JP2000016577A - Infeed device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an infeed device capable of increasing carrier speed without producing fallen bottles. SOLUTION: An quantitative part 20 is furnished with a moving frame body 39 arranged free to relatively move in a direction to cross the carrier direction of a plastic bottle (container) B against a carrier device and is furnished with a plural number of row storage parts to store the container B carried by the carrier device in row units. Each of the row storage parts suspends and supports the container B. A pusher part 50 pushes out a specified number of rows to the downstream in a state where container rows are collected in the specified number of rows by the quantitative part 20. An infeed part 60 receives a container group of the specified number of rows pushed out by the pusher part 50. The received container B is suspended and supported at the infeed part 60. This plastic bottle B group of the specified number of rows is placed on an accumulate conveyor 95 to deliver it to an accumulate region by the infeed part 60.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an infeed device for stacking articles such as bottles on a pallet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in bulk packaging, when a container such as a glass bottle or a plastic bottle manufactured by a plastic bottle maker is transported to a drinking water maker, the containers are placed on a pallet in a plurality of stages. A sheet for partitioning the upper and lower stages is arranged between the respective stages.

[0003] When containers are stacked on a pallet in this way, the in-feed device uses a predetermined number of containers (for example, 4 rows) in a predetermined number of groups of containers sent in a line.
Each row is collected and sent to a pallet with the predetermined number of rows.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an outline of a conventional in-feed device for plastic bottles. The infeed device 100 includes a sorting device 101, a quantification unit 10
2. An infeed unit 103 is provided,
Below the metering unit 102 and the infeed unit 103, a conveyor 104 for transporting a container (plastic bottle) B is provided.
Is arranged. Each of the components is controlled by a control device (not shown) to perform a predetermined operation. As shown in FIG. 12, a gap 106 is formed between the top chains 105 on which the plastic bottles B are placed, and the inside of an air chamber provided below the conveying surface 105 is set to a negative pressure so that the top chain The plastic bottle B on 105 is conveyed while being sucked. The conveyor 104 is continuously driven in the transport direction.

[0005] The sorting apparatus 101 sorts the plastic bottles B sent in one row into the fixed quantity section 102 in four rows in a conventional example with a predetermined number of rows. Tip guide unit 1 of sorting device 101
Reference numeral 07 guides the plastic bottles B conveyed in one row, and is reciprocally movable in the width direction of the conveyor 104. A slide guide 108 is slidably provided on the distal end guide portion 107. A stopper 109 is provided at the tip of the sliding guide 108 so as to open and close the tip end of the sliding guide 108.

[0006] The fixed quantity section 102 is composed of a first storage section 102A to a fourth storage section 102 which are divided by a guide plate 110 so that four rows of container groups can be stored with a predetermined number of plastic bottles B as row units.
The storage unit 102D is provided. And each storage unit 102
Before and after A to 102D (in this example, the front means the downstream side in the transport direction of the plastic bottle B, and the rear means the upstream side). I have.

[0007] An example of distribution to the quantification unit 102 of the distribution device 101 will be described. FIG. 13A shows the quantification unit 10.
2 shows a state after the bottle B is carried into the predetermined storage section (the third storage section 102C in this example).
In this state, when a predetermined number of plastic bottles B are stored, the open / close stopper 111 of the third storage section 102C is closed, and the open / close stoppers 111 of the other storage sections are open. In addition, the full opening / closing stopper 112 at the front part of the metering unit 102 is closed. The stopper 109 of the slide guide 108 is closed.

Next, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 13A, the leading end guide 107 of the sorting device 101 is
When the sliding guide 108 moves forward while moving toward 2D and moves to the position shown in FIG. 13B, the stopper 109 is opened and the sliding guide 108 guides the plastic bottle B while decelerating and stopping. After that, it retreats (see FIG. 13C). As a result, the conveyor 104
, The plastic bottle B is transported toward the fourth storage section 102D. The number of plastic bottles B conveyed from the sliding guide 108 is counted by a counter device (not shown), and when the counted value reaches the storage capacity (number) of the fourth storage section 102, The stopper 109 is closed by the control of a control device (not shown) (see FIG. 13D). In addition, the fourth storage unit 10
When the plastic bottle B for the storage capacity is stored in 2D, the opening / closing stopper 111 closes.

[0009] When the transport of the plastic bottle B to the fourth storage section 102D is completed in this manner, next, FIG.
As shown in (d), the sliding guide 108 moves forward while the distal end guide 107 moves toward the first storage section 102A. Hereinafter, similarly, the containers are sorted into the remaining storage units and carried in.

