Inspection equipment

Abstract

To provide an inspection device capable of inspecting the quality of grains and other grains on a large scale and continuously. [Solution] The inspection device 1A includes a plurality of sampling units 11 and 12 that take in a part of the object, a chute unit 34 provided downstream of the sampling units 11 and 12 through which the object taken in by the sampling units 11 and 12 flows, and a measuring unit 37 that performs measurement of the object that has flowed through the chute unit 34.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection device used for inspecting grains and the like, for example, at a country elevator or a rice milling factory.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a rice milling factory, there is a need to manage the results of processing by a rice milling machine or the like. In order to meet such needs, self-inspection devices as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example, are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, there is a need not only to simply "manage" the results of processing, but also to continuously manage a large amount of the results of processing by a plurality of preparation and processing machines such as a rice milling machine and a husker continuously.

[0005] In contrast, the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are self-inspection devices used for self-inspection of grains carried in from farmers. Since the self-inspection device samples a small amount of the received raw materials and inspects the quality and the like, it cannot achieve a large amount of sample inspection and continuous management.

[0006] The present disclosure is made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide an inspection device capable of inspecting the quality of grains and the like processed by a rice milling machine, a husker, or the like installed in, for example, a country elevator or a rice milling factory, in a large amount and continuously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of this disclosure may be based on an inspection device for inspecting objects such as grains. The inspection device comprises a sampling unit for taking in a portion of the object, a plurality of chutes provided downstream of the sampling unit through which the object taken in by the sampling unit flows, and a measuring unit for measuring the object that has flowed through the chutes.

[0008] The inspection device may also include a plurality of sampling units for taking in a portion of the object, a chute unit provided downstream of the sampling units through which the object taken in by the sampling units flows, and a measuring unit for measuring the object that has flowed through the chute unit.

[0009] In this configuration, samples collected by multiple sampling units flow through a chute before being measured by a measurement unit. This allows for the continuous inspection of a large number of samples, enabling high-volume sample inspection and continuous management.

[0010] The chute section may be provided for each sampling section. In this case, a switching valve can be provided between the sampling section and the chute section to switch the flow of the object so that it flows to some of the multiple chute sections and not to the others. This allows the object to flow only to the desired chute section, and measurement can be performed by the measuring section.

[0011] A switching valve may be provided between the sampling unit and the chute unit to switch the flow of objects so that objects taken in by some of the sampling units flow into the chute unit, while objects taken in by other sampling units do not flow into the chute unit. This makes it possible to inspect multiple types of objects using, for example, a single chute unit.

[0012] The chute section may be provided for each sampling section and may be arranged in a predetermined direction. The measurement range of the measurement unit is set to extend in the predetermined direction and include objects that have flowed through multiple chutes, and the measurement unit can output a measurement result measured in a predetermined area that includes only the object that has flowed through any one of the chutes within the measurement range. This makes it possible to inspect multiple types of objects using, for example, a single measurement unit.

[0013] Multiple chute sections may be provided. In this case, the measuring section can be provided downstream of the multiple chute sections. This makes it possible to measure each of multiple types of objects using the measuring section downstream of the chute section.

[0014] The inspection device may have multiple unit inspection units. Each unit inspection unit may have a chute unit and a measuring unit. Furthermore, each of the multiple chute units may have a sampling unit upstream of it. A switching valve for switching the flow of the object can be provided between the sampling unit and the chute unit. This allows inspection to be performed while switching the flow of the object as needed.

[0015] The inspection device may also include a plurality of sampling units for taking in a portion of the object, a chute unit provided downstream of the sampling units through which the object taken in by the sampling units flows, and a measuring unit for measuring the object that has flowed through the chute unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the chute section may include a first chute section and a second chute section arranged in the predetermined direction, and the measurement range of the measuring section may include a region for measuring objects that have flowed through the first chute section and a region for measuring objects that have flowed through the second chute section. This makes it possible to inspect multiple types of objects using, for example, a single measuring section.

[0017] Furthermore, the measurement unit may output the measurement results measured in the first predetermined area and the measurement results measured in the second predetermined area in a format that allows for identification. This allows the user to check multiple different measurement results.

[0018] Furthermore, the multiple sampling units may include multiple sampling units that collect objects from multiple locations separated in the direction of transport along a single transport path installed at the transport site. This makes it possible to measure objects before and after processing, obtain the measurement results for each, and control the device that performs the processing based on these measurement results.

[0019] Furthermore, the multiple sampling units may include a first sampling unit and a second sampling unit that collect objects from a first transport route and a second transport route, respectively, installed at the transport site. This allows for the measurement of objects collected from each transport route and the acquisition of measurement results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As explained above, a chute is provided downstream of the sampling section, and the measurement of the object flowing through the chute is performed by the measurement section, allowing for the continuous and large-scale inspection of the quality of the measured objects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the inspection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of rice milling machine control. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of optical sorting machine control. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of grain sorting machine control. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the inspection device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the internal structure of the inspection device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the internal structure of the inspection device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship of the shutter, valve, slider, and chute part as viewed from the front. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a control flowchart of the inspection device when there is only one sampling part. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the first half of the control flowchart of the inspection device when there are three sampling parts. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the middle part of the control flowchart of the inspection device when there are three sampling parts. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the latter half of the control flowchart of the inspection device when there are three sampling parts. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the middle part of the control flowchart of the inspection device when the sampling times of the sampling parts are different. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing the middle part of the control flowchart of the inspection device when the amounts of samples of the sampling parts are different. [Figure 15] Figure 第十五 is a diagram showing the first half of the control flowchart of the inspection device when measuring multiple times. [Figure 16] Figure 第十六 is a diagram showing the latter half of the control flowchart of the inspection device when measuring multiple times.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the operation of inspection devices 1A and 1B according to embodiments of the present invention. Inspection devices 1A and 1B are devices used in, for example, country elevators (CEs) and rice milling plants, and are used to inspect grains (target objects) such as brown rice and polished rice. In the following description, the target objects may be referred to as samples, raw materials, brown rice, and polished rice. For example, the object to be measured can be defined as a sample, and the sample before passing through a processing machine can be defined as a raw material.

