JPH1130608A - Sensor for classifying main component of dry battery, method and device for classifying dry battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To classify a dry battery by the main component thereof. SOLUTION: A static magnetic field generation coil 1 is excited by feeding current from a direct current power-supply unit 3, and an exterior of a dry battery 5 is magnetically saturated with a static magnetic field generated by the coil 1. Under this condition, an eddy current is generated in the exterior and inside of the dry battery 5 by an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 and the change of the eddy current is detected. An output from the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 is measured by a signal converter 4, and the dry battery 5 is classified by the main component according to the difference of the output.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery capable of classifying each main component of a dry battery, a method and a device for classifying a dry battery using the classification sensor. It is useful when applied to an apparatus. In the present invention, a dry battery regardless of a primary battery or a secondary battery is referred to as a dry battery.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 6 shows, as a conventional example of a method of classifying used dry batteries, a method of classifying dry batteries 5 having a columnar shape and different sizes by size. In FIG. 6, the dry battery 5 is given a certain direction and posture in the classification device, and passes through the classification sensor unit as indicated by an arrow 7. As a classification sensor, a proximity sensor 25 using principles such as ultrasonic waves, light, and electromagnetic induction is used. The proximity sensor 25 measures the diameter of the dry cell 5. Based on the measurement result, the dry batteries 5 are classified according to the type of size (for example, single type, single type, single type, etc.).

In this conventional method, when a proximity sensor using ultrasonic waves or light is used as the proximity sensor 25,
The difference in the diameter of the dry batteries 5 can be detected, and thus the classification of the dry batteries 5 based on the difference in the diameters becomes possible.

When a proximity sensor to which electromagnetic induction is applied is used as the proximity sensor 25, since a metal cylinder is used for the exterior of the dry battery 5, by detecting the external metal, the diameter of the dry battery 5 is reduced. The difference can be detected, which allows the classification of the dry batteries 5 according to the difference in diameter.

[0005] However, the proximity sensor 25 described above can only detect differences in the size and shape of the dry batteries 5, so that it is difficult to classify the main components of the dry batteries 5 that are important for resource recovery.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery and a method of classifying a dry battery, which can classify the main components of the dry battery.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery according to the present invention is a coil for generating a static magnetic field for magnetically saturating an exterior of a dry battery. A DC power supply for supplying current to the generating coil, an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor having a function of generating eddy currents of a plurality of different frequencies inside and outside of the dry cell and detecting a change in these eddy currents, And a signal converter for measuring the output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for classifying dry batteries, wherein the dry batteries are classified into a predetermined shape or size in advance, and then the dry batteries classified into the predetermined shape and size are converted into the main components of the dry battery. Dry batteries are classified for each main component based on a difference in output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor using a classification sensor for electromagnetic waves.

A dry battery classification apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention uses a dry battery main component classification sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention to convert a dry battery from which foreign matters are removed and which are supplied in a predetermined direction. A first classifier for classifying the batteries of the specific group classified by size into main components, and a first classifier installed downstream of the first classifier, And at least one or more second classifiers that classify dry cells of other sizes not classified by the classification device for each main component using the dry cell main component classification sensor. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dry cell sorting apparatus, comprising: a size sorting machine for sorting, by size, dry batteries which are supplied in a fixed direction and are free of foreign matter; And a plurality of principal component classifiers, which are installed on the downstream side and classify the dry batteries of each size classified by size into respective main components. Further, the dry battery classification device according to the invention of claim 5 is characterized in that the difference between the size and the main component of the dry battery from which foreign matter has been removed is detected, and the dry battery is classified for each main component.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dry battery classification apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the size classification device and the main component classification device are each configured to determine the weight of the dry battery, the difference in electromagnetic properties, and the color of the exterior. The method is characterized in that a difference is detected.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 shows another configuration example of a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the dry cell classification device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows another configuration example of the dry cell classification device according to the present embodiment.

[Configuration example of classification sensor for main component of dry battery] The classification sensor 10 for main component of dry battery shown in FIG. 1 has a basic configuration, and includes a static magnetic field generating coil 1, an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2, a direct current It comprises a power supply device 3 and a signal converter 4. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a dry battery, and reference numeral 6 denotes a cylindrical guide made of a nonmagnetic material.

In this example, the static magnetic field generating coil 1 is cylindrical. The cylindrical static magnetic field generating coil 1 is supplied with a current from the DC power supply 3 and is excited to generate a strong static magnetic field enough to magnetically saturate the outer metal of the dry battery 5.

