Vibration conveying device

Abstract

To provide a vibration conveying device that is less prone to wear of parts due to contact between the trough and the mounting mechanism. [Solution] The vibration transport device (100) includes a trough (110) for transporting articles, a vibrator (200), and a mounting mechanism (140). The trough extends between a first end (112) and a second end (114). The vibrator vibrates the trough to transport articles on the trough. The mounting mechanism detachably attaches the trough to the vibrator. The mounting mechanism includes a locking part (160) and a magnet (150). The locking part locks the first end side of the trough. The magnet attracts and holds the bottom surface (110a) of the second end side of the trough. When the trough is attached to the vibrator, the magnet attracts and holds the trough in a non-contact state with the bottom surface of the trough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration conveyor that vibrates a trough and conveys an article on the trough.

Background Art

[0002] In a vibration conveyor that vibrates a trough and conveys an article on the trough, the trough is attached to a vibrator via an attachment mechanism. In a conventional vibration conveyor, for the purpose of maintenance or the like, the trough is detachably attached to the vibrator by a fastening fitting (for example, a snap lock) or a band. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Publication No. Sho 61-147320) discloses that a trough is fixed to an attachment base of an attachment mechanism connected to a vibrator by a fastening fitting.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in such a conventional vibration conveyor, there are many contact points between the trough and the attachment mechanism, and the contact area between the trough and the attachment mechanism tends to be large. During transportation or use of the vibration conveyor, problems such as wear of the trough may occur at the contact portion between the trough and the attachment mechanism.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration conveyor in which wear of parts due to contact between a trough and an attachment mechanism is unlikely to occur

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The vibration conveyor according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a trough for conveying an article, a vibrator, and an attachment mechanism. The trough extends between a first end and a second end. The vibrator vibrates the trough to convey an article on the trough. The attachment mechanism detachably attaches the trough to the vibrator. The attachment mechanism has a locking portion and a magnet. The locking portion locks the first end side of the trough. The magnet attracts and holds the bottom surface of the second end side of the trough. When the trough is attached to the vibrator, the magnet attracts and holds the trough in a non-contact state with the bottom surface of the trough.

[0006] In the first aspect of the vibration conveying device, the contact area between the trough and the mounting mechanism can be reduced by using magnets to attract and hold the bottom surface of the second end of the trough, thereby reducing wear on parts due to contact between the trough and the mounting mechanism.

[0007] A vibratory conveying device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a vibratory conveying device according to a first aspect, wherein the trough conveys an article from a first end to a second end.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a vibration conveying device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the length of the magnets along the article conveying direction of the trough is longer than the length of the magnets in the width direction of the trough perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0009] In the third-party vibratory conveying device, the trough can be strongly held by magnets in the direction of trough transport. Furthermore, in this vibratory conveying device, the width of the magnets in the width direction of the trough is relatively small, thus suppressing an increase in the size of the vibratory conveying device in the width direction of the trough.

[0010] A vibration transport device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is a vibration transport device according to any of the first or third aspects, further comprising a resin covering member that covers a magnet.

[0011] In the fourth aspect of the vibration transport device, covering the magnet with a resin coating material suppresses oxidation of the magnet and prevents a decrease in the magnet's attractive force.

[0012] A vibration transport device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a vibration transport device according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a non-magnetic cover member disposed between a trough and a covering member.

[0013] In the fifth aspect of the vibration transport device, the cover member can suppress damage to the covering member caused by contact between the trough and the covering member when the trough is attached to or detached from the mounting mechanism.

[0014] A vibratory conveying device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a vibratory conveying device according to any of the first or fifth aspects, wherein the trough has a projection on its bottom surface. The projection is positioned between the magnet and the first end of the trough in the direction of article conveyance of the trough. The projection extends below the upper surface of the magnet.

[0015] If there are no protrusions on the bottom surface of the trough, when attaching the trough to the mounting mechanism, if there is a misalignment of the trough's position in the direction of transport of the goods by the trough, the magnet, which is supposed to hold the trough non-contactually, may attract the bottom surface of the trough, potentially causing the worker to mistakenly believe that the trough is properly attached to the mounting mechanism.

[0016] In contrast, in the sixth-perspective vibration conveying device, when attaching the trough to the mounting mechanism, if there is a misalignment of the trough's position in the direction of article conveyance by the trough, the protruding part will come into contact with the magnet, preventing the trough from being attached to the mounting mechanism, thus making it less likely for the trough to be incorrectly attached as described above.

