JPH10174939A - Granular material inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform proper grading treatment without lowering the rate of operation of the title apparatus even if the generation frequency of defective matter, for example, in primary grading fluctuates to an average value. SOLUTION: The granular material group supplied from the outside to be stored in a storage part 7A is supplied to a grading part S and allowed to flow down and guided in the grading part S by a flow-down and guide means 1 and, on the downstream side in the flow-down direction, normal matter and defective matter are discriminated to be separated to mutually different routes and distinguished in a recovery part E to be recovered. Next, the normal matter and the defective matter are discharged to the outside as they are or discharged to a feed means H to be fed to storage parts 7B, 7C and supplied to the grading part S to be re-sorted.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、粒状体群を検査対
象物として流下案内させる流下案内手段と、その流下案
内手段の流下方向下流側において、粒状体群内における
正常物と不良物とを判別する判別手段と、その判別手段
の判別情報に基づいて正常物と不良物とを異なる経路に
分離する分離手段とを備えた選別部と、前記選別部に供
給する検査対象物を貯溜する貯溜部と、前記選別部にて
選別された検査対象物を正常物と不良物とに区別して回
収する回収部とが設けられた粒状体の検査装置に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow-guiding means for guiding a group of granular materials down as an object to be inspected, and the normal and defective objects in the group of granular materials downstream of the flow-guiding means in the downstream direction. A sorting unit including a discriminating unit for discriminating, a separating unit for separating a normal product and a defective product into different paths based on discrimination information of the discriminating device, and a storage for storing an inspection target to be supplied to the sorting unit The present invention relates to a granular material inspection apparatus provided with a unit and a collection unit that separates and collects inspection objects sorted by the sorting unit into normal objects and defective objects.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】上記粒状体の検査装置は、例えば、外部
の精米機等からの米粒群を検査対象物の粒状体群として
選別処理して、着色米等の不良米や石等の異物を不良物
として除去して正常米（正常物）を得るものであるが、
例えばエアーを噴射する等して分離した不良物に正常物
が混入する場合があり、一方で、正常物として回収した
ものに不良物が混入する場合がある。そのため、１回の
選別処理の後で、不良物中の正常物を回収して回収率を
上げるための再選別処理を行ったり、選別精度を上げる
ために正常物を再度選別して不良物を除去する処理がな
される。なお、１回目の処理を一次選別と呼び、２回目
の処理を二次選別と呼ぶ。2. Description of the Related Art The above-mentioned apparatus for inspecting a granular material, for example, sorts a group of rice grains from an external rice mill or the like as a group of granular substances to be inspected, and removes foreign matter such as defective rice such as colored rice or stone. Normal rice (normal) is obtained by removing it as defective.
For example, there is a case where a normal substance is mixed in a defective product separated by, for example, air injection, and a case where a defective product is mixed in a product recovered as a normal product. Therefore, after a single sorting process, the normal items in the defective items are collected and re-sorted to increase the recovery rate, or the normal items are sorted again to increase the sorting accuracy and the defective items are removed. Removal processing is performed. The first processing is called primary sorting, and the second processing is called secondary sorting.

【０００３】そして、上記一次及び二次選別を行うため
に、粒状体の検査装置では、多数並置した斜め姿勢の流
下樋群（流下案内手段に相当する）にて検査対象の米粒
群を流下させながら、下流側の検出位置に達した米粒等
を照明したときの反射光の受光レベルが適正光量範囲内
であれば正常米とする一方で、適正光量範囲を外れると
着色米や石等の不良物と判定して、その不良物を検出位
置よりも下流側箇所において噴射ノズルにて正常米の経
路から分離させる構成において、上記流下樋群の大部分
を使って米粒群を正常物と不良物とに選別しながら（一
次選別）、その選別で得た不良物を流下樋群の残り部分
の始端側に搬送して再度流下させて選別し、一次選別後
の不良物内に混入した正常物を回収する二次選別を行う
ようにしていた（例えば、特公昭６０‐２１１４号公報
参照）。[0003] In order to perform the primary and secondary sorting, in the granular material inspection apparatus, a large number of juxtaposed slanting downflow gutters (corresponding to downflow guide means) cause the rice grain group to be inspected to flow down. Meanwhile, if the light reception level of the reflected light when illuminating the rice grain or the like that has reached the downstream detection position is within the proper light amount range, the rice is regarded as normal. In the configuration in which the defective is determined as a product and the defective is separated from the path of the normal rice by the injection nozzle at a location downstream of the detection position, the rice grain group is separated from the normal particle and the defective using the majority of the flow down gutter group. While sorting (primary sorting), the defectives obtained by the sorting are transported to the starting end of the remaining part of the downspout gutters, flowed down again and sorted, and the normals mixed into the defectives after the primary sorting Was used to perform secondary sorting ( In example, see JP-B-60-2114).

【０００４】[0004]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記従
来技術では、多数の流下樋を一次選別用と二次選別用と
に例えば３対１の比率で分割するように装置構成してい
たので、例えば、一次選別において不良物の発生頻度が
平均的な値よりも大きくて不良物の量が多い場合には、
入庫した対象物について一次選別が終了した後に、その
一次選別後の不良物を二次選別する時間が長くかかり、
その間は一次選別の部分では処理作業がされず、装置の
稼働率が低下するという不具合があった。However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the apparatus is configured to divide a large number of downspouts into a primary sorting and a secondary sorting at a ratio of, for example, 3: 1. If the frequency of defectives in the primary sorting is larger than the average value and the amount of defectives is large,
After the primary sorting is completed for the received objects, it takes a long time to secondary sort the defectives after the primary sorting,
In the meantime, there is a problem that the processing operation is not performed in the primary sorting part, and the operation rate of the apparatus is reduced.

【０００５】本発明は、上記実情に鑑みてなされたもの
であって、その目的は、上記従来技術の不具合を解消す
べく、例えば一次選別において不良物の発生頻度が平均
的な値に対して変動するような場合においても、装置の
稼働率を低下させることがない粒状体の検査装置を提供
することである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, for example, in the case of primary sorting, the frequency of occurrence of defectives is an average value. It is an object of the present invention to provide a granular material inspection apparatus that does not lower the operation rate of the apparatus even in the case of fluctuation.

【０００６】[0006]

【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１によれば、外部
から供給されて貯溜部に貯溜された粒状体群が選別部に
供給され、選別部において、流下案内手段にて流下案内
されながら、流下方向下流側において、粒状体群内にお
ける正常物と不良物とが判別されるとともに、その判別
情報に基づいて正常物と不良物とが異なる経路に分離さ
れ、その選別された正常物と不良物とが回収部で区別し
て回収される。According to the first aspect of the present invention, the group of granular materials supplied from the outside and stored in the storage section is supplied to the selection section, and the separation section is guided by the downflow guide means by the downflow guide means. On the downstream side in the downflow direction, a normal object and a defective object in the granular body group are determined, and the normal object and the defective object are separated into different paths based on the discrimination information, and the separated normal object is Defective products are collected separately in the collection unit.

【０００７】次に、上記回収した正常物又は不良物を、
そのまま正常物又は不良物として外部に排出するか、あ
るいは、搬送手段に排出するかが切り換えられ、搬送手
段に排出された正常物又は不良物は、搬送作用状態に切
り換えた搬送手段によって貯溜部に搬送されて貯溜され
る。そして、その搬送手段にて搬送された正常物又は不
良物が選別部に供給されて再選別される。Next, the recovered normal or defective product is
It is switched as to whether it is discharged to the outside as normal or defective as it is, or whether it is discharged to the transport means, and the normal or defective substance discharged to the transport means is stored in the storage section by the transport means switched to the transport operation state. It is transported and stored. Then, the normal object or the defective object transported by the transporting means is supplied to the sorting unit and is sorted again.