[0024] Inspection devices 1A and 1B can also be used to inspect other materials besides rice, such as soybeans and adzuki beans. Furthermore, inspection devices 1A and 1B can be used in locations other than CE (Commercial Environment Center) and rice milling plants. The configuration shown in Figure 1 illustrates the use of inspection devices 1A and 1B in a rice milling plant 100.

[0025] The rice milling plant 100 is equipped with a brown rice tank 101 for storing brown rice, a rice milling machine 102 for milling the brown rice, an optical sorter 103 for separating good and bad milled rice, and a weighing tank 104 for storing good rice. The brown rice tank 101 and the rice milling machine 102 are connected by a brown rice supply pipe 110. The rice milling machine 102 and the optical sorter 103 are connected by a milled rice supply pipe 111. The optical sorter 103 and the weighing tank 104 are connected by a good rice piping 112. For example, the brown rice tank 101 is installed on the uppermost floor, and the weighing tank 104 is installed on the lowermost floor. This makes it possible to transport the brown rice from the brown rice tank 101 to the weighing tank 104 using its own weight.

[0026] The rice milling machine 102 is a conventional and well-known model, and includes a rice milling mechanism 102a that mills brown rice supplied from the brown rice tank 101 through the brown rice supply pipe 110, and a control unit 102b that controls the rice milling mechanism 102a. The control unit 102b controls the rice milling mechanism 102a, which allows for changes in the milling ratio and other parameters.

[0027] The milled rice discharged from the rice milling machine 102 flows into the rice milling supply pipe 111. The milled rice that flows into the rice milling supply pipe 111 is supplied to the optical sorter 103. The optical sorter 103 has a first sorting unit 103a installed on the upstream side, a first control unit 103b that controls the first sorting unit 103a, a second sorting unit 103c installed on the downstream side, and a second control unit 103d that controls the second sorting unit 103c. The first sorting unit 103a and the second sorting unit 103c have the same configuration and have an optical detection device (not shown) configured, for example, a CCD line sensor. The optical detection device is equipped with R elements, G elements, and B elements that are sensitive to R (red), G (green), and B (blue), respectively, and each signal output from the optical detection device is input to a computing device configured, for example, a microcomputer. The calculation unit determines whether the milled rice is defective or good based on the signals input from the optical detection device. If it determines that the rice is defective, it can also determine whether the defective rice is discolored grains due to pests, damaged grains due to burnt rice, immature green grains, unhulled rice, or discolored grains such as milky white grains and other foreign matter. The discrimination logic is well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but the spectral ratio R / G and spectral ratio R / B are calculated from the R, G, and B values ​​obtained by binarizing the captured image, and the obtained values ​​are compared with a discrimination formula stored in a comparison circuit (not shown) to perform, for example, six types of discrimination.

[0028] The first sorting unit 103a is also equipped with an ejector device (not shown) for removing defective products. The calculation unit activates the ejector device at the moment when a defective product passes directly in front of it. The ejector device blows away the defective product passing in front of it by instantaneously releasing compressed air. This method is also well known. The defective products blown away by the ejector device are sorted again by the second sorting unit 103c. Raw materials sorted as defective by the second sorting unit 103c are discharged outside the machine as secondary defective products. On the other hand, good products (primary good products) sorted by the first sorting unit 103a are discharged to the next process.

[0029] The first sorting unit 103a adjusts the sensitivity for distinguishing between good and defective products, which is done by the first control unit 103b. Similarly, the second sorting unit 103c adjusts the sensitivity for distinguishing between good and defective products, which is done by the second control unit 103d. Thus, the sensitivity of the first sorting unit 103a and the second sorting unit 103c can be adjusted individually.

[0030] The good products sorted in the second sorting section 103c are sent to the weighing tank 104 via the good product piping 112 and stored in the weighing tank 104.

[0031] The rice milling plant 100 is equipped with an inspection device 1A for the rice milling machine and an inspection device 1B for the optical sorting machine as inline sensors. The inspection device 1A for the rice milling machine comprises a brown rice sampling unit 11 connected to the brown rice supply pipe 110, a milled rice sampling unit 12 connected to the milled rice supply pipe 111, and a main unit 20. The inspection device 1A for the rice milling machine is used to inspect brown rice (sample) taken in from the brown rice supply pipe 110 by the brown rice sampling unit 11 and milled rice (sample) taken in from the milled rice supply pipe 111 by the milled rice sampling unit 12. The number of sampling units is not limited to two; there may be one or three or more.

