JP7001871B1 - Counting device and counting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a counting device capable of counting flat plate-shaped workpieces with high accuracy. SOLUTION: This is a counting device for counting a plurality of flat plate-shaped workpieces, a carry-in device for carrying in a plurality of works deposited in a rectangular shape for each batch, and an elevating device for raising the carried-in workpieces for counting. A counting / dividing device that counts the rising works and divides and sends out a predetermined number of the counted works as a work group, and a carrying-out device that carries out the sent work group are provided for counting and dividing. The device has a modeling part that has a modeled body that shifts the rising work horizontally in the front-back direction to create a step-like step between adjacent works, and an angle-regulating body that faces the modeled body so that the work can be displaced. It has an angle regulating part that regulates a certain deviation width in an adjustable manner, a holding part that has a holding body that is suspended from above and applies a load to the uppermost work, and a detection device that detects a step and counts the work. A counting device comprising an extruder having an extruder capable of horizontal and vertical movement. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

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

Conventionally, as a counting device for counting flat plate-shaped workpieces, for example, corrugated cardboard sheets, "a sheet number counting device that counts the number of corrugated cardboard sheets manufactured by a corrugated cardboard sheet manufacturing device, and is a corrugated cardboard sheet loaded on a stack portion. Based on the flute specifications of the core base paper that analyzes the image information from the image pickup means that captures the widthwise end face of the corrugated cardboard and forms the corrugated cardboard sheet, the corrugated cardboard sheet is attached to the image information one by one. A "sheet number counting device for a corrugated cardboard sheet manufacturing apparatus" has been proposed, which comprises an image analysis means for recognizing and counting the number of sheets (see claim 1 of Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-296694

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

The present invention is intended to solve at least one of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a counting device capable of counting flat plate-shaped workpieces with high accuracy.

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least a part of the above problems, and examples thereof are as follows. In order to solve the above problems, the counting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a counting device that counts a plurality of flat plate-shaped workpieces, and is a carry-in device that carries in a plurality of the plurality of the workpieces deposited in a rectangular shape for each batch. A group of an elevating device that raises the work carried in by the carry-in device for counting, and a group of the elevating device that counts the works that are raised by the elevating device and counts a predetermined number of the works. The counting / dividing device includes a counting / dividing device for dividing and sending out as a work group and a carrying-out device for carrying out the work group sent out from the counting / dividing device. The work has a modeling part having a modeling body that is horizontally displaced in the front-rear direction perpendicular to a certain vertical direction to create a stepped step between adjacent works, and an angle restricting body facing the modeling body. An angle regulating part that regulates the deviation width, which is the deviation distance, and a holding part that has a holding body that is suspended from above and has a holding body that applies a load to the upper surface of the uppermost work of the work that rises. It is provided with an extruder having a detection device for detecting the step and counting the work and having an extruder capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement, and the counting device is loaded with the work. The work having an ascending space for ascending and transporting and horizontally carried in by the carrying-in device is vertically ascended in the ascending space, counted and divided, and then horizontally carried out by the carrying-out device.

In the counting device, the holding portion has a stretchable lower portion for suspending the holding body.

In the counting device, the holding body is a rotating body having a rotation axis extending in parallel in the depth direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-back direction. In the counting device, the holding body may be a leaf spring arranged so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost work.

In order to solve the above problems, the counting method according to another aspect of the present invention is a counting method in which a plurality of flat plate-shaped workpieces deposited in a rectangular shape are carried in and counted for each batch, and the plurality of the workpieces are counted. The work includes an ascending step of increasing the number of works for counting, and a divided transmission step of counting the ascending work and dividing and transmitting a predetermined number of the counted works as a group of works. In the split delivery step, the rising work is horizontally shifted in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, which is the deposition direction, by the shaped body arranged on the upstream side in the delivery direction of the work, and is stepped between the adjacent works. A step of creating a step, a step of adjusting the deviation width, which is the distance at which the work is displaced, by an angle restricting body arranged on the downstream side in the delivery direction of the work, and a detection device for counting the work. In the step of generating the stepped step, including the step of detecting and counting the step by the extruder capable of horizontally and vertically moving, the step is raised by the presser body suspended from above. A load is applied to the upper surface of the work on the uppermost stage of the work.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a counting device capable of counting flat plate-shaped workpieces with high accuracy.

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

It is a block diagram which shows the counting apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this application. 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 modeling part of a counting division apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of the modeling part of a counting division apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of the angle regulation part of a counting division apparatus. It is a front view which shows an example of the angle regulation part of a counting division apparatus. 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. It is a top view which shows an example of the alignment part of the counting division apparatus. It is a side view which shows an example of the alignment part of the counting division apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure explaining a series of operation examples of a counting division apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure which concerns on the count of the count division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure explaining the structure which concerns on the arrangement of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 3 of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 3 of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 4 of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 5 of the counting division apparatus. It is a figure which shows the modification 6 of the counting division apparatus. It is a top view which shows an example of the elevating table device. It is a side view which shows an example of the elevating table device. It is a top view which shows an example of the 1st elevating ledge device. It is a front view which shows an example of the 1st elevating ledge device. It is a top view which shows an example of the 2nd elevating ledge device. It is a side view which shows an example of the 2nd elevating ledge device. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of a lifting device. It is a figure explaining the transport by three elevating devices. It is a figure explaining the transport by three elevating devices. It is a figure explaining the transport by three elevating devices. It is a figure explaining the transport by three elevating devices. It is a figure explaining the transport by three elevating devices. It is a figure explaining the transport by three elevating devices. It is a flowchart which shows the transport example by two lifting devices. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of the elevating device. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of the elevating device. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of the elevating device. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of the elevating device. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of the elevating device. It is a figure which shows the modification 7 of the counting division apparatus.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The components common to the following embodiments (including modified examples) may be designated by the same reference numerals as those mentioned above and the description thereof may be omitted. In addition, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components, etc., unless otherwise specified or when it is considered that it is not clearly the case in principle, those that are substantially similar to or similar to the shape, etc. Shall include. In addition, terms such as attachment, connection, and fixation shall include both cases of direct use and cases of indirect use via other members.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a counting device according to an embodiment of the present application. The counting device 1 includes a carry-in device 2 that carries a plurality of works into the counting device 1, an elevating device that raises the carried-in work for counting, a counting dividing device 6 that counts and sends out the rising work, and a sending device. It is provided with a carry-out device 7 for carrying out the work to be carried out from the counting device 1, and a control panel 8 which is electrically connected to these and controls the operation.

