Sorting and conveying apparatus for objects to be processed

Abstract

To efficiently sort an object to be processed into a particle size within a suitable range and convey the object as compared with a conventional technique.SOLUTION: The workpiece sorting / conveying device sorts and conveys the workpiece to a workpiece having a particle size within a suitable range larger than a first particle size D1 and smaller than a second particle size D2 (where D1 <D2) and includes a particle size sorting part for sorting the workpiece of a preceding process into at least a suitable workpiece having a particle size within the suitable range and an unsuitable workpiece having a particle size equal to or larger than the second particle size D2, a first conveyance path for conveying the suitable workpiece, a second conveyance path provided along the first conveyance path, and a workbench provided along the first and second conveyance paths and capable of taking out the unsuitable workpiece on the second conveyance path and placing the suitable workpiece on the first conveyance path for processing the unsuitable workpiece into the suitable workpiece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for sorting and transporting objects to be processed. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2024-063578 A) describes an invention that uses a vibrating sieve device to separate large and small particle sizes in order to recover valuable metals from bottom ash.

[0003] Patent Document 2 (JP Patent Publication No. 2005-335864) describes an invention relating to a sorting conveyor for long vegetables, which transports long vegetables such as leeks and cucumbers and drops them at predetermined positions to sort them.

[0004] Patent document 3 (JP Patent Publication No. 2002-336796) describes an invention in which the diameter of semicircular or spherical raw vegetables such as raw shiitake mushrooms and bell peppers is measured based on photographic information, and the vegetables are sorted into grades according to the measured diameter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-063578 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-335864 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-336796 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to enable the sorting and transport of workpieces into particle sizes within an appropriate range more efficiently than in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect is a workpiece sorting and conveying device that sorts and conveys workpieces to workpieces having a particle size within a suitable range that is larger than a first particle size D1 and smaller than a second particle size D2 (where D1 < D2). The workpiece sorting and conveying device sorts the workpieces in the previous process into at least suitable workpieces having a particle size within the suitable range and unsuitable workpieces having a particle size of the second particle size D2 or more, and a particle size sorting unit,

[0008] a first conveying path that conveys the suitable workpieces to the next process, a second conveying path that is provided along the first conveying path and conveys the unsuitable workpieces, and a workbench that is provided along the first conveying path and the second conveying path and is capable of taking out the unsuitable workpieces on the second conveying path and placing the suitable workpieces on the first conveying path. The workbench is for processing the unsuitable workpieces into the suitable workpieces. It is a workpiece sorting and conveying device equipped with this.

[0009] The second aspect is, in the first aspect, the particle size sorting unit sorts the workpieces in the previous process into workpieces having a particle size of the first particle size D1 or less and suitable candidate workpieces having a particle size larger than the first particle size D1. It is a workpiece sorting and conveying device configured to include a first particle size sorting unit and a second particle size sorting unit that sorts the suitable candidate workpieces into suitable workpieces having a particle size smaller than the second particle size D2 and unsuitable workpieces having a particle size of the second particle size D2 or more.

[0010] The third aspect is, in the first aspect, the second conveying path is arranged above the first conveying path. It is a workpiece sorting and conveying device.

[0011] The fourth aspect is a sorting and transporting device for objects to be processed, in which, in the first aspect, the second conveying path is arranged above the first conveying path, the second particle size sorting unit is configured so that the non-conforming objects to be processed are transported from above and the conforming objects to be processed are transported from below, and the second particle size sorting unit, the first conveying path and the second conveying path are connected so that the non-conforming objects to be processed transported from above the second particle size sorting unit are transported into the second conveying path, and the conforming objects to be processed transported from below the second particle size sorting unit are transported into the first conveying path.

[0012] The fifth aspect is a sorting and transporting device for objects to be processed, in which, in the third or fourth aspect, the work table is positioned at the same height or approximately the same height as the first transport path.

[0013] A sixth aspect is the third or fourth aspect, wherein the work table is disposed at the same height or approximately the same height as the first transport path, and a residue transport path is disposed below the first transport path;

[0014] This is a sorting and transporting device for objects to be processed, and a chute is provided adjacent to the work table for dropping residue of the objects to the transport path for residue.

[0015] The seventh aspect is an object to be processed sorting and conveying device that sorts and conveys an object to be processed into a first object to be processed having a particle size within a first conformity range that is larger than a first particle size D1 and smaller than a second particle size D2 (where D1 < D2), and sorts and conveys the object to be processed into a second object to be processed having a particle size within a second conformity range that is larger than a third particle size D3 and smaller than a fourth particle size D4 (where D3 < D4). The object to be processed in the previous process is sorted into at least a first conforming object to be processed having a particle size within the first conformity range and a first non-conforming object to be processed having a particle size of the second particle size D2 or more. The object to be processed in the previous process is sorted into at least a second conforming object to be processed having a particle size within the second conformity range and a second non-conforming object to be processed having a particle size of the fourth particle size D4 or more. A particle size sorting unit, a first conveying path that conveys the first conforming object to be processed to the next process, a second conveying path that is provided along the first conveying path and conveys the first non-conforming object to be processed, a third conveying path that conveys the second conforming object to be processed to the next process, a fourth conveying path that is provided along the third conveying path and conveys the second non-conforming object to be processed, and a workbench that is provided along the first conveying path and the second conveying path and is capable of taking out the first non-conforming object to be processed on the second conveying path and placing the first conforming object to be processed on the first conveying path. The workbench is a first workbench for processing the first non-conforming object to be processed into the first conforming object to be processed. A workbench that is provided along the third conveying path and the fourth conveying path and is capable of taking out the second non-conforming object to be processed on the fourth conveying path and placing the second conforming object to be processed on the third conveying path. The workbench is a second workbench for processing the second non-conforming object to be processed into the second conforming object to be processed. It is a sorting and conveying device for an object to be processed equipped with these components.

