WO2012176770A1

WO2012176770A1 - Classifier

Info

Publication number: WO2012176770A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/065629
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佐藤　寛之
Original assignee: 倉敷紡績株式会社
Priority date: 2011-06-20
Filing date: 2012-06-19
Publication date: 2012-12-27
Also published as: JP5911676B2; JP2013001541A

Abstract

A classifier (10) for a one-dimensional transport path switches an object being transported (1) in a one-dimensional direction to either of a plurality of outlets (4), and is provided with: an inlet (3) which is capable of receiving the object being transported (1) from a transport path (2) that extends in a one-dimensional direction; two outlets (4) which are capable of delivering the object being transported (1); storage parts (5, 15) which are movably disposed between the inlet (3) and the two outlets (4), and which, when in contact with the inlet (3), are capable of receiving and storing the object being transported from the inlet (3), and which, when in contact with either of the two outlets (4), are capable of delivering the stored object being delivered from the outlet (4) that is in contact with the storage parts; and a detection part (6) which is capable of detecting the object being transported (1) when the storage parts (5, 15) have moved to either of the two outlets (4).

Description

Classifier

The present invention relates to a classifier in a one-dimensional conveyance path including a conveyance path for conveying a minute object, particularly a conveyance object such as a ceramic capacitor, in a one-dimensional direction.

In recent years, high performance and fine multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) have been developed and used. This multilayer ceramic capacitor has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a substantially square cross section. For example, the multilayer ceramic capacitor has a size of a short side of 0.5 mm and a long side of 1 mm, and a finer short side of 0.1 mm and a long side of 0.2 mm. Even things have been created. However, since it is a rectangular parallelepiped shape, it was not easy to convey. In addition, since it is fine and lightweight, it is difficult to stably hold, place, guide, and the like, and it is not easy to transport each individual multilayer ceramic capacitor. Further, it is necessary to examine the defects of each multilayer ceramic capacitor. However, it is not easy to inspect each surface of each multilayer ceramic capacitor.

Therefore, an apparatus for inspecting four side surfaces of each multilayer ceramic capacitor while aligning and conveying a large number of multilayer ceramic capacitors has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this inspection apparatus, a large number of objects are moved from a supply apparatus to a sloped space (substantially horizontal space), and then moved to a tunnel in a one-dimensional direction to inspect the side surface while being conveyed.

Furthermore, this inspection apparatus has a selection unit for selecting non-defective objects and defective objects according to the inspection results. The sorting unit has one input for receiving an object from the tunnel, a “suspicious” output outlet, a “good” output outlet, and a “defective” output outlet. The first movable element of the sorting unit has an opening for receiving one object, and reciprocates to discharge the object to the first control element. The first control element has two tunnels with different branch destinations, and switches the branch destination by moving the first control element. Also, the second control element provided at one of the two branch destinations from the first control element also has two tunnels with different branch destinations, and the second control element is moved by moving the second control element. Switch the branch destination. That is, in this sorting unit, the first control element and the second control element are respectively moved based on the inspection result, thereby guiding the object to one of the three branch destinations.

JP 2009-216698 A

In the inspection apparatus, the object is finally guided to one of the branch destinations by moving the tunnels having different branch destinations in each of the first control element and the second control element. However, the passage cannot be confirmed while identifying the object to be branched by simply moving the tunnels with different branch destinations provided in the first control element and the second control element. For this reason, there is a possibility that an object different from the object to be branched is erroneously branched.

An object of the present invention is to provide a classifier for a one-dimensional transport path that can reliably branch a transported object from a transport path extending in a one-dimensional direction to a predetermined branch destination.

The classifier according to the present invention is a classifier for a one-dimensional transport path for branching a transport object transported in a one-dimensional direction to any of a plurality of outlet portions,
An inlet that can receive the transported object from a transport path extending in a one-dimensional direction;
Two outlets capable of delivering the conveyed product;
It is provided so as to be movable between the inlet portion and the two outlet portions. When the inlet portion is in contact with the inlet portion, the conveyed product can be received and stored from the inlet portion, and the two outlet portions can be stored. A storage part that can be sent out from the outlet part that is in contact with the stored article,
A detection unit capable of detecting the transported object when the storage unit moves to one of the two exit units;
Is provided.

