Sorting apparatus and sorting method
A two-tiered sorting device with a first and second transport plate configuration addresses the challenge of sorting vertically long objects by holding them upright, enabling efficient separation into good and defective products.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing sorting conveyor devices struggle to efficiently sort vertically long objects due to the dense arrangement of through-holes, leading to difficulties in distinguishing between good and defective products.
A sorting device with a two-tiered structure comprising a first and second transport plate, where the second plate is positioned below the first at a predetermined distance to hold vertically long objects upright, allowing them to be sorted based on whether they pass through the first or second through-hole, thereby classifying them as good or defective products.
The device effectively sorts multiple vertically elongated objects by holding them upright, preventing clogging and ensuring accurate separation into good and defective products.
Smart Images
Figure 2026092486000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sorting device and a sorting method.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting conveyor device that selects an object to be conveyed by providing a plurality of through-holes densely in a straight conveyor section capable of conveying the object to be conveyed, and determining whether the object to be conveyed falls through the through-holes.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the sorting conveyor device disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, since a plurality of through-holes are provided densely, it is difficult to sort a vertically long object to be sorted.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a sorting device capable of sorting a vertically long object to be sorted.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The sorting device according to the present disclosure is a sorting device that sorts a plurality of vertically long objects to be sorted, comprising a first transport plate having a first through-hole and configured to transport the object to be sorted, and a second transport plate having a second through-hole and configured to transport the object to be sorted, where the second transport plate is provided below the first transport plate at a predetermined distance from the first transport plate so that the object to be sorted that has fallen through the first through-hole can be held upright. The sorting targets that fall through the first through-hole are sorted into those that are transported by the second transport plate and those that fall through the second through-hole.
[0007] In the sorting device according to this disclosure, the sorting targets that have fallen through the first through-hole are held upright by the first and second transport plates. With this configuration, the sorting device according to this disclosure can sort multiple vertically elongated sorting targets.
[0008] The sorting targets conveyed by the second transport plate may be classified as good products, while those falling through the second through-hole may be classified as defective products. With this configuration, multiple vertically elongated sorting targets can be sorted into good and defective products.
[0009] The first conveying plate conveys the items to be sorted at predetermined intervals, and the first through-hole may be sized to allow the items to be sorted to fall onto the second conveying plate one by one. This configuration prevents clogging caused by multiple items falling through the first through-hole.
[0010] The selection method related to this disclosure is: A sorting method for sorting multiple vertically elongated objects, The steps include preparing two conveying plates having through holes for conveying the objects to be sorted, The steps include positioning the other conveying plate below the first conveying plate at a predetermined distance from it, so that the object to be sorted, which has fallen through the through-hole provided in the first conveying plate, can be held upright, The method includes the step of sorting the objects to be sorted that have fallen through the through-hole provided in one of the transport plates into objects to be sorted that are transported by the other transport plate and objects to be sorted that have fallen through the through-hole provided in the other transport plate.
[0011] In the sorting method according to this disclosure, the sorting targets that have fallen through the first through-hole are held upright by the first and second transport plates. With this configuration, the sorting method according to this disclosure can sort multiple vertically elongated sorting targets. [Effects of the Invention]
[0012] This disclosure provides a sorting device capable of sorting objects with a vertically elongated shape. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0013] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the items to be selected. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged view of the sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows the transport state of the components in the sorting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the transport state of the components in the sorting device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the sorting method according to Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0014] The present disclosure will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention claimed is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential for solving the problem. For clarity of explanation, the following descriptions and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. In each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations have been omitted where necessary.
[0015] It should be noted that the right-handed xyz Cartesian coordinate system shown in the diagram is merely a convenient representation for explaining the positional relationships of the components. Typically, the positive z-axis is vertically upward, and the xy-plane is horizontal.
[0016] (Embodiment 1) <Object to be sorted> First, referring to FIG. 1, the object to be sorted by the sorting device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the object to be sorted. As shown in FIG. 1, members 10 and 20, which are examples of the object to be sorted, are longitudinally long plate materials.