【０００８】従って、流下案内手段の全体を使って、外
部から供給された検査対象物を一次選別した後、その一
次選別後の正常物又は不良物を流下案内手段の始端側に
戻してから、再度、流下案内手段の全体を使って二次選
別処理を行うので、例えば多数並置した流下樋を一次選
別用と二次選別用とに３対１等の固定比率で分割構成し
た従来装置では、一次選別での不良物の発生頻度が変動
して不良物や正常物の量が多くなったりすると装置の稼
働率が低下する等の従来技術の不具合のない粒状体の検
査装置が得られる。Therefore, after the inspection target supplied from the outside is primarily sorted by using the entire flow-down guide means, the normal or defective object after the primary selection is returned to the starting end side of the flow-down guide means. Again, since the secondary sorting process is performed using the entirety of the flow-down guide means, for example, in a conventional apparatus in which a large number of juxtaposed downstream gutters are divided at a fixed ratio such as 3: 1 for primary sorting and secondary sorting, If the frequency of occurrence of defectives in the primary sorting fluctuates and the amount of defectives or normals increases, the inspection apparatus of the prior art without any problems such as a decrease in the operation rate of the apparatus can be obtained.

【０００９】請求項２によれば、請求項１において、選
別部で選別された正常物と不良物とが、回収部において
各別の格納手段に格納され、その各格納手段内の正常物
又は不良物を、前記搬送手段に排出させるか、あるい
は、外部に排出するかが各別に切り換えられる。According to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the normal product and the defective product sorted by the sorting unit are stored in separate storage units in the collection unit, and the normal product or the defective product in each storage unit is stored. Whether the defective product is discharged to the transport means or discharged to the outside is switched individually.

【００１０】従って、前記従来技術のように、一次選別
後の正常物は外部に排出させ、不良物だけを二次選別の
ために搬送手段にて搬送するように装置構成を固定する
と、正常物を貯溜部に戻して二次選別されることができ
ない一方で、不良物をそのまま外部に排出させることも
できず、装置の使用形態が限定されるのに比べて、一次
選別後の正常物又は不良物に対する再選別処理を行うか
否かを、例えば一次選別での不良発生率等に応じて適宜
選択することができ、もって、請求項１の好適な手段が
得られる。[0010] Therefore, as in the prior art, when the apparatus configuration is fixed so that the normal products after the primary sorting are discharged to the outside and only the defective products are transported by the transport means for the secondary sorting, the normal products are fixed. Can not be returned to the storage unit for secondary sorting, but the defectives cannot be discharged to the outside as it is, and the use of the device is limited. Whether or not to perform the re-sorting process on the defectives can be appropriately selected according to, for example, a defect occurrence rate in the primary sorting, and the suitable means of claim 1 can be obtained.

【００１１】請求項３によれば、請求項１又は２におい
て、外部から入庫された検査対象物が入庫物貯溜手段に
貯溜され、搬送手段にて搬送された正常物が正常物貯溜
手段に貯溜され、搬送手段にて搬送された不良物が不良
物貯溜手段に貯溜され、その各専用の貯溜手段に貯溜さ
れた検査対象物のうちの何れを選別部へ供給させるかが
切り換えられる。According to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the inspection object received from the outside is stored in the received object storage means, and the normal object transported by the transport means is stored in the normal object storage means. Then, the defectives transported by the transporting means are stored in the defective storage means, and which of the inspection objects stored in the dedicated storage means is supplied to the sorting unit is switched.

【００１２】従って、いずれか１つの貯溜手段から供給
して選別処理を行っているときに、同時に次の検査対象
物を別の貯溜手段に貯溜させることができるので、例え
ば、単一の貯溜手段しか備えていない場合には、その単
一の貯溜手段内の検査対象物を選別部に供給する選別処
理が終了した後に、次の検査対象物を貯溜させることに
なり、次の選別処理の開始までに待ち時間を要するのに
比べて、前の選別処理の終了後に直ちに次の処理を開始
させることができ、もって、請求項１又は２の好適な手
段が得られる。Therefore, when the sorting process is performed by supplying from one of the storage units, the next inspection object can be stored in another storage unit at the same time. In the case where only the inspection object is provided, after the sorting process for supplying the inspection object in the single storage means to the sorting unit is completed, the next inspection object is stored, and the next sorting process is started. Compared to the case where a waiting time is required before, the next process can be started immediately after the end of the previous sorting process, and the preferable means of claim 1 or 2 can be obtained.

【００１３】請求項４によれば、請求項１〜３のいずれ
か１項において、手動式の指令情報入力手段から、制御
手段に対して指令情報が入力され、この指令情報に従っ
て、制御手段が、貯溜部に貯溜する検査対象物を選択し
て搬入させる搬入処理と、貯溜部に貯溜された検査対象
物を選別部へ供給して選別させる選別処理と、回収部に
回収された選別後の対象物を排出させる排出処理とを行
う。According to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, command information is input to the control means from the manual command information input means, and the control means is controlled in accordance with the command information. A carrying-in process for selecting and carrying in the inspection object to be stored in the storage unit, a sorting process in which the inspection object stored in the storage unit is supplied to the sorting unit and sorted, and a sorting process after being collected in the collection unit. And a discharge process for discharging the object.

【００１４】従って、オペレータ等が予め定めた作業手
順に従って、貯溜部へ検査対象物つまり外部からの入庫
物や選別後の回収物を搬入させ、次に、その貯溜部内の
検査対象物を選別部へ供給して選別させ、次に、回収部
内に回収された正常物や不良物を外部に排出させるか又
は貯溜部に戻して再選別させるように、手動式の指令情
報入力手段を操作して、良好な操作性で容易に装置を稼
働させることができ、もって、請求項１〜３のいずれか
１項の好適な手段が得られる。Therefore, the inspection object, that is, the incoming goods from the outside and the collected material after sorting are brought into the storage section in accordance with a work procedure predetermined by an operator or the like, and then the inspection objects in the storage section are sorted. The manual command information input means is operated so that the normal and defective products collected in the collection unit are discharged to the outside or returned to the storage unit and sorted again. The device can be easily operated with good operability, and the suitable means according to any one of claims 1 to 3 can be obtained.

【００１５】請求項５によれば、請求項４において、制
御手段が、設定作業データと、貯溜部及び回収部におけ
る粒状体群の存在量の検出情報とに基づいて、前記搬入
処理と、選別処理と、排出処理とを行う。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the control means executes the loading process and the sorting process based on the setting work data and information on the detection of the amount of the particulate group present in the storage section and the recovery section. Processing and discharge processing are performed.

【００１６】従って、例えばスタート指令を最初に与え
ると、予め装置内に記憶した設定作業データに基づい
て、装置が自動的に稼働して、貯溜部や回収部における
粒状体群の存在量を検出しながら、順次上記各処理を行
うので、オペレータ等が貯溜部及び回収部における粒状
体群の存在量をメータや目視で確認しながら、手動運転
させるのに比べて、オペレータ等の負担を軽減しなが
ら、迅速且つ適切な状態で選別処理することができ、も
って、請求項４の好適な手段が得られる。Therefore, for example, when a start command is given first, the apparatus automatically operates based on the setting work data stored in the apparatus in advance, and detects the amount of the granular material group present in the storage section or the recovery section. Since the above processes are sequentially performed, the burden on the operator and the like is reduced as compared with the case where the operator or the like manually checks the abundance of the granular material group in the storage unit and the collection unit with a meter or a visual operation. However, the sorting process can be performed quickly and in an appropriate state, and the preferable means of claim 4 can be obtained.

【００１７】請求項６によれば、請求項１〜５のいずれ
か１項において、不良物に対してエアーを吹き付けて、
正常物と異なる経路に分離させる。According to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, air is blown against the defective product,
Separate into a different path from the normal one.

【００１８】従って、例えば米粒等を検査対象として、
正常米から不良米や異物を分離させるのに、エアーの吹
き付け作用によって行うので、例えば、出退動作をする
板等の機械的な手段で直接接触して分離させるのに比べ
て、速い応答速度で且つソフトタッチに損傷を与えるお
それもなく良好に分離でき、もって、請求項１〜５のい
ずれか１項の好適な手段が得られる。Therefore, for example, rice grains and the like are to be inspected.
Since the separation of defective rice and foreign matter from normal rice is performed by the blowing action of air, for example, faster response speed compared to direct contact and separation by mechanical means such as a board that moves in and out In addition, it is possible to satisfactorily separate the soft touch without damaging the soft touch, thereby obtaining the suitable means according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

【００１９】請求項７によれば、請求項１〜６のいずれ
か１項において、流下案内手段を構成する板状部材によ
って、横幅方向に沿って複数列状に広がった粒状体群が
一層状態で流下案内される。According to a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the plate-like member constituting the flow-down guide means allows a plurality of rows of the granular bodies to be spread in a row along the width direction. It is guided down.