[0017] A vibration conveying device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a vibration conveying device according to any of the first or sixth aspects, wherein the locking portion is a receiving portion that receives an insertion portion provided in a trough. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The vibration conveying device according to the present invention reduces the contact area between the trough and the mounting mechanism, thereby reducing wear on parts due to contact between the trough and the mounting mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a combination weighing device having a vibration conveying device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the combined weighing device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a side view of the vibration conveying device of the combined weighing apparatus 1. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trough and mounting mechanism of the vibration transport device, seen from the lower left rear side. [Figure 5]It is a side view of the trough and the mounting mechanism of the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 as viewed from the right side. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the mounting portion of the trough of the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 as viewed from above. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of the mounting mechanism of the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 as viewed from above. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the state at the time of mounting to the mounting mechanism of the trough in the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 as viewed from the upper right rear side. [Figure 9] It is a side view of the state at the time of mounting to the mounting mechanism of the trough in the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 as viewed from the right side. [Figure 10] It is a side view of the state after mounting to the mounting mechanism of the trough in the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 as viewed from the right side. [Figure 11] It is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the magnet portion of the mounting mechanism of the vibration conveying device in FIG. 3 cut along the front-rear direction.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0021] In the following description, in order to explain the direction and positional relationship, expressions such as vertical, orthogonal, and horizontal may be used, but this includes not only the case where it is strictly vertical, orthogonal, horizontal, etc., but also the case where it is substantially vertical, orthogonal, horizontal, etc.

[0022] Also, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, expressions such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc. are used, but the directions indicated by these expressions follow the directions indicated by the arrows in the drawings.

[0023] (1)Combined weighing device A combined weighing device 10 having a vibration conveying device 100 according to an embodiment will be described.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the combined weighing device 10 mainly comprises a distribution table 20, multiple sets of conveying and weighing mechanisms 60, a collective discharge chute 50, and a control device 70. Each set of conveying and weighing mechanisms 60 includes a vibrating conveying device 100, a pool hopper 30, and a weighing hopper 40. The multiple sets of conveying and weighing mechanisms 60 (in other words, the vibrating conveying device 100, the pool hopper 30, and the weighing hopper 40) are arranged in a circumferential direction with the distribution table 20 as the center when viewed from above (see Figure 1).

[0025] The distribution table 20 is formed in a conical shape (see Figure 2). The distribution table 20 is vibrated by a vibrator (not shown), which disperses the items supplied onto the distribution table 20 from the supply device 90 in the circumferential direction and transports them radially outward, supplying them to the vibrating transport devices 100 of multiple transport and weighing mechanisms 60.

[0026] The items handled by the combination weighing device 10 are not limited to any particular type, but include powdered or granular items such as tea leaves, dried soup ingredients, seasonings, tablets, and capsules.

[0027] Each set of conveying and weighing mechanisms 60 has a vibrating conveying device 100 that extends radially outward from the vicinity of the distribution table 20 to directly above the pool hopper 30 of that set of conveying and weighing mechanisms 60 (see Figure 2). Multiple vibrating conveying devices 100 extend radially from the distribution table 20. The vibrating conveying devices 100 convey items supplied onto the troughs 110 from the distribution table 20 radially outward to the pool hopper 30 by vibrating the troughs 110. The vibrating conveying devices 100 will be described later.

[0028] The pool hopper 30 of each conveying and weighing mechanism 60 temporarily stores the articles supplied from the vibrating conveying device 100. A gate (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the pool hopper 30. By opening the gate, the pool hopper 30 of each conveying and weighing mechanism 60 supplies the articles in the pool hopper 30 to the weighing hopper 40 of that conveying and weighing mechanism 60, which is located directly below the pool hopper 30.

[0029] The weighing hopper 40 of each conveying and weighing mechanism 60 temporarily stores the items supplied from the pool hopper 30 and weighs the items in the weighing hopper 40. A gate (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the weighing hopper 40. By opening the gate, the weighing hopper 40 supplies the items in the weighing hopper 40 to the collective discharge chute 50 located directly below the weighing hopper 40.