[0032] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, upstream of the rice milling machine 102, a portion of the raw material for the rice milling machine flowing through the brown rice supply pipe 110 is taken in by the brown rice sampling unit 11 and inspected by the main unit 20. Also, downstream of the rice milling machine 102, a portion of the rice milling machine product flowing through the rice milling supply pipe 111 is taken in by the rice milling sampling unit 12 and inspected by the main unit 20. The brown rice and milled rice inspected by the rice milling machine inspection device 1A are supplied via the return channel 113 to the area downstream of the brown rice sampling unit 11 in the brown rice supply pipe 110 and upstream of the rice milling machine 102. The brown rice and milled rice inspected by the rice milling machine inspection device 1A may be stored without being returned.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter comprises a raw material sampling unit 13 connected to the rice milling supply pipe 111, a primary good product sampling unit 14 connected to the flow path of primary good products sorted as good products by the first sorting unit 103a of the optical sorter 103, a secondary defective product sampling unit 15 connected to the flow path of secondary defective products sorted as defective products by the second sorting unit 103c of the optical sorter 103, and the main body of the device 30. The inspection device 1B for the optical sorter is a device for inspecting milled rice (sample) taken in from the rice milling supply pipe 111 by the raw material sampling unit 13, primary good products (sample) taken in by the primary good product sampling unit 14, and secondary defective products (sample) taken in by the secondary defective product sampling unit 15. The secondary defective product sampling unit 15 is connected to the flow path that discharges defective products from the optical sorter 103.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, upstream of the optical sorter 103, a portion of the optical sorter raw material flowing through the rice milling supply pipe 111 is taken in by the raw material sampling unit 13 and inspected by the main unit 30. In addition, a portion of the primary good product flowing through the primary good product channel is taken in by the primary good product sampling unit 14 and inspected by the main unit 30. Furthermore, a portion of the secondary defective product flowing through the secondary defective product channel is taken in by the secondary defective product sampling unit 15 and inspected by the main unit 30. Sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are equipped with full-quantity sensors (not shown) that turn ON when the sample amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The sample inspected by the optical sorter inspection device 1B is supplied via the return channel 114 to the downstream side of the raw material sampling unit 13 and upstream side of the optical sorter 103 in the rice milling supply pipe 111. The sample inspected by the optical sorter inspection device 1B may be discharged as defective without passing through the return channel 114. The sample inspected by the optical sorter inspection device 1B may be stored.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, a personal computer 130 for monitoring and control is installed in the rice milling plant 100 or in an office, etc. The personal computer 130 for monitoring and control is configured by installing software on a general-purpose personal computer and monitors the operation of the rice milling machine 102, optical sorter 103, rice milling machine inspection device 1A, and optical sorter inspection device 1B installed in the rice milling plant 100, analyzes the measurement results, and outputs control signals, etc. to the rice milling machine 102, optical sorter 103, rice milling machine inspection device 1A, and optical sorter inspection device 1B. The personal computer 130 for monitoring and control is the main system. This main system may also consist of a server system located on the cloud, in addition to the personal computer 130 for monitoring and control.

[0036] The monitoring and control personal computer 130 and the rice milling machine 102 are connected by a signal line 120a, and the monitoring and control personal computer 130 transmits control signals to the rice milling machine 102 via the signal line 120a. The rice milling machine 102 operates based on the control signals transmitted from the monitoring and control personal computer 130.

[0037] The monitoring and control personal computer 130 and the optical sorter 103 are connected by a signal line 120b, and the monitoring and control personal computer 130 transmits control signals to the optical sorter 103 via the signal line 120b. The optical sorter 103 operates based on the control signals transmitted from the monitoring and control personal computer 130.

[0038] The monitoring and control personal computer 130 and the rice milling machine inspection device 1A are connected by a signal line 120c. The inspection results from the rice milling machine inspection device 1A are transmitted to the monitoring and control personal computer 130 via the signal line 120c. The monitoring and control personal computer 130 can also transmit control signals to the rice milling machine inspection device 1A via the signal line 120c. This allows the rice milling machine inspection device 1A to be controlled. Control of the rice milling machine inspection device 1A includes, for example, sending and receiving measurement permission, lot information, and measurement target values.

[0039] The monitoring and control personal computer 130 and the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B are connected by a signal line 120d. The inspection results from the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B are transmitted to the monitoring and control personal computer 130 via the signal line 120d. The monitoring and control personal computer 130 can also transmit control signals to the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B via the signal line 120d. This allows the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B to be controlled. Control of the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B includes, for example, sending and receiving measurement permission, lot information, and measurement target values.

[0040] The inspection results from the rice milling machine inspection device 1A and the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B are stored in a monitoring and control personal computer 130 or server (not shown). The stored inspection results can be viewed by the user and can also be output in a format desired by the user.

[0041] The personal computer 130 for monitoring and control may have an analysis function for analyzing inspection results. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the personal computer 130 for monitoring and control can analyze the inspection results of the inspection device 1A for the rice milling machine and perform pressure control of the rice milling machine 102 based on the analysis results. Pressure control is a control to ensure that rice milling by the rice milling machine 102 is performed appropriately, and can be performed automatically by the personal computer 130 for monitoring and control using feedback control, or it can be controlled manually by the user.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the monitoring and control personal computer 130 can also analyze the inspection results of the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter and, based on the analysis results, perform sensitivity control of the optical sorter 103. Sensitivity control is a control to ensure that defective products are properly removed by the optical sorter 103, and can be performed automatically by the monitoring and control personal computer 130 using feedback control, or it can be controlled manually by the user.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the grain sorter control system. The grain sorter 105 is a device for sorting, for example, immature rice, and its structure is conventionally well known, so a description of its structure is omitted. The grain sorter 105 can also be inspected with an inspection device, in which case the grain sorter inspection device 1C is installed in the factory or other location.

