JPS58619B2 - mechanical timing system - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to indexable article inspection machines.

In particular, the present invention relates to timing systems for such machines.

More particularly, the present invention relates to such a timing system that consists generally of solid state electronic components and does not require cams or switches for its operation.

One well-known type of article inspection machine is the "FP" series of machines for the inspection of glass containers.

This machine was manufactured by Owens-IIlinois, Inc.
Toledo.

Commercially available by 0hio.

In this machine, the circuitry that processes information from the sensors at individual test stations must be disabled during the indexing cycle to avoid false readings.

Traditionally, the timing signal was provided by a cam that rotated once for each machine cycle and controlled the switch with its contour.

Since some test stations may require different timing than others, multiple cams and/or switches are required to allow for such different timing.

Additionally, mechanical cam and switch systems are subject to failure and significant wear.

In the present invention, a shaft encoder (shaft encoder) is used to generate multiple pulses during each cycle of the machine.
By using encoder) these problems are overcome.

These pulses are then used by electronic circuitry to independently time the on and off points of each test station.

Additionally, the system of the present invention exhibits very low levels of wear and mechanical failure.

The present invention provides a timing system for an indexing type article inspection machine.

In this machine, articles are indexed to and from multiple inspection stations.

This machine includes multiple electrically controlled functions.

The timing system includes means for generating multiple signal pulses for each cycle of the machine and a single signal pulse at the beginning of each cycle.

Electronic means are connected to the signal generating means and count and accumulate the plurality of pulses.

The electronic means then provides an output signal amount representative of the plurality of signal pulses.

A single signal pulse erases the count maintained by electronic means.

Logic circuit means connected to the output signal quantity turns the electrically controlled machine function on and off in response to the output signal quantity reaching a preselected value.

FIG. 1 shows an inspection machine 10 of the type using the improved timing system of the present invention.

Inspection machine 10 rests on a base member 12 having an elongated main support column 14 .

Electric drive motor 16 may be supported from support column 14 or directly on base member 12 .

Drive motor 16 operates pulley 18 .

The indexable gearbox 20 is also attached to the main support column 14.
Supported by

Indexing gearbox 20 may be of a type known in the art, which receives constant rotational input from motor 16 but provides intermittent output drive through output drive shaft 22 .

Indexing gearbox 20 has an input shaft 24 with a pulley 26 attached thereto.

An endless belt or drive member 28 is provided around pulleys 18 and 26 to connect them such that input shaft 24 is driven by electric motor 16.

This is a continuous rotational input to the indexing gearbox 20, and as mentioned above the output of the gearbox 20 is
It is an intermittent drive or index type movement through its output shaft 22.

A second pulley 30 is also attached to the input shaft 24 .

Pulley 30 is connected to pulley 32, and pulley 32
drives the second functional gearbox 34 through the endless drive member 36.

Drive train of pulleys 30, 32 and drive member 3
6 also includes an idler pulley 38 and a tension pulley 40.
can also be included.

The second function gearbox 34 has an output shaft not visible in FIG. 1 that is used to control several second functions of the detection machine 10.

This specific functionality is not important to understanding the invention.

Motor 16, gearbox 20, and gearbox 3
The drive train interconnecting 4 is normally covered by a shroud 41, which is shown partially omitted in FIG.

The second functional gearbox 34 also includes an output shaft 42 carrying a pulley 44.

Output shaft 42 is timed and geared such that it is operated synchronously with the rotational speed of pulley 18 driven by electric motor 16.

The speed of the output shaft 42 and the indexing gearbox 20
There is also a relationship with the indexing cycle of the output shaft 22.

A shaft encoder 48 is attached to the second functional gearbox 34 by a bracket 46 .

The shaft encoder 48 may be of essentially conventional design and may be a Disc Instrument.
s.

Inc., Co5ta Mesa, Californi
It may be a model 701FR-1000 supplied by a.

The purpose of this shaft encoder is to act as a means to provide a series of pulses synchronously with the operating cycle of the indexing gearbox 20.

For example, shaft encoder 48 is designed to provide 1000 pulses for each cycle of indexing gearbox 20.

In addition, shaft encoder 48 outputs one reference pulse (ref) for every 1000 pulses associated with the index cycle.
erence pulse).