In addition, the detection unit
A first detection unit capable of detecting the conveyed product stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to the first outlet unit of the two outlet units;
A second detection unit capable of detecting the transported object stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to a second outlet unit of the two outlet units;
May be provided.

Furthermore, a third detection unit that can detect the transported object stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to the entrance unit may be further provided.

In addition, the detection unit may be provided in at least one of the two outlets. Thereby, when the storage unit moves to the exit unit, the transported object stored in the storage unit can be detected.

Furthermore, the detection unit may be provided at a position where the transported object stored in the storage unit is sent out from the outlet unit when the storage unit moves to one of the outlet units. Thereby, it is possible to detect the conveyed product delivered from the outlet portion.

Furthermore, when the storage unit moves to one of the two outlets, a fourth detection unit capable of detecting the transported object stored in the storage unit at a position where the transported object is sent. You may prepare.

Further, the classifier according to the present invention is a classifier for a one-dimensional transport path for branching a transport object transported in a one-dimensional direction to any of a plurality of outlet portions,
An inlet that can receive the transported object from a transport path extending in a one-dimensional direction;
Two outlets capable of delivering the conveyed product;
It is provided so as to be movable between the inlet portion and the two outlet portions. When the inlet portion is in contact with the inlet portion, the conveyed product can be received and stored from the inlet portion, and the two outlet portions can be stored. A storage part that can be sent out from the outlet part that is in contact with the stored article,
After the storage unit has moved to one of the two outlets, the detection unit capable of detecting the conveyed product sent from the outlet,
Is provided.

Further, the transported object may be transportable by providing a pressure difference from the inlet portion to the two outlet portions via the storage portion.

Furthermore, the storage unit may be capable of storing only one transported item.

Furthermore, as a composite classifier according to the present invention, two or more of the above classifiers may be combined.

According to the classifier according to the present invention, when the storage unit moves to the exit unit, the transported object stored in the storage unit can be detected by the detection unit provided in the exit unit. Thus, it can be confirmed that the conveyed product has moved from the inlet portion to the outlet portion, and thereafter, it can be confirmed that the conveyed product has been sent from the outlet portion to the conveying path. Therefore, it can be confirmed with certainty that the conveyed product has reached the outlet portion from the inlet portion and has been delivered from the outlet portion to the conveying path.

It is a top view which shows the structure of the classifier which concerns on Embodiment 1, Comprising: It is the schematic which shows the case where the storage part is in contact with the entrance part. It is the schematic which shows the state which the storage part moved to the exit part from the entrance part from the case of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the case where a conveyed product is sent to the conveyance path connected to the exit part from the case of FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration of a classifier according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of a classifier according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of a classifier according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of a classifier according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of a composite classifier according to a sixth embodiment.

The one-dimensional transport path classifier according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, substantially the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a one-dimensional transport path classifier 10 according to the first embodiment. The classifier 10 is a classifier for a one-dimensional conveyance path that branches a conveyance object conveyed in a one-dimensional direction to any one of a plurality of outlet portions. In addition, the classifier 10 includes an inlet portion 3 that can receive a transported object 1 from a transport path 2a that extends in a one-dimensional direction, two outlet portions 4a and 4b that can deliver the transported object 1, and a storage unit 5. And a detection unit 6. The storage part 5 is provided so as to be movable between the inlet part 3 and the two outlet parts 4a, 4b. When the storage part 5 comes into contact with the inlet part 3, the storage object 5 can be received and stored from the inlet part 3. In addition, when it comes into contact with any one of the two outlet portions 4a and 4b, the stored conveyed product 1 can be sent out from the outlet portion in contact therewith. Moreover, the detection part 6 can detect the conveyed product 1 stored in the storage part 5, when the storage part 5 moves to either exit part 4b of the two exit parts 4a and 4b.

