JP3755791B2 - Product posture inspection device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a posture inspection device for a product incorporated in a packaging device, and in particular, a posture inspection for inspecting the posture of the product in a pre-process for supplying individually packaged products called “individually packaged products” to a packaging container. Relates to the device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, as a device for arranging a plurality of individually packaged products such as caramel and bag and storing them in a packaging container (box), a packaging device called a shell and slide car toner as shown in FIG. 6 is known. .
As shown in the figure, the shell-and-slide cartoner supplies the products (individually packaged products) 1 continuously conveyed on the conveying track 100 in a predetermined number and a predetermined arrangement. To the upper surface of the inner box (packaging container) 2 disposed in advance in the supply unit 102. The inner box 2 to which the product 1 is supplied is inserted into the outer box 3 in the box holder 103, and the packaging form is completed.
[0003]
Now, 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 inner box 2 is poor and the yield is lowered.
In view of this, the posture inspection unit 101 is provided on the transport track 100 of the product 1 to exclude the product 1 in which the posture is abnormal from the supply target.
[0004]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a conventional posture inspection apparatus of this type, and FIG. 8 is an inspection flowchart of the apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 7, the conventional posture inspection apparatus has a plurality (three in the figure) of sensors X, Y, Z arranged in the width direction on the transport track 100 of the product 1, and each of these sensors X, Based on the detection signals from Y and Z, the central processing unit 110 discriminates the posture of the product 1 flowing through the transport track 100.
[0005]
The sensor Y arranged in the center of the three sensors is a so-called gate trigger sensor. As shown in FIG. 8, when the sensor Y detects the product 1 (S1), it is built in the central processing unit 110. The timer is activated (S2), and after a certain time has passed (S3), it is confirmed whether the other two sensors X and Z have detected the product 1 (S4, S5).
[0006]
That is, the presence of the product that has been transported is first confirmed by the center sensor Y. Next, a certain waiting time is set, and the product (a product in a normal posture) 1 is waited for to move to a position where it is surely opposed to each sensor X, Y, Z. Thereafter, the product 1 is detected by the two sensors X and Z disposed to face the width direction end of the product 1.
[0007]
If the product 1 has been transported in a normal posture, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, each sensor X, Z detects the product 1, so that the central processing unit 110 detects from the sensors X, Z. Based on this detection signal, it is determined that the posture is “normal”. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the posture of the product 1 that has been conveyed, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, either or both of the sensors X and Z do not detect the product 1a in the abnormal posture. At this time, the central processing unit 110 determines that the posture is “abnormal” (S6 in FIG. 8).
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
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 product 1 being conveyed, and one sensor (gate trigger sensor) among them is arranged. The product 1 was confirmed by Y, and then the product 1 was detected by other sensors X and Z after a certain waiting time.
[0009]
The reason for setting a certain waiting time is that, as described above, when the product (product in a normal posture) 1 has moved to a position where it is surely opposed to each sensor X, Z, the detection operation is executed. In addition, 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. As described above, when the product 1b is transported with a slight inclination, it may be determined that the product 1b is abnormal although it is in the normal posture category.
[0010]
Now, in a packaging device such as a shell and slide car toner, the conveyance speed of the product 1 may be accelerated or decelerated as necessary. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, while the conveyed products 1 are collectively sent in a predetermined number and a predetermined arrangement to the supply unit 102, the products 1 near the exit of the transfer track 100 are temporarily blocked and supplied. After the transfer operation to the unit 102 is completed, the conveyance is started again.
[0011]
When the product moving through the posture inspection unit 101 accelerates or decelerates or moves intermittently in this way, when the standby time after product detection by the sensor Y elapses, the product 1 to be inspected becomes the sensor X , Z may deviate from the appropriate position facing Z, and there is a risk of inducing false detection.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a reliable posture inspection device that can accurately inspect the posture of a product regardless of acceleration / deceleration of the product conveyance speed or intermittent movement of the product. For the purpose of provision.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the posture inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a first sensor means for detecting a conveyed product at a predetermined position on the product conveyance path, and a first sensor for a distance shorter than the length of the product. A second sensor means arranged upstream or downstream of the means for detecting the posture of the product at the position, and a product based on a detection result by the second sensor means at the time of switching when the first sensor means detects the product. And a discriminating means for discriminating the posture of the camera.