Further, in this example, the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 is of a penetration coil type, and is inserted in the static magnetic field generating coil 1. The electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 includes an eddy current generating coil 21 and a detection coil 22.
The guide 6 is installed so as to penetrate through each of the coils 1, 21 and 22, and the dry battery 5 is guided by the guide 6 and passes through each coil as shown by an arrow 7.

The eddy current generating coil 21 and the detection coil 22 of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 are connected to the signal converter 4, and the eddy current generating coil 21 is provided on the exterior metal and inside of the dry battery 5 passing through the coil. The detection coil 22 has a function of detecting and outputting a change in the eddy current generated in the dry battery 5 passing through the coil. Therefore, the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 is an eddy current type proximity sensor.

The signal converter 4 measures the output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2.

[Another Configuration Example of Classification Sensor for Dry Battery Main Component] The static magnetic field generating coil 1 is not limited to a cylindrical one, but may have any shape. The electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 is not limited to the penetrating coil type, but may have any shape.
May be arranged around the dry battery 5. FIG. 2 shows another configuration example of the static magnetic field generating coil and the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor.

In the classification sensor 10 for a main component of a dry battery illustrated in FIG. 2, a coil 1 for generating a static magnetic field is attached to a substantially C-shaped magnetic pole 8.
Is provided. The static magnetic field generating coil 1 is supplied with a current from a DC power supply (not shown) to be excited,
A strong static magnetic field sufficient to magnetically saturate the outer metal of the dry battery 5 is applied to the gap portion 8 having a substantially circular cross section through the magnetic pole 8.
Occurs at 1. The dry battery 5 is passed through the gap 81 as shown by the arrow 7.

FIG. 2 shows an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 9.
Are located one above each other near the gap 81 of the magnetic pole 8 and are local type eddy current type proximity sensors. Each electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 9 has a function of generating an eddy current in the exterior metal of the dry battery 5 and the inside thereof, and a function of detecting and outputting a change in the eddy current generated in the dry battery 5, and a signal converter (not shown). It is connected to the. The structure of each of the local electromagnetic induction type proximity sensors 9 may or may not be the one shown in FIG. 1. The point is that the function of generating an eddy current inside and outside the metal of the dry battery 5 and the function of the dry battery 5 are described. What is necessary is just to have a function of detecting and outputting a change in the eddy current generated in the device.

[Example of Output for Each Classification of Classification Sensor for Dry Battery Main Component] Next, referring to FIG.
Or, an example of a signal output from 9 will be described.

FIG. 3A shows a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery in which a plurality of dry batteries of the same type A having different shapes and sizes but different main components a, b, and c are subjected to a static magnetic field. 1
An example of a signal when passing through 0 is shown. In this case, different signals P ₁ ,
P ₂ and P ₃ are output. The signals P ₁ , P ₂ , P ₃ are
It has a different magnitude relationship depending on the frequency. Therefore, it is possible to classify the type of dry battery for each main component according to the difference in signal.

FIG. 3B shows that the size and the type of shape are A,
A plurality of dry batteries which are different from B and C and whose main components are different from each other are a, b and c.
An example of a signal when passing through 0 is shown. In this case, different signals P ₄ , P ₅ , and P ₆ are output depending on the size and shape A, B, and C of the dry battery. Further, each of these signals P
₄ , P ₅ , and P ₆ also differ as indicated by oblique lines due to the difference between the main components a, b, and c of the dry battery. In other words, in this case, the output is different depending on the difference between the shape and size of the dry battery and the difference between the main components, and the relationship is different depending on the frequency. Therefore, it is possible to classify the types of dry batteries for each main component and for each shape and size according to the difference in the output signal.

FIG. 3 (c) shows the output of the dry cell main component classification sensor 10 when no static magnetic field is applied. In this case, as long as the batteries have the same shape and size, the same signal is output regardless of the difference between the main components. Therefore, by stopping the static magnetic field of the classification sensor 10 for the main component of the dry battery, it is possible to classify the type of the dry battery according to the shape and size from the difference in the output signal.

The principle of operation will now be described. In general,
The outer metal of the dry battery can be magnetically saturated by an external static magnetic field. When an eddy current is generated in a dry cell by an eddy current type proximity sensor, the eddy current flows only to the outer metal without a static magnetic field because the outer metal is a magnetic material. I do. Further, since the magnetism and the conductivity are different due to the difference of the main components of the dry battery inside the dry battery, the magnitude of the eddy current flowing inside the dry battery varies depending on the dry battery. Therefore, by measuring the output of the eddy current type proximity sensor, classification information that enables classification based on the difference between the main components of the dry batteries is obtained.

