Sorting apparatus and article inspecting apparatus

Abstract

To provide a sorting apparatus and an article inspecting apparatus which can easily and accurately set a timing for spraying air so as to perform operation of excluding an article stably.SOLUTION: The article inspecting apparatus comprises: a sorted article sensing sensor 17 that senses an article W to be sorted; pressurization-point setting means 49 that sets an essential pressurized point Ep on the article W by compressed air, for each article type, using a distance Lt from a tip Ef of the article W and a conveyance time Lt / V corresponding to conveyance speed Lt / V; a delay time management timer 53 that manages a sorting delay time Td that is set using a delay time Tx during which the essential pressurized point Ep enters an ejection energization section Za from a sensing time point t12 at which a rear end Et of the article W is sensed by the sensor 17; and a sorting instructing means 55 that inputs a sorting instruction signal to an air supply control mechanism part 35 of a sorting part 30, for a predetermined instruction time Tw' after a time-up point t13 of the delay time management timer 53.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sorting device and an article inspection device, and in particular to a sorting device using an air jet method or the like that requires the removal of articles in a short period of time, and an article inspection device in which the sorting device is arranged as a sorting section downstream of an inspection section that performs specified article inspections. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in high-capacity production lines with small article conveyance pitches, air jet-type sorting devices have been widely used as sorting devices for quickly removing defective articles that are not suitable for downstream article processing.

[0003] Also, an article inspection device is widely used in which an air jet type sorting section that performs sorting operations in accordance with the inspection results is disposed downstream of an inspection section that performs the article inspection.

[0004] Conventional sorting devices and item inspection devices of this type include, for example, an air jet device that blows air at the estimated center of gravity of an item to remove it from the line conveyor, a conveying state detection device that detects the conveying state of the item using a light emitter / receiver, and a control unit that controls the air jet device.When the control unit detects from the change in the light-blocking time of the light emitter / receiver that the degree of inclination of the item with respect to the conveying direction is greater than a certain level, it removes the item that is unsuitable for boxing processing at the downstream stage from the line conveyor by blowing air from the air jet device, and during the removal, calculates the time it takes for the estimated center of gravity of the item detected at the leading edge to reach the front of the air nozzle depending on the inclination of the item with respect to the conveying direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-179969 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional sorting devices and item inspection devices such as those described above, the timing of blowing air onto the items to be excluded was set so that the air was blown toward the estimated center of gravity of the items to be excluded, in order to reliably remove the items to be excluded while preventing tilt or misalignment of the items before and after them with respect to the conveying direction.

[0007] This limits the time required for air blowing to a short period of time, and requires detailed settings using the settings screen to ensure that the air blowing does not deviate from the estimated center of gravity position, and also creates the problem that the ejection direction of the items being removed tends to be unstable.

[0008] In response to this, it is possible to consider using a pusher-type discharge mechanism that pushes out the items to be removed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. However, since the pusher plate needs to move back and forth between the retracted standby position and the push-out completion position, the item conveying speed is limited to a relatively low speed on production lines with small item conveying pitches, which poses a problem of reduced productivity.

[0009] It is also possible to widen the air nozzle, but in production lines with small item conveyance pitches, this can have a negative impact on the conveyance posture of items in front and behind the nozzle, as well as on the weight measurement unit in the upstream stage.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a sorting device and an item inspection device that can easily and accurately set the timing of blowing air to force the transported items to be sorted in the removal direction from the side without reducing productivity, and that can perform stable item removal operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] (1) To achieve the above object, the sorting device according to the present invention is a sorting device comprising: a conveying section for conveying an article on a predetermined sorting conveying path; a discharge mechanism section for discharging the article that has entered a specific discharge energized section of the sorting conveying path out of the sorting conveying path by compressed air in response to a sorting command signal input; and a control section for controlling the discharge mechanism section, wherein the sorting device comprises a selected article detection sensor disposed on the entrance side of the predetermined sorting conveying path for detecting the article; and a control section for controlling the discharge mechanism section to determine a required pressure point of the article when the discharge mechanism section applies a discharge force by compressed air to the article out of the sorting conveying path. The device is characterized by having a pressure point setting means that sets a conveying time corresponding to the distance in the conveying direction from either end of the feed direction and the conveying speed for each type of item, a delay time management means that manages a sorting delay time that is set using the delay time from the time when either end of the conveying direction of the item is detected by the sorted item detection sensor to the time when the required pressure point of the item enters the discharge energization section, and a sorting command means that inputs the sorting command signal to the discharge mechanism unit for a predetermined command time from the time-out of the delay time management means.

[0012] With this configuration, the required pressure point of an item is set in advance in association with the item type information as a conveying time corresponding to the distance in the conveying direction from one end of the item in the conveying direction and the conveying speed. Then, when the sorting delay time, which is set using the delay time from the time when one end of the item to be discharged is detected by the sorted item detection sensor to the time when the required pressure point of the item enters the discharge energization section, has elapsed, the delay time management means times out (meaning time's up), and from that time on, the sorting command means inputs a sorting command signal to the discharge mechanism for a predetermined command time. Therefore, in cases where the center of gravity of the item to be removed is biased in a specific direction relative to the center of the length in the conveying direction based on the detection information of the sorted item detection sensor, or where the center of pressure of the discharge force (wind pressure load) caused by the blowing of compressed air is biased in a specific direction from the center of the length in the conveying direction, by setting an essential pressure point that can identify the direction of bias and the minimum amount of timing adjustment, the timing of blowing air that forces the transported item to be sorted in the removal direction from the side can be easily and accurately set without reducing productivity, resulting in a sorting device that can perform stable item removal operations.

[0013] The minimum adjustment amount referred to here may be set as a minimum adjustment time suitable for gradually adjusting the timing of blowing compressed air. In that case, if there is a clear imbalance in the center of gravity depending on the type of product, it can be set simply by identifying the direction of the imbalance. Of course, it may also be set to a required pressure point that is multiple times the minimum adjustment time based on the center of gravity of the net products in a container such as a packaging box, or to a required pressure point with an optimal calculated value. Furthermore, if, due to the appearance of the product, the center of pressure receiving the wind pressure from the side deviates from the center of the length in the conveying direction based on the detection information from the selected product detection sensor, the required pressure point may be set toward the center of pressure receiving the wind pressure, thereby ensuring stable discharge force through effective wind pressure reception.

[0014] (2) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one end of the article in the conveying direction is the rear end of the article in the conveying direction, the delay time management means manages a sorting delay time that is set using a delay time from the time when the rear end of the article in the conveying direction is detected by the selected article detection sensor to the time when the required pressure point of the article enters the discharge energized section of the sorting conveying path, and the sorting command means controls the command time of the sorting command signal in accordance with a time equivalent to the length of the article from a first detection time when the front end of the article in the conveying direction is detected by the selected article detection sensor to a second detection time when the rear end of the article in the conveying direction is detected by the selected article detection sensor. In this case, the command time of the sorting command signal can be accurately controlled in accordance with the size of the article.

[0015] (3) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the article is a standard-sized packaging box or other container containing a standard-sized net product that is heavier than the container, and the center of gravity of the net product is off from the center position of the article in the conveying direction, and the pressure point setting means can be configured to set the required pressure point of the article on the side of the center of gravity of the net product within the article length from the center of the article length in the conveying direction.