[0044] The inspection device 1C for the grain sorter takes in a portion of the grain sorter raw material flowing upstream of the grain sorter 105 via the raw material sampling unit 17 and inspects it in the main unit 40. Additionally, a portion of the high-quality grain flowing through the high-quality grain channel is taken in by the high-quality grain sampling unit 18 and inspected in the main unit 40. Furthermore, a portion of the immature rice flowing through the immature rice channel is taken in by the immature rice sampling unit 19 and inspected in the main unit 40. The samples inspected by the inspection device 1C are supplied via the return channel 115 to a channel downstream of the raw material sampling unit 17 and upstream of the grain sorter 105.

[0045] The monitoring and control personal computer 130 can also analyze the inspection results of the inspection device 1C for the grain sorter and, based on the analysis results, control the rotation speed of the grain sorter 105. The rotation speed control is a control to ensure that immature rice is properly removed by the grain sorter 105, and can be performed automatically by the monitoring and control personal computer 130 using feedback control, or it can be controlled manually by the user. For example, the monitoring and control personal computer 130 can compare data on raw materials, polished rice, and immature rice and present the user with the current sorting efficiency and recommended sorting mesh, etc.

[0046] (Detailed structure of the inspection device) The inspection device 1A for the rice milling machine, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter, and the inspection device 1C for the grain sorter have the same structure, differing only in the route through which the sample is taken in and the number of routes for taking in the sample. However, the structures of the inspection device 1A for the rice milling machine, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter, and the inspection device 1C do not all have to be the same; one inspection device may have a different structure from the others. Even if the structures differ, the main parts are the same, so the detailed structure of the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter will be described below based on Figures 5 and 6, etc. The left-right direction and depth direction of the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter are defined as shown in Figures 5 and 6, but this definition of directions is for the sake of explanation only and does not limit the present invention.

[0047] The rear of the upstream (upper) side of the main body 30 of the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B is connected to a first pipe 31a extending from the raw material sampling section 13, a second pipe 31b extending from the primary good product sampling section 14, and a third pipe 31c extending from the secondary defective product sampling section 15. The first pipe 31a, the second pipe 31b, and the third pipe 31c are arranged in a left-right direction, with the first pipe 31a on the left and the third pipe 31c on the right. The number of pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c is not limited to three, but can be any number.

[0048] The upper rear portion of the main body 30 of the apparatus is provided with a first pre-hopper 32a to which the downstream (lower) side of the first pipe 31a is connected, a second pre-hopper 32b to which the downstream (lower) side of the second pipe 31b is connected, and a third pre-hopper 32c to which the downstream (lower) side of the third pipe 31c is connected. As shown in Figure 6, the first pre-hopper 32a, the second pre-hopper 32b, and the third pre-hopper 32c are arranged in the left-right direction, similar to the pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c, and are components for receiving the sample that has flowed through the first pipe 31a, the second pipe 31b, and the third pipe 31c, respectively. The number of pre-hoppers 32a, 32b, and 32c can be the same as the number of pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c, and is not limited to three.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the apparatus body 30 is provided with a first conduit 33a that is connected to the outlet of the first prehopper 32a and extends downward, guiding the sample flowing from the outlet of the first prehopper 32a downward; a second conduit 33b that is connected to the outlet of the second prehopper 32b and extends downward, guiding the sample flowing from the outlet of the second prehopper 32b downward; and a third conduit 33c that is connected to the outlet of the third prehopper 32c and extends downward, guiding the sample flowing from the outlet of the third prehopper 32c downward. The first conduit 33a, the second conduit 33b, and the third conduit 33c are arranged in the left-right direction, similar to the piping 31a, 31b, and 31c.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the main body of the apparatus 30 is equipped with a housing 30A. Figure 6 is a diagram with the housing 30A omitted, and as shown in Figure 6, the housing 30A is provided with a chute section 34 located downstream (below) the first to third conduits 33a, 33b, and 33c, that is, downstream of the sampling sections 13, 14, and 15. The chute section 34 is the part through which the sample taken in by the sampling sections 13, 14, and 15 flows after passing through the piping 31a, 31b, and 31c, the pre-hoppers 32a, 32b, and 32c, and the conduits 33a, 33b, and 33c. The chute section 34 slopes downward from further back towards the front than the downstream side of the first to third conduits 33a, 33b, and 33c. Therefore, the sample flowing from the first to third conduits 33a, 33b, and 33c flows towards the front of the housing 30A via the chute section 34.

[0051] The chute section 34 includes three chute sections 34a, 34b, and 34c, the same number as the sampling sections 13, 14, and 15. These chute sections are provided for each sampling section 13, 14, and 15 and are arranged in a left-right direction (a predetermined direction). Specifically, a first chute section 34a is formed on the left side of the chute section 34 to receive the sample flowing from the first conduit 33a and direct it toward the front. A second chute section 34b is formed in the middle of the chute section 34 in the left-right direction to receive the sample flowing from the second conduit 33b and direct it toward the front. A third chute section 34c is formed on the right side of the chute section 34 to receive the sample flowing from the third conduit 33c and direct it toward the front. The chute section 34 is provided with a first vertical plate 34d for separating the first chute section 34a and the second chute section 34b, and a second vertical plate 34e for separating the second chute section 34b and the third chute section 34c.