Further, referring to the classification sensor 10 for a main component of a dry battery shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, a static magnetic field generating coil 1 for generating a strong static magnetic field, and an electromagnetic coil placed under the strong static magnetic field Since the induction type (eddy current type) proximity sensor 2 or 9 is used, when the dry battery 5 enters the detection range of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9, the outer metal of the dry battery 5 is magnetically saturated with a strong static magnetic field. As a result, the relative permeability decreases, and the exterior metal can be regarded as a non-magnetic material. Accordingly, the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9 generates an eddy current not only in the outer metal of the dry battery 5 but also in the electrode and the electrolyte portion inside the dry battery. As a result, the detection output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9 becomes a signal including not only the difference in the shape and size of the dry batteries 5 but also the difference in the main components, and classification of the dry batteries 5 for each main component is possible.

On the other hand, the same electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9
However, when the static magnetic field is not applied, the outer metal of the dry battery 5 is not magnetically saturated, so that the eddy current flows intensively only in the outer metal, and the eddy current flowing in the electrode and the electrolyte portion is extremely small. For this reason, the detection output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9 hardly depends on the main component of the dry battery 5, but becomes a signal based on the shape and size. This can be said to have the same detection characteristics as those of the conventional proximity sensor 25 (proximity sensor applying principles such as ultrasonic waves, light, and electromagnetic induction) shown in FIG.

Therefore, by using the dry cell classification sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9 is measured when the exterior of the dry cell is magnetically saturated, and the main component of the dry cell is measured. And a method for detecting the shape and size of the exterior by measuring the output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9 which is detected when the exterior of the dry battery is not magnetically saturated. . Hereinafter, FIG.
Alternatively, an example of a dry cell classification device and a dry cell classification method using the dry cell classification sensor 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Dry Cell Classification Device and Dry Cell Classification Method: Part 1] First, an example of a dry cell classification device and a dry cell classification method constituted by using a plurality of dry cell main component classification sensors 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

The dry cell sorter illustrated in FIG. 4 has a dry cell 51 having a shape or size of A (for example, a single type).
And a dry battery 52 whose shape or size is B (for example, AA) and a dry battery 53 whose shape or size is C (for example, AA) for each of the main components a, b, and c They are to be classified. The main components of the batteries 51, 52, 53 are a,
b and c are optional.

Therefore, the dry cell classification apparatus shown in FIG. 4 includes a classification sensor 14 for classifying the shape or size, and the same number of classification sensors 11 for the main component of the dry battery as the number of classifications of the shape and size by the classification sensor 14. , 12, and 13 are provided.

As the classification sensor 14, the case where the static magnetic field generating coil 1 is excluded from the dry battery main component classifying sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
Induction type proximity sensor 2 or 9 when excitation of
For example, an electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor that does not give a static magnetic field, or a proximity sensor that applies the principle of ultrasonic waves or light, or any other classification sensor that can classify the shape or size can be used. When the batteries 51, 52, and 53 pass through such a classification sensor 14, classification information (A, B, C, and others) on the shape and / or size of the batteries is obtained.

Each of the dry cell main component classification sensors 11 to 13 has the same configuration as the dry battery main component classification sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 or 2 and operates under a static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field generating coil 1. , Each classification sensor 11-13 is a dry battery 51,
By passing through 52 and 53, classification information (a, b, c) relating to the main components of the dry battery is obtained.

In the dry cell sorting apparatus having the above-described structure, the batteries 51, 52, and 53 are passed through the classification sensor 14 in advance, so that the types A, B, and C of a certain shape and / or size are determined according to the classification information. Classify into.

The dry cells classified into a certain shape and / or size as described above are then passed through dry cell main component classification sensors 11 to 13 having a built-in static magnetic field generating coil 1 so as to obtain classification information. Accordingly, the main component a of the dry battery,
Classification based on the difference between b and c is performed. And the main component a,
Dry batteries of various shapes and / or sizes classified according to the difference between b and c are grouped for those having the same main component,
Resource recovery processing is performed.

For example, if the type of shape and / or size is A
The dry battery 51 of the dry battery main component classification sensor 11, the dry battery 52 of the shape and / or size type B is the dry battery main component classification sensor 12, and the dry battery 53 of the shape and / or size type C is Sorting of the batteries in terms of shape and size is performed by a sorting device (not shown) in accordance with the classification output of the classification sensor 14, such as being sent to the classification sensor 13 for the main component of the dry battery.

In addition, according to the classification output of the classification sensor 11 for the main component of the dry battery, the shape and / or
Or, a dry battery 51 whose size is A is mainly composed of a, b, and c.
The dry batteries 52 having a shape and / or size type B are sorted for each of the main components a, b, and c by a sorting device (not shown) according to the classification output of the dry battery main component classification sensor 12. In accordance with the classification output of the classification sensor 13 for the main component of the dry battery, the type of the dry battery 53 having the shape and / or size C is sorted for each of the main components a, b, and c by a sorting device (not shown). The same dry batteries are collected by a collecting device (not shown).

