Vibration conveying device

Abstract

The invention provides a vibration conveying device which is not easy to generate part abrasion caused by contact between a groove and a mounting mechanism. The vibration conveying device (100) is provided with a groove (110) for conveying an article, a vibration exciter (200) and a mounting mechanism (140), the groove extends between a first end (112) and a second end (114), the vibration exciter enables the groove to vibrate to convey the article on the groove, the mounting mechanism detachably mounts the groove to the vibration exciter, the mounting mechanism is provided with a clamping part (160) and a magnet (150), the clamping part clamps the first end side of the groove, and the magnet (150) clamps the second end side of the groove. The magnet attracts and holds the bottom surface (110a) of the second end side of the groove when the groove is attached to the vibration exciter, and attracts and holds the groove in a non-contact state with the bottom surface of the groove when the groove is attached to the vibration exciter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vibratory conveying device that vibrates a trough to transport items on the trough. Background Technology

[0002] In vibratory conveying devices that use vibration to transport items on a trough, the trough is mounted to the vibrator via a mounting mechanism. In existing vibratory conveying devices, the trough is detachably mounted to the vibrator using metal fasteners (e.g., spring locks) or straps for maintenance and other purposes. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-147320) discloses a method of fixing the trough to a mounting platform of a mounting mechanism connected to the vibrator using metal fasteners.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-147320 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] However, in such existing vibratory conveying devices, there are many contact points between the trough and the mounting mechanism, and the contact area between the trough and the mounting mechanism is prone to increase. During the conveying and use of the vibratory conveying device, problems such as trough wear may occur at the contact points between the trough and the mounting mechanism.

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a vibratory conveying device that is less prone to component wear caused by contact between the accompanying groove and the mounting mechanism.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The first aspect of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention includes a trough for conveying articles, a vibrator, and a mounting mechanism. The trough extends between a first end and a second end. The vibrator vibrates the trough to convey articles on the trough. The mounting mechanism detachably mounts the trough to the vibrator. The mounting mechanism has a locking part and a magnet. The locking part locks the trough at its first end. The magnet attracts and holds the trough at its second end. When the trough is mounted to the vibrator, the magnet attracts and holds the trough without contacting its bottom surface.

[0011] In the vibratory conveying device of the first aspect, by using a magnet to attract and retain the bottom surface of the second end side of the trough, the contact area between the trough and the mounting mechanism can be reduced, thereby reducing component wear caused by the contact between the trough and the mounting mechanism.

[0012] The second aspect of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention is that, in the vibratory conveying device of the first aspect, the trough conveys articles from a first end side to a second end side.

[0013] The third aspect of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention is that, in the vibratory conveying device of the first or second aspect, the length of the magnet along the conveying direction of the article in the trough is longer than the length of the magnet in the width direction of the trough which is orthogonal to the conveying direction.

[0014] In the third aspect of the vibratory conveying device, the trough can be firmly held in the conveying direction of the trough by magnets. Furthermore, in this vibratory conveying device, the width of the magnets in the width direction of the trough is relatively small, thus suppressing the increase in the size of the vibratory conveying device in the width direction of the trough.

[0015] The fourth aspect of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention further comprises, in any one of the first to third aspects, a resin-coated component covering a magnet.

[0016] In the fourth aspect of the vibrating conveyor device, by using a resin-coated component to cover the magnet, it is possible to suppress the oxidation of the magnet and suppress the reduction of the magnet's adsorption force.

[0017] The fifth aspect of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention further comprises, in the vibratory conveying device of the fourth aspect, a non-magnetic cover member disposed between the groove and the covering member.

[0018] In the fifth aspect of the vibrating conveyor device, the cover component can suppress damage to the cover component caused by the contact between the trough and the cover component when the trough is disassembled or assembled relative to the mounting mechanism.

[0019] The sixth aspect of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention is a vibratory conveying device in any of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the trough has a protrusion on its bottom surface. The protrusion is disposed between the magnet and a first end of the trough in the conveying direction of the article in the trough. The protrusion extends to a position below the upper surface of the magnet.

[0020] If there are no protrusions on the bottom surface of the trough, and the position of the trough is misaligned in the direction of conveying the items being transported when the trough is installed onto the mounting mechanism, the magnet that should be used to hold the trough in a non-contact manner will attract the bottom surface of the trough, and the operator may mistakenly believe that the trough has been properly installed onto the mounting mechanism.