[0016] With this configuration, the pressure point setting means identifies, as the position information of the required pressure point, the direction in which the net center of gravity of the item deviates from the apparent center of gravity of the item based on the detection information from the sorted item detection sensor. Therefore, the direction in which the timing of blowing compressed air relative to at least the apparent center of gravity of the item should be adjusted is identified, and the timing of blowing air that urges the transported item to be sorted in the removal direction from the side can be easily and accurately set.

[0017] (4) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centroid position of the projection figure of the article as seen in the discharge bias direction by the compressed air from the discharge mechanism is offset from the center position of the article in the conveying direction, and the pressure point setting means can be configured to set the required pressure point of the article closer to the centroid position of the projection surface shape as seen in the discharge bias direction than the center of the article length in the conveying direction.

[0018] With this configuration, when the position of the center of pressure of the air pressure received by the pressure point setting means is deviated from the apparent center of gravity of the article based on the detection information from the sorted article detection sensor, i.e., the centroid position of the projection of the article as viewed in the direction of the discharge bias, the pressure point setting means can identify the direction in which the centroid position is deviated using the position information of the essential pressure point. Therefore, the direction in which the timing of blowing compressed air relative to at least the apparent center of gravity of the article is adjusted can be identified, and the timing of blowing air to urge the transported article to be sorted in the direction of removal can be easily and accurately set. Note that a case in which the centroid position of the projection as viewed in the direction of the discharge bias is deviated from the apparent center of gravity typically occurs when, for example, one end of the underside of the article during transport has a protruding hole to function as a hanging hook or handle.

[0019] (5) In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the delay time management means includes an encoder that detects the rotational angular displacement of the conveying drive motor that drives the conveying section in units of a predetermined angle and outputs a detection pulse for each predetermined angle, and a counting circuit that counts the output pulses of the encoder and inputs the detection signal of the sorted item detection sensor, and the sorting delay time can be determined based on the count value of the output pulses of the encoder after the detection point at which either end of the conveying direction of the item is detected by the sorted item detection sensor.

[0020] Even in this way, the sorting delay time can be detected based on the encoder output pulse that detects the rotational angle displacement of the conveying drive motor from the time the sorted item detection sensor detects the item, and the sorting delay time can be calculated based on the encoder output as the corresponding item conveying distance / conveying speed, allowing the sorting delay time to be managed on a conveying distance basis.

[0021] To achieve the above object, the object inspection device according to the present invention is an object inspection device comprising: (6) a conveying section that conveys an object along a predetermined conveying path; an inspection section that inspects a predetermined quality state of the object being conveyed within a predetermined inspection section of the conveying path; an air jet type discharge mechanism section that responds to input of a sorting command signal and discharges inspected objects within a predetermined sorting section of the conveying path out of the conveying path in accordance with the inspection result of the inspection section; a discharge mechanism section that performs sorting operation; and a control section that has an inspection control section that controls the inspection section and a sorting control section that controls the discharge mechanism section, wherein the discharge mechanism section is configured to detect a selected object by a sorted object detection sensor disposed at the entrance side of the predetermined sorting section, and to discharge the inspected objects out of the conveying path by compressed air. The system is characterized by having a pressure point setting means for setting the required pressure point of the item when a discharge force is applied from the discharge mechanism unit as a conveying time corresponding to the distance in the conveying direction from either end of the conveying direction of the item and the conveying speed for each type of item; a delay time management means for managing a sorting delay time that is set using the delay time from the time when either end of the conveying direction of the item is detected by the sorted item detection sensor to the time when the required pressure point of the item enters the discharge energization section; and a sorting command means for inputting the sorting command signal to the discharge mechanism unit according to the inspection results in the inspection unit for a predetermined command time from the time-out of the delay time management means.

[0022] With this configuration, the required pressure point of an item is preset in association with the item's type as a transport time corresponding to the distance in the transport direction from one end of the item in the transport direction and the transport speed. When the sorting delay time, which is set using the delay time from when one end of the item to be discharged is detected by the selected item detection sensor to when the required pressure point of the item enters the discharge biasing zone, elapses, the delay time management means times out, and the sorting command means inputs a sorting command signal to the discharge mechanism for a predetermined command time from that time. Therefore, in cases where the center of gravity of the item to be removed is biased in a specific direction relative to the center of the length in the transport direction based on the detection information from the selected item detection sensor, or where the center of pressure receiving the discharge force (wind pressure load) due to the blowing of compressed air is biased in a specific direction from the center of the length in the transport direction, by setting the required pressure point so that the direction of bias and the minimum amount of timing adjustment can be specified, the timing of the blowing of air that biases the transported item to be sorted in the removal direction from the side can be easily and accurately set, resulting in an item inspection device that enables stable item removal operations. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sorting device and an item inspection device that can easily and accurately set the timing of blowing air to force the transported items to be sorted in the removal direction from the side without reducing productivity, and that can perform stable item removal operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a sorting control timing, along with corresponding control signal waveforms, in a schematic configuration diagram of an article inspection apparatus equipped with a sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a weight sorting type article inspection device equipped with an air jet type sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a main part of an article inspection apparatus equipped with a sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4]1 is a schematic block diagram of a control unit of a weight sorting type article inspection apparatus equipped with a sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 4 is a timing chart showing changes in signals of each part of a control unit of an article inspection device equipped with a sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting essential pressure points with emphasis on the center of gravity for multiple types of articles to be inspected in an article inspection device equipped with a sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting essential pressure points with emphasis on the wind pressure receiving center for multiple types of articles to be inspected in an article inspection device equipped with a sorting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram of a modified embodiment in which the sorting delay time is managed on a conveyance distance basis in an article inspection apparatus equipped with a sorting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 show an article inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the configuration will be described.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the item inspection device 1 of this embodiment is a weight sorting type that includes a conveying unit 10 that conveys items W along a predetermined conveying path, an inspection unit 20 that inspects the item W for a predetermined quality condition, such as the appropriateness of the net quantity, by weight measurement within a predetermined inspection section Z1 on the conveying path, a sorting unit 30 that operates in response to a sorting command signal input and sorts the inspected items W inspected by the inspection unit 20 in accordance with the inspection results, and a control unit 40 that controls the conveying unit 10, inspection unit 20, and sorting unit 30.

[0027] The transport section 10 is made up of a plurality of conveyor units 11, 12, 13, and 14 arranged in a row in the left-right direction in Fig. 1 and their transport drive means, and although details of these conveyor units 11 to 14 are not shown, these units support a plurality of loop-shaped conveyor belts that can be driven for transport by a plurality of parallel driving and driven rollers, thereby enabling articles W to be transported sequentially in the right direction in Fig. 1. The transport drive means of the plurality of conveyor units 11, 12, 13, and 14 is made up of a motor for driving the conveyor and an encoder for detecting the speed, etc., and is controlled by the control unit 40 so that the transport speed is set for each type of article W.

[0028] The inspection section 20 has a weighing platform 21 that supports the conveyor unit 12, and a weighing section 22 that measures the load applied from the weighing platform 21 using an electromagnetic balance scale or a load cell scale, and is capable of outputting a weighing signal corresponding to the weight of the item W from the weighing section 22 to the control section 40. Note that the weighing platform 21 and the weighing section 22 are shown schematically here, but it goes without saying that their arrangement, number, weighing conditions, etc. are not particularly limited. Also, here, the inspection section 20 is capable of measuring the weight of the item W, but it goes without saying that it may be an inspection section using another item inspection method.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sorting section 30 has air nozzles 31A and 31B facing in approximately the same direction on one side of the conveying path width direction of the conveyor unit 13 and spaced apart at a predetermined nozzle pitch Lnp in the conveying direction, an air supply control mechanism 35 that selectively supplies compressed air to both air nozzles 31A and 31B, and chutes 36A and 36B that collect multiple discharged fallen products corresponding to the air nozzles 31A and 31B.

