Measuring device and sorting device

Abstract

To improve adhesion prevention performance of an object to a transparent member.SOLUTION: A measuring apparatus for measuring state of an object comprises: an electromagnetic wave irradiation source which irradiates an object during transfer on a transfer route with electromagnetic wave; a sensor which detects electromagnetic wave radiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and associated with the object; an identification which identifies a state of the object on the basis of a signal acquired by the sensor with respect to the electromagnetic wave associated with the object; a transparent member which partitions a first side on which the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and the sensor are positioned and a second side on which the transfer route is positioned; an ionizer for generating static elimination air; and a static elimination air injection part which ejects static elimination air in parallel to the transparent member or toward the transparent member on the second side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to optical measurement techniques. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical sorting machines (hereinafter simply referred to as sorters) have been known for some time. They identify and remove foreign objects and defective products contained in sorting targets (hereinafter simply referred to as targets) moving along a transport path using optical information obtained by an optical sensor when light from a light source is irradiated onto the targets. This type of sorting machine may be equipped with a transparent member separating the installation space for the light source and optical sensor from the transport path. This prevents dust generated during the transport of the targets, or the targets themselves, from entering the installation space for the light source and optical sensor. However, even with this configuration, if dust or targets adhere to the transparent member, the optical transparency of the transparent member may be impaired, reducing the detection sensitivity of the optical sensor. Furthermore, the adhered targets may appear in images captured by the optical sensor, reducing the ability to identify foreign objects and defective products.

[0003] For this reason, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for forming an air curtain parallel to a transparent member using a blower and an exhaust fan. According to this technique, the air curtain prevents dust and objects scattered toward the transparent member from reaching the transparent member from the transfer path, thereby preventing the dust and objects from adhering to the transparent member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-65367 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, increasing the air volume of the air curtain to improve adhesion prevention performance impedes the smooth transport of the objects, resulting in limitations on the air volume. As a result, high adhesion prevention performance cannot be achieved. If objects tend to adhere to the transparent member, the supply of objects must be stopped and the transparent member must be cleaned frequently, reducing processing efficiency. In particular, lightweight objects with low moisture content (e.g., crushed plastic, resin pellets, sesame seeds, coffee husks) are prone to static electricity even before being fed into the sorting machine. When statically charged objects pass through the air curtain and adhere to the transparent member, the transparent member also becomes charged, making the objects more likely to adhere to the transparent member. Furthermore, once statically charged objects adhere to the transparent member, the static electricity makes them difficult to remove. For these reasons, it is expected to improve the ability to prevent objects from adhering to the transparent member and / or to make it easier to remove objects adhering to the transparent member. This is not limited to sorting machines, but is also common to measuring devices for measuring the condition of objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measuring device for measuring the state of an object, the measuring device including: an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate an object being transported on a transport path with electromagnetic waves; a sensor configured to detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and associated with the object; an identification unit configured to identify the state of the object based on a signal obtained by the sensor regarding the electromagnetic waves associated with the object; a transparent member separating a first side where the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and the sensor are located from a second side where the transport path is located; an ionizer configured to generate static elimination air; and a static elimination air injection unit configured to inject static elimination air on the second side parallel to or toward the transparent member.

[0008] The electromagnetic wave irradiation source may irradiate at least one of visible light, near-infrared light, and X-rays. The "electromagnetic wave associated with the object" may be reflected electromagnetic wave, which is light reflected by the object, transmitted light, which is light transmitted through the object, or both reflected and transmitted electromagnetic wave.

