JP2000109022A - Posture inspection device for article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve reliability by enabling the posture of articles to be inspected correctly irrespective of the acceleration and deceleration of a speed of article transportation or the intermittent movement of articles. SOLUTION: The second sensors D, E are set on the upstream side or downstream side of the first sensors A, B, C by only the shorter distance than the length L of an article 1, and at almost the same time of confirming the article by the first sensors A, B, C the posture of the article is inspected by the second sensors D, E. In addition, when one of the first sensors A or C, or one of the second sensor means D or E disposed on the same orbit as this operates to detect the article 1, the posture of the article 1 is determined on the basis of detection results by other of the first sensor C or A, or the other of the second sensor E or D arranged on the same orbit as this. In this manner, the posture of the article can be inspected correctly even in the case where the articles 1 are transported successively in a contiguous state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting a posture of a product incorporated in a packaging apparatus, and more particularly to an "individually packaged article"
The present invention relates to a posture inspection device for inspecting the posture of a product which is individually packaged in a pre-process of supplying the product to a packaging container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, as a device for arranging a plurality of individually packaged products such as caramel and candy and storing them in a packaging container (box), a packaging device called a shell and slide car toner as shown in FIG. It has been known. As shown in the figure, the shell-and-slide cartoner supplies a plurality of products (individually packaged products) 1 continuously conveyed on a conveying track 100 in a predetermined number and a predetermined arrangement in a supply unit 102. And a function of supplying the paper to the upper surface of the inner box (packaging container) 2 previously arranged in the supply unit 102. The inner box 2 to which the product 1 has been supplied is inserted into the outer box 3 in the box holder 103, and the packaging form is completed.

In order to supply a predetermined number of products 1 in a predetermined arrangement, each product 1 needs to be conveyed in an appropriate posture. If any one of the conveyed products 1 has an abnormal posture, the supply to the middle box 2 becomes defective, and the yield is reduced. Therefore, an attitude inspection unit 101 is provided on the transport trajectory 100 of the product 1, and the product 1 having an abnormal attitude is excluded from the supply target.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional attitude inspection apparatus of this type, and FIG. 8 is an inspection flowchart by the same apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional posture inspection apparatus is a product 1
(Three in the figure) sensors X,
Y and Z are arranged side by side in the width direction.
Based on the detection signals from Y and Z, the central processing unit 110
The attitude of the product 1 flowing on the transport track 100 has been determined.

The sensor Y disposed at the center of the three sensors is a so-called gate trigger sensor. When the sensor Y detects the product 1 as shown in FIG.
1), a timer built in the central processing unit 110 is activated (S2), and after a lapse of a predetermined time (S3), it is checked whether the other two sensors X and Z have detected the product 1 (S4). ,
S5).

That is, the presence of a conveyed product is first confirmed by the central sensor Y. Then, after a certain standby time, the process waits for the product (product in a normal posture) 1 to move to a position where the product X, Y, and Z surely face each other. Thereafter, 2 is disposed opposite to the widthwise end of the product 1.
The product 1 is detected by the two sensors X and Z.

If the product 1 is conveyed in a normal posture, for example, as shown in FIG.
Detects the product 1, the central processing unit 110 determines that the posture is “normal” based on the detection signals from the sensors X and Z.
Is determined. On the other hand, if the posture of the conveyed product 1 is abnormal, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, one or both of the sensors X and Z are the products 1 in the abnormal posture.
a is not detected. At this time, the central processing unit 110 determines that the posture is “abnormal” (S6 in FIG. 8).

[0008]

As described above, the conventional posture inspection apparatus has a configuration in which a plurality of sensors X, Y, and Z are arranged in a line in the width direction of the conveyed product 1. The product 1 is confirmed by one of the sensors (gate trigger sensor) Y, and then the product 1 is detected by the other sensors X and Z after a certain waiting time.