[0030] Each air nozzle 31A, 31B may be, for example, a flat type with one or more outlets, but may also be a type in which multiple small-diameter nozzles or slits are arranged in a row at a predetermined pitch in the conveying direction, or multiple nozzles or slits are arranged in multiple rows at a respective pitch in the conveying direction and in the height direction.

[0031] The air nozzles 31A, 31B may be arranged so that the directions of blowing compressed air from their respective outlets intersect with each other on both sides of the width direction of the conveying path of the conveyor unit 13. Furthermore, when the spray angle of each air nozzle 31A, 31B is greater than 0 degrees (straight) and less than 30 degrees, for example, the central axis of each air nozzle 31A, 31B may be inclined toward the downstream side of the conveying direction at an inclination angle of approximately 1 / 2 or less of the spray angle.

[0032] The air supply control mechanism 35 is composed of one and the other solenoid valves 32A, 32B connected to one and the other air nozzles 31A, 31B, an air tank 33 that communicates with the corresponding air nozzles 31A and / or 31B via the open solenoid valve 32A and / or 32B when any one or both of these solenoid valves 32A, 32B are open, and a filter regulator 34 that filters the air (compressed air) from the air source 91 to a predetermined quality and controls it to a set pressure.

[0033] This sorting unit 30 is an ejection mechanism that responds to a sorting command signal input from the sorting control unit 42 and ejects items W that have entered specific ejection actuation sections Za and / or Zb on the conveyor unit 13 that form the sorting section Z2 (sorting conveying path) out of the sorting conveying path by spraying compressed air from the corresponding air nozzles 31A and / or 31B via open solenoid valves 32A and / or 32B.

[0034] An inspection item detection sensor 15 for detecting an item W carried onto the conveyor unit 12 is disposed near the upstream end of the conveyor unit 12, which is the entrance side of the predetermined inspection zone Z1 of the inspection section 20. A selected item detection sensor 17 for detecting a sortable item W carried onto the conveyor unit 13 is disposed near the upstream end of the conveyor unit 13 of the sorting section 30 downstream of the predetermined inspection zone Z1, i.e., at the entrance side of the sorting zone Z2 in FIG. 3. Both the inspection item detection sensor 15 and the selected item detection sensor 17 are, for example, photoelectric sensors of a light emitter-receiver type that receive light emitted from a light-emitting element with a light-receiving element, and are configured to detect an item when the light is blocked between the emitter and receiver by the item W. Note that both item detection sensors 15 and 17 are not limited to optical sensors, and may be sensors that detect the timing when the item W reaches a predetermined position based on, for example, a camera image including a reference position indicator and an image of the item, and the conveying speed.

[0035] 2 and 4, the control unit 40 is configured to include an inspection control unit 41, a sorting control unit 42, and a display operation unit 43. The weighing signal output from the weighing unit 22 is input into the inspection control unit 41, and predetermined measurement and inspection processing is performed. The display operation unit 43 also allows the operator to input data and check the results.

[0036] The control unit 40 has a computer configuration including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O interface, and includes, for example, a programmable controller that provides input and output signals to various driving drivers. Of course, the hardware configuration of the control unit 40 is not limited to a specific form, and the software including multiple control programs and control parameters that perform the functions necessary for inspecting and sorting the items W is also not limited to a specific form.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the specified measurement and inspection process in the inspection control unit 41 is a process of determining whether the measured weight of the item W based on the weighing signal from the weighing unit 22 is within the allowable range, is over the allowable range and is outside the allowable range, or is under the allowable range and is outside the allowable range, and outputs an OK signal, an NG1 signal, or an NG2 signal when a specified inspection time Tp (measurement time) has elapsed from the time t0 when the inspection item detection sensor 15 detects the item being delivered, and the inspection control unit 41 has multiple measurement and inspection processing programs to perform this processing function.

[0038] In addition, when a conveying time Tw (see Figure 1) equivalent to the length of the item has elapsed from the time t11 (hereinafter also referred to as the first detection time) when the selected item detection sensor 17 is blocked by the item W to be sorted and detects the leading end Eh of the item W to the time t12 (hereinafter also referred to as the second detection time) when the selected item detection sensor 17 is no longer blocked and detects the trailing end Et of the item W, the sorting control unit 42 measures a predetermined sorting delay time Tx from that time t12 using a timer, and at the time-out time t13 when the sorting delay time Tx has elapsed, it reads the judgment result NG1, OK or NG2 signal from the inspection control unit 41 and outputs a sorting command RJ1 or RJ2 corresponding to the judgment result as a discharge command signal, or it does not output either the NG1 signal or the NG2 signal in response to the OK signal, but instead outputs an OFF command signal to pass the item to the subsequent conveyor unit 14.

[0039] In FIG. 1 and other figures, the conveying speed in the approach section is indicated as V, the conveying speed in the inspection section as V1, and the conveying speed in the sorting section as V2. These speeds V, V1, and V2 are either equal to each other, or the downstream conveying speed is set to be equal to or greater than the upstream conveying speed (V=V1 or V≦V1, V1=V2 or V1≦V2). In addition, in FIG. 5, the conveying time equivalent to the item length Lw at conveying speed V1 in the inspection section 20 is indicated as Tw1 (=Lw / V1), and the conveying time equivalent to the item length Lw at conveying speed V2 in the sorting section 30 is indicated as Tw2 (=Lw / V2). Hereinafter, unless specifically designated as speeds V1 and V2, the conveying speed V2 in the sorting section will simply be referred to as conveying speed V. Furthermore, unless specifically designated as conveying time Tw1, the latter conveying time Tw2 will simply be referred to as conveying time Tw.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the inspection control unit 41 specifically includes, for example, a sampling circuit 44, a weight calculation means 45, a judgment means 46, a judgment result memory 47, a measurement time management timer 48, and a type registration memory 49, and the sorting control unit 42 includes, for example, a delay time management timer 53 (delay time management means) and a sorting command output unit 55.

[0041] Here, the sampling circuit 44 is a circuit that, when it receives a detection signal d1 of an incoming item from the inspection item detection sensor 15, closes the switch 44a at a predetermined measurement timing in response to the item detection signal d1, and the measurement timing is set according to the stabilization waiting time ts (see Figure 5), which is the time from when the item W starts to be carried onto the conveyor unit 12 until the weighing signal stabilizes.

[0042] After the stabilization waiting time ts has elapsed, the weighing signal is input to the weight calculation means 45 via the switch 44a, and the weight calculation means 45 calculates the weight value of the incoming item W by averaging or the like.

[0043] The weight calculated by the weight calculation means 45 is input as a measured weight to the determination means 46, which compares it with a preset allowable weight range and outputs a determination signal corresponding to the determination result. Note that the determination means 46 may also receive a previous stage inspection signal from a previous stage detector and output a comprehensive determination result.

[0044] The judgment signal output from the judgment means 46, for example, when including the upstream inspection signal, can be a 4-bit judgment signal as shown in Figure 5. If the upstream inspection signal is OK, for example, the first bit will be "0", and the judgment result for the weight can be known by determining which bit position of the remaining 3 bits has a "1".