[Dry Cell Classification Apparatus and Dry Cell Classification Method: Part 2] Next, a dry cell classification apparatus and a dry cell classification method configured using one dry cell main component classification sensor 10 having a built-in static magnetic field generating coil 1 will be described. An example will be described with reference to FIG.

The dry cell sorter illustrated in FIG. 5 also has a dry battery 51 having a shape and / or size of A (for example, a single type) and a dry battery 51 having a shape and / or size of B (for example, a single type). ), And the dry battery 53 having the shape and / or size of C (for example, AA type), the difference between the main components a, b, and c is directly determined regardless of the shape and size of the dry battery. Classified. The main components of the dry batteries 51, 52, 53 are also arbitrary a, b, c.

In the apparatus for classifying dry batteries of FIG. 5, FIG.
A signal classification circuit 15 is provided in addition to the one dry cell main component classification sensor 10 and its signal conversion circuit 4 shown in FIG.

The classification sensor 10 for the main component of the dry battery operates under the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field generating coil 1. When the dry batteries 51, 52 and 53 pass through the classification sensor 10, the shape, size and Classification information on the principal components is obtained.

That is, the output of the dry cell main component classification sensor 10 changes depending on the shape, size, and main component of the dry cell, and this signal is input to the signal classification circuit 15.

The signal classification circuit 15 is set in advance so as to generate a plurality of reference signals different for each difference in shape, size, and main component of the dry battery. 10 are compared with these reference signals, the magnitude of the reference signal of a particular principal component and the sensor output,
Only when the shapes match, a classification output for the principal component is output. With such a classification output, the batteries 51, 5
The resources 2 and 53 are classified for each principal component, collected and subjected to a resource recovery process.

For example, according to the classification output of the signal classification circuit 15, a sorter (not shown) uses the dry batteries 51 to 53 for each of the main components a, b, and c irrespective of the types A, B, and C of the shape and size. And assemble dry batteries having the same main component. In this way, the dry battery from which foreign matter has been removed can be classified by the dry battery main component classification sensor according to the main component regardless of the shape and size of the dry battery.

The dry cell classification apparatus and the dry cell classification method shown in FIG. 5 have an advantage that the classification can be performed by one classification sensor 10 as compared with the case of FIG.

In the example of FIG. 4 as well, the output signal is given to the signal classification circuit 15 as shown in FIG.
Each of the dry batteries 51 whose shape and / or size is A, B, or C by a sorting device (not shown) according to the classification output of No. 5
Alternatively, the main components a, b, and c may be sorted for the main components a to b. In this case, the reference signal of the signal classification circuit may generate a different reference signal for each difference between the main components, regardless of the shape and size of the dry battery.

Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows the overall configuration of the dry cell classification device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a classifier constituting the above-mentioned dry cell classification device, and FIG. 9 shows the configuration of an electromagnetic induction sensor constituting the above-mentioned classification device. .

Dry battery 101 to which this embodiment is applied
Has main components such as a, b, and c as shown in FIG.
It has a shape such as A, B, C, D, etc., and is generally integrated with a foreign matter E such as a plastic piece or a glass piece.

These dry batteries 101 are sent to a sorter 102, where foreign matter E is removed.
Are arranged in a certain direction, and classified by the classifier 141 into the size (A, B) and the size (C, D). The size (A, B) of the dry batteries 101 is affected by the size. Without being received, they are classified as main components a, b, and c.

On the other hand, the size (C,
After the batteries classified into D) are arranged by the aligner 32, the batteries are classified as main components a, b, and c by the classifier 142. Dry batteries whose main components cannot be classified by any of the classifiers 141 and 142 are classified as w ₁ and w ₂ , respectively.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the classifiers 141 and 142. As shown in FIG.
Is composed of an electromagnetic induction sensor 1411, a signal processing device 1412, and a classification arm 1413. The electromagnetic induction sensor 1411 is connected to the dry batteries 10 aligned by the aligner 131.
When 1 passes, a different signal is output to the signal processor 1412 depending on the difference between the size of the dry battery 101 and the main component.

The signal processing device 1412 amplifies and processes the signal from the electromagnetic induction sensor 1411,
3 is driven. The classification arm 1413 includes the signal processing device 1
According to the instruction of 412, the dry batteries of sizes A and B are classified and discharged for each of the main components a, b and c. In addition, the dry batteries 101 having the sizes C and D are classified as a group and sent to the aligner 132.