[0052] The presence of the first vertical plate 34d and the second vertical plate 34e ensures that the sample taken in by the raw material sampling unit 13 flows only through the first chute unit 34a and not through the second chute unit 34b or the third chute unit 34c. Similarly, the sample taken in by the primary good product sampling unit 14 flows only through the second chute unit 34b and not through the first chute unit 34a or the third chute unit 34c. Similarly, the sample taken in by the secondary defective product sampling unit 15 flows only through the third chute unit 34c and not through the first chute unit 34a or the second chute unit 34b.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, a first shutter 35a is provided on the downstream side of the first conduit 33a to open and close the outlet. By moving the first shutter 35a diagonally upward as indicated by arrow A, the outlet of the first conduit 33a is opened, while by moving it diagonally downward, the outlet of the first conduit 33a is closed. The first shutter 35a can be held in an open state or a closed state. The first shutter 35a is driven by an actuator (not shown). Upstream of the first shutter 35a, a sample sensor (not shown) is provided that turns ON when the amount of sample exceeds a predetermined amount. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, second shutters 35b and third shutters 35c are also provided on the downstream side of the second conduit 33b and the downstream side of the third conduit 33c, respectively, to open and close their respective outlets, similar to the first shutter 35a.

[0054] As shown in Figure 7, a first rotary valve 36a is provided below the first shutter 35a. The rotation axis of the first rotary valve 36a extends in the left-right direction, and it rotates in the direction of arrow B around this rotation axis. By rotating the first rotary valve 36a in the direction of arrow B, the sample flowing from the outlet of the first conduit 33a can be supplied to the first chute section 34a of the chute section 34. Below the second shutter 35b and the third shutter 35c, a second rotary valve 36b and a third rotary valve 36c are provided, respectively, similar to the first rotary valve 36a. By rotating the second rotary valve 36b and the third rotary valve 36c, respectively, the sample flowing from the outlets of the second conduit 33b and the third conduit 33c can be supplied to the second chute section 34b and the third chute section 34c of the chute section 34.

[0055] The first rotary valve 36a, the second rotary valve 36b, and the third rotary valve 36c are rotationally driven by a motor 36d (shown in Figure 6). The first rotary valve 36a, the second rotary valve 36b, and the third rotary valve 36c may be driven by a single motor 36d, or they may be driven separately by independent motors, although these are not shown.

[0056] For example, by opening only the first shutter 35a and closing the second shutter 35b and the third shutter 35c, only the sample taken in by the raw material sampling unit 13 will flow through the first chute unit 34a. Similarly, by opening only the second shutter 35b, only the sample taken in by the primary good product sampling unit 14 will flow through the second chute unit 34b, and by opening only the third shutter 35c, only the sample taken in by the secondary defective product sampling unit 15 will flow through the third chute unit 34c.

[0057] Furthermore, in the configuration where the first rotary valve 36a, the second rotary valve 36b, and the third rotary valve 36c are rotated independently, by driving only the first rotary valve 36a and stopping the second rotary valve 36b and the third rotary valve 36c, only the sample taken in by the raw material sampling unit 13 will flow through the first chute unit 34a. Similarly, by driving only the second rotary valve 36b, only the sample taken in by the primary good product sampling unit 14 will flow through the second chute unit 34b, and by driving only the third rotary valve 36c, only the sample taken in by the secondary defective product sampling unit 15 will flow through the third chute unit 34c.

[0058] In other words, the first shutter 35a, the second shutter 35b, the third shutter 35c, the first rotary valve 36a, the second rotary valve 36b, and the third rotary valve 36c constitute the switching valve 30B, which is installed between the sampling units 13, 14, and 15 and the chute unit 34. By operating this switching valve 30B as described above, the flow of the sample can be switched so that the sample flows to some of the multiple chute units 34a, 34b, and 34c, and not to the other chute units. To put it another way, the switching valve 30B switches the flow of the sample so that the sample taken in by some of the multiple sampling units 13, 14, and 15 flows to the chute unit 34, and the sample taken in by the other sampling units does not flow to the chute unit 34.

[0059] The structure of the switching valve 30B is not limited to the structure described above. The first rotary valve 36a, the second rotary valve 36b, and the third rotary valve 36c may be omitted, and the valve may consist of the first shutter 35a, the second shutter 35b, and the third shutter 35c. Alternatively, the first shutter 35a, the second shutter 35b, and the third shutter 35c may be omitted, and the valve may consist of the first rotary valve 36a, the second rotary valve 36b, and the third rotary valve 36c. Furthermore, the switching valve 30B is not limited to a configuration using shutters or rotary valves. As described above, any structure that allows the sample to flow through may be used.

[0060] The main body of the apparatus 30 is equipped with a measuring unit 37 that performs measurements on samples that have flowed through the chute section 34. The measuring unit 37 can be composed of, for example, an optical detection device provided in the optical sorter 103, but is not particularly limited, and may be a measuring unit that measures whether or not a sample is defective, or a measuring unit that measures the size, shape, color, etc. of a sample. The measuring unit 37 can measure the external quality of a sample. The measurement principle using an optical detection device can be the same as the measurement principle of the optical sorter 103 described above. When measuring the size, shape, color, etc. of a sample, the measurement can also be performed by acquiring an image and processing the acquired image.

[0061] As shown by the solid line in Figure 8, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter may be equipped with one measuring unit 37. The left-right edges of the optical field of view of this measuring unit 37 are shown by dashed lines L1 and L2. The optical field of view of the measuring unit 37 is the measuring range of the measuring unit 37. Therefore, the measuring range of the measuring unit 37 extends in the left-right direction (a predetermined direction), and its width in the left-right direction is set so as to include the sample that has flowed through the three chute units 34a, 34b, and 34c. The measuring range of the measuring unit 37 can be set to the above range by the field of view of the optical system, the size of the image sensor, the distance from the chute units 34a, 34b, and 34c, etc. The measuring unit 37 is also equipped with a light source (not shown) for illuminating the measuring range.

