DE102004001181A1 - Automated sorting process and assembly has sensor identifying one or more parameters relating to unsorted items - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic assembly sorts numerous items (12) as these proceed side-by-side along a conveyer belt (10) where they are exposed to a sensor that registers one or more parameters relating to each object. On the basis of the parameters a computer calculates a new sequence using an algorithm. The items are then temporarily deposited by transfer elements (16) at holding points (14) alongside the conveyer.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for automatic sorting a plurality of juxtaposed objects and a corresponding method.

at many processes in production, in further processing, in sales, at packaging, disposal and other similar operations It is necessary that a plurality of juxtaposed items be sorted got to. There are many different criteria, according to which the objects be sorted. In automatic sorting, principal ones can all be physically used measurable sizes to define the sorting criteria. For the further fate of a certain objects one or more parameters of only this item relevant be. Alternatively, you can also in addition the parameters of neighboring objects are used to get across the Decide the fate of a particular object.

A Such a procedure is useful, for example, if a variety of items, which have different weights, should be re-sorted, that each group of several such items has a specific total weight having. In another example, the items are re-sorted that each packaging unit has an assortment that is predetermined from items of different sizes.

at usual Sorting plants become lined up objects usually with a conveyor belt or the like transported and according to a predetermined sorting criterion on different channels distributed. However, this system has the disadvantage that an automatic Repatriation of the channels on the conveyor belt not possible is. If an item reaches the sorting system, it becomes irrevocable decided to which channel this item is assigned. A subsequent correction would only be manually possible, but what additional Personnel required.

One Another disadvantage of the conventional Attachment is that the arrangement and orientation of the lined up objects is destroyed after distribution to the individual channels. This is due to the fact that things from the conveyor belt to the channels not be moved in a straight line, but be diverted thereby. This twisting or tipping over of the articles is disadvantageous for further processing or for the packaging process. If necessary, the items have to Manually realigned to resorting, which is also additional Personnel required. An automatic alignment of the objects after to resort to against it an increased constructive effort result.

It Object of the invention, an apparatus and a method for to provide automatic sorting of a plurality of juxtaposed articles, overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

Device wise the object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

• – ein Förderband oder dergleichen Einrichtung zum Transportieren der Gegenstände;
• – eine Erfassungseinrichtung zum Erfassen wenigstens eines Parameters von jedem Gegenstand;
• – eine Verarbeitungseinrichtung zum Berechnen einer neuen Reihenfolge für die Gegenstände auf der Grundlage der erfassten Parameter und nach einem vorgegebenen Algorithmus;
• – Ablageeinrichtungen zum Zwischenlagern von jeweils einem Gegenstand;
• – wenigstens eine Verlagerungseinrichtung zum Befördern des Gegenstands zwischen dem Förderband und den Ablageeinrichtungen; und
• – eine Steuereinrichtung zum Ansteuern der wenigstens einen Verlagerungseinrichtung auf der Grundlage der von der Verarbeitungseinrichtung berechneten Reihenfolge.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for automatically sorting a plurality of juxtaposed articles, the apparatus comprising:

• A conveyor belt or the like device for transporting the objects;
• A detection device for detecting at least one parameter of each object;
• A processing means for calculating a new order for the items based on the detected parameters and according to a predetermined algorithm;
• - Storage facilities for the temporary storage of one object;
• - at least one displacement device for conveying the object between the conveyor belt and the storage devices; and
• A control device for controlling the at least one displacement device on the basis of the order calculated by the processing device.

Of the Essence of the invention is that at the output of a plant the sorted objects in a closed sequence. This makes it possible Groups of objects, the conventional ones Installations on different channels be distributed as a groupwise closed sequence in a row to arrange. This is, for example, another automated Packaging absolutely necessary. On the storage device can a counter-item be stored until it is suitable Place on the conveyor belt reset can be. Thus, the device does not have to be decided immediately where the individual interposed item will be assigned should. The device also has the advantage that the spatial Alignment of the objects on the conveyor belt while the sorting process is not destroyed becomes.