[0030] The collective discharge chute 50 is positioned to receive articles supplied by the weighing hoppers 40 of multiple sets of conveying and weighing mechanisms 60. The collective discharge chute 50 collects the articles supplied from the multiple weighing hoppers 40 and discharges them outside the combined weighing device 10. The articles discharged outside the combined weighing device 10 are not limited to any particular use and may be supplied to, for example, a bag-making and packaging machine (not shown) installed below the collective discharge chute 50.

[0031] The control device 70 has a CPU and memory such as ROM and RAM (not shown). The control device 70 is electrically connected to various parts of the combined weighing device 10, such as the vibrator (not shown) of the distributed table 20, the vibrator 200 of the vibration conveying device 100, the motors (not shown) that operate the gates of the pool hopper 30 and the weighing hopper 40, and the weight sensor 42 installed in the weighing hopper 40 that measures the weight of the items in the weighing hopper 40. In the control device 70, the CPU controls each part of the combined weighing device 10 by executing a program stored in memory.

[0032] The combination weighing device 10 is controlled by the control device 70 and performs the following operations in particular.

[0033] The distribution table 20 of the combined weighing device 10 vibrates to distribute the articles supplied from the supply device 90 to a plurality of vibrating conveying devices 100. Each vibrating conveying device 100 conveys the articles supplied from the distribution table 20 to the pool hopper 30 to which it belongs and supplies them to the pool hopper 30. The articles supplied to each pool hopper 30 are then transferred to a weighing hopper 40 located below the pool hopper 30. The control device 70 receives weighing results from the weight sensors 42 of the plurality of weighing hoppers 40, performs a combined calculation of the weighed values ​​of the articles in the weighing hoppers 40, and selects a combination of articles whose result in the combined calculation falls within a predetermined tolerance range. The articles in the weighing hoppers 40 included in the selected combination are discharged to the collective discharge chute 50. The articles discharged to the collective discharge chute 50 are supplied, for example, to a bag-making and packaging machine installed downstream of the combined weighing device 10.

[0034] (2) Vibration conveying device Details of the vibrating conveying device 100 will be described. Since the multiple vibrating conveying devices 100 in the combined weighing device 10 have the same configuration, only one vibrating conveying device 100 will be described here.

[0035] The vibration transport device 100 mainly comprises a trough 110, a vibrator 200, and a mounting mechanism 140. The vibration transport device 100 transports items on the trough 110 by vibrating the trough 110 with the vibrator 200.

[0036] (2-1) Trough Trough 110 receives goods and transports the received goods.

[0037] The trough 110 extends between a first end 112 and a second end 114. In this embodiment, the trough 110 transports articles from the first end 112 side to the second end 114 side. In other words, in the transport direction A (hereinafter simply referred to as transport direction A) in which the trough 110 transports articles, the first end 112 is located upstream of the second end 114. Here, the first end 112 is located near the distribution table 20, and the second end 114 is located near the pool hopper 30.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the trough 110 mainly includes a trough body 120 and a mounting portion 130. The mounting portion 130 is attached to the bottom surface of the trough body 120. Here, the trough body 120 and the mounting portion 130 are described as separate components, but this is not limited to this, and the trough body 120 and the mounting portion 130 may be formed as a single unit.

[0039] The trough body 120 forms a groove (conveyor path 126) for transporting articles. Specifically, the trough body 120 mainly has a body bottom surface 122 and body sides 124. In the width direction (here, left-right direction) of the body bottom surface 122, which is perpendicular to the transport direction A (here, the front-back direction), the body sides 124 are positioned on both edges of the body bottom surface 122 (here, the left edge and the right edge) and extend generally along the transport direction A. The body bottom surface 122 and the body sides 124 together form a transportor path 126 for articles that extends in the transport direction A (see Figures 4 and 8). When the trough 110 is vibrated by the vibrator 200, articles move along the transportor path 126 in the transport direction A (forward).

[0040] The mounting portion 130 is positioned below the trough body 120 and has a mounting portion body 132 that is attached to the bottom surface of the trough body 120. The mounting portion 130 may also have at least one of a support portion 134 extending to the left from the left edge near the front end of the mounting portion body 132 and a support portion 134 extending to the right from the right edge near the front end of the mounting portion body 132 (see Figure 6). The support portion 134 contacts the side surface 124 of the trough body 120 and supports the side surface 124. The support portion 134 restricts the left-right position of the trough body 120.