[0062] Samples flowing through the first chute section 34a pass through the left-hand region of the measurement range of the measurement unit 37 and are therefore measured in that left-hand region. Samples flowing through the second chute section 34b pass through the intermediate region in the left-right direction of the measurement range of the measurement unit 37 and are therefore measured in that intermediate region. Samples flowing through the third chute section 34c pass through the right-hand region of the measurement range of the measurement unit 37 and are therefore measured in that right-hand region. In this way, using a single measurement unit 37, samples flowing through the first chute section 34a, the second chute section 34b, and the third chute section 34c can be measured individually. The signal output from the measurement unit 37, including the measurement results, is included in the inspection results and is transmitted to the monitoring and control personal computer 130 via the signal line 120d shown in Figure 1.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, only one measuring unit 37 may be provided, or one may be provided for each of the first chute section 34a, the second chute section 34b, and the third chute section 34c. That is, as shown by dashed lines in Figure 8, by providing the first measuring unit 37a downstream of the first chute section 34a, the second measuring unit 37b downstream of the second chute section 34b, and the third measuring unit 37c downstream of the third chute section 34c, measurements can be taken individually for each of the first chute section 34a, the second chute section 34b, and the third chute section 34c. In this case, since the measuring units 37a, 37b, and 37c are independent, the sample may flow simultaneously through the first chute section 34a, the second chute section 34b, and the third chute section 34c.

[0064] When one measuring unit 37 is provided, the measuring unit 37 can output measurement results measured in the left region (predetermined region) that includes only the sample that flowed through the first chute section 34a within the measurement range, output measurement results measured in the intermediate region (predetermined region) that includes only the sample that flowed through the second chute section 34b within the measurement range, and output measurement results measured in the right region (predetermined region) that includes only the sample that flowed through the third chute section 34c within the measurement range. This makes it possible to obtain measurement results for each even if the sample is flowing through the first chute section 34a, the second chute section 34b, and the third chute section 34c simultaneously.

[0065] There may be only one chute section 34. In this case, the switching valve 30B can be used to supply the sample to the chute section 34 only from the raw material sampling section 13, or only from the primary good product sampling section 14, or only from the secondary defective product sampling section 15. This allows for separate measurement of raw materials, primary good products, and secondary defective products.

[0066] In Figure 8, dashed lines indicate the first unit inspection unit 39A, the second unit inspection unit 39B, and the third unit inspection unit 39C. The first unit inspection unit 39A has a first chute unit 34a and a first measuring unit 37a. The second unit inspection unit 39B has a second chute unit 34b and a second measuring unit 37b. The third unit inspection unit 39C has a third chute unit 34c and a third measuring unit 37c. Thus, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter may have multiple unit inspection units 39A, 39B, and 39C.

[0067] In this embodiment, the unit inspection units 39A, 39B, and 39C are integrated to constitute one optical sorting machine inspection device 1B, but the unit inspection units 39A, 39B, and 39C may be separated from each other. If the unit inspection units 39A, 39B, and 39C are separated, for example, the first unit inspection unit 39A can be installed and operated in a different location from the second unit inspection unit 39B and the third unit inspection unit 39C. The same applies to the second unit inspection unit 39B and the third unit inspection unit 39C, improving the degree of flexibility in installation.

[0068] (Control flow of the inspection device) Figure 9 is a control flowchart of the inspection device 1B for an optical sorter, for example, with only one sampling unit 13 connected. Before measurement control of the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter starts, i.e., in the initial state, the inspection device is stopped, the rotary valves 36a, 36b, and 36c are stopped, the shutters 35a, 35b, and 35c are closed, the measurement unit 37 has stopped imaging, and the light source is lit.

[0069] In step SA1, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter receives a measurement permission signal output from the monitoring and control personal computer 130, which is the main system. In step SA2, the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter receives measurement information output from the monitoring and control personal computer 130. The measurement information includes lot information and target values ​​for measurement.

[0070] Step SA3 checks the status of the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter. Step SA4 determines whether the status of the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter is measurable. If it is not measurable, proceed to step SA5 and wait for a certain period of time. If it is measurable, proceed to step SA6 and the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter rotates the rotary valve 36a (36b, 36c). Step SA7 the measurement unit 37 starts imaging. Step SA8 the sampling unit 13 starts sampling. Step SA9 waits until the full sensor provided in the sampling unit 13 turns ON, or for a certain period of time. Step SA10 the sampling unit 13 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. Step SA11 waits until the sample sensor provided upstream of the first shutter 35a turns ON, or for a certain period of time.

[0071] In step SA12, the shutter 35a (35b, 35c) is opened. In step SA13, the measuring unit 37 starts the measurement process. In step SA14, the unit waits until a certain number of particles have passed since the start of step SA13, or for a certain period of time. In step SA15, the measuring unit 37 finishes the measurement process.

[0072] In step SA16, the measurement unit 37 transmits a signal containing the measurement results to the monitoring and control personal computer 130. This allows the measurement results, such as the appearance quality of the sample, to be stored in the monitoring and control personal computer 130, enabling large-scale sample inspection and continuous management, unlike conventional self-inspection devices.

[0073] In step SA16, the monitoring and control personal computer 130 analyzes the measurement results. The analysis method is not particularly limited, but statistical methods or their applications can be used, for example. Through the analysis, it is possible to detect adjustment problems or abnormalities in the inspection device 1B for the optical sorter, and to obtain information on changes in the measurement results over time. In addition, the operating status of the optical sorter 103 can be monitored based on the measurement results.

