JPS62218314A - Multi-directional sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the delivery period for goods in order to aim at precisely sorting a large number of goods, by providing a computer which delivers a control signal to a conveyer drive motor, in each of modules in which a plurality of unit sorting devices having pockets on both sides thereof are combined. CONSTITUTION:A host computer (a) transmits a sorting instruction data for every pocket to a relay (b), and an operator manipulates a control board (d) to receive a sorting instruction data for goods to be sorted, from the relay (b) and sends the data to computers in modules, successively, to drive a conveyer line in accordance with a predetermined command so that goods are conveyed from an take-in conveyer 9 to the modules. Then, a computer (f) provided in each module operates in accordance with the command from the control board (d) to indicate the number of goods to be delivered to each pocket on a pocket indicator (h), and to drive a distributing conveyer 16 to sort the goods for the pockets which are then checked by a tray sensor 13. Due to the engagement and disengagement of such unit modules, it is possible to shorten the delivery period of goods and to precisely sort a large number of goods.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]
/, -IIIcNThe present invention involves sorting a predetermined number of large r4 products to a large number of stores that sell foodstuffs and the like.
Multidirectional sorting relates to equipment.

(Prior Art) In order to sort a large amount of food and other products into predetermined numbers for each of a plurality of stores, a multi-directional sorting device as shown in the schematic external view in Figure 8 has conventionally been used. .

In Figure 8, ■ is a device for unit sorting, and it is configured so that multiple devices can be connected in series, and pricing is done by the device at the package yard of the center that delivers to each supermarket or store. main line 3 with 2
On the other hand, for the sorting, the units of the device 1 are connected in succession, and a return line 4 (not shown) for unsorted products is connected to the final end to form the 1 plan, and each sorting is done by connecting the units of the device 1. l unit is each multiple store 4tj
Each 2-needle was able to sort the two stores on the left and right, and in Figure 8, the 2-needle was able to sort the 1 store A and the 1 store B. It is designed so that it can be performed from side to side.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sorting apparatus l has each conveyor disposed on the upper part of a flat & T-shaped frame 5, and a driving roller 6, a driven roller 7, and a conveyor on the base side. , idle rollers 8, 8 .

Although the intake conveyor is a flat belt in the illustrated embodiment, it is of course possible to use a roller conveyor within the scope of design changes.

In front of the intake conveyor, a plurality of longitudinal main transport conveyors 1O110, which are roller conveyors, are provided at predetermined intervals and supported by the frame 5, and as will be described later, together with the intake conveyor 9. The packaged product 11, which is constantly rotated and conveyed in the circumferential direction, can be primarily conveyed in the vertical direction.

In addition, at both ends of the vertical main conveyor 10, 10..., each of a plurality of stores (Fig. In the illustrated example, guide roller conveyors 12, 12, .

Therefore, the take-in conveyor 9, the longitudinal main transport conveyor 10, and the guide roller conveyor 12 of the conveyor are all synchronously rotated and rotated at all times.

On both sides of the front end of the intake conveyor 9 are scanners 13' for reading the barcodes on price labels attached to the packaged products 11.

A tray sensor 13 using a photoelectric sensor is provided, and an operation panel 1 equipped with a numeric keypad, a digital counter, etc. is provided near the guide roller conveyor 12.
4 is electrically connected to a computer (not shown), and as described later, it checks the number of packaged products 11 that are mainly conveyed in the vertical direction by the intake conveyor 9, and also detects the type of packaged products based on the bar code. The data is then fed back to a computer for sorting.

Note that the photoelectric sensor 13 is not equipped with a scanner, and the product 1 is simply
It is also possible to perform only the arrival confirmation of 1, and the confirmation signal is fed back to the computer, and the switching to the A side or B side store side is performed according to a program input into the computer in advance. and
It is a matter related to software.

and each of the plurality of longitudinal main transport conveyors 10.10.
. . , an endless belt-type toothed belt is distributed between the belt conveyors 16 .
16... are arranged, and the guide roller conveyors 12, 12... are connected to both ends thereof,
As will be described later, it can be freely rotated and switched left and right in a predetermined manner.

The belt conveyors 16 are arranged to rotate in synchronization with each other, but the above-mentioned (1) machining conveyor 9, vertical main transport conveyor 10, guide roller conveyor 1.
Although the bear 12 constantly rotates, intermittent reciprocating rotation is possible.