[0016] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the third particle size D3 is a particle size larger than the second particle size D2, and the particle size sorting unit includes a first particle size sorting unit that sorts the objects of the previous process into objects having a particle size equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 and first conforming candidate objects having a particle size larger than the first particle size D1, a second particle size sorting unit that sorts the first conforming candidate objects into first conforming objects having a particle size smaller than the second particle size D2 and first unconformable objects having a particle size equal to or larger than the second particle size D2, and a second particle size sorting unit that sorts the first unconformable objects into objects having a particle size equal to or smaller than the third particle size D3 and second conforming objects having a particle size larger than the third particle size D3. and a fourth particle size sorting unit that sorts the second conforming candidate objects into second conforming objects having particle sizes smaller than the fourth particle size D4 and second unconformable objects having particle sizes equal to or larger than the fourth particle size D4, wherein the second particle size sorting unit, the third particle size sorting unit, and the second conveying path are connected so that some of the first unconformable objects conveyed from the second particle size sorting unit are conveyed into the third particle size sorting unit, and other some of the first unconformable objects conveyed from the second particle size sorting unit are conveyed into the second conveying path.

[0017] A ninth aspect is the device for sorting and conveying objects to be processed according to the first or seventh aspect, wherein the objects to be processed are broccoli. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the first to ninth aspects, the workpieces can be sorted into particle sizes within an appropriate range and transported more efficiently than in conventional techniques. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the overall configuration of an apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a top view showing the configuration of the particle size sorting section and the processing transport section. [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B is a front view showing the configuration of the particle size sorting section and the processing transport section. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a right side view showing the configuration of the particle size sorting unit and the processing transport unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the particle size sorting section. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a front view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting unit. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a right side view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting unit. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a top view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting unit. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting unit. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a front view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting section. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a right side view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting unit. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a top view showing the configuration of the second particle size selection unit. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing production plans used to explain the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sorting and transporting device for workpieces according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (First embodiment)

[0022] (Outline of the sorting and transporting device for processed objects)

[0023] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the overall configuration of an apparatus 1 for sorting and transporting objects according to an embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the sorting and transporting device 1 for objects to be processed includes a particle size sorting section 100 and a transporting section 200 for processing.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a top view showing the configuration of the particle size sorting section 100 and the processing transport section 200. FIG.

[0026] FIG. 2B is a front view showing the configuration of the particle size sorting section 100 and the processing transport section 200.

[0027] FIG. 2C is a right side view showing the configuration of the particle size sorting section 100 and the processing transport section 200.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front view of the particle size sorting section 100. As shown in FIG.

[0029] The particle size selection section 100 further includes a first particle size selection section 110 and a second particle size selection section 120.

[0030] FIG. 4A is a front view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting section 110. FIG.

[0031] FIG. 4B is a right side view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting section 110.

[0032] FIG. 4C is a top view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting section 110.

[0033] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting section 110.

[0034] FIG. 5A is a front view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting section 120. FIG.

[0035] FIG. 5B is a right side view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting section 120.

[0036] FIG. 5C is a top view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting unit 120.

[0037] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting unit 120.

[0038] The object to be processed in the embodiment is broccoli. Note that the object to be processed to which the present invention is applied may be a vegetable other than broccoli. Furthermore, the object to be processed to which the present invention is applied may be any object to be processed that needs to be aligned to a predetermined particle size by processing such as cutting.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows the layout of the production line of a factory that processes and manufactures broccoli (hereinafter referred to as the object to be processed).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, in the processing room R1 of the factory building, the first line LA and the second line LB are arranged side by side.

[0041] The first line LA includes a raw material input conveyor path 500A, a particle size sorting unit 100, and a processing conveyor unit 200. The object to be processed is sequentially conveyed in the order of the raw material input conveyor path 500A, the particle size sorting unit 100, and the processing conveyor unit 200. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The raw material input transport paths 500A and 500B are configured by, for example, belt conveyors.

[0046] The upstream ends 510A and 510B of the raw material input conveying paths 500A and 500B are connected to a manufacturing line (not shown) of the raw material pre-treatment chamber R2. In the pre-treatment chamber R2, the workpiece is pre-treated by cutting it to a predetermined size. The pre-treated raw material is transported from the upstream end 510A of the raw material input conveying path 500A to the downstream end 520A, and from the upstream end 510B of the raw material input conveying path 500B to the downstream end 520B.

[0047] The raw material to be processed that has been transported to the downstream end 520A of the raw material charging conveying path 500A drops and is charged into the raw material charging port 100N of the charging hopper 101 of the particle size sorting section 100. Similarly, the raw material to be processed that has been transported to the downstream end 520B of the raw material charging conveying path 500B drops and is charged into the raw material charging port 100N of the charging hopper 101 of the particle size sorting section 100.

