JPS61211209A - Device for inspecting transported article - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reliably transport an article and to improve the transport efficiency by guiding conveying cables with the forward ends of a pair of fixed slit plates, and sucking a transported article on the cables through a slit between the plates in a device for inspecting small articles such as medicines. CONSTITUTION:A driving mechanism not shown is operated to run conveying cables 6, 7 along guide rails 4, 5 of slit plates 1, 2, and a suction pump 12 is driven to suck air through a slit 3 by a suction pipe 11. In such a condition, when a transported article (m) is moved in close to the slit 3, the transported article (m) is adsorbed to the conveying cables 6, 7 to be retained reliably, and conveyed by the cables 6, 7. In this arrangement, a transported article can be retained and conveyed reliably to accurately position the article at an inspection portion and to improve transport efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application This invention mainly uses small articles such as pharmaceuticals (tablets, capsules, etc.), small sweets such as candies, washers, button batteries, etc. The present invention relates to a conveyed object inspection apparatus that inspects conveyed objects while conveying them in process sections such as defect inspection, appearance inspection, and dimension inspection.

Jurai's technology As a conventional conveyed object inspection device of this type, the
Some of these are disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 035789 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-032125. All of these are related to tablet appearance inspection devices.

In the former (hereinafter referred to as the first conventional example), a horizontal rotary table is arranged next to the arrangement means for arranging the tablets in a line,
The periphery of the rotary table is configured as a transparent mounting surface, and the tablets arranged by the aligning means are sequentially passed to the rotating transparent mounting surface, and the table is continuously rotated. The device is configured to image the top, bottom, left and right sides of each tablet on the transparent placement surface using a television camera, and inspect the appearance of the tablet for defects.

The lower part of the tablet can be inspected because the tablet mounting surface is transparent.

According to this, since most of the bottom of the tablet is floating above the mounting surface, there is an advantage that inspection of both left and right sides can be carried out with extremely high precision.

In the latter (hereinafter referred to as the second conventional example), a pocket for storing tablets is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a suction-type rotating drum and communicates with the inside of the drum, and the tablets in the pocket rotate with the drum. This is to inspect.

The problem that the invention seeks to solve ■　First conventional example. has the following problems.

Since the tablets are simply placed on a transparent mounting surface in order to exert the above advantages, the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the table may cause the tablets to deviate from their normal trajectory. As a result, defect inspection cannot be performed accurately as expected.

Furthermore, it is an essential condition that the trajectory of the tablet be in a horizontal plane, which imposes significant restrictions on the transportation mode.

Furthermore, if the diameter of the rotary table is increased (and the length of the conveyance path is lengthened), the floor area occupied by the rotary table increases, which is disadvantageous in terms of space.

■ The second conventional example has the following problems.

When a tablet is placed in a pocket, it may hit the edge of the pocket or collide with the bottom of the pocket, damaging or destroying the tablet. Also, jamming (crowd, congestion) may occur.
There is a risk of clogging.

Further, like the first conventional example, a large floor area is required for installing the rotating drum.

The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional example.

Means for Solving the Problems The technical means (structure of the invention) taken by the present invention to solve the above problems are as follows.

The conveyed object inspection device of the present invention comprises: fixed slit plates of a sensor facing each other with a slit formed between their edges; a guide rail formed on the edge of each of these slit plates; and a guide rail for these plates. It is equipped with transport cables that run while being individually guided by rails, and a suction means that sucks air into the inner side of the opposing slit plate through the slits, so that the running locus of the transport cables can be traced to the appearance or defect of the transported object. This is what we have in front of our inspection department.

action The effects of the configuration of this invention are as follows.

When the fat suction means is operated, a negative pressure is generated from the slit between the opposing slit plates toward the inner side of the opposing slit plate. Therefore, negative pressure is also generated between the pair of conveyance cables running on the guide rails formed at the edges of the slit plate.

Therefore, when an object is brought close to or in contact with the pair of transport cables, the object is attracted to and held by the pair of transport cables by negative pressure.

On the other hand, since each conveyance cable is guided by a guide rail, it runs on a predetermined track. Therefore, even if centrifugal force or other external force is applied, the object to be transported is transported while maintaining the state in which it is attracted and held by the pair of transport cables, and the trajectory thereof is prevented from deviating from the normal trajectory.

(bl) Since the object to be transported is held by the pair of transport cables by suction, a considerable portion of the suction surface side of the transport object will be lifted from the pair of transport cables.