The reason why the predetermined waiting time is provided is to execute a detection operation when the product (product in a normal posture) 1 has moved to a position where the product 1 surely faces the sensors X and Z, as described above. is there. After the sensor Y confirms the product 1,
A method of continuously inputting detection signals from the other sensors X and Z to the central processing unit 110 is also conceivable. In this method, as shown in FIG. 9C, the product 1b is conveyed with a slight inclination. Sometimes, it is possible to determine that the posture is abnormal even though the posture is in the normal posture category.

In a packaging device such as a shell and slide car toner, the transport speed of the product 1 may be accelerated or decelerated as required. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, while the conveyed products 1 are sent to the supply unit 102 in a predetermined number and in a predetermined arrangement,
The product 1 near the exit 0 is temporarily dammed, and after the transfer operation to the supply unit 102 is completed, the conveyance is started again.

When the product moving through the posture inspection unit 101 accelerates or decelerates or moves intermittently as described above, when the standby time after the detection of the product by the sensor Y has elapsed, the product 1 to be inspected is May deviate from a proper position facing the sensors X and Z, which may cause erroneous detection.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has a highly reliable posture capable of accurately inspecting the posture of a product regardless of acceleration / deceleration of a product conveyance speed or intermittent movement of the product. The purpose is to provide an inspection device.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an attitude inspection apparatus according to the present invention comprises: first sensor means for detecting a conveyed product at a predetermined position on a product conveyance trajectory; A second sensor disposed upstream or downstream of the first sensor for a distance shorter than the length and detecting the attitude of the product at the position, and a second sensor at a switching point in time when the first sensor detects the product. Determining means for determining the attitude of the product based on the detection result by the two sensor means.

That is, in the present invention, the first sensor means is a so-called gate trigger sensor, and the first sensor means detects a product and the second sensor means detects the posture of the product at the same time. Therefore, the posture detection of the product by the second sensor means is not affected by the acceleration / deceleration of the product conveyance speed or the intermittent movement of the product.

Since the second sensor means is disposed upstream or downstream of the first sensor means by a distance shorter than the length of the product, when the first sensor means detects the product, the second sensor means assumes a normal posture. In the case of a product, the second sensor means can accurately detect the attitude of the product.

Here, if a plurality of the first sensor means are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the product transport path within a range shorter than the width of the product, the detection accuracy of the transported product can be improved. it can.

Preferably, a plurality of second sensor means are provided at appropriate places where the posture can be accurately detected as "normal" or "abnormal" according to the shape of the conveyed product. . For example, for a product whose length (depth) is shorter than the width, the second sensor means is arranged at a position for detecting at least the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the product conveyed in a normal posture. The attitude of the product can be accurately detected.

That is, the product conveyed in the normal posture is detected by the second sensor means at both ends in the width direction, while the product conveyed in the abnormal posture (for example, the posture rotated by 90 °) , At least one end in the width direction of the second
Since the sensor means cannot detect, the posture of the product can be determined based on the difference between the detection results.

If the products are continuously conveyed in contact with each other, there is a possibility that the detection state of the products may be maintained without switching the first sensor means at the boundaries of the products. In this case, as a result of the first sensor unit not functioning as a gate trigger sensor, there is a possibility that the attitude of the product is erroneously determined.

Therefore, the first sensor means is disposed at two positions in a direction substantially perpendicular to the product conveyance path and at least near the both ends in the width direction of the product conveyed in a normal posture. The second sensor means is disposed at two locations on the upstream side or the downstream side of each of the first sensor means along the product transport path. When one of the first sensor means and one of the second sensor means arranged on the same track detect the product, the other of the first sensor means and the same track are arranged on the same track. It is preferable to include a discriminating corrector for discriminating the attitude of the product based on the detection result of the other second sensor.

When the first and second sensor means are arranged as described above, if a product having an abnormal posture rotated by 90 °, for example, among products continuously transported in contact with each other, the first and second sensor means can be used. When one of the first sensor means and one of the second sensor means disposed on the same track detect the product, the other of the first sensor means and the other of the other sensor disposed on the same track are detected. The two sensor means does not detect the product. Therefore, based on the detection result, the determination appropriateness means can accurately determine the abnormal posture of the product.