[0048] The objects to be processed that have been sorted into particle sizes within the appropriate range by the particle size sorting section 100 are discharged from the first discharge port 120T1, and dropped into and carried into the first upstream end section 211 of the transport section 200 for processing.

[0049] In addition, objects to be processed that have been sorted by the particle size sorting section 100 to have particle sizes that exceed the appropriate range are discharged from the second discharge outlet 120T2 and dropped and transported into the second upstream end 221 of the processing transport section 200.

[0050] The workpieces processed and transported in the processing transport section 200 of the first line LA are carried out from the first downstream end 212 of the processing transport section 200, and dropped onto and carried into the upstream end 610A of the cleaning transport path 600A for the next process. Similarly, the workpieces processed and transported in the processing transport section 200 of the second line LB are carried out from the first downstream end 212 of the processing transport section 200, and dropped onto and carried into the upstream end 610B of the cleaning transport path 600B for the next process.

[0051] The cleaning conveyance paths 600A and 600B are configured by, for example, belt conveyors.

[0052] The cleaning conveyance paths 600A and 600B are provided in the cleaning chamber R3. In the cleaning chamber R3, the workpieces with particle sizes within the appropriate range are cleaned.

[0053] The residues of the workpieces processed by the processing conveyance unit 200 on the first line LA are carried out from the second downstream end 242 of the processing conveyance unit 200, fall and are carried onto the residue discharge conveyance path 400. Similarly, the residues of the workpieces processed by the processing conveyance unit 200 on the second line LB are carried out from the second downstream end 242 of the processing conveyance unit 200, fall and are carried onto the residue discharge conveyance path 400.

[0054] The residue discharge conveyance path 400 is configured by, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0055] The downstream end 410 of the residue discharge conveyance path 400 is provided in the residue treatment chamber R4. In the residue treatment chamber R4, the residues of the workpieces are treated by incineration or the like.

[0056] When collectively referring to the components of the first line LA and the second line LB below, A and B are omitted from the reference signs. For example, the cleaning conveyance paths 600A and 600B are collectively referred to as the cleaning conveyance path 600.

[0057] (Particle size sorting unit 100)

[0058] Hereinafter, the particle size sorting unit 100 will be mainly described with reference to FIGS., FIGS. 4A to 4D, and FIGS. 5A to 5D. The particle size sorting unit 100 sorts the workpieces that have been cut to a predetermined size in the previous process into at least the conforming workpieces with a particle size D within the conforming range (where D1 < D < D2) and the non-conforming workpieces with a particle size D of D2 or more.

[0059] The particle size sorting unit 100 can be configured, for example, by a vibrating sieve. The particle size sorting unit 100 uses a vibrating sieve to sort the raw broccoli that has dropped into the raw material inlet 100N of the input hopper 101 into suitable and unsuitable processing objects.

[0060] (First particle size sorting section 110)

[0061] The first particle size sorting unit 110 sorts the workpieces from the previous process into workpieces having particle sizes equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 and matched candidate workpieces having particle sizes larger than the first particle size D1.

[0062] 4A to 4D are diagrams showing the configuration of the first particle size sorting section 110. As shown in these figures, the first particle size sorting section 110 is configured to include an input hopper 101, a trough 111, a stand 112, a screen 113, a coil spring 114, a Eurus motor 115, a chute 116, a vibration control section 117, a vibration plate 118, and a receiving box 119.

[0063] The raw material for the object to be processed that has dropped and been fed into the raw material feed port 100N of the feed hopper 101 is discharged from the discharge port 101T of the feed hopper 101.

[0064] The trough 111 is formed in a box shape. The upper surface of the trough 111 is open, and the upstream end of the trough 111 is connected to the discharge outlet 101T of the feeding hopper 101. The downstream end surface of the trough 111 is open, and forms a first discharge outlet 110T1.

[0065] A screen 113 is housed in the trough 111. The trough 111 supports the screen 113 at a predetermined inclination angle (for example, 5 degrees) so that the workpieces roll down on the screen 113 in the conveying direction due to gravity.

[0066] The raw material to be processed discharged from the discharge port 101T of the input hopper 101 falls onto the upstream end of the screen 113.

[0067] The screen 113 is composed of a plurality of pipes 113P. The plurality of pipes 113P are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the pitch width direction so that their longitudinal direction coincides with the conveyance direction of the workpiece. The pitch sp of the plurality of pipes 113P (hereinafter referred to as the screen pitch sp) can be freely changed according to the particle size of the workpiece by manual operation or automatic control. For example, the pipes 113P can be freely moved in the pitch width direction. The screen pitch sp can be set to a desired value by moving the pipes 113P in the pitch width direction and fixing them at a desired position.

[0068] In the first particle size sorting section 110, the screen pitch sp of the multiple pipes 113P is set to D1 so that workpieces having a particle size equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 fall downward through the gaps in the screen 113 (the gaps between the pipe 113P and the adjacent pipe 113P) and suitable candidate workpieces having a particle size larger than the first particle size D1 are transported on the screen 113.

[0069] The base 112 supports the trough 111 via a coil spring 114. The upper end of the coil spring 114 is attached to the trough 111, and the lower end of the coil spring 114 is attached to the base 112. The vibration plate 118 is attached to the upper end of the coil spring 114 and the base 112.