Therefore, to explain each drive mechanism in detail, each of the vertical main transport conveyors 10 is formed with a ring-shaped notch 17 having a semicircular cross section at the negative end thereof, and is connected to the frame 5 in the vertical main transport direction. , that is, the intake conveyor 9
A drive roll 1 is rotatably supported in parallel with the drive roll 1.
A round belt 19 is stretched across the collar 8 with a 90' phase crossing.

A belt 23 is stretched between a pulley 20 provided on one side end of the drive roll 18 and a pulley 22 of a motor 21 with a reducer provided on the frame 5.
1 rotational force is applied to each longitudinal main transport conveyor 10 in a fixed feeding direction via the drive roll 18, each round bell) 19, and the notch 17, and as will be described later, It is constantly rotated in synchronization with the rotational direction of the intake conveyor 9, and the packaged products 11 are continuously fed forward in a baton-touched manner.

Further, a gear 24 is integrally fixed to the front end of the drive roll 18, and a sprocket 26 is provided coaxially to a variable speed/synchronized gear mechanism 25, and a sprocket 26 is connected to a sprocket 26 coaxially provided to the front end of the drive roll 18, and a sprocket 24 is connected to a sprocket 26 coaxially provided to a transmission/tuning gear mechanism 25. A chain 28.2 is disposed between the sprocket 27 provided at the largest end of the guide roller conveyor 12.
8 is in tension engagement with the guide roller conveyor 12.12.
The guide roller conveyor 12.12...(7)
- a chain 2 tensionally engaged with each sprocket 27 at the side end;
9, all the guide roller conveyors 12 are made to rotate synchronously.
The main vertical transport conveyor 10 and the guide roller conveyor are always rotated synchronously by a motor 21.

Further, the other drive motor 30 provided for the frame 5
is provided with a reducer 31, a well-known electromagnetic brake 32, and a pulley 33 provided on its output shaft.
The belt 38 is connected to a boot 937 provided at one end of the driving sprocket rotation shaft 36 of one of the sprockets 34 and 35 engaged with both ends of the belt conveyor 16.
is set such that when the belt conveyor 16 makes a half rotation in the circumferential direction, the drive motor 30 rotates once, and the power generated by the reciprocating rotation of the drive motor 30 is used to sort the belt conveyor 16. ... so that it can be rotated back and forth.

In this case, half a rotation of the belt conveyor 16 is the 9th
As shown in the figure, the sorting ribs 39 protruding from the outer plane of the conveyor 16 can reciprocate between the outer positions of the driving sprocket 34 or the driven sprocket 35 and the other outer position. It is designed to move as far as possible.

Therefore, in order to operate the reciprocating rotation of the belt conveyor 16 by half a revolution, the distribution is performed by using the pulley 33 of the drive motor 3O.
A control signal is transmitted by a rotary sensor 43 provided in the drive motor 30.
A disc-shaped slit cam 45 is provided integrally with the pulley 33 and has a slit 44 carved in a part of its circumference.
A photoelectric sensor 46 provided on the frame 5 and opposite the disc-shaped slit cam 45 in a U-shape is used to detect the slit 44 of the disc-shaped slit cam 45.
When the light passes through the photoelectric sensor (slit sensor) 46, the detection signal is sent to the computer, and the 'iltm brake 32 of the drive motor 30 is actuated to immediately stop the drive motor 30 suddenly. For sorting, the belt conveyor 16 makes half a turn and stops, and for example, the rib 39 moves from the outside of the driven sprocket 35 to the outside of the driving sprocket 34, and the packaged products 11 are separated.
If the drive motor 30 is moved backward by the computer, the other side will be sorted from the outside of the drive sprocket 34 to the driven sprocket 35 side, or similarly from the driven sprocket 35 to the drive sprocket 34 side. The rib 39 is controlled so that it can move by a semicircle.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Such conventional sorting devices have the following problems.

(1) The installation scale of the sorting equipment differs depending on the customer, and the number of sorting openings (pockets) also differs. For this reason, it is necessary to manufacture devices for sorting with different specifications depending on the customer, which increases delivery times and manufacturing costs.

(2) When a large number of sorting devices as shown in FIG. 8 are used in cascade connection, the following problems arise.

