JP2023045587A - Counting apparatus and counting method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a counting apparatus capable of counting flat workpieces with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A counting apparatus for counting a plurality of flat workpieces, includes a carrying-in device that carries, in batches, workpieces which are stacked in a rectangular shape, an elevating device that elevates the carried workpieces for counting, a counting and dividing device that counts the workpieces being elevated, and divides the counted workpieces into workpiece groups each consisting of a prescribed number of workpieces and transmits the groups one by one, and a carrying-out device that carries out the transmitted workpiece groups. The counting and dividing device includes a shaping unit that includes a shaping body for generating steps between adjacent workpieces by horizontally separating the workpieces that are being elevated, apart from each other in the front-rear direction, an angular regulation unit that includes an angle regulation body facing the shaping body, and adjustably regulates the separation distance between the workpieces, and a pressing unit that includes a detector for detecting the steps and counting the workpieces, and includes a pressing body which can move horizontally and vertically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a counting device and counting method for counting workpieces.

Conventionally, as a counting device for counting a flat plate-shaped work, for example, a cardboard sheet, it is called "a sheet number counting device that counts the number of cardboard sheets manufactured by a cardboard sheet manufacturing apparatus, and the cardboard sheets stacked in the stack part. An imaging means for imaging the width direction end face of the cardboard sheet, and image information from the imaging means is analyzed, and based on the flute specification of the core raw paper forming the corrugated cardboard sheet, each corrugated cardboard sheet for the image information A sheet count device for a corrugated cardboard sheet manufacturing apparatus has been proposed, which is characterized by comprising image analysis means for recognizing and counting the number of sheets (see claim 1 of Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2003-296694 A

The device described in the above-mentioned patent document captures an image of the end surface of the cardboard sheet, analyzes the image information, and accurately counts the number of cardboard sheets. If there is deformation, recognition failure is likely to occur, and the counting accuracy will be low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve at least one of the above problems, and to provide a counting device capable of counting flat-plate workpieces with high accuracy.

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least part of the above problems, and examples thereof are as follows. In order to solve the above-described problems, a counting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a counting device that counts a plurality of flat plate-shaped works, and is a carrying-in device that carries in each batch of the plurality of works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. a lifting device for lifting the workpieces carried in by the carrying-in device for counting; A counting and dividing device that divides and delivers a work group, and an unloading device that unloads the work group delivered from the counting and dividing device. A molding unit having a molded body that horizontally shifts in a front-rear direction perpendicular to a certain vertical direction to create a stair-like step between adjacent works, and an angle regulating body that faces the molded body, wherein the workpiece is An extrusion body having an angle regulating portion that adjustably regulates a deviation width, which is a deviation distance, and a detection device that detects the step and counts the work, and has an extrusion body that can move horizontally and vertically. The counting device has a rising space in which the work is loaded and conveyed upward, and the work horizontally carried in by the carrying-in device vertically rises in the rising space to count and After being divided, it is horizontally unloaded by the unloading device.

In the above counting device, the counting and dividing device has an aligning section for aligning the stepped work group, and the aligning body of the aligning section moves from the front to the rear while moving from the front to the rear of the work group. The steps between the adjacent works are eliminated by contacting them in order from the upper end work.

In the above-described counting device, the shaped body presses the work below the shifted lowermost work after the shaping operation that creates the step is stopped.

In the above counting device, the counting and dividing device includes an aligning section for aligning the stepped work group, the pushing body descends to the rear of the lowermost work of the work group, and the aligning body of the aligning section After aligning the work group, the work group is pushed forward.

In the above-described counting device, the counting and dividing device includes a lower work movement prevention section that prevents movement of the work below the work group, and the movement prevention body of the lower work movement prevention section is positioned at the top of the work group. To prevent forward movement of the work below the work group in front of the work adjacent to the lower end work.

In the counting device, the counting division device has a rear regulation body facing the angle regulation body, and a rear regulation part that maintains the level difference, and the rear regulation body is in contact with the workpiece of the angle regulation body. It has a tangent face and a parallel face.

In the above-described counting device, the shaped body has unevenness for increasing a coefficient of friction on a surface in contact with the work.

In the above-mentioned counting device, the lifting device is capable of moving up and down in the rising space by loading the main batch work, which is a plurality of the works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, from the loading device. a lifting table device having a loading table; The table rises from a loading area, which is a planar area at the lowest end of the loading space, to a first delivery area, which is a planar area located higher than the loading area, and the main batch is placed in the first delivery area. After delivering the work to the first loading ledge, it descends to the carry-in area, and the first loading ledge receives the full batch work from the loading table while entering the rising space and lifts it up.

In the above-described counting device, the lifting device includes a second lifting ledge device having a second loading ledge that moves horizontally to advance into the rising space and can move upward and downward in the rising space; The loading ledge ascends to a second delivery area, which is a planar area higher than the first delivery area, and the remaining works of the main batch work are delivered to the second loading ledge in the second delivery area. After that, the second loading ledge moves down to the height of the first delivery area after leaving the rising space, and receives the remaining works of the main batch work from the first loading ledge while entering the rising space. Then, the loading table carries in and loads the next batch of workpieces, which are a plurality of workpieces stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape for the next batch.

The above-described counting device includes a waste work recovery unit that recovers a waste work that is the lowermost work of the plurality of works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch, and the waste work recovery unit recovers the waste work from the ascending space. The second loading ledge has a waste work discharging unit for discharging and a waste work receiving unit for receiving the waste works. Except for the work, it is received from the first loading ledge in the second delivery area and lifted, and the waste work discharging section is adapted to remove the waste work from the first loading ledge when the first loading ledge exits the lifting space. Only the waste work is discharged from the rising space so as to stay on the loading ledge.

In the above-described counting device, the first loading ledge has a retaining portion that increases a coefficient of friction on the loading surface or attracts the waste work in order to retain the waste work on the loading surface, and the second loading ledge has: and a take-up part for reducing the coefficient of friction is provided on the loading surface in order to take off the piled works except for the waste work.

In the above counting device, the loading table is lifted to the first transfer area while the second loading ledge is being lifted and conveyed, and the next batch of the plurality of workpieces stacked in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped is next. After delivering the batch work to the first loading ledge, it descends to the carry-in area, and the first loading ledge receives the next batch work from the loading table while entering the rising space, waits, and then waits for the next batch work. When the loading ledge rises to the end region, which is the planar region of the uppermost end of the loading in the rising space, it rises and approaches the second loading ledge, and the surplus work lacking in one group of the main batch is removed from the second loading ledge. is placed on the next batch work, and the second loading ledge delivers the surplus work to the first loading ledge while exiting the rising space in the end area, and the height of the second delivery area descend to.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a counting method according to another aspect of the present invention is a counting method for carrying in batches a plurality of flat plate-like works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and counting the plurality of the works. and a divided delivery step of counting the rising workpieces and dividing and delivering a predetermined number of the counted workpieces as a group of workpieces, In the divided delivery step, the ascending workpieces are horizontally shifted in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, which is the stacking direction, by a shaped body arranged upstream in the delivery direction of the workpieces, so that the adjacent workpieces are stepped toward each other. a step of adjusting a shift width, which is a distance by which the work is shifted, by an angle regulating body disposed downstream in the work feeding direction; and a detection device that counts the work. and detecting and counting the step by means of a horizontally and vertically movable pusher having a .

In the above counting method, in the lifting step, the main batch work, which is a plurality of the works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch, is lifted by at least two lifting devices, that is, a first lifting device and a second lifting device, and the first The lifting device moves from a loading area, which is a planar area at the lowest end of the stack in the rising space, to a planar area at a position higher than the loading area in the ascending space in which the plurality of workpieces are stacked and conveyed upward. The main batch work is lifted up to one transfer area, the second lifting device receives the main batch work from the first lifting device in the first transfer region and lifts it, and the first lifting device receives the main batch work in the first transfer region. After the batch work is handed over to the first lifting device, it returns to the carry-in area, and the next batch work, which is the plurality of works stacked in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped in the next batch, is carried in and loaded.