[0070] The Eurus motor 115 is attached to a vibration plate 118. The Eurus motor 115 is a vibration generator that generates vibration force by rotating unbalanced weights located at both ends of the motor shaft. The Eurus motor 115 is driven and controlled by a vibration control unit 117. Therefore, when the Eurus motor 115 is driven and controlled by the vibration control unit 117, the vibration force generated by the Eurus motor 115 is transmitted to the screen 113 via the vibration plate 118 and the trough 111, causing the screen 113 to vibrate. The coil spring 114 is displaced in accordance with the vibration of the screen 113. The vibration of the screen 113 allows the workpieces rolling down the screen 113 in the conveying direction to be efficiently separated into those having a particle size equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 and those having a particle size larger than the first particle size D1.

[0071] A chute 116 is attached below the trough 111. The chute 116 is attached to the trough 111 so that a supply port 116N is located below the downstream end of the screen 113.

[0072] The receiving box 119 is provided below the chute 116. The receiving box 119 is provided at a position where it can receive and store the workpieces (with a particle size equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1) discharged from the second discharge outlet 110T2, which is the discharge outlet of the chute 116.

[0073] Therefore, the workpieces having a particle size equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 that fall below the screen 113 fall into and are supplied to the supply port 116N of the chute 116, are discharged from the second discharge port 110T2, and are stored in the receiving box 119.

[0074] On the other hand, the conforming candidate objects to be processed having particle diameters larger than the first particle diameter D1 are transported on the screen 113 in the transport direction and discharged from the first discharge port 110T1.

[0075] (Second particle size sorting section 120)

[0076] 5A to 5D are diagrams showing the configuration of the second particle size sorting unit 120. As shown in these figures, the second particle size sorting unit 120 sorts the conforming candidate objects into conforming objects having particle sizes smaller than the second particle size D2 and unconformable objects having particle sizes equal to or larger than the second particle size D2.

[0077] The second particle size sorting section 120 is configured so that non-conforming objects are carried out from above and conforming objects are carried out from below.

[0078] As shown in Figures 5A to 5D, the second particle size sorting section 110 is composed of a trough 121, a stand 122, a screen 123, a coil spring 124, a Eurus motor 125, a chute 126, a vibration control section 127, and a vibration plate 128.

[0079] The trough 121 is formed in a box shape. The upper surface of the trough 121 is open, and the upstream end of the trough 121 communicates with the first discharge outlet 110T1 of the first particle size sorting section 110 in the preceding stage. The downstream end of the trough 121 is open, and forms the second discharge outlet 120T2.

[0080] A screen 123 is housed in the trough 121. The trough 121 supports the screen 123 at a predetermined inclination angle (for example, 5 degrees) so that the workpieces roll down on the screen 123 in the conveying direction due to gravity.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, suitable candidate processing objects with particle sizes larger than the first particle size D1 discharged from the first discharge outlet 110T1 of the first particle size sorting section 110 in the upstream stage fall to the upstream end of the screen 123.

[0082] 5A to 5D, the screen 123 includes a plurality of pipes 123P. The pipes 123P are arranged at a predetermined pitch in the width direction so that their longitudinal direction coincides with the transport direction of the workpieces. The screen pitch sp of the pipes 123P, like the pipe 113P, is variable manually or automatically depending on the particle size of the workpieces. In the second particle size sorting unit 120, the screen pitch sp of the pipes 123P is set to D2 so that conforming workpieces having particle sizes equal to or smaller than the second particle size D2 (larger than the first particle size D1) fall downward through the gaps in the screen 123 (the gaps between the pipe 123P and the adjacent pipe 123P), while non-conforming workpieces having particle sizes larger than the second particle size D2 are transported on the screen 123.

[0083] The base 122 supports the trough 121 via a coil spring 124. The upper end of the coil spring 124 is attached to the trough 121, and the lower end of the coil spring 124 is attached to the base 122. The vibration plate 128 is attached to the upper end of the coil spring 124 and the base 122.

[0084] Eurus motor 125 is attached to vibration plate 128. Eurus motor 125 is driven and controlled by vibration control unit 127. Therefore, when Eurus motor 125 is driven and controlled by vibration control unit 127, the vibration force generated by Eurus motor 125 is transmitted to screen 123 via vibration plate 128 and trough 121, causing screen 123 to vibrate. Coil spring 124 is displaced in accordance with the vibration of screen 123. As screen 123 vibrates, the workpieces rolling down screen 123 in the conveying direction can be efficiently separated into conforming workpieces having a particle size equal to or smaller than second particle size D2 (larger than first particle size D1) and non-conforming workpieces having a particle size larger than second particle size D2.

[0085] A chute 126 is attached below the trough 121. The outlet of the chute 126 forms a first outlet 120T1.

[0086] The chute 126 is attached to the trough 121 so that the supply port 126N is located below the downstream end of the screen 113 and the first discharge port 120T1 is located below the second discharge port 120T2.

[0087] 3, the first discharge port 120T1 of the second particle size sorting section 120 is in communication with an upper portion of a first upstream end 211 (upstream end 211 of the first conveying path 210) of the processing conveying section 200. The second discharge port 120T2 of the second particle size sorting section 120 is in communication with an upper portion of a second upstream end 221 (upstream end 221 of the second conveying path 220) of the processing conveying section 200.