[0009] According to this measuring device, when the static elimination air is sprayed parallel to the transparent member, even if a statically charged object is scattered toward the transparent member from the transport path, the object comes into contact with the static elimination air and is de-ionized. Therefore, the object is less likely to adhere to the transparent member. Even if the object does adhere to the transparent member, the transparent member is prevented from becoming electrically charged. Therefore, the tendency for objects to adhere to the transparent member due to static electricity can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the conventional air curtain method described above, the necessary adhesion prevention effect can be achieved with a smaller air volume. Therefore, the static elimination air does not interfere with the smooth transport of the object. Furthermore, when the static elimination air is sprayed toward the transparent member, the object is less likely to adhere to the transparent member, just as when the static elimination air is sprayed parallel to the transparent member. Even if the transparent member becomes electrically charged, the static elimination air also de-ionizes the transparent member when it comes into contact with the transparent member. Therefore, the tendency for the transparent member to become electrically charged and for statically charged objects to adhere to it can be reduced. Furthermore, even if an object reaches or adheres to the transparent member, the object comes into contact with the static elimination air and is neutralized, eliminating the adhesive force caused by static electricity. This allows objects that have reached or adhered to the transparent member to be easily removed by the static elimination air. Alternatively, the object can be removed with a small amount of airflow.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the static elimination air spraying section is configured to spray static elimination air toward the transparent member. According to this aspect, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the static elimination air spraying section is provided with an opening for spraying static elimination air, the opening being angled at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the transparent member. With this configuration, the static elimination air is sprayed at an angle of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to the transparent member (and thus to objects attached to the transparent member), thereby improving the effect of blowing off and removing the attached objects with the static elimination air.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the measuring device includes a controller configured to control the spraying of static elimination air from the static elimination air sprayer. The controller is configured to constantly spray static elimination air while the object is being transported along the transport path. According to this aspect, the static elimination air is constantly sprayed, so that the effect of preventing the object from adhering to the transparent member and / or the effect of removing the object adhering to the transparent member can be constantly obtained. Therefore, a decrease in the detection sensitivity of the optical sensor and a decrease in the ability to identify foreign objects and defective products can be effectively suppressed.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the measuring device includes a controller configured to control the spraying of static elimination air from the static elimination air spray unit. The controller is configured to spray static elimination air at a predetermined timing when the object is not being transported on the transfer path. The timing when the object is not being transported on the transfer path can be used to remove the object adhering to the transparent member. When the object is not being transported on the transfer path, the flow of static elimination air does not interfere with the smooth transfer of the object, so the object adhering to the transparent member can be reliably removed with a large spray volume and / or a large spray pressure.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the measuring device includes a controller configured to control the injection of static elimination air from the static elimination air injection unit. The controller is configured to execute a first control for constantly injecting static elimination air while the object is being transported on the transfer path, and a second control for injecting static elimination air at a predetermined timing when the object is not being transported on the transfer path. At least one of the injection volume and injection pressure of the static elimination air in the second control is greater than at least one of the injection volume and injection pressure of the static elimination air in the first control. This aspect can achieve both the effects of the fourth aspect and the fifth aspect.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting device. The sorting device includes the measuring device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and a sorting unit configured to sort objects based on the identification result of the identification unit. This sorting device can achieve the same effects as any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the sorting unit includes a spray nozzle that sprays air toward specific objects determined based on the identification result of the identification unit. The sorting unit is configured to sort the specific objects by changing the transfer trajectory of the specific objects with the air sprayed from the spray nozzle. The static-eliminating air spray unit is further configured to spray static-eliminating air toward the spray nozzle. According to this aspect, even if the objects are scattered from the transfer path toward the spray nozzle and accumulate on the spray nozzle, the objects can be blown away and removed with the static-eliminating air. Moreover, even if the objects are charged with static electricity, the adhesive force due to the static electricity can be released as in the first aspect, so that the adhering objects can be easily removed with the static-eliminating air. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a sorting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the internal structure of the sorting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2, showing an air curtain formed by the static elimination air. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration for spraying static elimination air. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the direction in which static elimination air is sprayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an optical sorting machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a sorting machine) 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sorting machine 10 is used to sort out foreign matter and defective products (e.g., irregularly shaped, continuous grains, and grains containing other materials) from resin pellets serving as objects 90. However, the objects 90 are not limited to resin pellets and may be any solid object. For example, the objects 90 may be rice, unhulled rice, wheat grains, sesame seeds, beans (soybeans, chickpeas, edamame beans, coffee beans, etc.), other resin materials, crushed plastic, rubber chips, etc.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the sorting machine 10 includes an optical detection unit 20, a storage tank 31, a feeder 32, a chute 33, a non-defective product discharge gutter 34, a defective product discharge gutter 35, a sorting unit 50, and a controller 80. The controller 80 controls the overall operation of the sorting machine 10. The controller 80 also functions as a recognition unit 81 and a static elimination air control unit 82. The functions of the controller 80 may be realized by a CPU executing a predetermined program, by a dedicated circuit, or by a combination of these. The recognition unit 81 and the static elimination air control unit 82 may be realized by a single integrated device. For example, the recognition unit 81 and the static elimination air control unit 82 may be two functions realized by a single CPU. Alternatively, the recognition unit 81 and the static elimination air control unit 82 may each be realized as separate devices. The functions of the controller 80 will be described in detail below.