【００２０】従って、従来技術のように、粒状体群を一
列状に流下させる流下樋を多数並置させて流下案内手段
を構成すると、流下案内手段が複雑化・大型化するとと
もに、各流下樋に個別に設置する多数の光センサ等の不
良判別手段や、多数の噴射エアー等の不良分離手段の装
置費用が高価になるのに比べて、流下案内手段を板部材
によって簡素に構成しながら、例えばライン状の光セン
サ等にて不良判別手段等も簡素に構成することができ、
もって、請求項１〜６のいずれか１項の好適な手段が得
られる。Therefore, as in the prior art, when the downflow guide means is constituted by arranging a large number of downflow gutters for causing the group of granular materials to flow down in a line, the downflow guide means becomes complicated and large, and each downflow gutter is provided with each downflow gutter. While the device cost of the defect determination means such as a large number of individually installed optical sensors and the like and the defect separation means such as a large number of injection air becomes expensive, while the flow-down guide means is simply constituted by a plate member, for example, The defect determination means and the like can be simply configured with a line-shaped optical sensor, etc.
Thus, the preferable means according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is obtained.

【００２１】[0021]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の粒状体の検査装置
の実施形態を、玄米や精米等の米粒群からなる粒状体群
を検査対象物として流下案内させながら、不良検出及び
不良物除去を行う場合について図面に基づいて説明す
る。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an embodiment of an apparatus for inspecting a granular material according to the present invention will be described. Will be described with reference to the drawings.

【００２２】図１〜図３に示すように、所定幅の板状の
シュータ１が、水平面に対して所定角度（例えば６０
度）に傾斜されて設置され、このシュータ１の上部側に
設けた貯溜タンク７からフィーダ９で搬送されて供給さ
れた米粒群ｋが一層状態で横方向に広がった状態で滑っ
て移送されている。つまり、検査対象物としての米粒群
ｋを流下案内させる流下案内手段が、横幅方向に沿って
複数列状に広がった米粒群ｋを一層状態で流下案内させ
る板状部材としてのシュータ１にて構成される。As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a plate-shaped shooter 1 having a predetermined width is formed at a predetermined angle (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to a horizontal plane.
The rice grain group k supplied and fed by the feeder 9 from the storage tank 7 provided on the upper side of the chute 1 is slid and transported in a state where it is spread in a horizontal direction in a single state. I have. In other words, the flow-down guide means for flowing down and guiding the rice grain group k as the inspection object is constituted by the chute 1 as a plate-like member for guiding the rice grain group k spread in a plurality of rows along the width direction in a single layer. Is done.

【００２３】シュータ１の下方には、シュータ下端から
所定速度で自然落下する米粒群ｋのうちの正常な米粒ｋ
を回収する良米回収箱２と、正常な米粒ｋの流れから分
離した着色米（焼け米）や胴割れ米等の不良米又は石や
ガラス片等の異物を回収する不良物回収箱３とが設置さ
れている。つまり、良米回収箱２と不良物回収箱３と
が、シュータ１上を流下しながら選別部Ｓにて選別され
た米粒群ｋを正常物と不良物とに区別して回収する回収
部Ｅを構成するとともに、各回収箱２，３が、正常物と
不良物とを各別に格納する複数個の格納手段を構成す
る。Below the shooter 1, a normal rice grain k of the rice grain group k naturally falling from the lower end of the shooter at a predetermined speed.
A good rice collecting box 2 for collecting colored rice (burned rice) and broken rice such as cracked rice or a foreign matter such as stone and glass pieces separated from a normal flow of rice grains k; Is installed. In other words, the good rice collecting box 2 and the defective collecting box 3 are provided with a collecting unit E for collecting the rice grain group k sorted by the sorting unit S while flowing down the chute 1 into normal and defective ones. In addition, each of the collection boxes 2 and 3 constitutes a plurality of storage means for storing normal and defective items separately.

【００２４】貯溜タンク７は、シュータ１つまり選別部
Ｓに供給する米粒群ｋを貯溜する貯溜部に対応して、外
部の精米機等から供給された検査対象物と、後述のよう
に搬送された正常物又は不良物とを貯溜するように、外
部から入庫された検査対象物を貯溜する入庫物貯溜手段
としてのタンク７Ａと、搬送手段Ｈにて搬送された正常
物を貯溜する正常物貯溜手段としてのタンク７Ｂと、搬
送手段Ｈにて搬送された不良物を貯溜する不良物貯溜手
段としてのタンク７Ｃとを備えている。The storage tank 7 corresponds to a storage unit for storing the rice grain group k to be supplied to the chute 1, that is, the sorting unit S, and is transported with an inspection object supplied from an external rice milling machine or the like as described later. Tank 7A serving as a storage means for storing inspection objects received from the outside so as to store normal objects or defective objects, and a normal object storage means for storing normal objects transported by the transport means H A tank 7B as a means and a tank 7C as a defective storage means for storing the defective transferred by the transfer means H are provided.

【００２５】各タンク７Ａ，７Ｂ，７Ｃは下端側ほど先
細筒状に形成され、その底部には、各タンク７Ａ，７
Ｂ，７Ｃのうちの何れに貯溜された米粒群ｋをシュータ
１へ供給させるかを切り換える供給切換手段２０とし
て、各別に開閉作動する開閉蓋２０Ａ，２０Ｂ，２０Ｃ
が設けられている。そして、各タンクからフィーダ９上
に落下した米粒群ｋのシュータ１への供給量が、フィー
ダ９の搬送速度を変化させて調節されるようになってい
る。又、各タンクには、内部の米粒群ｋの存在量を検出
する存在量検出手段１２を構成するレベルセンサ１２
Ａ，１２Ｂ，１２Ｃが設置されている。Each of the tanks 7A, 7B, and 7C is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape toward the lower end, and the bottom of each of the tanks 7A, 7B, and 7C is formed.
B, 7C, as opening / closing lids 20A, 20B, and 20C that are individually opened and closed as supply switching means 20 for switching which of the rice grain group k stored in the chute 1 is supplied to the shooter 1.
Is provided. The supply amount of the rice grain group k dropped from each tank onto the feeder 9 to the shooter 1 is adjusted by changing the transport speed of the feeder 9. Each tank has a level sensor 12 which constitutes an abundance detection means 12 for detecting the abundance of the rice grain group k therein.
A, 12B, and 12C are provided.

【００２６】前記良米回収箱２と不良物回収箱３の下部
側は、下端側ほど先細筒状に形成されるとともに、その
筒部先端を、スクリュー式の横搬送コンベア１６の搬送
始端側へ連通させるか又は外部への排出経路ｇ側へ連通
させるかを切り換える揺動式シャッター２Ａ，３Ａが設
けられている。つまり、回収部Ｅが、回収した正常物又
は不良物を搬送手段Ｈに排出する状態と外部に排出する
状態とに切り換え自在になるように、良米回収箱２と不
良物回収箱３の夫々が、格納された正常物又は不良物を
搬送手段Ｈに排出する状態と外部に排出する状態とに切
り換え自在に構成されている。又、各回収箱２，３に
は、内部の米粒群ｋの存在量を検出する存在量検出手段
１２を構成するレベルセンサ１２Ｄ，１２Ｅが設置され
ている。The lower portion of the good rice collection box 2 and the defective product collection box 3 is formed in a tapered cylindrical shape toward the lower end, and the tip of the cylindrical portion is moved toward the transport start end of the screw type horizontal transport conveyor 16. Oscillating shutters 2A and 3A are provided for switching between communication and communication with the outside discharge path g. In other words, each of the good rice collection box 2 and the defective product collection box 3 is configured such that the collection unit E can switch between a state in which the collected normal product or defective product is discharged to the transport means H and a state in which the collected product is discharged to the outside. Are configured to be freely switchable between a state in which the stored normal object or defective object is discharged to the transporting means H and a state in which the stored normal or defective object is discharged to the outside. Each of the collecting boxes 2 and 3 is provided with level sensors 12D and 12E which constitute abundance detecting means 12 for detecting the abundance of the rice grain group k therein.