[0041] A plate 136 is attached to the bottom surface of the mounting body 132. The lower surface of the plate 136 attached to the bottom surface of the mounting body 132 functions as part of the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110. A magnetic material (for example, iron) is used for the plate 136. Any material can be appropriately selected as long as it is a magnetic material. The plate 136 is attached to the front side of the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 (forward of the center of the trough 110 in the front-to-back direction) via the mounting mechanism 140 so that when the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200, the position of the magnet 150 of the mounting mechanism 140 (described later) corresponds to the position of the plate 136 (so that the plate 136 is positioned directly above the magnet 150 of the mounting mechanism 140). When the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200, the magnet 150 of the mounting mechanism 140 attracts and holds the trough 110 by attracting the bottom surface 110a (plate 136) of the trough 110 in a non-contact state. If the mounting part body 132 itself is a magnetic material, the separate plate 136 does not need to be used.

[0042] An insertion portion 132a extending in the front-rear direction is provided at the rear of the mounting body 132. The insertion portion 132a is mainly used to align the mounting position of the trough 110 with respect to the mounting mechanism 140 in the width direction (here, the left-right direction) of the trough 110, and to suppress misalignment of the trough 110 with respect to the mounting mechanism 140 (when the vibration transport device 100 is in use). Specifically, as a result of the insertion portion 132a being locked by the locking portion 160 of the mounting mechanism 140, the position of the trough 110 having the insertion portion 132a is restricted in the left-right direction. The insertion portion 132a may also be provided on the trough body 120 (at a position higher than the bottom surface of the trough body 120). The structure of the locking portion 160 will be described later.

[0043] The mounting part body 132 may be provided with one or more insertion holes 132b that penetrate the mounting part body 132 in the thickness direction. Although not limited to a specific position, in the example of Figure 6, two insertion holes 132b are provided at symmetrical positions in the width direction (here, left-right direction) of the mounting part body 132. When attaching the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, corresponding positioning pins 144, which are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the mounting mechanism 140, are inserted into these insertion holes 132b. By utilizing the positioning pins 144 and the insertion holes 132b in this way, displacement of the trough 110 in the front-rear and left-right directions is easily suppressed. In order to suppress rotation of the trough 110 around the positioning pins 144, it is preferable to provide multiple insertion holes 132b and positioning pins 144 corresponding to the insertion holes 132b. Alternatively, instead of the above configuration, a positioning pin may be provided in the mounting body 132 and an insertion hole in the mounting mechanism 140.

[0044] A protrusion 138 may be provided on the lower surface of the mounting body 132 (in other words, the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110). When the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 is positioned between the magnet 150, which will be described later and is provided on the mounting mechanism 140, and the first end 112 of the trough 110 in the transport direction A (see Figures 3 and 4). In other words, here, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 is positioned upstream of the magnet 150 in the transport direction A.

[0045] Furthermore, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protruding portion 138 extends below the first horizontal portion 143a, which will be described later (see Figure 3). Also, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protruding portion 138 extends below the upper surface of the magnet 150 (see Figure 3). Note that, as will be described later, if the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152, the protruding portion 138 may extend below the upper surface of the covering member 152 (but not to the upper surface of the magnet 150) when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140. Furthermore, if a cover member 154 is provided above the magnet 150, the protruding portion 138 may extend below the upper surface of the cover member 154 (but not to the upper surface of the magnet 150) when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140. Specifically, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the protruding portion 138 is positioned to be inserted through an opening 142c formed in the mounting base 142 of the mounting mechanism 140.

[0046] (2-2) Mounting mechanism The mounting mechanism 140 is a mechanism for detachably attaching the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200. By detachably attaching the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200 using the mounting mechanism 140, maintenance such as cleaning of the trough 110 can be easily performed.

[0047] The mounting mechanism 140 mainly comprises a mounting base 142 and a magnet 150.

[0048] The bottom surface of the mounting base 142 is connected to the vibration exciter 200 at the connection part 146, and when the vibration exciter 200 generates vibration, the mounting base 142 vibrates. The mounting mechanism 140 attaches the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200 by locking part 160 of the mounting base 142 to the first end 112 side of the trough 110 (insertion part 132a provided on the first end 112 side of the trough 110 is inserted into opening 142a, which will be described later as locking part 160), and by attracting and holding the bottom surface 110a (plate 136) on the second end 114 side of the trough 110 in a non-contact state with a magnet 150.