Further, the first sensor means is provided also at two intermediate portions, and when the first sensor means provided at the intermediate portion detects a product, the other first sensor means and By configuring the determination appropriateness means to determine the attitude of the product based on the detection result by the second sensor means,
For example, even with respect to a product flowing in the center part of the product transport trajectory in an abnormal posture rotated by 90 °, the determination appropriateness means can accurately determine the abnormal posture of the product.

When the detection results from the first and second sensor means indicate an abnormality in the product attitude, the discrimination appropriateness means monitors the detection results by the first and second sensor means for a certain period of time, In the meantime, when the detection results by the first and second sensor means do not indicate that the product posture is normal,
It is preferable that the posture of the product is determined to be abnormal. By providing such a time for determination, it is possible to distinguish between a slight inclination (normal posture) of a product which is continuously conveyed and an abnormal posture rotated by, for example, 90 °, thereby achieving higher accuracy. Inspection can be realized.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a product posture inspection apparatus according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a view showing a product detection position by the apparatus, FIG. 1 (a) is a top view, and FIG. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the product posture inspection apparatus according to this embodiment includes three first sensors A, B, and C, two second sensors D and E, and a central processing unit 10. . Each of the sensors A to E is disposed in a posture inspection unit 101 set on a transport trajectory 100 of the product 1 in the packaging device (see FIG. 6).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a rectangular parallelepiped product 1 whose width W is longer than a length (depth) L is to be inspected. As shown in FIG. 2, the product 1 is guided by the guides 11 and 12, and is conveyed in a posture (normal posture) in which the width direction is substantially orthogonal to the product conveyance path.
Here, the width Dg between the guides 11 for guiding the side surface of the product 1 is adjusted to a dimension that does not prevent the product 1 conveyed in a normal posture from rotating and hinder the conveyance of the product 1. . However, as shown in FIG. 2A, the product 1a may be supplied to the transport track 100 in an abnormal posture rotated. The posture inspection apparatus according to this embodiment includes:
The purpose is to reliably detect the product 1a conveyed in such an abnormal posture.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first sensors A, B, and C are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the transport track 100 of the product 1, and two of the first sensors A, C It is arranged at a position for detecting the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the product 1 conveyed in a normal posture on the top 100. Also,
The first sensor B is installed at the center of these sensors A and C.

Further, each of the second sensors D and E is moved along the transport path 100 by a distance appropriately shorter than the length of the product 1.
The sensors A and C are arranged upstream of the arrangement position.
Therefore, the distance between the first sensors A and C and the second sensors D and E is shorter than the length L of the product 1.

The central processing unit 10 includes first sensors A, B, C
And a function of determining means for determining the posture of the product 1 to be inspected based on the detection signals from the second sensors D and E, and a determining appropriateness means.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method of determining the attitude of a product by the central processing unit 10. Central processing unit 10
First checks the detection signals from the first sensors A, B, and C, and inputs a detection signal indicating that the product 1 has been detected from any of the first sensors A, B, or C (S10). Is used as a gate trigger to detect detection signals from the second sensors D and E (S11, S12).

If the product 1 is conveyed in a normal posture, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, since the second sensors D and E detect the product 1, the central processing unit 10 Based on the detection signals from the second sensors D and E, it is determined that the posture is “normal”.