The work to be counted by the counting device 1 is a flat plate-shaped work, which is particularly thin with respect to the plane area, is inefficient in the manual counting work, and is desirable to be automated. Hereinafter, a corrugated cardboard sheet will be described as a typical example, but the present invention 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 ascend and convey the work carried in by the carry-in device 2 for counting, one elevating device may be used, or two or more elevating devices may be used. As an example, the counting device 1 includes an elevating table device 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "first elevating device"), a first elevating ledge device 4 (hereinafter also referred to as "second elevating device"), and a second elevating ledge device 5 (hereinafter also referred to as "second elevating device"). It is equipped with three elevating devices (also referred to as "third elevating devices"). Although the details will be described later, the counting device 1 can shorten the cycle time and count at high speed by providing two or more elevating 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 figure, X indicates a front-back direction (horizontal direction) (+ X is a rear direction, -X is a front direction), and Y indicates a vertical direction (vertical direction) (+ Y is an upper direction, -Y is a lower direction) (same in FIGS. 3 and 3). ). In the figure described later, Z indicates a depth direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions (+ Z is the back direction, and −Z is the front direction).

The counting device 1 carries in a plurality of work Ws stacked in the vertical direction and deposited in a rectangular parallelepiped shape for each batch by the carrying-in device 2. The carry-in device 2 receives a plurality of workpieces W deposited in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch from the upstream process at the rear, and delivers them to the elevating device in front for each batch at a predetermined position and at a predetermined timing. Preferably, the carry-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 / dividing device 6 and delivers the work W to the elevating device. The carry-in device 2 is, for example, a stationary conveyor such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The carry-in device 2 may be a freely moving device such as an automatic guided vehicle.

The counting device 1 includes a counting space F for counting on a plurality of works W, and an ascending space E for loading and transporting the plurality of works W in the counting space F.

The carried-in batch of work W is vertically ascended in the ascending space E by the elevating device in the horizontal state, counted and divided in the counting space F, and then horizontally carried forward by the carrying-out device 7.

It is conceivable to handle the work W diagonally (for example, tilt the batch forward) in order to facilitate counting, but it takes extra time to tilt the work W and to return it from diagonally to horizontal. Since the counting device 1 handles the work W horizontally and raises and lowers the work W vertically and horizontally, it does not take extra time and can count at high speed. Further, if the work W is tilted for processing, a load is applied to the end portion of the work W, so that the work W is easily damaged. Since the counting device 1 handles the work W horizontally, it is not necessary to apply an extra load to the end portion of the work W.

As shown in the figure, the ascending space E is a plurality of work Ws between the carry-in area A, which is the lowermost planar area on which the work W is loaded by the elevating device, and the end region D, which is the uppermost planar area. Is a rising space. When the work W is raised by the three elevating devices, the first delivery area B, which is a planar area higher than the carry-in area A in the ascending space E, and the first delivery area B, are the areas where the elevating devices are replaced. Also includes a second delivery area C, which is a surface area at a high position. The counting space F is a region equal to or larger than the end region D. When using one elevating device, it is not necessary to set the delivery area. When using two elevating devices, it is sufficient to set one delivery area, and when using four or more elevating devices, the delivery area is sufficient. The delivery area may be set one less than the number.

The elevating table device 3 carries in and loads the batch work W, which is a plurality of work W deposited in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch by the carry-in device 2, and raises the work W at a predetermined timing. The elevating table device 3 has a loading table 31 capable of ascending and descending movement in the ascending space E.

The first elevating ledge device 4 has a first loading ledge 41 that moves horizontally to advance into the ascending space E and is capable of ascending and descending movements in the ascending space E. When the batch work W is lifted and transported 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 the batch work W is delivered to the first loading ledge 41, It descends to the carry-in area A. The first loading ledge 41 receives the batch work W from the loading table 31 while entering the ascending space E, and ascends the batch work W at a predetermined timing. The loading table 31 carries in and loads the next batch work, which is a plurality of works deposited in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped of the next batch at a predetermined timing. Although the first loading ledge 41 is arranged in front of the ascending space E in the figure, it is not particularly limited as long as it is in three directions of the side of the ascending space E excluding the carrying device 2 side.

The second elevating ledge device 5 has a second loading ledge 51 that moves horizontally to advance into the ascending space E and is capable of ascending and descending movements in the ascending space E. When the batch work W is lifted and conveyed by the three elevating devices, the first loading ledge 41 rises to the second delivery area C, and the remaining work of the batch work W is raised to the second loading ledge in the second delivery area C. After handing over to 51, it exits from the ascending space E and descends to the height of the first delivery area B. The second loading ledge 51 receives the remaining work of the batch work W from the first loading ledge 41 while entering the ascending space E, and ascends 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 ascending space E in the figure, it is not particularly limited as long as it is on the side of the ascending space E and faces the first loading ledge 41. ..

The counting / dividing device 6 counts a plurality of work Ws that are raised by the elevating device, and divides and sends out a predetermined number of the counted work Ws as a group of work groups Wa.

The counting division device 6 has a modeling unit 61 having a modeling body 611 that horizontally shifts the work W raised by the elevating device in the front-rear direction to create a stepped step between adjacent (upper and lower) workpieces W, and modeling. The work W is counted by having an angle regulating body 621 facing the body 611 and adjusting the deviation width, which is the distance at which the work W is displaced, and an angle regulating unit 62, which detects a step and counts the number of steps. It is provided with an extruder 63 having an extruder 631 capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement, which is an extruder having a detection device. The counting division device 6 preferably further includes an alignment unit 64 for aligning the stepped work group Wa.

The unloading device 7 carries out the work group Wa sent out from the counting / dividing device 6 from the counting device 1 to the downstream process ahead. The unloading device 7 is, for example, a stationary conveyor such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The unloading device 7 may be a freely moving device such as an automatic guided vehicle.

The control panel 8 (not shown here) includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, 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 pillar members and a beam member laid between the pillar members to support the above-mentioned components (see FIG. 3).

The elevating device (elevating table device 3, the first elevating ledge device 4, the second elevating ledge device 5) of the counting device 1 and the counting dividing device 6 shift from the initial state of FIG. 3 to the standby state of FIG. 2 and stand by. And perform the predetermined operation.

In the following, the counting / dividing device 6 will be described in detail, and then the elevating device for raising the work W for counting of the counting / dividing device 6 will be described in detail. First, specific examples of each part of the counting / dividing device 6 will be shown, but these are merely examples, and the present application is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an example of a modeling portion of the counting / dividing device, and FIG. 4B is a side view thereof. Note that some configurations are omitted in FIG. 4A.