[0020] The storage tank 31 temporarily stores the objects 90. The feeder 32 supplies the objects 90 stored in the storage tank 31 onto a chute 33, which is an example of an object transfer means. The objects 90 supplied onto the chute 33 slide downward on the chute 33 and fall from the bottom end of the chute 33. The chute 33 has a predetermined width (width in the chute width direction D2 shown in FIG. 2) that allows a large number of objects 90 to fall simultaneously. The objects 90 released into the air from the bottom end of the chute 33 fall (are transported through the air) generally in the inclined direction of the chute 33. The direction in which the objects 90 fall at this time is also referred to as the transport direction D1 of the objects 90.

[0021] The optical detection unit 20 irradiates light onto the object 90 that has slid down the chute 33 (i.e., the object 90 falling from the chute 33) and detects light associated with the object 90 (specifically, transmitted light that has passed through the object 90 and / or reflected light that has been reflected by the object 90). As shown in FIG. 1 , the optical detection unit 20 includes a first light source 21a and a second light source 21b as an example of an electromagnetic wave irradiation source, and a first optical sensor 23a and a second optical sensor 23b. The first light source 21a and the first optical sensor 23a are disposed on one side (also referred to as the front side) of a transfer path 95 (in other words, a falling trajectory) of the object 90. On the other hand, the second light source 21b and the second optical sensor 23b are disposed on the other side (also referred to as the rear side) of the transfer path 95 of the object 90.

[0022] In this embodiment, each of the first light source 21a and the second light source 21b is a light source unit for irradiating the object 90 being transported on the transport path 95 with visible light. The first light source 21a and the second light source 21b emit a first light 22a and a second light 22b, respectively. Each of the lights 22a and 22b has a wavelength corresponding to red, a wavelength corresponding to green, and a wavelength corresponding to blue. In this embodiment, each of the light sources 21a and 21b includes a so-called color LED.

[0023] The first optical sensor 23a and the second optical sensor 23b detect light emitted from the first light source 21a and the second light source 21b and associated with the object 90. Specifically, the front-side first optical sensor 23a can detect first light 22a emitted from the front-side first light source 21a and reflected by the object 90, and second light 22b emitted from the rear-side second light source 21b and transmitted through the object 90. The rear-side second optical sensor 23b can detect second light 22b emitted from the rear-side second light source 21b and reflected by the object 90, and first light 22a emitted from the front-side first light source 21a and transmitted through the object 90.

[0024] In this embodiment, each of the first optical sensor 23a and the second optical sensor 23b is a line sensor having a plurality of light-receiving elements linearly arranged in the chute width direction D2. However, each of the optical sensors 23a and 23b may also be an area sensor. Also, in this embodiment, each of the optical sensors 23a and 23b is a color CCD sensor capable of individually detecting red light, green light, and blue light. However, the optical sensors 23a and 23b may also be other types of sensors, such as a color CMOS sensor.

[0025] The optical detection unit 20 further includes a first transparent member 40a and a second transparent member 40b. The first transparent member 40a is disposed on the front side and separates the side where the first light source 21a and the first optical sensor 23a are located from the side where the transfer path 95 is located. Similarly, the second transparent member 40b is disposed on the rear side and separates the side where the second light source 21b and the second optical sensor 23b are located from the side where the transfer path 95 is located. This configuration prevents dust generated during the transfer of the object 90 or the object 90 itself from scattering and entering the installation spaces for the first light source 21a and the first optical sensor 23a and the second light source 21b and the second optical sensor 23b from the transfer path 95.

[0026] The outputs from the first optical sensor 23a and the second optical sensor 23b, i.e., analog signals representing the intensities of the detected light, are amplified by an AC / DC converter (not shown) at a predetermined gain and then converted into digital signals. These digital signals are input to the controller 80 as image data. The controller 80, as processing by the identification unit 81, identifies the state of the object 90 based on the input image. Such identification is performed for each of the objects 90.