In particular, in the classifier 10 for the one-dimensional transport path, when the storage unit 5 moves to one of the two exit units 4a and 4b, the classifier 10 is stored in the storage unit 5 by the detection unit 6. The transported object 1 can be detected. As a result, it can be confirmed that the conveyed product 1 has moved from the inlet 3 to the outlet 4b (FIG. 2), and after that, the conveyed product 1 is sent from the outlet 4b to the conveying path 2c (FIG. 3). I can confirm. Therefore, it can be confirmed with certainty that the conveyed product 1 has reached the outlet portion 4b from the inlet portion 3 and has been sent from the outlet portion 4b to the conveying path 2c.

Hereinafter, each component constituting the classifier 10 for the one-dimensional transport path will be described.

<Inlet and outlet>
The inlet part 3 and the outlet parts 4a and 4b are openings for allowing the conveyed product 1 to pass therethrough. The inlet 3 is connected to the transport path 2a, and the outlets 4a and 4b are connected to the transport paths 2b and 2c, respectively. In FIG. 1, the positions of the inlet portion 3 and the outlet portions 4 a and 4 b are provided on the sides facing each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one of the outlet portions 4 a and 4 b may be provided on the same side as the inlet portion 3. .

<Storage unit>
The storage part 5 is provided so as to be movable between the inlet part 3 and the two outlet parts 4a, 4b. When it comes into contact with the inlet 3, it can receive and store the conveyed product 1 from the inlet 3, and when it comes into contact with one of the two outlets 4 a and 4 b, it stores it. It is provided so that it can be sent out from the exit part in contact with the conveyed product 1. In addition, when the storage part 5 moves from the entrance part 3, as shown in FIG. 2, since the entrance part 3 is interrupted | blocked, the conveyed product 1 is not received by the classification device 10 from the conveyance path 2a. The storage part 5 can be moved between the inlet part 3 and the two outlet parts 4a, 4b by mechanical or pressure difference. Moreover, it is preferable that the storage unit 5 has a size capable of storing one transported object 1.

<Detector>
The detection unit 6 is provided so as to be able to detect the transported object 1 stored in the storage unit 5 when the storage unit 5 moves to one of the two exit units 4a and 4b. Specifically, the detection part 6 is provided in at least one outlet part 4b of the two outlet parts 4a and 4b (FIG. 1). Further, the detection unit 6 is not located at the exit 4b as shown in FIG. 1, but at the position where the conveyed product 1 is sent from the exit 4b to the conveyance path 2c as shown in FIG. 7, that is, at the conveyance path 2c near the exit 4b. It may be provided (FIG. 7: detector 6d).
In the classifier 10 according to the first embodiment, the detection unit 6 is provided only in one outlet 4b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in the second embodiment described later, both outlets 4a are provided. 4b may be provided with detectors 6a and 6b, respectively (FIG. 4). Further, as shown in the third embodiment to be described later, a detection unit 6c may be provided at the entrance 3 (FIG. 5). Furthermore, as shown in a later-described embodiment 4, detection units 6a, 6b, and 6c may be provided in each of the two outlet portions 4a and 4b and the inlet portion 3 (FIG. 6). Furthermore, as shown in the fifth embodiment to be described later, even if the detection unit 6d is provided in the position where the conveyed product 1 is sent from one outlet 4b to the conveyance path 2c, that is, in the conveyance path 2c in the vicinity of the outlet 4b. Good (Fig. 7).

<Transported item>
The transport object 1 to be branched in the classifier 10 is, for example, a fine multilayer ceramic capacitor. However, the transport object 1 is not limited to a fine multilayer ceramic capacitor. The multilayer ceramic capacitor has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a substantially square cross section. However, the transported object 1 is not limited to having a square cross section, and may have a circular cross section or a polygonal cross section. Good. As the size of the conveyed product 1, for example, in the case of the multilayer ceramic capacitor, the size of the short side is 0.5 mm, the long side is 1 mm, and the finer short side is 0.1 mm and the long side is 0.2 mm. There is a size.