In the above counting method, in the ascending step, the batch work, which is a batch of a plurality of the workpieces stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, is raised by at least three elevators, i.e., a first elevator, a second elevator, and a third elevator. and the first lifting device moves from a carry-in area, which is a planar area at the bottom end of the stack in the rise space, to a plane higher than the carry-in area in the rise space in which a plurality of the works are stacked and conveyed upward. The main batch work is lifted up to a first transfer area which is a shaped area, the second lifting device receives the main batch work from the first lifting device in the first transfer region and lifts it, and the third lifting device The apparatus receives and raises the remaining works of the main batch work from the second lifting device in the second transfer region, which is a planar region higher than the first transfer region, and the first lifting device After the main batch work is delivered to the first lifting device, it returns to the carry-in area, and the next batch work, which is the plurality of works stacked in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped in the next batch, is carried in and loaded.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the counting device which can count a flat-plate-shaped workpiece with high precision can be provided.

Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

1 is a block diagram showing a counting device according to an embodiment of the present application; FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of a counting device. It is a front view which shows an example of a counting device. It is a top view which shows an example of the shaping|molding part of a counting division apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of the shaping|molding part of a counting division apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of the angle control part of a counting division device. It is a front view which shows an example of the angle control part of a counting splitter. It is a top view which shows an example of the extrusion part of a counting division apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of the extrusion part of a counting division apparatus. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of an alignment section of the counting and dividing device; FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of an alignment section of the counting and dividing device; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the counting division device; It is a figure explaining the example of a series of operation|movement of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure which concerns on the counting of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure regarding alignment of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 3 of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 3 of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 4 of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 5 of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 6 of a counting division apparatus. It is a top view which shows an example of a raising/lowering table apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of a raising/lowering table apparatus. It is a top view which shows an example of a 1st raising/lowering ledge apparatus. It is a front view which shows an example of a 1st raising/lowering ledge apparatus. It is a top view which shows an example of a 2nd raising/lowering ledge apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of a 2nd raising/lowering ledge apparatus. It is a flow chart which shows an example of operation of an elevator. It is a figure explaining conveyance by three raising/lowering devices. It is a figure explaining conveyance by three raising/lowering devices. It is a figure explaining conveyance by three raising/lowering devices. It is a figure explaining conveyance by three raising/lowering devices. It is a figure explaining conveyance by three raising/lowering devices. It is a figure explaining conveyance by three raising/lowering devices. It is a flowchart which shows the example of conveyance by two raising/lowering apparatuses. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of a raising/lowering apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of a raising/lowering apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of a raising/lowering apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of a raising/lowering apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of a raising/lowering apparatus.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components common to the following embodiments (including modified examples) may be assigned the same reference numerals as those described above, and description thereof may be omitted. In addition, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., unless otherwise specified or in principle clearly considered otherwise, etc. that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc. shall include In addition, terms such as attachment, connection, and fixation include both cases of direct action and cases of indirect action via other members.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a counting device according to one embodiment of the present application. The counting device 1 includes a carrying-in device 2 for carrying a plurality of works into the counting device 1, an elevating device for lifting the carried-in works for counting, a counting and dividing device 6 for counting and sending out the rising works, and a sending device. It comprises a carry-out device 7 for carrying out the counted workpieces from the counting device 1, and a control panel 8 electrically connected to these to control the operation.

The workpieces to be counted by the counting device 1 are plate-like workpieces, which are particularly thin in relation to the planar area, and the efficiency of manual counting work is poor, so automation is desirable. Although a corrugated cardboard sheet will be described below as a typical example, it is not limited to this, and the counting device 1 of the present application can be widely applied as long as it has a flat surface and is thick.

In order to lift and convey the workpieces carried in by the carry-in device 2 for counting, one lifting device may be used, or two or more lifting devices may be used. As an example, the counting device 1 includes a lifting table device 3 (hereinafter also referred to as “first lifting device”), a first lifting ledge device 4 (hereinafter also referred to as “second lifting device”), and a second lifting ledge device 5 (hereinafter referred to as “second lifting device”). (also referred to as a "third lifting device"). Although the details will be described later, the counting device 1 can reduce lost time and perform high-speed counting by providing two or more lifting devices.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a counting device. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a specific example of the counting device. In the illustration, X indicates the front-back direction (horizontal direction) (+X is rearward, -X is front), Y indicates the vertical direction (+Y is upward, -Y is downward) (same in FIG. 3 and below) ). Note that Z in the drawings described later indicates the depth direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (+Z is the back direction, -Z is the front direction).

The counting device 1 carries in batches a plurality of workpieces W stacked in the vertical direction in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by a loading device 2 . The carry-in device 2 receives a batch of a plurality of works W stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped form from the rear upstream process, and transfers them batch by batch to a front lifting device at a predetermined position and at a predetermined timing. Preferably, the carrying-in device 2 adjusts the position of the work W in the depth direction so that the center line of the work W coincides with the center line of the counting and dividing device 6, and delivers the work W to the lifting device. The carry-in device 2 is, for example, a stationary conveyor such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The carrying-in device 2 may be a freely movable device such as an unmanned guided vehicle.

The counting device 1 includes a counting space F for counting a plurality of works W, and an elevation space E for carrying the plurality of works W loaded in the counting space F upwardly.

A batch of workpieces W that have been carried in are lifted vertically in the rising space E by the lifting device in a horizontal state, counted and divided in the counting space F, and then carried out horizontally forward by the carrying-out device 7 .

To facilitate counting, it is conceivable to handle the workpieces W at an angle (eg, tilt the batch forward), but this takes extra time to tilt and to return from an angle to a horizontal position. Since the counting device 1 treats the work W horizontally and moves the work W up and down and counts it vertically and horizontally, it does not take extra time and can count at high speed. In addition, if the work W is tilted and processed, a load is applied to the work W, so by handling the work W horizontally, it is possible to avoid applying an extra load to the work.

As shown in the figure, the ascending space E includes a plurality of workpieces W between a carry-in area A, which is the lowermost planar area in which the workpieces W are loaded by the lifting device, and an end area D, which is the uppermost planar area. is the space where the rises. When the workpiece W is raised by three lifting devices, the first transfer region B, which is a planar region higher than the carry-in region A in the rising space E, and the first transfer region B, are areas where the lifting devices alternate. Also includes a second delivery area C, which is a planar area located at a higher position. The counting space F is the area beyond the end area D. When using one lifting device, it is not necessary to set a delivery area, when using two lifting devices, it is sufficient to set one delivery region, and when using four or more lifting devices, that It is sufficient to set a delivery area that is one less than the number.

The lifting table device 3 carries in and stacks a batch of works W, which are a plurality of works W stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by the carrying-in device 2, and lifts them up at a predetermined timing. The elevating table device 3 has a loading table 31 that can move upward and downward in the rising space E. As shown in FIG.

The first lifting ledge device 4 has a first loading ledge 41 that moves horizontally to advance into the rising space E and that can move upward and downward in the rising space E. As shown in FIG. When the batch work W is lifted and conveyed by two or more lifting devices, the loading table 31 rises from the carry-in area A to the first delivery area B, and after delivering the batch work W to the first loading ledge 41, Descend to loading area A. The first loading ledge 41 receives the batch work W from the loading table 31 while entering the rising space E, and lifts it at a predetermined timing. The loading table 31 carries in and loads the next batch of workpieces, which are a plurality of workpieces stacked in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, in the next batch at a predetermined timing. In addition, although the first loading ledge 41 is arranged in front of the ascending space E in the drawing, it is not particularly limited as long as it is located in three directions excluding the side of the carrying-in device 2 among the sides of the ascending space E.

The second lifting ledge device 5 has a second loading ledge 51 that moves horizontally to advance into the rising space E and that can move upward and downward in the rising space E. As shown in FIG. When the batch work W is lifted and conveyed by the three lifting devices, the first loading ledge 41 rises to the second delivery area C, and the remaining works of the batch work W are moved to the second loading ledge in the second delivery area C. 51, it exits from the rising space E and descends to the height of the first delivery area B. The second loading ledge 51 receives the remaining works of the batch work W from the first loading ledge 41 while entering the rising space E, and lifts them at a predetermined timing. The loading table 31 carries in and loads the next batch work at a predetermined timing. Although the second loading ledge 51 is arranged behind the rising space E in the drawing, it is not particularly limited as long as it is located on the side of the rising space E and on the side facing the first loading ledge 41 . .