[0021] In contrast, in the vibrating conveyor device of the sixth aspect, if the position of the trough is misaligned in the conveying direction of the conveyed items when the trough is installed to the mounting mechanism, the trough cannot be installed to the mounting mechanism because the protrusion is in contact with the magnet, and the trough is less likely to be installed incorrectly as described above.

[0022] The seventh aspect of the vibration conveying device of the present invention is that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the vibration conveying device, the locking part is a receiving part that receives the insertion part provided in the groove.

[0023] The effects of the invention

[0024] In the vibratory conveying device of the present invention, the contact area between the trough and the mounting mechanism can be reduced, thereby reducing component wear caused by the contact between the trough and the mounting mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a combined metering device having one embodiment of the vibratory conveying device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the combined metering device.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of a vibratory conveyor device of a combined metering device.

[0028] Figure 4 Viewed from the lower left rear side Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the trough and mounting mechanism of the vibrating conveyor.

[0029] Figure 5 Viewed from the right side Figure 3 Side view of the trough and mounting mechanism of the vibratory conveyor.

[0030] Figure 6 Viewed from above Figure 3 A top view of the mounting section of the vibratory conveyor trough.

[0031] Figure 7 Viewed from above Figure 3 A top view of the mounting mechanism of the vibratory conveyor.

[0032] Figure 8 Viewed from the upper right rear side Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the trough in the vibrating conveyor device during installation of the mounting mechanism.

[0033] Figure 9 Viewed from the right side Figure 3 A side view of the vibratory conveyor system in its state when the trough is installed towards the mounting mechanism.

[0034] Figure 10 Viewed from the right side Figure 3 A side view of the vibratory conveyor after the trough is installed in the mounting mechanism.

[0035] Figure 11 It is Figure 3 A schematic longitudinal section view of the magnet portion of the mounting mechanism of the vibratory conveyor after being cut along the front-back direction.

[0036] Symbol Explanation

[0037] 100: Vibrating conveyor; 110: Groove; 112: First end; 114: Second end; 132a: Insertion part; 138: Protrusion part; 140: Mounting mechanism; 142a: Opening (receiving part); 150: Magnet; 152: Covering part; 154: Covering part; 160: Locking part; 200: Vibrator. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0039] In addition, in the following explanations, in order to describe the direction and positional relationship, the terms such as perpendicular, orthogonal, and horizontal are sometimes used. However, this includes not only strictly perpendicular, orthogonal, and horizontal cases, but also basically perpendicular, orthogonal, and horizontal cases.

[0040] Furthermore, in the following description, for ease of explanation, terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are used, and the orientation indicated by these terms follows the orientation shown by the arrows in the attached drawings.

[0041] (1) Combined metering device

[0042] The combined metering device 10 of the vibration conveying device 100 having one embodiment will be described.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the combined metering device 10 mainly includes a dispersing platform 20, multiple sets of conveying / metering mechanisms 60, a collection and discharge chute 50, and a control device 70. Each set of conveying / metering mechanisms 60 includes a vibrating conveyor 100, a storage hopper 30, and a metering hopper 40. The multiple sets of conveying / metering mechanisms 60 (in other words, the vibrating conveyor 100, the storage hopper 30, and the metering hopper 40) are arranged circumferentially around the dispersing platform 20 when viewed from above (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0044] Dispersion platform 20 is formed in a conical shape (see reference). Figure 2 The dispersing table 20 is vibrated by a vibrator (not shown), thereby causing the items supplied from the supply device 90 to the dispersing table 20 to be dispersed circumferentially and conveyed outward in the radial direction to the vibrating conveyor 100 of the multiple sets of conveying / measuring mechanisms 60.

[0045] In addition, the items processed by the combined metering device 10 are not limited to any particular type; they can be powdered or granular items such as tea leaves, dehydrated ingredients for soup, seasonings, tablets / capsules, etc.

[0046] Each group of conveying / measuring mechanisms 60 has a vibrating conveyor 100 with a trough 110 extending radially outward from near the dispersing table 20 to directly above the storage hopper 30 of that group of conveying / measuring mechanisms 60 (see reference). Figure 2 Multiple vibrating conveyors 100 extend radially from the dispersing platform 20. The vibrating conveyors 100 transport items supplied from the dispersing platform 20 to the storage hopper 30 radially outward from the dispersing platform 20 by vibrating the trough 110. The vibrating conveyors 100 will be described later.