<Conveyance path>
Although the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c are not members constituting the classifier 10 itself, the classifier 10 is used by being connected to the transport path 2a. Therefore, the transport path will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyance paths 2a, 2b, and 2c are conveyance paths extending in a one-dimensional direction. Further, the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c are defined by both ends in the one-dimensional direction, a bottom surface and an upper surface, and two side surfaces. In addition, what is necessary is just to select suitably the material which comprises the bottom face and upper surface of conveyance path 2a, 2b, 2c, and two side surfaces.

Further, the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c have such a size that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the transport direction can transport the transported object 1 in a one-dimensional direction. Specifically, it is a necessary condition that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the transport direction is larger than the cross-sectional area of the transported object 1 in the transport direction. Furthermore, the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c preferably have an average distance from the side surface of the transported object 1 to be 5% or more of the size of the transported object 1 in the cross-sectional shape.

Moreover, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the conveyance paths 2a, 2b, and 2c may be any of a circular shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and a polygonal shape. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 2 is preferably similar to the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the conveyance object 1. By making the cross-sectional shape of the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c similar to the cross-sectional shape of the transport object 1, the transport object 1 and each surface of the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c can be made to correspond to each other. In addition, when the conveyed product 1 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular | vertical to the conveyance direction of conveyance path 2a, 2b, 2c is a rectangular shape. Thereby, the side surface of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped conveyance thing 1 and each plane of conveyance path 2a, 2b, 2c can be matched, and it can convey easily each side surface of the conveyance object 1. FIG.

Further, the transport paths 2a, 2b, and 2c may transport the transported object 1 with a pressure difference in a one-dimensional direction. Or you may convey the conveyed product 1 by supplying air. Further, the conveyed product 1 may be conveyed by sucking air from the outlet side. Furthermore, air supply and intake may be combined. This air supply and intake may be performed either continuously or pulsed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the one-dimensional transport path classifier 10a according to the second embodiment. The classifier 10a is different from the classifier according to Embodiment 1 in that a detection unit 6a is also provided in the exit unit 4a. Thus, since the detection units 6a and 6b are provided in both of the two outlet portions 4a and 4b, the arrival of the conveyed product 1 to the respective outlet portions 4a and 4b, the delivery to the conveyance paths 2b and 2c, Can be confirmed respectively.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the one-dimensional transport path classifier 10b according to the third embodiment. This classifier 10b is different from the classifier according to the first embodiment in that a detector 6c is also provided in the entrance part 3. Thus, since the detection part 6c is provided in the inlet part 3, it can detect about the case where the conveyed product 1 is received in the inlet part 3 from the conveyance path 2a, and it is conveyed in the two outlet parts 4a and 4b from the inlet part 3. The case where 1 is moved can also be detected.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the one-dimensional transport path classifier 10c according to the fourth embodiment. The classifier 10c is different from the classifier according to the first embodiment in that the detectors 6a, 6b, and 6c are further provided in the two outlet portions 4a and 4b and the inlet portion 3, respectively. First, since the detection part 6c is provided in the inlet part 3, it can detect about the case where the conveyed product 1 is received in the inlet part 3 from the conveyance path 2a, and the conveyed object 1 from the inlet part 3 to two outlet parts 4a and 4b. It is also possible to detect the case of moving. Furthermore, since the detection parts 6a and 6b are provided in both of the two outlet parts 4a and 4b, the arrival of the conveyed product 1 to the respective outlet parts 4a and 4b and the delivery to the conveying paths 2b and 2c are performed. Each can be confirmed.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of a one-dimensional transport path classifier 10d according to the fifth embodiment. The classifier 10d is different from the classifier according to the first embodiment in that a detection unit 6d is provided at a position where the conveyed product 1 is sent out from the outlet unit 4a. The detection unit 6d provided at a position where the conveyed product 1 is delivered from the outlet unit 4a can move to the outlet unit 4a and confirm the conveyed product 1 delivered to the conveyance path 2b.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the configuration of the one-dimensional conveyance path composite classifier 20 according to the sixth embodiment. The composite classifier 20 is a combination of a plurality of classifiers. Specifically, the second classifier 10f is combined with the transport path 2c connected to one outlet 4b of the first classifier 10e. In this composite classifier 20, a transport path 2b connected to the first outlet section 4a of the first classifier 10e, a transport path 2b connected to the inlet section 3 of the first classifier 10e, and a second Are branched into three transport paths, two transport paths 2d and 2e connected to the two outlet portions 4c and 4d. In this composite classifier 20 as well, it is possible to detect that the conveyed product 1 has arrived at the respective outlet portions 4b and 4d by the detecting portions 6b and 6e provided at the outlet portions 4b and 4d of the two classifiers. The delivery of the conveyed product 1 to the conveyance paths 2c and 2e connected to the outlet portions 4b and 4d can be confirmed. In addition, you may provide the test | inspection part which test | inspects the conveyed product 1 in the middle of the conveyance path 2c between the two classifiers 10e and 10f.

