JPH07115741B2 - Multi-directional sorting device - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a multidirectional sorting device that sorts a large number of products into a large number of shops that sell foods and the like by a predetermined number.

(Prior Art) In order to sort a large number of food items such as food products into a plurality of shops by a predetermined number, a multidirectional sorting apparatus as shown in a schematic external view of FIG. 7 has been conventionally used.

In the figure, 1 is a unit sorting device, which is configured so that a plurality of units can be continuously connected in series, and has a pricing device 2 in a package yard of a center for delivering to each supermarket or store. Main line 3
On the other hand, the units of the sorting apparatus 1 are continuously connected, and a return line (not shown) of unsorted products is connected to the final end to form one plant. Is sorted into each of a plurality of stores, and each unit is configured to sort into two stores on the left and right.
In the figure, one store A and another store B can be sorted left and right.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the sorting apparatus 1, each conveyor is arranged above the T-shaped frame 5 in plan view, and the driving roller 6, the driven roller 7, and the , The take-in conveyor 9 stretched over the idle rollers 8, 8 is provided so as to be vertically main-conveyed, and is connected to the main line 3.

Thus, although the take-in conveyor 9 is a flat belt in the illustrated mode, it is needless to say that it is within the scope of design change that it is a roller conveyor.

A plurality of vertical main transfer conveyors 10, 10, which are roller conveyors, are provided in front of the take-in conveyor 9 and are axially supported by a plurality of frames 5. The take-up conveyor 9 is, as will be described later. At the same time, the packaged product 11 that is constantly rotated in the circumferential direction and conveyed can be mainly conveyed in the vertical direction.

Further, at both side ends of the vertical main conveyors 10, 10 ..., a plurality of stores (in the example shown in the figure) are plane-symmetrically inclined with respect to the vertical main conveyor in the left and right directions at a gentle angle. Are provided so that guide roller conveyors 12, 12, ... For sorting into stores A and B) are also supported by the frame 5 so as to rotate at all times.

Therefore, the take-in conveyer 9, the vertical main conveyer 10 and the guide roller conveyer 12 of the above-mentioned conveyer are all synchronized with each other and are always rotated and rotated.

A scanner (not shown) for reading the bar code of the price label attached to the package product 11 and a tray sensor 13 using a photoelectric sensor are provided on both sides of the front end of the take-in conveyor 9. An operation panel 14 equipped with a ten-key pad, a digital counter, etc. is provided near the one end of the guide roller conveyor 12 and is electrically connected to a computer (not shown). The number of packaged products 11 to be stored is checked, the type of the packaged product is detected by the bar code, and the data is fed back to the computer for sorting.

It should be noted that the tray sensor 13 composed of the photoelectric sensor is not provided with a scanner, only the arrival confirmation of the packaged product 11 is performed, and the confirmation signal is fed back to the computer, and the A side, or according to the program previously input to the computer. It is also possible to switch and sort the B side and B side stores, which is a matter related to software.

Between each of the plurality of vertical main transport conveyors 10, 10 ... In parallel with each vertical main transport conveyor 10, that is, in the endless belt type so as to intersect in the vertical main transport direction. Toothed belt distribution belt conveyors 16 and 16 are provided, and the guide roller conveyors 12 and 1 are provided at both ends thereof.
2 are connected to each other, and as described later, they are freely reciprocally rotated left and right and can be switched.

Each of the sorting belt conveyors 16 is configured to rotate in synchronization with each other.
Intermittent reciprocating rotation is possible with respect to the constant rotation of the vertical main conveyor 10 and the guide roller conveyor 12.

Therefore, each drive mechanism section will be described in detail. Each of the vertical main conveyors 10 has a ring-shaped notch 17 having a semicircular cross section at one end thereof.
On the other hand, the circular belt 19 is looped around the main belt in the longitudinal direction, that is, the phase is crossed by 90 degrees with the driving roll 18 which is pivotally supported in parallel with the take-in conveyor 9 so as to be rotatable. It is stretched.

Thus, a belt 23 is stretched between the pulley 20 provided on one end of the drive roller 18 and the pulley 22 of the motor 21 with a speed reducer provided on the frame 5 to rotate the motor 21. The force is applied to the longitudinal main transport conveyors 10 through the drive rolls 18, the round belts 19, and the notches 17 in a fixed feeding direction. The package products 11 are continuously rotated in synchronization with the rotation direction of the package, and the packaged products 11 are baton-touched and continuously fed forward.

Further, a gear 24 is integrally fixed to the front end of the drive roll 18, and a sprocket 26 coaxially provided to the speed change and tuning gear mechanism 25 and the vertical main transport from both sides of each vertical main transport conveyor 10 are provided. Chains 28, 28 are stretched and engaged with the sprocket 27 provided on the most proximal end side of the guide roller conveyors 12, 12 ... , 12 are rotated at the same speed, and thus the guide roller conveyors for sorting on each side.
12, 12 ... All the guide roller conveyors 12 are made to rotate in synchronism with each other through a chain that stretches and engages with each sprocket 27 at one end, and the above-mentioned mechanism allows the take-in conveyor 9 and the longitudinal main conveyance to be carried out. The conveyor 10 and the guide roller conveyor are configured to be constantly rotated by the motor 21 in synchronization with each other.

The other drive motor 30 provided for the frame 5 is provided with a speed reducer 31 and a known electromagnetic brake 32.
And a drive sprocket 34 engaged with both ends of each distribution belt conveyor 16 as shown in FIG. 8 and a drive sprocket rotating shaft 36 of one of the driven sprockets 35. Pulley provided at one end
A belt 38 is stretched between 37 and 37. When the distributing belt conveyor 16 makes a half rotation in the circumferential direction, the drive motor 30 is set to rotate once, and the power by the reciprocating rotation of the drive motor 30 is distributed. The belt conveyors 16, 16 ... Are transmitted so as to be reciprocally rotatable.

In this case, a half rotation of the distribution belt conveyor 16 causes the sorting rib 39 projecting to the outer flat surface of the distribution conveyor 16 from the drive sprocket 34 or the outer position of the driven sprocket 35 to the other side as shown in FIG. It is adapted to perform a reciprocal movement between outer positions of the.

Therefore, in order to perform the reciprocating rotation operation of the distributing belt conveyor 16 by a half circumference, a control signal is transmitted by the rotary sensor 43 provided on the pulley 33 of the drive motor 30, and the rotary sensor 43 is operated by the rotary sensor 43. The disk-shaped slit cam 45, which is provided integrally with the pulley 33 of the drive motor 30 and has a slit 44 provided in a part of its circumference, and the frame 5, are provided on the disk-shaped slit cam 45. This is performed by a photoelectric sensor 46 arranged in a V shape, and when the slit 44 of the disk-shaped slit cam 45 passes through the photoelectric sensor (slit sensor) 46 and light passes therethrough, the detection signal is transmitted to the computer. The electromagnetic brake 32 of the drive motor 30 is actuated to immediately stop the drive motor 30 and thereby the distribution belt conveyor 16 is stopped for a half turn. For example, outside the driven sprocket 35. Et drive sprocket 34
The sorting rib 39 moves to the outside of the package product 11
When the drive motor 30 is moved back by the computer, the drive sprocket 34 is moved from the outside to the driven sprocket 35 side, or similarly, the driven sprocket 35.
The control ribs 39 on the other side are controlled so as to be able to move a half turn toward the drive sprocket 34 side.

Since the sorting apparatus as described above has different installation scales, the number of sorting apparatuses, etc. depending on the delivery destination, a plurality of unit sorting apparatuses were used in combination according to the delivery destination's request, but the manufacturing cost increased, Since the control system that controls the entire system changes its use each time and there is a problem that hardware and software become complicated, a module with multiple pockets arranged on both sides of the main conveyor is constructed. A multi-directional sorting apparatus has been developed in which a computer is provided and controlled by a common control apparatus so that a required number of modules can be easily combined to meet different usage requirements.

FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view of such a multi-directional sorting apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view thereof, showing the sorting apparatus described in FIG. A plurality of sorting ports (pockets), in this example, three on each side, three in total, are provided to form one module, and a predetermined number of these modules are connected in the vertical direction. Each module can be connected and removed, and the number of modules is selected according to the customer's request. The required number of articles conveyed by the take-in conveyor 9 are taken out to each pocket according to a command signal from the central control unit. In the example of the figure, the commodities sorted on the guide roller conveyor 12 in each pocket are taken out by the roller chute 52 having the stopper 51, and are collected for each delivery destination. Further, a control box 50 for controlling on / off of power of each conveyor drive motor is provided.
Other than that, the main transport conveyor, the distribution belt conveyor, and the like have the same configuration as the example described in FIG. 7.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the multidirectional sorting device described in FIG. In the figure, a is a terminal of a host computer which is connected to a public line i and forms sorting instruction information as described later, and b is a batch computer which receives information from the host computer, and after receiving the request from a subordinate machine. The waiting repeater, d, is a control console (operator console) that is connected to the repeater b by the parallel bus c and provides a real-time transmission service. Although not shown in the figure, it has a key and a display. is doing. Signals from a handy type scanner 13 'for reading a bar code attached to a tray of a product conveyed by the take-in conveyor 9 and a take-in sensor 13 "are input to the control console d to control the take-in conveyor 9. Information is transmitted from the control console d to a computer f provided for each module and connected by a parallel bus e. The computer f provided for each module has a pair of left and right pockets (sorting). Signal from the photoelectric sensor 46 mounted on the pulley of the motor that drives the distribution belt conveyor 16, the tray sensor 13 provided for each port), and the normal rotation and reverse rotation command signals of the distribution belt conveyor 16 in the vertical direction. A drive signal for the main conveyor 10 is transmitted and information is sent to a pocket display h provided in each pocket via a display parallel bus g. Joule is performing three pairs of pockets on the left and right, i.e. control over the pocket number six modules.

In this way, the unit module is the distribution belt conveyor.
16, vertical main conveyor 10, guide roller conveyor 1
2, equipped with hardware such as a tray sensor 13, a pocket display h, a computer f, etc., and is connected to a host computer a, a repeater b, a control console d by a bus line, a sorting belt conveyor 16, a main conveyance The software of the computer f that controls the conveyor 10 and the pocket display h is made common, and the number of modules can be increased or decreased according to the installation scale of the delivery destination.
For this reason, it is not necessary to separately manufacture a sorting device having different specifications for each delivery destination, and a standardized module can be used, so that the number of parts can be reduced, and a sorting device with low manufacturing cost can be obtained.

Next, an outline of the operation of this system will be described. For example, the number of modules is X, the number of pockets is A, B ... N,
A corresponding number of products preset in each pocket shall be sorted. The host computer a transmits the sorting instruction information for each pocket to the repeater b. The operator operates the control console d to receive the sorting information of the sorted products from the repeater b, sequentially transmits the sorting information to the computer of each module, drives the line by a predetermined command, and loads the products from the take-in conveyor 9 into modules. Transport to. The computer f provided in each module operates according to a command from the control console d, displays the number of products to be sorted into each pocket on the pocket display h, drives the sorting belt conveyor 16, and drives the products in each pocket. Sort. At this time, the tray sensor 13 checks the number of sorted products. The operating state of each module can be notified at any time by polling the calling operation from the control console d.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Such a multidirectional sorting device has the following problems.

(1) The number of products carried into each pocket is detected by a tray sensor using a photoelectric sensor, but since a roller conveyor is used as the vertical main conveyor,
During the transportation process of the products, there may be a difference in good contact or defective contact between the products depending on the shape of the products and the state of the surface (bottom surface), the information of the photoelectric sensor becomes inaccurate, and the sorting processing work is confused.

(2) When the products to be sorted are too large, the products cannot be distributed to each pocket on the distribution belt conveyor. If the product is too small, the product cannot be carried on the main carrying roller conveyor. Furthermore, when the number of products to be sorted is extremely large, it takes a long time to sort, and work efficiency deteriorates.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional sorting device that solves the problems of the prior art.

(Means for Resolving Problems) The present invention is directed to a take-in conveyor that conveys a product, a vertical main conveyor that conveys a product in the same direction as the take-in conveyor, and a left-right direction that is orthogonal to the main conveyor. A unit sorting device including a distribution belt conveyor for transferring products and a pocket for carrying out the products transferred by the distribution belt conveyor by means of guide roller conveyors provided on both sides of the main transfer conveyor with a predetermined angle of inclination. Multiple modules combined, a computer provided for each module to transmit a control signal to a motor for driving the main conveyor, a plurality of the modules are cascade-connected to form a sorting line, and each computer is commonly controlled And a control device for controlling manual sorting processing provided in the control device. A multidirectional sorting device, characterized in that an end key provided along with a number indicator provided for each pocket, and means for setting an end of sorting for the pocket when the end key is operated are arranged. By solving the above problems, the problems of the above-mentioned conventional techniques are solved.

(Operation) The present invention displays the manual sorting key for setting the manual sorting process, the end key attached to the sorting number indicator provided in each pocket, and the remaining number of sorting processes for each pocket on the console. The display means is configured to be turned off by operating the end key. Therefore, the required number of products can be sorted into each pocket by hand according to the shape, type, quantity, etc. of the products. Further, even when the number of products is not all, halfway termination processing can be performed and sorting can be resumed smoothly.
Further, even if the photoelectric sensor malfunctions, the end of sorting for each pocket can be reliably notified.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present invention,
It is characterized in that an "end key" is provided in the vicinity of the number display provided in each pocket, and a "hand sorting key" is provided on the operation console. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the number indicators provided in each pocket. As shown in FIG. 4, this number display is provided with a one-digit group display column and a three-digit number display column. In the group display column, the categories of products to be sorted are displayed, and in the number display column, (1) "remaining number display" in which the value is sequentially subtracted from the instructed number according to the product distribution.

(2) The indicated number of products to be distributed to the pocket is displayed, and the number of products carried into the pocket is compared with the displayed number to check how many products are insufficient. ".

The number is displayed by one of the methods. In this embodiment,
In addition to this, a "processing in progress" display portion and an "end key" are provided. In this "processing in progress" display section, when the number display is performed by the above-mentioned "inspection display" method, it is not possible to read whether or not the product sorting into the pocket is completed. This is used to notify the computer f of the end of sorting for the pocket by turning off the light by the operation of "."

That is, even if the operator does not actually count the number of products accurately by the photoelectric sensor, the operator can press the "end key" at the stage when the designated number of products have been carried out to the pocket.
Is operated to turn off the display of "processing in progress" and confirm the end of sorting. This "end key" can also be used when performing manual sorting work. Manual sorting work is the work of manually inserting the product into each pocket when the product cannot be carried into the sorting line due to the shape of the product or the condition of the surface (bottom surface) or the number of products is large. When there are a large number of products, the products collected near the take-in conveyor by, for example, a handcart are transported to the relevant pocket position for sorting. Even if not all products are delivered during such manual sorting work, if you press the "end key" for the sorted pockets, the sorted pockets can be recognized, and the shortage of products can be identified. This makes it easier to work when transporting again to the sorting line.

As for the operation of the "end key" as described above, it is complicated to operate all the pockets, so when actually operating, sort the last pocket on the rear side of the take-in conveyor. When is finished, operate only the "end key" corresponding to that pocket. this is,
When goods are conveyed by the sorting line, the system is configured so that the goods are sequentially sorted from the front pocket with respect to the take-in conveyor, so that the processing can be performed smoothly when the goods are resumed. To do so.

It should be noted that instead of providing the "processing in progress" display unit, it is also possible to employ a method of blinking the number display unit.

5 (a) to (d) and FIGS. 6 (a) to (d),
It is a flow chart which shows a processing procedure of the present invention. next,
This flowchart will be described.

A. Automatic sorting and module processing (a) When the computer provided in each module receives the sorting data from the host controller, it stores the sorting number data (step P ₁ ).

(B) When a photoelectric sensor for detecting a product detects a product in each pocket (step P ₁₁ ), it checks whether or not there is a remaining number for the number of sorting instructions (step P ₁₂ ). Drive the conveyor (step
P ₁₃ ).

In the monitoring process to detect whether (c) end key is operated, make sure that the end key has been turned on (step P _21), the remaining number display of the corresponding pocket to zero (step P ₂₂₎ .

(D) In the processing of "processing" indicator monitor applicable to confirm there remaining number of sorting items of the pocket (step P _31), and on the process in the display unit (step P _32), all the modules pockets, for example to confirm the end of processing for six (step P _34), until the processing for all the pockets are finished, repeat the loop process of steps P ₃₁ to P _34. In the case of no remaining number in the processing in step P ₃₁ turns off the "processing" indicator (step
P ₃₃ ).

B. Manual sorting process (a) The console process is performed as follows. That is, the number of pieces is transmitted to all modules (step S ₁ ), the end keys of the pockets on the right side (step S ₂ ) and the left side are confirmed to be turned on, and the pocket position where the end key is detected is detected. performs the process of hand sorting terminated (step S _4).

(B) In the process on the module side, when the manual sorting data is received, the number of sorted products is displayed in a predetermined number controlled by the module, for example, 6 pockets (step S ₁₁ ).

(C) In the end key monitor process, the end key on of each pocket, for example, 1 to 6 is checked (step
S _21), and stores the pocket number of the termination key-on (step S _22).

(D) In the routine process of the information calling operation, it is confirmed that there is a request for information calling from the console (step
S _31), and transmits the necessary information status, including key information (step S _32). As a result, the console confirms the end key-on of the corresponding pocket on the right side and the left side by the processing of steps S ₂ and S ₃ described above.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The sorting number indicating display provided in each pocket is provided with an end key and a means for displaying the sorting end so that the sorting end for the pocket can be displayed separately from the count of the photoelectric sensor. Even if the completion of the sorting process for each pocket cannot be confirmed due to an operation error of the photoelectric sensor, the subsequent sorting process can be smoothly performed.

(2) A sorting key is provided on the operation console so that sorting processing can be performed for each pocket even in the sorting mode, so even if the sorting line cannot be transported due to the shape, type, quantity, etc. of the product, it will be easy. Sorting can be performed. Further, by using the manual sorting key and the end key, even if the number of products to be sorted is insufficient, the halfway end processing can be performed and the sorting restart processing can be easily performed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view of a multi-directional sorting apparatus to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 1 (b) is a side view thereof, FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are explanations of the present invention. Fig. 5 (a)-
(D) and FIGS. 6 (a) to (d) are flowcharts,
7 and 8 are external views of a conventional example. 9 ... Take-in conveyor, 10 ... Vertical main conveyor, 12
…… Guide roller conveyor, 16 …… Distribution belt conveyor, a …… Host computer terminal, b …… Repeater, c
...... Parallel bus, d ... Control console (operation console), e ... Parallel bus, f ... Computer, g ... Parallel bus for display, h ... Pocket display, i ... Public line.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Hirokazu Sato Inventor Hirokazu Sato, 959-1, Shimoda, Ritto-cho, Kurita-gun, Shiga Stock Company Shiga Factory, Ishida Hoki Co., Ltd. Shiga Factory, Ishida Hoki Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-60-112520 (JP, A) Seki 57-151329 (JP, U) JP-B 56-34533 (JP, B2)

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A take-in conveyor that conveys a product, a vertical main conveyor that conveys a product in the same direction as the take-in conveyor, and a distribution belt conveyor that conveys a product in left and right directions orthogonal to the main conveyor. Modules that combine a plurality of unit sorting devices, each of which is composed of a guide roller conveyor that is inclined on both sides of the main transport conveyor at a predetermined angle, and a pocket that carries out the products transferred by the sorting belt conveyor. Is provided in
A computer for transmitting a control signal to a motor for driving the main conveyor, a control device for forming a sorting line by connecting a plurality of sets of the modules in cascade, and controlling each computer in common. A means for setting the provided manual sorting process, an end key provided with a number indicator provided for each pocket, and a means for setting the end of sorting for the pocket when the end key is operated are arranged. A multi-directional sorting device characterized in that