[0049] The mounting base 142 is, for example, a member formed by bending a plate-shaped member. Although not limited thereto, the mounting base 142 has the following shape in a side view (see Figure 10).

[0050] The mounting base 142 mainly includes a first horizontal section 143a, an inclined section 143b, a second horizontal section 143c, a gripping section 143d, and a rising section 143e. The first horizontal section 143a extends horizontally from the rear end of the mounting base 142 to near the center of the mounting base 142. The inclined section 143b extends diagonally forward and downward from the front end of the first horizontal section 143a. The second horizontal section 143c extends horizontally from the front end of the inclined section 143b toward the rear end of the mounting base 142. The second horizontal section 143c extends horizontally at a lower position than the first horizontal section 143a. At the rear end of the mounting base 142, a gripping section 143d is provided, extending forward and downward from the front end of the second horizontal section 143c. The front end of the mounting base 142 is provided with a rising portion 143e that extends upward from the rear end of the first horizontal portion 143a.

[0051] An opening 142a, which serves as a receiving portion and is an example of a locking portion 160, is provided in the rising portion 143e (see Figure 4). The opening 142a is provided so as to penetrate the rising portion 143e in the thickness direction. The width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the width of the insertion portion 132a in the left-right direction so as to restrict the movement of the insertion portion 132a of the inserted mounting portion 130. However, the width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction is designed to be slightly larger than the width of the insertion portion 132a in the left-right direction so as to allow the insertion portion 132a to be inserted. A guide opening 142b is provided in the first horizontal portion 143a so as to extend in the front-rear direction and communicate with the opening 142a. The guide opening 142b is provided so as to penetrate the first horizontal portion 143a in the thickness direction. The width of the guide opening 142b in the left-right direction is equal to the width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the width of the guide opening 142b in the left-right direction may be greater than the width of the opening 142a in the left-right direction.

[0052] The first horizontal section 143a is provided with a positioning pin 144 that is inserted into an insertion hole 132b of the mounting section body 132 of the trough 110 (see Figure 7). Although the shape is not limited, the positioning pin 144 is, for example, cylindrical, and the insertion hole 132b is a circular hole corresponding to the outer shape of the positioning pin 144. However, the shape of the positioning pin 144 and the insertion hole 132b are not limited to the above example, and may be appropriately selected, for example, so that the movement of the positioning pin 144 relative to the insertion hole 132b is easily suppressed when the vibration conveying device 100 is in operation.

[0053] The mounting base 142 is provided with an opening 142c that spans the vicinity of the front end of the first horizontal section 143a, the inclined section 143b, and the vicinity of the rear end of the second horizontal section 143c (see Figure 7). The opening 142c is through which a projection 138 extending downward from the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 is inserted. The opening 142c is formed to penetrate the mounting base 142 in the thickness direction.

[0054] A magnet 150 is positioned on the second horizontal section 143c of the mounting base 142, which is located below the first horizontal section 143a, to attract and hold the second end 114 side of the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 (in particular, the lower surface of the plate 136 attached to the bottom surface of the mounting body 132 in this embodiment). Note that when the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the magnet 150 does not attract and hold the trough 110 while in contact with the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110, but rather attracts and holds the trough 110 while the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 and the magnet 150 are not in contact. In other words, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, a gap G exists between the upper surface of the magnet 150 (or the upper surface of the cover member 154 if a cover member 154 is provided as described later) and the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110. Here, by providing a second horizontal section 143c positioned below the first horizontal section 143a and providing the magnet 150 on the second horizontal section 143c, a structure in which a gap G exists between the upper surface of the magnet 150 and the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 can be easily realized.

[0055] This will be explained in more detail, including the detailed configuration around magnet 150.

[0056] Preferably, the length L1 of the magnet 150 along the direction A in which the article is transported by the trough 110 is longer than the length L2 of the magnet 150 in the width direction of the trough 110 perpendicular to the transport direction A (see Figure 7).

[0057] The magnet 150 is not limited to any particular type, but for example, it is a neodymium magnet. Since neodymium magnets may rust or corrode over time, the magnet 150 may be covered with a resin coating member 152, as shown in Figure 11, to suppress rust and corrosion. The coating member 152 is not limited to any particular material, but for example, it may be silicone resin or epoxy resin. However, the coating to suppress rust and corrosion of the magnet 150 is not limited to a resin coating member 152, and may also be a metal coating such as nickel plating.