Therefore, when performing defect inspection or appearance inspection, it is possible to inspect a sufficiently wide area of the transported object.

tel Since the means for positioning the conveyed object is suction and holding based on suction, the object is gently hit and no impact is generated. Therefore, there is little risk of damage or destruction to the transported object. Furthermore, there is no risk of jamming or clogging.

[dl Since the means for positioning the transported object is suction and holding based on suction, it is possible to take a transport route that resists gravity, for example, transport in the vertical direction.

Conveying in an inclined direction, switching from horizontal to vertical, from horizontal to inclined, from inclined to vertical, or vice versa, or a combination of the above switching, etc.
The degree of freedom in transportation form is greatly expanded.

In addition, as the transport device uses a transport rope guided by a fixed guide rail, the length of the transport path can be easily increased, and even if the length is longer, it is possible to use a rotary table. This eliminates the need for an excessive increase in floor space as in the case of

[The fl II feed rope is sufficiently lightweight compared to the rotary table, so it requires less energy to drive. In addition, since the transportation rope is less expensive than the rotary table, the cost can be reduced as a whole.

Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a vertical side view of a conveying device used in the conveyed object inspection device, Fig. 2 is a front view thereof, Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of the entire tablet appearance inspection device to which the conveying device is applied, and Fig. 4 FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a rectifying section and a part of a conveying device.

In Fig. 1, 1.2 is a pair of slit plates fixed horizontally facing each other, and 3 is a slit plate 1.
．． 2, 4.5 is a guide rail formed at the edge of each slit plate 1.2; 6;
．． Reference numeral 7 denotes transport cables that run while being individually guided by the guide rails 4 and 5, and these transport cables 6.7
consists of an endless round belt.

A gap 8 having a size smaller than the size of the object to be transported m is formed between the pair of transport cables 6 and 7. Negative pressure is also generated in this gap 8, and the upper surfaces of the pair of conveyance cables 6 and 7 are configured as conveyed object suction surfaces.

The slit 3 is formed over the entire length of the slit plate 1.2, and the gap 8 is formed over the entire length of the conveying cables 6, 7. □9 is an air box, and the inside of this air box 9 is formed into an intake passage 10. An intake passage 10 of the air box 9 is connected to a suction pump 12 via an intake pipe 1). This suction pump 12 is an example of suction means in the structure of the invention.

The air box 9 communicates with the outside only at the slit 3, and the other parts are kept airtight.

Each of the conveyance cables 6, 7 has a pair of boos +713°14
suspended between. One pulley 13 is a drive pulley, and its drive shaft 15 is interlocked and connected to a motor or other drive mechanism (not shown) via a speed reduction mechanism. The other pulley 14 is a driven pulley.

The outward path A of each conveyor cable 6.7 is fitted into the guide rail 4.5, while the return path B is connected to the air intake path 1 in the air box 9.
It is arranged so that it passes through 0.

The inner surface of each slit plate 1.2 is formed into tapered surfaces 1a, 2a that widen outward as the distance from the slit increases.

In addition, a separation mechanism (not shown) such as a scraper, a suction mechanism, and a blow-off mechanism is provided at a predetermined position on the traveling locus of the transport cables 6, 7, so that the transported object m is separated from the transport cables 6, 7.
It is configured so that it can be separated from the conveyed object suction surface of No.7.

Further, the friction coefficient of the object suction surface is adjusted depending on conditions such as the type of object m and the purpose of transportation.

Next, the operation will be explained.

(i) Start the drive mechanism to rotate the drive shaft 15 and drive the suction pump 12. Suction pump 12
Due to this suction, negative pressure is applied to the slit 3 through the intake path 10, and outside air is sucked through the slit 3.

(1)) When the conveyed object m approaches or comes into contact with the slit 3, the conveyed object m is attracted to the conveyed object suction surfaces of the conveyance cables 6 and 7 by negative pressure and is held.

Even if the conveyance rope 6.7 is run at high speed, if the suction force is made strong enough, there is no risk that the conveyed object m will fall off the conveyed object suction surface due to centrifugal force, and the conveyed object m is
Keep the suction held and guide rail 4.5
As the transport cables 6 and 7 are guided by the transport cables 6 and 7, they are transported along a regular trajectory.

(u+) Since the endless belt constituting the TIli transport cable 6.7 is a round belt, there is a certain distance between the arc-shaped object suction surface of the transport cables 6 and 7 and the back surface of the transport object m. A gap is created, and the object m can be suctioned and held in a state where a part of the back surface of the object m is floating.

Furthermore, since the inner surface of each slit plate 1.2 is formed into an outwardly expanding tapered surface 1a, 2a, air resistance in the slit 3 is small. Therefore, the suction force is strong, and the conveyed object m can be automatically centered in the slit 3.