[0088] Therefore, suitable processing objects having a particle size equal to or smaller than the second particle size D2 (larger than the first particle size D1) that fall below the screen 123 fall and are supplied to the supply port 126N of the chute 126, are discharged from the first discharge port 120T1, and fall and are transported into the first upstream end 211 of the processing conveying section 200 (the upstream end 211 of the first conveying path 210).

[0089] On the other hand, non-suitable processing objects with a particle size larger than the second particle size D2 are transported on the screen 123 along the transport direction, discharged from the second discharge outlet 120T1, and dropped and transported into the second upstream end 221 of the processing transport section 200 (the upstream end 221 of the second transport path 220).

[0090] (Processing conveyance section 200)

[0091] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3, the processing transport section 200 is configured to include a first transport path 210, a second transport path 220, a work table 290, a chute 280, and a residue transport path 240. Note that Figures 2A and 2B show a representative example of the configuration of the processing transport section 200 on the first line LA. The configuration of the processing transport section 200 on the second line LB is the same as the configuration shown in Figures 2A and 2B, except for the number of work tables 290.

[0092] The first conveying path 210, the second conveying path 220, and the residue conveying path 240 are configured, for example, by belt conveyors. When the first conveying path 210, the second conveying path 220, and the residue conveying path 240 are configured by belt conveyors, scrapers may be attached so that the belt surface and the inside of the tension roller can be constantly cleaned by the scrapers.

[0093] The first conveying path 210 conveys the suitable workpiece to the cleaning conveying path 600 (600A, 600B) for the next process. That is, the first downstream end 212 of the first conveying path 210 is connected to the upper side of the upstream end 610 of the cleaning conveying path 600 for the next process. Therefore, the workpiece conveyed to the first downstream end 212 of the first conveying path 210 drops at the first downstream end 212 of the first conveying path 210 and is carried into the upstream end 610 of the cleaning conveying path 600 for the next process.

[0094] The second conveying path 220 is provided along the first conveying path 210 and conveys non-conforming objects to be processed. The second conveying path 220 is disposed above the first conveying path 210. The second particle size sorting unit 120, the first conveying path 210, and the second conveying path 220 are connected so that non-conforming objects to be processed discharged from a second discharge port 120T2 above the second particle size sorting unit 120 are conveyed into the second conveying path 220, and conforming objects to be processed discharged from a first discharge port 120T1 below the second particle size sorting unit 210 are conveyed into the first conveying path 210.

[0095] The residue transport path 240 is disposed below the first transport path 210 .

[0096] For example, the lower level is the residue transport path 240, the middle level is the first transport path 210, and the upper level is the second transport path 220, and these three levels of the residue transport path 240, the first transport path 210, and the second transport path 220 are supported by the stand 270.

[0097] The work table 290 is arranged along the first conveying path 210 and the second conveying path 220 so that unsuitable workpieces on the second conveying path 220 can be removed and suitable workpieces can be placed on the first conveying path 210.

[0098] The work table 290 is, for example, a cutting board, and is used to process an unconformable workpiece into a conformable workpiece.

[0099] The workbench 290 is arranged lower than the second conveying path 220, and at the same height or approximately the same height as the first conveying path 210. In this case, the height of the workbench 290 is desirably set to a height that allows the worker WR to easily remove the non-conforming workpieces from the second conveying path 220 above, to process the workpieces using a processing tool such as a knife in a position that is easy for the worker WR to work in, and to easily put the processed workpieces into the first conveying path 210.

[0100] Therefore, the worker WR can easily remove the non-conforming object from the upper second conveying path 220. Then, the worker WR can process the non-conforming object into a conforming object using a processing tool such as a knife while in a position that is easy for the worker WR to work in. Then, the worker WR can easily put the conforming object that has been processed into the first conveying path 210.

[0101] A plurality of work tables 290 are arranged along the first transport path 210. The work tables 290 are arranged opposite each other in the left-right width direction with the first transport path 210 in between.

[0102] The number of work tables 290 can be set according to the length of the first conveying path 210. For example, the first line LA has five work tables 290 on each side, for a total of 10. The second line LB, which has a shorter conveying path length than the first line LA, has four work tables 290 on each side, for a total of eight.

[0103] The chute 280 is provided adjacent to the work table 290 to drop residues of the workpiece into the residue transport path 240.

[0104] The chute 280 is provided with an inlet 281 adjacent to the work table 290 and at the same height or approximately the same height as the work table 290, and an outlet 282 in a position communicating with the upper part of the residue transport path 240. Therefore, the worker WR can easily inject the residue of the object to be processed on the work table 290 into the inlet 281 of the chute 280, and can efficiently transport the residue of the object to be processed onto the residue transport path 240.

[0105] The second downstream end 242 of the residue transport path 240 is connected to the upper part of the residue discharge transport path 400. Therefore, residues of the object transported to the second downstream end 242 of the residue transport path 240 fall onto and are carried into the residue discharge transport path 400.

[0106] The sorting and transporting device 1 for processing objects of the first embodiment configured as described above can sort and process raw materials for processing objects into particle sizes within an appropriate range more efficiently than conventional technology, and transport them to the next process.

[0107] (Second embodiment)

[0108] It is also possible to sort and process workpieces into two types of suitable ranges. Figures 6 and 7 show the configuration of the workpiece sorting and transporting device 1 of the second embodiment.

[0109] Example 1

[0110] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the processing object sorting / transporting device 1 of Example 1, and shows components corresponding to the particle size sorting section 100 and processing transport section 200 of FIG.