[0058] Furthermore, a non-magnetic cover member 154 may be provided between the trough 110 and the covering of the magnet 150 (for example, the covering member 152) (on the upper surface of the magnet 150). The cover member 154 is not limited to, but is made of non-magnetic SUS304. By providing the cover member 154 on the magnet 150, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of dust in the mounting holes (not shown) on the upper surface of the magnet 150 for arranging bolts and screws (not shown) for fixing the magnet 150 to the mounting base 142, and to reduce damage to the covering member 152 caused by contact between the trough 110 and the covering member 152 when attaching or detaching the trough 110 to the vibrator 200. Although not shown, when fixing the magnet 150 to the mounting base 142, it is preferable that the magnet 150 is fixed in two or more places along the transport direction A.

[0059] Thus, when a covering member 152 is provided on the magnet 150, and / or when a cover member 154 is provided on the magnet 150, the trough 110 is not in contact with the covering member 152 and the cover member 154. In other words, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 via the mounting mechanism 140, the magnet 150 attracts and holds the trough 110 while not in contact with the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 (particularly the lower surface of the plate 136 in this embodiment), the covering member 152, and the cover member 154.

[0060] (2-3) Vibration exciters The vibration exciter 200 is a device that vibrates the trough 110, which is attached via the mounting mechanism 140.

[0061] The vibrator 200 is not limited to any particular type, but for example, it mainly comprises an electromagnetic coil 210 and a leaf spring 220, and is a device that generates linear vibrations by utilizing the attractive force of the electromagnetic coil 210 and the restoring force of the leaf spring 220 when the attractive force of the electromagnetic coil 210 is lost. In other words, the vibration transport device 100 of the present invention may also be an electromagnetic feeder. The type of vibrator 200 may be appropriately selected depending on the application, etc.

[0062] (3) Attachment and detachment of the trough to the vibration exciter using the mounting mechanism This section describes how to attach and detach the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200 using the mounting mechanism 140.

[0063] When attaching the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200, the worker first inserts the insertion portion 132a of the trough 110 into the opening 142a of the mounting mechanism 140, which serves as the locking portion 160.

[0064] In this case, the worker may insert the insertion portion 132a, which extends in the front-rear direction, into the opening 142a by moving the trough 110 only horizontally. If the worker inserts the insertion portion 132a into the opening 142a in this manner, the guide opening 142b does not need to be formed.

[0065] However, it can be difficult to insert the insertion portion 132a into the relatively small opening 142a while moving the trough 110 horizontally (while maintaining the trough 110 in a generally horizontal position). Also, since there is a protrusion 138 on the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 in the above embodiment, when the trough 110 is moved horizontally, the protrusion 138 may come into contact with the magnet 150 (or the covering member 152 if the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152) or the cover member 154, which may hinder the movement of the trough 110.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the worker tilts the trough 110 so that the rear side is lower than the front side (see Figures 8 and 9), inserts the insertion portion 132a of the trough 110 into the guide opening 142b of the mounting mechanism 140, and moves the trough 110 so that the insertion portion 132a moves within the guide opening 142b and moves to the opening 142a. By inserting the insertion portion 132a of the trough 110 into the opening 142a in this manner, the insertion portion 132a can be locked to the locking portion 160 relatively easily.

[0067] In this embodiment, in a combined weighing device 10 in which multiple vibrating conveying devices 100 are arranged in a circumferential direction, the first end 112 side of the trough 110, which is provided with an insertion part 132a that is locked to a locking part 160, is positioned on the distribution table 20 side. When attaching the trough 110 to the combined weighing device 10, due to space constraints, the worker performs the work from the outside of the combined weighing device 10 (the side where the hoppers 30 and 40 are located). Therefore, if the locking part 160 were positioned on the side where the hoppers 30 and 40 are located, the work of inserting the insertion part 132a of the trough 110 into the opening 142a of the locking part 160 would be difficult because the worker would have difficulty seeing the opening 142a. However, here, because the locking part 160 is positioned on the distribution table 20 side, the insertion part 132a can be inserted into the opening 142a relatively easily.