Preferably It is envisaged that the storage facilities next to the conveyor belt are arranged. Thus, the paths between storage device and conveyor belt short, which allows a small design effort for the displacement device. Furthermore is the time required for that carry of the object between conveyor belt and storage device low.

Regarding the design of the storage devices can be provided that the storage devices each have an area which in a Level with the conveyor belt is arranged. This is to transport the items between storage device and conveyor belt no up and down downward movements required. This carries for reliability the entire device.

Especially it is provided that the storage devices form a row, on one side along the conveyor belt is arranged. In this way, the space required for the entire Plant kept low. Because the row of storage devices parallel to the conveyor belt is arranged, each individual storage device is located directly next to the conveyor belt. The principle of short distances between the storage device and the conveyor belt is also maintained by this design measure.

alternative It can be provided that the storage devices two parallel Form rows, which are arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt. This can be along a short section of the conveyor belt relatively many storage facilities Arrange. This carries essential to the fact that the space required for the entire system low is.

Regarding the configuration of the displacement device can be provided that the displacement device as a displacement device for moving the object between the conveyor belt and the storage device is formed. The displacement device is characterized by a relatively low constructive effort. Through this relatively simple form of movement between conveyor belt and storage device, the failure rate of the entire system is low held.

at the preferred embodiment it is provided that each storage device a displacement device assigned. This allows the Storage devices are operated simultaneously and independently. this makes possible a particularly fast reordering of the order of the objects.

For the design the displacement device can be provided that the displacement device has two mutually facing, spaced-apart slider, wherein the first slider for moving to the storage device and the second slider is provided for displacement on the conveyor belt. By This configuration can be opposed by two linear movements Directions all required operations carry out. The distance between the two slides must be only slightly larger as the largest possible diameter of the object.

Farther can be provided that the two slides rigidly together connected and / or in one piece are formed. This can be produce the displacement device cost.

at the preferred embodiment is provided that the displacement device is a pneumatic Drive has. This is a low-maintenance and reliable drive means provided. Alternatively, the displacement device can also hydraulically or electrically driven.

Regarding the arrangement of the displacement device can be provided that the displacement device for a linear displacement approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt is provided. By this arrangement, the space required for the entire Minimized device.

Farther it can be provided that the detection device for detecting weight, volume, size, color and / or the like physical size provided is. In particular, the aforementioned sizes are particularly suitable as Criterion for the sorting. In principle, the device is suitable for all measurable physical sizes.

Preferably it is provided that the detection device as a weighing device is trained. With an automatic weighing device can be the weight of the objects with reasonable accuracy within a relatively short time determine.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the detection device is designed as a reading device for reading the parameters of marked objects. If, for example, the articles are already provided in the weighted and weighted state, the weight of each article can be recorded with an electronic reading device and made available to the processing device. Furthermore, the data transmission, in For example, from the weights of the objects, through upstream systems, such as a Preisauszeichner, possible via interfaces.

Regarding the special embodiment of the device can be provided that the conveyor belt a packaging device is connected downstream. As for the packaging usually very strict conditions are given, is suitable The device specializes in packing objects into one to sort out the appropriate sequence. In particular, exists with the Device the possibility the order of the objects to change that way that groups of objects arranged one behind the other are formed, wherein each group a desired one Total weight.

Procedurally the object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 16.

• – Erfassen wenigstens eines Parameters von jedem Gegenstand;
• – Berechnen einer neuen Reihenfolge auf der Grundlage der erfassten Parameter und nach einem vorgegebenen Algorithmus;
• – Ansteuern wenigstens einer Verlagerungseinrichtung, um ausgewählte Gegenstände zwischen dem Förderband und Ablageeinrichtungen zu bewegen, wobei die Ablageeinrichtungen zum Zwischenlagern der Gegenstände vorgesehen sind, so dass die Gegenstände in der neuen Reihenfolge auf dem Förderband angeordnet werden.

For the method for automatically sorting a plurality of articles arranged on a conveyor belt, it is provided that the method comprises the following steps:

• - detecting at least one parameter of each item;
• Calculating a new order based on the detected parameters and according to a predetermined algorithm;
• - driving at least one displacement device to move selected objects between the conveyor belt and storage devices, wherein the storage devices are provided for temporarily storing the objects, so that the objects are arranged in the new order on the conveyor belt.

at the preferred embodiment it is provided that the new order is calculated in such a way that the objects be grouped into serially arranged groups. By the Sorting process, each item is assigned to a specific group, these groups being consecutive according to the calculated new order on the conveyor belt or the like can be arranged. In contrast, in conventional Method associated with groups of parallel channels. In a preferred Application example can be provided that each group a packaging unit forms. This allows the groups of objects in succession in each a suitable container packaging. This greatly simplifies the packaging process and the space required significantly reduced.

Farther can be provided that at least one parameter, the group characterized, for the calculation of the new order is used. With that too can Properties considered that affect the group as a whole. In many cases It requires one or more group-specific parameters be respected.

there may be provided in particular that the total target weight of the Group for the calculation of the new order of the objects is used. In the most cases It is necessary that a packaging unit has a predetermined Total weight. The total target weight is specified here and the objects become sorted so that groups of items in a row on the conveyor belt be arranged, each group the total target weight within having allowed tolerances.

Finally, can be provided that the method is performed with the device described above.

Further Features, advantages and particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

A preferred embodiment The invention is described below in the figure description Reference to the attached Drawings closer explained. Show it:

1 a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention;

2 three schematic front views of the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention; and

3 a weight-quantity diagram illustrating the evolution of the framework for an exemplary algorithm in the method according to the invention.

In 1 is a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention shown. The device comprises a conveyor belt 10 , which moves in the drawing in normal operation from bottom to top. On the conveyor are a variety of items 12 arranged. At the objects 12 These are products that have a certain weight between a lower and upper tolerance limit. Within a particular section are on both sides of the conveyor belt 10 juxtaposed storage facilities 14 arranged. On every storage device 14 can be an object 12 be stored. The storage facilities 14 have a shelf on the same height as the conveyor belt 10 is arranged. Thus, the objects are in a simple way 12 between the conveyor belt 10 and the storage facilities 14 displaceable.

Each storage device 14 is a displacement device 1G assigned. Each shifting device 1G includes a drive 18 and a movable U-profile section 24 , The U-profile section 24 is arranged inverted and thus forms a tunnel whose passage direction is parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 10 extends. The U-profile section 24 is over a pole 2G with the drive 18 coupled. The drive 18 is preferably designed as a pneumatic drive. Alternatively, the drive 18 be designed as a hydraulic drive or electric drive.

By the drive 18 is the U-profile section 24 between the conveyor belt 10 and the associated storage device 14 displaceable. The displacement direction extends approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 10 , The U-profile section 24 includes two slides 20 and 22 covering the two side walls of the U-profile section 24 form. The first slider 20 are for moving the objects 12 from the conveyor belt to the storage device 14 intended. The second slider 22 are for moving the objects 12 from the storage facility 14 on the conveyor belt 10 intended. The displacement device 16 with the U-profile section 24 allows a constructive little effort a displacement of the object 12 in both directions. Due to the special configuration of the U-profile section 24 can those items 12 , which are not intended for temporary storage and thus on the conveyor belt 10 to remain, the U-profile section 24 how to pass a tunnel unhindered.

The device according to 1 is preferably intended to the order of the objects 12 on the conveyor belt 10 to change. This is required, for example, when the items 12 sorted and grouped together, with the groups one behind the other on the conveyor belt 10 to be ordered. In order to carry out an automatic sorting, the device furthermore comprises an unillustrated detection device for detecting at least one parameter of each object 12 , The detection device is the conveyor belt 10 and / or the storage facilities 14 upstream. On the basis of these parameters, in a processing device, not shown, a new order for the arrangement of the objects 12 on the conveyor belt 10 calculated. Furthermore, the device has a control device, which is also not shown. The control device is for controlling the displacement devices 16 provided to the items 12 according to the new order. These are objects 12 determined by the conveyor belt 10 on the storage device 14 be pushed. These items 12 be on the storage facilities 14 stored temporarily to later on the conveyor belt 10 to be inserted at a suitable place. If an object 12 the detection device passes, it is determined whether this object continues on the conveyor belt 10 remains or initially on the filing facility 14 is temporarily stored. This decision is made in the processing facility on the basis of the detected parameters and according to a predetermined algorithm. In particular, the parameters of those objects also become 12 taken into account that have previously passed the detection device.

In 2 is shown a front view of the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention. In each case three different states are shown in a), b) and c), which relate to the positions of the two displacement devices 16 differ. Here are a left shift device 16a and a right shifter 16b shown opposite each other on both sides of the conveyor belt 10 are arranged. In the a ) is the U-profile section 24a the left shift device 16a above the associated storage device 14a , The U-profile section 24b the right shift device 16b is located above the conveyor belt 10 , Inside the U-profile section 24b is the object 12 from the conveyor belt 10 is transported. The illustration a) clarifies that the object 12 the U-profile section 24b can happen unhindered. The displacement device 16a must be activated only once an item 12 is provided on the storage device 14b to be promoted.

In the b ) shows another state in which the object is 12 on the storage device 14b located. The object 12 was from the right shift device 16b on the right storage device 14b promoted. Immediately afterwards, the left shifter became 16a shifted to the right, leaving the U-profile section 24a above the conveyor belt 10 is arranged. All other items 12 can the U-profile section 24a pass unhindered.

Once one of the items 12 is intended to be taken out of the series, this is from the left shifter 16a to the storage device 14a transported and stored there. This condition is in the c ). Should now be one of the items 12 on the storage device 14a or 14b be provided to be re-inserted into the series, so this is by means of Verschiebeeinrich tung 16a respectively. 16b back on the conveyor 10 pushed. Should the object 12 on the conveyor belt 10 in the c ) be provided for temporary storage, when the storage devices shown 14a and 14b are occupied at the same time, then this object becomes 12 from one of the shifting facilities 16 behind the shifting devices 16a and 16b arranged and in 2 are not explicitly shown on one of the rear storage facilities 14 pushed. Due to the temporary storage of the items 12 on the storage facilities 14 will be an efficient change of the order of the items 12 on the conveyor belt 10 allows, with the space required for the entire device is relatively low.

In 3 is a weight-piece number diagram is shown, which is intended to illustrate the framework for an exemplary algorithm. The diagram represents the current total weight Y as a function of the number of pieces X of the objects previously combined 12 In the diagram are three linear functions 31 . 32 and 33 shown. The first function 31 represents the setpoint of the current total weight Y as a function of the number of pieces X of the objects 12 This is an ideal borderline case, which can only be realized in practice if all objects 12 have the same weight and the target value of the total weight Y an integer multiple of the weight of the objects 12 is. The second function 32 represents the upper tolerance limit for the current total weight Y. The third function 33 represents the lower tolerance limit for the current total weight Y. The diagram illustrates that as the number of pieces X of the articles increases 12 the two tolerance limits 32 and 33 the setpoint 31 of the total weight Y approach. If now several items 12 grouped together, this means that relatively large tolerances are allowed for the first items. Only the last objects 12 that are needed for the group, are targeted from those items 12 selected on the storage facilities 14 are stored or just on the conveyor belt 12 Arrive.

For example, should twelve items 12 into a group whose total weight is 4 kg, and are the individual weights of the objects 12 between about 300 g and 370 g, so can the first few items 12 that arrive on the conveyor belt, are automatically added to the group, without on the storage device 14 to be stored. However, as soon as the setpoint 31 of the current total weight Y the value of the function 32 exceed or the value of the function 33 would fall below, then the one object 12 which would trigger the overrun or underrun, on the filing facility 14 be stored. From this point on, only such items will be available 12 added to the group by which the value 31 of the total weight Y within the two tolerance limits 32 and 33 remains. The algorithm thus becomes a predetermined number of items X _M of items 12 , whose individual weights are allowed to fluctuate relatively strongly, are grouped together to have an exact predetermined total weight Y _M. It is extremely advantageous for logistical reasons when packaging a variety of items 12 has an exact predetermined total weight Y _M.