[0111] The following describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the suitable range of the workpiece differs for each of the first line LA and the second line LB.

[0113] In the particle size sorting unit 100 and the processing transfer unit 200 of the first line LA, the object to be processed is sorted and transferred into a first object to be processed having a particle size within a first suitable range that is larger than the first particle size D1 and smaller than the second particle size D2 (where D1 < D2).

[0114] In the particle size sorting unit 100' and the processing transfer unit 200' of the second line LB, the object to be processed is sorted and transferred into a second object to be processed having a particle size within a second suitable range that is larger than the third particle size D3 and smaller than the fourth particle size D4 (where D3 < D4).

[0115] The particle size sorting unit 100 of the first line LA is composed of a first particle size sorting unit 110 and a second particle size sorting unit 120.

[0116] The first particle size sorting unit 110 sorts the object to be processed in the previous process into those with a particle size smaller than the first particle size D1 and those with a particle size of the first particle size D1 or more, and supplies the object to be processed with a particle size of the first particle size D1 or more to the second particle size sorting unit 120.

[0117] The second particle size sorting unit 120 sorts the discharged object to be processed with a particle size of the first particle size D1 or more supplied from the first particle size sorting unit 110 into a first suitable processed object with a particle size within the first suitable range and a first non-suitable processed object with a particle size of the second particle size D2 or more, and supplies the first suitable processed object and the first non-suitable processed object to the first transfer path 210 and the second transfer path 220 of the processing transfer unit 200, respectively.

[0118] The particle size sorting unit 100' of the second line LB is composed of a third particle size sorting unit 130 and a fourth particle size sorting unit 140. The third particle size sorting unit 130 and the fourth particle size sorting unit 140 are respectively configured in the same manner as the first particle size sorting unit 110 and the second particle size sorting unit 120 except for the size of the screen pitch.

[0119] The conveying unit 200' for processing the second line LB includes a third conveying path 210' and a fourth conveying path 220'. The conveying unit 200' for processing is configured in the same manner as the conveying unit 200 for processing. The third conveying path 210' and the fourth conveying path 220' respectively correspond to the first conveying path 210 and the second conveying path 220.

[0120] The screen pitch sp of the third particle size sorting unit 130 is set to the size D3 of the lower limit of the particle size of the object to be processed. That is, the third particle size sorting unit 130 sorts the object to be processed in the previous process into those with a particle size smaller than the third particle size D3 and those with a particle size equal to or greater than the third particle size D3, and supplies the object to be processed with a particle size equal to or greater than the third particle size D3 to the fourth particle size sorting unit 140.

[0121] The screen pitch sp of the fourth particle size sorting unit 140 is set to the size D4 of the upper limit of the particle size of the object to be processed. That is, the fourth particle size sorting unit 140 sorts the object to be processed with a particle size equal to or greater than the third particle size D3 supplied from the third particle size sorting unit 130 into a second conforming object to be processed with a particle size within the second conforming range and a second non-conforming object to be processed with a particle size equal to or greater than the fourth particle size D4, and supplies the second conforming object to be processed and the second non-conforming object to be processed to the third conveying path 210' and the fourth conveying path 220' of the conveying unit 200' for processing, respectively.

[0122] Therefore, the conveying unit 200 for processing the first line LA can convey the first conforming object to be processed with a particle size D within the first conforming range (D1 < D < D2) to the cleaning conveying path 600A in the next process. Also, the conveying unit 200' for processing the second line LB can convey the second conforming object to be processed with a particle size D within the second conforming range (D3 < D < D4) to the cleaning conveying path 600B in the next process.

[0123] (Example 2)

[0124] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sorting and conveying device 1 for the object to be processed in Example 2, and shows the components corresponding to the particle size sorting unit 100 and the conveying unit 200 for processing in FIG. 1.

[0125] Hereinafter, the differences from Example 1 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

[0126] In Example 2, the particle size sorting unit 100 is composed of a four-stage first particle size sorting unit 110, a second particle size sorting unit 120, a third particle size sorting unit 130, and a fourth particle size sorting unit 140.

[0127] The second particle size sorting unit 120, the third particle size sorting unit 130, and the second transfer path 220 of the processing transfer unit 200 are connected such that some of the first non-conforming processing objects carried out from the second particle size sorting unit 120 are carried into the third particle size sorting unit 130, and some other first non-conforming processing objects carried out from the second particle size sorting unit 120 are carried into the second transfer path 220 of the processing transfer unit 200. Note that the second particle size sorting unit 120 and the first transfer path 210 of the processing transfer unit 200 are connected such that the first conforming processing objects carried out from the second particle size sorting unit 120 are carried into the first transfer path 210 of the processing transfer unit 200.

[0128] For example, it is configured to branch and discharge from the second discharge port 120T2 of the second particle size sorting unit 120, and discharge some of the first non-conforming processing objects from one branch discharge port 120T2' of the second discharge port 120T2 of the second particle size sorting unit 120 and supply them to the third particle size sorting unit 130. At the same time, discharge the other remaining first non-conforming processing objects from the other branch discharge port 120T2'' of the second discharge port 120T2 of the second particle size sorting unit 120 and supply them to the second transfer path 210 of the processing transfer unit 200.