【００２７】上記横搬送コンベア１６の搬送終端側に移
送された米粒群ｋを上方側に向けて搬送するスクリュー
式の縦搬送コンベア１７が設けられ、縦搬送コンベア１
７の搬送終端部から貯溜タンク７の上部に向けて斜め下
向き状態の移送管１８が配置されている。そして、この
移送管１８の下部先端側が正常物用のタンク７Ｂと不良
物用のタンク７Ｃとに分岐するように二股状に形成さ
れ、その分岐箇所に、搬送物の流れを各タンク側に切り
換えるための切換弁１９が設けられている。つまり、切
換弁１９は、タンク７Ｂへの通路を閉じてタンク７Ｃへ
の通路を開ける位置と、逆に、タンク７Ｃへの通路を閉
じてタンク７Ｂへの通路を開ける位置との間で、横軸芯
回りに揺動動作する。A screw type vertical conveyor 17 is provided for conveying the rice grain group k transferred to the end of the horizontal conveyor 16 toward the upper side.
A transfer pipe 18 is disposed obliquely downward from the transport end of the storage tank 7 toward the upper part of the storage tank 7. The lower end of the transfer pipe 18 is bifurcated so as to branch into a tank 7B for a normal product and a tank 7C for a defective product, and at the branch point, the flow of the conveyed material is switched to each tank. Switching valve 19 is provided. In other words, the switching valve 19 moves between the position where the passage to the tank 7B is closed and the passage to the tank 7C is opened and the position where the passage to the tank 7C is closed and the passage to the tank 7B is opened. It swings around the axis.

【００２８】以上より、横搬送コンベア１６と縦搬送コ
ンベア１７とが、回収部Ｅに回収された正常物又は不良
物を貯溜用タンク７に搬送する搬送手段Ｈを構成し、さ
らに、各コンベア１６、１７が、内部のスクリューを回
転させた搬送作用状態と、スクリュー回転を停止した搬
送停止状態とに切り換え自在に構成されている。As described above, the horizontal transport conveyor 16 and the vertical transport conveyor 17 constitute the transport means H for transporting the normal or defective objects collected in the collection section E to the storage tank 7. , 17 are configured to be freely switchable between a transport operation state in which an internal screw is rotated and a transport stop state in which screw rotation is stopped.

【００２９】図２に示すように、シュータ下端からの米
粒群ｋの落下経路中に、米粒群ｋに対する後述の検査用
のラインセンサ５Ａ，５Ｂの検出位置Ｊが設定され、そ
の検出位置Ｊを挟んで一方側に、その位置Ｊの複数列の
米粒群ｋの並び方向の全幅を照明する蛍光灯等のライン
状光源４と、そのライン状光源４からの照明光が上記検
出位置Ｊで反射した反射光を受光する反射光用のライン
センサ５Ｂとが、一方の格納室１３Ｂ内に格納され、
又、上記検出位置Ｊを挟んで他方側に、ライン状光源４
からの照明光が検出位置Ｊを透過した透過光を受光する
透過光用のラインセンサ５Ａと、反射光用のラインセン
サ５Ｂの受光方向であって検出位置Ｊの背部側に位置し
て前記ライン状光源４からの照明光を反射光用のライン
センサ５Ｂに向けて反射する反射板８とが、他方の格納
室１３Ａ内に格納されている。As shown in FIG. 2, the detection position J of the later-described inspection line sensors 5A and 5B for the rice grain group k is set in the fall path of the rice grain group k from the lower end of the shooter. On one side, a linear light source 4 such as a fluorescent lamp that illuminates the entire width of the plurality of rows of rice grain groups k at the position J in the arrangement direction, and illumination light from the linear light source 4 is reflected at the detection position J. And a line sensor 5B for reflected light that receives the reflected light, which is stored in one storage chamber 13B,
On the other side of the detection position J, a linear light source 4
The line sensor 5A for transmitting light, which receives transmitted light transmitted through the detection position J, and the light receiving direction of the line sensor 5B for reflected light, which is located on the back side of the detection position J. The reflection plate 8 that reflects the illumination light from the shape light source 4 toward the reflected light line sensor 5B is stored in the other storage room 13A.

【００３０】前記両格納室１３Ａ，１３Ｂ夫々は、前記
検出位置Ｊに面する側に板状の透明なガラスからなる窓
部材１４Ａ，１４Ｂを備えるとともに、その窓部材１４
Ａ，１４Ｂの入射側及び出射側の各面が、前記透過光用
のラインセンサ５Ａに入射する透過光及び前記反射光用
のラインセンサ５Ｂに入射する反射光の両方向に対して
直交するように設定されている。そして、透過光と反射
光の方向が同一方向にできないために、各窓部材１４
Ａ，１４Ｂを途中箇所で折れ曲げるように形成して上記
直交状態を実現している。Each of the storage chambers 13A and 13B has window members 14A and 14B made of plate-shaped transparent glass on the side facing the detection position J, respectively.
The surfaces on the incident side and the exit side of A and 14B are orthogonal to both directions of the transmitted light incident on the transmitted light line sensor 5A and the reflected light incident on the reflected light line sensor 5B. Is set. Since the directions of the transmitted light and the reflected light cannot be in the same direction, each window member 14
A and 14B are formed so as to be bent at an intermediate position to realize the orthogonal state.

【００３１】上記反射板８は、米粒と同じ反射率の領域
８ａを上記ライン状光源４にて照明された米粒群ｋの全
幅に対応して長手状に形成し、且つその長手状の領域８
ａの両側に黒色の領域８ｂを形成した表面を、窓部１４
Ａの背部に押し付ける状態で固定されている。つまり、
反射板８が、他方の格納室１３Ａ内の窓部１４Ａを固定
するための固定部材に兼用されている。もう一方の格納
室１３Ｂの窓部１４Ｂは専用の固定板１５で押し付けて
固定されている。The reflecting plate 8 forms a region 8a having the same reflectance as the rice grains in a longitudinal shape corresponding to the entire width of the rice grain group k illuminated by the linear light source 4, and forms the longitudinal region 8a.
a on the surface where the black regions 8b are formed on both sides of the
A is fixed in a state pressed against the back of A. That is,
The reflection plate 8 is also used as a fixing member for fixing the window 14A in the other storage room 13A. The window 14B of the other storage room 13B is pressed and fixed by a dedicated fixing plate 15.

【００３２】図５に示すように、上記両ラインセンサ５
Ａ，５Ｂは、米粒ｋの大きさよりも小さい範囲ｐ（例え
ば米粒ｋの大きさの１０分の１程度）を夫々の受光対象
範囲として、各別に受光情報が取出し可能な複数個の受
光部５ａを、米粒群ｋの受光位置Ｊの全体に亘って備え
るように構成されている。具体的には、複数個の受光部
５ａとしての受光素子が上記複数列の米粒群ｋの並び方
向に沿ってその全幅に亘って直線状に並置されたモノク
ロタイプのＣＣＤセンサと、米粒群ｋの像を上記ＣＣＤ
センサの各受光素子上に結像させるための光学系とから
構成されている。これにより、両ラインセンサ５Ａ，５
Ｂは、複数列の米粒群ｋの並び方向に沿ってその全幅を
受光範囲とするように構成される。As shown in FIG. 5, the two line sensors 5
A and 5B are a plurality of light receiving units 5a from which light receiving information can be separately taken out, with a range p (for example, about one-tenth of the size of the rice grain k) smaller than the size of the rice grain k as each light receiving target range. Is provided over the entire light receiving position J of the rice grain group k. Specifically, a monochrome type CCD sensor in which light receiving elements as a plurality of light receiving portions 5a are linearly juxtaposed along the direction of arrangement of the plurality of rows of rice grain groups k over the entire width thereof, and a rice grain group k Image of the above CCD
And an optical system for forming an image on each light receiving element of the sensor. Thereby, both line sensors 5A, 5A
B is configured so that the entire width thereof is set as the light receiving range along the arrangement direction of the plurality of rows of rice grain groups k.