These pulses are transported from shaft encoder 48 via instrument cable 50.

Shaft encoder 48 is driven by a pulley 52 that extends beyond the plane of bracket 46 .

Pulley 52 is connected to and driven by pulley 44 by an endless drive belt 54.

The inspection machine 10 is of a type specifically adapted for the inspection of glass containers.

The output shaft 22 thus has a pocketed disk or star wheel 56 at its extended end.

Star wheel 56 receives the glass container in its pocket and allows the glass container to be indexed from station to station synchronously with the output of indexing gearbox 20 transmitted by shaft 22.

This general type of machine is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,313,409.
Found in No.

In this patent, a glass container is subjected to various forms of inspection for different attributes of the glass container at multiple measurement points.

The indexing type motion provided by the indexing gearbox 20 moves these glass containers sequentially from station to station.

It is this station-to-station indexing cycle that is monitored by shaft encoder 48.

If we consider a complete cycle to be from the beginning of one indexing cycle to the beginning of the next indexing cycle, this complete cycle is determined by shaft encoder 48 as 10
This is the period during which the 00 pulse is generated.

Glass containers to be inspected are fed along an endless moving conveyor 58.

These glass containers are removed from the conveyor 58 by a star wheel 56 while being supported on a fixed slide plate 60 .

The basic purpose of the shaft coder 48 is to
The purpose of this invention is to provide a series of pulses that are used to time the operation of various mechanical functions associated with the test equipment located at various test stations located around the periphery of 6.

It is necessary that the input of these test points to the electronic measuring circuit is disabled during the indexing of the glass container from point to point in order to avoid false readings.

For this purpose, cams and microswitch arrangements have conventionally been used to generate timing signals that enable and disable electronic measurement circuits.

The present invention eliminates the cam and microswitch and uses in its place an electronic measurement circuit shown diagrammatically in FIG.

In FIG. 2, output cable 50 from shaft encoder 48 is connected to a counting circuit 62 that counts and stores pulses from shaft encoder 48.

Counting circuit 62 provides an output count along electrical output conductor 64.

The output conductor 64 is connected to a first logic circuit 66 which is a means for controlling when the circuit for the first function, indicated at 68, is in the on or off state.

Logic circuit 66 is connected to circuit 68 by conductor 70.

In the most general sense, machine functions are controlled in response to generated pulses.

Some test stations may require two or more separate timing signals.

In other cases, several test stations may utilize a common timing signal.

Thus, as a specific example, it would be assumed that pulses are used to start and stop electronic circuits for measurements, rather than continuing to use mechanical function as the most general term. .

In machines of this type, such as those typically used to measure glass containers, there are five independent test stations located around the periphery of disc 56.

This arrangement is well known in the art and requires no further explanation.

Therefore, in addition to the first logic circuit 66 controlling test station number 1, there are four other separate logic circuits.

These logic circuits are shown at 72-75 and are connected to test stations 2, 3, 4, . . . respectively. and 5 to control the electronic measurement circuits.

These circuits for stations 2, 3, 4 and 5 are shown at 78-81, respectively.

It is also possible to operate with only a single logic circuit 66, but this would require all of the electronic measurement circuits for all test stations to be activated and deactivated simultaneously. Dew.

This situation is quite inflexible and multiple logic circuits are preferred.

Output conductor 64 from counting circuit 62 is connected to branch conductor 82, which in turn is connected to logic circuits 70-75.

The count generated by the counting circuit 62 is therefore passed through all five logic circuits and is thus set to activate and deactivate the measuring circuits at the appropriate times within these circuits.

Expressing this in a somewhat light collation, the requirements for the individual inspection units at the five stations may vary slightly in the points at which they are activated and deactivated in relation to the overall machine cycle.

For example, an actual indexing cycle may take perhaps 30% of the total time from cycle to cycle.

This leaves 70% of the total time for inspection, at least if theoretically available.

In some situations, it is necessary to stabilize the glass container somewhat from movement from one station to another before starting measurements.

Thus, it may take perhaps 10% of the total measurement cycle before activating the electronics to receive the measurement signal.

On the other hand, at some stations the inspection may begin immediately after the glass container reaches the station.

Some stations require the glass vessel to be rotated at the station, which requires additional time to raise the bottom spinner pad and bring the glass vessel to speed before receiving the test signal. may be required.