The counting and dividing device 6 counts a plurality of works W lifted by the lifting device, and divides and sends out a predetermined number of the counted works W as one work group Wa.

The counting and dividing device 6 includes a modeling unit 61 having a modeling body 611 that horizontally shifts the workpiece W that is raised by the lifting device in the front-rear direction to create a stepped difference between the adjacent (upper and lower adjacent) workpieces W, An angle regulating part 62 having an angle regulating body 621 facing the body 611 and regulating a shift width, which is a distance by which the work W shifts, in an adjustable manner, and detecting a step and counting the number of steps counts the work W. an extrusion section 63 having an extrusion body 631 with a detection device and capable of horizontal and vertical movement. The counting and dividing device 6 preferably further includes an aligning section 64 that aligns the stepped work group Wa.

The unloading device 7 unloads the work group Wa delivered from the counting and dividing device 6 forward from the counting device 1 to a downstream process. The carry-out device 7 is, for example, a stationary conveyor such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The carry-out device 7 may be a freely movable device such as an unmanned guided vehicle.

A control panel 8 (not shown here) includes a CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of the counting device 1 according to a program stored in the memory.

The counting device 1 further includes a main frame 10 including a plurality of column members and beam members suspended between the column members to support the above components (see FIG. 3).

The lifting device (lifting table device 3, the first lifting ledge device 4, the second lifting ledge device 5) and the counting and dividing device 6 of the counting device 1 shift from the initial state of FIG. 3 to the standby state of FIG. and performs a predetermined operation.

Below, the counting and dividing device 6 will be described in detail, and then the lifting device for lifting the workpiece W for counting by the counting and dividing device 6 will be described in detail. First, a specific example of each part of the counting division device 6 will be shown, but this is only an example and the present application is not limited to this.

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an example of the shaping section of the counting and dividing device, and FIG. 4B is a side view thereof. A part of the configuration is omitted in FIG. 4A.

The modeling section 61 has a modeled body 611, a horizontal movement mechanism 612, a vertical movement mechanism 613, and a beam 610 extending in the depth direction for supporting the whole.

The modeled body 611 is, for example, a rotating body, such as a roller. Although one modeled body 611 may be provided, preferably, a plurality of modeled bodies 611 are provided so as to be arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction. As an example, five shaped bodies 611 are provided here, and the width in the depth direction may be the same, but preferably the central shaped body 611 is wider than the shaped bodies 611 on both sides as shown. The modeled body 611 is provided with a support portion 6110 and a common shaft portion is rotatably supported by the support portion 6110 . A shaft portion of the modeled body 611 is connected to an output shaft of the motor 6111 . The support portion 6110 has a plurality (here, three) of rod-shaped portions extending in the vertical direction.

The modeled body 611 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by a horizontal movement mechanism 612 . As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 612 includes a motor 6121 fixed to the beam 610, a pair of pinions 6122 rotated by driving the motor 6121, and a pair of racks attached to the main frame 10 and meshing with the pair of pinions 6122. 6123 and a pair of direct acting guides 6124 . The moving body of the linear motion guide part 6124 is attached to the beam part 610 and the rail is attached to the main frame 10 .

The modeled body 611 can be moved vertically by a vertical movement mechanism 613 . As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 613 has a motor 6131 fixed to the beam portion 610, a pinion 6132 rotated by driving the motor 6131, a rack 6133 meshing with the pinion 6132, and a pair of linear motion guides 6134. . A rack 6133 is attached to the central rod-like portion of the support 6110 . The moving body of the linear guide part 6134 is attached to the beam part 610 , and the rails are attached to the rod-shaped portions at both ends of the support part 6110 . The modeled body 611 can be vertically moved with respect to the beam portion 610 by a vertical movement mechanism 613 .

FIG. 5A is a side view showing an example of the angle regulating portion of the counting division device, and FIG. 5B is a front view thereof. Although FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B show the tilted state of the angle regulating body 621 for convenience of explanation, the angle regulating body 621 may be horizontal in the initial state.

The angle regulating portion 62 has an angle regulating body 621 , a rotating mechanism 622 and a shaft portion 620 .

Although one angle regulating body 621 may be provided, preferably, a plurality of angle regulating bodies 621 are provided so as to be arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction. As an example, here, five equal-sized thin plate-shaped rectangular angle regulation bodies 621 are provided. The angle regulating body 621 is fixed to a shaft portion 620 extending in the depth direction at its lower end so that the flat portion faces forward and backward. Both ends of the shaft portion 620 are rotatably supported by the main frame 10 .

The angle regulating body 621 can be rotated by a rotating mechanism 622 to change the angle. As an example, the rotation mechanism 622 has a motor 6221 fixed to the main frame 10 and a pulley 6222 attached to the shaft portion 620, and a transmission belt is installed between them to transmit the rotational force. The angle regulating body 621 can be rotated by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction from a horizontal position by a rotating mechanism 622 .

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing an example of the extrusion section of the counting and dividing device, and FIG. 6B is a side view thereof. A part of the configuration is omitted in FIG. 6A.

The pushing part 63 has a pushing body 631, a horizontal moving mechanism 632, a vertical moving mechanism 633, and a beam part 630 that supports the whole.

One pushing body 631 may be provided, but preferably, a plurality of pushing bodies 631 are provided so as to be arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction. As an example, three vertically extending extrusions 631 may be provided here, and the width in the depth direction may be the same, but preferably the center extrusion 631 is wider than the side extrusions 631 as shown. The extrusion body 631 has a main body 6311 and a detection device 6312 . Note that the pusher 631 may be provided with a claw portion 6313 as will be described later.

The main body 6311 is, for example, a plate-like member whose upper end is fixed to the support portion 6310 so that the flat portion faces forward and rearward, and its lower end is a free end. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6A, the main body 6311 is a vertically hollow member, for example, a flat rectangular tubular member, and the upper end is attached to the support portion 6310 so that the wide side of the outer peripheral surface faces forward and backward. It is fixed and the lower end is the free end. As shown in FIG. 6A, the main body 6311 may be provided with vertically extending slits in the rear surface thereof. The main body 6311 may be a U-shaped member in plan view with an open rear surface. The support portion 6310 has one or more thin plate portions that connect the upper end portions of the main bodies 6311 .

The detection device 6312 is attached near the lower end of the main body 6311 . Preferably, the detection device 6312 is attached to a location other than the front surface, such as the rear surface, so as not to collide with the workpiece W. If the main body 6311 is a vertically hollow member or a U-shaped member, the detection device 6312 is attached inside it (for example, behind the front surface). The detection device 6312 is, for example, a photoelectric distance sensor, and has a light projecting section that projects light and a light receiving section that receives light reflected by an object.

The pushing body 631 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by a horizontal movement mechanism 632 . As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 632 includes a motor 6321 fixed to the beam 630, a pair of pinions 6322 rotated by driving the motor 6321, and a pair of racks attached to the main frame 10 and meshing with the pair of pinions 6322. 6323 and a pair of direct acting guides 6324 . The moving body of the linear motion guide part 6324 is attached to the beam part 630 and the rail is attached to the main frame 10 .

The pushing body 631 can be moved vertically by a vertical movement mechanism 633 . As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 633 includes a motor 6331 fixed to the beam portion 630, a pair of pinions 6332 rotated by driving the motor 6331, and a pair of racks attached to the support portion 6310 and meshing with the pair of pinions 6332. 6333 and a linear motion guide portion 6334 . The moving body of the linear motion guide part 6334 is attached to the main body 6311 , and the rail is attached to a vertically extending bar-shaped part provided on the beam part 630 . A pair of direct-acting guides 6334 may be provided, but preferably the same number as the pushing bodies 631 is provided. The pushing body 631 can be vertically moved with respect to the beam portion 630 by a vertical movement mechanism 633 .

FIG. 7A is a plan view showing an example of the aligning section of the counting and dividing device, and FIG. 7B is a side view thereof. A part of the configuration is omitted in FIG. 7A.