[0068] In this embodiment, the displacement of the trough 110 in the front-rear direction when attaching the trough 110 to the vibration exciter 200 can be suppressed by the protruding portion 138 on the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 for the following reasons.

[0069] When the trough 110 is positioned further forward than its correct position, the lower end of the protrusion 138 will come into contact with the magnet 150 (or the covering member 152 if the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152) or the cover member 154. Also, when the trough 110 attempts to move further backward than its correct position, the protrusion 138 will come into contact with the first horizontal portion 143a of the mounting base 142 because it is positioned lower than the first horizontal portion 143a of the mounting base 142. Therefore, if the trough 110 is not positioned correctly in the front-rear direction, it cannot be attached to the mounting base 142.

[0070] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10, by returning the trough 110, which was tilted so that the rear side was lower than the front side, to a roughly horizontal position so that the protruding portion 138 of the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 fits into the opening 142c of the mounting base 142, and then attaching the trough 110 to the mounting base 142, the trough 110 can be positioned in the correct position relative to the mounting base 142.

[0071] Removal of the trough 110 from the vibrator 200 is performed in the reverse order of the above procedure (i.e., the trough 110, which is in a generally horizontal position, is tilted so that the front side is higher than the rear side, and then the insertion part 132a that was inserted into the opening 142a is pulled out of the opening 142a).

[0072] Furthermore, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200, the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 (the bottom surface of the plate 136 in this embodiment) is held in a non-contact state by the magnet 150. Therefore, even if one tries to grasp only the trough 110 and lift the front side of the trough 110 toward the rear, it may be difficult to detach the trough 110 from the mounting mechanism 140. In contrast, with this vibration transport device 100, the operator can smoothly remove the trough 110 from the vibrator 200 by grasping the gripping part 143d provided at the front end of the mounting base 142 and lifting the front side of the trough 110 toward the rear.

[0073] (4) Features (4-1) The vibration transport device 100 includes a trough 110 for transporting articles, a vibrator 200, and a mounting mechanism 140. The trough 110 extends between a first end 112 and a second end 114. The vibrator 200 vibrates the trough 110 to transport articles on the trough 110. The mounting mechanism 140 detachably attaches the trough 110 to the vibrator 200. The mounting mechanism 140 includes a locking part 160 and a magnet 150. The locking part 160 locks the first end 112 side of the trough 110. The magnet 150 attracts and holds the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 on the second end 114 side. When the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200, the magnet 150 attracts and holds the trough 110 while remaining in non-contact with the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110.

[0074] Furthermore, if the magnet 150 is covered by the covering member 152, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200, the magnet 150 will attract and hold the trough 110 while the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 and the covering member 152 are not in contact. Also, if a cover member 154 is provided above the magnet 150, when the trough 110 is attached to the vibration exciter 200, the magnet 150 will attract and hold the trough 110 while the bottom surface 110a of the trough 110 and the cover member 154 are not in contact.

[0075] In the vibration transport device 100, the bottom surface 110a on the second end 114 side of the trough 110 is attracted and held using the magnet 150, thereby reducing the contact area between the trough 110 and the mounting mechanism 140, and reducing wear of parts due to contact between the trough 110 and the mounting mechanism 140.

[0076] Furthermore, this configuration also prevents wear particles from the trough 110 and the mounting mechanism 140 from contaminating the items handled by the combined weighing device 10.

[0077] (4-2) In the vibrating conveying device 100, the length L1 of the magnet 150 along the conveying direction A of the article in the trough 110 is longer than the length L2 of the magnet 150 in the width direction of the trough 110 which is perpendicular to the conveying direction A.

[0078] With this configuration, the vibration conveying device 100 can firmly hold the trough 110 with the magnet 150 in the conveying direction A. Furthermore, in this vibration conveying device 100, the width of the magnet 150 in the width direction of the trough 110 can be relatively small, thus suppressing an increase in the size of the vibration conveying device 100 in the width direction of the trough 110.

[0079] (4-3) The vibration transport device 100 has a resin covering member 152 that covers the magnet 150.

[0080] In the vibration transport device 100, covering the magnet 150 with a resin covering member 152 suppresses oxidation of the magnet 150 and prevents a decrease in the magnet's attractive force.