(iv) When the conveyed object m reaches the separation mechanism provided at a predetermined position on the traveling locus of the conveying cables 6 and 7, the adsorption of the conveyed object m is released, and the conveyed object m is transported forward. Route 6
, will be withdrawn from 7.

(V) Since the guide rails 4 and 5 are fitted with half of the transport cables 6 and 7, they ensure a travel path for the transport cables 6 and 7, and also secure the re-transport cables 6 and 7 by suction. 7 are prevented from adsorbing each other (the attraction effect disappears).

(vi) When the return path B of the conveyance cable 6.7 passes through the air box 9, the dust adhering to the conveyance cable 6.7 is removed by suction. In other words, the transportation rope 6
．． The cleaning action against 7 is exerted.

In addition, as an embodiment in which this conveyance device But that's fine.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, 16 is a hopper for storing tablets, 17 is a vibration feeder that takes out the tablets m in the hopper 12 little by little, 18 is a vibrator, 19 is a vibration trough,
20 is a tablet straightening mechanism that arranges the tablets m in one line and sends them out; 21 is a belt conveyor; Xl is a first conveying device;
is the second conveying device, and T + -T h is the first to sixth conveying device.
22 is a tablet sorting mechanism, 23 is a duct for collecting good products, and 24 is a duct for collecting defective products.

The tablet rectifying mechanism 20 includes a turntable 2 that is driven and rotated.
5, a fixed peripheral wall 26 on which the outer circumference of the turntable 25 slides, a fixed shaft 27 passing through the center of the turntable 25, and a plurality of fixed shafts 27 attached to the fixed shaft 27 and on which the mounting surface of the turntable 25 slides. The rectifying guide 28 , the thickness gate 29 attached to the upper edge of the peripheral wall 26 at a location near the vibrating feeder 17 , and the linear peripheral wall 26 a forming a part of the peripheral wall 26 and facing in parallel to the inner side thereof. A linear peripheral wall 26b forming a part of the peripheral wall 26
It is equipped with a width gate 30 consisting of and the like.

The belt conveyor 21 is located directly below the width gate 3o.

31.32 is a pulley that stretches the belt conveyor 21, 3
3.34 is its axis.

The tablets m fed onto the turntable 25 by the vibrating feeder 17 are subjected to the rectifying action of the rectifying guide 28 as the turntable 25 rotates, and are gradually aligned along the peripheral wall 26.

The tablets m that have reached the thickness gate 29 are sorted using a predetermined thickness as a boundary, and the tablets m having a thickness equal to or less than the predetermined thickness are sorted through the thickness gate 29.
It passes through and reaches the width gate 3o.

The tablets m that have reached the width gate 30 are sorted using a predetermined width as a boundary, and the tablets m below the width plate are transferred to the belt conveyor 21, pass through the width gate 30, and are first conveyed from the end of the belt conveyor 21. It is sent to device X1.

The belt conveyor 21 has a function (accumulator effect) of automatically correcting even if the arrangement pitch of the tablets m is disturbed in the tablet straightening mechanism 20. That is, the rotational speed of the peripheral portion of the turntable 25 is set higher than the rotational speed of the belt conveyor 21.

Therefore, blank spaces are less likely to occur in the m rows of tablets, and even if they do occur, the number of blank spaces is small and good supply is achieved.

The first transport device X1 and the second transport device X2 are
Although it has the same structure as the conveying device X shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 2, the first conveying device X! In this case, the outbound conveyance path A of the conveyance cables 6 and 7 is on the upper side.

In the first conveying device X1, the most upstream end of the slit plate 1.2 is located directly above the belt conveyor 21. Gate-shaped first to third tablet appearance inspection mechanisms T1 to T are attached to a fixed frame (not shown) with the pair of slit plates 1.2 of the first conveyance device X1 sandwiched therebetween. With the slit plate 1.2 of the second conveyance device
to sixth tablet appearance inspection mechanisms T4 to T are attached to a fixed frame (not shown).

These inspection mechanisms T, ~T, all emit light a< (not shown), a television camera (not shown) that images the irradiated tablets m, and a tablet sorting mechanism 22 (described later) for timing the sorting of the tablets m into good and defective products. It has a built-in counter (not shown).

In the second conveying device X2, the most upstream end of the slit 3 is
It is located directly below the downstream portion of the slit 3 of the first conveying device X1. This position is the passing point P of the tablet light.

The outward path A of the first conveying device X and the outward path A of the second conveying device Xt are parallel to each other. Therefore, the slit 3 of the first transport device X, and the slit 3 of the second transport device
and are in the same vertical plane.