【００３３】上記両ラインセンサ５Ａ，５Ｂの検出位置
Ｊから経路方向の下手側に、後述の判別手段１００によ
って不良と判定された米粒ｋや異物等に対してエアーを
吹き付けて正常な米粒ｋの流れ方向から分離させ、前記
不良物回収箱３に回収させるためのエアー吹き付け装置
６が設けられている。つまり、このエアー吹き付け装置
６が、シュータ１の流下方向下流側において、米粒群ｋ
内の正常物と不良物とを異なる経路に分離する分離手段
を構成する。上記エアー吹き付け装置６は、米粒ｋの流
れ方向に対して横幅方向に所定幅毎に分割した各米粒群
ｋに対して各別に吹き付け作動する複数個のエアーガン
６ａを備えている。Air is blown from the detection positions J of the two line sensors 5A and 5B to the downstream side in the path direction on the rice grain k or foreign matter determined to be defective by the determination means 100, which will be described later, to remove the normal rice grain k. An air blowing device 6 is provided for separating from the flow direction and collecting it in the defective product collection box 3. In other words, the air blowing device 6 is provided with the rice grain group k on the downstream side of the chute 1 in the downstream direction.
A separating means for separating a normal object and a defective object from each other into different paths. The air blowing device 6 is provided with a plurality of air guns 6a each of which performs a blowing operation on each of the rice grain groups k divided by a predetermined width in the width direction with respect to the flow direction of the rice grains k.

【００３４】制御構成を説明すると、図４に示すよう
に、マイクロコンピュータ利用の制御装置１０が設けら
れ、この制御装置１０に、前記両ラインセンサ５Ａ，５
Ｂからの各画像信号と、前記レベルセンサ１２（１２Ａ
〜１２Ｅ）の検出信号と、各種の指令情報を入力する操
作卓２１からの操作情報とが入力されている。The control structure will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a control device 10 using a microcomputer is provided, and the control device 10 includes the two line sensors 5A and 5A.
B and the level sensor 12 (12A
12E) and operation information from the console 21 for inputting various kinds of command information.

【００３５】一方、制御装置１０からは、エアー吹き付
け装置６の各エアーガン６ａを夫々各別に作動させるた
めに、図示しないコンプレッサーから各エアーガン６ａ
への各エアー供給路のエアー流通をオンオフする複数個
の電磁弁１１に対する駆動信号と、前記開閉蓋２０Ａ，
２０Ｂ，２０Ｃを作動させる電磁ソレノイド２０ａ，２
０ｂ，２０ｃ、前記切換弁１９を作動させる電磁ソレノ
イド１９ａ及び前記揺動式シャッター２Ａ，３Ａを作動
させる電磁ソレノイド２ａ，３ａに対する駆動信号と、
横搬送コンベア１６及び縦搬送コンベア１７を作動させ
るコンベア用モータ１６Ａへの駆動信号とが出力されて
いる。On the other hand, from the control device 10, the air guns 6 a of the air blowing device 6 are individually operated by a compressor (not shown) from the compressor (not shown).
A drive signal for a plurality of solenoid valves 11 for turning on and off the air flow of each air supply path to the air supply path;
Electromagnetic solenoids 20a, 2 for operating 20B, 20C
0b, 20c, drive signals for the electromagnetic solenoid 19a for operating the switching valve 19 and the electromagnetic solenoids 2a, 3a for operating the oscillating shutters 2A, 3A,
A drive signal to a conveyor motor 16A that operates the horizontal conveyor 16 and the vertical conveyor 17 is output.

【００３６】前記両ラインセンサ５Ａ，５Ｂ及び制御装
置１０を利用して、前記シュータ１の流下方向下流側に
おいて、米粒群ｋ内における正常物（正常米）と不良物
（不良米及び混入異物）とを判別する判別手段１００が
構成されている。具体的には、前記検出位置Ｊにおける
透過光用及び反射光用の各ラインセンサ５Ａ，５Ｂの受
光情報に基づいて、米粒群ｋにおける各米粒の良否又は
米粒群ｋ内に混入した異物の存否を判別する。Using the two line sensors 5A and 5B and the control device 10, on the downstream side of the chute 1 in the downflow direction, a normal product (normal rice) and a defective product (defective rice and mixed foreign matter) in the rice grain group k. The determination means 100 for determining the above is configured. Specifically, based on the received light information of the line sensors 5A and 5B for the transmitted light and the reflected light at the detection position J, the quality of each rice grain in the rice grain group k or the presence or absence of foreign matter mixed in the rice grain group k is determined. Is determined.

【００３７】透過光の場合は、図６の透過光用のライン
センサ５Ａの出力波形に示すように、透過光用のライン
センサ５Ａの受光量つまり各受光部５ａの受光量に対応
する出力電圧が米粒群ｋに対する適正光量範囲ΔＥｔの
上限値ＵＬと下限値ＬＬとの間にある場合に正常な米粒
の存在を判定するとともに、設定適正範囲ΔＥｔの下限
値ＬＬよりも小さい場合に、正常な米粒よりも透過率が
小さい不良の米粒や異物等（例えば、黒色の石粒）の存
在を判定する。In the case of transmitted light, as shown in the output waveform of the transmitted light line sensor 5A in FIG. 6, the output voltage corresponding to the amount of light received by the transmitted light line sensor 5A, that is, the amount of light received by each light receiving section 5a. Is between the upper limit value UL and the lower limit value LL of the appropriate light amount range ΔEt for the rice grain group k, the presence of a normal rice grain is determined, and when the value is smaller than the lower limit value LL of the set appropriate range ΔEt, the normal The presence of defective rice grains, foreign matter, etc. (for example, black stone grains) having a transmittance lower than that of the rice grains is determined.

【００３８】ここで、米粒ｋや異物等が存在しない位置
の受光部５ａでは、照明光源４からの照明光を直接受光
して設定適正範囲ΔＥｔの上限値ＵＬよりも大きい出力
値Ｅｓになる。そこで、適正光量範囲ΔＥｔの上限値Ｕ
Ｌと、照明光源４からの照明光を直接受光したときの受
光量Ｅｓとの間に、明側の判定レベルＵＬ１を設定し、
ラインセンサ５Ａの受光量が、適正光量範囲ΔＥｔの上
限値ＵＬと前記明側の判定レベルＵＬ１との間にある場
合に、正常な米粒ｋよりも透過率が大きい不良の米粒ｋ
又は前記異物の存在を判定する。この正常な米粒ｋより
も透過率が大きい不良の米粒ｋ又は異物の例としては、
正常な米粒ｋを「もち米」としたときの「うるち米」が
正常な米粒ｋよりも透過率が大きい不良の米粒ｋにな
り、薄い色付の透明なガラス片等が、正常な米粒ｋより
も透過率が大きい異物になる。Here, the light receiving section 5a at a position where there is no rice grain k, foreign matter, etc. directly receives the illumination light from the illumination light source 4 and has an output value Es larger than the upper limit UL of the set appropriate range ΔEt. Therefore, the upper limit value U of the appropriate light amount range ΔEt
A light-side determination level UL1 is set between L and the light reception amount Es when the illumination light from the illumination light source 4 is directly received,
When the amount of light received by the line sensor 5A is between the upper limit value UL of the appropriate light amount range ΔEt and the light-side determination level UL1, a defective rice grain k having a transmittance higher than that of a normal rice grain k.
Alternatively, the presence of the foreign matter is determined. Examples of defective rice grains k or foreign matter having a transmittance higher than the normal rice grains k include:
When the normal rice k is “sticky rice”, “Uruchi rice” becomes a defective rice k with higher transmittance than the normal rice k, and a thin colored transparent glass piece etc. is more than the normal rice k. Also becomes a foreign substance having a large transmittance.

【００３９】図６には、受光部５ａの出力電圧（受光
量）が、米粒ｋに一部着色部分が存在する位置や、黒色
の石等（ｅ１で示す）、及び、胴割れ部分が存在する位
置（ｅ２で示す）では、上記設定適正範囲ΔＥｔよりも
下側に位置し、又、正常な米粒よりも透過率が大きい異
物等が存在する場合には、位置ｅ４に示すように設定適
正範囲ΔＥｔよりも上側で前記明側の判定レベルＵＬ１
よりも下側に位置している状態を例示している。FIG. 6 shows that the output voltage (light reception amount) of the light receiving portion 5a shows the position where a part of the rice grain k has a colored portion, a black stone or the like (indicated by e1), and the presence of a cracked portion. At a position (indicated by e2), which is located below the appropriate setting range ΔEt, and when there is a foreign substance or the like having a transmittance higher than that of normal rice grains, the appropriate setting is performed as indicated by a position e4. The bright side determination level UL1 above the range ΔEt.
FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the position is lower than that of FIG.