According to the classifier for a one-dimensional transport path according to the present invention, when the storage unit moves to the exit unit, the transported object stored in the storage unit can be detected by the detection unit provided at the exit unit. Therefore, the one-dimensional transport path classifier according to the present invention is useful, for example, as a classifier for classifying multilayer ceramic capacitors transported in a one-dimensional direction.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conveyed object 2a, 2b, 2c Conveyance path 3 Inlet part 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d Outlet part 5, 15 Storage part 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e Detection part 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f Classifier 20 Compound classifier

Claims

A classifier for a one-dimensional transport path for branching a transport object transported in a one-dimensional direction to any of a plurality of exit portions,
An inlet that can receive the transported object from a transport path extending in a one-dimensional direction;
Two outlets capable of delivering the conveyed product;
It is provided so as to be movable between the inlet portion and the two outlet portions. When the inlet portion is in contact with the inlet portion, the conveyed product can be received and stored from the inlet portion, and the two outlet portions can be stored. A storage part that can be sent out from the outlet part that is in contact with the stored article,
A detection unit capable of detecting the transported object when the storage unit moves to one of the two exit units;
Classifier with
The detector is
A first detection unit capable of detecting the conveyed product stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to the first outlet unit of the two outlet units;
A second detection unit capable of detecting the transported object stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to a second outlet unit of the two outlet units;
The classifier according to claim 1, comprising:
The classifier according to claim 2, further comprising a third detection unit capable of detecting the transported object stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to the entrance unit.
The detection unit is provided in at least one of the two outlet units, and can detect the transported object stored in the storage unit when the storage unit moves to the outlet unit. The classifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The detection unit is provided at a position where the transported object stored in the storage unit is sent out from the outlet unit when the storage unit moves to one of the outlet units, and is sent out from the outlet unit. The classifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transported object to be detected can be detected.
When the storage unit moves to one of the exit units, the transported product is provided at a position where the transported product stored in the storage unit is sent out from the exit unit and is sent out from the exit unit. The classifier according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth detection unit capable of detecting.
A classifier for a one-dimensional transport path for branching a transport object transported in a one-dimensional direction to any of a plurality of exit portions,
An inlet that can receive the transported object from a transport path extending in a one-dimensional direction;
Two outlets capable of delivering the conveyed product;
It is provided so as to be movable between the inlet portion and the two outlet portions. When the inlet portion is in contact with the inlet portion, the conveyed product can be received and stored from the inlet portion, and the two outlet portions can be stored. A storage part that can be sent out from the outlet part that is in contact with the stored article,
After the storage unit has moved to one of the two outlets, the detection unit capable of detecting the conveyed product sent from the outlet,
Classifier with
The classifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transported object can be transported by providing a pressure difference from the inlet section to the two outlet sections via the storage section.
The classifier according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage unit is capable of storing only one transported object.
A composite classifier configured by combining two or more of the classifiers according to any one of claims 1 to 9.