[0074] In step SA17, the monitoring and control personal computer 130 transmits the analysis results to the optical sorter 103. In step SA18, the system waits for a certain period of time after transmitting the analysis results. In step SA19, the shutters 35a (35b, 35c) are closed. In step SA20, imaging by the measurement unit 37 is stopped, and in step SA21, the rotary valves 36a (36b, 36c) are stopped.

[0075] Figure 10 is a control flowchart of the inspection device 1B for an optical sorter, to which three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are connected. Steps SB1 to SB7 are the same as steps SA1 to SA7 in Figure 9. For the subsequent control flow, Figure 11 applies when the flow rates of the three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are the same.

[0076] In step SB8 of Figure 11, the sampling unit 13 starts sampling. In step SB9, the sampling unit 13 waits until the full-volume sensor turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SB10, the sampling unit 13 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SB11, the sampling unit waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the first shutter 35a turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SB12, the first shutter 35a is opened. In step SB13, the measurement unit 37 starts the first measurement process. In step SB14, the measurement unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SB13, or for a certain period of time. In step SB15, the measurement unit 37 finishes the first measurement process.

[0077] In step SB16, the sampling unit 14 starts sampling. In step SB17, the sampling unit 14 waits until the full-volume sensor turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SB18, the sampling unit 14 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SB19, the sampling unit waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the second shutter 35b turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SB20, the second shutter 35b is opened. In step SB21, the measurement unit 37 starts the second measurement process. In step SB22, the measurement unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SB21, or for a certain period of time. In step SB23, the measurement unit 37 finishes the second measurement process.

[0078] In step SB24, the sampling unit 15 starts sampling. In step SB25, the sampling unit 15 waits until the full-volume sensor turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SB26, the sampling unit 15 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SB27, the sampling unit waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the third shutter 35c turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SB28, the third shutter 35c is opened. In step SB29, the measurement unit 37 starts the third measurement process. In step SB30, the measurement unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SB29, or for a certain period of time. In step SB31, the measurement unit 37 finishes the third measurement process.

[0079] In step SB32 of Figure 12, the measurement unit 37 transmits a signal containing the measurement result to the monitoring and control personal computer 130, which then analyzes the measurement result. In step SB33, the monitoring and control personal computer 130 transmits the analysis result to the optical sorter 103. In step SB34, the system waits for a certain period of time after transmitting the analysis result. In step SB35, the first shutter 35a is closed. In step SB36, the second shutter 35b is closed. In step SB37, the third shutter 35c is closed. In step SB38, imaging by the measurement unit 37 is stopped. In step SB39, the rotary valves 36a, 36b, and 36c are stopped.

[0080] On the other hand, if the flow rates of the three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are different, adjustment of the control flow is necessary. Figure 13 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 11 when the flow rates of the three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are different, and the sampling times are different in order to equalize the amount of sample. In this case, the first half of the control is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 10. In step SC8 of Figure 13, the sampling unit 13 starts sampling. In step SC9, the unit waits until the full-volume sensor provided in the sampling unit 13 turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SC10, the sampling unit 13 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SC11, the unit waits until the sample detection sensor provided upstream of the first shutter 35a turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SC12, the first shutter 35a is opened. In step SC13, the measurement unit 37 starts the first measurement process. In step SC14, the unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SC13, or for a certain period of time. In step SC15, the measuring unit 37 completes the first measurement process and proceeds to step SC32, waiting until measurement of all lanes is completed.

[0081] In step SC16, the sampling unit 14 starts sampling. In step SC17, the sampling unit 14 waits until the full sensor turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SC18, the sampling unit 14 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SC19, the sampling unit waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the second shutter 35b turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SC20, the second shutter 35b is opened. In step SC21, the measurement unit 37 starts the second measurement process. In step SC22, the measurement unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SC21, or for a certain period of time. In step SC23, the measurement unit 37 finishes the second measurement process and proceeds to step SC32, waiting until measurement of all lanes is completed.

[0082] In step SC24, the sampling unit 15 starts sampling. In step SC25, the sampling unit 15 waits until the full-volume sensor turns ON, or for a certain period of time. If the sample flow rate is lower than that of the other sampling units 13 and 14, the waiting time in step SC25 will be longer than the waiting time in step SC9 and step SC17.

[0083] In step SC26, the sampling unit 15 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SC27, the system waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the third shutter 35c turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SC28, the third shutter 35c is opened. In step SC29, the measurement unit 37 starts the third measurement process. In step SC30, the system waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SC29, or for a certain period of time. In step SC31, the measurement unit 37 finishes the third measurement process. After steps SC31 and SC32 are completed, the flowchart shown in Figure 12 is executed. In this way, even if the sampling times of the three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are different, the measurement results of multiple simultaneously sampled samples can be combined and analyzed by adjusting the processing flow.

[0084] Figure 14 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 11, showing the case where the flow rates of the three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are different, and the amount of sample is different in order to equalize the sampling time. In this case, the first half of the control is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 10. In step SD8 of Figure 14, the sampling unit 13 starts sampling. In step SD9, the unit waits until the full-volume sensor provided in the sampling unit 13 turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SD10, the sampling unit 13 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SD11, the unit waits until the sample detection sensor provided upstream of the first shutter 35a turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SD12, the first shutter 35a is opened. In step SD13, the measurement unit 37 starts the first measurement process. In step SD14, the unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SC13, or for a certain period of time. In step SD15, the measurement unit 37 finishes the first measurement process.

[0085] In step SD16, the sampling unit 14 starts sampling. In step SD17, the sampling unit 14 waits until the full-volume sensor turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SD18, the sampling unit 14 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SD19, the sampling unit waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the second shutter 35b turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SD20, the second shutter 35b is opened. In step SD21, the measurement unit 37 starts the second measurement process. In step SD22, the measurement unit waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SD21, or for a certain period of time. In step SD23, the measurement unit 37 finishes the second measurement process.