[0045] For example, if the second bit of this 4-bit judgment signal is "1", it requests one item removal operation in which compressed air is sprayed from one of the air nozzles 31A, 31B of the sorting section 30 for a predetermined operating time; if the third bit is "1", it requests the other item removal operation in which compressed air is sprayed from the other of the air nozzles 31A, 31B for a predetermined operating time; and if the fourth bit is "1", it is a signal that requests either keeping the item on the non-removal side (pass side) in which compressed air is not sprayed from either the air nozzles 31A, 31B or returning it to the non-removal side.

[0046] If the first bit is "1", it is possible to request an item removal operation by spraying compressed air from either or both of the air nozzles 31A and 31B, which is not shown in Figure 5, as an NG judgment due to an abnormality or defect occurring upstream of the inspection unit 20.

[0047] The judgment signals output from the judgment means 46 are sequentially stored in a judgment result memory 47. This judgment result memory 47 is configured, for example, by a FIFO (First-In First-Out) memory, and here, a plurality of judgment signals can be stored sequentially in the order of judgment while updating a write address pointer by a "1" bit signal that is always included in the judgment signal.

[0048] The measurement time management timer 48 is a delay timer that, together with the judgment result memory 47, constitutes a delay means for delaying the output of the judgment result, and has a timer function that delays the timing of the judgment signal output from the judgment means 46 by a predetermined inspection time Tp from the time t0 when the inspection item detection sensor 15 detects the introduction of the item W.

[0049] The specified inspection time Tp set in the measurement time management timer 48 is based on the time it takes for the center of gravity of the item W to pass through the inspection section (L / V), which is calculated, for example, based on the conveying speed V of the item W and the length L of the inspection section 20 (see Figure 2), and is set for each type within the time range from the time the item W is detected by the inspection item detection sensor 15 to the time it is carried onto the conveyor unit 12 of the inspection section 20 and all or part of the item W's own weight is input as a load to the weighing section 22, and is set as a delay time that includes at least the time required for the item W's center of gravity to move on the conveying path surface of the conveyor unit 12 while its own weight is supported only by the conveyor unit 12 of the inspection section 20, at least a certain time required for weighing.

[0050] The control unit 40 thus has an inspection time management timer 48 that manages the inspection time Tp as a first delay time from the time t0 when a specific target point on the item W, for example, the leading edge Eh of the item W shown in Figure 1, is detected by the inspection item detection sensor 15 until the inspection result of the inspected item W in the inspection unit 20 is output from the judgment means 46.

[0051] Here, the judgment result memory 47 updates the write address pointer by a bit signal of "1" that is always included in the judgment signal from the judgment means 46, and updates the read address pointer every time it receives an output from the delay time management timer 53 of the sorting control unit 42. Furthermore, the reading of the judgment result by the judgment means 46 from the judgment result memory 47 is executed by the sorting command output unit 55 of the sorting control unit 42, and a judgment result signal is output from the judgment result memory 47 to the sorting command output unit 55 when the reading is executed.

[0052] When a predetermined setting request Rqm for a specific operation mode such as product type setting is made from the display operation unit 43, and multiple main parameters specifying the inspection conditions are set in that specific operation mode along with an item name or number (e.g., "A008" in FIG. 4) that identifies the product type, the product type registration memory 49 stores the parameters to be stored including at least the distance Lrj from the selected product detection position (second detection position) by the selected product detection sensor 17 to the upstream end of the discharge biasing section Za by the upstream air nozzle 31A, the length Lt from the leading edge Eh of the product W to the predetermined required pressure point Ep, and the conveying speed V2 of the conveyor unit 13 of the sorting section 30. Note that the length Lt may also be registered as the length (Lw-Lt) from the trailing edge Et of the product W to the predetermined required pressure point Ep.

[0053] Here, the length Lt from the tip Eh of the item W to a predetermined required pressure point Ep is set as a parameter for sorting control as a conveying time Lt / V corresponding to the conveying speed V2, and if it is clear from the storage form and shape of the contents of the item W that the center of gravity position of the item W to be excluded is biased in a specific direction (either forward or backward in the conveying direction) relative to the center Ec of the conveying direction length Lw (= Tw·V) based on the detection information of the sorted item detection sensor 17, or if it is clear that the pressure center position of the wind pressure in the discharge direction due to the blowing of compressed air is biased in a specific direction from the center Ec of the conveying direction length, then the length Lt is set to a value different from the conveying time (Tw / 2) corresponding to the apparent center of gravity position Ec of the item W; otherwise, it is set to a value equal to the conveying time (Tw / 2) corresponding to the center of gravity position of the item W.

[0054] The length Lt from the tip Eh of this item W to the predetermined required pressure point Ep means the transport distance from when the inspected item W that has entered the sorting section Z2 begins to enter the discharge biasing area Za in front of the air nozzle 31A until the pressure-receiving area of the compressed air increases to a level where the item W can be removed, and makes it possible to automatically adjust to the optimum timing for generating an effective wind pressure load when compressed air begins to be sprayed from the air nozzle 31A.

[0055] For the discharge energization section Za of the air nozzle 31A, the sorting delay time Td = (Tx + Tw) from the time t11 when the leading edge Eh of the inspected article W enters the sorting section Z2 and is detected by the sorted article detection sensor 17 until the essential pressure point Ep begins to enter the discharge energization area Za in front of the air nozzle 31A can be calculated as the conveying distance (Lrj + Lt) / the conveying speed V2. For the discharge energization section Zb of the downstream air nozzle 31B, the sorting delay time Td is the conveying time until the inspected article W begins to enter the discharge energization area Zb in front of the air nozzle 31B, so it can be calculated as the conveying distance (Lrj + Lnp + Lt) / the conveying speed V2, to which the conveying time Lnp / V2 corresponding to the nozzle pitch Lnp is added.

[0056] The length Lt from the leading edge Eh of the article W to a predetermined required pressure point Ep stored in the product type registration memory 49 is automatically set by default to a value corresponding to a minimum timing adjustment amount α (time) when an input (e.g., plus (+) or minus (-)) specifying the direction of deviation (leading edge or trailing edge) from the center Ec of the length Lw of the article W in the conveying direction is made. For example, if an input specifying the direction of deviation (leading edge or trailing edge) from the center Ec of the length Lw of the article W in the conveying direction is made, the length Lt is automatically set by default to a value corresponding to a minimum timing adjustment amount α (time). For a required pressure point Ep on the leading edge of the conveying direction, the length Lt is set to (Tw / 2)-α from the leading edge Eh. For a required pressure point Ep on the trailing edge of the conveying direction, the length Lt is set to (Tw / 2)+α from the leading edge Eh. In this case, the timing adjustment amount α is preset as an adjustment time n·α (n is a natural number) suitable for gradually adjusting the timing of blowing compressed air. If the center of gravity of the article W is shifted relative to the center of the length Lw in the conveying direction depending on the product type, the adjustment amount α may be gradually increased depending on the magnitude of the deviation to set the adjustment amount n·α. Furthermore, based on the center of gravity of the net product in a container such as a packaging box, the required pressure point Ep, which is multiple times the minimum adjustment time, may be set to approach the pressure point of the optimal calculated value.

[0057] In addition, if it is clear from the appearance of the item W that the center point at which the item W receives wind pressure from the side during transport is off the center of the transport direction length based on the detection information of the selected item detection sensor, the essential pressure point Ep can be set toward the center of the wind pressure, thereby ensuring stable discharge force by effectively receiving wind pressure.

[0058] In other words, the display operation unit 43 and the product type registration memory 49 constitute a pressure point setting means that, when an exhaust force using compressed air is applied to the product W outside the sorting and conveying path from the air nozzle 31A and / or 31B, sets the required pressure point Ep of the product W for each product type of the product W as a conveying time Lt / V (or (Lw-Lt) / V from the rear end Et) corresponding to the distance Lt in the conveying direction from one end of the product W in the conveying direction, for example, the leading end Eh, and the conveying speed V.

[0059] On the other hand, the delay time management timer 53 of the sorting control unit 42 has a management function of setting and timer-measuring the sorting delay time Td, which is set using the delay time (Tw+Tx) from the detection time t11 when one end of the item W, for example the leading end Eh, is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17 until the required pressure point Ep of the item enters the discharge energization section Za, based on the registered information in the product registration memory 49, and at the time-up time t13 when the sorting delay time Td has elapsed from the detection time t11, it outputs an output signal t13 to the judgment result memory 47 notifying that the sorting delay time Td has elapsed, updating the read address pointer and outputting the output signal t13 to the sorting command output unit 55, functioning as a delay time management means. When the length Lt is registered in the product type registration memory 49 as the length (Lw-Lt) from the rear end Et of the article W to the predetermined required pressure point Ep, the delay time management timer 53 sets and counts a sorting delay time Td that is set to the same value as the delay time Tx from the detection time t12 when the rear end Et of the article W is detected by the selected article detection sensor 17 to the time when the required pressure point Ep of the article enters the discharge energization section Za. Needless to say, the delay time (Tw+Tx) is the speed value ((Lrj+Lt) / V) obtained by dividing the transport distance (Lrj+Lt) from the detection position by the selected article detection sensor 17 to the upstream end of the discharge energization section Za by the leading end Eh of the article W, Lrj, until the required pressure point Ep reaches the upstream end of the discharge energization section Za, by the sorting transport time V2. Therefore, the sorting delay time Tx can be calculated by the formula (Lrj+Lt) / V-Tw.

[0060] In addition, the sorting command output unit 55 outputs a sorting command signal RJ1, RJ2 or OFF corresponding to the judgment result NG1, NG2 or OK of the judgment means 46 to the air supply control mechanism unit 35 of the sorting unit 30 for a predetermined command time Tw' from the time-out point t13 of the delay time management timer 53, and when the sorting command signal RJ1 or / and RJ2 is output, it drives the corresponding solenoid valves 32A and / or 32B to open and spray compressed air from the corresponding air nozzles 31A and / or 31B.

[0061] In this embodiment, either end of the conveying direction of the item W can be the rear end Et of the conveying direction of the item W, and in that case, the delay time management timer 53 manages the sorting delay time, which is set using the delay time Tx from the detection time t12 when the rear end Et of the conveying direction of the item W is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17 until the required pressure point Ep of the item W enters the discharge energization section Za of the sorting conveying path.

[0062] In this case, if a timing signal is supplied to the sorting command output unit 55 notifying the passage of a conveying time Tw equivalent to the actual measured length of the item W (the time from detection time t11 to detection time t12) from the time-out point t13 of the delay time management timer 53, the sorting command output unit 55 can control the command time Tw' of the sorting command signal to a necessary and sufficient time equivalent to the item length time Tw, in accordance with the item length time Tw from the first detection point t11 when the front end Eh of the item W in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17 to the second detection point t12 when the rear end Et of the item W in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17.

[0063] 6(a), when the product W is a standard-sized net product heavier than the container Wex, such as a tube product P2 containing a paste with a cap P1 as shown in FIG. 6(a), packed in a standard-sized packaging box or other container Wex, and the center of gravity Ep' of the net product P2 is off from the center position Ec of the product W in the conveying direction, the product type registration memory 49 serving as the pressure point setting means sets the length Lt from the tip Eh of the product W to the predetermined required pressure point Ep, as described above, so that the required pressure point Ep of the product W can be set closer to the center position Ep' of the net product within the product length Lw (see FIG. 6) than the center Ec of the product length Lw in the conveying direction. Note that in FIG. 6(a), the adjustment amount α is set smaller than the distance between the center Ec of the product length Lw and the center of gravity Ep' of the net product P2, but this can be made closer by resetting or changing the adjustment amount α by multiplying it by n (for example, doubling it). The same applies when the net item in a container Wex, such as a packaging box for item W, is a candy or other snack P4 with a gripping stick P3 as shown in Figure 6(b), a can or plastic-cased product P6 with a tool P5 for removing the product or opening the can as shown in Figure 6(c), or a food item P8, such as a frankfurter or grilled meat, with a gripping stick or comb P7 as shown in Figure 6(d).

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(a), when the article W is in a product form with protrusions Wk for hanging or gripping, and the centroid position Eu' of the projected shape as seen in the direction of discharge bias by compressed air from the air nozzles 31A and / or 31B of the sorting unit 30 is off from the center position Ec of the article in the conveying direction, the product type registration memory 49 as a pressure point setting means can be set, as described above, to move the required pressure point Ep of the article W closer to the centroid position Eu' of the projected shape as seen in the direction of discharge bias from the center Ec of the article length Lw in the conveying direction. Note that in Figure 7(a), the adjustment amount α is set to be smaller than the distance between the centroid position Eu' and the center Ec of the article length Lw, but this can be made closer by resetting or changing the setting by multiplying the adjustment amount α by n (for example, doubling it). The same is true for a product form in which the projected figure of the item W as viewed in the direction of discharge force exerted by the compressed air in the container or outer packaging Wex is packaged with a support plate and wrapping material with a window Wk2 for hanging or holding, as shown in Figure 7(b), and the weight part is located at the lower end, or a product form in which a food product with a stick or a product with a handle (or multiple products) is packaged with a backing and a transparent plastic case, as shown in Figure 7(c).

[0065] In this embodiment, the item inspection device is equipped with an air jet type sorting unit 30 (discharge mechanism unit) that responds to the input of a sorting command signal RJ1, RJ2 or OFF and discharges inspected items W within a predetermined sorting section Z2 out of the conveying path depending on the inspection results in the inspection unit 20, and a control unit 40 that has an inspection control unit 41 and a sorting control unit 42.If it is clear from the storage form and shape of the contents of the item W that the center of gravity position of the item W to be excluded is biased in a specific direction (either forward or backward in the conveying direction) with respect to the center Ec of the conveying direction length Lw (= Tw·V) based on the detection information of the sorted item detection sensor 17, or if it is clear that the pressure receiving center position Eu' of the discharge force (wind pressure load) due to the blowing of compressed air is biased in a specific direction from the center Ec of the conveying direction length, the value is set to a value different from the value (Tw / 2) corresponding to the apparent center of gravity position of the item W; otherwise, it is set to the value (Tw / 2) corresponding to the center of gravity position of the item W.

[0066] The delay time management timer 53 manages a predetermined sorting delay time Td using the delay time (Tw+Tx) or delay time Tx from the detection time t11 or t12 when the leading end Eh or trailing end Et of the item W is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17 until the required pressure point Ep of the item W enters the discharge energization section Za, and the sorting command output unit 55 inputs a sorting command signal Rj1, RJ2 or OFF to the sorting unit 30 depending on the inspection results in the inspection unit 20 for a predetermined command time Tw' from the time-out time t13 of the delay time management timer 53.

[0067] Next, the operation will be described.