(a) In the sorting system, only the minimum number of workers are assigned, and for example, if the product to be transported from one product to another changes, this will be notified. There is no doubt that a predetermined number of products must be sorted, but because such notification means were not previously provided, there is a limit to the ability to accurately sort a large number of different types of products with a small number of workers. was there.

(b) Since each sorting device is connected in series, if any one sorting device breaks down, the entire system will stop working. They cannot be discovered until they are transported, reducing system efficiency and service to users.

(C) When the drive motors of each sorting device are turned on and off at the same time, the surge current generated at this time may cause a failure in the electrical system.

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

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention includes a take-in conveyor that transports products, a vertical main transport conveyor that transports the products in the same direction as the take-in conveyor, and a vertical main transport conveyor that transports the products in the left and right directions perpendicular to the main transport conveyor. Sorting for transferring products is done by a belt conveyor and guide roller conveyors installed at a predetermined angle on both sides of the main transport conveyor, and unit sorting consists of pockets for taking out the products transferred by the belt conveyor. A module is a combination of a plurality of devices, a computer is provided for each module and transmits a control signal to the motor that drives the main transport conveyor, and a control system is provided in which a plurality of sets of the modules are cascaded and each computer is commonly controlled. By providing the device, the problems of the prior art described above are solved.

(Function) The present invention combines a plurality of unit sorting devices having pockets on both sides to form one module, and each module is provided with a computer that transmits a control signal to a motor that drives a conveyor that conveys products. A multidirectional sorting device is constructed by cascading a plurality of such modules. Therefore, it is possible to respond to customers with different specifications by simply changing the number of module combinations, which shortens production time and reduces costs. Furthermore, for sorting, we have provided means for notifying business start information, means for detecting failed modules, and controlling means for sequentially shifting the on/off timing of the conveyor drive motor for each module by a predetermined period of time.
Sorting improves the reliability of equipment and improves work efficiency.

(Example) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of the multidirectional sorting device of the present invention;
FIG. 1(b) shows a side view of the device, and the sorting device explained in FIG. A predetermined number of modules are connected in a vertical direction.

Each module can be connected and removed, and the number of modules is selected according to customer requirements. The required number of items transported by the take-in conveyor are taken out into each pocket in response to a command signal from the central control unit. In the illustrated example, the products sorted onto the guide roller conveyor 12 of each pocket are taken out by a roller chute 52 having a stopper 51 and collected at the delivery light level. Further, a control box 50 is provided for controlling power on and off of each conveyor drive motor. Other configurations such as the m-feed conveyor and the sorting belt conveyor are similar to the example explained in FIG. 8.

FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram of the present invention. In FIG. 0, a is a terminal of a host computer connected to a public line i and forms instruction information for sorting as will be described later;
A repeater that receives information from the host computer as a patch and waits for requests from lower-level machines after receiving it; C is a parallel bus that connects the repeater and sorting within the field; d is a parallel bus that connects the repeater and the parallel bus Although not shown in the figure, this is a control console (operation console) that is connected to terminal a of the host computer via bus C and provides real-time transmission services.

It has a key and a display. This control console d receives signals from a handy scanner 13' that reads barcodes affixed to trays of products conveyed by the taking conveyor 9 and a taking sensor 13'°, and controls the taking conveyor 9. do. In addition, from the control console d, there is a computer f installed for each module and connected via a parallel bus.
Information is transmitted to In the computer f provided for each module, a tray sensor 13 is provided for each pair of left and right pockets (separation is performed by an opening), and a slit sensor 46 is installed for sorting by a pulley of a motor that drives a belt conveyor 16. , signals are input, and for distribution, command signals for normal rotation and reverse rotation of the belt conveyor 16, and drive signals for the main transport conveyor 10 are transmitted, and a display device provided in each pocket is sent via a parallel bus g for display. Send information. In this example, the (1) module controls three pairs of pockets on the left and right, that is, a module with six pockets.

In this way, the unit modules are distributed by belt conveyor 16.1 & I feed conveyor io, guide roller conveyor 1
2. It is equipped with /\-ware such as a tray sensor 13, a pocket display, and a computer f, and is connected to a host computer a, a repeater b, and controllers tJII Ii and d by a pass line. Belt conveyor 16. The software of the computer f that controls the main transport conveyor 10 and the pocket display device is shared, and the number of modules can be increased or decreased depending on the installation scale of the delivery light. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture separate equipment for sorting with different specifications for each customer, and standardized modules can be used, reducing the number of parts and making it possible to use equipment for sorting with low manufacturing costs. It will be done.