[0027] In this embodiment, the state determined by the identifying unit 81 includes at least one of a color state (in other words, an optical state) and a shape and / or a size state. The state also includes at least one of a feature expressed by a physical quantity and a quality determined based on the feature.

[0028] The color feature amount includes the color gradation value of each pixel of the image representing the object 90. The shape and / or dimensional feature amount may include, for example, at least one of the area, height, width, perimeter, and circularity of the whole and / or part of the object 90.

[0029] In this embodiment, "quality" includes, for example, a distinction between non-defective products (i.e., resin pellets of relatively high quality) and defective products (i.e., resin pellets of relatively low quality and / or foreign matter). However, "quality" may also include the type of defect. Alternatively, "quality" may include a distinction between objects that should be removed in the sorting unit 50 and objects that should not be removed. Furthermore, "quality" includes quality determined based on the color state and quality determined based on the shape and / or dimensional state. Defective products determined based on the color state may include, for example, resin pellets of low purity (i.e., resin pellets mixed with other materials). Defective products determined based on the shape and / or dimensional state may include, for example, irregularly shaped or continuous pellets.

[0030] In this embodiment, the identification unit 81 determines whether the object 90 is a good or defective product by comparing the color feature (in other words, the gradation value of the image data) with a predetermined threshold (in other words, based on whether the color feature is within a predetermined normal range). Such a determination may be made based on a representative value (e.g., average, median, maximum, minimum, etc.) of the gradation values ​​of multiple pixels constituting the image of the object 90. Alternatively, the defective product may include an object 90 having a partial defect of a predetermined size or larger. Such a partial defect may be determined based on the criterion that the number of pixels constituting the image of the object 90 whose gradation values ​​are outside the normal range is a predetermined number or larger (in other words, the area of ​​the defective portion is a predetermined value or larger).

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the identification unit 81 determines whether the object 90 is a good or bad product by comparing the geometric and / or dimensional feature values ​​with a predetermined threshold value (in other words, based on whether the geometric and / or dimensional feature values ​​are within a predetermined normal range).

[0032] The sorting unit 50 sorts the objects 90 based on the state determined by the identification unit 81. This sorting is performed by a trajectory changing operation to change the trajectory of a specific object 90. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , the sorting unit 50 includes a plurality of jet nozzles 51 and a plurality of valves 53 arranged in the chute width direction D2. For simplicity's sake, FIG. 1 shows the number of jet nozzles 51 and the number of valves 53 as being the same. However, the correspondence between the number of jet nozzles 51 and the number of valves 53 actually depends on the number of openings 52 in the jet nozzle 51. Typically, one jet nozzle 51 includes a plurality of openings 52 arranged in the chute width direction D2. In this embodiment, the number of valves 53 and the number of openings 52 are the same, but a plurality of openings 52 may be provided for one valve 53.

[0033] More specifically, the identification unit 81 of the controller 80 determines a specific object 90 to be subjected to the trajectory change operation based on the state determined by the identification unit 81, and outputs a control signal to the valve 53 at a position corresponding to the specific object 90. In this embodiment, the specific object 90 is an object 90 identified as a foreign object or a defective product. However, the specific object 90 may be set arbitrarily. For example, air 54 may be sprayed against an object 90 identified as a non-defective product (so-called reverse shot).

[0034] In response to the control signal, the valve 53 is opened, and air 54 is sprayed from the corresponding opening 52 of the corresponding spray nozzle 51. A particular object 90 is blown away by the air 54, deviating from its falling trajectory along the transfer direction D1 and being guided to the defective product discharge gutter 35 (shown as object 91 in FIG. 1). On the other hand, air 54 is not sprayed on objects 90 determined to be non-defective. Therefore, objects 90 determined to be non-defective are guided to the non-defective product discharge gutter 34 without changing their falling trajectory (shown as object 92 in FIG. 1). In this way, the objects 90 are sorted into non-defective products, foreign objects, and defective products.

