JP5773760B2 - Automatic sorting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic sorting apparatus that sorts products such as electronic components supplied in a state of being stored in a tray and stores them in a tray, and in particular, can stack trays in a desired state with a simple configuration. It is.

  A conventional automatic sorting device picks up products such as electronic parts stored in a tray, conveys them to an evaluation device, automatically sorts them into shelves corresponding to each characteristic after characteristic evaluation, and automatically stores them again in the tray Technology. First, a general example of a tray handled by the apparatus will be described. Polypropylene, polystyrene, or the like is used as a material for trays used for storing and transporting electronic components and the like. These trays are often manufactured by vacuum molding, and the outer periphery of the tray is tapered to facilitate separation from the mold after molding.

  Next, the operation of the apparatus will be described. First, in order to efficiently use the tray loaded in the device, the tray that is empty after picking up the product is transported in a different path from the product, and stored in the buffer part for adjusting the excess or deficiency of the tray, Reuse as a storage tray to store the product after characterization. Therefore, when an empty tray is not set in advance on each sorting shelf before the operation starts, the first storage tray to be supplied to the sorting shelf after the operation starts is always taken out from the buffer unit. When the storage tray corresponding to each characteristic in the sorting shelf is full of products, one empty tray is taken out from the buffer and supplied onto the full tray. When the sorting operation is completed, if there are two or more trays storing products having the same characteristics, the second and subsequent trays are taken out from the apparatus in a stacked state. Stacking trays when loading and unloading products and processing more sheets at a time reduces the work load on the operator and increases the time during which the device can be operated continuously (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-41182

  In the conventional automatic sorting apparatus, when the tray is taken out from the apparatus, the taper portions of the outer peripheral portion of the tray are overlapped with each other so that they are easy to bite and are difficult to separate. For this reason, even if a part of the tray is provided with a biting prevention unit, the tray stacking state cannot be managed so that the tray is not bitten because there is no function of managing and controlling the tray direction. If the tray direction is managed by the conventional apparatus, a function for teaching the tray direction information of each tray set in the apparatus to the apparatus and a function for managing the tray direction are required. In order to teach the tray direction information to the apparatus, it is necessary to add a device for identifying the tray direction, such as a sensor or a camera. Further, it is necessary to provide a tray direction identification tag, a barcode, or the like on the tray side, or to additionally process a sensor detection opening in a part of the tray. In addition, a dedicated stage for detecting the tray direction is also required. From the above, it is necessary to add devices and members, and there is a problem that the apparatus cost increases.

  In order to control the tray direction, it is necessary to always prepare two empty trays to be supplied to the sorting unit for storing products, and two buffer units for temporarily storing empty trays are required for each tray direction. Become. Further, when an empty tray is supplied from the buffer unit to the sorting unit, two transport paths are required to take out the empty tray from the two buffer units. In this case, it is necessary to add a function of providing two conveyance paths or providing a conveyance hand that takes out the tray from each buffer unit and supplies it to the current conveyance path. From the above, there is a problem that the apparatus size is increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic sorting apparatus capable of stacking trays in a desired state with a simple configuration.

The automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention is
Product has a preventing portion biting Rutotomoni mounted, extracts the above product from the tray insertion portion for introducing a tray to prevent the biting by staked alternately preventing portion biting the different directions sorting In the automatic sorting apparatus that transports and loads the trays on the plurality of sorting shelves in which the other trays are arranged, stacks the trays on which the sorted products are loaded, and discharges them to the outside.
A buffer unit for storing the empty tray on which the product is not mounted;
A tray rotation moving means that can rotate the empty tray at any angle in the horizontal direction and moves from the loading unit to the buffer unit or the sorting shelf, or from the buffer unit to the sorting shelf,
The product is mounted to the management and direction information of the tray to be inserted into the insertion portion, and the direction information of the tray disposed in the buffer unit, and the direction information of the tray disposed above the sorting shelf A tray direction manager,
The tray direction information of the input unit, the tray direction information of the buffer unit, the tray direction information of the sorting shelf, and the empty tray managed by the tray direction management unit Based on the movement information that moves from the loading unit to the buffer unit or the sorting shelf, or from the buffer unit to the sorting shelf, the biting prevention units alternate in different directions in the upper and lower trays to be stacked. And a tray direction movement control unit that determines whether or not to rotate the tray so as to be stacked, and controls the tray rotation moving means.