[0129] Therefore, the processing transfer unit 200 can transfer the first conforming processing objects with a particle size D within the first conforming range (D1 < D < D2) to the cleaning transfer path 600B in the next process. Also, the processing transfer unit 200' can transfer the second conforming processing objects with a particle size D within the second conforming range (D3 < D < D4) to the cleaning transfer path 600A in the next process.

[0130] (Example 3)

[0131] When sorting and conveying the first workpiece with a particle size D within the first conformity range (D1 < D < D2), and sorting and conveying the second workpiece with a particle size D within the second conformity range (D3 < D < D4), the upper limit value D2 of the first conformity range (D1 < D < D2) and the lower limit value D3 of the second conformity range (D3 < D < D4) may be the same.

[0132] In this case, by omitting the fourth particle size sorting unit 140 from the configuration of FIG. 7 and setting the screen pitch sp in the third particle size sorting unit 130 to the size D3 corresponding to the second conformity range (D2 < D < D3), the sorting and conveying device 1 for the workpiece in Example 3 can be configured.

[0133] According to Example 3, the processing and conveying unit 200 can convey the first conforming workpiece with a particle size D within the first conformity range (D1 < D < D2) to the cleaning and conveying path 600B in the next process. Also, the processing and conveying unit 200' can convey the second conforming workpiece with a particle size D within the second conformity range (D2 < D < D3) to the cleaning and conveying path 600A in the next process.

[0134] (Third Embodiment)

[0135] In the devices of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, part or all of the operations and tasks can be performed by automatic control.

[0136] (Example 4)

[0137] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the worker WR is performing the processing operation. However, instead of the worker WR, a robot may be configured to perform the processing operation. For example, by attaching a processing tool such as a kitchen knife to the tip of the arm of an articulated robot, or by gripping a processing tool such as a kitchen knife with the hand at the tip of the arm of an articulated robot, a working robot can be configured. By driving and controlling the working robot with a controller, the same processing operation as that of the worker WR can be performed.

[0138] (Example 5)

[0139] The screen pitch sp may be automatically controlled according to the target weight, target particle size, and target production quantity of the object to be processed.

[0140] FIG. 8(A) is a diagram showing a production plan, and shows the relationship between the weight target value Wr, the particle size target value Dr, and the target production quantity N for each item B of the object to be processed. The allowable range of the weight target value Wr is Wr - ΔW < Wr < Wr + ΔW, and the conformity range of the particle size target value Dr is Dr - ΔD < Dr < Dr + ΔD.

[0141] For item B1, a weight target value Wr1 (for example, 5 g), a particle size target value Dr1 (for example, 5 to 10 mm), and a target production quantity N1 are set.

[0142] For item B2, a weight target value Wr2 (for example, 8 g), a particle size target value Dr2 (for example, 15 mm), and a target production quantity N2 are set.

[0143] For item B3, a weight target value Wr3 (for example, 10 g), a particle size target value Dr3 (for example, 20 mm), and a target production quantity N3 are set.

[0144] For item B4, a weight target value Wr4 (for example, 12 g), a particle size target value Dr4 (for example, 30 mm), and a target production quantity N4 are set.

[0145] In the apparatus configuration of FIG. 1, to achieve the production plan shown in FIG. 8(A), for example, the screen pitch sp of the first particle size sorting unit 110 is set to Dr1-ΔD, and the screen pitch sp of the second particle size sorting unit 120 is set to Dr1+ΔD to produce N1 objects of item B1, and then the screen pitch sp of the first particle size sorting unit 110 is set to Dr2-ΔD, and the screen pitch sp of the second particle size sorting unit 120 is set to Dr2+ΔD to produce N2 objects of item B1. Next, the screen pitch sp of the first particle size sorting section 110 is set to Dr3-ΔD and the screen pitch sp of the second particle size sorting section 120 is set to Dr3+ΔD to produce N3 objects of item B3, and then the screen pitch sp of the first particle size sorting section 110 is set to Dr4-ΔD and the screen pitch sp of the second particle size sorting section 120 is set to Dr4+ΔD to produce N4 objects of item B4.

[0146] Furthermore, in the apparatus configuration of Figure 6, to achieve the production plan shown in Figure 8(A), for example, the screen pitch sp of the first particle size sorting section 110 is set to Dr1-ΔD and the screen pitch sp of the second particle size sorting section 120 is set to Dr1+ΔD to produce N1 pieces of processed objects of item B1, and then the screen pitch sp of the first particle size sorting section 110 is set to Dr2-ΔD and the screen pitch sp of the second particle size sorting section 120 is set to Dr2+ΔD to produce N2 pieces of processed objects of item B2. Furthermore, the screen pitch sp of the third particle size sorting section 130 is set to Dr3-ΔD, and the screen pitch sp of the fourth particle size sorting section 140 is set to Dr3+ΔD to produce N3 pieces of processed objects of item B3, and then the screen pitch sp of the third particle size sorting section 130 is set to Dr4-ΔD, and the screen pitch sp of the fourth particle size sorting section 140 is set to Dr4+ΔD to produce N4 pieces of processed objects of item B4.

[0147] Even when the device configuration of FIG. 7 is used, the production plan shown in FIG. 8(A) can be achieved by similarly automatically controlling the screen pitch sp.

[0148] FIG. 8(B) illustrates a production plan for items Bs and Bm with different weights.

[0149] For item Bs, a suitable particle size range ΔDrs (for example, 15 to 30 mm) and a target production quantity Ns are set.

[0150] For item Bm, a suitable particle size range ΔDrm (for example, 30 to 50 mm) and a target production quantity Nm are set.

[0151] The production plan shown in Figure 8(B) can be similarly achieved by automatically controlling the screen pitch sp using the device configurations shown in Figures 1, 6, and 7. Note that the production plans shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B) can also be achieved by manually adjusting the screen pitch sp. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 100 Particle size selection section 110 First particle size selection section 120 Second particle size sorting section 200 Processing conveyor section 210 First conveying path 220 Second conveying path 290 Workbench

Claims

1. A processing object sorting and conveying device that sorts and conveys processing objects into processing objects having particle sizes within a suitable range that are larger than a first particle size D1 and smaller than a second particle size D2 (where D1<D2), a particle size sorting unit that sorts the workpieces from the previous process into at least conforming workpieces having particle sizes within the conforming range and non-conforming workpieces having particle sizes equal to or larger than the second particle size D2; a first conveying path for conveying the suitable workpiece to a next process; a second conveying path provided along the first conveying path and conveying the non-conforming workpiece; a work table provided along the first transport path and the second transport path so that the non-conforming object on the second transport path can be removed and the conforming object on the first transport path can be placed on the work table, for processing the non-conforming object into the conforming object; A sorting and transporting device for workpieces.

2. The particle size sorting unit a first particle size sorting unit that sorts the workpieces of the previous process into workpieces having a particle size equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 and matched candidate workpieces having a particle size larger than the first particle size D1; a second particle size sorting unit that sorts the conforming candidate objects into conforming objects having particle sizes smaller than the second particle size D2 and unconformable objects having particle sizes equal to or larger than the second particle size D2; comprising: The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 1.

3. the second transport path is disposed above the first transport path; The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 1.

4. the second transport path is disposed above the first transport path; the second particle size sorting unit is configured so that the non-conforming objects are carried out from above and the conforming objects are carried out from below, The second particle size sorting unit, the first conveying path, and the second conveying path are The non-conforming objects to be processed that are conveyed from above the second particle size sorting unit are conveyed to the second conveying path, and the conforming objects to be processed that are conveyed from below the second particle size sorting unit are connected to the first conveying path. The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 2.

5. the work table is disposed at the same height or approximately the same height as the first transport path; The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the work table is disposed at the same height or approximately the same height as the first transport path, a residue transport path is disposed below the first transport path; a chute for dropping residue of the object to be processed into the residue transport path is provided adjacent to the work table; The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 3 or 4.

7. An apparatus for sorting and transporting workpieces, which sorts and transports workpieces into first workpieces having particle sizes within a first suitable range that are larger than a first particle size D1 and smaller than a second particle size D2 (where D1<D2), and sorts and transports the workpieces into second workpieces having particle sizes within a second suitable range that are larger than a third particle size D3 and smaller than a fourth particle size D4 (where D3<D4), a particle size sorting unit that sorts the workpieces of the previous process into at least first conforming workpieces having particle sizes within the first conforming range and first non-conforming workpieces having particle sizes equal to or larger than the second particle size D2, and also sorts the workpieces of the previous process into at least second conforming workpieces having particle sizes within the second conforming range and second non-conforming workpieces having particle sizes equal to or larger than the fourth particle size D4; a first conveying path for conveying the first suitable workpiece to a next process; a second conveying path provided along the first conveying path and conveying the first nonconforming workpiece; a third conveying path for conveying the second suitable workpiece to a next process; a fourth conveying path provided along the third conveying path and conveying the second nonconforming object to be processed; a first work table provided along the first transport path and the second transport path so that the first non-conforming object on the second transport path can be removed and the first conforming object can be placed on the first transport path, the first work table being used to process the first non-conforming object into the first conforming object; a second work table provided along the third transport path and the fourth transport path so that the second non-conforming object can be removed from the fourth transport path and so that the second conforming object can be placed on the third transport path, the second work table being used to process the second non-conforming object into the second conforming object; A sorting and transporting device for workpieces.

8. The third particle diameter D3 is a particle diameter larger than the second particle diameter D2, The particle size sorting unit a first particle size sorting unit that sorts the workpieces of the previous process into workpieces having particle sizes equal to or smaller than the first particle size D1 and first suitable candidate workpieces having particle sizes larger than the first particle size D1; a second particle size sorting unit that sorts the first conforming candidate object into first conforming objects having particle sizes smaller than the second particle size D2 and first unconformable objects having particle sizes equal to or larger than the second particle size D2; a third particle size sorting unit that sorts the first non-conforming object into an object having a particle size equal to or smaller than the third particle size D3 and a second conforming candidate object having a particle size larger than the third particle size D3; a fourth particle size sorting unit that sorts the second conforming candidate object to be processed into second conforming object to be processed having a particle size smaller than the fourth particle size D4 and second unconformable object to be processed having a particle size equal to or larger than the fourth particle size D4; The invention comprises: The second particle size sorting unit, the third particle size sorting unit, and the second conveying path are a part of the first nonconforming objects to be processed that have been conveyed out of the second particle size sorting section is conveyed into the third particle size sorting section, and another part of the first nonconforming objects to be processed that have been conveyed out of the second particle size sorting section is connected to be conveyed into the second conveying path; The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 7.

9. The apparatus for sorting and transporting objects according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the objects are broccoli.

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