Next, an outline of the operation of this system will be explained.For example, assume that the number of modules is X, the number of pockets is A, B...N, and the corresponding number of products preset in each pocket are sorted. The host computer a transmits instruction information for sorting each pocket to the repeater. An operator operates the control console d to receive and receive instruction information from the repeater to sort the products that are to be sorted, and sequentially transmits this information to the computers of each module to drive the line according to predetermined commands. The product is transported to the module by the intake conveyor 9. The computer f installed in each module operates according to commands from the control console d, and functions as a pocket display.

The number of products to be sorted into each pocket is displayed, and the belt conveyor 16 is driven to sort the products into each pocket. At this time, the number of products to be sorted is checked by the tray sensor 13. The operating status of each module can be reported at any time by polling from the control console d.

As described above, in the present invention, an appropriate number of degree modules each consisting of a plurality of pockets are connected together, and each module is controlled by a common computer, so that the device can be easily configured to sort according to the requirements of the delivery destination. .

By the way, the display provided in each pocket of each module has the function of displaying only the number of pieces, but by blinking the decimal points of all digits on this display,
The sorter can notify the start message. That is,
At the beginning of sorting, when the start key is pressed, the display blinks for a certain period of time, for example, 10 to 15 seconds, and then shifts to the normal display. By doing this, the worker can sense that sorting of the next product will start one step in advance, so the worker can wait at the pocket where the next product will be sorted and prepare for the next process. I can do it.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for notifying the sorting start message in such sorting processing. The sorting start routine on the console turns on the start key, transmits sorting data to the first module (step A1), and then transmits a blinking command to all modules (step A2).

Next, the module side point decrement control routine (a) starts the blinking timer upon receiving the blinking command and sets the 1 blinking request flag (step B1).
2).

(b) In the display interrupt routine, if the blinking request is on (step C1), it is checked whether the blinking timer has exceeded the set time (step C2), and if the set time has not been exceeded, the display is turned on. , off (step C3), and if it is over, all decimal points are cleared (step C4) and the blinking request flag is reset (step C5).

In addition, in this process, the number display for sorting may also be used as a display for notifying the start of sorting, or a dedicated buzzer may be used to notify, or a patrol light may be blinked. In addition, if the number of pockets is smaller than the number of stores, the device is used to sort products to multiple stores.
Furthermore, even when the same pocket is used in the next process to perform a different type of work, such as going to a store, this notification of the start of the process is useful for alerting the worker.

Next, the classification related to the present invention will be explained about the detection of a faulty unit in the system.0 In the present invention, the control console initializes the system when the power is turned on for each module connected via the data bus. Communicate with the conversion routine. If communication is established, it is determined that the module has started operation, and if there is a no-response message 5 (, it is determined that the module is malfunctioning.The number of the module that is determined to be malfunctioning is sent to the control station. "Delete the module from the system" is registered on the control console, allowing the operator to deal with the malfunction.For the malfunctioning module, if the breaker has blown, remove the breaker from the system. 1. If the communication hardware is faulty, turn the conveyor 'Ever on' using the dip switch on the module.
”, it restores its function as a conveyor and allows the failed module to be sorted from the next module.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the failed unit detection process.

(1) Set the display to the initial state "1, 2, 3...°°" (Step D1), and set the communication machine number to "l" (Step D2). Next, select the connection permission module. If it is not a connection-permitted module, set the next module number (Step DB); if it is a connection-permitted module, check whether the module is a sent module (step D3). D4) If the module has already been sent, proceed to the process of Stella 7'DB and set the next module number; if the module has not been sent, send the predetermined operation constant to the module (step D5).
). Next, confirm that the transmission has been completed (step DB), and erase the corresponding number (l” in this case) from the display (step D7). (2) Processing for communication machine number “°1” If this is completed, set the primary module number "2" (step D), and if the check interrupt key is not on (step D9).
), repeats the processing in steps D3 to D9 and checks whether the checks have been completed for all modules (
Step D.

l) If the check interrupt key is on, the process moves to the module permission setting routine (step 01G).

When all the modules have been checked, normal display is performed (step D12).

In the module check routine, pal.

2.3. ...If a specific number remains at the end of the °゛ numbers, it is determined that the module with that number is faulty.

Here, when the system starts operating, the transport motors provided for each module turn on all at once, and when the system ends, all the motors turn off all at once. , the surge current at this time may cause damage to the equipment, so in the present invention,
The on and off points for each motor are staggered.

At this time, to prevent the products being transported from coming close to each other between the transport conveyors, when the motor is turned on, from the rear in the transport direction,
When the motors are turned off, the motors of the modules located at the front in the transport direction, that is, near the intake conveyor, are sequentially controlled. Figure 6 (
A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of such a motor control sequence, and when the motors are turned on, the transport motors 1, 2, 3, etc. of the rear module are sequentially controlled in the transport direction of the product. ...Controlled as 9.

When the motors are turned off, the control is performed in the opposite direction to when the motors are turned on, starting from the transport motor of the module closest to the intake conveyor.

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are flowcharts showing the processing procedure for controlling the on/off order of each transport motor. Next, this flowchart will be explained.

(a) Confirm that there is a request to turn on the transport motor a control motor when the conveyor starts (step E1),
Reset the motor on request flag (step E2).Next, set the final number of the control module south (step E5), send the motor on command (step E4), and send the motor on command for a predetermined period of time, e.g. 200 to 300m5e.
Wait until one hour of the timer set in c has elapsed (step E5), then subtract the module number" t
” and then moves on to processing the adjacent module on the side closer to the intake conveyor until processing for all modules is completed (
step E7), repeating the loop processing of steps E4 to E7.

(b) Conveyor stop I: Conveyor motor off control at time Confirm that there is a motor off request (step E++
), reset the motor off request flag (step E12).Next, set the first number between the control modules.Step Eg3), send the motor off command (step Ez-+), and wait until the set time elapses. Perform timer wait processing (step Ets)
After a time-up, add "1' to module collapse and proceed to processing the next module. Step E16)
, checks whether the transport motors are off for all modules (step E17), and repeats the loop processing of steps E14 to E17 until the processing is completed.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the multidirectional sorting apparatus of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Unit modules having a plurality of pockets are configured so that they can be connected and dissociated with each other, and the number of unit modules is selected and combined according to the customer's request. Therefore, product specifications can be standardized, product delivery times can be shortened, and costs can also be reduced. In addition, the control system for each module has a common specification and is controlled by a common computer, which simplifies the configuration of the control system.
Large quantities can be sorted accurately.

(2) Sorting displays a message at the start of processing, so 1
The operator can foresee that sorting of different types of products will begin, and can take necessary preparations.

(3) We have provided a means to communicate signals to the control system of each module and detect whether or not that module is out of order. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of a malfunction, and to deal with the malfunction.

(4) A considerable number of transport motors are provided for each module, and the entire system requires a considerable number of them.
Since the off timing is sequentially shifted, it is possible to prevent device failure due to peak currents that occur during on and off times. Also,
If the motor is turned on from the rear in the direction in which the product is being transported and the motor is turned off from the front in the direction in which the product is transported, it is possible to prevent the product from approaching on the conveyor J-.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 (&) is a plan view of the multi-directional sorting device of the present invention, Figure 1 (b) is a side view thereof, Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the system of the present invention, Figures 3 and 4 (a). ). (b), FIG. 5, FIG. 7 (a), and (b) are flowcharts 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory drawing, and FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are external views. 9... Take-in conveyor, 10... Vertical main transport conveyor, 12... Guide roller conveyor, 16... Belt conveyor for sorting, a... Host computer terminal,
b...Repeater, d...Control console, f...Computer, h...Display device. Patent Applicant Ishida Koki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Minoru Tsuji ,-Le 1 Module 2 Fig. 7

Claims (1)

[Claims] A take-in conveyor that transports products, a vertical main transport conveyor that transports products in the same direction as the take-in conveyor, a sorting belt conveyor that transports products in the left and right directions orthogonal to the main transport conveyor, and a main transport conveyor that transports the products in the left and right directions. A module in which a plurality of unit sorting devices are combined on each side, each consisting of a guide roller conveyor installed on both sides at a predetermined angle and a pocket for carrying out products transferred by a sorting belt conveyor, each module being provided with the above-mentioned Multi-directional sorting characterized by comprising a computer that transmits a control signal to a motor that drives a main conveyor, a control device that connects a plurality of the modules in cascade to form a sorting line and commonly controls each computer. Device.