The modeling portion 61 has a modeling body 611, a horizontal moving mechanism 612, a vertical moving mechanism 613, and a beam portion 610 extending in the depth direction to support the whole.

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

The model body 611 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by the horizontal movement mechanism 612. As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 612 includes a motor 6121 fixed to the beam portion 610, a pair of pinions 6122 that are rotated by the drive of the motor 6121, and a pair of racks that are attached to the main frame 10 and mesh with the pair of pinions 6122. It has a 6123 and a pair of linear motion guides 6124. The moving body of the linear motion guide portion 6124 is attached to the beam portion 610, and the rail is attached to the main frame 10.

The model body 611 can be vertically moved in the vertical direction by the 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 the drive of the motor 6131, a rack 6133 that meshes with the pinion 6132, and a pair of linear motion guide portions 6134. .. The rack 6133 is attached to the central rod-shaped portion of the support portion 6110. The moving body of the linear motion guide portion 6134 is attached to the beam portion 610, and the rail is attached to the rod-shaped portions at both ends of the support portion 6110. The model body 611 can be moved up and down with respect to the beam portion 610 by the vertical movement mechanism 613.

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

The angle regulating unit 62 includes an angle regulating body 621, a rotation mechanism 622, and a shaft portion 620.

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

The angle control body 621 is rotated by the rotation mechanism 622 so that the angle can be changed. 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 erected between the motor 6221 to transmit the rotational force. The angle restricting body 621 can be rotated by a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction from a horizontal position by a rotation mechanism 622.

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing an example of an extrusion portion of the counting / dividing device, and FIG. 6B is a side view thereof. Note that some configurations are omitted in FIG. 6A.

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

One extruder 631 may be provided, but preferably, a plurality of extruders 631 are provided so as to be arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction. As an example, here, three extruded bodies 631 extending vertically are provided, and the width in the depth direction may be the same, but the central extruded body 631 is preferably wider than the double-sided extruded body 631 as shown in the figure. The extruder 631 has a main body 6311 and a detection device 6312. As will be described later, the extruded body 631 may be provided with a claw portion 6313.

As an example, the main body 6311 is a plate-shaped member, the upper end thereof is fixed to the support portion 6310 so that the flat surface portion faces forward and backward, and the 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 square tubular member, the upper end of which is a support portion 6310 so that a wide surface of the outer peripheral surface faces forward and backward. It is fixed and the lower end is a free end. As shown in FIG. 6A, the main body 6311 may be provided with a slit extending up and down on the rear surface. The main body 6311 may be a U-shaped member in a plan view with an open rear surface. The support portion 6310 has one or a plurality of thin plate portions connecting the upper end portions of the main bodies 6311 to each other.

The detection device 6312 is attached near the lower end of the main body 6311. Preferably, the detection device 6312 is attached to a place other than the front surface, for example, the rear surface so as not to collide with the work W. When the main body 6311 is a member hollow in the vertical direction or a U-shaped member, the detection device 6312 is attached to the inside thereof (for example, the back side of the front surface). As an example, the detection device 6312 is a photoelectric distance sensor, and has a light projecting unit that projects light and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by an object.

The extruder 631 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by the horizontal movement mechanism 632. As an example, the horizontal movement mechanism 632 includes a motor 6321 fixed to the beam portion 630, a pair of pinions 6322 that are rotated by the drive of the motor 6321, and a pair of racks that are attached to the main frame 10 and mesh with the pair of pinions 6322. It has a 6323 and a pair of linear motion guide portions 6324. The moving body of the linear motion guide portion 6324 is attached to the beam portion 630, and the rail is attached to the main frame 10.

The extruder 631 can be vertically moved in the vertical direction by the vertical movement mechanism 633. As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 633 is a pair of racks attached to a motor 6331 fixed to a beam portion 630, a pair of pinions 6332 rotated by the drive of the motor 6331, and a pair of pinions 6332 that are attached to a support portion 6310 and mesh with the pair of pinions 6332. It has a 6333 and a translation guide unit 6334. The moving body of the linear motion guide portion 6334 is attached to the main body 6311, and the rail is attached to the vertically extending rod-shaped portion provided in the beam portion 630. A pair of linear motion guide portions 6334 may be provided, but preferably as many as the number of extruders 631 are provided. The extruder 631 can be moved up and down with respect to the beam portion 630 by the vertical movement mechanism 633.

FIG. 7A is a plan view showing an example of an aligned portion of the counting / dividing device, and FIG. 7B is a side view thereof. Note that some configurations are omitted in FIG. 7A.

The alignment portion 64 includes an alignment body 641, a horizontal movement mechanism 642, a vertical movement mechanism 643, and a beam portion 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 aligned bodies 641 having a thin rectangular plate are provided. The upper end of the aligned body 641 is fixed to the support portion 6410 so that the flat surface portion faces forward and backward, the lower end is a free end, and the aligned body 641 is arranged in parallel in a comb-teeth shape downward. The support portion 6410 has one or more thin plate portions connecting the upper end portions of the aligned bodies 641 to each other. The aligned body 641 is preferably provided with the number ± 1 of the angle restricting bodies 621, the width in the depth direction is smaller than the predetermined distance between the angle restricting bodies 621, and the aligned body 641 can pass between the angle restricting bodies 621. There is.

The aligned body 641 can be horizontally moved in the front-rear direction by the 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 direct pulleys. It has a motion guide unit 6424. A transmission belt is erected 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 linear motion guide portions 6424 are attached to both ends of the beam portion 640, and the rails are attached to the main frame 10.

The aligned body 641 can be vertically moved in the vertical direction by the vertical movement mechanism 643. As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 643 has a cylinder 6431 provided in the beam portion 640 and a translation guide portion 6432. The 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 portion 6432 is attached to the beam portion 640, and the rail is attached to the aligned body 641. A pair of linear motion guide portions 6432 may be provided, but preferably as many as the number of aligned bodies 641 are provided. The aligned body 641 can be moved up and down with respect to the beam portion 640 by the vertical movement mechanism 643.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the counting / dividing device, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a series of operation examples thereof.

The step unit of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing operation of each device. The present invention is not limited by the method of division in step units and the name. The processing operation of each device can be further divided into more step units depending on the content. Further, one step unit can be divided so as to include more processing operations. Further, the processing order of the above flowchart is not limited to the illustrated example as long as the object and effect of the present invention can be achieved. The same applies to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, which will be described later.

