases, the user is required to manually input the air blow time exceeding the recommended range into the input box 134d, select the "Air Blow Test" button 134a, and then confirm whether or not discharge is possible by selecting either the "Discharge Possible" button 134b or the "Discharge Not Possible" button 134c.

[0070] The fourth adjustment screen 135 shown in Figure 6(b) is the air blow time type selection screen for the "Air Blow Test". It allows you to select whether the air blow time corresponding to the required workpiece mass M is a dynamic air blow time Ta_d with correction applied for the reduction due to actual transport, a static air blow time Ta_s without correction applied for actual transport, or an air blow time set manually. The initially set air blow time is the air blow time Ta corresponding to the workpiece mass of the base characteristics.

[0071] The fifth adjustment screen 136 shown in Figure 7(a), as shown in Figure 2, calculates and displays the sorting delay time Toff, which is the time from when the leading edge of the workpiece W is detected by the item detection sensor 18 until half of the length of the workpiece W in the transport direction enters the range of the evaporative blow area Lg of the air nozzle 22, and the sorting operation time Ton, based on the input data and the selected operation results. It also allows the user to select whether to "confirm (operate)" or "do not confirm" whether to execute the sorting operation under the conditions specified in these calculation results and to confirm discharge using a checkbox.

[0072] The sixth adjustment screen 137 shown in Figure 7(b) is the next operation screen after the fifth adjustment screen 136. In this screen, the user can actually transport the workpiece W to check the sorting timing and select whether the discharge timing is "good," "slow," "fast," or "arbitrary setting" using the respective buttons. If "good" is selected, the current setting is confirmed; if "slow" is selected, the sorting delay time is shortened by 10ms; if "fast" is selected, the sorting delay time is extended by 10ms; and if "arbitrary setting" is selected, an arbitrary time is set.

[0073] The seventh adjustment screen 138 shown in Figure 7(c) is a setting information confirmation screen, and in addition to the registration information from the variety registration screen shown in Figure 4, it displays the set sorting delay time Toff and sorting operation time Ton.

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sorting delay time Toff, which is the time from when the workpiece W is detected by the item detection sensor 18 until the air jet sorting machine 20 starts air blowing, is automatically calculated by the control unit 13 or the sorting control unit 30. For this calculation, it is assumed that after the workpiece W is detected by the item detection sensor 18, the workpiece W moves at the conveyor speed Vx of the inspection machine 10 for a first travel distance Lx [mm] on the conveyor transport path 11a of the inspection machine 10, and then the workpiece W moves at the conveyor speed Vrj of the air jet sorting machine 20 for a travel distance Lrj [mm] from when it is transferred onto the conveyor transport path 21a of the air jet sorting machine 20 until the air blowing starts.

[0075] Furthermore, immediately after the center of the underside of the workpiece W leaves the conveyor track 11a of the inspection machine 10 and immediately before it moves onto the conveyor track 21 of the air jet sorting machine 20 (excluding the time it is in the gap Ls [mm] between the conveyor track 11a of the inspection machine 10 and the conveyor track 21a of the air jet sorting machine 20), the speed of the workpiece W is set to the inspection machine conveyor speed Vx for half of the workpiece W (upstream end) and the speed of the sorting machine conveyor speed Vrj for the remaining half (downstream end). Also, while the center of the underside of the workpiece W is inside the gap Ls [mm], the speed of the workpiece W is set to the inspection machine conveyor speed Vx.

[0076] Therefore, based on these conditions, the sorting delay time Toff can be calculated using the following equation (7). Toff[s] = (Lx + Ls + L / 2) / Vx +(Lrj-Lg / 2) / Vrj···(7) Based on the above, the sorting operation time Ton and sorting delay time Toff of the air jet sorting unit 20 can be easily set to suitable values.

[0077] As described above, the article inspection device 1 of this embodiment comprises an inspection machine 10 (inspection unit) and an air jet sorting machine 20 (sorting unit), and discharges workpieces W on the conveyor transport path 21a (predetermined transport path) to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air in the discharge direction (Y direction) intersecting the article transport direction. The control unit 30 has the functions of a static air blow time setting means 41, a discharge feasibility determination means 42, and an actual air blow time calculation means 43 as multiple functional units that cooperate with the control unit 13. Although these means 41-43 are shown in the control unit 30 for convenience in Figure 1, they may also be provided in the control unit 13.