[0047] Each conveying / measuring mechanism 60's storage hopper 30 temporarily stores items supplied from the vibrating conveyor 100. A gate (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the storage hopper 30. By opening the gate, the storage hopper 30 of each conveying / measuring mechanism 60 supplies items from its storage hopper 30 to the metering hopper 40 of that conveying / measuring mechanism 60, which is located directly below the storage hopper 30.

[0048] Each conveying / measuring mechanism 60 temporarily stores items supplied from the storage hopper 30 in its metering hopper 40, and measures the weight of the items within the metering hopper 40. A gate (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the metering hopper 40. By opening the gate, the metering hopper 40 supplies items to the collection discharge chute 50 located directly below it.

[0049] The collection discharge chute 50 is configured to receive articles supplied by the metering hoppers 40 of multiple sets of conveying / measuring mechanisms 60. The collection discharge chute 50 collects and discharges articles supplied from multiple metering hoppers 40 outside the combined metering device 10. Articles discharged outside the combined metering device 10 for any purpose, such as those not shown, are supplied to a bag-making and packaging machine located below the collection discharge chute 50.

[0050] The control device 70 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and other memory (not shown). The control device 70 is electrically connected to various parts of the combined metering device 10, including the vibrator (not shown) of the dispersing table 20, the vibrator 200 of the vibrating conveyor 100, the motor (not shown) that actuates the gates of the storage hopper 30 and the metering hopper 40, and the weight sensor 42 installed in the metering hopper 40 to measure the weight of the items inside. In the control device 70, the CPU controls the various parts of the combined metering device 10 by executing a program stored in the memory.

[0051] The combined metering device 10 is controlled by the control device 70 and performs the following actions.

[0052] The dispersing table 20 of the combined metering device 10 disperses the items supplied from the supply device 90 to multiple vibrating conveyors 100 via vibration. Each vibrating conveyor 100 transports the items supplied from the dispersing table 20 to a storage hopper 30 of its group and supplies them to that storage hopper 30. The items supplied to each storage hopper 30 are transferred to a metering hopper 40 located below the storage hopper 30. The control device 70 receives metering results from the weight sensors 42 of the multiple metering hoppers 40, performs a combination calculation on the metering values ​​of the items in the metering hoppers 40, and selects a combination of items whose combination calculation results are within a specified allowable range. The items in the metering hoppers 40 included in the selected combination are discharged into a collection discharge chute 50. The items discharged into the collection discharge chute 50 are, for example, supplied to a bag-making and packaging machine located at the rear of the combined metering device 10.

[0053] (2) Vibrating conveyor device

[0054] The details of the vibrating conveyor 100 will be described. Since the multiple vibrating conveyors 100 in the combined metering device 10 have the same structure, only one vibrating conveyor 100 will be described here.

[0055] The vibrating conveyor 100 mainly includes a trough 110, a vibrator 200, and a mounting mechanism 140. The vibrating conveyor 100 conveys items on the trough 110 by vibrating the trough 110 through the vibrator 200.

[0056] (2-1) slot

[0057] Slot 110 receives items and transports the received items.

[0058] The trough 110 extends between the first end 112 and the second end 114. In this embodiment, the trough 110 conveys articles from the first end 112 side to the second end 114 side. In other words, in the conveying direction A (hereinafter referred to as conveying direction A) of the trough 110 conveying articles, the first end 112 is positioned upstream of the second end 114. Here, the first end 112 is positioned near the dispersing table 20, and the second end 114 is positioned near the storage hopper 30.

[0059] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the groove 110 mainly includes a groove body 120 and a mounting part 130. The mounting part 130 is mounted on the bottom surface of the groove body 120. In addition, the groove body 120 and the mounting part 130 are described as independent components here, but it is not limited to this, and the groove body 120 and the mounting part 130 may also be formed integrally.

[0060] The trough body 120 forms a trough for conveying items (conveyance path 126). Specifically, the trough body 120 mainly has a bottom surface 122 and side surfaces 124. In the width direction (left-right direction) of the bottom surface 122, which is orthogonal to the conveying direction A (here, the front-back direction), the side surfaces 124 are disposed at the two edges (here, the left edge and the right edge) of the bottom surface 122, extending substantially along the conveying direction A. Through the bottom surface 122 and the side surfaces 124, the trough 110 forms a conveying path 126 for items extending along the conveying direction A (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 8 When the trough 110 is vibrated by the vibrator 200, the item moves forward in the conveying direction A (forward) on the conveying path 126.