This may require an elapsed time of perhaps 20% of the total test time before a measurement signal is received.

Those skilled in the art will understand these transition times that are required before activating a particular station.

Conventionally, a new cam or another cam would be required to realize this difference at the beginning of the measurement time.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram for the counting circuit 62.

As previously mentioned, shaft encoder 48 actually provides two signals that are carried along output conductor 50.

Output conductor 50 may therefore be a multi-conductor cable, and these signals are routed to electrical conductors 50A and 50B.
Supplied along.

Conductor 50A carries 1000 pulses per cycle signal.

This conductor is connected to the count or "C" input terminal of counter 84.

Counter 84 may be of a type designed to provide one output signal for each number it counts.

As shown, the 1000 pulses per cycle is divided by five by counter 84.

This provides a series of 200 pulses per cycle, which provides the pulse count generated by counter 84.

Due to the generation of 1000 pulses per cycle, the actual accuracy of the measurement is still 0.1%, but it is much easier to perform.

The output from counter 84 indicating a count of one is carried along electrical output conductor 86.

At the time the fifth pulse enters the counter 84 from line 50A, the signal inverter (signal 1nvert
A signal is generated along a second output conductor 88 connected to er) 90.

Signal inverter 90 has an output conductor 92 connected to one input terminal of a second signal inverter 94 .

Inverter 94 then generates a signal to the "R" or reset terminal of counter 84, which causes counter 84 to defer the count of five it currently holds, causing counter 84 to Allow a new series of five pulses to be counted.

Two inverters 90 and 94 are used to slightly delay the propagation of the reset signal to avoid counter 84 counting down too early.

A conductor 86 carrying pulses from counter 84 is connected to the "C" or count input terminal of binary counter 96.

A signal is generated along conductor 86 as soon as the next pulse enters counter 84 after the count of "5" has been decremented from counter 84.

A single pulse for a count of "1" then clocks binary counter 96.

The binary counter 96 is designed to accumulate the pulses transmitted from the counter 84 for one cycle of the measuring machine 10.

A cycle is the period from the beginning of one indexing cycle to the beginning of the next indexing cycle.

Thus at the end of a cycle or conversely at the beginning of another cycle the total count maintained by binary counter 96 is 100 since this is 100% of the total cycle time available.

The 200 pulses generated during this period are determined by the measurement electronics cycling control set 48 so that a single pulse is generated and for each 1000 pulses transmitted along conductor 50A along conductor 50B. Reportedly.

Conductor 5OB is connected to the "R" or reset terminal of binary counter 96 and subtracts the count held by binary counter 96 so that binary counter 96 generates a new series of counts when the next measurement cycle begins. Make sure you get the uke.

As in the case of general binary counters, binary counter 9
Multiple output leads from 6 (output 1eads
), which in this case is 0.5, 1, 2, 4,
Values of 8, 16, 32 and 64 are shown.

These are A, B, C, and D. Corresponding to the output conductors designated as E, F, G and H.

A binary counter 96 is used to complete the logic states necessary to unambiguously determine whether the electronic system for any station is at any precise percentage of the machine cycle.
The number of completes available in the output of
nt).

To do this, branch conductors from the conductors shown as A-H are connected to a plurality of individual signal inverters 98A-98.
Take the signal to these conductors through H.

The outputs of signal inverters 98A-98H are signals ranging from A not A to H not H, respectively.

FIG. 4 shows one representative logic circuit, shown as logic circuit 66. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2, the output of counter circuit 62 is shown as conductor 64 connected to logic circuit 66.

As shown in FIG. 3, this output conductor 64 is actually A
Consists of 16 individual signals: ~H and A-H.

As is common practice in electronic circuit diagrams where multiple connections are made, the conductors are not shown actually leading from the binary counter 96 to the logic circuit 66, but the reference numerals in the two figures are common and indicate the correct connections. It will be understood that

The percentage of time into each measurement cycle that measurement electronics 68 is directed for station number 1 is controlled by two switches 100 and 101 located within logic circuit 66.

These two switches are used merely for convenience, as such switches are available on the market in relatively small sizes that accept eight inputs.

If the point in the cycle at which this particular measurement electronics system is to be operated remains unchanged, it is quite possible to hardwire the input connections.