[0010] As described above, the leading end guide portion 107 sorts and carries in the plastic bottle B to all the storage portions 102A to 102D of the fixed amount portion 102, and then sets the fixed amount portion 1
Until the plastic bottles B in all the storage sections 102A to 102D of 02 are unloaded, the stopper 109 is closed and held to stop the unloading of the plastic bottles B and wait.

[0011] The quantification unit 102 includes all storage units 102A to 102A.
When the storage of the plastic bottle B in 2D is completed, 1
12 are simultaneously opened. The opening / closing stopper 112 is capable of advancing and retreating along the X direction, and is opened while advancing in the X direction to prevent the plastic bottle B from falling down. By opening the opening / closing stopper 112, the conveyor 104
The group of containers in the row is carried out to the next infeed section 103.

In the infeed section 103, four rows of storage sections are defined by guide plates 113 for storing four rows of plastic bottles B of the fixed quantity section 102, and the guide plates 113 are connected to each other. Have been. In addition, a plurality of stoppers 114 are arranged between the guide plates 113 on the end side in the X direction. Stoppers 1 adjacent to each other
Numeral 14 is shifted in the X direction and receives the container group in a so-called staggered manner. The guide plate 113 is vertically movable by an elevating mechanism (not shown), and the elevating mechanism is reciprocally movable in the Y direction by a traveling mechanism (not shown). Further, a plurality of opening / closing stoppers 115 are arranged between the guide plates 113 on the end side in the anti-X direction. Each opening / closing stopper 115 is adjacent to another opening / closing stopper 115 similarly to the corresponding stopper 114 on the X direction side.
Are shifted in the X direction.

The infeed section 103 includes a group of plastic bottles B grouped in four rows by the metering section 102,
02, the container group B is received with the open / close stopper 115 opened, and then the open / close stopper 115 is closed (see FIG. 11).

Next, FIG.
From the position shown in FIG. 4A to the position shown in FIG.
After moving in the Y direction, the four rows of plastic bottles B are transferred to the accumulator 106. The in-feed portion 103 then rises as shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, returns in the anti-Y direction, returns to the position shown in FIG. 14A, and returns to the next plastic bottle. Wait until the B-group is loaded.

The four rows of plastic bottles B transferred to the accumulate rate conveyor 106 are
Is transported in the Y direction, and is carried into the frame (wagon) 107 on the conveyor 106. The frame 107 has a capacity (number) (1) that can be placed on one pallet (not shown).
(Referred to as the number of trays).
Then, after the number of stages to be placed in the frame 107 reaches one stage,
The frame is moved toward the pallet by a moving mechanism (not shown).

[0016]

In recent years, in the infeed apparatus as described above, it has been required to increase the speed at which the plastic bottle B is conveyed. , Sudden starts are frequently performed. In the conventional example, on the conveyor 104, the plastic bottle B is conveyed while being sucked and held on the conveyor 104 by vacuum. In the case or when the container is carried out from the fixed amount section 102, there is a problem that the container is likely to fall down (hereinafter, referred to as a problem of a falling bottle).

In particular, when the container is a plastic bottle, the container is light in nature and thus has poor stability. In the case of a plastic bottle for carbonated drinks, concave portions for forming ribs are provided around the bottom at predetermined intervals. As a result, the bottom area is reduced, and the stability is further reduced.
Opening and closing stoppers 111, 1
It is necessary to adjust the opening / closing timing of 12, 115. However, when the transport speed is increased, there is a limit in adjusting the timing.