[0061] The mounting portion 130 is disposed below the groove body 120 and has a mounting portion body 132 mounted on the bottom surface of the groove body 120. Furthermore, the mounting portion 130 may also have at least one of a support portion 134 extending to the left from the left edge near the front end of the mounting portion body 132, and a support portion 134 extending to the right from the right edge near the front end of the mounting portion body 132 (see reference). Figure 6 The support portion 134 contacts the main body side 124 of the groove body 120, supporting the main body side 124. The support portion 134 restricts the position of the groove body 120 in the left and right directions.

[0062] A plate 136 is mounted on the bottom surface of the mounting body 132. The lower surface of the plate 136 mounted on the bottom surface of the mounting body 132 functions as part of the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110. The plate 136 is made of a magnetic material (e.g., iron). The material of the plate 136 can be appropriately selected, as long as it is a magnetic material. The plate 136 is mounted on the front side of the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 (more forward than the center of the groove 110 in the front-rear direction) in the following manner: when the groove 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the position of the magnet 150 of the mounting mechanism 140 (described later) corresponds to the position of the plate 136 (the plate 136 is positioned directly above the magnet 150 of the mounting mechanism 140). When the groove 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200, the magnet 150 of the mounting mechanism 140 attracts the bottom surface 110a (plate 136) of the groove 110 in a non-contact state, thereby attracting and holding the groove 110. In addition, if the mounting body 132 itself is a magnetic body, the plates 136 of other components may not be used.

[0063] An insertion portion 132a extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the rear of the mounting body 132. The insertion portion 132a is primarily used to align the groove 110 relative to the mounting mechanism 140 in the width direction (in this case, the left-right direction) and (when the vibrating conveyor 100 is used) to suppress misalignment of the groove 110 relative to the mounting mechanism 140. Specifically, the insertion portion 132a is locked by the locking portion 160 of the mounting mechanism 140, thus restricting the position of the groove 110 with the insertion portion 132a in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the insertion portion 132a may also be provided on the groove body 120 (at a position higher than the bottom surface of the groove body 120). The structure of the locking portion 160 will be described later.

[0064] One or more insertion holes 132b, extending through the mounting body 132 along its thickness direction, may also be provided on the mounting body 132. While the location is not limited, Figure 6 In this example, the two insertion holes 132b are positioned symmetrically in the width direction (in this case, the left-right direction) of the mounting body 132. When the slot 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, corresponding positioning pins 144 are inserted into these insertion holes 132b, and these positioning pins 144 are positioned such that they protrude upward from the upper surface of the mounting mechanism 140. By utilizing the positioning pins 144 and the insertion holes 132b in this way, misalignment of the slot 110 in the front-back direction and the left-right direction can be easily suppressed. In addition, in order to suppress rotation of the slot 110 around the positioning pins 144, it is preferable to provide multiple insertion holes 132b and corresponding positioning pins 144. Alternatively, instead of the above method, positioning pins can be provided on the mounting body 132 and insertion holes can be provided on the mounting mechanism 140.

[0065] Alternatively, a protrusion 138 may be provided on the lower surface of the mounting body 132 (in other words, the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110). When the groove 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 is positioned in the conveying direction A between the magnet 150 (described later) provided in the mounting mechanism 140 and the first end 112 of the groove 110 (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 In other words, when the slot 110 is mounted on the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 is positioned upstream of the magnet 150 in the conveying direction A.

[0066] Furthermore, when the slot 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 extends to a position lower than the first horizontal portion 143a described later (see reference). Figure 4Furthermore, when the slot 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 extends to a position below the upper surface of the magnet 150 (see reference). Figure 3 Furthermore, when the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152 as described later, when the slot 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 may extend to a position lower than the upper surface of the covering member 152 (or may not extend to the upper surface of the magnet 150). Additionally, when the cover member 154 is provided above the magnet 150, when the slot 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 may extend to a position lower than the upper surface of the cover member 154 (or may not extend to the upper surface of the magnet 150). Specifically, when the slot 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 is configured to insert into the opening 142c formed on the mounting platform 142 of the mounting mechanism 140.

[0067] (2-2) Installation mechanism

[0068] The mounting mechanism 140 is a mechanism for detachably mounting the slot 110 to the vibrator 200. By using the mounting mechanism 140 to detachably mount the slot 110 to the vibrator 200, it is easy to perform maintenance such as cleaning the slot 110.

[0069] The mounting mechanism 140 mainly includes a mounting platform 142 and a magnet 150.

[0070] The bottom surface of the mounting platform 142 is connected to the vibrator 200 at the connecting part 146. When the vibrator 200 vibrates, the mounting platform 142 vibrates. In the mounting mechanism 140, the locking part 160 of the mounting platform 142 locks the first end 112 side of the slot 110 (the insertion part 132a provided on the first end 112 side of the slot 110 is inserted into the opening 142a, which is described later as the locking part 160), and the magnet 150 attracts and holds the bottom surface 110a (plate 136) on the second end 114 side of the slot 110 in a non-contact state, thereby mounting the slot 110 to the vibrator 200.

[0071] Mounting platform 142 is, for example, a component formed by bending a plate-shaped part. Although not limited, mounting platform 142 has the following shape when viewed from the side (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0072] The mounting platform 142 mainly includes a first horizontal section 143a, an inclined section 143b, a second horizontal section 143c, a gripping section 143d, and an upright section 143e. The first horizontal section 143a extends horizontally from the rear end of the mounting platform 142 to near the center of the mounting platform 142. The inclined section 143b extends forward and downward inclinedly from the front end of the first horizontal section 143a. The second horizontal section 143c extends horizontally from the front end of the inclined section 143b toward the front end of the mounting platform 142. The second horizontal section 143c extends horizontally at a position lower than the first horizontal section 143a. A gripping section 143d extending forward and downward from the front end of the second horizontal section 143c is provided at the front end of the mounting platform 142. An upright section 143e extending upward from the rear end of the first horizontal section 143a is provided at the rear end of the mounting platform 142.

[0073] An opening 142a, serving as a receiving part, is provided on the erected part 143e (see reference). Figure 4 This is an example of a locking portion 160. An opening 142a extends through the raised portion 143e in the thickness direction. The width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the width of the insertion portion 132a in the left-right direction, so as to restrict the movement of the insertion portion 132a of the inserted mounting portion 130. However, the width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction is designed to be slightly larger than the width of the insertion portion 132a in the left-right direction, so as to allow the insertion portion 132a to be inserted. A guide opening 142b, communicating with the opening 142a, is provided on the first horizontal portion 143a in a front-back direction. The guide opening 142b extends through the first horizontal portion 143a in the thickness direction. The width of the guide opening 142b in the left-right direction is equal to the width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction. However, this is not a limitation; the width of the guide opening 142b in the left-right direction may also be larger than the width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction.

[0074] The first horizontal portion 143a is provided with a positioning pin 144 for the insertion hole 132b of the mounting body 132 with the insertion groove 110 (see reference). Figure 7 While the shape is not limited, the locating pin 144 may be cylindrical, and the insertion hole 132b may be a circular hole corresponding to the shape of the locating pin 144. However, the shapes of the locating pin 144 and the insertion hole 132b are not limited to the above examples. For example, they may be appropriately selected in a way that makes it easy to suppress the movement of the locating pin 144 relative to the insertion hole 132b during operation of the vibrating conveyor 100.

[0075] An opening 142c is provided on the mounting platform 142 in such a manner that it spans near the front end of the first horizontal section 143a and near the rear end of the inclined section 143b and the second horizontal section 143c (see reference). Figure 7The opening 142c is an opening through which the protrusion 138 extending downward from the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 is inserted. The opening 142c is formed to penetrate the mounting platform 142 in the thickness direction.

[0076] A magnet 150 is disposed on a second horizontal section 143c of the mounting platform 142, positioned below the first horizontal section 143a. This magnet 150 attracts and holds the second end 114 side of the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 (particularly, in this embodiment, the lower surface of the plate 136 mounted on the bottom surface of the mounting body 132). Furthermore, when the groove 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the magnet 150 does not attract and hold the groove 110 in contact with the bottom surface 110a, but rather attracts and holds the groove 110 without contact between the bottom surface 110a and the magnet 150. In other words, when the groove 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, a gap G exists between the upper surface of the magnet 150 (or the upper surface of the cover member 154 if a cover member 154 is provided as described later) and the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110. Here, by setting a second horizontal portion 143c that is positioned below the first horizontal portion 143a and providing a magnet 150 on the second horizontal portion 143c, it is easy to achieve a structure that generates a gap G between the upper surface of the magnet 150 and the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110.

[0077] A more detailed description is given of the structure, which also includes the detailed structure around the magnet 150.

[0078] Magnet 150 preferably has a length L1 that is longer than the length L2 of magnet 150 in the width direction of the groove 110 that is perpendicular to the conveying direction A (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0079] Magnet 150 is not limited to any particular type, such as neodymium magnets. Neodymium magnets may rust and corrode over time, therefore, to inhibit rusting, etc., Figure 11 As shown, the magnet 150 can also be covered by a resin-coated component 152. The material of the coating component 152 is not limited, and it can be, for example, silicone resin or epoxy resin. However, the coating used to prevent the magnet 150 from rusting is not limited to the use of a resin-coated component 152, and it can also be a metal coating such as nickel plating.

[0080] Alternatively, a non-magnetic cover member 154 may be provided between the groove 110 and the cover (e.g., cover member 152) of the magnet 150 (on the upper surface of the magnet 150). The cover member 154 is not limited in scope and is made of SUS 304, a non-magnetic material. By providing the cover member 154 on the magnet 150, it is possible to reduce dust accumulation in the mounting hole (not shown) and to reduce damage to the cover member 152 caused by contact between the groove 110 and the cover member 152 when the groove 110 is removed from or installed relative to the vibrator 200. This mounting hole, located on the upper surface of the magnet 150, is used to accommodate bolts, screws (not shown), etc., for fixing the magnet 150 to the mounting table 142. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, when fixing the magnet 150 to the mounting table 142, it is preferable that the magnet 150 is fixed at two or more locations along the conveying direction A.

[0081] Thus, when the covering member 152 is disposed on the magnet 150 and / or the cover member 154 is disposed on the magnet 150, the groove 110 is not in contact with the covering member 152 and the cover member 154. That is, when the groove 110 is mounted on the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the magnet 150 attracts and holds the groove 110 in a state of non-contact with the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 (especially the lower surface of the plate 136 in this embodiment), the covering member 152, and the cover member 154.

[0082] (2-3) Vibrator

[0083] The vibrator 200 is a device that vibrates the slot 110 mounted via the mounting mechanism 140.

[0084] The vibrator 200 is not limited to any particular type, and may be, for example, a device that mainly comprises an electromagnetic coil 210 and a leaf spring 220, generating linear vibration by utilizing the attractive force generated by the electromagnetic coil 210 and the restoring force of the leaf spring 220 when the attractive force generated by the electromagnetic coil 210 disappears. In other words, the vibration conveying device 100 of the present invention may also be an electromagnetic feeder. Furthermore, the type of vibrator 200 may be appropriately selected according to the application and other factors.

[0085] (3) The groove of the mounting mechanism is used for the disassembly and assembly of the vibrator.

[0086] The disassembly and assembly of the slot 110 with mounting mechanism 140 relative to the vibrator 200 will be explained.

[0087] When installing the slot 110 onto the vibrator 200, the operator first inserts the insertion part 132a of the slot 110 into the opening 142a of the locking part 160 of the mounting mechanism 140.

[0088] At this time, the operator can also insert the insertion part 132a, which extends in the front-to-back direction, into the opening 142a by moving the slot 110 only horizontally. If the operator inserts the insertion part 132a into the opening 142a in this way, the guide opening 142b may not be formed.

[0089] However, it is sometimes difficult to move the groove 110 horizontally (keeping the groove 110 in a roughly horizontal state) and insert the insertion part 132a into a relatively small opening 142a. In addition, since there is a protrusion 138 on the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 in the above embodiment, when the groove 110 is moved horizontally, the protrusion 138 may come into contact with the magnet 150 (or the covering member 152 if the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152) and the cover member 154, thus hindering the movement of the groove 110.

[0090] Therefore, in this embodiment, the operator tilts the trough 110 so that the rear side is lower than the front side (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 9 The insertion part 132a of the slot 110 is inserted into the guide opening 142b of the mounting mechanism 140, and the slot 110 is moved such that the insertion part 132a moves within the guide opening 142b and then moves to the opening 142a. By having the operator insert the insertion part 132a of the slot 110 into the opening 142a in this manner, the insertion part 132a can be easily locked with the locking part 160.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the combined metering device 10 in which multiple vibrating conveying devices 100 are arranged circumferentially, the first end 112 side of the groove 110, which is provided to engage with the locking part 132a, is disposed on the side of the dispersing table 20. When the groove 110 is installed in the combined metering device 10, due to space constraints, the operator performs the operation from the outside of the combined metering device 10 (the side where the hoppers 30 and 40 are disposed). Therefore, if the locking part 160 is disposed on the side where the hoppers 30 and 40 are disposed, it is difficult for the operator to visually confirm the opening 142a, and thus it is difficult to insert the insertion part 132a of the groove 110 into the opening 142a of the locking part 160. However, by disposing the locking part 160 on the side of the dispersing table 20, it is easier to insert the insertion part 132a into the opening 142a.

[0092] In this embodiment, for the following reasons, the protrusion 138 of the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 can suppress the misalignment of the groove 110 in the front-back direction when the groove 110 is installed on the vibrator 200.

[0093] When the slot 110 is positioned forward of the correct position, the lower end of the protrusion 138 contacts the magnet 150 (or the covering member 152 if the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152) and the cover member 154. Furthermore, when the slot 110 is to be moved backward of the correct position, the protrusion 138 contacts the first horizontal portion 143a of the mounting platform 142 because it is positioned lower than the first horizontal portion 143a of the mounting platform 142. Therefore, if the slot 110 is not positioned correctly in the longitudinal direction, it cannot be mounted onto the mounting platform 142.

[0094] On the other hand, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the protrusion 138 of the bottom surface 110a of the groove 110 enters the opening 142c of the mounting table 142, the groove 110, which is tilted in a manner where the rear side is lower than the front side, is returned to a roughly horizontal state and the groove 110 is installed onto the mounting table 142, thereby enabling the groove 110 to be positioned correctly relative to the mounting table 142.

[0095] The removal of the groove 110 from the vibrator 200 is performed in the reverse order described above (i.e., the groove 110, which is in a roughly horizontal state, is tilted so that the front side is higher than the rear side, and then the insertion part 132a in the insertion opening 142a is pulled out of the opening 142a).

[0096] Furthermore, with the slot 110 installed on the vibrator 200, the bottom surface 110a of the slot 110 (in this embodiment, the lower surface of the plate 136) is attracted and held by the magnet 150 in a non-contact state. Therefore, even if the slot 110 is lifted by simply grasping it and lifting the front side of the slot 110 relative to the rear side, it may be difficult to detach the slot 110 from the mounting mechanism 140. In contrast, in this vibration conveying device 100, the operator holds the gripping part 143d provided at the front end of the mounting platform 142 while lifting the front side of the slot 110 relative to the rear side, thereby enabling smooth removal of the slot 110 from the vibrator 200.

[0097] (4) Features

[0098] (4-1)

[0099] The vibrating conveyor 100 includes a trough 110 for conveying articles, a vibrator 200, and a mounting mechanism 140. The trough 110 extends between a first end 112 and a second end 114. The vibrator 200 vibrates the trough 110 to convey articles on the trough 110. The mounting mechanism 140 detachably mounts the trough 110 to the vibrator 200. The mounting mechanism 140 has a locking part 160 and a magnet 150. The locking part 160 locks the trough 110 at the first end 112 side. The magnet 150 attracts and holds the trough 110 at the bottom surface 110a at the second end 114 side. When the trough 110 is mounted to the vibrator 200, the magnet 150 attracts and holds the trough 110 without contacting the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110.

[0100] Furthermore, when the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152, when the slot 110 is installed on the vibrator 200, the magnet 150 attracts and holds the slot 110 without the bottom surface 110a of the slot 110 contacting the covering member 152. Additionally, when a cover member 154 is provided above the magnet 150, when the slot 110 is installed on the vibrator 200, the magnet 150 attracts and holds the slot 110 without the bottom surface 110a of the slot 110 contacting the cover member 154.

[0101] In the vibrating conveyor 100, by using a magnet 150 to attract and hold the bottom surface 110a on the side of the second end 114 of the groove 110, the contact area between the groove 110 and the mounting mechanism 140 can be reduced, thereby reducing component wear caused by the contact between the groove 110 and the mounting mechanism 140.

[0102] Furthermore, this configuration also helps to suppress the mixing of component wear powder caused by the contact between the accompanying tank 110 and the mounting mechanism 140 into the articles processed by the combined metering device 10.

[0103] (4-2)

[0104] In the vibrating conveyor 100, the length L1 of the magnet 150 along the conveying direction A of the article in the trough 110 is longer than the length L2 of the magnet 150 in the width direction of the trough 110, which is orthogonal to the conveying direction A.

[0105] With this configuration, in the vibrating conveyor 100, the trough 110 can be firmly held in the conveying direction A by the magnet 150. Furthermore, in this vibrating conveyor 100, the width of the magnet 150 in the width direction of the trough 110 can be relatively small, thus suppressing the increase in the size of the vibrating conveyor 100 in the width direction of the trough 110.

[0106] (4-3)

[0107] The vibrating conveyor 100 has a resin-coated component 152 that covers the magnet 150.