[0078] The static air blow time setting means 41 can set the air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics for discharging a workpiece Wp of a predetermined mass M stationary on the conveyor transport path 21a to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air in the discharge direction. The discharge feasibility determination means 42 can determine whether or not the workpiece Wp will be discharged to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air for the set air blow time. The actual air blow time calculation means 43 can calculate the actual air blow time related to dynamic article discharge characteristics for discharging the workpiece W to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a during actual transport, based on the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means 42 and the air blow time Ta_s related to static article discharge characteristics.

[0079] The control unit 13 and / or the control unit 30 also have a basic operation time setting means 44 that can change the air blow time Ta_s related to static item discharge characteristics, and a dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means 45 that sets a correction coefficient k related to dynamic item discharge characteristics for calculating the actual air blow time Ta_d using the actual air blow time calculation means 43.

[0080] Furthermore, the operation display means 13e of the control unit 13 works in cooperation with any of the static air blow time setting means 41, discharge feasibility determination means 42, actual air blow time calculation means 43, and basic operation time setting means 44 to generate a parameter setting screen 131 having a mass setting unit 131ma for inputting and setting the mass of the workpiece W, and a first adjustment screen 132 for the rear air blow test. In the first adjustment screen 132, multiple operation buttons, namely the "Air Blow Test" button 132a, the "Discharge Allowed" button 132b, and the "Discharge Not Allowed" button 132c, are displayed in an operable manner. Similarly, the operation display means 13e also displays multiple operation buttons, namely the "Air Blow Test" buttons 133a, 134a, the "Discharge Allowed" buttons 133b, 134b, and the "Discharge Not Allowed" buttons 133c, 134c, in an operable manner in the parameter setting screens 133 and 134, respectively.

[0081] In other words, the control unit 13 and / or the control unit 30 first generate a first adjustment screen 132 using the operation display means 13e, based on the product registration information entered on the operation screen 131, which is equivalent to the product registration screen, and the base characteristics of the static product discharge characteristics corresponding to the aforementioned workpiece mass M [g] (see Figure 11). Then, using the function of the static air blow time setting means 41, the air blow time Ta (for example, 70 ms in Figure 5(a)) is provisionally set based on the base characteristics.

[0082] The discharge feasibility determination means 42 displays, for example, an "Air Blow Test" button 132a on the first adjustment screen 132 that allows the user to request the execution of an air blow test under the first discharge condition where the workpiece is positioned towards the back in the air blow direction, and an "Discharge Allowed" button 132b and an "Discharge Not Allowed" button 132c that allow the user to confirm whether or not the workpiece Wp was discharged as a result of the air blow test.

[0083] Furthermore, the discharge feasibility determination means 42 determines that when the "dischargeable" button 132b is operated, the workpiece Wp can be discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air for an air blow time Ta, while when the "discharge not permitted" button 132c is operated, the workpiece Wp cannot be discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air for an air blow time Ta.

[0084] Here, the "Discharge Not Possible" buttons 132c and 133c confirm that the workpiece Wp could not be discharged even after performing an air blow test by operating the "Air Blow Test" buttons 132a and 133a, respectively, and function as request input units to request a change in the provisionally set air blow time Ta setting.

[0085] Furthermore, the static air blow time setting means 41 sets the air blow time Ta based on the base characteristics, and sets the air blow time Ta_s related to the static article discharge characteristics for discharging a workpiece Wp of a predetermined mass M that is stationary on the conveyor transport path 21a to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a, according to the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means 42 which determines the result of the air blow test at the air blow time Ta.

[0086] The basic operation time setting means 44 displays the air blow time Ta set by the static air blow time setting means 41 as a provisional setting value in each adjustment screen 132 and 133. On the other hand, each time the "Discharge Not Possible" buttons 132c and 133c are operated, the means executes a process (shown as "Automatically UP" in the figure) to add a predetermined rise time tα to the air blow time Ta according to the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means 42, and displays the sorting operation time Ton_aj (however, the air blow time is less than or equal to Ta_ma) which is the air blowing operation time, based on the air blow time related to the static item discharge characteristics after the UP process, in each adjustment screen 132 and 133.