[0035] The sorter 10 has a configuration that prevents dust and objects 90 scattered during transport of the objects 90 on the transport path 95 from adhering to the first transparent member 40a and the second transparent member 40b, and that can remove any such dust or objects if they do adhere. This configuration will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the sorter 10 has a first static elimination air spraying unit 60a and a second static elimination air spraying unit 60b. The first static elimination air spraying unit 60a is disposed on the front side, on the side of the first transparent member 40a where the transport path 95 is located. The second static elimination air spraying unit 60b is disposed on the rear side, on the side of the second transparent member 40b where the transport path 95 is located.

[0036] The first and second static elimination air spraying units 60a and 60b are provided with first and second openings 61a and 61b, respectively, for spraying first and second static elimination air 62a and 62b. "Static elimination air" refers to air containing positive ions and / or negative ions. Depending on the characteristics of the objects 90 (e.g., type, properties, transportation method, etc.), the objects 90 may become charged with positive or negative static electricity before being placed in the storage tank 31 or during transportation by the sorter 10. The polarity of the static elimination air 62a and 62b is determined in advance so as to contain ions of a polarity capable of neutralizing the static electricity of the objects 90.

[0037] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the first static elimination air spraying unit 60a is in the form of a round pipe with a plurality of first openings 61a arranged in the chute width direction D2. This is also true for the second static elimination air spraying unit 60b. However, the form of the static elimination air spraying units 60a and 60b is not particularly limited and can be modified into any structure that is capable of spraying static elimination air 62a and 62b.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the first and second static elimination air jetting units 60a and 60b are configured to jet first and second static elimination air 62a and 62b toward the first and second transparent members 40a and 40b, respectively. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the jetting direction of the static elimination air. FIG. 5 representatively shows the jetting direction of the second static elimination air 62b. As shown in FIG. 5, the second transparent member 40b separates a first side 25, where the first light source 21a and the first optical sensor 23a are located, from a second side 26, where the transfer path 95 is located. The second opening 61b of the second static elimination air jetting unit 60b disposed on the second side 26 is open toward the second transparent member 40b. As a result, the second static elimination air 62b is jetted toward the second transparent member 40b. In an alternative embodiment, the jetting direction of the second static eliminating air 62b may be directed by a deflector for deflecting the air direction. In this case, the deflector may be configured so that its orientation can be changed (in other words, so that the jetting direction can be changed).

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, second static elimination air 62b sprayed toward second transparent member 40b collides with second transparent member 40b and then flows downward along second transparent member 40b. This flow of second static elimination air 62b forms an air curtain that separates second transparent member 40b from transfer path 95, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 3. This also applies to first static elimination air 62a.

[0040] When the target object 90 becomes statically charged, the target object 90 tends to adhere to the transparent members 40a and 40b. Once the target object 90 adheres, it becomes difficult to remove. However, with the above-described configuration in which the static elimination air 62a and 62b are sprayed toward the transparent members 40a and 40b, even if the statically charged target object 90 scatters toward the transparent members 40a and 40b, the target object 90 comes into contact with the static elimination air 62a and 62b and is neutralized. This reduces the likelihood of the target object 90 adhering to the transparent members 40a and 40b. Furthermore, even if the transparent members 40a and 40b become charged, the static elimination air 62a and 62b contact the transparent members 40a and 40b, thereby neutralizing the transparent members 40a and 40b. This reduces the likelihood of the transparent members 40a and 40b becoming charged and the static elimination air 62a and 62b easily adhering to the transparent members 40a and 40b. Furthermore, even if the object 90 reaches or adheres to the transparent members 40a, 40b, the object 90 comes into contact with the static elimination air 62a, 62b and is neutralized, thereby eliminating the adhesive force caused by static electricity. Therefore, the object 90 that reaches or adheres to the transparent members 40a, 40b can be easily removed by being blown away by the static elimination air 62a, 62b. Alternatively, the object 90 can be removed with a small air volume. Setting the air volume of the static elimination air 62a, 62b to a small volume does not impede the smooth transfer of the object 90 along the transfer path 95.