Further, if there is an inverted bottle, it is necessary for a person to remove the inverted bottle from the line, so that when the unmanned operation is performed for 24 hours, the inverted bottle becomes an obstacle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-feed device that does not generate an inverted bottle and can increase the transport speed.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a transfer means for transferring a group of containers in a small number of rows, and a container transfer of the transfer means with respect to the transfer means. A plurality of containers arranged in a direction transverse to the direction, and provided with a plurality of container row storage sections for storing a plurality of rows of container groups when a predetermined number of containers transported by the transport means are arranged in row units. A quantification unit, when a predetermined number of rows of containers are gathered by the quantification unit, pusher means for extruding the predetermined number of container groups downstream, and a predetermined number of rows extruded by the pusher means. And an infeed unit that is placed on an accumulate conveyor that carries out the container group for the number of rows to the accumulate area. , Grasp the neck of the container A first suspending means for suspending and supporting the container, and the infeed portion comprises a second suspending means for suspending and supporting the neck of the container extruded by the pusher means from the fixed amount section. The gist is an in-feed device. In the present invention, the term "minority column" refers to a number smaller than the predetermined number of columns of the quantitative unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the number of container row storage sections of the fixed quantity section is provided to be greater than a predetermined number of rows extruded by pusher means, and the pusher means has a predetermined number of rows of containers. While the group is being pushed out, the in-feed device is characterized in that the containers are carried in by the transporting means in the container row storage portion that has not been pushed out by the pusher means at that time. Is what you do.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the pusher means is provided with a plurality of pusher mechanisms, and each pusher mechanism has a predetermined number of containers by relative movement with respect to the transport means. The gist is an in-feed device in which each pusher mechanism pushes a predetermined number of rows of container groups downstream each time the row storage section corresponds.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, there is provided an infeed device having an infeed mechanism provided with a plurality of infeed portions facing each pusher mechanism.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In any one of the above, the pusher means includes an infeed device for pressing an upper portion of the container.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the infeed portion includes an elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering the second suspending means, and the second suspending means includes a pusher means. An infeed device including a gripping position for gripping an extruded container, a pair of gripping members that open and close between a release position for releasing the container, and driving means for driving the gripping member between the positions. It is assumed that.

(Function) According to the first aspect of the present invention,
The container row storage section of the fixed amount section includes first hanging means for holding and supporting the neck of the container, and the infeed section includes a container neck pushed out from the fixed amount section by a pusher means. By providing the second suspending means for grasping and suspending and supporting, when the container is moved from the first suspending means to the second suspending means, the container is suspended and supported, so that the container does not fall down. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the container row storage section of the metering section is provided in a larger number than a predetermined number of rows extruded by the pusher means, and the pusher means pushes out a predetermined number of rows of container groups. Even during the operation, the container is carried in by the conveying means into the container row storage portion which has not been pushed out by the pusher means at that time.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, each time a predetermined number of rows of containers are accommodated in each pusher mechanism by the relative movement of the fixed amount section with respect to the transporting means, each pusher mechanism is moved to the predetermined number of rows. Extrude a group of containers downstream.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of infeed mechanisms are provided corresponding to the respective pusher mechanisms of the metering section, a predetermined number of rows of containers are separately sent from the metering section. The groups can be received, and a plurality of rows of container groups can be placed on the accumulate conveyor by operating the respective infeed mechanisms.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the container is suspended and supported at the upper portion, the container is pressed by the pusher means at a portion near the supporting point, so that the container is pressed by the pusher means. The container can be moved smoothly without large tilting.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the lifting mechanism of the infeed portion raises and lowers the second suspension means. The second suspending means is opened and closed by the driving means between a gripping position for gripping the container extruded by the pusher means, and a release position for releasing the container.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 is a schematic side view of the infeed device, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view thereof, FIG. 3 is a front view of the metering section, FIG. 4 is a front view of the infeed section,
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of the infeed unit. FIG.
7 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the opening / closing hanger mechanism, FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the infeed section, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a magazine section of the fixed quantity section.

In order to stack plastic bottles B as containers transported in a single row on a pallet, the infeed device 1 of the present embodiment first requires a predetermined number of plastic bottles B (in this embodiment, , 20) in a row unit and arranged in a predetermined number of rows (four rows in this embodiment), and the predetermined number of rows is placed on an accumulation rate conveyor 95 described later. The accumulate rate conveyor 95 accumulates a predetermined number of rows of containers placed in the accumulate area, and sets the number of rows for one pallet (20 rows in this embodiment). When the number of rows of this one pallet is reached, the container group of one pallet is transported onto the pallet by a wagon (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the infeed device 1
A metering unit 20 provided opposite to the transport device 10,
An in-feed unit 60 is provided. The transport device 10
It is constituted by a conventionally known air conveyor 11, and is conveyed by blowing air to plastic bottles B arranged in a line. The transfer device 10 is continuously driven in the transfer direction. In the transport device 10, a pair of guide plates 13 spaced apart from each other are arranged along the transport direction so as to hold the plastic bottles B in one row. The transport device 10 constitutes a transport unit. At the container transport direction (X direction) side end of the transport device 10,
Opening (hereinafter referred to as gate) G of the guide plate 13
Is provided with an opening / closing stopper 12. The opening / closing stopper 12 is driven to open / close by a solenoid (or a driving source such as a pneumatic cylinder) not shown. When the opening / closing stopper 12 is opened, the plastic bottle B is sent out from the transfer device 10, and when the opening / closing stopper 12 is closed, the sending of the plastic bottle B is stopped.

The metering section 20 of the in-feed device 1 is arranged to face the transfer device 10. Quantification unit 20
Is provided with respect to the machine casing 21 as shown in FIG. 3, and includes a magazine section 30 and a magazine section moving mechanism 40.

The magazine section 30 is provided on a moving frame 39 which is moved by a magazine section moving mechanism 40 described later. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of connecting members 39a are fixed on the moving frame 39 at predetermined intervals in the X direction. On the connecting member 39a, as shown in FIG.
A plurality of plate-shaped support members 37 are erected at regular intervals in the direction, and the support members 37 extend in the X direction. A neck hanger 3 is provided at the upper end of each support member 37.
6 is fixed. The neck hanger 36 is formed in a plate shape, and its engagement end portion is adjacent to another neck hanger 35.
Are arranged opposite to each other at a predetermined interval from the engaging end of the first member. The predetermined interval is set so that the neck of the plastic bottle B can pass through and the flange Ba formed on the periphery of the neck of the plastic bottle B can be locked. When the flange Ba is locked by the neck hanger 36, the plastic bottle B is suspended and supported as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the length of the neck hanger 36 in the X direction is a length that allows twenty plastic bottles B to be arranged in a line.

The neck hanger 36 constitutes first suspension means. In the space defined by the support member 37, first to fifth row storage portions 31 to 35 are formed from the Y side. First row storage section 31 to fifth row storage section 3
5 constitutes a container row storage part.

As shown in FIG. 9, in each of the row storage portions 31 to 35, a pair of guide plates 38 is fixed to the connecting member 39a and arranged along the side surfaces of the supporting member 37 facing each other. A plurality of ridges 38a extend in the X direction on the inner surface of the guide plate 38, and guide the side of the plastic bottle B suspended by the neck hanger 36 by the ridges 38a.

On the X direction side of the magazine section 30,
As shown in FIG. 1, a stopper device 24 is provided.
The stopper device 24 is disposed only at the front position of the transfer device 10 and moves back and forth between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown by a two-dot chain line by driving a pneumatic cylinder or the like (not shown). . When the stopper device 24 is located at the closed position, the plastic bottle B loaded in one of the row storage sections 31 to 35 that is allowed to be loaded from the transport device 10 at that time in the X direction is moved in the X direction. And when it is in the open position, it is allowed to move.

That is, the stopper device 24 is located at the closed position when the plastic bottle B is stored in the row storage portions 31 to 35 by the transport device 10. When the stored plastic bottle B moves in the Y direction by the magazine moving mechanism 40, it is located at the open position. This position control is performed by a control device (not shown) controlling the opening and closing of a control valve for supplying air pressure to the not-shown pneumatic cylinder.

Next, the magazine moving mechanism 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of beam members 22 extending in the Y direction is provided below the machine frame 21, and a rail 48 extending in the Y direction is fixed on the beam members 22. The moving frame 39 is mounted on the rail 48 via a slider 49.
Are slidably movable in the Y and anti-Y directions. As shown in FIG.
Is fixed, and the output shaft of the drive motor 41 is connected to a reduction gear box 42. A drive pulley 43 is fixed to an output shaft of the reduction gear box 42. A driven pulley 4 is provided on a connecting member 23 for connecting the beam members 22.
4 is rotatably supported. An endless timing belt 47a is wound between the driving pulley 43 and the driven pulley 44.

A first pulley 45 is integrally fixed to the rotation shaft of the driven pulley 44 so as to be able to rotate integrally with the driven pulley 44. Further, at the same height as the first pulley 45, the second pulley 46 is attached to the machine casing 21 as shown in FIG.
Are rotatably supported. An endless timing belt 47b is wound between the first pulley 45 and the second pulley 46. The ascending portion of the timing belt 47b is connected to the moving frame 39. The drive pulley 43, the driven pulley 44, the timing belt 47a, the first pulley 4
5, the moving frame body 39 reciprocates in the Y direction and the anti-Y direction between the most Y-side position α1 and the most Y-side position α2 shown in FIG. 3 via the second pulley 46 and the timing belt 47b. In FIG. 3, α1 and α2 indicate the positions of the right edge of the moving frame 39 in FIG.

Under the control of a control device (not shown), the drive motor 41 intermittently repeats the drive stop, so that the first row storage section 31 to the fifth row storage section 35 of the magazine section 30 respectively And can be arranged to face the gate portion G.

Next, the pusher section 50 will be described. The pusher unit 50 includes a first pusher mechanism 50A and a second pusher mechanism 50B. Pusher part 50
Constitutes a pusher means.

The first pusher mechanism 50A and the second pusher mechanism 50B are different from each other only in that they are symmetrical in FIG. 3 but have the same basic structure. Therefore, the first pusher mechanism 50A will be mainly described. Each component of the second pusher mechanism 50B is connected to the first pusher mechanism 50B.
The same reference numerals are given to the constituent members of A, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, above the beam member 22, a mechanism case 51 extending in the X direction is provided on the upper beam member 21a constituting the machine frame 21. A drive motor 52 is fixed to an upper portion of the machine frame 21 close to the mechanism case 51, and an output shaft of the drive motor 52 is connected to a reduction gear box 53. Reduction gearbox 5
A drive pulley 54 is fixed to the output shaft 3.

On the other hand, an opening 51a extending in the X direction is formed below the mechanism case 51. Mechanism case 5
As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of pulleys 56a and 56b separated in the X direction are rotatably supported inside 1. One pulley 56a is located closer to the anti-X direction than the end of the first row storage portion 31 to the fifth row storage portion 35 opposite the X direction, and the other pulley 56b is located at the X direction end. The position is closer to the X direction than the position. Double pulley 56
An endless timing belt 57b is wound between a and 56b as shown in FIG. A driven pulley 55 is fixed to the rotation shaft of the pulley 56a. An endless timing belt 57a is wound between the driving pulley 54 and the driven pulley 55.

A pusher mounting member 58 is fixed to the lower portion of the timing belt 57b.
From the opening 51a. The lower portion of the pusher mounting member 58 is formed to project in the Y direction, and four pusher bars 59 are fixed to the projecting portion at equal intervals. Each pusher bar 59 is provided in the first row storage section 3.
The width is such that it can pass through the gap between the neck hangers 36 of the first to fifth row storage portions 35. The interval (pitch) between the pusher bars 59 is the same as the distance (pitch) between the gaps formed by the neck hangers 36, and any pusher bar 59 can pass between the neck hangers 36 without any trouble. ing.

Then, the magazine section 30 of the quantitative section 20
Is located at the most Y-side position α1 shown in FIG.
The pusher bar 59 is arranged such that the first to fourth row storage sections 31 to 34 correspond to each other.

The pusher bar 59 of the second pusher mechanism 50B moves the second row storage section 32 to the second row storage section 32 when the magazine section 30 of the fixed quantity section 20 is located at the farthest Y side position α2 shown in FIG. The fifth row storage sections 35 are arranged so as to correspond to each other.

When the drive motor 52 is stopped, the pusher bar 59 is located at the standby position β1 or the post-push operation position β2 as shown in FIG. When the pusher bar 59 is located at the standby position β1, one of the row storage sections 31 to 35 is disposed opposite to the gate G of the transport apparatus 10 and is allowed to carry in the plastic bottle from the transport apparatus 10. Since the storage portion and the pusher bar 59 are separated in the Y direction, the plastic bottle B carried in from the transport device 10 does not interfere with the pusher bar 59.

When the pusher bar 59 is located at the position β2 after the push operation, the infeed portion 6 described later
0 is a position where the pusher bar 59 does not interfere. And the pusher bar 59 of the first pusher mechanism 50A is
When the drive motor 52 is rotated forward under the control of a control device (not shown), the push operation is performed from the standby position β1 via the reduction gear box 53, the drive pulley 54, the driven pulley 55, the pulleys 56a and 56b, and the timing belts 57a and 57b. It moves to the rear position β2. At the same time, the drive motor 52 is reversely rotated so that the pusher bar 59 of the second pusher mechanism 50B located at the position β2 after the push operation returns from the position β2 to the standby position β1 under the control of a control device (not shown).

The pusher bar 59 of the second pusher mechanism 50B causes the reduction gear box 53, the drive pulley 54, the driven pulley 55, the pulleys 56a, 56b, It moves from the standby position β1 to the post-push operation position β2 via the timing belts 57a and 57b. At the same time
The second pusher mechanism 5 located at the position β2 after the push operation
The drive motor 52 is rotated reversely so that the pusher bar 59 of 0A returns from the same position β2 to the standby position β1 under the control of a control device (not shown).

Next, the infeed section 60 will be described. The infeed section 60 includes a first infeed mechanism 60.
A and the second infeed mechanism 60B.

Since the first infeed mechanism 60A and the second infeed mechanism 60B have the same configuration as shown in FIG. 4, the description will focus on the first infeed mechanism 60A. The components of the second infeed mechanism 60B are the same as those of the first infeed mechanism 60B unless otherwise specified.
The same reference numerals are given to the constituent members of A, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The first in-feed mechanism 60A includes a lifting mechanism 61 and an opening / closing hanger mechanism 73.
The lifting mechanism 61 will be described.
The upper horizontal member 62 provided on the machine frame (not shown)
It is arranged to extend in the direction. A pair of guide cylinders 69 are fixed to the upper horizontal member 62. In each guide cylinder 69,
A slide bar 70 is fitted inside so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The upper and lower ends of both slide bars 70 are connected members 71a,
It is connected at 71b.

A drive motor 63 is fixed to the upper horizontal member 62 as shown in FIG. The output shaft of the drive motor 63 is connected to a reduction gear box (not shown). The output shaft of the reduction gear box is connected to a rotating shaft 64 rotatably supported by a pair of bearings 65 on the upper horizontal member 62 (see FIG. 1). A pair of drive pulleys 66 are fixed to both ends of the rotating shaft 64. Also, upper horizontal member 6
2, a bearing plate 72 is fixedly mounted, and a pair of direction change pulleys 67 are rotatably supported on the bearing plate 72 vertically.

Both ends of a timing belt 68 are fixed between the connecting members 71a and 71b, and the timing belt 68 is connected to the driving pulley 6 as shown in FIG.
6. It is wound around a pair of direction change pulleys 67. When the drive motor 63 rotates forward and backward, the rotation shaft 64, the drive pulley 66, and the like are rotated, and the slide bar 70 moves up and down via the timing belt 68.

Then, an opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 described later.
Moves between an ascending position γ1 and a descending position γ2 shown in FIG. 4 by forward and reverse rotation driving of the drive motor 63. Note that the illustrated raised position γ1 and lowered position γ2 are
The respective positions of the connecting plates 80L and 80R are shown.
Here, the rising position γ1 is determined by the opening / closing hanger mechanism 7 described later.
The height of the neck hanger pieces 81R and 81L of the storage section 3 is the same as the height of the neck hanger 36 of each of the row storage sections 31 to 35 of the magazine section 30 of the fixed quantity section 20. or,
The descending position γ2 is a height at which the plastic bottle B suspended and supported by the neck hanger pieces 81R and 81L of the storage portion of the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 described later can be placed on the accumulation conveyor 95.

Next, the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, a pair of brackets 75 are fixed on both sides of the lower surface of the connecting member 71b so as to face each other.
A pair of guide rods 7 is provided between the front end (the end in the X direction) and the rear end (the end in the opposite X direction) of the bracket 75.
7R and 77L are fixedly arranged in parallel with each other in the Y direction (see FIG. 1).

A pair of pneumatic cylinders 74R and 74L are fixed to the connecting member 71b (only the pneumatic cylinders 74R and 74L are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7; Omitted). The cylinder rods of both pneumatic cylinders 74R and 74L are driven in opposite directions (Y direction and anti-Y direction).

The left hanger portions 76R, 76L are synchronously driven in opposite directions by the pneumatic cylinders 74R, 74L, respectively. The pneumatic cylinders 74L and 74R constitute driving means.

Since the left hanger portion 76L and the right hanger portion 76R have the same configuration, the following description focuses on the configuration of the left hanger portion 76L. Unless otherwise specified, components of the right hanger portion 76R are assumed to have the same shape and size, and components of the right hanger portion 76R are denoted by reference numerals of respective components of the left hanger portion 76L. The symbol “R” is used instead of “L”.

As shown in FIG. 5, a slide block 78L is slidably fitted to the guide rod 77L and is movable in the Y and anti-Y directions. The slide block 78L
6 and 7, a pair of support plates 79 are provided on both end surfaces.
L is fixed. The connecting plate 80L is connected to each of the support plates 79.
It is fixedly supported at the lower part of L.

Further, one of the support plates 7
The upper portion of 9L extends upward and is connected to the cylinder rod of the pneumatic cylinder 74L. The same pneumatic cylinder 74L
, The slide block 78L moves the guide rod 77.
It is guided along L and can reciprocate.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, four neck hanger pieces 81L are fixed at equal intervals in the Y direction on the lower surface of the connecting plate 80L. Neck hanger piece 81
L is formed in an L-shaped cross section, and its length in the X direction is a length in this embodiment in which 20 plastic bottles B can be arranged in a line. The neck hanger piece 81R of the right hanger portion 76R is formed in an inverted L-shaped cross section.

In the pneumatic cylinders 74L and 74R, when the cylinder rods are contracted, the neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R are located at the gripping positions, respectively, so that the neck of the plastic bottle B can be gripped. This gripping position means that both neck hanger pieces 81L, 8
Opposite ends of the 1R are located at a distance slightly longer than the diameter of the neck of the plastic bottle B and separated by a gap shorter than the flange Ba of the neck.

The distance (length) of the gap is substantially the same as the predetermined distance between the engagement ends of the neck hanger 35 of the fixed quantity section 20. In other words, the neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R at the gripping positions can be suspended and supported by locking the flange Ba of the plastic bottle B, and the gap between the opposing ends thereof can pass through the neck of the plastic bottle B. ing.

The neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R constitute a second suspension means and a holding member. When the cylinder rods are extended, the pneumatic cylinders 74L and 74R position the neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R at the release positions, respectively.
The neck can be released. This release position is a position in which the opposing ends of both neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R are separated from each other by a distance slightly longer than the flange Ba of the neck of the plastic bottle B.

Then, each neck hanger piece 81L, 81
In R, four rows of storage sections 90 are formed, and each storage section 90 can receive the plastic bottle B sent out from the row storage section of the fixed quantity section 20.

That is, when the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 is located at the ascending position γ1 shown in FIG. 4, the two neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R are at the same height as the neck hanger 36 of the fixed amount section 20 as shown in FIG. It is set to be located at Then, the first infeed mechanism 60
A when the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 of A is located at the ascending position γ1 and the two neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R corresponding to each row of the first infeed mechanism 60A are located at the gripping position. The plastic bottle B suspended and supported by the neck hanger 36 of the first row storage section 31 to the fourth row storage section 34 in the fixed amount section 20 located at the side position α1 can be received.

The opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 of the second infeed mechanism 60A is located at the raised position γ1, and
When both neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R corresponding to each row of the infeed mechanism 60A are located at the gripping position, the second row storage sections 32 to the fifth row in the quantitative section 20 located at the Y-side position α1. The plastic bottle B suspended and supported by the neck hanger 36 of the row storage section 35 can be received.

Next, both infeed mechanisms 60A, 60B
The stopper 83 attached to each of them will be described. The stopper 83 is provided for each of the infeed mechanisms 60A, 60A.
In each of the storage sections 90 of B, it is arranged at the end in the X direction. The stopper 83 includes a pneumatic cylinder 84 fixed to the connecting member 71b via a bracket (not shown), and a stopper plate 84a fixed to a cylinder rod of the pneumatic cylinder 84. And
Of the four pneumatic cylinders 84, the cylinder rods of the pneumatic cylinders 84 that are positioned every other one are held longer than the cylinder rods of the other adjacent pneumatic cylinders 84 by an extension amount corresponding to the radius of the plastic bottle B. Have been. As a result, the row of plastic bottles B moved to the storage unit 90 is arranged in a staggered manner with respect to another adjacent storage unit 90 as shown in FIG. The extension amount of the pneumatic cylinder 84 is changed according to the diameter of the container of the plastic bottle B, and the position of the stopper plate 84a is displaced.

Further, a pair of side guides 85 is fixed to each of the storage portions 90 to the connecting member 71b via a bracket (not shown). Side guide 8 of each storage section 90
5 guides both side portions of the plastic bottle B suspended and supported by the respective storage portions 90 as shown in FIG. Next, the first infeed mechanism 60 of the infeed portion 60
A, below the second infeed mechanism 60B, an accumulate rate conveyor 95 is provided. The accumulate conveyor 95 extends in the Y direction, and unloads the plastic bottle B sent from the first infeed mechanism 60A and the second infeed mechanism 60B in the Y direction. That is, the accumulation rate conveyor 95 carries out the plastic bottle B group for four rows to the accumulation rate area, as in the conventional example. In the accumulation rate area,
It is carried into a frame (not shown) on the conveyor. The frame body is capable of accommodating containers of a capacity (number) that can be placed on one stage of a pallet (not shown) (referred to as the number of placed one stage). Then, after reaching the number of one stage to be placed in the frame, the frame is moved toward the pallet by a moving mechanism (not shown).