[0014]
That is, in the present invention, the first sensor means is a so-called gate trigger sensor, and at the same time the first sensor means detects the product, the second sensor means detects the posture of the product. Therefore, the product posture detection by the second sensor means is not affected by the acceleration / deceleration of the product conveyance speed or the intermittent movement of the product.
[0015]
The second sensor means is disposed upstream or downstream of the first sensor means by a distance shorter than the length of the product, so that when the first sensor means detects the product, it should be a product in a normal posture. In this case, the second sensor means can accurately detect the posture of the product.
[0016]
Here, if a plurality of the first sensor means are disposed in a direction shorter than the width of the product in a direction perpendicular to the product transport path, the detection accuracy of the transported product can be improved.
[0017]
A plurality of the second sensor means are preferably arranged at appropriate positions where the posture can be accurately detected according to the shape of the product being conveyed, which is “normal” or “abnormal”.
For example, for a product having a short length (depth) relative to the width, 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. The product posture can be accurately detected.
[0018]
That is, the product conveyed in a normal posture is detected by the second sensor means at both ends in the width direction, while the product conveyed in an abnormal posture (for example, a posture rotated by 90 °) Since the second sensor means cannot detect at least one end in the direction, the posture of the product can be determined from the difference in the detection results.
[0019]
When the products are continuously conveyed in a state where they are in contact with each other, there is a possibility that the first sensor means is not switched at the boundary of the product and the detection state of the product is maintained as it is. In this case, as a result of the first sensor means not functioning as a gate trigger sensor, the posture of the product may be erroneously determined.
[0020]
Therefore, the first sensor means is disposed at two locations that detect at least the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the product that has been conveyed in a normal posture in a direction substantially orthogonal to the product conveyance trajectory. The means are disposed at two locations upstream or downstream of each first sensor means along the product transport path.
When one of the first sensor means and one second sensor means arranged on the same track as the first sensor means detect a product, the other one of the first sensor means and arranged on the same track as this. It is preferable to include a discrimination optimization unit that discriminates the posture of the product based on the detection result of the other second sensor unit.
[0021]
When the first and second sensor means are arranged as described above, if there is a product in an abnormal posture rotated, for example, 90 °, among the products that are continuously conveyed in contact with each other, the first sensor means When one of the first sensor means and one second sensor means arranged on the same track detects the product, the other of the first sensor means and the other second sensor means arranged on the same track. Does not detect the product. Therefore, based on the detection result, the discrimination optimization unit can accurately discriminate the abnormal posture of the product.
[0022]
Further, the first sensor means is also disposed at two intermediate portions, and when the first sensor means disposed at the intermediate portion detects a product, the other first sensor means and second sensor. By configuring the discriminating optimization means to discriminate the product posture based on the detection result by the means, for example, even for products that have been rotated 90 ° and that have flowed through the center part of the product transport track The means can accurately determine the abnormal posture of the product.
[0023]
When the detection result by the first and second sensor means indicates an abnormality in the product posture, the discrimination optimizing means monitors the detection result by the first and second sensor means for a further period of time, It is preferable that the product posture is determined to be abnormal when the detection results of the first and second sensor means do not indicate normal product posture.
By providing such a time for discrimination, it is possible to distinguish a slight inclination (normal posture) of a product that is continuously conveyed from an abnormal posture rotated by 90 °, for example, with higher accuracy. Inspection can be realized.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described 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 detection position of a product by the apparatus, FIG. 1A 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, C, two second sensors D, E, and a central processing unit 10. . Each sensor AE is arrange | positioned in the attitude | position inspection part 101 set on the conveyance track | orbit 100 of the product 1 in a packaging apparatus (refer FIG. 6).
[0025]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a product 1 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the width W of the product is longer than the length (depth) L is an inspection target. As shown in FIG. 2, the product 1 is guided by guides 11 and 12 and is conveyed in a posture (normal posture) in which the width direction is substantially orthogonal to the product conveyance track.
Here, the width Dg between the guides 11 and 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 does not hinder the conveyance of the product 1. . However, as shown in FIG. 2A, the product 1a may be supplied to the transport track 100 with an abnormal posture rotated. The posture inspection apparatus according to this embodiment has an object of reliably detecting the product 1a that has been conveyed in this kind of abnormal posture.