[0041] 5, the second static elimination air 62b may be sprayed so as to hit only the field of view 41b of the second optical sensor 23b. This also applies to the first static elimination air 62a. In this way, the consumption of the static elimination air 62a and 62b can be reduced while still achieving the necessary adhesion prevention and adhesion removal effects.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the spray direction of the static elimination air 62a, 62b is defined by a spray angle θ relative to the transparent members 40a, 40b. In this embodiment, the spray angle θ is 45 degrees. This maximizes the effect of blowing away and removing the adhered target 90 with the static elimination air 62a, 62b. However, the spray angle θ can be set to any angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Setting the spray angle θ to 30 degrees or greater and 60 degrees or less can enhance the removal effect.

[0043] The spraying of the static elimination air 62a, 62b is controlled as processing by the static elimination air control unit 82 of the controller 80. In this embodiment, the static elimination air control unit 82 is configured to be able to execute first and second controls. In the first control, the static elimination air 62a, 62b is sprayed constantly while the target object 90 is being transported on the transfer path 95 (in other words, while the feeder 32 is operating). In the second control, the static elimination air 62a, 62b is sprayed at a predetermined timing when the target object 90 is not being transported on the transfer path 95. Settings for executing either the first control or the second control, or both, are made by user input via a user interface provided in the sorter 10.

[0044] According to the first control, since the static elimination air 62a, 62b is constantly sprayed, it is possible to constantly prevent the objects 90 from adhering to the transparent members 40a, 40b, and it is also possible to remove the objects 90 adhering to the transparent members 40a, 40b as needed. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in the detection sensitivity of the optical sensors 23a, 23b and a decrease in the recognition performance of the recognition unit 81.

[0045] According to the second control, it is possible to remove objects adhering to transparent members 40a, 40b by utilizing a predetermined timing when objects 90 are not being transported on transport path 95. The predetermined timing may include timing for stopping the supply of objects 90 and performing calibration. Calibration here may refer to, for example, adjusting the light intensity of light sources 21a, 21b and / or the gain of optical sensors 23a, 23b so that the outputs of optical sensors 23a, 23b fall within a reference range when the supply of objects 90 is stopped.

[0046] The predetermined timing may also include the time when controller 80 detects the adhesion of foreign matter or object 90 (which may be only defective products, or both non-defective and defective products) to transparent members 40a, 40b. For example, the adhesion of foreign matter or defective products can be detected by detecting that a control signal is output to the same valve 53 a predetermined number of times in succession and that air 54 is continuously sprayed from the corresponding opening 52. Alternatively, it can be detected by detecting that the same object 90 remains in the same position for a predetermined period of time in images acquired via optical sensors 23a, 23b. The identity of object 90 can be determined, for example, by using a pattern matching technique.

[0047] In this embodiment, the spray volume of the static elimination air 62a, 62b in the second control is set to be larger than the spray volume of the static elimination air 62a, 62b in the first control. Because the transfer of the target object 90 is stopped at the predetermined timing, even if the spray volume of the static elimination air 62a, 62b is increased, the flow of the static elimination air 62a, 62b does not impede the smooth transfer of the target object 90. Therefore, in the second control, the target object 90 adhering to the transparent members 40a, 40b can be more reliably removed with a larger spray volume. In an alternative embodiment, instead of or in addition to the spray volume, the spray pressure in the second control may be set to be larger than the spray pressure in the first spray control. In a further alternative embodiment, the spray volume and / or the spray pressure may be set to the same level between the first control and the second control.

[0048] According to a configuration in which the controller 80 executes both the first control and the second control, when the object 90 is being transported, the consumption of the de-ionizing air 62a, 62b can be reduced, and smooth transport of the object 90 can be prevented from being hindered while the adhesion of the object 90 to the transparent members 40a, 40b can be suppressed, and when the object 90 is not being transported, the object 90 adhering to the transparent members 40a, 40b can be reliably removed.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration for spraying the static elimination air 62a, 62b. As shown in Fig. 4, the sorting machine 10 includes an air tank 55, a pressure adjustment valve 56, a plurality of manifolds 57, and a plurality of spray nozzles 51 as a configuration for spraying air 54 from the spray nozzles 51. Since this configuration is well known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned valve 53 is housed within the manifold 57. However, the valve 53 may also be disposed outside the manifold 57.