[0087] In addition, the control unit 13 and / or the control unit 30 have a dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means 45 that applies the correction calculation of formula (6) (Ta_d[s]=k×Ta_s) to the basic operation time Ta_s, with the sorting operation time Ton_aj, which is set as the air blowing operation time for static article discharge characteristics set by the basic operation time setting means 44, as the basic operation time Ta_s. Furthermore, it also has a correction selection means 46 that selectively activates the function of the dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means 45 according to the selection operation input to the fourth adjustment screen 135, which is an air blow time type selection screen (one of dynamic air blow, static air blow, or arbitrarily set air blow).

[0088] As shown in Figure 1, the item inspection device 1 may further include an discharge sensor 38 that detects when the workpiece W has been discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a.

[0089] Next, we will explain the adjustments made via the user interface and how they work.

[0090] Figures 8 and 9 show the procedure for automatically calculating the overall correction coefficient Actk during the adjustment of the sorting operation time Ton using a series of operation screens as shown in Figures 4 to 7 in the item inspection device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 10 shows the procedure for adjusting the sorting delay time Toff based on the adjusted sorting operation time Ton.

[0091] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, first, product registration is performed on the parameter setting screen 131, which serves as the product registration screen shown in Figure 4. The workpiece length L [mm], workpiece mass M [g], inspection conveyor speed Vx, sorting conveyor speed Vrj, etc., are set, and the conveyor speed is converted from [m / min] to [mm / s] (step S11).

[0092] When the "Next" 131f is selected on the parameter setting screen 131, the first adjustment screen 132 (see Figure 5(a)), which is a parameter setting screen, is then displayed, and the selection operation time Ton_aj[s] for the air blow time used in the air blow test is set with the air blow time Ta required for the workpiece mass M in the base characteristics of the static item discharge characteristics as the initial value (Step S12; Static air blow time setting stage).

[0093] Next, a first adjustment screen 132 is displayed to instruct an air blow test on the far side. When the "Air Blow Test" button 132a on the operation screen 132 is operated to instruct an air blow test with the workpiece Wp positioned on the far side in the air blow direction within the sorting section Zj, an air blow test is performed on the workpiece Wp for an air injection time corresponding to the sorting operation time Ton_aj[s] from the air nozzle 22. Whether or not the workpiece Wp has been discharged to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a by this air blow test is determined according to the selection operation of the "Discharge Allowed" button 132b or the "Discharge Not Allowed" button 132c (Step S13; Discharge Allowed / Not Allowed Determination Stage). Note that this confirmation of workpiece Wp discharge can also be performed by determining whether or not discharge has been detected by the discharge sensor 38 within a predetermined time from the air blow test, instead of selecting the "Discharge Allowed" button 132b or the "Discharge Not Allowed" button 132c.

[0094] At this point, if the "Discharge OK" button 132b is selected or if discharge is detected by the discharge sensor 38 within a predetermined time, it is determined that the workpiece Wp should be discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a (if discharge OK in step S13), and a second adjustment screen 133 (see Figure 5(b)) is displayed instructing an air blow test on the central or front side, provided that the total width of the conveyor transport path 21a in the air blow direction is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0095] Then, on this second adjustment screen 133, with the workpiece Wp positioned either towards the center or towards the front in the air blow direction within the sorting section Zj, the "Air Blow Test" button 133a is operated, and an air blow test is instructed, at which point the air blow test is executed. Then, whether or not the workpiece Wp was discharged to the outside of the conveyor path 21a as a result of the air blow test is determined by whether the "Discharge Allowed" button 133b or the "Discharge Not Allowed" button 133c is selected (Step S14; Discharge Allowed / Not Allowed Determination Stage).

[0096] If the "Discharge Not Possible" button 132c or 133c is selected during the discharge feasibility determination stage (step S13 or S14), a rough adjustment (steps S17, 18) is performed, in which a predetermined time tα is added to the selection operation time Ton_aj for the air blow time for the next air blow test, within the recommended range up to the maximum air blow time Ta_max. Alternatively, a fine adjustment (steps S15, 16) is performed, in which a shorter time tβ is added. Here, the predetermined time tα is, for example, 10ms, and the shorter time tβ is, for example, 5ms.

[0097] Furthermore, if the selection operation time Ton_aj for the air blow time becomes large enough to fall outside the recommended range up to the maximum air blow time Ta_max (if the condition is × in steps S16 and S18), a third adjustment screen 134 (see Figure 6(a)) instructing manual adjustment will be displayed.