【００４０】そして、ラインセンサ５Ａの受光量が、上
記明側の判定レベルＵＬ１と、設定適正範囲ΔＥｔの上
限値ＵＬとの間にあることを判別するために、ラインセ
ンサ５Ａの各受光部５ａにおいて、その受光量（出力電
圧）が明側の判定レベルＵＬ１よりも小で且つ前記適正
光量範囲ΔＥｔの上限値ＵＬよりも大である受光部５ａ
を求め、その求めた受光部５ａの隣接する連続個数が設
定個数（例えば、２個）を超える箇所を、正常な米粒ｋ
よりも透過率が大きい不良の米粒ｋ又は前記異物の存在
箇所と判定している。つまり、受光部５ａの受光量が明
側の判定レベルＵＬ１よりも小である２値情報と、受光
部５ａの受光量が適正光量範囲ΔＥｔの上限値ＵＬより
も大である２値情報とを演算して、前記受光量が明側の
判定レベルＵＬ１よりも小で且つ適正光量範囲ΔＥｔの
上限値ＵＬよりも大である受光部５ａを求める。Then, in order to determine that the amount of light received by the line sensor 5A is between the light-side determination level UL1 and the upper limit value UL of the set appropriate range ΔEt, each light receiving section 5a of the line sensor 5A is determined. , The light receiving unit 5a whose light receiving amount (output voltage) is smaller than the bright-side determination level UL1 and larger than the upper limit UL of the appropriate light amount range ΔEt.
Is determined as a portion where the number of adjacent consecutive light receiving portions 5a exceeds the set number (for example, two).
It is determined that the defective rice grain k has a higher transmittance than that of the defective rice grain k or the location of the foreign matter. That is, binary information in which the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 5a is smaller than the bright-side determination level UL1, and binary information in which the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 5a is larger than the upper limit UL of the appropriate light amount range ΔEt. By calculating, a light receiving unit 5a whose light receiving amount is smaller than the bright-side determination level UL1 and larger than the upper limit UL of the appropriate light amount range ΔEt is obtained.

【００４１】具体的な処理を、図７によって説明する。
（イ）は、受光部５ａの受光量が明側の判定レベルＵＬ
１よりも小のときを１とした出力波形であり、前述の４
つの位置ｅ０，ｅ１，ｅ２，ｅ４の夫々に対応する箇所
で１になっている。（ロ）は、設定適正範囲ΔＥｔの上
限値ＵＬよりも大のときを１とした出力波形（上限値Ｕ
Ｌよりも小のときを１とした出力波形の反転波形）であ
り、前述の４つの位置ｅ０，ｅ１，ｅ２，ｅ４のうちで
ｅ４だけが出力されていない。そして、（イ）の波形と
（ロ）の波形との論理積（ＡＮＤ処理）を演算すると、
（ハ）に示すように、ｅ４だけに対応する信号波形が得
られる。但し、ＵＬ１にて検出される波形とＵＬにて検
出される波形の幅が異なる（ＵＬ１の方がＵＬに比べて
広い）ので、ｅ４以外の位置ｅ０，ｅ１，ｅ２において
も、前後に細いパルス状の波形が出るが、これは、前述
の設定個数（例えば、２個）以下の波形をカットするフ
イルター処理にて除去することができる。そして、
（ニ）に示すように、設定適正範囲ΔＥｔの下限値ＬＬ
よりも下側の位置ｅ１，ｅ２と、上記位置ｅ４とが、不
良物の位置として判定される。The specific processing will be described with reference to FIG.
(A) is a light-side determination level UL in which the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 5a is on the bright side.
The output waveform is defined as 1 when the value is smaller than 1.
It is 1 at locations corresponding to the three positions e0, e1, e2, and e4. (B) is an output waveform (upper limit value U) which is set to 1 when the value is larger than the upper limit value UL of the set appropriate range ΔEt.
(An inverted waveform of the output waveform when the value smaller than L is 1), and only e4 is not output among the above four positions e0, e1, e2, and e4. Then, when the logical product (AND processing) of the waveform (a) and the waveform (b) is calculated,
As shown in (c), a signal waveform corresponding to only e4 is obtained. However, since the width of the waveform detected at UL1 is different from the width of the waveform detected at UL (UL1 is wider than UL), even at positions e0, e1, and e2 other than e4, a narrow pulse before and after. A wave shape appears, which can be removed by a filtering process that cuts the number of waveforms equal to or less than the set number (for example, two). And
As shown in (d), the lower limit value LL of the setting appropriate range ΔEt
The positions e1 and e2 below the position e4 and the position e4 are determined as defective positions.

【００４２】一方、反射光の場合には、図８の反射光用
のラインセンサ５Ｂの出力波形に示すように、ラインセ
ンサ５Ａの複数個の受光部５ａの受光情報に基づいて、
その各受光部５ａの受光量に対応する出力電圧が設定適
正範囲ΔＥｈを外れた場合に前記米粒の不良又は前記異
物の存在を判定する。ここで、反射光用の設定適正範囲
ΔＥｈは、正常米粒からの標準的な反射光に対する出力
電圧レベルｅ０’を挟んで上下所定幅の範囲に設定され
る。On the other hand, in the case of the reflected light, as shown in the output waveform of the reflected light line sensor 5B in FIG. 8, based on the received light information of the plurality of light receiving sections 5a of the line sensor 5A.
When the output voltage corresponding to the amount of light received by each of the light receiving units 5a is out of the proper setting range ΔEh, it is determined whether the rice grains are defective or the foreign matter is present. Here, the setting appropriate range ΔEh for the reflected light is set to a range of a predetermined width above and below the output voltage level e0 ′ for the standard reflected light from the normal rice grain.

【００４３】図８には、米粒ｋに一部着色部分が存在す
る位置（ｅ１’で示す）や胴割れ部分が存在する位置
（ｅ２’で示す）では、上記設定適正範囲ΔＥｈから下
側に外れている状態を例示し、又、ガラス片等の異物が
存在する場合には、異物からの強い直接反射光によって
位置ｅ３’に示すように設定適正範囲ΔＥｈから上側に
外れている状態を例示している。又、図示しないが、黒
色の石等では、反射率が非常に小さいので、波形におい
て設定適正範囲ΔＥｈから下側に大きく外れることにな
る。FIG. 8 shows that, at a position where a part of the rice grain k has a colored portion (indicated by e1 ') and a position where a cracked portion exists (indicated by e2'), the rice grain k is shifted downward from the appropriate setting range ΔEh. Illustrates a state where it is off, and when foreign matter such as a glass piece is present, it is a state where it deviates upward from the proper setting range ΔEh as shown at a position e3 ′ due to strong direct reflection light from the foreign matter. doing. Although not shown, the reflectance of a black stone or the like is very small, so that the waveform greatly deviates from the proper setting range ΔEh downward.

【００４４】そして、前記制御装置１０は、前記判別手
段１００の判別情報に基づいて、前記両ラインセンサ５
Ａ，５Ｂの検出位置Ｊに移送した米粒群ｋのうちで、米
粒の不良又は異物の存在が判別された場合には、検出位
置Ｊから不良の米粒又は異物に対する異なる経路への分
離箇所（前記エアーガン６ａの設置箇所）までの移送時
間が経過するに伴って、自重にて落下している不良の米
粒又は異物に対して、その位置に対応する各エアーガン
６ａからエアーを吹き付けて正常な米粒の経路から分離
させる。以上より、選別部Ｓが、前記シュータ１と、前
記判別手段１００と、前記エアー吹き付け装置６とを備
えて構成されることになる。Then, the control device 10 controls the two line sensors 5 based on the discrimination information of the discriminating means 100.
In the rice grain group k transferred to the detection position J of A and 5B, when it is determined that the rice grain is defective or foreign matter is present, the separation position from the detection position J to a different path for the defective rice grain or foreign matter (the above-described location). As the transfer time to the air gun 6a elapses), air is blown from each of the air guns 6a corresponding to the position to defective rice grains or foreign matter that is falling under its own weight, and normal rice grains are dropped. Separate from the path. As described above, the sorting unit S is configured to include the shooter 1, the determination unit 100, and the air blowing device 6.