[0050] Furthermore, the sorter 10 includes a first solenoid valve 72, a second solenoid valve 73, a first speed controller 74, a second speed controller 75, a first ionizer 70, a second ionizer 71, and the first and second solenoid valves 60a and 60b as components for spraying the static elimination air 62a and 62b. A pipe 76 is connected to a pipe 58 connecting the air tank 55 and the pressure regulating valve 56. The pipe 76 branches into two, each connected to a first solenoid valve 72 and a second solenoid valve 73. The first solenoid valve 72 and the second solenoid valve 73 are connected to a first speed controller 74 and a second speed controller 75, respectively, and then merge, branch, and are connected to the first ionizer 70 and the second ionizer 71, respectively. The first ionizer 70 and the second ionizer 71 are connected to one end and the other end of a first static elimination air ejection section 60a and a second static elimination air ejection section 60b, which are arranged in parallel.

[0051] When the first control is executed, the static elimination air control unit 82 of the controller 80 opens the first solenoid valve 72 and closes the second solenoid valve 73. This causes air to flow from the air tank 55 through the piping 76 and the first solenoid valve 72 into the first speed controller 74, where the air volume is adjusted before flowing into the first ionizer 70 and the second ionizer 71. On the other hand, when the second control is executed, the static elimination air control unit 82 of the controller 80 closes the first solenoid valve 72 and opens the second solenoid valve 73. This causes air to flow from the air tank 55 through the piping 76 and the second solenoid valve 73 into the second speed controller 75, where the air volume is adjusted before flowing into the first ionizer 70 and the second ionizer 71.

[0052] The ionizers 70 and 71 add positive or negative ions to the incoming air to generate static elimination air 62a and 62b. Any known method can be used for the ionizers 70 and 71. In this embodiment, the ionizers 70 and 71 are of the corona discharge type. The static elimination air 62a and 62b generated by the ionizers 70 and 71 are supplied to the first static elimination air sprayer 60a and the second static elimination air sprayer 60b, and are sprayed from the first opening 61a and the second opening 61b, respectively, as described above. By arranging the first static elimination air sprayer 60a and the second static elimination air sprayer 60b in parallel and connecting the first ionizer 70 and the second ionizer 71 to both ends of the first and second ionizers 70 and 71, respectively, the static elimination air 62a and 62b can be stably supplied to each position along the chute width direction D2. As described above, by spraying the static elimination air 62a, 62b without using a blower, the spray volume of the static elimination air 62a, 62b can be reduced compared to when a blower is used, which prevents the static elimination air 62a, 62b from interfering with the smooth transfer of the target object 90.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second static elimination air ejection units 60a and 60b may eject static elimination air 62a, 62b parallel to the first and second transparent members 40a, 40b (i.e., so that the ejection angle θ shown in FIG. 5 becomes zero). This configuration also improves the ability to prevent adhesion of the target object 90 compared to a conventional simple air curtain configuration.

[0054] In a further alternative embodiment, the first static elimination air jetting unit 60a may include a first angle jetting unit that jets the first static elimination air 62a parallel to the first transparent member 40a and a second angle jetting unit that jets the first static elimination air 62a toward the first transparent member 40a. In this case, both the first angle jetting unit and the second angle jetting unit may be used in both the first control and the second control. Alternatively, the first angle jetting unit may be used in the first control, and the second angle jetting unit may be used in the second control. The first angle jetting unit and the second angle jetting unit may be separate units, or may be a single unit having two types of openings with different opening directions. The same applies to the second static elimination air jetting unit 60b.

[0055] In a further alternative embodiment, the first static elimination air jetting unit 60a may be further configured to jet the first static elimination air 62a toward the jet nozzle 51. In this case, the first static elimination air jetting unit 60a may include a first angle jetting unit that jets the first static elimination air 62a toward the first transparent member 40a or parallel to the first transparent member 40a, and a second angle jetting unit that jets the first static elimination air 62a toward the jet nozzle 51. With this configuration, even if the object 90 is scattered from the transfer path 95 toward the nozzle 51 and accumulates on the jet nozzle 51, the object 90 can be blown away and removed by the first static elimination air 62a. Moreover, even if the object 90 is charged with static electricity, the adhesive force due to the static electricity can be released, and the adhering object 90 can be easily removed by the first static elimination air 62a. This also applies to the second static elimination air jetting unit 60b.