As shown in FIG. 8, the classifier 142 includes an electromagnetic induction sensor 1421, a signal processing device 1422, and a classification arm 1423. Based on the same principle as that of the classifier 141, each of the main components a, b, and c is divided. Classify and discharge. Dry batteries 101 not classified by any of the classifiers 141 and 142 are classified as w ₁ and w ₂ , respectively.

FIG. 9 shows the electromagnetic induction sensors 1411, 142.
1 is a configuration example of a signal processing device 144. The electromagnetic induction sensors 1411 and 1421 have three types of frequencies (f _L , f _M ,
f _H ), a cylindrical eddy current generating coil 1431 for generating a magnetic field, a detection coil 1432 arranged coaxially inside the coil 431, and a cylindrical electrostatic field generating coil provided outside these coils 1433.

However, the coil diameter D shown in FIG. 9 of the electromagnetic induction sensor 1421 is set smaller than that of the electromagnetic induction sensor 1411. The signal processing device 144 amplifies the dry cell detection output output from the DC power supply 1441 that supplies a DC exciting current to the electrostatic field generating coil 1433 and the detection coil, and classifies the classification arm 141 according to the type of the dry cell.
3, 1423 for driving.

[0056]

[Table 1]

Table 1 shows an example of characteristics of various dry batteries to be classified according to the present embodiment. Table 1 shows the output of the electromagnetic induction sensor 1411 shown in FIG. The output of the electromagnetic induction sensor 1411 changes according to the frequency,
In the example of Table 1, 2 kHz, 20 kHz, 200 kHz
Are shown as L, M, and H, respectively.

According to Table 1, it can be seen that the dry batteries are divided into four types according to size, and each size is roughly divided into two types of weights. That is, the relationship shown in FIG. 10 is obtained between the size of the dry battery and the output of the electromagnetic induction sensor 1411. From this relationship, the dry batteries can be separated into three groups of A, B, C, and D.

As for C and D, the output amplitude is reduced and the separation accuracy is reduced. Therefore, the size and the main component are classified by the electromagnetic induction sensor 1421 having the performance corresponding to the sizes C and D. In the electromagnetic induction sensor 1411, a detection output H based on a high frequency, a detection output L based on a low frequency, and a detection output M based on an intermediate frequency between the high frequency and the low frequency are obtained at the same time. there were.

However, depending on the detection output H at a high frequency, it is difficult to separate the main components a, b, and c as shown in FIGS. That is, for the battery of size A, the main components a, b, and c are detected as signals having the same output amplitude, and for the battery of size B, b and c are detected as the same signal, and a is different. However, this difference is small and the separation performance is low. On the other hand, the detection characteristic L shown in FIG. 11 (2) is obtained with the detection output L based on the low frequency.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is difficult to classify Ba and Bb or Bc and Ab, for example, even if attention is paid to the relationship between the detection output H at a high frequency and the detection output L at a low frequency. FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the detection output M at a frequency intermediate between the high frequency and the low frequency and the detection output H at the high frequency.

According to the result, the dry batteries of the sizes A and B have the detection output M at the intermediate frequency between the high frequency and the low frequency.
By taking the AND of the detection output H at high frequency, the above-mentioned problem can be solved, and the respective components can be classified as the main components a, b, and c regardless of the size A or B. It becomes possible. Therefore, according to the above-described method, it is possible to classify the dry batteries having the sizes A and B for each component, and to classify the dry batteries having the sizes C and D by the electromagnetic induction sensor 1421 in the same manner. Become.

As described above, according to the dry cell sorting apparatus of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (B) Regardless of the size, the dry batteries can be classified for each main component. (B) Since the classification accuracy is improved by combining a plurality of sensors based on the same principle, the configuration of the classifier is simplified. (C) Since the sensor can be made non-contact, it is advantageous for improving the reliability of the device.

The dry cell classification apparatus of this embodiment detects the dry cell 101 by the electromagnetic induction sensors 1411 and 1421 in order to classify dry cells of various sizes into main components, and outputs the dry cell 101 to the main component a based on the output. , B, c
This is a device that separates the output of each dry cell, and can simultaneously obtain dry cell detection outputs by using three kinds of frequencies f _L , f _M , and f _H of high, middle, and low. As the electromagnetic induction sensors 1411 and 1421, a classifier can be configured by using a plurality of sensors having different sizes corresponding to the size of the dry battery 101. Further, the electromagnetic induction sensors 1411 and 1421 may have a built-in static magnetic field generating coil to have a function of reducing the influence of the exterior of the dry battery 101.