However, the use of switches makes this timing function flexible and allows changes in timing as required in the future.

Switch 100 connects signals A-D and A-D as inputs to it.

Switch 101 connects signals E-H and E-H as inputs to it.

Output conductor 102 from switch 100 connects switch 10
0 carries signal A or A depending on the state in which it is set.

Other output conductors 104, 105 and 106 from switch 100 carry signals B or B, C or C1 and D or D, respectively.

Conductors 102 and 104-106 are NAND gate 1
Connected to the input terminal of 08.

Similarly, switch 101 has an output conductor 110 which carries signal E or E depending on the set state of switch 101.

Output conductors 112-114 from switch 101 each carry a signal F or F, G or G and H or H.

Conductors 110 and 112-114 are also connected to the NAND gate 10
8 input terminals.

As a result of this wiring condition, the count is
A unique combination of counts can be applied to the input terminals of NAND gate 108 that allows the NAND gate to switch only when six is reached.

For example, suppose it is desired to operate NAND gate 108 when count 35 is reached in binary counter 96.

This count indicates that 35% of the total available cycle time has already been used.

Typically about 33% of a cycle is used for indexing, so the number selected is only after the indexing period has ended.

This means that the glass container held in one of the pockets of star wheel 56 has been indexed to a new station for inspection.

Number 35 is indicated by the output present on line G for a total count 35, count 32, count 2 on line C, and count 1 on line B.

Other signals are in the off state.

When the wrinkle reversal factor exists, the NAND gate 10
8 receives a unique combination of signals that allows it to generate an output signal along an output conductor 116 connected to a flip-flop 118.

The signal along conductor 116 sets flip-flop 118 and generates a signal on output conductor 70.

This signal on output conductor 70 operates measurement electronics 68 for station number 1, allowing these electronics to receive signals from the sensors present in the measurement.

Logic circuit 66 substantially includes switches 100 and 101.
two additional switches 120 and 12 which may be equal to
Contains 1.

It has been mentioned above that switches 120 and 121 are provided solely for convenience in changing programming and may be eliminated and a hard wiring system used in their place.

Switches 120 and 121 are provided to control when measurement electronics 68 is turned off.

Switches 100 and 101 are NAND gates 108
Note that flip-flop 118 was used to receive only one counter from binary counter 96 at which point it was operated.

Signals A to D and A to D are connected to switch 120 .

These are the same connections made to switch 100.

Switch 121 receives as input signals E~H and E~
H is connected.

One output of switch 120 is along conductor 122 carrying signal A or A depending on the set state of switch 120.

Additional output conductors 124-126 from switch 120 carry signals B or B, C or C, and D or D, respectively.

Conductors 122 and 124-126 are connected to the input of a second NAND gate 128.

Conductor 130 carries signal E or E from switch 121 depending on the set state of switch 121.

Conductors 132-134 from switch 121 carry signals F or F, G or G, and H or H.

Conductors 130 and 132-134 are also connected to the inputs of NAND gate 128.

As in the case of NAND gate 108, switch 120
Programming ~121 provides a count or unique state to NAND gate 128 that operates NAND gate 128 at only one precise point in the entire machine cycle.

For example, it may be desired to operate NAND gate 128 when the count reaches 99 in binary counter 96.

This would correspond to 99% of the total cycles available, or just before the indexing portion of the cycle begins.

In this case, the measurement electronics or mechanical function 68 would be shut off at this point and no further signals would be received just as indexing of the glass container being inspected begins.

Whatever count is set in switches 120 and 121, when this count is reached, the NA
A signal is generated by ND gate 128 and conducted along electrical conductor 136 connected to flip-flop 118.

This in turn causes flip-flop 118 to change to another state or back to the state it was previously held in prior to receiving the signal along conductor 116, which in turn changes the output signal on conductor 70. .

This in turn leads to measurement electronics or mechanical functions 68
is turned off and the test cycle is effectively stopped at this precise point.