[0056] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, any combination or omission of the components described in the claims and specification is possible within the scope of solving at least part of the above-described problems or achieving at least part of the effects.

[0057] For example, either the first light source 21a on the front side or the second light source 21b on the rear side may be omitted. Alternatively, either the first optical sensor 23a on the front side or the second optical sensor 23b on the rear side may be omitted. In this case, when the light source and the optical sensor are disposed on only one of the front side and the rear side, the transparent member and the static elimination air sprayer may be omitted on the other side.

[0058] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to a light source that emits visible light, any electromagnetic wave source may be installed. Such electromagnetic wave sources may include, for example, a near-infrared source and / or an X-ray source. In this case, the near-infrared source and / or the X-ray source may be arranged on only one side of the transport path of the object 90 or on both sides. Also, a sensor that detects near-infrared rays and / or a sensor that detects X-rays may be arranged on only one side of the transport path of the object 90 or on both sides. Furthermore, when the electromagnetic wave source includes a near-infrared source, the state of the object 90 determined by the identification unit 81 may include whether the object 90 is organic or inorganic.

[0059] Furthermore, instead of a configuration in which light is irradiated onto the object 90 after it has fallen from the chute 33 and the light associated with the object 90 is detected by an optical sensor, a configuration in which light is irradiated onto the object 90 sliding down the chute 33 and the light associated with the object 90 is detected by an optical sensor may be employed. Alternatively, a belt conveyor may be used as the transport means instead of the chute 33. In this case, a configuration in which light is irradiated onto the object 90 falling from one end of the belt conveyor and the light associated with the object 90 is detected by an optical sensor may be employed, or a configuration in which light is irradiated onto the object 90 being transported on the belt conveyor and the light associated with the object 90 is detected by an optical sensor may be employed. In these cases, the transparent member may be positioned anywhere that separates a first side where the light source and optical sensor are located from a second side where the transport path is located.

[0060] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a sorting device and can be realized in various forms. For example, the present invention may be realized as a measuring device for measuring the state of an object. Such a measuring device may have a configuration in which the sorting unit 50 and the defective product discharge trough 35 are removed from the above-described sorting device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10...Optical sorting machine 20...Optical detection unit 21a...First light source 21b...Second light source 22a...First Light 22b...Second Light 23a...First optical sensor 23b...Second optical sensor 25...First side 26...Second Side 31...Storage tank 32...Feeder 33...Shoot 34...Good product discharge trough 35...Defective product discharge trough 40a...first transparent member 40b...Second transparent member 41b...field of view 50...Sorting Department 51...Injection nozzle 52...Aperture 53...Valve 54...Air 55...Air tank 56...Pressure regulating valve 57...Manifold 58...Plumbing 60a...First static elimination air injection unit 60b...Second static elimination air injection unit 61a...first opening 61b...Second opening 62a...First static elimination air 62b...Second static elimination air 70...First Ionizer 71...Second Ionizer 72...First solenoid valve 73...Second solenoid valve 74...First speed controller 75...Second speed controller 76...Plumbing 80...Controller 81...Identification unit 82...Static elimination air control unit 90, 91, 92...Object 95...Transportation route

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring a state of an object, comprising: an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate the object being transported on the transport path with electromagnetic waves; a sensor configured to detect electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave illumination source and associated with the object; an identification unit configured to identify a state of the object based on a signal obtained by the sensor regarding an electromagnetic wave associated with the object; a transparent member separating a first side where the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and the sensor are located from a second side where the transfer path is located; an ionizer configured to generate static neutralizing air; a static elimination air injection unit configured to inject the static elimination air parallel to or toward the transparent member on the second side; A measuring device comprising:

2. 2. The measuring device according to claim 1, a controller configured to control the spraying of the static elimination air from the static elimination air spraying unit; The controller a first control for constantly spraying the neutralizing air while the object is being transported on the transport path; a second control for injecting the neutralization air at a predetermined timing when the object is not being transported on the transport path; and configured to run At least one of the spray volume and the spray pressure of the static elimination air in the second control is greater than at least one of the spray volume and the spray pressure of the static elimination air in the first control. Measuring equipment.

3. A sorting device comprising: The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2; a sorting unit configured to sort the objects based on the identification result of the identification unit; A sorting device comprising:

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