As described above, first, the size of the dry batteries 101 classified for each main component is specified by the detection output H of the first electromagnetic induction sensor 1411 at a high frequency. The main battery is classified based on the amplitudes of the detection outputs M and L at the medium frequency and the low frequency for each main component, and then the size of the dry battery whose size cannot be specified by the first electromagnetic induction sensor 1411 by the second electromagnetic induction sensor 1421 The size of 101 can be specified by the same procedure as that of the first electromagnetic induction sensor 1411, classification can be performed for each main component, and if necessary, a third or later electromagnetic induction sensor can be used.

[Embodiment 3] Based on FIGS. 14 to 17,
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 shows the overall configuration of the dry cell sorting apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIGS.
6 and FIG. 17 show the configuration of a classifier that constitutes the above-mentioned dry cell classification device.

Dry battery 201 to which this embodiment is applied
Has a main component such as a, b, c and the like, and has a shape such as A, B, C and D as shown in FIG. Have been.
These dry batteries 201 are sent to a sorter 202, which removes foreign matter E. Then, the dry batteries 201 are arranged in a certain direction by an aligner 203, and are sorted by size (A, B, and B) by a sorter 204.
C, D).

The batteries 201 classified as a specific size A by the classifier 204 are sent to the classifier 205, where the main components a, b, and c of the batteries 201 are classified. Dry batteries of component a are classified as a. Since the batteries 201 based on the main components b and c cannot be classified by the classifier 205, they are sent to the classifier 206 and are classified as the main components b and c.

Dry batteries 201 that cannot be classified by any of the classifiers 204, 205, 206 have w ₁ ,
It is classified as w ₂ and w _3. In FIG. 14, the classifiers 205 and 206 are arranged one by one at the rear of the classifier 204, and are arranged for each of the sizes A, B, C, and D of the dry batteries 201 classified by the classifier 204. A plurality is arranged. The sorting machine 204 is arranged immediately before each sorter as needed.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the configuration of the classifier 204. FIG. 15A shows a method of classifying the dry batteries 201 by a mechanical method. In this method, the batteries 201 are passed through a traveling path 242 having a plurality of gaps 241 of a size corresponding to the size (diameter) of the batteries 201 in advance, so that the batteries 201 are classified according to the size of the batteries 201. Things.

FIG. 15B shows that the proximity sensor 243 based on the principle of light, ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, etc.
It shows the method of classifying the. In this method, the dry battery 201 is continuously moved on the traveling path 242, the size is detected by the proximity sensor 243 fixed on the upper part of the traveling path 242, and the size is fixed by the classification arm 244 controlled by the detection signal. They are taken out and arranged by size.

FIG. 15C shows a method of classifying the size of the dry battery 201 by using the cylindrical electromagnetic induction type sensor 245. In this method, when the dry battery 201 that has moved on the traveling path 242 passes through the cylindrical electromagnetic induction sensor 245, a signal having a correlation with the diameter and the length (volume) of the dry battery 201 is output. It is taken out by fixed size by the controlled sorting arm 244.

FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of the classifier 205. As shown in FIG. 16, a certain size of the dry battery 201 is detected by the weight sensor 246 during the course of traveling on the traveling path 242, and the weight is detected by the classification arm 244 controlled by the output of the sensor 246. It is extracted for each type (main component).

FIG. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the classifier 206. FIG. 17A shows a method of classifying the dry batteries 201 using the cylindrical electromagnetic induction sensor 247. In this method, a cylindrical electromagnetic induction sensor 247 is provided in a part of the traveling path 242, and outputs a signal corresponding to the type (main component) of the dry battery 201 when the dry battery 201 of a certain size passes. By the classification arm 244 controlled by the magnitude of this signal, the signal is extracted for each certain type.

FIG. 17B shows a method of classifying the dry batteries 201 by the optical sensor 248. This method incorporates an optical sensor 248 in a part of the traveling path 242, detects a difference in color on the outer surface of the dry battery 201 when the dry battery 201 of a certain size passes, and sorts the arm 244 controlled by this signal. Is extracted for each principal component.

FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of the electromagnetic induction sensor 247. As shown in FIG. 18, the electromagnetic induction sensor 247 includes a cylindrical static magnetic field generating coil 2472 that is excited by a DC power supply 2471, a cylindrical eddy current generating coil 2473 built in the coil 2472, It comprises a detection coil 2474 and a signal converter 2475.

The signal converter 2475 supplies low-frequency and high-frequency currents to the eddy-ionization rare occurrence coil 2473, classifies the output guided to the detection coil 2474 into low-frequency and high-frequency components, and generates components corresponding to each frequency. Output the change of The dry battery passes through the coil 2474, and at this time, outputs signals M and H of components corresponding to low frequency and high frequency that differ depending on the size and main component of the dry battery.