[0026]
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 and C are on the transport track 100. The product 1 that has been conveyed in a normal posture is disposed at a position to detect the vicinity of both ends in the width direction. The first sensor B is installed at the center of these sensors A and C.
[0027]
Each of the second sensors D and E is disposed on the upstream side of the position where the first sensors A and C are disposed along the transport track 100 by a distance that is appropriately shorter than the length of the product 1. 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.
[0028]
The central processing unit 10 has functions of a discrimination means and a discrimination optimization means for discriminating the posture of the product 1 to be inspected based on detection signals from the first sensors A, B, C and the second sensors D, E. Have.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a product attitude determination method by the central processing unit 10.
The central processing unit 10 first confirms 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, and C (S10). The detection signals from the second sensors D and E are confirmed using the detection signal input as a gate trigger (S11, S12).
[0030]
If the product 1 has been conveyed in a normal posture, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), each of the second sensors D and E detects the product 1, so that the central processing unit 10 detects the second sensor. Based on the detection signals from D and E, it is determined that the posture is “normal”.
[0031]
On the other hand, if the posture of the conveyed product 1 is abnormal, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, either or both of the second sensors D and E do not detect the abnormal product 1a. At this time, the central processing unit 10 determines that the posture is “abnormal” (S13).
In this way, the first sensors A, B, and C are used as gate trigger sensors, and the posture of the product is determined according to the detection signals of the second sensors E and D disposed upstream from the sensors A, B, and C. By determining, an accurate determination result can be obtained without being affected by acceleration / deceleration of the product or intermittent movement of the product.
[0032]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for optimizing product posture discrimination by the central processing unit 10.
As shown in FIG. 5C, when a product 1 in a normal posture and a product 1a in an abnormal posture (for example, a product 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, and may not function as a gate trigger sensor.
Therefore, the central processing unit 10 executes the discrimination optimization process according to the flowchart of FIG. 4 even when the products 1 are continuously conveyed in a state where they are in contact with each other, so that the The posture can be determined.
[0033]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the product 1a in the abnormal posture has been conveyed on the track facing the first sensor A and the second sensor D continuously to the product 1 in the normal posture, The state in which these sensors A and D both detect the product 1a continues (S20). On the other hand, both the first sensor C and the second sensor E continue to be in the OFF state after the product 1 in the normal posture passes (S21, S22).
[0034]
At this time, a stabilization timer provided in the central processing unit 10 is activated (S23), and changes in detection signals from the first sensors A and C and the second sensors D and E are monitored for a certain time (for example, S24, S20, S21, S22). When no change is detected in the detection signal from each sensor (S24), the central processing unit 10 determines that the posture of the product 1a is “abnormal” (S25).
[0035]
Further, for example, when the product 1a in the abnormal posture is conveyed on the track facing the first sensor C and the second sensor E continuously from the product 1 in the normal posture, the first sensor A and the second sensor D. After the product 1 in the normal posture passes, both the OFF states continue (S20, S26). On the other hand, both the first sensor C and the second sensor E continue to detect the product 1a (S27).
[0036]
At this time, a stabilization timer provided in the central processing unit 10 is activated (S23), and changes in detection signals from the first sensors A and C and the second sensors D and E are monitored for a certain time (for example, S24, S20, S26, S27). When no change is detected in the detection signal from each sensor (S24), the central processing unit 10 determines that the posture of the product 1a is “abnormal” (S25).
[0037]
Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, when the product 1a in the abnormal posture is conveyed on the intermediate track of the first sensors A and C continuously to the product 1 in the normal posture, the first sensor A and C and the second sensors D and E continue to be in an OFF state after the product 1 in the normal posture passes (S20, S26, S27, S28). On the other hand, in this case, the state in which the first sensor B detects the product 1a is continued (S29).
[0038]
At this time, a stabilization timer provided in the central processing unit 10 is activated (S23), and changes in detection signals from the first sensors A and C and the second sensors D and E are monitored for a certain time (for example, S24, S20, S26, S27, S28, S29). When no change is detected in the detection signal from each sensor (S24), the central processing unit 10 determines that the posture of the product 1a is “abnormal” (S25).