【００４５】又、前記制御装置１０を利用して、前記貯
溜用タンク７に貯溜する検査対象物を選択して搬入させ
る搬入処理と、貯溜用タンク７に貯溜された検査対象物
を前記選別部Ｓへ供給して選別させる選別処理と、前記
回収部Ｅに回収された選別後の対象物を排出させる排出
処理とを行う制御手段１０１が構成されている。そし
て、その制御手段１０１に対して各種の指令情報（例え
ば上記各処理を個別に行う個別処理指令や、予め決まっ
た順序で自動的に行う自動処理指令等）を入力する手動
式の指令情報入力手段として前記操作卓２１が機能す
る。又、上制御手段１０１は、予め設定された作業デー
タ（例えば上記処理を行う順序や処理量等を定めたデー
タ）及び前記レベルセンサ１２の検出情報に基づいて、
前記搬入処理と、前記選別処理と、前記排出処理とを行
うように構成されている。The control device 10 is used to select and carry in the inspection object stored in the storage tank 7, and to select the inspection object stored in the storage tank 7 into the sorting unit. The control means 101 is configured to perform a sorting process of supplying the sorted objects to the S and a discharging process of discharging the sorted objects collected by the collecting unit E. Then, manual command information input for inputting various command information (for example, an individual process command for individually performing each of the above processes, an automatic process command for automatically performing the process in a predetermined order, etc.) to the control unit 101. The console 21 functions as a means. Further, the upper control means 101 is based on work data set in advance (for example, data defining the order of performing the above processing and the amount of processing, etc.) and the detection information of the level sensor 12,
The carrying-in process, the sorting process, and the discharging process are configured to be performed.

【００４６】以下、自動処理指令としてスタート指令を
入力すると、それに基づいて、以下自動的に各処理を順
次行う具体例（Ａ）と（Ｂ）について説明する。 （Ａ）外部から入庫した玄米を一次選別した後の不良物
を再度選別する（つまり、不良物に混入した正常米を回
収する）場合 （１）タンク７Ａに外部から入庫した玄米を選別部Ｓに
供給し（タンク７Ｂ，７Ｃからは供給しない）、良米回
収箱２に回収した良米は、そのまま正常物として外部に
排出するが、不良物回収箱３に回収した不良物は搬送手
段Ｈにてタンク７Ｃに戻す。そして、タンク７Ａ内の存
在量が下限値より下がったら、タンク７Ａからの供給を
停止する。 （２）次に、タンク７Ｃ内の不良物を供給し、良米回収
箱２に回収した良米は、正常物として外部に排出し、不
良物回収箱３に回収した不良物は外部に排出する。そし
て、タンク７Ｃ内の存在量が下限値より下がったら、タ
ンク７Ｃからの供給を停止する。 （３）上記（１）と（２）を交互に繰り返して、決めら
れた量の検査対象物を選別処理する。Hereinafter, specific examples (A) and (B) in which each processing is automatically and sequentially performed based on the input of a start instruction as an automatic processing instruction will be described below. (A) When the defective rice after the primary sorting of the brown rice received from the outside is sorted again (that is, the normal rice mixed in the defective product is collected) (1) The sorting unit S sorts the brown rice from the outside into the tank 7A (Not supplied from the tanks 7B and 7C), and the good rice collected in the good rice collection box 2 is discharged to the outside as a normal product, but the defective product collected in the defective product collection box 3 is transferred to the transport means H. To return to tank 7C. When the amount in the tank 7A falls below the lower limit, the supply from the tank 7A is stopped. (2) Next, the defective rice in the tank 7C is supplied, and the good rice collected in the good rice collection box 2 is discharged to the outside as normal, and the defective collected in the defective collection box 3 is discharged to the outside. I do. Then, when the amount present in the tank 7C falls below the lower limit, the supply from the tank 7C is stopped. (3) The above (1) and (2) are alternately repeated to select a predetermined amount of the inspection object.

【００４７】（Ｂ）外部から入庫した玄米を一次選別し
た後の正常物を再度選別する（つまり、正常物に混入し
た不良米を除去して選別精度を上げる）場合 （１）タンク７Ａに外部から入庫した玄米を選別部Ｓに
供給し（タンク７Ｂ，７Ｃからは供給しない）、良米回
収箱２に回収した良米は搬送手段Ｈにてタンク７Ｂに戻
すが、不良物回収箱３に回収した不良物はそのまま外部
に排出する。そして、タンク７Ａ内の存在量が下限値よ
り下がったら、タンク７Ａからの供給を停止する。 （２）次に、タンク７Ｂ内の正常物を供給し、良米回収
箱２に回収した良米は、そのまま正常物とするが、不良
物回収箱３に回収した不良物は外部に排出する。そし
て、タンク７Ｂ内の存在量が下限値より下がったら、タ
ンク７Ｂからの供給を停止して、処理を終了する。 （３）上記（１）と（２）を交互に繰り返して、決めら
れた量の検査対象物を選別処理する。(B) When the normal rice after the primary sorting of the brown rice received from the outside is sorted again (that is, the defective rice mixed with the normal product is removed to increase the sorting accuracy). Is supplied to the sorting unit S (not supplied from the tanks 7B and 7C), and the good rice collected in the good rice collection box 2 is returned to the tank 7B by the transport means H, but is returned to the defective product collection box 3. The collected defectives are discharged as they are. When the amount in the tank 7A falls below the lower limit, the supply from the tank 7A is stopped. (2) Next, the normal rice in the tank 7B is supplied, and the good rice collected in the good rice collection box 2 is regarded as normal, but the defective collected in the defective collection box 3 is discharged to the outside. . Then, when the amount present in the tank 7B falls below the lower limit, the supply from the tank 7B is stopped, and the process is terminated. (3) The above (1) and (2) are alternately repeated to select a predetermined amount of the inspection object.

【００４８】〔別実施形態〕上記実施例では、検査対象
物としての粒状体群が玄米等の米粒群ｋである場合につ
いて例示したが、これに限るものではなく、例えば、プ
ラスチック粒等における不良物や異物の存否を検査する
場合にも適用できる。[Alternative Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the case where the granular material group as the inspection object is the rice particle group k such as brown rice is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to the case of inspecting the presence or absence of an object or foreign matter.

【００４９】上記実施例では、流下案内手段を、横幅方
向に沿って複数列状に広がった粒状体群を一層状態で流
下案内させる板状部材（シュータ１）にて構成したが、
これに限るものではなく、例えば粒状体群を樋等によっ
て一列状態で流下案内するようにしてもよい。In the above embodiment, the flow-down guide means is constituted by a plate-like member (shooter 1) which guides a group of granular bodies spread in a plurality of rows along the lateral width direction in a single layer.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the group of granular materials may be guided in a row by a gutter or the like.

【００５０】又、分離手段６は、自重落下している不良
物に対してエアーを吹き付けて、正常な粒状体の経路か
ら分離するエアー吹き付け装置６に限らず、例えば、不
良物をエアーで吸引して正常な粒状体の経路から分離す
るものでもよい。Further, the separating means 6 is not limited to the air blowing device 6 which blows air to the defective object which is falling under its own weight and separates the defective object from the path of the normal granular material. Then, it may be separated from the path of the normal granular material.

【００５１】上記実施例では、判別手段１００を、横幅
方向に広がった状態で流下する粒状体群を照明して、そ
の透過光及び反射光を受光するライン状の受光手段５
Ａ，５Ｂの受光情報に基づいて不良物と正常物の判別を
行うように構成したが、ライン状の受光手段ではなく、
例えば上記個別の流下樋上を一列状に流下させるような
場合には、フォトセンサー等の単一のセンサーで構成し
てもよい。In the above-described embodiment, the discriminating means 100 illuminates a group of particles flowing down in a state of being spread in the horizontal width direction, and receives the transmitted light and the reflected light in a linear light receiving means 5.
It is configured to discriminate between a defective object and a normal object based on the light receiving information of A and 5B.
For example, when the individual downspouts are caused to flow down in a line, a single sensor such as a photosensor may be used.