[0098] When an air blow time Ta_o, for example 200ms, exceeding the maximum air blow time Ta_max, is entered into the input box 134d in this third adjustment screen 134, and the "Air Blow Test" button 134a is operated with the workpiece Wp placed in the sorting section Zj, and a manual adjustment air blow test is instructed (step S19), it is determined whether or not the workpiece Wp was discharged to the outside of the conveyor transport path 21a by the air blow test, based on whether the "Discharge Allowed" button 134b or the "Discharge Not Allowed" button 134c is selected (step S20).

[0099] At this time, if it is determined that the workpiece Wp has not been discharged outwards from the conveyor path 21a in response to the selection of the "Discharge Not Possible" button 134c, the operation display means 13e then outputs a screen display or the like to notify the undischarged state.

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined that the workpiece Wp has been discharged to the outside of the conveyor path 21a in response to the selection of the "Discharge" button 134b, then the conveying speed correction for the air blow time is performed according to the type of air blow time selected in advance on the fourth adjustment screen 135 shown in Figure 6(b), i.e., static air blow, dynamic air blow, or arbitrarily set air blow (step S22).

[0101] In the case of static air blowing, the sorting operation time Ton_aj of the static air blowing time is set to the air blowing time Ta_s required to remove the items to be sorted while stationary on the conveyor, and the air blowing correction coefficient Actk is the overall correction coefficient value calculated using formula (5) related to the static item discharge characteristics.

[0102] In the case of dynamic air blowing, the dynamic air blowing time Ta_d[s] is the value obtained by correcting the air blowing time Ta_s required for sorting and discharge of the objects to be sorted while stationary on the conveyor using the conveying speed correction coefficient k (k≦1) according to equation (6) (Ta_d=k×Ta_s), and the air blowing correction coefficient Actk is calculated using the following equation (8) with the corrected value Ta_d. Actk = (Ta - y) / (Ta_d - y) ... (8)

[0103] In the case of a custom-configured air blow, the custom-configured air blow time Ta_o that exceeds the recommended range remains the custom-configured air blow time Ta_o, and the air blow correction coefficient Actk is calculated using the following equation (9) with respect to that correction value Ta_o. Actk = (Ta - y) / (Ta_o - y) ... (9) Next, the selected type of air blow time Ta_s, Ta_d, or Ta_o is set to the current sorting operation time Ton (step S26).

[0104] Furthermore, by applying the results of the above processing, it is also possible to perform additional processing such as the following (step S27).

[0105] For example, if the workpiece shape is the same but the mass is different, the air blow time (sorting operation time Ton) can be calculated from the base characteristics and correction characteristics of the air blow time as shown in Figure 11, so that the sorting operation time Ton can be set in real time based on the mass measurement value of a weight sorter, etc. That is, workpieces Wp of the same shape but different masses can be calculated using the following equation (10), which is almost the same as the aforementioned equation (2) using the overall correction coefficient Actk. Ton[s]=(x / Actk)·M[g]+y···(10) Automatic calculation of air blow time (sorting operation time in Tons) is possible.

[0106] The sorting delay time Toff is adjusted according to the procedure shown in Figure 10. First, the sorting operation time Ton[s], which has been automatically calculated and adjusted according to the procedure shown in Figures 8 and 9, is adopted (step S31).

[0107] Next, the sorting delay time Toff, which is calculated from the time the item detection sensor 18 on the inspection machine 10 detects the workpiece Wp until the air jet sorting machine 20 starts blowing air from the air nozzle 22, is automatically calculated by the following equation (11) (step S32). Toff_aj[s]=(Lx+Ls+L / 2) / Vx +(Lrj-Lg / 2) / Vrj···(11) Here, Lx[mm] is the distance from the tip detection position by the item detection sensor 18 to the rear end of the conveyor transport path 11a of the inspection machine 10, Ls[mm] is the gap between the inspection machine 10 and the conveyor transport paths 11a and 21a of the air jet sorting machine 20, and L[mm] is the workpiece length. Also, Lrj[mm] is the distance from the tip of the conveyor transport path 21a of the air jet sorting machine 20 to the center of the air blow range of the air nozzle 22, Lg[mm] is the air nozzle width, Vx[mm / s] is the conveyor speed on the inspection machine 10 side, and Vrj[mm / s] is the conveyor speed on the air jet sorting machine 20 side.