The alignment section 64 has an alignment body 641, a horizontal movement mechanism 642, a vertical movement mechanism 643, and a beam section 640 that supports the whole.

One aligning body 641 may be provided, but preferably, a plurality of aligning bodies 641 are provided so as to be arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction. As an example, here, four equal-sized thin plate-shaped rectangular alignment bodies 641 are provided. The aligning bodies 641 have upper ends fixed to the supporting part 6410 so that the planar portions face forward and backward, and free lower ends, and are arranged downward in parallel in a comb shape. The support portion 6410 has one or more thin plate portions that connect the upper end portions of the aligned bodies 641 . The aligning body 641 preferably has a number equal to the number of the angle regulating bodies 621 ±1, has a width in the depth direction smaller than the predetermined interval between the angle regulating bodies 621, and can pass between the angle regulating bodies 621. there is

The alignment body 641 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by a horizontal movement mechanism 642 . As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 642 includes a motor 6421 fixed to the main frame 10, a pair of drive pulleys 6422 and a pair of driven pulleys 6423 supported by the main frame 10 and rotated by the drive of the motor 6421, and a pair of straight pulleys 6422 and 6423. and a motion guide portion 6424 . A transmission belt is installed between the drive pulley 6422 and the driven pulley 6423, and the beam portion 640 is connected to the transmission belt. The moving bodies of the pair of direct acting guides 6424 are attached to both ends of the beam portion 640 and the rails are attached to the main frame 10 .

The alignment body 641 can be moved vertically by a vertical movement mechanism 643 . As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 643 has a cylinder 6431 provided on the beam portion 640 and a linear motion guide portion 6432 . A support portion 6410 is connected to the lower end of the piston rod of the cylinder 6431 . The moving body of the linear motion guide part 6432 is attached to the beam part 640 and the rail is attached to the aligning body 641 . A pair of linear motion guides 6432 may be provided, but preferably the same number as the alignment bodies 641 is provided. The alignment body 641 can be vertically moved with respect to the beam portion 640 by a vertical movement mechanism 643 .

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the counting division device, and FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining a series of examples of the operation.

It should be noted that the step unit of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the processing operation of each device. The present invention is not limited by the method of division in units of steps or the names thereof. The processing operation of each device can also be divided into more steps depending on the content. Also, one step unit can be divided to include more processing operations. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the illustrated example as long as the objects and effects of the present invention can be achieved. The same applies to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, which will be described later.

The counting and dividing device 6 counts the works W and divides and delivers the counted works W for each work group Wa. The number of work groups Wa is determined by works, and is, for example, the number of one bundle of works W bound by a binding machine in a downstream process.

First, the counting division device 6 waits in the state shown in FIG. That is, the modeling section 61 waits in a state where the front lower outer peripheral surface of the modeling body 611 is in contact with the rising work W, the angle regulating section 62 waits in a state in which the angle regulating body 621 is horizontal, and the pushing section 63 stands by with the pushing body 631 above the end area D, and the aligning part 64 stands by with the aligning body 641 positioned at a predetermined distance from the front end of the angle regulating body 621 .

(1) Before the workpiece W enters the counting space F, the counting division device 6 first rotates the angle regulating body 621 to stand obliquely (step S121), and rotates the modeled body clockwise (step S122). ) ((1) in FIG. 9). Before the workpiece W enters the counting space F, the order of steps S121 and S122 may be reversed or simultaneous.

(2) Then, the work W entering the counting space F (lifted into the counting space F by the lifting device) hits the outer peripheral surface of the rotating modeled body 611, and a stepped step is formed on the rear end side. The pushing body 631 is moved backward to detect this step and count the workpieces W (step S123) ((2) in FIG. 9). The workpiece W has a constant amount of deviation due to the angle regulating body 621 at the front, and is formed into a parallelogram when viewed from the front. In addition, although the first loading ledge 41 is illustrated in FIG. 9, any of the lifting devices described above may be used.

(3) The counting and dividing device 6 stops the rotation of the modeled body 611 at a predetermined timing, retracts it backward, and lowers the pushing body 631 to the dividing position (step S124). Further, the angle regulating body 621 is tilted horizontally, and the steps are eliminated by the aligning body 641 to align the stepped work group Wa (step S125) ((3) in FIG. 9).

(4) Next, the counting and dividing device 6 moves the aligning body 641 upward and retracts it, and pushes and delivers the work group Wa forward with the pushing body 631 (step S126) ((4) in FIG. 9).

(5) Next, the counting and dividing device 6 moves the extrusion body 631 to the standby position, and moves the molded body 611 to the standby position (step S127) ((5) in FIG. 9). The work group Wa sent out is unloaded by the unloading device 7 .

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining in detail the configuration relating to counting of the counting division device.

First, the modeled body 611 will be described. The surface (contact surface) of the modeled body 611 that contacts the work W is a quarter of the front lower portion of the outer peripheral surface. Which position within the above range of the modeled body 611 is to be brought into contact with the work W, that is, the position of the modeled body 611 in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction depends on the thickness of the work W, the deviation width G for accurate counting, the rotational torque, etc. can be adjusted accordingly.

The modeled body 611 comes into contact with the work W only at the rear end of the upper surface of the work W, the upper corner of the rear end, and the rear end surface. It is preferable to adjust the coefficient of friction of For example, when it is necessary to reduce the load on the workpiece W, the frictional resistance of the outer peripheral surface of the modeled body 611 is reduced by coating, polishing, or the like. Conversely, when it is necessary to increase the load, the modeled body 611 is provided with a frictional resistance that does not damage the work W. As an example, unevenness is formed on the contact surface to increase the coefficient of friction. Processing, etc. can be considered.

When hitting the modeled body 611, the ascending work W slides forward with respect to the adjacent lower stage work W, and hits and stops at the angle regulation body 621 waiting in front. Therefore, the deviation width G becomes uniform. It can also be said that the angle regulating body 621 guides the modeling by the modeled body 611 . The ascending work W contacts the modeled body 611 one after another, creating step-like steps one after another, and then ascends as it is. A work group is born. The regulation angle α, which is the angle at which the angle regulation body 621 stands obliquely from the horizontal, can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the type of the work W, particularly according to the thickness of the work W, and is adjusted to, for example, 15 degrees to 45 degrees. be. By making the regulation angle α adjustable, the displacement width G is increased from a thick workpiece W to a thin workpiece W, thereby improving the reading accuracy of the extruded body 631 . A deviation width G of, for example, 5 mm to 45 mm can be secured.

The extruding body 631 detects the level difference (height difference between the upper surfaces) H between the workpieces W formed in a step shape by a detection device 6312 provided near the lower end, and counts the number of steps, which is the number of steps, to detect the workpiece W. Count. The detection device 6312 is, for example, a laser displacement sensor, and is installed so that its optical axis is parallel to the rear end surface of the work W. As shown in FIG.

There is a counting device that captures an image of the end face of a work W, for example, the end face of a cardboard sheet, analyzes the image information, and counts the number of sheets. Recognition failure is likely to occur, and the possibility of counting errors increases. Accuracy can be improved by using advanced AI technology, but it will be expensive.

The counting device 1 is formed in a staircase shape, continuously measures the distance to the staircase, and detects the number of workpieces W based on the number of steps where the distance changes abruptly.

The pushing body 631 can move horizontally and vertically, and the step can be read at a short distance. For example, a thin work W having a thickness of about 1.5 mm can be read with high accuracy by being read closer. However, since the extrusion body 631 can be moved horizontally and vertically to approach the optimum position, it can be read with high accuracy.

The extruded bodies 631 may be counted after the modeling has progressed to a certain extent, or as long as at least one step is created, the counting can be performed almost simultaneously with the modeling.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing Modification 1 of the counting division device. In this example, the counting and dividing device 6 further includes a rear restricting portion 66 that is arranged to face the angle restricting body 621 and maintains the step. The rear restricting portion 66 has a rear restricting body 661 and a rotation mechanism 662 that rotates the rear restricting body 661 . The rear restricting body 661 is, for example, a plate-like member. Instead of providing the rotation mechanism 662, the rear regulating body 661 may be made elastic so that the angle can be changed by deformation.