【００５２】又、光学的な判別用のライン状の受光手段
も、多数個の光素子を並置したモノクロタイプのＣＣＤ
センサ以外に、撮像管式のテレビカメラでもよい。又、
モノクロタイプではなく、カラータイプのＣＣＤセンサ
にて構成して、例えば、色情報Ｒ，Ｇ，Ｂ毎の受光量か
ら不良米や異物の存否をさらに精度良く判別するように
してもよい。The linear light receiving means for optical discrimination is also a monochrome CCD having a large number of optical elements juxtaposed.
In addition to the sensor, an image pickup tube type television camera may be used. or,
Instead of a monochrome type CCD sensor, a color type CCD sensor may be used, and for example, the presence or absence of defective rice or foreign matter may be more accurately determined from the amount of light received for each of the color information R, G, and B.

【００５３】上記実施例では、搬送手段Ｈをスクリュー
式の搬送コンアベ１６，１７にて構成したが、これ以外
に、例えば、エアー式の搬送装置でもよい。In the above embodiment, the conveying means H is constituted by the screw type conveying conveyors 16 and 17, but may be, for example, an air type conveying device.

【００５４】上記実施例では、回収部Ｅが複数個の格納
手段を備えたが、単一の格納手段を外部側と搬送手段Ｈ
側とに切り換え自在に構成してもよい。In the above embodiment, the collecting section E has a plurality of storage means.
It may be configured to be switchable to the side.

【００５５】上記実施例では、貯溜部７が複数個の貯溜
手段を備えたが、単一の貯溜手段を備えるものでもい。In the above embodiment, the storage section 7 has a plurality of storage means, but may have a single storage means.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】不良検出・除去装置の全体側面図FIG. 1 is an overall side view of a defect detection / removal device.

【図２】同要部側面図FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part.

【図３】同要部斜視図FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main part.

【図４】制御構成のブロック図FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control configuration.

【図５】受光検出範囲の説明図FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a light reception detection range.

【図６】透過光受光手段の出力波形図FIG. 6 is an output waveform diagram of transmitted light receiving means.

【図７】透過光の場合の不良検出処理を説明する波形図FIG. 7 is a waveform diagram illustrating a defect detection process in the case of transmitted light.

【図８】反射光受光手段の出力波形図FIG. 8 is an output waveform diagram of reflected light receiving means.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 流下案内手段 １ 板状部材 ２ 格納手段 ３ 格納手段 ６ 分離手段 ７ 貯溜部 ７Ａ 入庫物貯溜手段 ７Ｂ 正常物貯溜手段 ７Ｃ 不良物貯溜手段 １２ 存在量検出手段 ２０ 供給切換手段 ２１ 指令情報入力手段 １００ 判別手段 １０１ 制御手段 Ｅ 回収部 Ｈ 搬送手段 Ｓ 選別部 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 flow-down guide means 1 plate-like member 2 storage means 3 storage means 6 separation means 7 storage section 7A incoming storage means 7B normal storage means 7C defective storage means 12 abundance detection means 20 supply switching means 21 command information input means 100 Discriminating means 101 Control means E Collection unit H Transport means S Sorting unit

Claims (7)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 粒状体群を検査対象物として流下案内さ
せる流下案内手段と、その流下案内手段の流下方向下流
側において、粒状体群内における正常物と不良物とを判
別する判別手段と、その判別手段の判別情報に基づいて
正常物と不良物とを異なる経路に分離する分離手段とを
備えた選別部と、 前記選別部に供給する検査対象物を貯溜する貯溜部と、 前記選別部にて選別された検査対象物を正常物と不良物
とに区別して回収する回収部とが設けられた粒状体の検
査装置であって、 前記回収部に回収された正常物又は不良物を前記貯溜部
に搬送する搬送手段が、搬送作用状態と搬送停止状態と
に切り換え自在に構成されて設けられ、 前記回収部が、回収した正常物又は不良物を前記搬送手
段に排出する状態と外部に排出する状態とに切り換え自
在に構成され、 前記貯溜部が、外部から供給された検査対象物と、前記
搬送手段にて搬送された正常物又は不良物とを貯溜する
ように構成されている粒状体の検査装置。1. Flow-down guide means for guiding a group of particulates down as an inspection target, and discriminating means for discriminating between a normal substance and a defective substance in the group of particulates downstream of the flow-down guide means in the downstream direction. A sorting unit that includes a separating unit that separates a normal product and a defective product into different paths based on the determination information of the determining unit; a storage unit that stores an inspection target to be supplied to the sorting unit; And a collection unit for collecting the inspection object sorted and separated into a normal object and a defective object in the inspection unit, wherein the normal object or the defective object collected by the collection unit is A transport unit for transporting to the storage unit is provided so as to be freely switchable between a transport operation state and a transport stop state, and the recovery unit is configured to discharge the recovered normal or defective product to the transport unit and to the outside. Switch to discharge state Freely configured, the reservoir comprises a test object supplied from an external device for inspecting a granular material that is configured to reservoir and transported normally product or defective product by the conveying means. 【請求項２】 前記回収部が、前記正常物と不良物とを
各別に格納する複数個の格納手段を備え、 前記複数個の格納手段の夫々が、格納された正常物又は
不良物を前記搬送手段に排出する状態と外部に排出する
状態とに切り換え自在に構成されている請求項１記載の
粒状体の検査装置。2. The collection section includes a plurality of storage means for storing the normal and defective objects separately, and each of the plurality of storage means stores the stored normal or defective object. 2. The apparatus for inspecting a granular material according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to be switchable between a state of discharging to a conveying means and a state of discharging to the outside. 【請求項３】 前記貯溜部が、外部から入庫された検査
対象物を貯溜する入庫物貯溜手段と、前記搬送手段にて
搬送された正常物を貯溜する正常物貯溜手段と、前記搬
送手段にて搬送された不良物を貯溜する不良物貯溜手段
とを備え、 前記各貯溜手段のうちの何れに貯溜された検査対象物を
前記選別部へ供給させるかを切り換える供給切換手段が
設けられている請求項１又は２記載の粒状体の検査装
置。3. The storage unit includes a storage unit for storing an inspection object received from the outside, a storage unit for storing a normal substance transported by the transport unit, and a storage unit for storing a normal object. Defective storage means for storing the defectives conveyed by the feeding means, and a supply switching means for switching which of the storage means supplies the inspection target stored to the sorting section is provided. The granular material inspection device according to claim 1 or 2. 【請求項４】 前記貯溜部に貯溜する検査対象物を選択
して搬入させる搬入処理と、前記貯溜部に貯溜された検
査対象物を前記選別部へ供給して選別させる選別処理
と、前記回収部に回収された選別後の対象物を排出させ
る排出処理とを行う制御手段と、 その制御手段に対して指令情報を入力する手動式の指令
情報入力手段とが設けられている請求項１〜３のいずれ
か１項に記載の粒状体の検査装置。4. A carrying-in process for selecting and carrying in the inspection object stored in the storage unit, a sorting process in which the inspection object stored in the storage unit is supplied to the sorting unit to be sorted, and the collection is performed. A control unit for performing a discharge process for discharging the sorted objects collected by the unit; and a manual command information input unit for inputting command information to the control unit. 4. The inspection device for granular material according to any one of items 3. 【請求項５】 前記貯溜部及び前記回収部における粒状
体群の存在量を検出する存在量検出手段が設けられ、 前記制御手段が、設定作業データ及び前記存在量検出手
段の検出情報に基づいて、前記搬入処理と、前記選別処
理と、前記排出処理とを行うように構成されている請求
項４記載の粒状体の検査装置。5. An abundance detection means for detecting an abundance of a group of particulates in the storage section and the recovery section, wherein the control means is configured to perform an operation based on setting work data and information detected by the abundance detection means. 5. The apparatus for inspecting a granular material according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform the loading processing, the sorting processing, and the discharging processing. 【請求項６】 前記分離手段が、不良物に対してエアー
を吹き付けて正常物と異なる経路に分離させるように構
成されている請求項１〜５のいずれか１項に記載の粒状
体の検査装置。6. The inspection of a granular material according to claim 1, wherein said separation means is configured to blow air to a defective product to separate the defective product into a path different from a normal product. apparatus. 【請求項７】 前記流下案内手段が、横幅方向に沿って
複数列状に広がった粒状体群を一層状態で流下案内させ
る板状部材にて構成されている請求項１〜６のいずれか
１項に記載の粒状体の検査装置。7. The flow-down guide means according to claim 1, wherein the flow-down guide means comprises a plate-like member for guiding a group of granular materials spread in a plurality of rows along the width direction in a single-layer state. An inspection device for a granular material according to the above item.