[0068] In the item inspection device 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, when the items W to be inspected are sequentially transported from the conveyor unit 11 on the upstream side to the inspection section 20 side at a predetermined conveying pitch and conveying speed V, and each item W is detected by the inspection item detection sensor 15 for detecting the item being transported at the entrance side of the inspection section Z1, measurement is performed by the weighing section 22 in response to the item detection signal d1, the item weight is calculated by the weight calculation means 45, and a judgment signal in response to the judgment result of the judgment means 46 is stored in sequence in the judgment result memory 47 based on the output of the measurement time management timer 48, which notifies that a predetermined inspection time Tp has elapsed from the time t0 when the item W was transported, and the signal information contained in the judgment signal.

[0069] Furthermore, the judgment result for each item stored in the judgment result memory 47 is read out and output from the judgment result memory 47 to the sorting command output unit 55 at time t13, when a further sorting delay time Td has elapsed from the second detection time t12, when the rear end Et of the item W in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17, in accordance with the output of the delay time management timer 53.

[0070] When the sorting command from the sorting command output unit 55 is an ON signal for the discharge command RJ1 or / and RJ2, the solenoid valves 32A and / or 32B of the air supply control mechanism unit 35 of the sorting unit 30 are driven to open in accordance with the timing of the issuance of the sorting command and the retention time Tw' from the time t13 of the issuance, and compressed air is sprayed from the air nozzles 31A and / or 32B, so that the item W being transported is forced in the direction of discharge outside the conveying path by the wind pressure received from the side, and the item W is blown out of the conveying path or slips out due to the wind pressure load.

[0071] Furthermore, when the sorting command from the sorting command output unit 55 is an OFF signal for RJ1 and / or RJ2, the solenoid valves 32A and / or 32B of the air supply control mechanism unit 35 of the sorting unit 30 are kept in a closed state, so that compressed air is not sprayed from the air nozzles 31A and / or 32B, and the items W that have entered the specific discharge energization section Za and / or Zb on the conveyor unit 13 are not subjected to wind pressure from the side of the items W being transported.

[0072] Therefore, when the sorting command from the sorting command output unit 55 is an OFF signal for both RJ1 and RJ2, both solenoid valves 32A and 32B are held in a closed state, and neither air nozzle 31A nor 31B sprays compressed air, so that the item W is placed in a sorting state of passing through a path that moves downstream without being subjected to wind pressure from the side to the outside of the conveying path within the specific discharge energization sections Za and Zb.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, prior to such normal inspection and sorting operations, a predetermined setting request Rqm requesting a specific operation mode is made on the display operation unit 43, and major parameters are set under the specific operation mode at the time of product type registration, etc. Then, at that time, the inspection control unit 41 automatically sets a predetermined inspection time Tp based on the major parameters of the inspection unit 20, and the delay time management timer 53 of the sorting control unit 42 automatically sets a sorting delay time Td from the second detection time t12 by the selected item detection sensor 17.

[0074] That is, the delay time management timer 53 sets the delay time (Tw+Tx) from the detection time t11 or t12 when the leading end Eh or trailing end Et of the item W is detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17 until the required pressure point Ep of the item W enters the discharge energization section Za, or a sorting delay time Td set using the delay time Tx.

[0075] Furthermore, the display and operation unit 43 requests the operator to input a sample of the item W whose variety has been registered into the item inspection device 1. When the sample of the item W is input, the leading edge Eh of the item W is detected by the inspection item detection sensor 15, and then a weight inspection is performed in the inspection section 20 within a predetermined inspection time Tp. The inspected item W is then transported onto the conveyor unit 13 of the sorting section 30 and detected by the sorted item detection sensor 17. The appropriateness of the automatically set sorting delay time Td is confirmed from the detection point t12, and a reset or setting change process is performed to add an adjustment amount α as necessary.

[0076] Thereafter, when normal operation begins in which the weight inspection and sorting of the articles W are carried out, each time an article W is detected by the sorted article detection sensor 17, the delay time management timer 53 starts measuring the sorting delay time Td from the second detection time t12, and when the time-out time t13 is reached, a signal notifying the judgment result memory 47 and the sorting command output unit 55 of the elapsed time t13 of the sorting delay time Td, or a signal notifying the holding time Tw' of the sorting command for each type, is output. Then, the sorting command output unit 55 transmits a sorting command signal Rj1, RJ2 or OFF corresponding to the inspection result from the inspection unit 20 to the air supply control mechanism 35 of the sorting unit 30 for a fixed command time or a predetermined command time Tw'.

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, the required pressure point Ep of the item W is set in advance in association with the product type information as a conveying time Lt / V corresponding to the distance Lt in the conveying direction from one end of the item W in the conveying direction, for example, the tip Eh, and the conveying speed V. Then, when the first detection time t11 at which the leading edge Eh of the item W to be discharged is detected by the selected item detection sensor 17 is reached and a conveying time Tw equivalent to the length of the item W in the conveying direction has elapsed, the second detection time t12 at which the trailing edge Et is detected is reached, the sorting delay time Td from the second detection time t12 to the delay time Tx until the essential pressure point Ep enters the discharge energization section Za has elapsed, or the sorting delay time Td from the first detection time t11 to the delay time Tw+Tx until the essential pressure point Ep enters the discharge energization section Za has elapsed, and the delay time management timer 53 times out, the sorting command output unit 55 will input a sorting command signal to the air supply control mechanism unit 35 of the sorting unit 30 for a predetermined command time Tw' from that time t13.

[0078] Therefore, in cases where the net center of gravity position Ep' of the item W to be removed is biased in a specific direction relative to the center Ec of the conveying direction length Lw based on the detection information of the sorted item detection sensor 17, or where the pressure-receiving center position Eu' of the discharge force (wind pressure load) caused by the blowing of compressed air is biased in a specific direction from the center Ec of the conveying direction length Lw, by setting an essential pressure point Ep that can identify the bias direction and the minimum timing adjustment amount α, the timing of blowing air that forces the conveyed item W to be sorted in the removal direction from the side can be easily and accurately set without reducing productivity, and stable item W removal operation can be performed.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, one end of the conveying direction of the item W is the rear end Et of the item W in the conveying direction, and the delay time management timer 53 manages the predetermined sorting delay time Td using the delay time Tx from the second detection time t12 when the rear end Et of the item W in the conveying direction is detected by the selected item detection sensor 17 to the time when the essential pressure point Ep of the item W enters the discharge energization section of the sorting conveying path, and the sorting command output unit 55 controls the command time Tw' of the sorting command output unit 55 in accordance with the item length equivalent time Tw from the first detection time t11 when the front end Eh of the item W in the conveying direction is detected by the selected item detection sensor 17 to the second detection time t12 when the rear end Et of the item W in the conveying direction is detected by the selected item detection sensor 17. Therefore, the command time Tw' of the sorting command signal can be accurately controlled in accordance with the size of the item W.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the item W is a standard-sized packaging box or other container containing a standard-sized net item that is heavier than the container, and the center of gravity Ep' of the net item is off from the center position Ec of the item W in the conveying direction, the product type registration memory 49, which serves as a pressure point setting means, sets the aforementioned length Lt and conveying speed V2, etc. as setting parameters for each product type in addition to the aforementioned distance Lrj based on the specifications of the sorting unit 30, and based on these setting parameter values, the required pressure point Ep of the item W can be set closer to the center of gravity Ep' of the net item within the item length Lw than the center Ec of the item length Lw in the conveying direction.