According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the present invention ,
The trays can be stacked in a desired state with a simple configuration.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the structure of the tray used for the automatic sorting apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which stacked the tray shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which stacked the tray shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus of Embodiment 8 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a tray used in the automatic sorting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which stacked the tray shown in 2. FIG.

  In FIG. 1, an automatic sorting apparatus 100 is arranged in advance after taking out the product 2 from the tray 1 on which the product 2 is mounted and evaluating the characteristics by the characteristic evaluation apparatus 17 arranged outside. This is for placing on another tray 1. Then, a loading unit 5 for loading the tray 1 on which the product 2 is loaded, a buffer unit 14 for storing an empty tray 1 on which the product 2 is not loaded, and a tray 1 for loading the sorted product 2 A plurality of sorting shelves 13 respectively arranged, a display unit 10 arranged to display the contents in the buffer unit 14 and the plurality of sorting shelves 13 and a product 2 from the tray 1 17 and product transport means 31 capable of transporting the product transport path C for transporting the sorted products 2 to the corresponding sorting shelves 13.

  Further, the tray 1 can be rotated at an arbitrary angle in the horizontal direction, and the tray transport paths A and B move from the input unit 5 to the buffer unit 14 or the sorting shelf 13 or from the buffer unit 14 to the sorting shelf 13. Rotating means 30 for moving the tray, tray direction management unit 15 for managing the direction information of the tray 1, direction information for the tray direction management unit 15 and the input unit 5 for the empty tray 1 to the buffer unit 14 or the sorting shelf 13 or a tray direction movement control unit 16 that determines the rotation angle of the tray 1 based on movement information that moves from the buffer unit 14 to the sorting shelf 13 and controls the tray rotation moving unit 30.

  The loading unit 5 includes a loading position 32 for loading the tray 1 on which the product 2 is loaded, a conveyance conveyor 6 for conveying the tray 1 on which the product 2 is loaded from the loading position 32, and a conveyance conveyor 6. The tray 1 on which the product 2 is mounted is conveyed, and is composed of a pick-up position 7 where the product 2 is picked up. The product conveying means 31 includes a product conveying hand 8 for picking up the product 2 from the tray 1 and mounting it again on another tray 1 and a product conveying path 33 for conveying the product 2. . The product conveyance path 33 is formed so that the product 2 can be conveyed from the pick-up position 7 of the input unit 5 to the characteristic evaluation device 17 and the sorting shelf 13.

  Further, the tray rotation moving means 30 is disposed in the empty tray transport hand 9 for picking up the empty tray 1 from the pick-up position 7 and placing the tray 1 again at a predetermined position, and the empty tray transport hand 9. The tray rotating mechanism 12 that can rotate the tray 1 at an arbitrary angle in the horizontal direction and the tray transport path 34 for transporting the empty tray 1 are configured. The tray conveyance path 34 is formed so that the empty tray 1 can be conveyed from the pick-up position 7 of the input unit 5 to the buffer unit 14 or the sorting shelf 13 or from the buffer unit 14 to the sorting shelf 13.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray 1 is for mounting a product 2 such as an electronic component, for example, and can be stacked in a plurality of stages in consideration of conveyance efficiency, storage efficiency, and the like. For example, a tapered portion 4 is formed on the outer periphery of the tray 1. Further, when the trays 1 are stacked, the biting prevention unit 3 configured by, for example, a notch or a step is provided in a part of the tapered portion 4 so that the trays 1 are not bitten. Here, the tray 1 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the biting prevention portion 3 is formed on one side thereof. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the biting prevention portions 3 of the upper and lower trays 1 are stacked in the same direction, the taper portions 4 of the upper and lower trays 1 are easily overlapped and separated. It becomes difficult.