[0086] In step SD24, the sampling unit 15 starts sampling. In step SD25, the system waits until the full-volume sensor on the sampling unit 15 turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SD26, the sampling unit 15 finishes sampling and allows the sample to flow down to the switching valve 30B. In step SD27, the system waits until the sample detection sensor located upstream of the third shutter 35c turns ON, or for a certain period of time. In step SD28, the third shutter 35c is opened. In step SD29, the measurement unit 37 starts the third measurement process. In step SD30, the system waits until a certain number of particles have flowed since the start of step SC29, or for a certain period of time. The amount of sample in the sampling unit 15 is less than the amount sampled by the other sampling units 13 and 14, resulting in a shorter measurement time. Therefore, after the measurement unit 37 finishes the third measurement process in step SD31, the system proceeds to step SD32 and waits until measurement of all lanes is completed. After steps SD15, SD23, and SD32 are completed, the flowchart shown in Figure 12 is executed. Thus, even if the sample quantities in the three sampling units 13, 14, and 15 are different, it is possible to analyze the measurement results of multiple simultaneously sampled samples by adjusting the processing flow.

[0087] Figure 15 shows the control flowchart for the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B when multiple measurements (N times) are taken. In step SE1, the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B receives a measurement permission signal output from the monitoring and control personal computer 130. In step SE2, the optical sorting machine inspection device 1B receives measurement information output from the monitoring and control personal computer 130. The measurement information includes lot information and target values ​​for measurement.

[0088] In step SE3, the measurement count is reset (n=0). In step SE4, n+1 is substituted for the measurement count n. In step SE5, the status of the optical sorter inspection device 1B is checked. In step SE6, it is determined whether the optical sorter inspection device 1B is measurable or not. If it is not measurable, the process proceeds to step SE7 and waits for a certain period of time. If it is measurable, the process proceeds to step SE8, and the optical sorter inspection device 1B rotates the rotary valves 36a, 36b, and 36c. In step SE9, the measurement unit 37 starts imaging. After step SE9 is completed, the flow shown in Figure 11 is executed. Subsequently, in step SE34 of the flowchart shown in Figure 16, the measurement unit 37 transmits a signal including the measurement result to the monitoring and control personal computer 130, and the monitoring and control personal computer 130 analyzes the measurement result. In step SE35, the monitoring and control personal computer 130 transmits the analysis result to the optical sorter 103. In step SE36, the system waits for a certain period of time after transmitting the analysis results. In step SE37, the first shutter 35a is closed. In step SE38, the second shutter 35b is closed. In step SE39, the third shutter 35c is closed. In step SE40, imaging by the measurement unit 37 is stopped. In step SE41, the rotary valves 36a, 36b, and 36c are stopped.

[0089] In step SE42, it is determined whether the number of measurements is N. If it is less than N, the process proceeds to step SE4 in Figure 15. If it is N, the process ends.

[0090] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] In the above embodiment, an example with multiple sampling units was described, but the system is not limited to this, and there may be only one sampling unit. In this case, multiple chute units are provided downstream of the single sampling unit, and the sample sampled by the single sampling unit is flowed through the chute units and measured by the measurement unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0092] As explained above, this disclosure can be used, for example, when inspecting grains at country elevators, rice mills, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1A Inspection device 11, 12 Sampling section 30B Switching valve 34 Shooting Club 37 Measuring part

Claims

1. An inspection device for inspecting an object, A sampling unit that captures a portion of the aforementioned object, A plurality of chutes are provided downstream of the sampling unit, through which the object taken in by the sampling unit flows, An inspection device comprising a measuring unit that performs measurements of the object that has flowed through the chute.

2. An inspection device for inspecting an object, Multiple sampling units that capture a portion of the aforementioned object, A chute is provided downstream of the sampling unit, through which the object taken in by the sampling unit flows, An inspection device comprising a measuring unit that performs measurements of the object that has flowed through the chute.

3. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The system comprises multiple sampling units, The aforementioned chute section is provided for each of the aforementioned sampling sections, An inspection device is provided between the sampling unit and the chute unit, which is a switching valve that switches the flow of the object so that the object flows into some of the multiple chute units, but not into the other chute units.

4. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The system comprises multiple sampling units, An inspection device comprising a switching valve between the sampling unit and the chute unit, which switches the flow of objects so that objects taken in by some of the sampling units flow into the chute unit, and objects taken in by other sampling units do not flow into the chute unit.

5. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 1, The system comprises multiple sampling units, The aforementioned chute section is provided for each of the aforementioned sampling sections and is arranged so as to be aligned in a predetermined direction. The measurement range of the measurement unit is set to extend in the predetermined direction and include objects that have flowed through multiple chutes. The measurement unit outputs a measurement result measured in a predetermined region that includes only the object that has flowed through any one of the chutes within the measurement range.

6. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 1, An inspection device in which the measuring unit is provided downstream of a plurality of the aforementioned chute sections.

7. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 1, Equipped with multiple unit inspection units, An inspection device in which the unit inspection unit has the chute unit and the measuring unit.

8. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 7, An inspection device in which the sampling unit is provided on the upstream side of each of the multiple chute units.

9. In the inspection apparatus according to claim 8, An inspection device is provided between the sampling unit and the chute unit, which is a switching valve that switches the flow of the object so that the object flows into some of the multiple chute units, but not into the other chute units.

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