[0039]
Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5E, when a product 1b having a slightly tilted posture (included in the category of normal posture) is conveyed continuously to the product 1 in the normal posture, each product is conveyed. When the first sensors A, B, and C detect the product 1 at the boundary between 1 and 1b, one second sensor D detects the product 1b, and the other second sensor E does not detect the product There is.
[0040]
The detection signal from each sensor at this time is instantaneously the same as when the abnormal posture shown in FIG. 5C is detected. Therefore, even when products of this kind of slightly tilted posture are continuously conveyed, a stabilization timer is inserted in order to obtain an appropriate discrimination result (S23, S24).
[0041]
That is, in the case of the posture as shown in FIG. 5D, the product 1b moves to a position facing each of the sensors A, B, C, D, and E for a fixed time set by the stabilization timer. Therefore, before the stabilization timer expires (S24), a normal posture is detected (S20, S21), and it can be avoided that the product 1b is determined to be an abnormal posture.
[0042]
In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above.
For example, in the above embodiment, three first sensors are arranged. However, if necessary, the product is confirmed with a single first sensor, or the product is confirmed with two or four or more first sensors. It can also be set as the structure to do.
[0043]
Further, the necessary number of second sensors may be arranged at positions where “normal” and “abnormal” postures can be discriminated in accordance with the shape of the product.
Further, the second sensor may be disposed on the downstream side of the first sensor. In this case, the posture of the product may be inspected with the second sensor when the first sensor no longer detects the product (when it is switched from ON to OFF).
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the posture inspection apparatus of the present invention, the second sensor means is disposed upstream or downstream from the first sensor means by a distance shorter than the length of the product, and the first sensor means Almost at the same time when the product is confirmed, the second sensor means is used to inspect the product posture, so the product posture can be accurately inspected regardless of acceleration / deceleration of the product conveyance speed or intermittent product movement. High reliability can be obtained.
[0045]
Further, when one of the first sensor means and one second sensor means arranged on the same track as the first sensor means detects a product, the other one of the first sensor means and the same sensor on the same track are arranged. By determining the posture of the product based on the detection result of the other second sensor means, it is possible to accurately inspect the posture of the product even when the product is continuously conveyed in a contacted state. Become.
[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.
2A and 2B are diagrams showing a detection position of a product by the apparatus, wherein FIG. 2A is a top view and FIG. 2B is a side view.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a product attitude determination method by a central processing unit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for optimizing product posture discrimination by a central processing unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between products of various postures and first and second sensors.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an outline of a packaging device (shell and slide cartoner) in which a product posture inspection device is incorporated.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a conventional posture inspection apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a conventional posture inspection procedure by the central processing unit shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between products and sensors of various postures in a conventional posture inspection apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Product 10: Central processing unit 11, 12: Guide 100: Transport track A, B, C: First sensor D, E: Second sensor

Claims (2)

First sensor means for detecting a product that has been conveyed at a predetermined position on the product conveyance path;
Second sensor means disposed upstream or downstream from the first sensor means by a distance shorter than the length of the product, and detecting the posture of the product at the position;
Discriminating means for discriminating the posture of the product based on the detection result by the second sensor means at the time of switching when the first sensor means detects the product,
Furthermore, the first sensor means is disposed in two locations that detect the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the product that has been transported in a normal posture in a direction substantially orthogonal to the product transport trajectory,
The second sensor means is disposed at two locations on the upstream side or the downstream side of the first sensor means along the product transport path,
And when one of the first sensor means and one second sensor means disposed on the same track as the first sensor means detect a product, the other of the first sensor means and the same track as the other. A discriminating optimization means for discriminating the posture of the product based on the detection result of the other second sensor means arranged;
Further, when the detection result by the first and second sensor means indicates a product posture abnormality, the discrimination optimizing means monitors the detection result by the first and second sensor means for a further period of time. In addition, when the detection result by the first and second sensor means does not indicate normal product posture during that time, the product posture is determined to be abnormal . The product posture inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
While arranging the first sensor means also in the middle part of the two places,
The discrimination optimizing means discriminates the posture of the product based on the detection results of the other first sensor means and the second sensor means when the first sensor means disposed in the intermediate portion detects the product. Product posture inspection device.

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