The conveying speeds of the first conveying device X+ and the second conveying device X are equal to each other and always constant. Also,
The transporting directions of the retransporting devices X+ and Xt are the same, and the rotating directions are opposite.

The tablet m, which had been adsorbed on the tablet suction surfaces of the transport cables 6 and 7 of the first transport device The receiver is passed over the tablet adsorption surface, and at this time, the non-adsorption side of the tablet m is turned over.

The first to third inspection mechanisms T+, Tz, and Ts image the surface (lower surface), right side, and left side of the tablet m, respectively, and transmit video signals to a monitor television and an analyzer (not shown). It is configured.

Fourth to sixth inspection mechanisms T, 'rs, T,
are the back side of tablet m (the top side after the suction surface is reversed).

It is configured to image the right side and left side and transmit video signals to the monitor television and analyzer.

The analyzer performs analysis to obtain non-defective product data or defective product data by comparing the appearance data of the passing tablet m transmitted from each television camera with the appearance data of a standard tablet, and is configured to transmit the information to the sorting mechanism 22.

The sorting mechanism 22 sorts good products from defective products based on the data transmitted from the analyzer, and selects good tablets m from the sorting mechanism at timings based on count signals from each inspection mechanism T I = T b. 22, the tablet m is sent to the good product recovery duct 23 by blowing with a blower, etc., and when the defective tablet m arrives at the sorting mechanism 22, the tablet m is sent to the defective product recovery duct 23. duct 24 for use.

In the case of this tablet appearance inspection device, in both the first conveying device X+ and the second conveying device Since it is lifted from the tablet suction surface over a wide range, it is possible to irradiate the tablet m with light and to image the tablet m with a television camera over a sufficiently wide area range on the tablet m.

Furthermore, when the tablet m is transferred from the first conveyance device X1 to the second conveyance device X2, the non-adsorption surface of the tablet m is reversed. The front surface and both side surfaces can be sufficiently inspected, and the back surface and both side surfaces of the tablet m can also be sufficiently inspected in the second transport device X2.

In addition to the above embodiments, the present invention includes the following embodiments.

■, as shown in Figure 5 (A), the guide rail 4.5
is constructed separately from the slit plate 1.2 and joined together.

In this case, manufacturing is easier.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5CB), guide rails 4. with the same inclination are attached to the tapered surfaces IA and 2A on the outer surface of the slit plate 1.2.
5, while the conveying cable 6.7 is constituted by a flat belt, and this conveying cable 6.7 is engaged with the guide rail 4.5.

In this case, the conveying cables 6 and 7 are unlikely to accidentally separate from the guide rails 4.degree. 5, and the conveyed object suction portions are in line contact, so that the effect of lifting the conveyed object m is enhanced.

Figure 5 (C) shows the guide rail 4.5 connected to the slit plate 1.
．． The guide rail 4.5 is constructed separately from the guide rail 2 and joined together, and conveyance cables 6, 7 having sharp tops are engaged with the guide rail 4.5. In this case as well, the effect of lifting the conveyed object m becomes high.

(2) The arrangement relationship between the front and back of the first transport device X1 and the second transport device X2 is reversed.

■, the first transport device X1 and the second transport device X! and are arranged in orthogonal a' configuration.

In the case of the above embodiment, only both the front and back sides and both left and right sides of the transported object m could be inspected, but when the objects are arranged in an orthogonal arrangement,
There is an advantage that both the front and rear sides of the transported object m can be inspected.

(2) In place of the vibrating feeder 17 and the rectifying mechanism 20, a vibrating bowl feeder, a reciprocating funnel hopper feeder, or a coil chute is used.

In the case of a circular shaped object m, a turntable method is preferable, but in the case of an irregularly shaped object m, such as a rugby ball shape, a vibrating bowl feeder or a coil chute is preferable.

(2) A structure in which the objects m to be transported are transported in multiple rows instead of in one row. In this case, each row may or may not be parallel to each other.

■, one in which the gap dimension of the slit 3 is freely adjustable;
Thereby, it is possible to easily deal with changes in the size of the transported object m.

(2) Instead of making the running speeds of the pair of transport ropes 6 and 7 the same, they are configured to run relative to each other with a speed difference, and while holding the transported object m by suction, the relative running speed is The conveyed object (m) itself is rotated around its axis due to the difference in running speed based on the difference in speed, so that the entire circumferential surface can be inspected evenly and by turning.

(2) As the sensor used in the inspection mechanism, any sensor such as a laser type sensor, an optical fiber sensor, a line sensor, a two-dimensional sensor, etc. can be adopted.

(1) As the sorting mechanism 22, there are mechanical sorting means such as a solenoid bushing type, an impeller using a pulse motor, etc., and an air flow sorting means such as suction air or jet air.

X, *Travel speed of feed cable 6.7 and belt conveyor 21
The magnitude relationship with the rotation speed may be set arbitrarily.

That is, the speed relationship is set depending on the type of the transported object m.

When the conveyance rope 6.7 is run at a higher speed,
The pitch of the conveyed object m from the belt conveyor 21 to the conveyance cables 6 and 7 increases at the transfer point. If the speed is the same, there will be no increase or decrease in pitch. When the conveyance rope 6.7 is run at a lower speed, the pitch of the conveyed objects m becomes smaller at the transfer point, and depending on conditions, all the conveyed objects m can be fed in a contact state. .

Xl, the belt conveyor 21 is omitted, and the conveyed object m is directly supplied from the width gate 30 to the first conveying device X.

Effect of the invention According to this invention, there are the following effects.

(al) When an object to be transported approaches or comes into contact with a pair of transport ropes where negative pressure is generated between the opposing sides by the operation of the suction means, the transported object is attracted to and held by the pair of transport ropes due to the negative pressure. On the other hand, since each transport cable is guided by a guide rail and runs at a predetermined start, even if centrifugal force or other external force is applied, the transported object is held by the pair of transport cables. It is possible to maintain the same state and prevent the trajectory from deviating from the normal trajectory.

(bl) Since the conveyed object is held by suction on the pair of conveyance ropes, a considerable part of the suction surface side of the conveyed object will be lifted from the pair of conveyance ropes, making it difficult to inspect for defects or look When inspecting, it is possible to inspect a sufficiently wide area of the object to be transported.

(C1 Since the means for positioning the transported object is suction and holding based on suction air, the contact with the transported object is gentle,
No impact occurs. In other words, there is no risk of damage or destruction to the transported object, there is no risk of jamming, and there is no fear of clogging, and highly efficient transport can be performed.

(d+ Since the means for positioning the transported object is suction and holding based on suction, it is possible to take a transport route that resists gravity, for example, transport in the vertical direction.

Conveying in an inclined direction, switching from horizontal to vertical, from horizontal to inclined, from inclined to vertical, or vice versa, or a combination of the above switching, etc.
The degree of freedom in transportation form can be greatly expanded.

Furthermore, since a conveyance cable guided by a guide rail is used as the conveyor, the length of the conveyance path can be easily increased.

In addition, even if the table is made long, it does not require an excessive increase in floor space as in the case of a rotary table, and the table can be used efficiently in terms of space.

(fl @The transport cables are sufficiently lightweight compared to the rotary table, so they require less driving energy, and the transport cables are lower in cost than the rotary table, so the overall As a result, costs can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a conveyance device in a conveyed object inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view thereof, and FIG. 3 is an overall view of a tablet appearance inspection device to which the above-mentioned conveyance device is applied. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view, FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a part of the rectifying section and the conveyance device, and FIGS. 5(A) to (C) are vertical sectional side views of the main parts of another embodiment. 1.2... Slit plate, la, 2a... Inner tapered surface, IA, 2A... Outer tapered surface, 3... Slit, 4.5... Guide rail, 6.7... Transportation cable, work 0... Suction path, 12... Suction pump (suction means), 20... Rectification mechanism, m... Tablet (transported object),
B... return trip, X, X+, Xs... transport device, T1
~T, ... Inspection mechanism Figure 1 Figure 2 (A) (B) (C) Figure 3

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A pair of fixed slit plates facing each other with a slit formed between their edges, a guide rail formed on the edge of each of these slit plates, and a state of being individually guided by these guide rails. and a suction means for sucking air into the inner side of the opposing slit plate through the slit, and the traveling locus of the transport cable faces an inspection section for the appearance or defects of the transported object. Conveyed object inspection device. (2) The conveyed object inspection apparatus according to claim (1), further comprising a conveyed object rectifying mechanism upstream of the conveyance cable. (3) The conveyed object inspection device according to claim (1), wherein the conveyance cable is an endless belt. (4) The return path of the endless belt is provided in the intake passage inside the opposing slit plate.
3) The conveyed object inspection device described in section 3). (5) The conveyed object inspection device according to claim (1), wherein each of the conveying cables is formed so that its conveying section contacts the conveyed object over a small area. (6) The conveyed object inspection device according to claim (1), wherein the inner surface of each of the slit plates is formed into a tapered surface that widens outward as the distance from the slit increases.