  However, as shown in FIG. 4, when the trays 1 are rotated 180 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction one by one and the biting prevention portions 3 are alternately stacked in a direction different by 180 degrees, A portion of the tray 1 is placed on the biting prevention portion 3 of the lower tray 1 or the biting prevention portion 3 of the upper tray 1 is placed on a portion of the lower tray 1, thereby One can maintain a certain distance in the thickness direction, and can prevent the trays 1 from being bitten. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as “stacking the trays 1 alternately”.

  Next, the operation of the automatic sorting apparatus of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, in the automatic sorting apparatus 100, it is assumed that the trays 1 are alternately stacked. The plurality of sorting shelves 13 are assigned in advance so that the product 2 having which characteristic is mounted on which shelf, and can be arbitrarily set. For example, in the case of all three-stage sorting shelves 13, the assignment of one characteristic can be overlapped and set to a plurality of stages, for example, two stages are assigned to characteristic a and one stage is assigned to characteristic b. Moreover, it is not necessary to use all the sorting shelves 13, and the necessary number of shelves can be selected and used. In addition, the display unit 10 of each sorting shelf 13 displays the classification of the characteristics of the product 2 to be stored, for example, the symbols and numbers indicating the characteristics “a”, “b”, etc. Can be considered. Further, the display unit 10 of the buffer unit 14 displays that this part is the buffer unit 14.

  Further, the tray 1 loaded with the product 2 and loaded into the loading unit 5 and the empty tray 1 arranged in advance in the buffer unit 14 are stacked alternately as shown in FIG. The direction information of each tray 1 is stored and recorded and managed in the tray direction management unit 15 in advance. In addition, when empty trays 1 are arranged in advance on the respective sorting shelves 13, the direction information of the trays 1 is stored and recorded and managed in the tray direction management unit 15 in advance. Further, empty trays 1 are stacked in the buffer unit 14 to set the required number of sheets. The number of empty trays 1 set in the buffer unit 14 is equal to or greater than the number of the sorting shelves 13 when the trays 1 are not previously arranged on the sorting shelves 13 (three or more in the first embodiment). It is desirable that it is set.

  When the empty tray 1 is not arranged in advance on the sorting shelf 13, the tray 1 arranged in the buffer unit 14 is moved from the buffer unit 14 to each sorting shelf 13 and arranged. At this time, the tray direction movement control unit 16 has no direction information because the tray 1 is not present in the sorting shelf 13 in the tray direction management unit 15. Therefore, the tray 1 of the buffer unit 14 is arranged on the sorting shelf 13 without rotating, or the rotation direction of the tray 1 is controlled so that the direction of the tray 1 becomes a constant direction in each sorting shelf 13. Any method can be used. Then, the tray rotation moving means 30 is controlled to arrange the tray 1 in a desired direction on the desired sorting shelf 13. At this time, the direction information of the tray 1 of each sorting shelf 13 is stored in the tray direction management unit 15 and recorded and managed.

  Then, the product 2 is loaded, and the stacked trays 1 are loaded into the loading position 32 of the loading unit 5 and set on the transport conveyor 6. In the input unit 5, the tray 1 is transported by the transport conveyor 6 and moves to the pick-up position 7. Next, at the pick-up position 7, the product transport hand 8 picks up the products 2 one by one and transports them to the characteristic evaluation device 17 through the product transport path 33 in the product transport path C, and the characteristics are evaluated. If the characteristic evaluation device 17 can evaluate a plurality of products 2 at a time, it can be considered to pick up and sort a plurality of products 2.

  When the property evaluation is completed by the property evaluation device 17, the product 2 is picked up by the product transport hand 8 again and transported to the sorting shelf 13 through the product transport path 33. And it mounts in the tray 1 of the desired sorting shelf 13 corresponding to a characteristic. Then, the uppermost tray 1 emptied by the product transport hand 8 picking up all the products 2 in the tray 1 is picked up by the empty tray transport hand 9 and transported by the tray transport path A to the buffer unit 14. Stored.

  At this time, based on the direction information of the empty tray 1 at the pick-up position 7 managed by the tray direction management unit 15 and the direction information of the uppermost tray 1 of the buffer unit 14, the tray direction movement control unit 16 moves the tray 1. It is determined whether or not to rotate 180 degrees, and the tray rotating / moving means 30 is controlled accordingly to transport the tray 1 through the tray transport path A, and the trays 1 are alternately stacked and supplied to the buffer unit 14. To do.

  Further, when the tray 2 of the sorting shelf 13 is full of products 2 or when it is necessary to supply an empty tray 1 in which a predetermined number of products 2 are loaded, the tray direction management unit 15 manages the products. Based on the direction information of the uppermost tray 1 of the buffer unit 14 and the direction information of the uppermost tray 1 of the sorting shelf 13, the tray 1 is moved in the tray direction so that the trays 1 are alternately stacked in the sorting shelf 13. The control unit 16 determines whether or not the tray 1 is rotated by 180 degrees, and controls the tray rotating / moving means 30 accordingly to transport the tray 1 through the tray transport path B, so that the tray 1 is transferred to the sorting shelf 13. Are alternately stacked and supplied.

  In addition, when the timing of transporting the empty tray 1 from the pick-up position 7 to the buffer unit 14 is the same as the timing of supplying the empty tray 1 to the sorting shelf 13, the tray direction management unit 15 manages it. Based on the direction information of the empty tray 1 at the pick-up position 7 and the direction information of the uppermost tray 1 of the sorting shelf 13, the tray direction movement control unit so that the trays 1 are alternately stacked in the sorting shelf 13. 16 determines whether or not the tray 1 is rotated 180 degrees, and controls the tray rotating / moving means 30 accordingly to transport the empty tray 1 directly from the pick-up position 7 to the sorting shelf 13 for supply. Good.

  When the number of trays 1 in the sorting shelf 13 reaches the upper limit that can be accommodated, and when all the products 2 put into the automatic sorting apparatus 100 are sorted, for example, display by the display unit 10, An operator is requested to take out the tray 1 by means such as a buzzer. It should be noted that the number of trays on which the operation call is issued can be arbitrarily set. The operator who receives the operation call discharges the tray 1 in a state where the products 2 are stored and stacked alternately, to the outside of the automatic sorting apparatus 100.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the first embodiment configured as described above, the tray direction information is managed, and the trays are stacked alternately by the minimum operation / function of the tray rotation moving means. Can be discharged in a desired state. Therefore, for example, the trays can be reliably managed so as to be alternately stacked to prevent the trays from being bitten, and the stacking trays and products can be easily handled in the subsequent process.

  Further, since the control is performed by rotating the tray by 180 degrees, the control becomes simple. In the first embodiment, an example in which the trays are alternately stacked by rotating the trays by 180 degrees has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same is applicable as long as the trays can be alternately stacked. Can be performed, and similar effects can be achieved. However, if it can be performed at 180 degrees, 90 degrees, etc., the control of the tray rotation moving means becomes simple, and the configuration of the tray is simple and easy to create.

  In the first embodiment, the sorting shelf 13 and the buffer unit 14 can be formed in the same configuration, and the location currently used as the sorting shelf 13 is the buffer unit 14. Alternatively, the location currently used as the buffer unit 14 can be set as the sorting shelf 13. In addition, since this is the same in the following embodiments, the description thereof will be given as appropriate.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The tray direction management unit 15 of the automatic sorting apparatus 100 includes, for example, an input unit 18 for inputting direction information of the touch panel tray 1. Then, by this input means 18, direction information of the uppermost tray 1 supplied to the input unit 5 in which the trays 1 are alternately stacked and input, and direction information of the uppermost stage of the empty tray 1 in the buffer unit 14 Is stored in the tray direction management unit 15. According to the second embodiment, the operation can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on the direction information of the tray 1 input from the input unit 18.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the second embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, but only the minimum tray direction information input from the input means can be obtained. Thus, the direction of the tray in the automatic sorting apparatus can be managed, and the trays can be handled in an alternately stacked state.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The loading unit 5 and the buffer unit 14 are provided with a reading unit 19 that identifies the state of the tray 1 by, for example, a sensor or a camera and reads the tray 1 direction information. Then, by this reading means 19, the direction information of the uppermost tray 1 of the loading unit 5 into which the trays 1 are alternately stacked and the direction information of the uppermost tray 1 of the empty tray 1 of the buffer unit 14 are stored in the tray. It is stored in the direction management unit 15. According to the third embodiment, the operation can be performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on the direction information of the tray 1 input from the reading unit 19.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the third embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the minimum tray direction automatically input from the reading unit can be obtained. The direction of the tray in the automatic sorting apparatus can be managed only by the information, and the tray can be handled in a stacked state. If the tray is molded of a transparent material, it is difficult to read the direction information of the tray with a reading means such as a sensor. For example, a tag or barcode that can identify the direction of the tray is attached to the tray. The tag or barcode may be read.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. An area sensor 20 as a first detection means or a take-out door 21 with an open / close detection function is provided on the take-out side of the tray 1 of the sort shelf 13 to detect the discharge of the tray 1, for example, an operator accesses the sort shelf 13 The discharge information is stored in the tray direction management unit 15. It should be noted that the hinge of the take-out door 21 may be at any of the upper, lower and side portions of the take-out door 21. The take-out door 21 may have a shape such as a sliding door or a shutter.

  Next, the operation of the automatic sorting apparatus of the fourth embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, it can carry out similarly to said each embodiment except discharging the tray 1 from the sorting shelf 13. FIG. Here, for example, when the area sensor 20 or the ejection door 21 detects that the worker has accessed the sorting shelf 13, the discharge information is transmitted to the tray direction management unit 15, and the tray accommodated in the corresponding sorting shelf 13. The count information for one sheet is reset to zero. Therefore, this makes it possible to set the horizontal rotation angle when the tray 1 is moved.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained, and the discharge information from the sorting shelf is managed by the tray direction management from the first detection means. Therefore, the tray direction in the sorting shelf can be under the control of the automatic sorting device.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. After the first detection means detects the discharge of the tray, a second detection means 22 such as a sensor or a camera for automatically detecting whether the tray 1 remains in the sorting shelf 13 is provided.

  Next, the operation of the automatic sorting apparatus of the fifth embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, it can be performed in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment until it is detected from the sorting shelf 13 that an operator has accessed to eject the tray 1. Here, the second detection means 22 automatically detects whether or not the tray 1 remains in the sorting shelf 13 after the first detection means detects the discharge of the tray. When it is detected that the tray 1 remains, this information is transmitted to the tray direction management unit 15, and the tray direction management unit 15 deviates from the management of the automatic sorting device by the direction of the tray 1 in the sorting shelf 13. Can be determined.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained, as well as information indicating that the tray remains from the second detection means. Since it is transmitted to the direction management unit, it can be determined that the direction of the tray in the sorting shelf is not under the control of the automatic sorting device.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. When the second detection unit 22 detects that the tray 1 remains, the second detection unit 22 outputs a discharge request signal for the tray 1 to, for example, the operation call unit 23 or the display unit 10 provided in the sorting shelf 13. Then, the operation call unit 23 is externally known by a buzzer or the like, or displays a discharge request message on the display unit 10. Then, the operator can discharge the tray 1 according to this content.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained, and information indicating that the tray remains from the second detection means is externally provided. Therefore, it is possible to return the inside of the sorting shelf to the initial state and return the tray direction to a manageable state by issuing a tray removal request to the worker and removing the tray.

Embodiment 7 FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The tray 1 of the sorting shelf 13 is provided with a lock function 24 on the take-out door 21, and when the second detection means 22 detects that the tray 1 remains, the second door 22 is provided with the lock function 24 of the take-out door 21 of the tray 1. Keep open. Therefore, when the operator takes out the tray 1 of the sorting shelf 13 and opens the door 21 and further closes the door, if the second detecting means 22 detects that the tray 1 remains in the sorting shelf 13, the lock function 24. Due to this, the take-out door 21 does not close. Thereby, the worker can know that the tray 1 in the sorting shelf 13 remains, and the worker can discharge the tray 1 into the sorting shelf 13.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the seventh embodiment configured as described above, the extraction door is opened when the tray remains from the second detection means as well as the same effects as the above-described embodiments. In order to maintain the state, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to remove the tray, and by removing the tray, the inside of the sorting shelf can be returned to the initial state, and the tray direction can be returned to a manageable state.

Embodiment 8 FIG.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sorting shelf of the automatic sorting apparatus according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The lock function 24 of the take-out door 21 functions so that the take-out door 21 does not open during the sorting of the products 2. Then, an automatic discharge means 26 is provided for automatically discharging the tray 1 that has been sorted using a motor, an air cylinder, or the like.

  Next, the operation of the automatic sorting apparatus according to the eighth embodiment configured as described above will be described. First, as in the above embodiments, the products 2 are sorted into the tray 1 and the trays 1 can be stacked. Here, the sorting door 21 is set to the closed state by the lock function 24 until the sorting operation of the products 2 is completed, so that the tray 1 cannot be ejected. When the number of trays 1 in the sorting shelf 13 reaches the set number, the trays 1 stacked by the automatic discharge means 26 are discharged.

  According to the automatic sorting apparatus of the eighth embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments are obtained, and the take-out door is closed during product sorting, and the tray is taken out. Therefore, the tray direction can be reliably managed.

1 tray, 2 products, 3 biting prevention section, 4 taper section, 5 feeding section,
13 sort shelf, 14 buffer section, 15 tray direction management section,
16 tray direction movement control unit, 17 characteristic evaluation device, 18 input means,
19 reading means, 20 area sensor, 21 takeout door, 22 second detection means,
24 lock function, 30 tray rotation movement means, 31 product movement means,
100 Automatic sorting device.

Claims (9)

Product has a preventing portion biting Rutotomoni mounted, extracts the above product from the tray insertion portion for introducing a tray to prevent the biting by staked alternately preventing portion biting the different directions sorting In the automatic sorting apparatus that transports and loads the trays on the plurality of sorting shelves in which the other trays are arranged, stacks the trays on which the sorted products are loaded, and discharges them to the outside.
A buffer unit for storing the empty tray on which the product is not mounted;
A tray rotation moving means that can rotate the empty tray at any angle in the horizontal direction and moves from the loading unit to the buffer unit or the sorting shelf, or from the buffer unit to the sorting shelf,
The product is mounted to the management and direction information of the tray to be inserted into the insertion portion, and the direction information of the tray disposed in the buffer unit, and the direction information of the tray disposed above the sorting shelf A tray direction manager,
The tray direction information of the input unit, the tray direction information of the buffer unit, the tray direction information of the sorting shelf, and the empty tray managed by the tray direction management unit Based on the movement information that moves from the loading unit to the buffer unit or the sorting shelf, or from the buffer unit to the sorting shelf, the biting prevention units alternate in different directions in the upper and lower trays to be stacked. An automatic sorting apparatus comprising: a tray direction movement control unit that determines whether or not to rotate the tray so as to be stacked in a stack and controls the tray rotation movement unit. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tray rotation moving unit is set to an arbitrary angle of 180 degrees or 90 degrees. 3. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting the direction information of the tray, wherein the direction information of the tray from the input unit is stored in the tray direction management unit. . 3. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reading unit that reads the direction information of the tray, and storing the direction information of the tray from the reading unit in the tray direction management unit. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first detection unit that detects discharge of the tray of the sorting shelf and stores discharge information in the tray direction management unit. Automatic sorting device. 6. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising second detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the tray in the sorting shelf after detecting the discharge of the tray by the first detecting means. 7. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the second detection unit detects that the tray remains, the second detection unit outputs a discharge request signal for the tray. The sorting shelf is equipped with a tray extraction door,
7. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the take-out door maintains an open state when the second detection means detects that the tray remains. The sorting shelf is equipped with a tray extraction door,
9. The automatic sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the take-out door is kept closed during the sorting of the products.

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