[0017] Specifically, members 10 and 20 are longitudinally long plate materials whose length in the y-axis direction is longer than the length in the x-axis direction. The lengths of members 10 and 20 in the y-axis direction are both length L1 and are the same. On the other hand, the lengths of members 10 and 20 in the x-axis direction are widths W1 and W2 respectively, and the width of member 20 is narrower than that of member 10. L1 is, for example, about 15 mm or more and about 70 mm or less. W1 is, for example, about 0.5 mm or more and about 3 mm or less. The thickness of members 10 and 20 is, for example, about 0.2 mm.
[0018] Here, the width W1 of member 10 is larger than the width of the second through-hole of the second transfer plate described later. The width W2 of member 20 is smaller than the width of the second through-hole of the second transfer plate described later. That is, member 10 does not pass through the second through-hole, but member 20 passes through the second through-hole. Thus, members 10 and 20 are sorted according to whether they pass through the second through-hole or not.
[0019] Hereinafter, an example of sorting member 10 as a non-defective product and member 20 as a defective product using the sorting device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. However, it is not limited to this, and using the sorting device according to Embodiment 1, member 10 may be sorted as a defective product and member 20 may be sorted as a non-defective product.
[0020] <Configuration of the sorting device> Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the sorting device according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sorting device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the sorting device according to Embodiment 1.
[0021] First, an overview of the sorting device 50 will be described. The sorting device 50 is a device for sorting multiple vertically elongated objects, such as members 10 and 20 shown in Figure 1. The sorting device 50 sorts members 10 and 20 depending on whether or not they pass through the second through-hole 512 (see Figures 2 and 3), which will be described later. The following describes each component of the sorting device 50.
[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the sorting device 50 includes a vibrating feeder F1 and a trough T1. The vibrating feeder F1 applies vibration to the trough T1. Specifically, the feeder F1 applies vibration diagonally toward the trough T1. The vibrating feeder F1 continues to apply vibration to the trough T1 while sorting the items to be sorted.
[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the trough T1 comprises a sorting target placement section 55, a first conveying plate 51, and a second conveying plate 52. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the trough T1 has the sorting target placement section 55 on the negative y-axis side, and the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 on the positive y-axis side.
[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the sorting target placement section 55 is where the component group 100 is placed. The component group 100 is a collection of multiple components 10 and 20 shown in Figure 1, and represents the components before sorting. The component group 100 can be described as a mixture of good products (component 10) and defective products (component 20).
[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first conveying plate 51 is positioned above the second conveying plate 52. That is, the trough T1 has a two-tiered structure in the z-axis direction, with the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 on the positive y-axis side.
[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first conveying plate 51 has multiple first through holes 511. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diameter of each first through hole 511 is the same. As shown in Figure 3, the first through holes 511 are holes for dropping the members 10 and 20 to be sorted onto the second conveying plate 52. Members 10 and 20 will fall through the first through holes 511 if, for example, a part of them overlaps a part of the first through hole 511. The size of the first through holes 511 will be described later.
[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second conveying plate 52 has multiple second through holes 512. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the diameter of each second through hole 512 is the same. The second through holes 512 are holes for dropping the sorting object to the bottom of the second conveying plate 52 when the width of the sorting object is less than or equal to a predetermined value. The second through holes 512 shown in Figures 2 and 3 are large enough to drop the object 20 but not the object 10.
[0028] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, member 10 does not pass through the second through-hole 512, but member 20 does. Therefore, the second through-hole 512 can be said to be a hole for separating member 10 and member 20 according to their respective widths.
[0029] Thus, the first through-hole 511 allows members 10 and 20 to fall through, while the second through-hole 512 does not allow member 10 to fall through, but does allow member 20 to fall through. For this reason, the first through-hole 511 is a larger hole than the second through-hole 512.
[0030] Here, as shown in Figure 3, the second transport plate 52 is provided below (on the negative z-axis side) at a predetermined distance from the first transport plate 51. This is to hold members 10 and 20 upright so that the elongated member 20 passes through the second through hole 512, as shown in Figure 3.
[0031] <Operation of the sorting device> Next, the operation of the sorting device will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. First, the vibrating feeder F1 shown in Figure 2 applies vibration to the trough T1. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) move toward the first conveying plate 51 along the direction of the arrow (positive y-axis direction).