[0108] This equation (11) is based on the idea that after the workpiece Wp is detected by the item detection sensor 18 on the inspection machine 10 side, the workpiece Wp moves at the conveyor speed Vx of the inspection machine 10 for a distance Lx [mm] on the conveyor transport path 11a of the first transport unit 11 of the inspection machine 10, and moves at the conveyor speed Vrj of the sorting unit for a distance Lrj [mm] on the conveyor transport path 21a of the second transport unit 21 of the air jet sorting machine 20. When the center of gravity of the workpiece Wp moves from the conveyor transport path 11a on the inspection machine 10 side to the conveyor transport path 21a on the air jet sorting machine 20 side, half of the workpiece Wp is moved at the conveyor speed Vx on the inspection machine 10 side and the other half is moved at the conveyor speed Vrj on the air jet sorting machine 20 side, and the gap Ls [mm] between the conveyor transport paths 11a and 21a is moved at the conveyor speed Vx on the inspection machine 10 side.

[0109] In this embodiment, the sorting delay time Toff[s] is automatically calculated using the sorting operation time Ton[s] which has been adjusted in this way.

[0110] Then, based on the idea that if the sorting delay time Toff_aj is properly adjusted, the workpieces Wp to be removed by air blowing can always be discharged, it is then determined whether the calculated setting value for the sorting timing is suitable (good) or not (whether the sorting delay time is too large or too small) or whether a reset is required (step S33).

[0111] Prior to this decision, by selecting the "Confirm (Operate)" checkbox in the fifth adjustment screen 136 shown in Figure 7(a), the sorting operation is performed under the conditions specified by the calculated sorting delay time Toff and sorting operation time Ton, and the system proceeds to the sixth adjustment screen 137 shown in Figure 7(b), where the discharge confirmation is performed under the actual transport conditions of the workpiece Wp. Then, the sorting timing during the actual transport of the workpiece W is confirmed, and whether the discharge timing is good or bad, and whether there is a request for arbitrary setting (resetting), can be selected by operating multiple buttons on the sixth adjustment screen 137, making it possible to determine whether the sorting timing adjustment is appropriate.

[0112] Specifically, in the sixth adjustment screen 137 shown in Figure 7(b), if "Good" is selected from among the multiple selection timing options, the selection timing is determined with the current good selection delay time Toff setting (step S37). If "Fast" is selected, the undersized selection delay time Toff is extended by a predetermined time tγ (e.g., 10ms) (automatic up) (step S34). On the other hand, if "Slow" is selected from among the multiple selection timing options, the excessive selection delay time Toff is shortened by a predetermined time tγ (e.g., 10ms) (automatic down) (step S35). If "Arbitrary setting" is selected, the selection delay time Toff that needs to be reset is set to an arbitrary time (step S36).

[0113] In this embodiment, the process equivalent to calculating the overall correction coefficient Actk is automatically performed during the adjustment of the sorting operation time Ton, and the sorting delay time Toff is automatically calculated using the adjusted sorting operation time Ton[s]. This makes it easy to set the practically optimal value for the sorting timing of the air jet sorter 20 (step S38).

[0114] Next, I will explain the mechanism of action.

[0115] In the article inspection device 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, when the air blow time Ta_s related to the static article discharge characteristics for discharging a workpiece Wp of mass M stationary on the conveyor transport path 21a is set as the sorting operation time Ton, the discharge feasibility determination means 42 determines whether or not the workpiece Wp is discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air for a sorting operation time Ton, which is the air blow time. Based on the determination result and the air blow time Ta_s related to the static article discharge characteristics, the actual air blow time calculation means 43 calculates the actual air blow time Ta_d related to the dynamic article discharge characteristics for discharging the workpiece Wp outside the conveyor transport path 21a during actual transport. Therefore, when setting the sorting operation time Ton, it is no longer necessary to perform multiple discharge checks while changing other timing parameters, and the tendency to make the sorting operation time Ton, which is the air blowing operation time, an unnecessarily large value for reliable discharge can be effectively suppressed.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by having a parameter setting screen 131 having a mass setting unit 131ma and a basic operation time setting means 44 that can change the air blow time Ta_s related to static article discharge characteristics, the air blow time Ta_s related to static article discharge characteristics can be set and changed as a basic operation time according to the mass M of the workpiece Wp.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the actual air blow time calculation means 43 has a dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means 45 for setting a correction coefficient k related to dynamic item discharge characteristics for calculating the actual air blow time, the effective actual air blow time Ta_d related to dynamic item discharge characteristics can be calculated in a short time by multiplying the air blow time Ta_s related to static item discharge characteristics by the correction coefficient k related to dynamic item discharge characteristics.