On the other hand, if the posture of the conveyed product 1 is abnormal, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the product 1a in which one or both of the second sensors D and E are abnormal is removed. Not detected. At this time, the central processing unit 10 determines that the posture is “abnormal” (S13). As described above, the first sensors A, B, and C are used as gate trigger sensors, and the posture of the product is changed according to the detection signals of the second sensors E and D disposed upstream of the sensors A, B, and C. By performing the determination, an accurate determination result can be obtained without being affected by acceleration or deceleration of the product or intermittent movement of the product.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a method of optimizing the attitude of the product by the central processing unit 10. FIG. 5 (c)
As shown in the figure, the product 1 in the normal posture and the product 1a in the abnormal posture
(For example, products in a posture rotated by 90 °) are continuously conveyed in contact with each other, the first sensors A, B, and C cannot detect the boundary between the products 1 and 1a.
It may not function as a gate trigger sensor. Therefore, even when the products 1 are continuously conveyed in such a state that they are in contact with each other, the central processing unit 10 executes the discriminating appropriateness processing according to the flowchart of FIG. It is configured so that the posture can be determined.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, a product 1a in an abnormal posture has been conveyed on a track facing the first sensor A and the second sensor D, following the product 1 in the normal posture. In this case, the state in which the sensors A and D both detect the product 1a continues (S20). On the other hand, the first sensor C
And the second sensor E, after the product 1 in the normal posture has passed,
In both cases, the OFF state continues (S21, S22).

At this time, a stabilization timer provided in the central processing unit 10 is operated (S23), and changes in detection signals from the first sensors A and C and the second sensors D and E are monitored for a predetermined time. (For example, S24, S20, S21, S2
2). When there is no change in the detection signal from each sensor (S24), the central processing unit 10 determines that the attitude of the product 1a is "abnormal" (S25).

For example, when a product 1a in an abnormal posture is conveyed on a track facing the first sensor C and the second sensor E successively to the product 1 in the normal posture, the first sensor A and the The two sensors D remain OFF after the product 1 in the normal posture has passed (S20, S2).
6). On the other hand, both the first sensor C and the second sensor E continue to detect the product 1a (S27).

At this time, the stabilization timer provided in the central processing unit 10 is operated (S23), and changes in the detection signals from the first sensors A and C and the second sensors D and E are monitored for a predetermined time. (For example, S24, S20, S26, S2
7). When there is no change in the detection signal from each sensor (S24), the central processing unit 10 determines that the attitude of the product 1a is "abnormal" (S25).

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), when the product 1a in the abnormal posture is conveyed on the intermediate track of the first sensors A and C successively to the product 1 in the normal posture, The first sensor A, C and the second sensor D, E are products 1 in a normal posture.
, The OFF state continues (S2
0, S26, S27, S28). On the other hand, in this case, the first
The state where the sensor B detects the product 1a is continued (S2
9).

At this time, a stabilization timer provided in the central processing unit 10 is operated (S23), and changes in detection signals from the first sensors A, C and the second sensors D, E are monitored for a predetermined time. (For example, S24, S20, S26, S27,
S28, S29). When no change is detected in the detection signals from the sensors (S24), the central processing unit 10
Determines that the attitude of the product 1a is "abnormal" (S2
5).

For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), when a product 1b in a slightly inclined posture (included in the normal posture category) is conveyed following the product 1 in the normal posture. , At the boundary between the products 1 and 1b, the first sensors A,
There is a state where B and C detect the product 1, the second sensor D detects the product 1b, and the second sensor E does not detect the product.

At this time, the detection signal from each sensor instantaneously becomes the same as when the abnormal posture shown in FIG. 5C is detected. Therefore, even when products of such a slightly inclined posture are continuously transported, a stabilization timer is inserted in order to obtain an appropriate determination result (S2).
3, S24).

That is, in the case of the posture as shown in FIG. 5D, during the fixed time set by the stabilization timer,
The product 1b moves to a position facing each of the sensors A, B, C, D, and E. Therefore, before the stabilization timer times out (S24), a normal posture is detected (S2).
0, S21), it is possible to avoid determining that the product 1b is in an abnormal posture.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the first
Although three sensors are provided, a configuration in which a single first sensor is used to confirm a product, or a configuration in which two or four or more first sensors are used to confirm a product may be employed as necessary.

The number of the second sensors may be appropriately set in accordance with the shape of the product at a position where the posture can be determined as “normal” or “abnormal”. Further, the second sensor is provided for the first sensor.
It may be arranged downstream of the sensor. In this case, the first
When the sensor stops detecting the product (from ON to OFF)
At the time of the switching), the second sensor may be used to inspect the attitude of the product.