With the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, for example, it is possible to change the order of a plurality of products such that they are arranged in groups on the conveyor belt 10 are arranged, each group having a predetermined total weight. In packaging processes, it is often necessary for each packaging unit to have a predetermined total weight. In contrast, the weights of each item are subject 12 or products production-related fluctuations, so that a predetermined total weight can be achieved only by resorting the order.

10

conveyor belt

12

object

14

Bin Setup

14a

left Bin Setup

14b

right Bin Setup

16

shifter

16a

left shifter

16b

right shifter

18

drive

20

first pusher

22

second pusher

24

U-profile section

24a

left U-profile section

24b

right U-profile section

26

pole

31

Reference function

32

upper tolerance limit

33

lower tolerance limit

X

quantity

Y

total weight

_XM

predetermined quantity

Y _M

predetermined total weight

Claims (21)

Apparatus for automatically sorting a plurality of juxtaposed objects, the apparatus comprising: - a conveyor belt ( 10 ) or the like device for transporting the objects ( 12 ); A detection device for detecting at least one parameter of each object ( 12 ); A processing device for calculating a new order for the objects ( 12 ) based on the detected parameters and according to a predetermined algorithm; - storage facilities ( 14 ) for the interim storage of one counter item ( 12 ); At least one displacement device ( 16 ) for transporting the object ( 12 ) between the conveyor belt ( 10 ) and the storage facilities ( 14 ); and - a control device for controlling the at least one displacement device ( 16 ) based on the order calculated by the processing. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage devices ( 14 ) next to the conveyor belt ( 10 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage devices ( 14 ) each have an area which is in one plane with the conveyor belt ( 10 ) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage devices ( 14 ) form a row, which on one side along the conveyor belt ( 10 ) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage devices ( 14 ) form two parallel rows on both sides of the conveyor belt ( 10 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the displacement device ( 16 ) as a displacement device for moving the object ( 12 ) between the conveyor belt ( 10 ) and the storage device ( 14 ) is trained. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each storage device ( 14 ) a displacement device ( 16 ) assigned. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the displacement device ( 16 ) two mutually facing, spaced-apart slide ( 20 ; 22 ), wherein the first slider ( 20 ) for moving onto the storage device ( 14 ) and the second slider ( 22 ) for moving on the conveyor belt ( 10 ) are provided. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the two slides ( 20 ; 22 ) are rigidly connected to each other and / or formed in one piece. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the displacement device ( 16 ) a pneumatic drive ( 18 ) having. Device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the displacement device ( 16 ) for a linear displacement approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt ( 10 ) is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the detection device detects the weight, the volume, the size, the Color and / or the like physical size is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized the detection device is designed as a weighing device. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the detection device as a reading device for reading the parameters of marked items ( 12 ) is trained. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the conveyor belt ( 10 ) is followed by a packaging device. Method for automatically sorting a plurality on a conveyor belt ( 10 ) or similar device of juxtaposed objects ( 12 ), the method comprising the following steps: - detecting at least one parameter of each object ( 12 ); - calculating a new order for the objects ( 12 ) based on the detected parameters and according to a predetermined algorithm; - driving at least one displacement device ( 16 ) to selected items ( 12 ) between the conveyor belt ( 10 ) and storage facilities ( 14 ), the storage devices ( 14 ) for temporarily storing the objects ( 12 ), so that the objects ( 12 ) in the new order on the conveyor belt ( 10 ) to be ordered. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the new order is calculated such that the objects ( 12 ) are grouped into serially arranged groups. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that that each group forms a packaging unit. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that at least one parameter who characterizes the group, for the calculation of the new order of the objects ( 12 ) is used. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the total target weight of the group for the calculation of the new order of the objects ( 12 ) is used. Method according to one of Claims 16 to 20, characterized that the method with the device according to one of the claims 1 to 15 performed becomes.