[0078]

[Table 2]

Table 2 shows information for classification regarding dry batteries to be classified according to the present embodiment. According to Table 2, the information that can be used for classification includes the following. (B) Diameter and length: Classification of size (for example, single type 1 and single type 2) (b) Weight: It can be used for classification of size. May be used for component-based classification. (C) Internal material: can be used for classification based on main components. (D) Exterior color: Can be used for classification based on main components. Further, the cylindrical electromagnetic induction sensors 245 and 247 shown in FIGS. 15 (3) and 17 (1) can obtain the outputs shown in Table 3 depending on the application conditions.

[0080]

[Table 3]

As shown in Table 3, for example, the sensor output from a single type battery is obtained by exciting the battery with a static magnetic field and detecting at a high frequency, an output varying with the battery capacity is obtained, and detecting at a low frequency. Then, for batteries of the same size, differences are obtained depending on the main components of the batteries. In this case, the electromagnetic induction sensor is excited by a static magnetic field and detects at a low frequency, thereby reducing the influence of the case.The effect of the internal components of the battery is well detected. A detection signal based on the volume (diameter, length) is obtained.

FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG.
The type and condition of the signal for specifying the main component of the dry battery can be specified from the output of the classifier described in 3. Here, seven types of signals (D,
L, W, C, M, H, R), and the exterior color is one of the three conditions of (red or black), (gold or white), (excluding sky, black, gold, and white) It is assumed that the principal component can be specified when the conditions are satisfied.

For the six types of signals except for the exterior color, if it is assumed that the main component can be specified when measured in the range of ± 10% of the values in the table, for example, a single type and a single type
With regard to the type battery, it is possible to classify the difference between the three main components by the logic of W + R. For AA and AAA batteries, only C or M + R logic is used.
It becomes possible to classify the principal components of the kinds.

Therefore, even when the exterior of the dry battery is contaminated and the information of C cannot be obtained, the 12 types of dry batteries shown in Table 3 are regarded as the minimum information regardless of the size. , R, and M, the main components can be classified. Further, regarding the information of D, L, C, and H, by treating them as classification information, it can contribute to improvement of the reliability of the classification performance.

As described above, the dry cell classification apparatus of this embodiment can classify used dry batteries having different sizes and main components by main components by detecting the weight of the dry batteries. . Then, for used dry batteries having different sizes and main components, differences in the weight and electromagnetic properties of the dry batteries are detected, and the classification performance is improved by dividing the dry batteries into main components based on the relationship between the detected values.

Further, the color difference of the exterior of the dry battery is detected,
Dry batteries can be classified for each main component from differences in weight and electromagnetic properties. Further, in an electromagnetic induction type sensor for detecting a difference in electromagnetic properties of a dry battery, a static magnetic field generating coil for DC magnetizing an outer metal case of the dry battery, a power supply device for supplying a current to the coil, and two or three types of different types. Currents and excitation coils excited at the selected frequency and signals from two or three different frequencies output from the signal converter that outputs the dry cell signal corresponding to the excitation frequency component shall be used as information for classification. Can be.

In order to classify dry batteries by main component, a dry battery size classifier, a weight detecting device, an electromagnetic property detecting device, and an outer color detecting device are used alone or in combination. Classification based on the main components of the combined used batteries can also be performed.

[0088]

According to the classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery according to the first aspect of the present invention, a static magnetic field generating coil for magnetically saturating the exterior of the dry battery, and a current for supplying a current to the static magnetic field generating coil. An electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor having a function of generating an eddy current inside and outside of a DC power supply and a dry cell and detecting a change in the eddy current, and a signal conversion for measuring an output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor When the dry battery enters the detection range of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor by providing a device, the outer metal of the dry battery is magnetically saturated with a strong static magnetic field, its relative permeability is reduced, and it can be regarded as a non-magnetic material.
The electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor generates an eddy current not only in the exterior metal but also in the electrodes and the electrolyte portion inside the dry battery, and a signal including not only a difference in shape and / or size of the dry battery but also a difference in the main component is obtained. Therefore, classification of each main component of the dry battery becomes possible.

According to the method for classifying dry batteries according to the second aspect of the present invention, dry batteries classified in a predetermined shape or size in advance and then classified into a predetermined shape or size are described in claim 1. The dry cell main component classification sensor is used to classify dry cells for each main component from the difference in output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor, so that the classification for each main component is accurate.

According to the dry cell classification device of the third aspect,
The dry batteries from which foreign matter has been removed and supplied in a fixed direction are classified into a plurality of groups according to the size by using the dry battery main component classification sensor described in claim 1, and specified according to the size. A first classifier that classifies the dry cells of the group for each main component, and a dry cell of another size that is installed downstream of the first classifier and that is not classified by the first classifier. With the use of the principal component classification sensor, at least one or more second classifiers that classify for each main component are provided, so that the dry batteries can be further classified for each main component regardless of the size, The configuration of the classifier becomes simple.