The rear regulating body 661 is spaced from the angle regulating body 621 by the front-rear width I of the work W or at least the front-rear width I of the work W on the opposite side of the angle regulating body 621 across the work W formed in a stepped shape. It is adjusted to be parallel to the angle restricting body 621 (inclined at the same angle as the restricting angle α) with a space therebetween. Preferably, the rear regulating body 661 has a surface parallel to the surface of the angle regulating body 621 in contact with the workpiece W. As a result, even if there is a work W that is sent out by the modeled body 611 and bounces back against the angle regulating body 621, the rear regulating body 661 regulates it from behind, so that the level difference is maintained.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing Modification 2 of the counting division device. In this example, the counting and dividing device 6 further includes a lower work movement prevention unit 65 that prevents the work W below the work group W from moving. The lower work movement prevention unit 65 has a movement prevention body 651 and a vertical movement mechanism (not shown).

(1) After stopping the rotation of the modeled body 611 to deliver the work group Wa (that is, after stopping the modeling operation that causes the step) (between steps S123 and S124 in FIG. 8). can prevent the work W from moving by pressing the work W below the displaced lowermost work W (the obliquely shaded work indicated by the arrow in the drawing) with the shaped body 611 ((1) in FIG. 12). .

(2) The movement preventive body 651 rises until the modeled body 611 retreats backward, and the lowermost end work (black-painted work) W of the work group Wa (the oblique line portion work indicated by the arrow in the drawing) is adjacent to the work W. In front of W, the adjacent work W below the work group Wa is prevented from moving forward ((2) in FIG. 12).

(3) When the molded body 611 retreats backward, the pushing body 631 descends to the rear of the lowermost work (black-painted work) W of the work group Wa, and the work W (the arrow in the drawing) below the lowermost work W ) is pressed ((3) in FIG. 12). Thereafter, the pushing body 631 pushes and delivers the work group Wa forward.

In this way, the movement prevention member 651 can prevent the work W below the work group Wa to be delivered among the stepped works from being taken out when the work group Wa is delivered.

13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the counting and dividing devices. FIG. The counting and dividing device 6 preferably counts the workpieces W, aligns them, and then divides and delivers them.

The workpiece group Wa has a stepped shape when viewed from the rear end side, and a parallelogram shape when viewed from the front as a whole. If an attempt is made to push the work group Wa forward as it is, it will inevitably be pushed out from the rear lower end, but the weight of the work W is also added, and there is a risk that the end face of the work W at the lower end will be damaged. Further, it is necessary to return the angle regulating body 621 horizontally, and if there is no front support, the work group Wa may collapse if force is applied from the rear while maintaining the parallelogram shape. Therefore, the counting and dividing device 6 is provided with the aligning unit 64, and the aligning body 641 eliminates the step between the adjacent works W, and aligns the front ends and the rear ends of the works W in the front-rear direction to align them in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

(1) The aligning body 641 moves from the front to the rear to align the work group Wa ((1) in FIG. 13). As described above, the aligning body 641 has a comb-teeth shape downward and can pass between the angle regulating bodies 621. Therefore, the work group Wa can be moved without tilting the angle regulating bodies 621 horizontally. can be aligned.

(2) The aligning body 641 moves from the front to the rear, makes contact with the uppermost end work W of the work group Wa in order from the frontmost end, and pushes it backward to eliminate the step between the adjacent works (Fig. 13). of (2)). The pushed-in work group Wa abuts the rear pusher 631 at its rear end. By aligning the work W from the front in this manner, the work W is pushed in from the lightest side, so the load applied to the work W is smaller than when the work W is pushed out from the rear lower end. In addition, by aligning the end faces in stages, the end face pressure receiving area in contact with the aligning body 641 gradually increases, the load on the end face of the work W is reduced, and the end face of the work W can be prevented from being damaged.

(3) Alignment body 641 rises when alignment is completed. Also, the angle regulating body 621 is laid down horizontally. ((3) in FIG. 13).

(4) When the aligning body 641 moves (retracts) above the uppermost work of the work group Wa, the pushing body 631 pushes and delivers the work group Wa forward ((4) in FIG. 13). Since the end faces of the work group Wa are aligned, the pressure receiving area is increased, the load on the end face of the work W is reduced, and the work W can be conveyed without damage.

14 and 15 are diagrams showing Modification 3 of the counting division device. In this example, the pushing body 631 is conveyed by following or lifting the work group Wa. Furthermore, the aligning body 641 may prevent the work group Wa from collapsing during transportation.

The pushing body 631 further has a claw portion 6313 provided at the lower end. The claw portion 6313 is provided at the lower end of the pushing body 631 so as to extend horizontally from the rear end to the front end. The front end of the claw portion 6313 gradually decreases in thickness to form a ∠ shape (see FIG. 15). The pushing body 631 inserts the claw portion 6313 below the work group Wa, puts the rear end of the work group Wa on the claw portion 6313, and lifts the claw portion 6313 by several mm so that the lower surface of the claw portion 6313 does not contact the remaining work W. Carry forward.

The aligning body 641 may be moved in synchronism with the forward movement of the work group Wa instead of retracting upward to prevent the work group Wa from collapsing.

As shown in FIG. 15, the detection device 6312 of the extruded body 631 may perform an air purge by ejecting air from a nozzle 6314 in order to remove paper dust and water vapor.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing Modification 4 of the counting division device. In this example, the modeling section 61 of the counting and dividing device 6 further has a downward workpiece movement preventing section 614 . By providing a lower work movement prevention part (pressure plate) 614 in the modeling unit 61, even if the modeled body 611 retreats backward, the lower work movement prevention part 614 is used to hold down the work W below the work group Wa. movement can be prevented.

As shown in the figure, when the work group Wa is placed on the claw portion 6313 of the pushing body 631 and lifted and conveyed forward, the angle regulating body 621 is set at an angle smaller than the regulating angle when forming the step (movement prevention angle ) to hold the work group Wa pushed out from the pushing body 631, and separate it from the remaining works W to prevent the work W below from moving. The movement prevention angle is adjusted within a range that does not damage the front end of the work group Wa.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing Modification 5 of the counting division device. In this example, the modeled body 611 is configured not by a rotating body but by a pusher mechanism 615 that reciprocates an inclined plate. The angle of the inclined plate of the pusher mechanism 615 can be adjusted automatically or manually. By further vibrating the inclined plate, the frictional force between the works W may be reduced to reduce the pushing force. By blowing air between the works W, an air layer may be provided between the works W to reduce the frictional force between the works W, thereby reducing the pushing force.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing Modification 6 of the counting division device. In this example, the modeled body 611 is composed of an inclined belt conveyor mechanism 616 instead of a rotating body. The angle of the belt conveyor that contacts the workpiece W of the belt conveyor mechanism 616 can be adjusted automatically or manually. The belt conveyor is horizontally movable, and by moving horizontally, it is possible to adjust the load at the time of pushing out and the amount of shift of the work W to the front. By vibrating the belt conveyor, the frictional force between the works W may be reduced to reduce the pushing force.

Next, the lifting device will be described. In addition, although a specific example is shown below, these are only examples, and this application is not limited to these. The lifting device may be of a mechanism such as a hydraulic lifter that lifts from the bottom, or of a mechanism that suspends from the top with a chain or the like.

FIG. 19A is a plan view showing an example of a lifting table device, and FIG. 19B is a side view thereof. A part of the configuration is omitted in FIG. 19A.

The lifting table device 3 has a loading table 31 and a vertical movement mechanism 32 .

The loading table 31 has a plurality of belt conveyors 311 that extend horizontally in the front-rear direction and are supported by support portions 310 . The plurality of belt conveyors 311 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction and arranged in parallel in a comb shape. A part or all of the plurality of belt conveyors 311 are synchronously rotated by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) included in the loading table 31 . The loading table 31 is, for example, an intermediate drive type in which a rotation drive mechanism is arranged in the intermediate portion.