[0108] In the vibrating conveyor 100, by covering the magnet 150 with a resin-coated component 152, the oxidation of the magnet 150 can be suppressed, and the reduction of the magnet 150's adsorption force can be suppressed.

[0109] (4-4)

[0110] The vibrating conveyor 100 has a non-magnetic cover member 154 disposed between the groove 110 and the covering member 152. Alternatively, if the covering member 152 is not provided, the cover member 154 may be provided between the groove 110 and the magnet 150.

[0111] With this configuration, the vibration conveying device 100 can suppress damage to the covering component 152 and the magnet 150 caused by the contact between the trough 110 and the covering component 152 or the contact between the trough 110 and the magnet 150 during the assembly and disassembly of the trough 110 relative to the mounting mechanism 140.

[0112] (4-5)

[0113] In the vibrating conveyor 100, the trough 110 has a protrusion 138 on its bottom surface 110a. The protrusion 138 extends to a position below the upper surface of the magnet 150.

[0114] By providing such a protrusion 138, in the vibrating conveyor 100, when the groove 110 is installed onto the mounting mechanism 140, if the position of the groove 110 is misaligned in a direction parallel to the conveying direction A, the protrusion 138 will contact the magnet 150 and the groove 110 will not be able to be smoothly installed onto the mounting mechanism 140, thus making it less likely for the groove 110 to be incorrectly installed.

[0115] (4-6)

[0116] In the vibrating conveyor 100, the locking part 160 is the opening 142a that receives the insertion part 132a provided in the groove 110.

[0117] With this configuration, misalignment of the groove 110 can be suppressed with a relatively simple structure.

[0118] Furthermore, the structure of the locking part can be determined appropriately.

[0119] For example, if the insertion part 132a is bent forward and downward to form a hook shape, a locking part that can hook the hook-shaped part can be provided on the mounting table 142.

[0120] (4-7)

[0121] The combined metering device 10 includes a trough 110, multiple metering hoppers 40, and a control device 70. The trough 110 is mounted on the vibrator 200 via a mounting mechanism 140. The multiple metering hoppers 40 temporarily store and discharge items fed from the trough 110. The control device 70 acquires the mass of each item stored in the multiple metering hoppers 40 as a metering value, obtained by weight sensors 42 installed in the multiple metering hoppers 40. The control device 70 performs a combined calculation using the metering values ​​measured by the weight sensors 42, and discharges the items stored in the metering hoppers 40 from the combined metering device 10 according to the combined calculation (selected in a manner where the total weight of the contents of the metering hoppers 40 is within a specified allowable range).

[0122] (5) Variations

[0123] (5-1) Variation A

[0124] In the above embodiment, as an apparatus for applying the vibratory conveying device 100, a combined metering device 10 is exemplified in which the grooves 110 of multiple vibratory conveying devices 100 are arranged radially from the dispersing table 20. However, the apparatus for applying the vibratory conveying device 100 is not limited to the combined metering device 10 of the above embodiment, and may also be a combined metering device in which the grooves 110 of multiple vibratory conveying devices 100 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction of extension of the grooves 110, with the grooves 110 of multiple vibratory conveying devices 100 extending parallel to each other.

[0125] In addition, the vibratory conveyor 100 can also be used for purposes other than combined metering devices.

Claims

1. A vibrating conveying device, characterized in that, have: A trough, which extends between a first end and a second end, and conveys items; A vibrator that causes the trough to vibrate in order to convey the articles on the trough; and The mounting mechanism detachably mounts the slot to the vibrator. The mounting mechanism includes: a locking portion that locks the first end of the groove; and a magnet that attracts and retains the bottom surface of the second end of the groove. When the slot is installed on the vibrator, the magnet attracts and holds the slot without contacting the bottom surface of the slot.

2. The vibrating conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trough transports the item from the first end to the second end.

3. The vibrating conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The length of the magnet along the transport direction of the article in the groove is longer than the length of the magnet in the width direction of the groove, which is orthogonal to the transport direction.

4. The vibrating conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also has: A resin-coated component that covers the magnet.

5. The vibrating conveyor according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also has: A non-magnetic cover component is disposed between the groove and the covering component.

6. The vibrating conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The groove has a protrusion on its bottom surface, which is disposed between the magnet and the first end in the direction of conveying the article in the groove, and extends to a position below the upper surface of the magnet.

7. The vibrating conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking part is a receiving part that receives the insertion part provided in the groove.

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