[0044]

As described above, according to the posture inspection apparatus of the present invention, the second sensor means is disposed upstream or downstream of the first sensor means by a distance shorter than the length of the product. Almost at the same time when the product is confirmed by the first sensor means, the posture of the product is inspected by the second sensor means. Therefore, regardless of the acceleration / deceleration of the product conveyance speed or the intermittent movement of the product, the posture of the product can be accurately determined. Inspection can be performed and high reliability can be obtained.

When one of the first sensor means and one of the second sensor means arranged on the same track detect the product, the other of the first sensor means and the same track on the same track. By accurately determining the attitude of the product even when the product is continuously conveyed in a contact state by determining the attitude of the product based on the detection result of the other second sensor means disposed in Becomes possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a product posture inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a detection position of a product by the device;
FIG. 1A is a top view, and FIG. 1B is a side view.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a posture of a product by a central processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of optimizing product posture determination by a central processing unit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between products in various postures and first and second sensors.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an outline of a packaging device (shell and slide car toner) into which a product posture inspection device is incorporated.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a conventional posture inspection apparatus.

8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a conventional posture inspection by the central processing unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a product in various postures and a sensor in a conventional posture inspection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Product 10: Central processing unit 11, 12: Guide 100: Transport path A, B, C: First sensor D, E: Second sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shinobu Suzuki 149 Komagaidai, Nagareyama-shi, Chiba Pref., Tokyo Inside the Laboratory of Automatic Machine Works (72) Inventor Koji Kumagai 149 149 Komagaidai, Nagareyama-shi, Chiba F term in Kyoto Automatic Machinery Works Laboratory (reference) 3E054 AA14 DD01 DD16 EA03 FA05 FA07 FC08 FC13 FC19 GA01 GA06 GB01 GC03

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A first sensor means for detecting a conveyed product at a predetermined position on a product conveying track, and a first sensor means disposed upstream or downstream of the first sensor means for a distance shorter than a length of the product. A second sensor for detecting the attitude of the product at the position; and a determining means for determining the attitude of the product based on the detection result of the second sensor at the time of switching when the first sensor detects the product. A posture inspection device for a product, comprising: 2. The product posture inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said first sensor means are arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to said product conveyance track within a range shorter than a width of the product. A product posture inspection device characterized by the following. 3. The product posture inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said second sensor means are provided. 4. The apparatus for inspecting a posture of a product according to claim 3, wherein the second sensor means is disposed at a position for detecting at least the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the product conveyed in a normal posture. A posture inspection device for a product, characterized in that: 5. The product posture inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor means is provided in a direction substantially orthogonal to the product conveyance path, and at least in a width direction of the product conveyed in a normal posture. The two sensor units are disposed at two positions for detecting the vicinity of both ends, and the second sensor unit is disposed at two positions on the upstream side or the downstream side of each of the first sensor units along the product conveyance path, and When one of the first sensor means and one of the second sensor means arranged on the same track detect a product, the other of the first sensor means and the other arranged on the same track A product posture inspection device, comprising: a determination appropriateness device that determines the posture of the product based on a detection result of the second sensor device. 6. The product posture inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first sensor means is also provided at the intermediate portion between the two places, and the discriminating appropriate means is provided at the intermediate portion. A product posture inspection apparatus characterized in that when the first sensor means detects a product, the posture of the product is determined based on the detection results of the other first sensor means and the second sensor means. 7. The product posture inspection device according to claim 5, wherein the discriminating appropriateness means further comprises a predetermined time when the detection result by the first and second sensor means indicates an abnormality in the product posture. During the lapse of time, the results of detection by the first and second sensor means are monitored. If the results of detection by the first and second sensor means do not indicate that the product attitude is normal, the attitude of the product is abnormal. A product posture inspection apparatus characterized in that it is determined that: