JP3816172B2 - Sorting monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is, for example, fruit vegetables such as mandarin oranges, apples, pears, persimmons, peaches, peppers, eggplants, marine products, foods, electrical products, parts, etc., packages packaged in bags or boxes, etc. The present invention relates to a detection device that is provided in a sorting device that sorts the conveyed items.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an apparatus for sorting the transported objects as in the above-described example, for example, each transported object placed on each placing portion of the sorting conveyor is imaged by an imaging camera, and based on the captured image data The equal class of each conveyed product is individually determined by a determination device. When each conveyed product is conveyed to each sorting unit corresponding to the determination, each sorter (for example, solenoid, motor, air cylinder, etc.) disposed in each sorting unit is independently driven based on the determination by the determination device. Then, a sorting operation (for example, rotation, tilting, opening and closing) is performed on the placement unit on which the conveyed product is placed by the sorter, and each conveyed product placed on each placement unit is sent to each sorting unit. There is a sorting device that sorts by class.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, during the sorting process described above, if foreign matter such as dust or debris adheres to the movable part of the sorter or if the movable part is worn more than necessary, smooth movement is hindered, and resistance generated in the movable part is reduced. Therefore, an overcurrent flows in a circuit that controls the operation of the sorter, and the sorter may malfunction. If the resistance generated in the movable part is large, the circuit may be disconnected or seizure may occur due to overcurrent, and the operation and function of the sorter will be impaired. In addition, since the operation speed of the sorter is slowed and timing is slightly shifted, the conveyed product passes through the sorting unit corresponding to the determination without being sorted, and a sorting error occurs. Also, if the movable part of the sorter is damaged or the cord connected to the sorter is disconnected, the sorter will not operate even if the transported item is transported to the sorting unit corresponding to the judgment, and the sorting of the transported item There is a problem that the work cannot be executed.
[0004]
In other words, even if a failure occurs in the sorter arranged in the sorting unit, the broken sorter cannot be found by the operator's eyes, so the transported items are not sorted into the sorting unit corresponding to the determination, which is different. In some cases, the transported objects are sorted incorrectly to the sorting unit. By inspecting each transported item sorted by each sorting section with the eyes of the operator, sorting errors can be reduced and sorting work can be performed accurately, but each of the many transported items must be individually inspected, Inspection work takes time and effort. In addition, each transported item sorted into a sorting unit different from the judgment must be sorted by the operator's hand one by one into each predetermined sorting unit, which has a problem that work efficiency is deteriorated. Yes.
[0005]
In view of the above problems, the present invention A drive signal for driving the sorting means; Detection by the operation monitoring means signal Based on the above, it is possible to accurately and reliably detect where the abnormal operation has occurred in each sorting unit by the operation determining means, and repair or replace the parts in which the abnormal operation has occurred. An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting monitoring apparatus capable of performing sorting work with high accuracy by reducing sorting mistakes because accurate sorting work is performed.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention described in claim 1 Each transported object placed on each placement part of the transport means is inspected by the inspection means, and each sorting means provided in each sorting part is driven based on the inspection, and each sorting part corresponding to the inspection is driven. In contrast, a sorting monitoring device provided in a transported material sorting device that sorts each transported material, While providing an operation monitoring means for monitoring the operation state of each of the sorting units, A drive signal for driving the sorting means; Detection by the operation monitoring means signal Based on the above, it is a sorting monitoring device provided with an operation judging means for judging whether the operating state of each sorting unit is normal or abnormal.
[0007]
The invention described in claim 2 is a sorting monitoring apparatus provided with signal monitoring means for monitoring a signal of a control circuit for controlling the operation of each sorting means, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1 above. To do.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 3 is a notification for notifying the sorting unit in which the operation abnormality has occurred based on the determination by the operation determining unit corresponding to each sorting unit in combination with the configuration according to claim 1 or 2. It is a sorting monitoring apparatus provided with means.
[0009]
[Action]
The sorting monitoring device according to claim 1, when sorting a transported object based on an inspection by an inspection unit (for example, reading of image data captured by an imaging camera, barcode, magnetic data, or characters), Each sorting section provided is individually monitored by the operation monitoring means, A drive signal for driving the sorting means; Detection by the operation monitoring means signal Based on the above, it is determined by the operation determination means where, for example, an operation abnormality such as malfunction, disconnection, breakage, seizure, etc. has occurred. Can be detected. In addition, when an abnormal operation is detected, the sorting section is repaired or the parts are replaced, and normal and accurate sorting work is performed. Can be prevented.
[0010]
The sorting monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 monitors the signal of the control circuit that controls the operation of each sorting means by the signal monitoring means in combination with the operation according to claim 1 above, and the signal has a preset condition. It is determined whether the sorting operation is normal or abnormal by comparing whether they match. For example, by determining where in each sorting unit a change in voltage, current, etc. has occurred, it is possible to reliably detect an abnormal operation that is difficult for an operator to detect. When it is determined that the signal monitoring means is normal, the sorting operation is continued. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, for example, the operation abnormality is notified or the sorting operation is stopped.
[0011]
The sorting monitoring device according to claim 3 is a sorting unit corresponding to the determination by determining, by the operation determining means, where the operation abnormality has occurred in each sorting unit in combination with the operation according to claim 1 or 2. The parts are immediately notified by notification means such as rotating lamps, lamps, buzzers, speakers, display monitors, etc., so that any abnormality in each sorting part can be confirmed by the operator's eyes or ears. In addition, since the sorting section where the operation abnormality has occurred can be accurately grasped, maintenance work such as repair and replacement can be performed immediately.
[0012]
【The invention's effect】
According to this invention, A drive signal for driving the sorting means; Detection by motion monitoring means signal Based on the above, the operation determination means determines where the abnormal operation has occurred in each sorting unit, so even if an abnormal operation such as malfunction, disconnection, breakage, seizure, etc. occurs as in the conventional example, the abnormal operation Thus, it is possible to accurately and reliably detect the sorting section where the error occurred. In addition, when an abnormal operation is detected, the sorting unit is repaired or replaced, and normal and accurate sorting work is performed. It can be prevented from being processed. Further, the signal of the control circuit that controls each sorting means is monitored by the signal monitoring means, and for example, it is difficult for the operator to find out by determining where in each sorting section a change in voltage, current, etc. has occurred. Even if an abnormal operation occurs, it can be detected reliably, sorting errors are reduced, and sorting work with high accuracy can be performed.
[0013]
Further, based on the determination by the operation determining means, the sorting section in which the operation abnormality has occurred is immediately notified by a reporting means such as a rotating lamp, lamp, buzzer, speaker, display monitor, etc. Even if an abnormal operation occurs, it can be confirmed by the operator's eyes and ears. Since the sorting unit in which the operation abnormality has occurred can be accurately grasped, maintenance work for repairing the sorting unit or replacing a failed part can be performed immediately, and sorting errors can be reduced.
[0014]
【Example】
The drawings show an embodiment in which a sorting monitoring device for monitoring each sorting unit is provided in a sorting device for sorting fruits and vegetables as an example, and for monitoring each sorting unit, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. The conveyed product sorting apparatus 1 sequentially transfers a large number of fruit vegetables A to be received from the dispersing conveyor 2 to the aligning conveyors 3, and the fruit vegetables A aligned by the aligning conveyors 3. Are sequentially placed on each of the sorting conveyors 4. The equal class inspection device 5 disposed in the inspection unit a on the sorting conveyor 4 determines the equal class of each fruit and vegetable A, and on the basis of the determination, each classifying unit b to f on the sorting conveyor 4 is determined. Each vegetable vegetable A ... is discharged to each distribution conveyor 6 ... arranged in equal classes, and non-standard fruit vegetables A are discharged to the collection conveyor 7 arranged in the sorting section g. In addition, the sorting monitoring device 8 connected to the equal class inspection device 5 constantly monitors the sorting operation of each sorting unit b to g, and an operation abnormality occurs in some part of each sorting unit b to g during work. Immediately, and based on the detection, each of the sorting units b to g in which the operation abnormality has occurred is notified to the operator by the notification device 9.
[0015]
The above-described sorting conveyor 4 has a plurality of (for example, two) endless belts 18 and 18 stretched between sprockets 19 and 19 at the start and end portions that are pivotally supported on one lower side of the conveyance path, One side shaft end of the sprockets 19 and 19 is fixed to the center of rotation of the return plates 20 and 20, and the sprockets 22 and 23 and the driving chain are driven by the driving force of the feed motor 21 with a speed reducer disposed at the lower part of the starting end side. 24, the endless belts 18 and 18 and the return plates 20 and 20 are rotated in the feeding direction so that the rotating bodies 25 pivotally attached to the conveyance side edges of the endless belts 18 and 18 are arranged more than the alignment conveyor 3. Move around in the feed direction at high speed. And each rotary body 25 ... is rotated by the rotary machines 56 and 56 arrange | positioned at the front part and the lower part of the test | inspection part a.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the attachment members 26 are fixed between the upper edge portions of the endless bands 18, 18 at equal intervals in the feeding direction. The shaft support member 27 is pivotally attached to the portion in a direction orthogonal to the feed direction, and the base end side shaft portion of the support shaft 28 is orthogonal to the feed direction at the upper end portion of the pivot support member 27. The outer peripheral surface is formed in a shape having a large diameter from the outer peripheral surface of the central portion toward the outer peripheral surface of both ends at the free end side shaft portion of the support shaft 28, and the rotating body 25 formed hollow or solid is freely rotated. In addition to bearings as possible, a large number of rotating bodies 25 are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction where the fruits and vegetables A are placed with respect to the feed direction, and can be swung up and down in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction. It is pivotally attached. Further, instead of the rotating body 25 described above, a rotating body 25 having an outer peripheral surface formed in a shape having the same outer diameter from the one outer peripheral surface to the other end outer peripheral surface may be supported.
[0017]
A locking lever 29 is pivotally attached to the upper end portion of the mounting member 26, and is locked to the upper end portion of the shaft support member 27 by the elasticity of the spring member 30 compression-loaded on the rear end side of each other. The shaft 31 is pivotally biased in the direction in which the locking claw 32 of the locking lever 29 is locked, and the shaft support member 27 and the locking lever 29 are attached to the restriction shaft 33 fixed to the upper end portion of the mounting member 26. The rotation is restricted to a position where the locking shaft 31 and the locking claw 32 are locked. By locking and unlocking each other, the rotator 25 is swung up and down between the horizontal posture where the vegetables A are placed and the discharge posture. A regulating protrusion 34 formed on the lower end portion of the shaft support member 27 and an abutting member 35 fixed to the front end portion of the mounting member 26 are brought into contact with each other, and the rotator 25 is controlled to swing in a discharge posture that is inclined downward.
[0018]
On the support shaft 27a that supports the shaft support member 27, an elongate lifting member 36 formed in a shape and thickness allowed to protrude and retract between the rotary bodies 25 and 25 is pivotally mounted so as to be swingable up and down. The lifting members 36 arranged between the rotating bodies 25 are integrally formed or connected at intervals at which the vegetable products A are supported in a horizontal posture. In the embodiment, the three lifting members 36 formed in a long shape and a short shape are integrally formed or connected.
[0019]
The lower edge portions of the lifting members 36 are guided around the guide members 39 installed on the front and lower portions of the inspection portion a. When the lifting members 36 are engaged with the guide members 39, the lower edge portions are in a horizontal posture. The upper edge portion of each lifting member 36... Projects slightly upward from between the respective rotary bodies 25..., And the height of the fruit and vegetables A placed between the respective rotary bodies 25. Circumferentially guided from the outer peripheral surface of 25... To the projecting position where at least a part or the whole of the vegetable products A floats in a non-contact state.
[0020]
When the lifting members 36 are detached from the guide members 39, the base end sides of the lifting members 36 are brought into contact with the support shafts 29a that pivotally support the locking lever 29, so that the lifting members 36 are in a horizontal posture rather than between the rotary members 25 in a horizontal posture. Each lifting member 36 is projected slightly upward from between the rotating bodies 25 in the discharge posture, and the inclination is smaller than the rotating bodies 25. It is the height at which the placed vegetable product A is pushed up, and the rotation is restricted to the immersion position where the vegetable product A is discharged to the height and inclined in the discharge direction.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the equal class inspection apparatus 5 described above is a conveyor for sorting. 4 The entire inspection portion a set above is surrounded by a light shielding box 40, and the inspection portion a is divided into a front inspection region and a rear inspection region. In the upper part of the front inspection area surrounded by the shielding cover 41, an imaging camera 45 for inspecting the equal class is arranged facing the upper peripheral surface of the fruit vegetable A, and the grade is determined facing the left peripheral surface. An imaging camera 46 to be inspected is disposed, and an imaging camera 47 to inspect for rotting is disposed on the upper part surrounded by the shielding cover 42 so as to face the upper peripheral surface of the fruit vegetable A. In the upper part of the rear inspection area surrounded by the shielding cover 43, an imaging camera 48 for inspecting the equal class is arranged opposite to the upper peripheral surface of the fruit vegetable A, and the grade is opposed to the right peripheral surface thereof. An imaging camera 49 for inspecting for rot is disposed on the upper part surrounded by the shielding cover 44 so as to face the upper peripheral surface of the fruit vegetable A.
[0022]
The imaging cameras 45 to 50 are configured by imaging means such as a CCD camera and an image element (CCD), for example, and the apparatus main body 51 for determining the equal class of the fruit vegetable A and the image of the fruit vegetable A are displayed. And an article detection sensor S1, an origin detection sensor S2, and a passage detection sensor S3 disposed in the inspection section a, and an origin detection sensor S2 and a passage detection sensor S3 disposed in the sorting sections b to g. And the latch release device 55 is connected to the apparatus main body 51. The fruits and vegetables A moved into the shielding covers 41 and 43 are illuminated by, for example, an illuminator 53 formed of a halogen lamp, and the fruits and vegetables A moved into the shielding covers 42 and 44 are, for example, ultraviolet rays. Illuminated by illuminators 54... Composed of lamps or the like.
[0023]
At the four imaging locations for inspecting the equal class and the rotting, the article detection sensor S1 for detecting the passage of the fruit vegetables A placed between the rotary bodies 25. The origin detection sensor S2 that detects the passage of the origin piece 26a fixed to the rear edge of the member 26, and the passage of the detection pieces 26b that protrude from the lower surface side of the mounting member 26 corresponding to the rotating bodies 25. A passage detection sensor S3 for detecting the passage is provided, and an origin detection sensor S2 and a passage detection sensor S3 are provided in the sorting sections b to g, respectively.
[0024]
In response to the detection by the sensors S1, S2, and S3, the apparatus main body 51 images the upper and lower peripheral surfaces and the left and right peripheral surfaces of the fruit vegetables A placed between the rotating bodies 25. The image data captured by the imaging cameras 45 to 50 and the movement number data of each rotating body 25 are stored in association with each other, and the pre-stored isoclass and rotting condition data are compared with the image data. , Class (for example, color, sugar content, scratches, rot, outer diameter, shape, height, width, volume, flatness, maturity, non-standard that does not correspond to the equal class) is determined. Further, based on the detection by the sensors S2, S3, the number of passages of the rotating bodies 25... Moved to the sorting units b to g is counted by a counter, and the rotating units 25 are assigned to the sorting units b to g corresponding to the determination. When the... Moves, the sorter 55 is operated to swing the rotary bodies 25 on which the fruits and vegetables A are placed in a discharge posture.
[0025]
In the rotating machine 56 described above, a rotation imparting belt 57 formed of an elastic member having a large contact resistance is stretched at a height position where it is pressed against the lower peripheral surface of the free end side of each rotating body 25. The belt 57 is rotated at a high speed (more than the feed speed) in a direction coinciding with the rotating direction of each rotating body 25... By a driving force of a motor with a reduction gear (not shown), or rotated at a low speed in a direction opposite to the rotating direction. Due to the circumferential speed difference generated on the small-diameter side and the large-diameter side of each rotating body 25 by rotating and rotating around each rotating body 25 that is pressed against the rotation applying belt 57 forward or backward, the rotation is stopped. The large and small fruit vegetables A are reversed in the front-rear direction (for example, 180 degrees) in the same region. The free end side of each rotating body 25 is slightly lifted and rotated while being tilted to one side, and the vegetable product A that is tilted or stands up is tilted to a horizontal posture. As another method, each rotary body 25 is moved in a rotating manner while being pressed against a rotation imparting pad (not shown) formed of the same member as the rotation imparting belt 57, so that the rotary bodies 25 are spaced from each other in the same manner as described above. The fruits and vegetables A placed on is rotated in the front-rear direction.
[0026]
The above-described sorter 55 includes, for example, a solenoid, a motor, an air cylinder, and the like, and is opposed to the rear end portion of the locking lever 29 attached to the attachment member 26 at one side lower part of the sort parts b to g. Each is arranged. Each of the classifiers 55 is independently operated based on the determination by the equal class inspection device 5, and the rear end portion of the locking lever 29 is continuously pressed by the release member 55 a to engage with the locking shaft 31 of the shaft support member 27. The locking claw 32 of the locking lever 29 is unlocked, and the rotary bodies 25 on which the fruits and vegetables A are placed are swung to the discharge posture. On the other hand, the rotating bodies 25 and the lifting members 36 are moved to the starting end side while engaging with the outer peripheral edge portions of the return plates 20 and 20, and the locking shaft 31 and the locking claws 32 are locked to each other. Then, the rotation is returned to the horizontal posture. Each lifting member 36... Moves in the feed direction along the upper edge of the guide member 39. Further, each of the rotating bodies 25 may be rotated and returned by returning means such as its own weight or a spring.
[0027]
FIG. 7 shows a control circuit block diagram of the sorting monitoring device 8. Since the circuits provided for the sorting sections b to g are the same, one circuit will be described with reference to the drawings. In the apparatus main body 51 constituting the equal class inspection apparatus 5, each alarm device 9 for notifying abnormality of each sorting unit b to g, an operation sequencer 58 for controlling the operation of each sorting unit b to g, A monitoring sequencer 59 that monitors the operation of the sorting units b to g is connected, and each of the alarms 9... And each of the sequencers 58 and 59 is stored in advance in a storage circuit based on a signal output from the apparatus main body 51. The operation is controlled according to the program.
[0028]
A sorter 55 is connected to the operation sequencer 58 via an IC switch circuit 60. When a program output bit is output from the apparatus main body 51 as shown in FIG. A drive signal (b) is output to the sorter 55 in synchronization with (b). The IC switch circuit 60 is turned on when a drive signal (b) is input from the operation sequencer 58. At this time, the sorter 55 is activated (predetermined time). On the other hand, when the drive signal (b) is not input from the operation sequencer 58, the operation is turned off. The sorter 55 is not activated.
[0029]
A monitoring sequencer 59 is connected between the sorter 55 and the IC switch circuit 60 via an IC switch circuit 61. The IC switch circuit 61 outputs a voltage (for example, about 24V) output from the sorter 55. Determine whether is high or low. That is, when the detection timing signal (A) is input, the drive signal (B) is output from the operation sequencer 58, and when the IC switch circuit 60 is turned ON, the sorter 55 is operated. When the sorter 55 operates normally, an output signal (c) is input from the sorter 55, so that the IC switch circuit 61 is turned off. At this time, the operation detection signal (d) of the IC switch circuit 61 is input to the monitoring sequencer 59, but the monitoring sequencer 59 does not output the abnormality detection signal (e). The apparatus main body 51 compares each signal (A, B, C, D) with a preset condition to determine whether the sorting operation is normal or abnormal. When it is determined to be normal, the sorting operation is continued. When it is determined that there is an abnormality, the alarm 9 notifies that the operation abnormality has occurred, and the sorting operation is temporarily stopped.
[0030]
When the drive signal (B) is not output from the operation sequencer 58 and the IC switch circuit 60 is OFF, the sorter 55 is not operated and the output signal (C) is not input, so the IC switch circuit 61 is turned ON. The At this time, since the operation detection signal (d) is not input from the IC switch circuit 61, the monitoring sequencer 59 outputs an abnormality detection signal (e). The apparatus main body 51 determines that the sorting operation is abnormal because each signal (A, B, C, D) does not match a preset condition, and notifies the alarm device 9 that an operation abnormality has occurred.
[0031]
When the drive signal (B) is output from the operation sequencer 58 and the IC switch circuit 60 is ON, if the sorter 55 does not operate, the output signal (C) is not input, so the IC switch circuit 61 is turned ON. . At this time, since the operation detection signal (d) is not input from the IC switch circuit 61, the monitoring sequencer 59 outputs the abnormality detection signal (e) as described above. The apparatus main body 51 notifies the alarm 9 that an operation abnormality has occurred.
[0032]
In addition, when the detection timing signal (A) is not input, the drive signal (B) is not output from the operation sequencer 58, the IC switch circuit 60 is OFF, and the sorter 55 malfunctions, the output signal (HA) ) Is input, and the IC switch circuit 61 is turned on. At this time, the operation detection signal (d) of the IC switch circuit 61 is input to the monitoring sequencer 59. However, since the signals (a, b, c, d) do not match the preset conditions, the apparatus main body 51 Determines that an abnormality has occurred in the sorting operation, and notifies the alarm device 9 that an operation abnormality has occurred.
[0033]
When the sorter 55 does not operate, the output signal (C) is not input and the IC switch circuit 61 is turned on. At this time, the operation detection signal (d) of the IC switch circuit 61 is input to the monitoring sequencer 59. As described above, the sorting operation is determined to be abnormal, and the alarm 9 notifies that the operation abnormality has occurred. To do. Further, the current fluctuation may be monitored, for example, by monitoring the change of the voltage applied to both ends of the sorter 55, and in the same manner as described above, where each of the sorting units b to g is monitored. It is possible to detect whether an abnormal operation has occurred. Note that the voltage level or current level of each signal (I, B, C, D, E) is reversed depending on the parts used, so by setting conditions according to the level, abnormal operation can be achieved as described above. Can be detected.
[0034]
The illustrated embodiment is configured as described above, and hereinafter, an operation when a large number of fruits and vegetables A ... are sorted by the conveyed product sorting apparatus 1 will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each fruit and vegetables A to be received is dispersed by the dispersing conveyor 2 and distributed to the respective aligning conveyors 3. 3 Each of the fruits and vegetables A arranged by the above is transferred one by one to the respective rotary bodies 25 of the sorting conveyors 4.
[0035]
Next, the rotating bodies 25 of the sorting conveyor 4 are rotated by a rotating machine 56, and the vegetable products A placed between the rotating bodies 25 are rotated back and forth, and the vegetable products A that are tilted or stand upside down are turned over. And transport it in a fixed posture. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 4, the lifting members 36 are protruded slightly above the spaces between the rotary bodies 25, so that a part or all of the fruit vegetables A are floated, and the rotary bodies 25 are interposed between the rotary bodies 25. The large and small fruit vegetables A conveyed in a slanted or slanted or upright state are corrected to a horizontal posture.
[0036]
In the front inspection area of the inspection section a, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the fruits and vegetables A held in a horizontal posture by the lifting members 36 in response to detection by the sensors S1, S2, and S3. Imaging the front peripheral surface and the left peripheral surface with the imaging cameras 45, 46, imaging the degree of decay of the front peripheral surface with the imaging camera 47, and image data captured with the imaging cameras 45, 46, 47; The number-of-movements data of each rotating body 25 is stored in the apparatus main body 51 in association with it.
[0037]
Next, the lifting members 36 are temporarily immersed, and the fruits and vegetables A are again placed between the rotating bodies 25 and conveyed. Immediately after the front inspection area, as described above, the rotating bodies 25 are rotated by the rotating machine 56, and the large and small fruit vegetables A placed between the rotating bodies 25 are turned upside down. After the reversal, the lifting members 36 are protruded, and the vegetable products A placed between the rotating bodies 25 are once lifted to correct the vegetable products A in the horizontal posture.
[0038]
Next, in the rear side inspection area, in response to the detection by the sensors S1, S2, S3, the back side peripheral surface and the right side peripheral surface of the fruit vegetable A held in the horizontal posture by the lifting members 36. Image data taken by the imaging cameras 48, 49, the rotting condition of the rear peripheral surface by the imaging camera 50, and taken by the imaging cameras 48, 49, 50, and the movement number data of each rotating body 25 ... Are stored in the apparatus main body 51.