[0081] Therefore, from the position information of the essential pressure point Ep, it is possible to identify the direction in which the net center of gravity Ep' of the item W deviates from the apparent center of gravity Ec of the item W based on the detection information of the selected item detection sensor 17 and the corresponding transport time Tw / 2. Therefore, the direction in which the timing of blowing compressed air relative to at least the apparent center of gravity Ec of the item W should be adjusted is identified, and the timing of blowing air that urges the transported item W to be sorted from the side in the removal direction can be easily and accurately set.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, even if the centroid position Eu' of the projected shape of the article W as seen in the discharge bias direction by the compressed air from the air supply control mechanism 35 of the sorting unit 30 is off from the center position Ec of the article W in the conveying direction, the product type registration memory 49 as a pressure point setting means can set the aforementioned length Lt and conveying speed V2, etc. as setting parameters for each product type in addition to the aforementioned distance Lrj based on the specifications of the sorting unit 30, and based on these setting parameter values, can set the required pressure point Ep of the article W to the centroid Eu' side of the projected shape as seen in the discharge bias direction from the center Ec of the article length in the conveying direction. Therefore, the direction in which the timing should be adjusted is identified for at least the apparent compressed air blowing timing of the article W, and the timing of blowing air to urge the transported article W to be sorted in the removal direction from the side can be easily and accurately set.

[0083] As described above, in the article inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the air supply control mechanism 35 of the sorting unit 30 includes a selected article detection sensor 17 arranged on the entrance side of a predetermined sorting section Z2, and a pressure point setting means that sets the essential pressure point Ep of the article W when an exhaust force of compressed air is applied from the air supply control mechanism 35 of the sorting unit 30 to the outside of the conveying path as a conveying time Lt / V corresponding to the distance Lt in the conveying direction from the leading end Eh of the article W in the conveying direction and the conveying speed V (or as a conveying time (Lw-Lt) / V corresponding to the distance (Lw-Lt) from the trailing end Et to the forward side in the conveying direction and the conveying speed V), for each type of article W. The device has a product type registration memory 49 as a sorting unit, a delay time management timer 53 that manages the delay time (Tw+Tx) or the sorting delay time Td that is set using the delay time Tx from the detection time t11 or t12 when the leading end Eh or trailing end Et (either end) of the product W is detected by the sorted product detection sensor 17 until the required pressure point of the product W enters the discharge energization section Za, and a sorting command output unit 55 that inputs a sorting command signal RJ1, RJ2 or OFF to the air supply control mechanism unit 35 of the sorting unit 30 depending on the inspection results in the inspection unit 20 for a predetermined command time Tw' from the time-out time t13 of the delay time management timer 53.

[0084] Then, the required pressure point Ep of the item W is set in advance in association with the information on its type, for example as a conveying time Lt / V, and when the sorting delay time Td, which is set using the delay time Tx from the detection time t12 until the required pressure point Ep of the item W enters the discharge energization section Za, has elapsed and the delay time management timer 53 times out, the sorting command output unit 55 inputs a sorting command signal Rj1, Rj2 or OFF to the air supply control mechanism unit 35 of the sorting unit 30 for a predetermined command time Tw' from that time t13.

[0085] Therefore, in cases where the center of gravity position Ep' of the item W to be removed is biased in a specific direction relative to the center Ec of the conveying direction length based on the detection information of the selected item detection sensor 17, or where the pressure receiving center position Eu' of the ejection force due to the blowing of compressed air is biased in a specific direction from the center of the conveying direction length, by setting an essential pressure point Ep that can identify the bias direction and the minimum timing adjustment amount α, the timing of blowing air that forces the conveyed item W to be selected from the side in the removal direction can be easily and accurately set, resulting in an item inspection device that can perform stable item W removal operations.

[0086] As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily and accurately set the timing of blowing air to force the transported item W to be sorted in the removal direction from the side without reducing productivity, and to provide a sorting device and item inspection device that can perform stable item W removal operations.

[0087] In the embodiment described above, the leading edge Eh is used as the focus point for identifying the position of the essential pressure point Ep of the article W, but as described above, the position of the essential pressure point Ep can be identified using the rear end of the article W as the focus point. Also, taking into account the workpiece transport time Tw, which is the transport direction length Lw of the article W divided by the transport speed V, the output time of the sorting command signal from the sorting command output unit 55 to the air supply control mechanism unit 35 can be increased or decreased, or, instead of such variable control, a sorting command signal can be output for a fixed period of time each time the article W passes through each discharge biasing section Za, Zb, etc., as described above.

[0088] Furthermore, the inspection method of the inspection unit 20 is not limited to weighing or measuring by the weighing unit 22, and it may of course be various other types of inspection devices, such as foreign object detection, missing item inspection, packaging defects, and visual inspection, and the main setting parameters may change accordingly. However, the present invention can be effectively applied when the inspection process in the inspection unit 20 can be carried out in a relatively short cycle and at a relatively high conveying speed.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, for convenience of illustration, the air nozzles 31A, 31B are illustrated as facing in the same direction and arranged in parallel at a predetermined nozzle pitch Lnp in the conveying direction, but they may also be arranged opposite each other so that the compressed air spray directions intersect, or arranged opposite each other so that the air outlets face the conveyor unit 13 but are arranged at a predetermined nozzle pitch Lnp in the conveying direction, or the spray direction of compressed air may be set to be inclined downstream with respect to the article conveying direction. Furthermore, it is also possible to use air pressure to perform suction biasing on the articles W in the discharge biasing sections Za, Zb from vertically above, or to perform upward biasing from below.

[0090] Furthermore, while the sorting delay time management means of the present invention is configured as a delay time management timer 53 in the above-described embodiment, it can also be configured to manage the sorting delay time on a conveyance distance basis. That is, as shown in Fig. 8, a means (delay time equivalent distance calculation means) can be provided that detects the conveyance direction position of the article W at the time t12 when the rear end of the article W is detected by the selected article detection sensor 17 based on a detection signal or control signal of the rotational position or displacement of the conveyance drive motor 51 of the conveyor unit 13, such as output pulses ple from a rotary encoder 52 (encoder) that detects the rotational angular displacement of the conveyance drive motor 51 in predetermined angular units, and then calculates the article conveyance distance Lm (distance equivalent to the delay time) corresponding to the sorting delay time based on the number of output pulses and resolution (number of pulses / revolution) of the rotary encoder 52 and the driving radius rc of the conveyor belt, etc., of the article W. In this case, the rotary encoder 52 can be an incremental type rotary encoder that outputs, for example, A-phase and B-phase signals whose pulses rise at different phases, and a Z-phase signal whose pulse rises with each rotation. Furthermore, the delay time management means of the present invention may be, for example, a rotary encoder 52 (which may also be a linear encoder that measures the travel distance of the belt surface) that detects the rotational displacement of the conveying drive motor 51 that drives the conveyor unit 13 of the conveying section 10 in predetermined angular units and outputs a detection pulse every predetermined angle (predetermined pulse period ut), and a count circuit 42a that counts the output pulses ple of the rotary encoder 52 and takes in the item detection signal d2 of the selected item detection sensor 17 as a signal requesting clearing of the count value within the sorting control section 42, so that the count value of the encoder output pulses in the count circuit 42a is cleared (resets) at the first detection time t11 or the second detection time t12, which are the times at which the selected item is detected, and the sorting delay time Td after the selected item detection time t11 can be grasped as the conveying distance (Lrj + Lt) / conveying speed (V2) corresponding to the sorting delay time Td (= np × ut) based on the count value np of the encoder output pulses ple, which begins to be counted anew from the selected item detection time t11.

[0091] As described above, the article inspection device of the present invention can provide a sorting device and an article inspection device that can easily and accurately set the timing of the air blow that urges the transported article to be sorted in the direction of removal from the side, and that can perform stable article removal operations. The present invention is useful for sorting devices such as air jet types that require article removal in a short period of time, and for article inspection devices in general in which the sorting device is arranged as a sorting unit downstream of an inspection unit that performs article inspection. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Item inspection equipment 10 Conveying section 11, 12, 13, 14 Conveyor units 15 Inspection item detection sensor 17 Sorting item detection sensor 20 Inspection Department 21 Weighing Platform 22 Weighing section (measuring section) 30 Sorting section (discharge mechanism section) 31A, 31B Air nozzle 32A, 32B solenoid valves 33 Air Tank 34 Filter regulator 35 Air supply control mechanism (sorting drive control means) 36A, 36B Shoot 40 Control Unit 41 Inspection control section 42 Sorting control section 42a Counting circuit 43 Display operation section 44 Sampling Circuit 44a Switch 45 Weight calculation means 46 Judgment means 47 Judgment result memory 48 Measurement time management timer 49 Product registration memory 51 Transport drive motor 52 Rotary Encoder (Encoder) 53 Delay time management timer (delay time setting means, selection delay time timer) 55 Sorting command output unit (sorting command means) 91 Air source d1 detection signal (inspection item detection signal, first detection signal) d2 detection signal (sorted item detection signal, second detection signal) Ec center (center of length in the conveying direction of the item) Eh tip Ep Required pressure point Ep´ Center of gravity (center of gravity position) Et rear end Eu´ Pressure receiving center position (centroid position) L Machine length (length of inspection section in conveying direction) Lm Item transport distance (distance equivalent to delay time) Lnp nozzle pitch Lrj distance (distance from the second detection position to the upstream end of the discharge energizing section) Lt Length (length from the tip of the item to the required pressure point) Lw: Length of the item (length in the direction of conveyance) NG1, NG2 judgment results (defect judgment) np count value OK judgment result (good product judgment) P1 Cap P2 Tube Product (Net) P3 Stick P4 Candy and other sweets P5 Can Opening Tool P6 Canned products P7 Stick or Comb P8 Food ple output pulse RJ1, RJ2 sorting command (discharge command) t0: Detection time (detection time of incoming goods, detection time of inspected goods) t11 Detection time (first detection time, detection time of the leading edge of the sorted item) t12 Detection time (second detection time, detection time of rear end of sorted item) t13 point (elapsed time, time-up point, occurrence point, output signal) Td Sorting delay time ts Stabilization wait time Tw, Tw1, Tw2 Transport time (transport time equivalent to the length of the item) Tx delay time (predetermined sorting delay time from the second detection point) ut Predetermined pulse period V, V1, V2 conveyance speed Z1 Inspection section (inspection transport route) Z2 Sorting section (Sorting transport route) Za, Zb Discharge energization section α Adjustment amount (minimum adjustment time, minimum adjustment time)

Claims

1. A sorting device comprising: a conveying unit (10) for conveying an article (W) along a predetermined sorting conveying path (13); a discharge mechanism unit (30) for discharging the article that has entered a specific discharge energized section (Za) in the sorting conveying path out of the sorting conveying path by compressed air in response to a sorting command signal input; and a control unit (40) for controlling the discharge mechanism unit, a sorted article detection sensor (17) disposed on the entrance side of the predetermined sorting and conveying path and detecting the article; a pressure point setting means (49) for setting, for each type of the article, a required pressure point (Ep) of the article when the discharge mechanism applies a discharge force to the outside of the sorting and conveying path by the compressed air, as a conveying time (Lt / V or (Lw-Lt) / V) corresponding to the distance in the conveying direction from either end (Eh or Et) of the article in the conveying direction and the conveying speed; a delay time management means (53) for managing a sorting delay time (Td) that is set using a delay time ((Tw+Tx) or Tx) from the time point (t11 or t12) when either one end of the article in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted article detection sensor until the essential pressure point of the article enters the discharge bias section (Za); A sorting device characterized by having a sorting command means (55) that inputs the sorting command signal to the discharge mechanism unit for a predetermined command time from the time-out point (t13) of the delay time management means.

2. The one end in the conveying direction of the article is a rear end (Et) in the conveying direction of the article, The delay time management means manages a sorting delay time that is set using a delay time (Tx) from the time point (t12) when the rear end of the article in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted article detection sensor to the time when the essential pressure point of the article enters the discharge bias section (Za) of the sorting conveying path, and The sorting device described in claim 1, characterized in that the sorting command means controls the command time (Tw') of the sorting command signal in accordance with the item length equivalent time (Tw) from the first detection point (t11) when the front end (Eh) of the item in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted item detection sensor to the second detection point (t12) when the rear end (Et) of the item in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted item detection sensor.

3. The article is a standard-sized packaging box or other container containing a standard-sized net product that is heavier than the container, and the center of gravity of the net product is off the center position of the article in the conveying direction, The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure point setting means sets the required pressure point of the item closer to the center of gravity of the net item within the item length than the center of the item length in the conveying direction.

4. the centroid position of a projection of the object as seen in the direction of the discharge biasing force exerted by the compressed air from the discharge mechanism is offset from the center position of the object in the conveyance direction, The sorting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pressure point setting means sets the required pressure point of the item closer to the centroid position of the projected surface shape as viewed in the discharge force direction than the center of the item length in the conveying direction.

5. The delay time management means includes an encoder (52) that detects the rotational angular displacement of the conveying drive motor (51) that drives the conveying section in units of a predetermined angle and outputs a detection pulse for each predetermined angle, and a counting circuit (42a) that counts the output pulses (ple) of the encoder and inputs the detection signal of the sorted item detection sensor, and the sorting delay time is determined based on the count value (np) of the output pulses of the encoder after the detection point at which one end (Et) of the item in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted item detection sensor.

6. An article inspection device comprising: a conveying section (10) for conveying an article (W) along a predetermined conveying path (12, 13); an inspection section (20) for inspecting a predetermined quality state of the article being conveyed within a predetermined inspection section (Z1) on the conveying path; an air jet type discharge mechanism section (30) for discharging inspected articles within a predetermined sorting section (Z2) on the conveying path out of the conveying path in response to a sorting command signal input, in accordance with the inspection result of the inspection section; and a control section (40) having an inspection control section (41) for controlling the inspection section and a sorting control section (42) for controlling the discharge mechanism section, The discharge mechanism includes a sorted article detection sensor (17) disposed on the entrance side of the predetermined sorting section; a pressure point setting means (43, 49) for setting a required pressure point of the article when the discharge mechanism applies a discharge force to the article from the compressed air out of the conveying path as a conveying time (Lt / V or (Lw-Lt) / V) corresponding to a distance in the conveying direction from either end (Eh or Et) of the article in the conveying direction and a conveying speed for each type of article; a delay time management means (53) for managing a sorting delay time that is set using a delay time ((Tw+Tx) or Tx) from the time point (t11 or t12) when either end of the article in the conveying direction is detected by the sorted article detection sensor until the essential pressure point of the article enters the discharge bias section (Za); An item inspection device characterized by having a sorting command means (55) that inputs the sorting command signal to the discharge mechanism section in accordance with the inspection results in the inspection section for a predetermined command time from the time-out point (t13) of the delay time management means.

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