[0118] In addition, this embodiment includes a correction selection means 46 that selectively activates the dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means 45 via a fourth adjustment screen 135, which is a type selection screen for air blow time. This allows for the selection of whether or not to calculate a relatively short actual air blow time Ta_d by multiplying the air blow time Ta_s related to static item discharge characteristics by a correction coefficient k(≦1) related to dynamic item discharge characteristics, depending on whether or not high discharge capacity is required. Thus, the degree of freedom in the conditions for item inspection and transport can be increased.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the basic operation time setting means 44 has discharge disabled buttons 132c and 133c in each adjustment screen 132 and 133 that request a change in the setting of the static air blow time Ta_s (static air blow time) related to static item discharge characteristics, which is calculated based on the setting parameters on the parameter setting screen 131. Therefore, depending on the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means 42, a request input for a change in the setting of the air blow time Ta_s related to static item discharge characteristics can be made, or the user can proceed to the next adjustment screen 134 and input previously experienced settings for the target workpiece Wp.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the basic operation time setting means 44 sets or recalculates the static air blow time Ta_s according to the determination result of the discharge feasibility determination means 42, so that the static air blow time Ta_s can be automatically set for new workpieces Wp.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the discharge feasibility determination means 42 is configured to include a discharge sensor 38 that detects when the workpiece Wp has been discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a, the discharge sensor 38 can directly detect when the workpiece Wp has been discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a, making it possible to quickly and accurately determine whether or not discharge is permitted.

[0122] As described above, the article inspection device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an article removal device as an air jet sorting machine 20 and an inspection machine 10 that performs a predetermined article inspection for each workpiece Wp on the article transport line. When an air blow time Ta_s related to static article discharge characteristics is set, it is determined whether or not the workpiece Wp will be sorted and discharged outside the conveyor transport path 21a by blowing air for that air blow time Ta_s. Based on the determination result and the air blow time Ta_s related to static article discharge characteristics, the actual air blow time Ta_d related to dynamic article discharge characteristics for discharging workpiece Wp during actual transport outside the conveyor transport path 21a is calculated. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform discharge confirmation multiple times while changing other timing parameters such as the sorting delay time Toff from the determination of the workpiece Wp to be discharged according to the article inspection result to the start of the discharge operation, and it is not necessary to make the sorting operation time Ton by air blowing an unnecessarily large value. Thus, it is possible to provide an article inspection device 1 that can accurately set the air blowing operation time Ton required for the discharge of workpiece Wp in a short time.

[0123] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an air jet sorting machine 20 and an article inspection device 1 as article removal devices that can accurately set the air blowing operation time Ton required for article discharge in a short amount of time.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, only one air nozzle 22 was shown, but it goes without saying that multiple air nozzles can be arranged in a parallel configuration with their outlets adjacent to each other in the height and conveying directions. Regardless of such arrangement, it is of course possible to set the air blowing operation time Ton accurately in a short time. It also goes without saying that the setting parameters in the parameter setting screen 131 can include mass and any other arbitrary parameters, and that it is possible to add any necessary parameters. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the air jet sorting machine 20, which is an article removal device, was placed downstream of the inspection machine 10, which is the inspection unit of the article inspection device 1, but it goes without saying that a packaging machine or other device other than the inspection machine can be placed upstream of an article removal device substantially similar to the air jet sorting machine 20, or the article removal device can be operated according to an article removal command input other than the article inspection result. Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, the sorting delay time Toff was set based on the detection information of the item detection sensor 18 on the inspection machine 10 located upstream. However, it goes without saying that the sorting delay time Toff can also be set based on the detection information of the item detection sensor 28 near the upstream end of the air jet sorting machine 20.