[0039]
Next, the lifting members 36 are immersed, and the fruits and vegetables A are again placed between the rotating bodies 25 and conveyed. At the same time, the apparatus main body 51 compares the image data captured by the imaging cameras 45 to 50 with the pre-stored isoclass and decay condition data, and comprehensively determines the isoclass. As shown in FIG. 5, based on the detection by the sensors S2 and S3, the number of movements of the rotating bodies 25... Moved to the sorting units b to g is counted, and the rotation moved to the sorting units b to g. It is determined whether the movement number data of the body 25 matches the movement number data stored in the apparatus main body 51, and it is determined whether the movement number data has been moved to a position corresponding to the equal class. When the object A is moved, the program output bit of the device main body 51 is output to the operation sequencer 58 of the sorting monitoring device 8 that controls the operations of the sorting units b to g.
[0040]
Next, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the sorting monitoring device 8 turns on the IC switch circuit 60 when the operation sequencer 58 outputs a drive signal (b) in synchronization with the detection timing signal (b). In addition to being operated, the sorter 55 disposed at a position corresponding to the determination is operated in synchronization with the rotating speed of each rotary body 25..., And only the rotary bodies 25 on which the fruits and vegetables A are placed are discharged. Swing to release. When the sorter 55 operates normally, the IC switch circuit 61 is turned off, and the operation detection signal (d) of the IC switch circuit 61 is input to the monitoring sequencer 59. ) Is not output, the apparatus main body 51 determines whether each signal (A, B, C, D) matches a preset condition to determine whether it is normal or abnormal. When it is determined to be normal, the sorting operation is continuously performed.
[0041]
If the drive signal (B) is not output from the operation sequencer 58 and the IC switch circuit 60 is OFF, the sorter 55 is not operated and the IC switch circuit 61 is turned ON. At this time, since the operation detection signal (d) is not input and the monitoring sequencer 59 outputs the abnormality detection signal (e), the apparatus body 51 is preset with each signal (i, b, c, d). Therefore, it is determined that the sorting operation is abnormal, and the notification device 9 notifies that an abnormal operation has occurred.
[0042]
In addition, even if a drive signal (b) is output from the operation sequencer 58 and the IC switch circuit 60 is turned on, the IC switch circuit 61 is turned off when the sorter 55 does not operate. At this time, since the operation detection signal (d) is not input and the monitoring sequencer 59 outputs an abnormality detection signal (e) as described above, the apparatus main body 51 notifies the alarm 9 that an operation abnormality has occurred. To inform.
[0043]
Further, when the detection timing signal (A) is not input, the drive signal (B) is not output from the operation sequencer 58, and the IC switch circuit 60 is OFF, for example, the sorter 55 malfunctions due to a short circuit or the like. In this case, the output signal (c) is input and the IC switch circuit 61 is turned on. Alternatively, when the sorter 55 does not operate due to disconnection or the like, the output signal (c) is not input and the IC switch circuit 61 is turned on. However, when the above situation occurs, the operation detection of the IC switch circuit 61 is performed. Since the signal (d) is input to the monitoring sequencer 59 and the monitoring sequencer 59 outputs an abnormality detection signal (e), the apparatus body 51 uses the alarm 9 to notify that an operation abnormality has occurred, as described above. Inform.
[0044]
In the same manner as described above, it is possible to accurately and reliably detect where an abnormal operation has occurred in each sorting unit b to g by individually monitoring each sorting unit b to g provided on each sorting conveyor 4. can do. At the same time, when an operation abnormality occurs in any of the sorting units b to g, the position is immediately notified by each of the alarms 9..., So that it can be confirmed by an operator's eyes and ears. Since it can be accurately grasped, work such as repair and replacement can be performed immediately. Similarly, based on the determination by the apparatus main body 51, the fruits and vegetables A ... that are moved to the sorting units b to g are discharged in equal classes, and the respective distribution conveyors 6 disposed in the sorting units b to f are used. ... conveys each vegetable product A ... sorted by equal class to the next process (for example, a boxing step), and the collection conveyor 7 arranged in the sorting unit g collects each non-standard fruit product A ... (Not shown).
[0045]
As described above, the sorting units b to g provided on the sorting conveyor 4 are individually monitored, and the sorting monitoring device 8 determines where the abnormal operation has occurred in each of the sorting units b to g. Even if an operation abnormality such as malfunction, disconnection, breakage, or seizure occurs as in the example, each of the sorting units b to g in which the operation abnormality has occurred can be accurately and reliably detected. In addition, when an abnormal operation is detected, each sorting unit b to g is repaired or parts are replaced and normal and accurate sorting work is performed. Therefore, each sorting unit b different from the determination by the equal class inspection device 5 is performed. It is possible to prevent the fruit vegetables A from being sorted by mistake with respect to ~ g. In addition, by monitoring fluctuations in voltage, current, etc. added to the control circuits of the respective sorting units b to g, it is possible to reliably detect even an abnormal operation that is difficult to find by an operator, and there is no sorting error. This reduces the amount of time required for highly accurate sorting.
[0046]
Further, based on the determination by the apparatus main body 51, the sorting units b to g in which the operation abnormality has occurred are operated by the respective alarm devices 9 including a rotating lamp, a lamp, a buzzer, a speaker, a display monitor, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to check with an operator's eyes or ears regardless of where the operation abnormality occurs in each of the sorting units b to g. In addition, since each of the sorting units b to g in which the operation abnormality has occurred can be accurately grasped, maintenance work for repairing each sorter 55... Or replacing a failed part can be performed immediately, thereby reducing sorting mistakes. be able to.
[0047]
In the correspondence between the configuration of the present invention and the above-described embodiment,
The conveyed product of this invention corresponds to the fruit and vegetable product A of the example,
Similarly,
The conveying means corresponds to the sorting conveyor 4,
The mounting portion corresponds to the rotating body 25 of the embodiment,
The inspection means corresponds to the equal class inspection device 5,
The notification means corresponds to the notification device 9,
The operation determination means corresponds to the apparatus main body 51,
The sorting means corresponds to the sorter 55,
The operation monitoring means, the signal monitoring means, and the control circuit correspond to the operation sequencer 58, the monitoring sequencer 59, and the IC switch circuits 60 and 61,
The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment.
[0048]
In addition, in the Example mentioned above, although the front and back peripheral surface and right-and-left peripheral surface of fruit vegetables A are imaged with each imaging camera 45-50, for example, the front and rear peripheral surfaces of fruit vegetables A conveyed to the inspection part a An imaging camera (not shown) disposed obliquely above may be used to capture images from the front and / or rear, and the entire peripheral surface of the fruit vegetable A can be reliably captured, and the equal class can be accurately and accurately determined. .
[0049]
In the embodiment, the mounting portion is configured by the rotating body 25. However, for example, it may be configured by a mounting portion such as a cup, a bucket, and a receiving plate, and can be sorted in the same manner as in the embodiment.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a conveyed product sorting apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a state of transporting fruits and vegetables by a sorting conveyor.
FIG. 3 is a rear view showing a state where fruits and vegetables are placed by a rotating body.
FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a state in which fruits and vegetables are lifted by a lifting member.
FIG. 5 is a rear view showing a swinging state of a rotating body and a lifting member.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an imaging state of fruit and vegetables by an imaging camera.
FIG. 7 is a control circuit block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the sorting monitoring apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation time of the sorting monitoring apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
A ... Fruits and vegetables
a ... Inspection Department
b to g: Sorting department
1 ... Conveyed material sorting device
4 ... Conveyor for sorting
5 ... Equal class inspection device
6 ... Conveyor for distribution
7 ... Recovery conveyor
8 ... Sorting monitoring device
9 ... Alarm
25 ... Rotating body
51 ... Device body
55 ... sorter
58 ... Sequencer for operation
59 ... Sequencer for monitoring
60, 61 ... IC switch circuit

Claims (3)

Each transported object placed on each placement part of the transport means is inspected by the inspection means, and each sorting means provided in each sorting part is driven based on the inspection, and each sorting part corresponding to the inspection is driven. In contrast, a sorting monitoring device provided in a transported material sorting device that sorts each transported material,
While providing an operation monitoring means for monitoring the operation state of each of the sorting units,
A sorting monitoring apparatus comprising operation determining means for determining whether the operation state of each sorting unit is normal or abnormal based on a drive signal for driving the sorting means and a detection signal from the operation monitoring means. 2. A sorting monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising signal monitoring means for monitoring a signal of a control circuit for controlling the operation of each sorting means. The classification monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the classification unit in which an abnormal operation has occurred based on the determination by the operation determination unit, corresponding to each of the classification units.

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