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

First, the counting division device 6 stands by in the state shown in FIG. That is, the modeling unit 61 stands by in a state where the outer peripheral surface on the lower front side of the modeling body 611 is in contact with the rising work W, and the angle regulating unit 62 stands by in a state where the angle regulating body 621 is horizontal, and the extruding unit 63. Stands by in a state where the extruded body 631 is above the end region D, and the aligning unit 64 stands by in a state where the aligned body 641 is at a predetermined distance from the front end of the angle restricting body 621.

(1) First, before the work W enters the counting space F, the counting dividing device 6 rotates the angle restricting body 621 to stand diagonally (step S121), and rotates the modeled body clockwise (step S122). ) ((1) in FIG. 9). The order of steps S121 and S122 may be reversed or simultaneous as long as the work W has not yet entered the counting space F.

(2) Then, the work W entering the counting space F (ascending and carried into the counting space F by the elevating device) hits the outer peripheral surface of the rotating model 611, and a step-like step is formed on the rear end side. The extruder 631 is moved rearward to detect this step and count the work W (step S123) ((2) in FIG. 9). The work W is formed into a front view parallelogram with a constant deviation amount due to the front angle restricting body 621. Although the first loading ledge 41 is shown in FIG. 9, any of the above-mentioned elevating devices may be used.

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

(4) Next, the counting division device 6 moves the aligning body 641 upward and retracts it, and pushes out the work group Wa forward by the extruder 631 (step S126) ((4) in FIG. 9).

(5) Next, the counting division device 6 moves the extruded body 631 to the standby position and moves the modeled body 611 to the standby position (step S127) ((5) in FIG. 9). The sent work group Wa is carried out by the carry-out device 7.

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

First, the modeling body 611 will be described. The rising work W hits the outer peripheral surface of the rotating modeling body 611. The surface (contact surface) where the modeled body 611 comes into contact with the work W is in the range of 1/4 of the front and lower sides of the outer peripheral surface. The position of the work W in the above range of the model 611, that is, the position in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the model 611 is determined by the thickness of the work W, the deviation width G for accurate counting, the rotational torque, and the like. Can be adjusted according to.

The model 611 hits 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 end surface of the rear end. It is preferable to adjust the coefficient of friction of. For example, when it is necessary to reduce the load on the work W, the frictional resistance of the outer peripheral surface of the model 611 is reduced by coating, polishing, or the like. On the contrary, when it is necessary to increase the load, the model body 611 is provided with a frictional resistance to the extent that the work W is not damaged. As an example, unevenness is formed on the contact surface to increase the coefficient of friction, for example, surface modification such as coating on the outer peripheral surface of the model 611 and shot peening, porous materials such as ceramic materials, gears, splines, and knurls. Processing etc. can be considered.

When it hits the model 611, the rising work W slides forward with respect to the adjacent lower work W, and stops at the angle restricting body 621 waiting in front. Therefore, the deviation width G becomes uniform. It can be said that the angle restricting body 621 guides the modeling by the modeling body 611. The rising work W abuts on the modeled body 611 one after another, and stepped steps are created one after another and rises as it is. Work group is born. The regulation angle α, which is the angle at which the angle control body 621 is erected diagonally from the horizontal, can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the type of the work W, and in particular, can be adjusted according to the thickness of the work W, for example, adjusted to 15 degrees to 45 degrees. To. By making the regulation angle α adjustable, the deviation width G is increased from the thick work W to the thin work W, and the reading accuracy of the extruder 631 is improved. The deviation width G can be secured, for example, from 5 mm to 45 mm.

The extruded body 631 detects a step (height difference between upper surfaces) H between the work W formed in a stepped shape by a detection device 6312 provided near the lower end, and counts the number of steps to obtain the work 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.

There is a counting device that captures the end face of the work W, for example, the end face of the corrugated cardboard sheet, analyzes the image information, and counts the number of sheets. Poor recognition is likely to occur, and the possibility of counting errors increases. If advanced AI technology or the like is used, the accuracy will be improved, but it will be expensive.

The counting device 1 is formed in a staircase shape, continuously measures the distance to the staircase portion, and detects the number of works W by the number of steps at which the distance changes abruptly, so that counting can be performed reliably.

The extruder 631 can move horizontally and vertically, and can read a step at a short distance. For example, a work W having a thickness of about 1.5 mm can be read with high accuracy by reading it closer, but the extruder 631 can be read with high accuracy because it can approach the optimum position by horizontal movement and vertical movement.

The counting of the extruded body 631 may be performed after the modeling has progressed to some extent, or it is possible if at least one step is formed, so that the counting can be performed in parallel with the modeling almost at the same time.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the counting / dividing device 6 is further arranged to face the angle restricting body 621 and includes a rear regulating unit 66 for maintaining a step. The rear regulation unit 66 has a rear regulation body 661 and a rotation mechanism 662 for rotating the rear regulation body 661. The rear regulator 661 is, for example, a plate-shaped member. Instead of providing the rotation mechanism 662, the rear restricting body 661 may be provided with elasticity so that the angle can be changed by deformation.

The rear restricting body 661 is located on the opposite side of the angle restricting body 621 with the work W formed in a stepped shape interposed therebetween, with a space between the angle restricting body 621 by the front-rear width I of the work W, or the front-rear width I or more of the work W. It is adjusted so as to be parallel to the angle restricting body 621 (inclined at the same angle as the restricting angle α) at intervals. Preferably, the rear regulator 661 has a plane parallel to the plane of the angle regulator 621 in contact with the work W. As a result, even if there is a work W that is sent out by the modeling body 611 and hits the angle regulating body 621 and bounces off, the rear regulating body 661 regulates the work rearward, so that the step is maintained.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification 2 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the counting division 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) The counting division device 6 stops the rotation of the modeling body 611 in order to send out the work group Wa (that is, after stopping the modeling operation that causes a step) (between steps S123 and S124 in FIG. 8). Can prevent the movement of the modeled body 611 by pressing the work W below the shifted bottom work W (the work in the shaded area indicated by the arrow in the figure) (FIG. 12 (1)). ..

(2) The movement prevention body 651 rises until the modeled body 611 retracts backward, and the work adjacent to the lowermost work (black-painted work) W of the work group Wa (the work in the shaded area indicated by the arrow in the figure). 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 modeled body 611 retracts backward, the extruded body 631 descends to the rear of the lowermost work (black-painted work) W of the work group Wa, and the work W (arrow in the figure) below the lowermost work. (Work in the shaded area indicated by) is pressed ((3) in FIG. 12). After that, the extruder 631 pushes out the work group Wa forward and sends it out.

In this way, the movement prevention body 651 can prevent the work W below the work group Wa to be delivered from the work formed in the staircase shape from being taken out when the work group Wa is sent.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration related to alignment of the counting / dividing device. The counting / dividing device 6 preferably counts the work W, aligns the work W, and then divides and sends the work W.

The work group Wa is shaped like a staircase when observing the rear end side, and in a parallel quadrilateral shape when observing the entire front surface. If the work group Wa is to be pushed 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 the end face of the work W at the lower end may be damaged. Further, it is necessary to return the angle restricting body 621 to the horizontal position, and if the front support is lost, the work group Wa may collapse when a force is received from the rear while the parallel quadrilateral shape remains. Therefore, the counting division device 6 is provided with an aligning unit 64, and the aligning body 641 eliminates a step between adjacent work Ws, aligns the front ends and the rear ends in the front-rear direction, and aligns 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, since the aligned body 641 has a comb-like shape downward and can pass between the angle restricting bodies 621, the work group Wa does not have to tilt the angle regulating body 621 horizontally. Can be aligned.

(2) While moving from the front to the rear, the aligned body 641 is in contact with the most frontmost work W in the front of the work group Wa in order and is pushed backward to eliminate the step between adjacent works (FIG. 13). (2)). The rear end of the pushed work group Wa abuts on the rear extruder 631. By aligning from the front in this way, the load applied to the work W is smaller than pushing out from the lower rear end because the work W is pushed in from the lighter side. Further, by aligning the end faces step by step, the end face pressure receiving area in contact with the aligned body 641 is gradually increased, the load on the end face of the work W is reduced, and damage to the end face of the work W can be prevented.

(3) The aligned body 641 rises when the aligned body is completed. Further, the angle control body 621 is tilted horizontally. ((3) in FIG. 13).

(4) When the aligned body 641 moves (retracts) above the uppermost work of the work group Wa, the extruder 631 pushes the work group Wa forward and sends it out ((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 faces of the work W is reduced, and the work group Wa can be conveyed without damage.

14 and 15 are views showing a modification 3 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the extruder 631 follows or lifts and transports the work group Wa. Further, the aligned body 641 may prevent the work group Wa from collapsing during transportation.

The extruder 631 further has a claw portion 6313 provided at the lower end. The claw portion 6313 is provided at the lower end of the extruder 631 so as to extend horizontally from the rear end to the front end. The front end of the claw portion 6313 is gradually reduced in thickness to form a ∠ shape (see FIG. 15). In the extruded body 631, the claw portion 6313 is inserted below the work group Wa, the rear end of the work group Wa is placed on the claw portion 6313, and the lower surface of the claw portion 6313 is lifted by several mm so as not to contact the remaining work W. Transport forward.

The aligned body 641 may move in synchronization with the forward movement of the work group Wa without retracting upward to prevent the work group Wa from collapsing.

As shown in FIG. 15, the detection device 6312 of the extruder 631 may eject air from the nozzle 6314 to perform air purge in order to remove paper dust and water vapor.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the modeling unit 61 of the counting / dividing device 6 further has a lower work movement prevention unit 614. By providing the lower work movement prevention unit (pressure plate) 614 in the modeling unit 61, even if the modeling body 611 retracts backward, the lower work movement prevention unit 614 is used to press the lower work W of the work group Wa. Can prevent movement.

As shown in the figure, when the work group Wa is lifted and transported forward by being placed on the claw portion 6313 of the extruder 631, the angle restricting body 621 is placed at an angle smaller than the regulation angle at the time of forming a step (movement prevention angle). ), The work group Wa extruded from the extruder 631 may be temporarily held and separated from the remaining work W to prevent the lower work W 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 a modification 5 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the modeled body 611 is not a rotating body, but is composed of a pusher mechanism 615 that reciprocates an inclined plate. The angle of the tilt 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 and reduce the pushing force.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a modification 6 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the model body 611 is not a rotating body but is composed of an inclined belt conveyor mechanism 616. The angle of the belt conveyor in contact with the work 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 when pushing out and the width of the work W to be displaced forward. By vibrating the belt conveyor, the frictional force between the workpieces W may be reduced to reduce the pushing force.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a modification 7 of the counting / dividing device. In this example, the counting / dividing device 6 further includes a pressing portion 67 that applies a load to the upper surface of at least the uppermost work W. The presser portion 67 has a presser body 671 in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost work W, and a suspension lower portion 672 for suspending the presser body 671. The presser portion 67 further has a support portion (not shown) that supports the suspension lower portion 672. The presser body 671 rises as the elevating device rises.

In other words, in this example, the counting / dividing device 6 horizontally shifts the work W raised by the elevating device in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, which is the deposition direction, to create a stepped step between adjacent work Ws. It is suspended from above by a modeling unit 61 having a modeling body 611, an angle regulating body 621 having an angle regulating body 621 facing the modeling body 611, and an angle regulating unit 62 that adjustably regulates the deviation width, which is the distance at which the work W shifts. A presser foot 67 having a presser foot 671 that applies a load to the upper surface of the work W at the uppermost stage of the work W that rises, and an extruder having a detection device that detects a step and counts the work W. The extruding portion 63 having an extruding body 631 capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement is provided.

When the counting division device 6 forms a plurality of work Ws in a stepped shape by the modeling body 611, the works W may fly. Here, the fact that the work W flies means that the work W moves forward and rides on the angle restricting body 621, or is repelled by the angle regulating body 621 and rides on the modeling body 611. In particular, the uppermost work W is easy to fly because there is no work W above and the load of the work W above is not received.

Therefore, in this example, the above-mentioned problem is solved by further providing a pressing portion 67 and applying a load that can be shifted but does not fly to at least the uppermost work W.

The presser body 671 of the presser portion 67 is in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost work W and rises as the uppermost work W rises. For example, in the figure, the presser body 671 which was in the position shown by the broken line in the initial state rises to the position shown by the solid line as the work W in the uppermost stage rises. That is, a load is applied by the presser body 671 even when the lower work W is formed. Therefore, preferably, the load of the presser body 671 is reduced as the work W on the uppermost stage rises. The presser body 671 is adapted to move upward away from the uppermost work W after the modeling of the uppermost work W is completed. For example, the presser body 671 is configured to separate from the uppermost work W and retract upward after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of modeling. The presser portion 67 includes a vertical movement mechanism in which a support portion (not shown) vertically moves the presser body 671 and the suspension portion 672 in the vertical direction, and the presser body 671 is retracted upward by this vertical movement mechanism. .. The presser foot 67 may be configured so that the presser body 671 does not retract, and in this case, the presser body 671 can rise to at least the maximum height at which the uppermost work W can rise.

The presser body 671 is, for example, a rotating body having a rotation axis extending parallel to the depth direction. The presser body 671 is configured by a roller as an example. More specifically, the presser body 671 is composed of, for example, a free roller, and even if the uppermost work W moves forward, the presser body 671 stays in place while rotating and does not move back and forth. The presser body 671 is composed of, for example, a drive roller having a drive unit (for example, a roller driven by a drive unit such as a motor) that rotates in accordance with the forward movement of the uppermost work W due to modeling. May be good. As an example, the presser body 671 may be configured by a wheel-shaped rotating body. Needless to say, the presser body 671 may be configured to move forward together with the uppermost work W.

A holding body 671 is attached to one end of the suspended lower portion 672, and the other end is connected to the main frame 10 via a support portion (not shown). The suspension lower portion 672 is not particularly limited, but is preferably expandable and contractable, and the suspension portion shrinks as the presser body 671 rises.

The suspension portion 672 is configured to include, for example, a coil spring, for example, a compression coil spring, and the presser body 671 is in the initial position indicated by the broken line in the free length. As an example, the suspension lower portion 672 includes an air cylinder, and the holding body 671 is connected to the lower end of the piston rod. As an example, the suspension lower portion 672 is configured to include a leaf spring, and when the leaf spring bends, the holding body 671 is pulled up.

The pressing portion 67 is not limited to the above configuration as long as the work W can be shaped (shifted) in a stepped shape, but a load that does not fly is applied to the upper surface of the uppermost work W. For example, the presser portion 67 may be a plate-like body having a low friction coefficient on the lower surface instead of the rotating body of the presser body 671. The pressing portion 67 may be a leaf spring arranged so that the pressing body 671 is in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost work W. In the initial state, the presser body 671 which is a leaf spring is located at the lower end position at the position shown by the broken line in the figure, and when the work W on the uppermost stage rises, it elastically deforms and bends upward. When the presser body 671 is a leaf spring and the suspension lower portion 672 is an air cylinder, the presser body 671 is attached to the lower end of the piston rod of the suspension lower portion 672. The presser portion 67 may not have a suspension lower portion 672, and may have a configuration in which the presser body 671 which is a leaf spring is directly attached to the vertical movement mechanism of the support portion (not shown).

The presser portion 67 stands by in a state where the presser body 671 is in the initial position indicated by the broken line in the figure. Alternatively, the presser portion 67 suspends the presser body 671 to the initial position before the work W enters the above-mentioned counting space F. This may be simultaneous with, or before or after, the above-mentioned steps S121 and S122 (see FIG. 8). Then, the pressing body 671 comes into contact with the upper surface of the uppermost work W of the work W entering the counting space F to apply a load, and the modeling body 611 performs modeling with the load applied. That is, in the step of creating a stepped step, a load is applied to the upper surface of the work W at the uppermost stage of the work W that is raised by the presser body 671 suspended from above.

Next, the elevating device will be described. Although specific examples are shown below, these are merely examples, and the present application is not limited thereto. The elevating device may be a mechanism for lifting from the lower part such as a hydraulic lifter, or a mechanism for suspending from the upper part with a chain or the like.

FIG. 19A is a plan view showing an example of an elevating table device, and FIG. 19B is a side view thereof. Note that some configurations are omitted in FIG. 19A.

The elevating 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 the support portion 310. The plurality of belt conveyors 311 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the depth direction, and are arranged in parallel in a comb-teeth shape. A part or all of the plurality of belt conveyors 311 is rotated synchronously by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown) provided 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 an intermediate portion.

The loading table 31 can be vertically moved in the vertical direction by the vertical movement mechanism 32. A pair of vertical movement mechanisms 32 are provided on the front side and the back side in line symmetry, and 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 arranged in the frame portion 320, and sprockets 323 arranged on both sides of the sprocket portion 322. It has a sprocket 324 and a chain 325 whose both ends are fixed to the ceiling of the frame portion 320 and whose ends are wound around the sprocket 322, the sprocket 323, and the sprocket 324. The sprocket 322 is fixed at a position close to 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 to drive the chain 325, the belt conveyor 311 can rise from the standby position and descend to the standby position as shown by the broken line in the figure.

20A is a plan view showing an example of the first elevating ledge device, and FIG. 20B is a front view thereof. Note that some configurations are omitted in FIG. 20A.

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

The first loading ledge 41 has a plurality of loading bars 411 that extend horizontally in the front-rear direction and are supported by the support portion 410. The plurality of loading bars 411 are arranged in a row in the depth direction at predetermined intervals from each other and arranged in parallel in a comb-teeth shape toward the rear. The front end of the plurality of loading bars 411 is connected by the support portion 410, and the rear end is a free end. The width of the loading bar 411 in the depth direction is narrower than a predetermined distance between the belt conveyors 311 and can be inserted between the belt conveyors 311. The loading bar 411 is preferably provided with a 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-shaped portion extending in the depth direction connecting the front ends of the plurality of loading bars 411, and a pair of vertically extending rod-shaped portions provided on the plate-shaped portion.

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

The first loading ledge 41 can be vertically moved in the vertical direction by the vertical movement mechanism 43. As an example, the vertical movement mechanism 43 has a motor 431, a pair of pinions 432 that are rotated by driving the motor 431, a pair of racks 433 that mesh with the pair of pinions 432, and a pair of linear motion guides 434. The rack 433 is attached to the rod-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-shaped portion of the support portion 410, and the rail is attached to the rod-shaped portion of the frame portion 40. The first loading ledge 41 can be moved up and down with respect to the frame portion 40 by the vertical movement mechanism 43.

21A is a plan view showing an example of the second elevating ledge device, and FIG. 21B is a side view thereof. Note that some configurations are omitted in FIG. 21A.

The second elevating ledge device 5 includes the second loading ledge 51, a horizontal moving mechanism 52, a vertical moving mechanism 53, and a beam portion 50 extending in the depth direction to support the whole.

The second loading ledge 51 has a plurality of loading bars 511 horizontally extending in the front-rear direction supported by the support portion 510. The plurality of loading bars 511 are arranged in a row in the depth direction at predetermined intervals from each other and arranged in parallel in a comb-teeth shape toward the front. The rear ends of the plurality of loading bars 511 are connected by the support portion 510, and the front ends are free ends. The support portion 510 has a plate-shaped portion connecting the rear ends of the plurality of loading bars 511, and a plurality of vertically extending rod-shaped portions provided on the plate-shaped portion.

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

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

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the elevating device. 23A to 23F are diagrams illustrating transportation by three elevating devices. For convenience of explanation, first, an example of transportation by three elevating devices will be described.

Each elevating device stands by in the state shown in FIG. That is, the elevating table device 3 stands by in a state where the loading surface of the loading table 31 is located in the carry-in area A, and in the first elevating ledge device 4, the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 is first delivered in front of the ascending space E. The second elevating ledge device 5 stands by at the same height as the area B, and the loading surface of the second loading ledge 51 stands by at the same height as the second delivery area C behind the ascending space E.

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

(2) The loading table 31 rises 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 horizontally moves into the first delivery area B of the ascending space E from the front and receives the batch work W from the loading table 31 (step S105). More specifically, a comb-shaped loading bar 411 facing rearward of the first loading ledge 41 is inserted between the belt conveyors 311 of the loading table 31 to receive the work W of this batch (FIG. 23C).

(4) If it is the next counting processing timing after delivery (Yes in step S106), the first loading ledge 41 raises the work W to the counting space F and carries it in, and if it is not the next counting processing timing (Yes). No. in step S106), waits, and carries in ascending at the next counting processing timing (step S107). Meanwhile, the loading table 31 descends to the carry-in area A (step S104) (FIG. 23D).

When the ascending space E has a space for receiving the next batch work W, the loading table 31 carries in the next batch work W from the carry-in device 2 and loads the next batch work W (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 the remaining work W of this batch is used. Receive (step S111) (FIG. 23E). While not ascending to the second delivery area C (No in step S108), the first loading ledge 41 ascends 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 evacuates while delivering the remaining work W of this batch to the second loading ledge 51 (exits forward from the ascending space E) (step S109) (FIG. 23E). .. The first loading ledge 41 is on standby, 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 work W, and then the first loading ledge is retracted. Delivery may be done at.

(6) If it is the next counting processing timing after delivery (Yes in step S112), the second loading ledge 51 raises the work W to the counting space F and carries it in, and if it is not the next counting processing timing (Yes). No. in step S112), waits, and carries in ascending 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) The second loading ledge 51 rises to the end area D (Yes in step S114), evacuates (exits backward from the ascending space E) (step S115), and descends to the height of the second delivery area C. (Step S116). While not ascending to the end region D (No in step S114), the second loading ledge 51 ascends and carries the work W into the counting space F at a predetermined timing.

The second loading ledge 51 has a comb-like shape toward the front, and the rod-shaped portions of the support portions are also spaced apart from each other, so that the second loading ledge 51 interferes with the modeled body 611 even if the positions in the front-rear direction overlap. It can work without any problems.

As described above, the batch work W may be raised from the carry-in area A to the end area D by one elevating device of the elevating table device 3. In this case, the time for the loading table 31 to return from the end area D to the carry-in area A after the processing of the batch work W by the counting division device 6 is completed is added to the cycle time. The cycle time refers to the time required to process one batch of work W (time required from the start of carrying in one batch of work W to the counting device 1 to the start of carrying in the next batch of work W).

Further, the batch work W may be raised from the carry-in area A to the end area D by the two elevating devices of the elevating table device 3 and the first elevating ledge device 4. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of transportation by two elevating devices.

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

Then, the first loading ledge 41 horizontally moves from the front to the first delivery area B of the ascending space E and enters, and receives the batch work W from the loading table 31 (step S105).

After delivery, if it is the next counting processing timing (Yes in step S106), the first loading ledge 41 raises the work W to the counting space F and carries it in, and if it is not the next counting processing timing (in step S106). No), wait, and carry in ascending at the next counting processing timing (step S107).

After delivery, the loading table 31 descends to the carry-in area A (step S104). When the ascending space E has a space for receiving the next batch work W, the loading table 31 carries in the next batch work W from the carry-in device 2 and loads the next batch work W (step S101).

The first loading ledge 41 rises to the end area D (Yes in step S117), evacuates (exits forward from the rising space E) (step S118), and descends to the height of the first delivery area B (step). S119). While not ascending to the end region D (No in step S117), the first loading ledge 41 ascends and carries the work W into the counting space F at a predetermined timing.

In the case of this example, the first elevating ledge device 4 is configured so that the first loading ledge 41 can rise to the end region D.

When two elevating devices are used as in this example, the loading table 31 can be returned to the loading area A while being transported ascending at the first loading ledge 41, so that the cycle time can be shortened. Further, by using the two elevating devices, even while the work W is rising, if a space for receiving the next batch work W is opened in the rising space E, the loading table 31 carries in the next batch work W. Therefore, the cycle time can be further shortened.

Further, as in the above example, when the three elevating devices are used, the first loading ledge 41 returns to the first standby position while the second loading ledge 51 is ascending and transporting the work W from the loading table 31. Since it is possible to prepare for receiving the next batch work W, the cycle time can be further shortened. That is, by using the three elevating devices, it is possible to change the elevating device and carry in the work W while the counting / dividing device 6 is performing processing, so that further speeding up can be realized.

25A and 25B are diagrams illustrating a modification 1 of the elevating device. The counting device 1 carries in the work W for each batch and counts the work W, and carries out the counted work W for each work group Wa. However, the number of work 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 processing (also referred to as “succession processing”) will be described.

When the second loading ledge 51 rises to the end region D, the surplus work W that has been counted (or partly or wholly before counting) but is insufficient for one group remains in 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 waiting. In the above example, the first loading ledge 41 waits until the second loading ledge 51 exits from the ascending 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 and approaches the second loading ledge 51.

As shown in FIG. 25B, when the first loading ledge 41 rises to a predetermined position and waits at that position, the lower end surface is the uppermost work W of the next batch work W while the second loading ledge 51 exits from the rising space E. The surplus work W is handed over to the first loading ledge 41 so as not to come into contact with the first loading ledge 41. 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. After leaving the ascending space E, the second loading ledge 51 descends to the height of the second delivery area C.

As in this example, by ascending and transporting by three elevating devices, it is possible to easily cope with the case where the surplus work W is generated.

26A to 26C are views showing modification 2 of the elevating device. The lowermost work W of the work W deposited in a rectangular parallelepiped shape in one batch may be collected and discarded because it is dirty or the like. In the following, such a lowermost work W of one batch will be referred to as a discarded work V. Normally, the discarded work V is collected when the elevating device descends to the carry-in area A, but in that case, the descending time of the elevating device and the collection time of the discarded work are added to the cycle time. In this example, three elevating devices are provided, and a configuration for collecting the discarded work is further provided, so that such an additional time is excluded from the cycle time.

The counting device 1 includes a waste work collection unit. As an example, the waste work collection unit includes a waste work release unit 91 that discharges the waste work V from the rising space E, and a waste work collection unit 92 that collects the discharged waste work V. The waste work V is discharged when the remaining work W of this batch is delivered between the first loading ledge 41 and the second loading ledge 51 in the second delivery area C, and the waste work discharge unit 91 is the first. 2 It is installed on the main frame on the same side as the advance side of the first loading ledge 41 in the vicinity of the delivery area C.

The waste work pick-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 farther from the ascending space E on the same side as the installation side of the first elevating ledge device 4. It is installed so that it is at the height of. The waste work pick-up unit 92 is provided with a vacuum suction pad on the lower surface thereof, for example, so that the waste work can be moved horizontally. A collection container is installed below the waste work collection unit 92.

As shown in FIG. 26A, in the work delivery in the second delivery area C, the waste work release unit 91 keeps the waste work V in the first load ledge 41 when the first load ledge 41 exits from the rising space E. In this way, only the waste work V is discharged from the rising space E. As an example, the waste work discharge unit 91 is installed at a position higher than the second delivery area C and has a plate-shaped portion that can be vertically moved, and this plate-shaped portion is the end face (here, here) of the adjacent work W of the waste work V. It descends to a height at which it comes into contact with the front end surface) and blocks the work W above the discarded work V including the adjacent work W. As a result, the first loading ledge 41 exits the ascending space E while handing over the remaining work W of this batch to the second loading ledge 51 except for the discarded work V, and the second loading ledge 51 enters the ascending space E. However, the remaining work W of this batch is received except for the discarded work V.

As an example, although not shown, the waste work collection unit has a retaining unit that makes it easy to fasten the waste work V on the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 in place of the waste work release unit 91 or together with the waste work release unit 91. Further, it has a take-up portion that makes it easy to take up a plurality of works W deposited on the loading surface of the second loading ledge 51 except for the discarded work V. The retaining portion of the first loading ledge 41 is, for example, a portion provided on the loading surface for fastening the waste work V to the loading surface or a portion for sucking the waste work V for fastening the waste work V to the loading surface. Is. The take-up portion of the second loading ledge 51 is, for example, a portion that reduces the friction coefficient provided on the loading surface in order to take over the accumulated work W except for the discarded work V.

More specifically, as the retaining portion, for example, a plurality of irregularities or vacuum suction pads by cutting or shot peening are provided on the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41. A rubber plate with a groove or the like may be used to increase the frictional force due to its deformation. A combination of the above structures may be used.

Further, as the take-up portion, for example, a rotating body such as a free roller or a free belt conveyor having a slippery processing applied to the loading surface of the second loading ledge 51 or having no drive mechanism is used. Those that reduce frictional resistance by blowing air upward may be used.

As shown in FIG. 26B, the second loading ledge 51 receives the remaining work W of this batch from the first loading ledge 41 except for the discarded work V, raises it at a predetermined timing, and carries it into the counting / dividing device 6. do. On the other hand, the first loading ledge 41 keeps the discarded work V on the loading surface, exits from the ascending space E, and descends to the pick-up height of the discarded work picking section 92.

As shown in FIG. 26C, when the loading surface of the first loading ledge 41 descends to the pick-up height of the discarded work picking section 92, the discarded work picking section 92 moves horizontally to the position of the first loading ledge 41 and the discarded work V Is taken back and returned to its original position, and the waste work V is dropped into the collection container. The first loading ledge 41 descends to the height of the first delivery area after the waste work V is taken over.

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 a form in which each of the above embodiments and modifications thereof is combined, and various modifications thereof. Various additions, changes and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual idea and purpose of the present invention derived from the contents specified in the claims and their equivalents.

Further, 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 of the counting device.

1 ... Counting device, 2 ... Carrying 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 and dividing device, 61 ... Modeling unit, 611 ... Modeling body, 62 ... Angle regulating unit, 621 ... Angle regulating body, 63 ... Extruding unit, 631 ... Extruding body, 67 ... Pressing unit, 671 ... Pressing body, 672 ... Suspended lower part, 7 ... Carrying device, 8 ... Control panel, 91 ... Waste work release part, 92 ... Waste work pick-up part.

Claims (5)

It is a counting device that counts a plurality of flat plate-shaped workpieces.
A carry-in device that carries in a plurality of the above-mentioned workpieces deposited in a rectangular parallelepiped shape for each batch, and a carry-in device.
An elevating device that raises the work carried in by the carry-in device for counting, and an elevating device.
A counting / dividing device that counts the works raised by the elevating device and divides and sends out a predetermined number of the counted works as a group of works.
It is provided with a carry-out device for carrying out the work group sent out from the counting division device.
The counting division device is
A molding portion having a shaped body having a shaped body that horizontally shifts the work raised by the elevating device in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, which is the stacking direction, to create a stepped step between the adjacent works.
An angle regulating unit having an angle regulating body facing the modeled body and adjusting the deviation width, which is the distance at which the work is displaced,
A presser foot that is a presser foot suspended from above and has a presser foot that applies a load to the upper surface of the uppermost work of the work that rises,
It is provided with an extruder having a detection device for detecting the step and counting the workpiece, and having an extruder having an extruder capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement.
The counting device has an ascending space for loading and ascending the work.
A counting device characterized in that the work horizontally carried in by the carrying-in device is vertically ascended in the ascending space, counted and divided, and then horizontally carried out by the carrying-in device. The counting device according to claim 1.
The presser portion is a counting device characterized in that a hanging lower portion for suspending the presser body can be expanded and contracted. The counting device according to claim 1 or 2.
The presser body is a counting device having a rotation axis extending in parallel in the depth direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-back direction. The counting device according to claim 1 or 2.
The presser body is a counting device characterized by being a leaf spring arranged so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the uppermost work. It is a counting method in which a plurality of flat plate-shaped workpieces deposited in a rectangular parallelepiped shape are carried in and counted for each batch.
An ascending step of raising a plurality of the above-mentioned workpieces for counting, and
The work includes a divided transmission step of counting the rising works and dividing and transmitting a predetermined number of the counted works as a group of works.
In the divided delivery step,
Due to the shaped body arranged on the upstream side in the delivery direction of the work, the rising work is horizontally shifted in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, which is the deposition direction, and a step-like step is generated between the adjacent works. Process and
A process of adjusting the deviation width, which is the distance at which the work is displaced, by an angle restricting body arranged on the downstream side in the delivery direction of the work, and
The step includes a step of detecting and counting the step by an extruder having a detection device for counting the work and capable of horizontal movement and vertical movement.
In the step of creating a stepped step, a counting method is characterized in that a load is applied to the upper surface of the uppermost work of the work that is raised by a presser body suspended from above.

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