Logic circuit 66 shown in FIG. 4 is one example of five logic circuits that may be used in this system, all of which may be substantially the same as shown in FIG.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an indexable article inspection machine employing the timing system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the general technique of signal processing used in the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the counting and storage circuit of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a representative logic circuit of the present invention. 10... Inspection machine, 16... Electric drive motor, 20... Index type gear box, 2
2... Output drive shaft, 24... Input shaft, 34... Second functional gear box,
48...Shaft encoder, 56...
・Star-shaped wheel, 58... Endless moving conveyor, 60... Fixed sliding plate, 62...
Counting circuit, 66.72, 73, 74, 75...
Logic circuit, 68... Measurement electronic system, 84...
... Counter, 90.94 ... Signal inverter, 96 ... Binary counter, 98A, 98B, 9
8C, 98D, 98E. 98F, 98G, 98H...signal inverter,
108.128...NAND gate, 118.
·····flip flop.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A timing system for an indexable article inspection machine in which an article is indexed to or from a plurality of inspection stations and in which the machine has a plurality of electrically controlled and (b) a device for generating a plurality of signal pulses for each cycle of the machine and a single signal pulse at the beginning of each cycle; an apparatus for counting and accumulating the plurality of pulses and providing an output signal quantity representative of the plurality of pulses, and an electronic device responsive to the single pulse to erase the retained count; and (c) connected to the output signal amount from the electronic device for turning on and off the electrically controlled function in response to the output signal amount reaching a preselected value; The timing system characterized in that it is provided in combination with a logic circuit device. 2. In the timing system according to item 1 above,
The logic circuit arrangement comprises a plurality of individual electronic logic circuits as many as the electrically controlled functions, all of the individual electronic logic circuits are connected to the output signal quantity, and each of the individual electronic logic circuits is connected to the output signal quantity. singly connected to one of the electrically controlled functions;
Each of the electrically controlled functions is then individually set to allow different preselected on and off timings for each of the electrically controlled functions. The timing system is adapted to: 3. In the timing system according to item 1 above,
The electronic device for counting and accumulating the plurality of pulses includes: (a) a first clock input terminal connected to the plurality of signal pulses for counting the pulses;
a counter, the counter having an output connection corresponding to the number of signal pulses received therein; (b) for resetting the counter to a zero value after the counter reaches a preselected count value; , a device connected to an output of the counter and to a reset terminal of the counter; and (c) a second counter having a clock input terminal connected to one output connection of the first counter. thus incrementing the first counter by one each time the first counter reaches its preselected count value;
and a reset input terminal is connected to receive the single signal pulse, such that upon receiving the single signal pulse, the second counter is reset to zero;
and the timing system, wherein the output of the second counter is the output signal amount representative of the plurality of pulses. 4. Glass containers are removed one at a time from a continuously moving conveyor and successively indexed through a plurality of inspection points, each inspection measurement being performed when the glass container is determined to be defective. Improvements for controlling the cycle of a plurality of machine functions of a glass container inspection machine of the type in which a selection signal is generated by an electronic measuring circuit associated with a point and an acceptable glass container is returned to the moving conveyor. (a) the test machine for generating a plurality of signal pulses for each cycle of the test machine and for generating a single signal pulse once during the cycle; (b) a device for counting and accumulating the plurality of pulses and providing an output signal quantity representative of the plurality of pulses; an electronic device responsive to one pulse; and (c) the output from the electronic device for turning the machine function on and off in response to the amount of the output signal reaching a preselected value. and a logic circuit device connected to a signal quantity. 5. In the timing system according to item 4 above,
The logic circuit device comprises a plurality of individual electronic logic circuits as many as the mechanical functions, all of the individual electronic logic circuits comprising:
connected to said output signal quantities, and each one of said machine functions.
such that each of the electronic logic circuits is individually set to allow different preselected on and off timings for each of the mechanical functions. The timing system is adapted to. 6. In the timing system according to item 4 above,
The electronic device for counting and accumulating the plurality of pulses includes: (a) a first clock input terminal connected to the plurality of signal pulses for counting the pulses;
a counter, the counter having an output connection corresponding to the number of signal pulses received therein; (b) for resetting the counter to a zero value after the counter reaches a preselected count value; , the output of the counter, and
comprising a device connected to a reset terminal of the counter,
and (c) a second counter having a clock input terminal connected to one output connection of the first counter;
The counter thus increments its count by one each time the first counter reaches its preselected count value, and a reset input terminal is connected to receive the single signal pulse. , such that upon receiving the single signal pulse, the second counter is reset to zero, and the output of the second counter is the output signal amount representative of the plurality of pulses. .