[0125] As described above, the present invention provides an article removal device and an article inspection device that can accurately set the air blowing operation time required for article removal in a short time, and is useful for air blow type article removal devices and article inspection devices equipped therewith in general. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 1. Item inspection device 10 Inspection machine 11. First transport unit (inspection transport unit) 11a Conveyor transport path 12. Inspection Department 13 Control Unit 13a Transport control means 13b Inspection control means 13c Calculation control means 13d Sorting control means 13e Operation display means 18, 28 Item detection sensors 20 Air jet sorting machine 21. Second conveying section (sorting and conveying section) 21a Conveyor transport path (designated transport path) 22 Air nozzles 23 Solenoid valve 24 Filter Regulator 25 Air Piping 26 Monitoring Department 27 Air Tank 30 Sorting control unit 31 memory 38 Emission Sensor 41 Static air blow time setting means 42 Means for determining whether discharge is possible 43. Means for calculating actual air blow time 44 Basic operation time setting means 45 Dynamic Emission Correction Coefficient Setting Means 46 Correction Selection Means 131 Parameter setting screen (operation screen equivalent to the variety registration screen) 131ma Mass setting section 132 First adjustment screen (operation screen for the rear air blow test) 132a, 133a, 134a Air blow test button 132b, 133b, 134b Air blow test button 132c, 133c, 134c Disable Ejection Button (Setting Change Request Input Section) 133 Second adjustment screen (operation screen for central air blow test) 134 Third adjustment screen (operation screen when recommended time is exceeded) 135. Fourth adjustment screen (selection of air blow time type) 136 Fifth adjustment screen (operation screen for actual transport confirmation) 137. The sixth adjustment screen (operation screen for adjusting the sorting timing) 138. The 7th adjustment screen (settings information confirmation screen) A, B Other equipment A1, A2 Product pitch equivalent time (product pitch limit, time interval) A1', A2' Product pitch limits Aw Required operating cycle Actk Overall Correction Coefficient k Carrier speed correction coefficient M Workpiece Mass Ps supply pressure (air pressure) t11, t21 Entry point (point of object detection) t12, t22 elapsed time (elapsed sorting delay time, air blow start timing) t13, t23 Valve closing time (air blow completion timing) Air blow time for base characteristics (relative to the workpiece mass of the ideal workpiece) Ta_max Maximum air blow time Ta_s Static air blow time Ta_d Dynamic Air Blow Time Ta_o Customizable air blow time Ton, Ton_aj sorting operation time Toff, Toff_aj Selection delay time (or solenoid valve response time) Tchg Tank filling time Wi Ideal Work Wp Work (items, actual work) x Rate of increase of air blow time Ta per unit mass based on base characteristics y Offset value of air blow time Ta based on base characteristics

Claims

1. 1. An article removal device that ejects articles on a predetermined conveying path of an article conveying line out of the predetermined conveying path by blowing air in a discharge direction that intersects with the article conveying direction, a static air blow time setting means for setting an air blow time related to static article discharge characteristics for discharging an article of a predetermined mass stationary on the predetermined conveying path out of the predetermined conveying path by blowing air in the discharge direction; a discharge possibility determination means for determining whether the article is discharged outside the predetermined conveying path by the air blowing for the air blowing time set by the static air blowing time setting means; An article removal device characterized by comprising an actual air blow time calculation means for calculating an actual air blow time related to dynamic article discharge characteristics for discharging the article outside the specified conveying path during actual conveyance based on the judgment result of the discharge possibility judgment means and the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics.

2. a parameter setting screen having a mass setting section for inputting and setting the mass of the article; 2. The article removal device according to claim 1, further comprising a basic operation time setting means for changing the setting of the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristic.

3. 3. The article removal device according to claim 1, further comprising a dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means for setting a correction coefficient relating to the dynamic article discharge characteristics for calculating the actual air blowing time by the actual air blowing time calculation means.

4. 4. The article removal device according to claim 3, further comprising a correction selection means for selectively activating said dynamic discharge correction coefficient setting means.

5. 2. The article removal device according to claim 1, wherein the basic operation time setting means has a request input section for requesting a change in the setting of the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristic.

6. 2. The article removal device according to claim 1, wherein the basic operation time setting means sets the air blow time related to the static article discharge characteristics in accordance with the determination result of the discharge possibility determining means.

7. 4. The article removal device according to claim 1, wherein the ejection determination means includes an ejection sensor that detects whether the article has been ejected outside the predetermined transport path.

8. 8. An article inspection apparatus comprising: an article removal device according to claim 1 as a sorting unit; and an inspection unit that performs a predetermined article inspection for each of the articles on the article conveying line.

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