[0081] (4-4) The vibration transport device 100 has a non-magnetic cover member 154 positioned between the trough 110 and the covering member 152. Even if the covering member 152 is not provided, the cover member 154 may be provided between the trough 110 and the magnet 150.

[0082] With this configuration, the vibration transport device 100 can suppress damage to the covering member 152 and the magnet 150 caused by contact between the trough 110 and the covering member 152 when attaching or detaching the trough 110 to the mounting mechanism 140, or by contact between the trough 110 and the magnet 150.

[0083] (4-5) In the vibrating conveying device 100, the trough 110 has a projection 138 on its bottom surface 110a. The projection 138 extends below the upper surface of the magnet 150.

[0084] By providing such a protrusion 138, in the vibration transport device 100, if there is a misalignment of the trough 110 in a direction parallel to the transport direction A when attaching the trough 110 to the mounting mechanism 140, the protrusion 138 will come into contact with the magnet 150, making it difficult to properly attach the trough 110 to the mounting mechanism 140, thus reducing the likelihood of incorrect attachment of the trough 110.

[0085] (4-6) In the vibrating transport device 100, the locking portion 160 is an opening 142a that receives the insertion portion 132a provided in the trough 110.

[0086] This configuration allows for a relatively simple structure that can suppress displacement of the trough 110.

[0087] The specific structure to be used for the locking mechanism can be determined as appropriate.

[0088] For example, if the insertion portion 132a is bent forward and downward to form a hook shape, a locking portion shaped to allow this hook-shaped portion to be hooked may be provided on the mounting base 142.

[0089] (4-7) The combined weighing device 10 comprises a trough 110, a plurality of weighing hoppers 40, and a control device 70. The trough 110 is attached to the vibrator 200 by a mounting mechanism 140. The plurality of weighing hoppers 40 temporarily store and discharge items fed into the trough 110. The control device 70 acquires the mass of each item stored in the plurality of weighing hoppers 40 as a weighed value, which is obtained by weight sensors 42 provided in the plurality of weighing hoppers 40. The control device 70 performs a combination calculation using the weighed values ​​measured by the weight sensors 42, and discharges the items stored in the weighing hoppers 40 (selected so that the sum of the weights of the contents of the weighing hoppers 40 is within a predetermined allowable range) from the combined weighing device 10.

[0090] (5) Variant (5-1) Variation A In the above embodiment, a combination weighing device 10 is exemplified as a device to which the vibration conveying device 100 is applied, in which the troughs 110 of a plurality of vibration conveying devices 100 are arranged to extend radially from a distribution table 20. However, the device to which the vibration conveying device 100 is applied is not limited to the combination weighing device 10 as in the above embodiment, and may be a combination weighing device in which a plurality of vibration conveying devices 100 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the troughs 110 extend, such that the troughs 110 of the plurality of vibration conveying devices 100 extend parallel to each other.

[0091] Furthermore, the vibrating conveying device 100 may be used for purposes other than those used in combination weighing devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 100 Vibration conveying device 110 Trough 112 1st end 114 2nd end 132a Insertion part 138 Protrusion 140 Mounting mechanism 142a Opening (receiving part) 150 magnets 152 Covering member 154 Cover component 160 Locking part 200 Vibration Exciter [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0093] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 1-147320

Claims

1. A trough for transporting goods extends between the first and second ends, A vibrator that vibrates the trough to transport the article on the trough, A mounting mechanism for detachably attaching the trough to the vibration exciter, Equipped with, The mounting mechanism includes a locking portion for locking the first end of the trough and a magnet for attracting and holding the bottom surface of the second end of the trough. When the trough is attached to the vibration exciter, the magnet attracts and holds the trough in a non-contact state with the bottom surface of the trough. Vibration conveying device.

2. The trough transports the article from the first end to the second end. The vibration conveying device according to claim 1.

3. The length of the magnet in the trough along the direction of transporting the article is longer than the length of the magnet in the width direction of the trough perpendicular to the transport direction. The vibration conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The device further comprises a resin covering member that covers the magnet. The vibration conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The system further comprises a non-magnetic cover member positioned between the trough and the covering member. The vibration conveying device according to claim 4.

6. The trough has a projection on its bottom surface that is positioned between the magnet and the first end in the direction of transporting the article in the trough, and that extends below the upper surface of the magnet. The vibration conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The locking portion is a receiving portion that receives the insertion portion provided on the trough. The vibration conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

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