According to the dry battery classification device of the fourth aspect,
Foreign matter is removed, and a size classifier that classifies the dry batteries supplied in a fixed direction and arranged according to size, and each size that is installed on the downstream side of the size classifier and classified according to size. And a plurality of principal component classifiers for classifying the dry batteries for each main component, so that the difference between the weight and the electromagnetic properties of the dry batteries is used, and the dry batteries are classified for each main component based on the relationship between these detected values. be able to.

According to the dry cell classification device of the fifth aspect,
In claim 4, the size classifier and the main component classifier detect the weight of the battery, the difference in electromagnetic properties, and the difference in the color of the exterior.
Classification can be made for each principal component.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another configuration example of a classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an output example for each classification of the classification sensor for a main component of a dry battery.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a dry cell classification device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the dry cell classification device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional dry battery classification method.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a dry cell classification device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a classifier.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electromagnetic induction sensor.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the size of a dry battery and the output of an electromagnetic induction sensor.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing changes in the weight of a dry battery and the output of an electromagnetic induction sensor.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing a change in detection output of a dry battery according to an applied frequency of the electromagnetic induction sensor.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing a change in detection output of a dry battery according to an applied frequency of the electromagnetic induction sensor.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an entire configuration of a dry cell classification device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a classifier.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a classifier.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a classifier.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electromagnetic induction sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

A, B, C, D Types of shape and size of dry batteries a, b, c Types of main components of dry batteries 1 Static magnetic field generating coil 2 Through-coil electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 21 Vortex of electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor Current generating coil 22 Detecting coil for eddy current change of electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 3 DC power supply 4 Signal converter 5 Dry cell 51 Shape and size are A, main components are a, b,
c Arbitrary dry battery 52 The shape and size are B, and the main components are a, b,
c Arbitrary dry battery 53 The shape and size are C, and the main components are a, b,
c Arbitrary dry cell 6 Guide 7 Arrow indicating direction of passage of dry cell 8 Magnetic pole 81 Gap between magnetic poles 9 Local electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor 10, 11, 12, 13 Dry cell main component classification sensor 14 Shape and size classification sensor 15 signal classification circuit P _1, P _2, P ₃ signal for batteries which main component is different in the same shape and size in the case where the static magnetic field is present P _4, P _5, the shape and size of the case where P ₆ static magnetic field is present And signals for dry cells with different main components P ₇ , P ₈ , P ₉ Signal in the absence of a static magnetic field 25 Conventional proximity sensor for dry cell classification

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Junichi Ichise 2-1-1, Shinhama, Arai-machi, Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture Inside the Takasago Research Laboratory, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. No. 1 Inside the Takasago Research Laboratory of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A static magnetic field generating coil for magnetically saturating the exterior of a dry battery, a DC power supply for supplying a current to the static magnetic field generating coil, and an eddy current with a plurality of frequencies inside and outside the dry battery. An electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor having a function of simultaneously generating and detecting a change in the eddy current, and a dry battery main component including one or more sets of signal converters for measuring the output of the electromagnetic induction type proximity sensor Classification sensor. 2. Classifying dry batteries in a predetermined shape or size in advance, and then using the dry cell main component classification sensor according to claim 1 for the dry batteries classified in the predetermined shape or size. A method of classifying dry batteries, comprising classifying dry batteries for each main component from a difference in output of an inductive proximity sensor. 3. Dry batteries from which foreign matter has been removed and supplied in a fixed direction are classified into a plurality of groups by size using the dry battery main component classification sensor according to claim 1, and the size is determined. A first classifier that classifies the dry cells of the specific group classified by the main component for each main component, and another size that is installed downstream of the first classifier and that is not classified by the first classifier. At least one classifying the dry batteries according to the main components using the dry battery main component classification sensor.
A dry cell sorting apparatus comprising the second sorting machine described above. 4. A size classifier for classifying dry cells supplied by being removed in a fixed direction and supplied in a predetermined direction, and a size classifier installed downstream of the size classifier to classify the size by size. And a plurality of principal component classifiers for classifying dry batteries of each size for each main component. 5. A dry battery classification device, wherein the dry batteries from which foreign matter has been removed are classified by the dry battery main component classification sensor according to the main components irrespective of the shape and size of the dry batteries. 6. The size classifier and the principal component classifier,
5. The dry battery classification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a difference in weight, electromagnetic properties, and a color of the exterior of the dry battery is detected.