The stacking table 31 can be moved vertically by a vertical movement mechanism 32 . A pair of vertical movement mechanisms 32 are provided on the front side and the back side in line symmetry. Here, the vertical movement mechanism 32 on the front side will be described as an example. As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 32 includes a frame portion 320, a motor 321 fixed above the frame portion 320, a sprocket 322 disposed within the frame portion 320, sprockets 323 disposed on both sides of the sprocket 322, It has a sprocket 324 and a chain 325 whose ends are fixed to the ceiling of the frame part 320 and whose ends are wound around the sprockets 322 , 323 and 324 . The sprocket 322 is fixed at a position near the ceiling of the frame portion 320 , the support portion 310 of the loading table 31 is connected to the sprocket 323 , and the counterweight is connected to the sprocket 324 . By rotating the sprocket 322 by the motor 321 and driving the chain 325, the belt conveyor 311 can be lifted from the standby position and lowered to the standby position as indicated by the broken line in the drawing.

FIG. 20A is a plan view showing an example of the first lifting ledge device, and FIG. 20B is a front view thereof. A part of the configuration is omitted in FIG. 20A.

The first lifting ledge device 4 has the first loading ledge 41, a horizontal movement mechanism 42, a vertical movement mechanism 43, and a frame portion 40 that supports the whole. The frame portion 40 has a pair of pillars provided on the front side and the back side, and a beam extending in the depth direction between the two pillars, and a rod-shaped portion extending vertically is provided on the beam.

The first loading ledge 41 has a plurality of loading bars 411 that are supported by supporting portions 410 and extend horizontally in the front-rear direction. The plurality of loading bars 411 are arranged in a line in the depth direction with a predetermined interval from each other and are arranged in parallel in a comb-tooth shape toward the rear. The plurality of loading bars 411 are connected at their front ends by the support portion 410 and have free ends at their rear ends. The stacking bar 411 has a width in the depth direction narrower than a predetermined interval between the belt conveyors 311 and can be inserted between the belt conveyors 311 . The number of loading bars 411 is preferably equal to the number of belt conveyors 311±1 so that the center of the work does not shift when the work is delivered. The support portion 410 has a plate-like portion extending in the depth direction connecting the front ends of the plurality of loading bars 411, and a pair of rod-like portions provided on the plate-like portion and extending vertically.

The first loading ledge 41 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by a horizontal movement mechanism 42 . As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 42 has a driving section including a motor (not shown) and the like, and a pair of linear guides 421 that are moved by the driving force of the driving section. The moving body of the linear motion guide part 421 is attached to the lower end of the column part of the frame part 40 , and the rail is attached to the main frame 10 .

The first loading ledge 41 can be moved vertically by a vertical movement mechanism 43 . As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 43 has a motor 431 , a pair of pinions 432 rotated by driving the motor 431 , a pair of racks 433 meshing with the pair of pinions 432 , and a pair of linear motion guides 434 . The rack 433 is attached to the bar-shaped portion of the support portion 410 of the first loading ledge 41 . The moving body of the linear motion guide portion 434 is attached to the plate-like portion of the support portion 410 , and the rail is attached to the rod-like portion of the frame portion 40 . The first loading ledge 41 can be vertically moved with respect to the frame portion 40 by a vertical movement mechanism 43 .

FIG. 21A is a plan view showing an example of the second lifting ledge device, and FIG. 21B is a side view thereof. Note that a part of the configuration is omitted in FIG. 21A.

The second lifting ledge device 5 has the second loading ledge 51, a horizontal movement mechanism 52, a vertical movement mechanism 53, and a beam portion 50 extending in the depth direction for supporting the whole.

The second loading ledge 51 has a plurality of loading bars 511 horizontally extending in the front-rear direction and supported by the support portions 510 . The plurality of loading bars 511 are arranged in a line in the depth direction with a predetermined interval from each other and are arranged in parallel in a comb shape toward the front. The plurality of loading bars 511 are connected at their rear ends by the support portion 510 and have free ends at their front ends. The support portion 510 has a plate-like portion that connects the rear ends of the plurality of loading bars 511, and a plurality of vertically extending bar-like portions provided on this plate-like portion.

The second loading ledge 51 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by a horizontal movement mechanism 52 . As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 52 includes a motor 521 fixed to the beam 50, a pair of pinions 522 rotated by driving the motor 521, and a pair of racks attached to the main frame 10 and meshing with the pair of pinions 522. 523 and a pair of direct acting guides 524 . The moving body of the linear motion guide part 524 is attached to the beam part 50 and the rail is attached to the main frame 10 .

The second loading ledge 51 can be moved vertically by a vertical movement mechanism 53 . As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 53 is provided on the beam 50 and has a ball screw 531 equipped with a motor and a pair of linear motion guides 532 that are moved by the propulsive force of the ball screw 531 . A plurality of rod-like portions of the support portion 510 are connected by a connecting member and connected to the nut of the ball screw 531 . The moving body of the linear guide part 532 is attached to the beam part 50 , and the rails are attached to the rod-like portions at both ends of the support part 510 . The second loading ledge 51 can be vertically moved with respect to the beam portion 50 by a vertical movement mechanism 53 .

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the lifting device. Figures 23A to 23F are diagrams illustrating transport by three lifting devices. For convenience of explanation, first, an example of transportation by three elevators will be explained.

Each lifting device stands by in the state shown in FIG. That is, the lifting table device 3 waits with the loading surface of the loading table 31 positioned in the carry-in area A, and the first lifting ledge device 4 moves the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 forward of the lifting space E to the first delivery. The second lifting ledge device 5 waits at the same height as the area B, and the second lifting ledge device 5 waits at the rear of the ascending space E with the loading surface of the second loading ledge 51 at the same height as the second transfer area C.

(1) First, the loading table 31 loads the batch work W from the loading device 2 in the loading area A (step S101) (FIG. 23A).

(2) The loading table 31 moves up to the first delivery area B (step S102) and waits in the first delivery area B (step S103) (FIG. 23B).

(3) Then, the first loading ledge 41 receives the batch work W from the loading table 31 while moving horizontally from the front to enter the first transfer area B in the ascending space E (step S105). More specifically, a pectinate loading bar 411 directed toward the rear of the first loading ledge 41 is inserted between the belt conveyors 311 of the loading table 31 to receive the works W of this batch (FIG. 23C).

(4) After delivery, if it is the next counting processing timing (Yes in step S106), the first loading ledge 41 lifts the workpiece W into the counting space F and carries it in, and if it is not the next counting processing timing ( No in step S106), wait, and carry in at the next counting processing timing (step S107). In the meantime, the loading table 31 descends to the carry-in area A (step S104) (FIG. 23D).

If there is a space for receiving the next batch work W in the ascending space E, the loading table 31 loads the next batch work W from the carry-in device 2 (step S101) (FIG. 23E).

(5) When the first loading ledge 41 rises to the second delivery area C (Yes in step S108), the second loading ledge 51 enters the rising space E while moving horizontally, and picks up the remaining works W of this batch. Receive (step S111) (FIG. 23E). While the work W has not been lifted to the second delivery area C (No in step S108), the first loading ledge 41 lifts and carries the work W into the counting space F at a predetermined timing.

In the second delivery area C, the first loading ledge 41 retreats while delivering the remaining works W of this batch to the second loading ledge 51 (retreats forward from the ascending space E) (step S109) (FIG. 23E). . The first loading ledge 41 stands by, the loading bar 511 of the second loading ledge 51 is inserted between the loading bars 411 of the first loading ledge 41 to receive the workpiece W, and then the first loading ledge is retracted. Delivery may take place at

(6) After delivery, if it is the next counting process timing (Yes in step S112), the second loading ledge 51 lifts the workpiece W into the counting space F and carries it in. If it is not the next counting process timing ( No in step S112), wait, and lift and carry in at the next counting processing timing (step S113). The first loading ledge 41 descends to the height of the first delivery area B (step S110) (FIG. 23F).

(7) When the second loading ledge 51 ascends to the end area D (Yes in step S114), it retreats (withdraws rearward from the ascending space E) (step S115) and descends to the height of the second delivery area C. (step S116). While the work W has not been lifted to the end area D (No in step S114), the second loading ledge 51 lifts and carries the work W into the counting space F at a predetermined timing.

Note that the second loading ledge 51 has a comb-like shape toward the front, and the bar-shaped portion of the supporting portion is also spaced apart, so even if the modeled body 611 and the modeled body 611 overlap each other in the front-rear direction, they interfere with each other. can operate without

As described above, the main batch work W may be lifted from the carry-in area A to the end area D by one lifting device of the lifting table device 3 . In this case, the time required for the loading table 31 to return from the end area D to the carry-in area A after the batch work W is processed by the counting and dividing device 6 is added to the cycle time. The cycle time is the time required to process one batch of works W (the time required from the start of carrying one batch of works W into the counting device 1 to the start of carrying in the next batch of works W).

Alternatively, the batch work W may be lifted from the carry-in area A to the end area D by two lifting devices, the lifting table device 3 and the first lifting ledge device 4 . FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an example of transportation by two elevators.

First, the loading table 31 loads the batch work W from the loading device 2 in the loading area A (step S101). The loading table 31 moves up to the first delivery area B (step S102) and waits in the first delivery area B (step S103).

Then, the first loading ledge 41 receives the batch work W from the loading table 31 while moving horizontally from the front to enter the first transfer area B in the ascending space E (step S105).

After delivery, if it is the next counting processing timing (Yes in step S106), the first loading ledge 41 lifts the workpiece W into the counting space F and carries it in. If it is not the next counting processing timing (step S106). No), stand by, and carry in at the next counting processing timing (step S107).

After delivery, the loading table 31 descends to the carry-in area A (step S104). If the space for receiving the next batch work W is available in the ascending space E, the loading table 31 loads the next batch work W from the carrying-in device 2 (step S101).

When the first loading ledge 41 ascends to the end area D (Yes in step S117), it retreats (retreats forward from the ascending space E) (step S118) and descends to the height of the first delivery area B (step S119). While the work W has not been lifted to the end area D (No in step S117), the first loading ledge 41 lifts and carries the work W into the counting space F at a predetermined timing.

In this example, the first lifting ledge device 4 is configured so that the first loading ledge 41 can be lifted up to the end area D. As shown in FIG.

As in this example, when two lifting devices are used, the loading table 31 can return to the carrying-in area A while the first loading ledge 41 is being used to lift and transport, so the cycle time can be shortened. In addition, by using two lifting devices, the loading table 31 can carry in the next batch work W even while the work W is being lifted, if there is a space for receiving the next batch work W in the rising space E. Therefore, the cycle time can be further shortened.

Furthermore, as in the above example, if three lifting devices are used, the first loading ledge 41 returns to the initial standby position and leaves the loading table 31 while the second loading ledge 51 is carrying the workpiece W upward. Being ready to receive the next batch of work W further reduces cycle time. That is, by using three lifting devices, it is possible to change the lifting devices and carry in the work W while the counting and dividing device 6 is performing processing, so that a further increase in speed can be realized.

25A and 25B are diagrams for explaining modification 1 of the lifting device. The counting device 1 loads and counts the works W for each batch, and unloads the counted works W for each work group Wa, but the number of the works W remaining at the end of one batch may be insufficient for one group. . In the following, the work W that is insufficient for one group is referred to as a surplus work, and the configuration related to the process (also referred to as "relaying process") will be described.

When the second loading ledge 51 rises to the end area D, surplus workpieces W that are counted (or some or all of which are not yet counted) remain on the second loading ledge 51 . At this time, the first loading ledge 41 has already received the next batch work W from the loading table 31 and is on standby. In the above example, the first loading ledge 41 waits until the second loading ledge 51 leaves the rising space E, but in this example, at the timing when it is determined that the surplus work W is generated, or after that. As shown in FIG. 25A, the first loading ledge 41 rises to approach the second loading ledge 51 .

As shown in FIG. 25B, when the first stacking ledge 41 rises to a predetermined position and waits at that position, the second stacking ledge 51 moves out of the rising space E and the uppermost work W of the next batch work W is lifted with its lower end surface. surplus work W is handed over to the first loading ledge 41 so as not to come into contact with the . On the other hand, the first loading ledge 41 waiting below receives the surplus work W so as to be placed on the next batch work W. The second loading ledge 51 descends to the height of the second transfer area C after leaving the ascending space E.

As in the present example, it is possible to easily cope with the case where surplus works W are generated by carrying them upward using three elevating devices.

26A to 26C are diagrams showing modification 2 of the lifting device. The lowermost workpiece W of the workpieces W stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch may be collected and discarded because it is contaminated. Hereinafter, such one batch of lowermost works W will be referred to as a waste work V. As shown in FIG. Normally, the waste work V is collected when the lifting device descends to the carry-in area A. In this case, the time required for the descent of the lifting device and the collection time for the waste work are added to the cycle time. This example includes three lifting devices and further includes a configuration for collecting waste works, thereby eliminating such additional time from the cycle time.

The counting device 1 includes a waste work recovery section. As an example, the waste work recovery section includes a waste work release section 91 that releases the waste work V from the ascending space E, and a waste work take-up section 92 that takes in the released waste work V. FIG. Discarded works V are discharged when the remaining works W of this batch are transferred between the first loading ledge 41 and the second loading ledge 51 in the second delivery area C. 2 It is installed on the main frame on the same side as the first loading ledge 41 advance side in the vicinity of the delivery area C.

The waste work take-up unit 92 is not particularly limited, but is preferably located between the first delivery area B and the second delivery area C at a position further away from the rising space E on the same side as the first lifting ledge device 4 installation side. is installed at a height of The waste work take-up unit 92 is provided with, for example, a vacuum suction pad on its lower surface so that it can move horizontally. A collection container is installed below the waste work take-up unit 92 .

As shown in FIG. 26A , in the work delivery in the second delivery area C, the waste work discharge section 91 causes the waste work V to stay on the first loading ledge 41 when the first loading ledge 41 leaves the rising space E. Only the waste work V is discharged from the rising space E in this manner. As an example, the waste work discharge unit 91 is installed at a position higher than the second delivery area C and has a vertically movable plate-like portion. front end surface) to dam up the work W above the waste work V including the adjacent work W. As a result, the first loading ledge 41 leaves the ascending space E while delivering the remaining workpieces W of this batch to the second loading ledge 51 except for the discarded workpieces V, and the second loading ledge 51 enters the ascending space E. while receiving the remaining works W of this batch except for the discarded works V.

As an example, although not shown, the waste work collecting section has a holding section that makes it easier to hold the waste work V on the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 instead of or together with the waste work releasing section 91 . It also has a pick-up portion that facilitates picking up the plurality of works W accumulated on the loading surface of the second loading ledge 51, except for the discarded works V. As shown in FIG. The retaining portion of the first loading ledge 41 is, for example, a portion that increases the coefficient of friction provided on the loading surface to retain the waste work V on the loading surface, or a portion that adsorbs the waste work V to retain the waste work V on the loading surface. is. The take-up portion of the second loading ledge 51 is, for example, a portion that reduces the coefficient of friction and is provided on the loading surface in order to take away the piled works W except for the waste work V. As shown in FIG.

More specifically, for example, the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 is provided with a plurality of projections and recesses formed by cutting, shot peening, or the like, or a vacuum suction pad, or the like, as the anchor portion. A grooved rubber plate or the like that increases the frictional force by its deformation may be used. Combinations of the above structures may also be used.

As the take-up part, for example, the loading surface of the second loading ledge 51 is processed to be slippery, or a rotating body such as a free roller or a free belt conveyor without a drive mechanism is used. A device that blows air upward to reduce frictional resistance may be used.

As shown in FIG. 26B, the second loading ledge 51 receives the remaining works W of the main batch from the first loading ledge 41 except for the discarded works V, raises them at a predetermined timing, and carries them into the counting and dividing device 6. do. On the other hand, the first loading ledge 41 retains the waste work V on the loading surface, withdraws from the ascending space E, and descends to the take-up height of the waste work take-up unit 92 .

As shown in FIG. 26C , when the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 descends to the pick-up height of the waste work take-up unit 92 , the waste work take-up unit 92 moves horizontally to the position of the first stacking ledge 41 and the waste work V is picked up, returned to its original position, and the waste work V is dropped into a collection container. After receiving the discarded work V, the first loading ledge 41 descends to the height of the first delivery area.

Although the embodiments of the counting device according to the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention includes forms obtained by combining each of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, as well as various modifications. Various additions, changes, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention derived from the content defined in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the counting device, and can be provided in various aspects such as a counting method and a control program for the counting device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Counting device 2... Loading device 3... Lifting table device 31... Loading table 4... First lifting ledge device 41... First loading ledge 5... Second lifting ledge device 51... Second loading ledge , 6... Counting division device, 61... Modeling unit, 611... Modeling body, 62... Angle regulation part, 621... Angle regulation body, 63... Extrusion part, 631... Extrusion body, 7... Unloading device, 8... Control panel, 91 .

Claims (15)

A counting device for counting a plurality of flat plate-shaped works,
a carrying-in device for carrying in batches the plurality of workpieces stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape;
a lifting device for lifting the workpieces carried in by the carrying-in device for counting;
a counting and dividing device that counts the works lifted by the lifting device and divides and delivers a predetermined number of the counted works as one group of works;
a carry-out device for carrying out the work group delivered from the counting and dividing device,
The counting division device is
a modeling unit having a modeling body that horizontally shifts the workpieces raised by the lifting device in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, which is the stacking direction, to create a stepped difference between the adjacent workpieces;
an angle regulating part that has an angle regulating body that faces the modeled body and that adjustably regulates a displacement width that is a distance by which the workpiece is displaced;
An extrusion unit having an extrusion body having a detection device that detects the step and counts the workpiece and is capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement,
The counting device has an ascending space in which the workpiece is loaded and conveyed upward,
A counting device, wherein the workpieces horizontally carried in by the carrying-in device rise vertically in the ascending space, are counted and divided, and then carried out horizontally by the carrying-out device. A counting device according to claim 1,
The counting and dividing device includes an aligning unit that aligns the stepped workpiece group,
The aligning body of the aligning unit is moved from the front to the rear, and makes contact with the uppermost end work of the work group in order from the frontmost end to eliminate the step between the adjacent works. . The counting device according to claim 1 or 2,
A counting device according to claim 1, wherein the shaped body presses the work located below the shifted lowermost work after the shaping operation for creating the step is stopped. The counting device according to claim 1 or 3,
The counting and dividing device includes an aligning unit that aligns the stepped workpiece group,
A counting device according to claim 1, wherein the pushing body descends to the rear of the lowermost work of the work group, and pushes the work group forward after the aligning body of the aligning section aligns the work group. The counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The counting and dividing device includes a lower workpiece movement prevention unit that prevents movement of the workpiece below the workpiece group,
The counting device, wherein the movement prevention body of the lower work movement prevention section prevents the work below the work group from moving forward in front of the work adjacent to the lowermost work of the work group. The counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The counting and dividing device has a rear regulating body facing the angle regulating body, and has a rear regulating section that maintains the step,
The counting device, wherein the rearward restricting body has a surface parallel to a surface of the angle restricting body that contacts the workpiece. The counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A counting device according to claim 1, wherein the shaped body has unevenness for increasing a coefficient of friction on a surface in contact with the work. The counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The lifting device is
an elevating table device having a loading table capable of moving upwards and downwards in the ascending space;
a first lifting ledge device having a first loading ledge that moves horizontally to advance into the rising space and can move upward and downward in the rising space;
The loading table ascends from a loading area, which is a planar area at the lowest end of the stack in the rising space, to a first transfer area, which is a planar area located higher than the loading area. After delivering the batch work to the first loading ledge, descending to the carrying-in area,
A counting device, wherein the first loading ledge receives the main batch work from the loading table while entering the rising space and moves the first batch work upward. A counting device according to claim 8,
The elevating device includes a second elevating ledge device having a second loading ledge that moves horizontally to advance into the elevating space and can move upward and downward in the elevating space,
The first loading ledge rises to a second delivery area, which is a planar area higher than the first delivery area, and the remaining works of the main batch work are transferred to the second loading ledge in the second delivery area. after delivering to, exiting the rising space and descending to the height of the first delivery area,
The second loading ledge receives and raises the remaining works of the main batch work from the first loading ledge while entering the rising space;
A counting device characterized in that the loading table carries in and loads the next batch of workpieces, which are the plurality of workpieces stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape for the next batch. A counting device according to claim 9,
The counting device includes a waste work recovery unit that recovers a waste work that is the lowest end work of the plurality of works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch,
The waste work collection unit has a waste work discharge unit that discharges the waste work from the ascending space and a waste work collection unit that receives the waste work,
The second loading ledge receives and raises the remaining plurality of workpieces of the batch in the second delivery area except for the discarded workpieces while entering the raising space,
The waste work discharging section discharges only the waste work from the rising space so that the waste work remains in the first loading ledge when the first loading ledge leaves the rising space. and counting device. 11. A counting device according to claim 10,
The first loading ledge has a retaining portion that increases a coefficient of friction on the loading surface or attracts the waste work to retain the waste work on the loading surface,
A counting device, wherein the second loading ledge has a take-up part for reducing a coefficient of friction on a loading surface for taking the plurality of piled works except for the waste work. The counting device according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The loading table is lifted to the first transfer area while the second loading ledge is being lifted and conveyed, and the next batch work, which is a plurality of the next batch of works stacked in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, is transferred to the first batch work. 1 After being handed over to the loading ledge, it descends to the carrying-in area,
The first loading ledge receives the next batch of work from the loading table while entering the rising space and waits, and the second loading ledge is a planar region at the uppermost end of the loading in the rising space. when it rises up to , it rises and approaches the second loading ledge and receives from the second loading ledge the surplus works that are not enough for one group of the main batch so as to be placed on the next batch work;
The counting device, wherein the second loading ledge transfers the surplus work to the first loading ledge while exiting the ascending space in the end area, and descends to the height of the second delivery area. A counting method in which a plurality of flat plate-shaped works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape are brought in for each batch and counted,
a lifting step for lifting the plurality of workpieces for counting;
a divided delivery step of counting the rising workpieces and dividing and delivering a predetermined number of the counted workpieces as one group of workpieces,
In the division delivery step,
The forming body arranged on the upstream side in the feeding direction of the work shifts the rising work horizontally in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, which is the stacking direction, to generate a stepped difference between the adjacent works. process and
a step of adjustably regulating a shift width, which is a distance by which the work is shifted, by an angle regulating body arranged downstream in the work feeding direction;
and a step of detecting and counting the steps by means of a pushing body capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement, which has a detection device for counting the workpieces. A counting method according to claim 13,
In the lifting step, the batch work, which is a plurality of the works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch, is lifted by at least two lifting devices, a first lifting device and a second lifting device,
The first elevating device moves a planar area higher than the loading area from a loading area, which is a planar area at the bottom end of the loading space in the lifting space in which a plurality of the workpieces are stacked and conveyed upward. Raise the main batch work to the first delivery area where
The second lifting device receives and lifts the main batch work from the first lifting device in the first delivery area,
After delivering the main batch work to the first lifting device, the first lifting device returns to the loading area and loads the next batch work, which is a plurality of the works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape for the next batch. A counting method characterized by loading the A counting method according to claim 13,
In the lifting step, the batch work, which is a plurality of the works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch, is lifted by at least three lifting devices, that is, a first lifting device, a second lifting device, and a third lifting device,
The first elevating device moves a planar area higher than the loading area from a loading area, which is a planar area at the bottom end of the loading space in the lifting space in which a plurality of the workpieces are stacked and conveyed upward. Raise the main batch work to the first delivery area where
The second lifting device receives and lifts the main batch work from the first lifting device in the first delivery area,
The third lifting device receives and lifts the remaining works of the main batch work from the second lifting device in a second transfer area, which is a planar area higher than the first transfer area,
After delivering the main batch work to the first lifting device, the first lifting device returns to the loading area and loads the next batch work, which is a plurality of the works stacked in a rectangular parallelepiped shape for the next batch. A counting method characterized by loading the

Images