[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 3, on the first conveying plate 51, the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) fall from the first through-hole 511 onto the second conveying plate 52. As shown in Figure 3, the upper part of the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) that fell from the first through-hole 511 is supported by the edge of the first through-hole 511 in the z-axis direction. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the lower part of the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) that fell from the first through-hole 511 catches on the edge of the second through-hole 512 in the z-axis direction.
[0033] In other words, the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) that fall through the first through-hole 511 are held upright by the first through-hole 511 and the second through-hole 512.
[0034] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the vibrating feeder F1 applies vibration to the second conveying plate 52. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the member 10 tilts from its upright position and is positioned on the second conveying plate 52 so that its longitudinal direction is in the conveying direction (positive y-axis direction) of the second conveying plate 52. Then, as shown in Figure 3, the member 10 is conveyed by the second conveying plate 52 in the conveying direction (positive y-axis direction). Although not shown in Figures 2 and 3, a collection container for the member 10 may be provided at the destination of the second conveying plate 52.
[0035] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, the member 20, from its upright position, loses its grip on the edge of the second through-hole 512 due to vibration. As a result, the member 20 falls in the negative z-axis direction through the second through-hole 512. Although not shown in Figures 2 and 3, a collection container for the member 20 may be provided at the bottom of the second transport plate 52.
[0036] In this way, the sorting device 50 sorts the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) that have fallen through the first through-hole 511 into members 10 that are transported by the second transport plate and members 20 that fall through the second through-hole. In other words, the sorting device 50 can sort the group of members 100 (members 10 and 20) into good products (members 10) and defective products (members 20).
[0037] <Size of the first through-hole> Here, the size of the first through-hole in the first conveying plate will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the conveying state of the material in the sorting device according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 4, the size of the first through-hole increases from the top to the bottom, with sizes a1, a2, and a3. Note that in all cases in Figure 4, the distance between the first conveying plate and the second conveying plate is the same. The example shown in the middle of Figure 4 corresponds to the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0038] As shown in the middle section of Figure 4, when the size of the first through-hole 511 is size a2, the member 10 is held upright because its upper part in the z-axis direction is supported by the edge of the first through-hole 511 and its lower part in the z-axis direction is caught on the edge of the second through-hole 512.
[0039] As shown in the upper part of Figure 4, if the size of the first through-hole 511 is size a1, the member 10 cannot fall onto the second transport plate 52. Also, as shown in the lower part of Figure 4, if the size of the first through-hole 511 is size a3, there is a risk that multiple members 10 will fall through the first through-hole 511, causing clogging. Here, we have explained using member 10 as an example, but the same applies to member 20.
[0040] In other words, it is preferable that the size of the first through-hole 511 be size a2, that is, large enough to drop one sequential member 10 and member 20 at a time onto the second conveying plate. By having such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging due to multiple members 10 falling from the first through-hole 511.
[0041] <Distance between the first and second conveyor plates> Here, the spacing between the first and second conveying plates will be explained with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the conveying state of the material in the sorting device according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 4, the spacing between the first and second conveying plates increases from the top to the bottom, with distances d1, d2, and d3. Note that in Figure 5, the size of the first through-hole is the same in all cases. The example shown in the middle of Figure 5 corresponds to the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3.
[0042] As shown in the middle section of Figure 5, when the distance between the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 is distance d2, the following occurs. As shown in the middle section of Figure 5, the member 10 is held upright because its upper part in the z-axis direction is supported by the edge of the first through hole 511 and its lower part in the z-axis direction is caught on the edge of the second through hole 512.
[0043] As shown in the upper part of Figure 5, when the distance between the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 is distance d1, the following occurs. As shown in the upper part of Figure 5, the member 10 that falls from the first through hole 511 is in an upright position. Here, the vibrating feeder F1 is applying vibration to the second conveying plate 52 (see Figure 2). Therefore, as shown in the upper part of Figure 5, the member 10 is bounced up and tilted. This may cause problems such as clogging or the member 10 not being conveyed. Here, we have explained using member 10 as an example, but the same can be said for member 20, and it is possible that member 20 and member 10 cannot be separated and member 20 may be conveyed together with member 10 by the second conveying plate 52.
[0044] As shown in the lower part of Figure 5, when the distance between the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 is distance d3, the following occurs. As shown in the lower part of Figure 5, member 10 is not held upright because its upper part in the z-axis direction is not supported by the edge of the first through hole 511. Similarly, member 20 is not held upright. Therefore, member 20 and member 10 cannot be separated, and member 20 may be conveyed together with member 10 by the second conveying plate 52.
[0045] In other words, the distance between the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 is set to a distance d2, that is, a distance such that the members 10 and 20, which are to be sorted and have fallen through the first through-hole 511, are held upright. Specifically, the distance between the first conveying plate 51 and the second conveying plate 52 is preferably 2 / 5L1 (see Figure 1) or more, and 4 / 5L1 or less.
[0046] Thus, in the sorting device 50 according to Embodiment 1, the sorting objects that have fallen through the first through-hole 511 are held upright by the first transport plate 51 and the second transport plate 52. With this configuration, the sorting device 50 according to Embodiment 1 can sort multiple vertically elongated sorting objects, for example, members 10 and 20 in Figure 1.
[0047] <Selection Method> Next, the sorting method according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the sorting method according to Embodiment 1. The explanation will refer to Figures 2 and 3 as appropriate.
[0048] First, prepare the first and second transport plates (step ST1). Specifically, prepare the first transport plate 51 and the second transport plate 52 shown in Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first transport plate 51 has a first through hole 511 and transports members 10 and 20. The second transport plate 52 has a second through hole 512 and transports members 10 and 20. If the first transport plate 51 is one of the transport plates, then the second transport plate 52 will be the other transport plate.
[0049] Next, a second conveying plate is positioned below the first conveying plate at a predetermined distance from it (step ST2) so that the sorting objects that have fallen through the first through-hole provided in the first conveying plate can be held upright. Specifically, as shown in the middle section of Figure 5, the second conveying plate is positioned below the first conveying plate 51 at a distance d2.
[0050] Next, the sorting targets that have fallen through the first through-holes provided in the first transport plate are sorted into targets to be transported by the second transport plate and targets to fall through the second through-holes provided in the second transport plate (step ST3). Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the member group 100 (members 10 and 20) is sorted into members 10 that are transported by the second transport plate 52 and members 20 that fall through the second through-holes 512.
[0051] Thus, in the sorting method according to Embodiment 1, the sorting object that has fallen through the first through-hole is held upright by the first and second transport plates. With this configuration, the sorting method according to Embodiment 1 can sort multiple vertically elongated sorting objects, such as member 10 and member 20 in Figure 1.
[0052] In the example described above, the members 10 and 20 to be sorted were explained as being elongated boards. However, the members to be sorted are not limited to boards; cylindrical members may also be used.
[0053] In Figures 2 and 3, the first through-hole 511 and the second through-hole 512 are square-shaped, but they may be any shape to match the shape of the material to be sorted.
[0054] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its intent. [Explanation of symbols]
[0055] 10, 20 components 100 component groups 51 First conveyor plate 52 Second conveyor plate 511 First through hole 512 Second through hole F1 Feeder T1 Trough
Claims
1. A sorting device for sorting multiple objects having a vertically elongated shape, It comprises a first conveying plate having a first through hole for conveying the object to be sorted, and a second conveying plate having a second through hole for conveying the object to be sorted, The second transport plate is provided below the first transport plate at a predetermined distance from it so that the objects to be sorted, which have fallen through the first through-hole, can be held upright. The sorting targets that fall through the first through-hole are sorted into sorting targets that are transported by the second transport plate and sorting targets that fall through the second through-hole. Sorting device.
2. The sorting targets transported by the second transport plate are sorted as good products, and the sorting targets that fall through the second through-hole are sorted as defective products. The sorting apparatus according to claim 1.
3. The first transport plate transports the objects to be sorted at predetermined intervals, The first through-hole is sized to allow the sorting targets to fall onto the second conveying plate one by one. The sorting apparatus according to claim 1.
4. A sorting method for sorting multiple objects having a vertically elongated shape, The steps include preparing two conveying plates having through holes for conveying the objects to be sorted, The steps include positioning the other conveying plate below the first conveying plate at a predetermined distance from it, so that the object to be sorted, which has fallen through the through-hole provided in the first conveying plate, can be held upright, The sorting step involves separating the sorting object that has fallen through the through-hole provided in one of the transport plates into sorting object that is transported by the other transport plate and sorting object that falls through the through-hole provided in the other transport plate. A sorting method has been prepared.