The drive motors 41,
52, 63 and the pneumatic cylinders 74L, 74R are suitably controlled by a control device (sequencer, CPU, or the like) not shown.

(Operation of Embodiment) Next, the operation of the infeed device 1 configured as described above will be described. It is assumed that the operations of the following components are controlled by a control device (not shown) even if not otherwise specified.

For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first row storage section 31 to the fifth row storage section 35 of the fixed quantity section 20 do not contain the plastic bottle B, and the first row storage section 31 is
The moving frame 3 is opposed to the gate G of the transfer device 10.
9 is located. In addition, the stopper device 24 facing the row storage portion into which the plastic bottle B is carried in via the gate portion G is located at a closed position indicated by a solid line in FIG. It is also assumed that the first infeed mechanism 60A and the second infeed mechanism 60B of the infeed unit 60 do not contain the plastic bottle B.

(Operation of Quantifying Unit 20 and Pusher Unit 50) First, one cycle of the quantifying unit 20 and the pusher unit 50 will be described below.

The plastic bottle B conveyed by the conveyance device 10 with the opening / closing stopper 12 opened is stored in the first row storage section 31 of the metering section 20 via the gate section G. At this time, plastic bottle B
Is suspended and supported by the flange Ba of the neck portion being locked to the neck hanger 36. Further, the leading plastic bottle B is pressed by the plastic bottle B carried in from behind, and moves until it abuts and locks on the stopper device 24. Then, when a predetermined volume (20 in this embodiment) of plastic bottles B of the first row storage section 31 is stored in the first row storage section 31,
The gate portion G is closed by the opening / closing stopper 12, and the loading of the plastic bottle B from the transport device 10 is stopped.
Further, the stopper device 24 moves to the open position. The closing operation of the opening / closing stopper 12 is performed by determining whether or not the last plastic bottle B among the plastic bottles B delivered to the first row storage portion 31 is at a predetermined position by a photo sensor (not shown) or the like. Based on the detection signal at that time, the control device (not shown)
Is performed by controlling the closing.

Next, when the drive motor 41 is driven, the magazine moving mechanism 40 is operated, and the transport device 1 is moved.
After the moving frame 39 is moved by a predetermined amount in the Y direction so that the second row storage portion 32 faces the gate portion G of 0, the moving frame 39 is stopped. At this time, the stopper device 24 and the second row
2 are opposed to each other. Thereafter, the stopper device 24 is moved to the closed position, and the opening / closing stopper 12 of the gate portion G of the transport device 10 is opened.
The plastic bottles B conveyed in one row are stored in the second row storage section 32 via the gate G.

Similarly, when a predetermined volume of the plastic bottle B is stored in the second row storage section 32, the opening / closing stopper 12 is closed, and the stopper device 24 moves from the closed position to the open position. In the following description,
In the stopper device 24, the column storage portion is formed by the gate G in the same manner as described above.
Before and after being disposed opposite to each other, the open position and the closed position are moved without any special explanation, and the operation of the stopper device 24 is omitted for convenience of explanation.

Thereafter, similarly, when the plastic bottle B is completely stored in the previous row storage section, the moving frame 39 is moved in the Y direction by the operation of the magazine section moving mechanism 40, and the third row storage section is moved. The plastic bottle B is also stored in the 33, the fourth row storage section 34, and the fifth row storage section 35. Similarly, the opening / closing stopper 12 and the stopper device 24 perform the opening / closing operation and the reciprocating operation to a predetermined position (open position, closed position) for each of the opposed row storage sections. In addition,
In the following description, it is assumed that the stopper device 24 moves between the open position and the closed position before and after the row storage portion is disposed facing the gate G in the same manner as described above. For convenience of explanation, the operation of the stopper device 24 will be described. Omitted.

When the movable frame 39 is located at the most Y-side position α1, that is, when the fifth row storage section 35 faces the gate section G of the transfer device 10, the first row storage section 31 to the fourth row storage section are provided. The suspended neck of the plastic bottle B accommodated in the first pusher mechanism 50A is connected to each pusher bar 5 of the first pusher mechanism 50A.
9 on the movement locus line.

At this time, the first infeed mechanism 60A of the infeed section 60 is located at the ascending position γ1, and both neck hanger pieces 81L, 81R corresponding to each row of the first infeed mechanism 60A are connected. It is located at the gripping position.

While the plastic bottle B is being stored in the fifth row storage section 34, the drive motor 52 of the first pusher mechanism 50A shown in FIG.
The pusher bar 59 located at the standby position β1 moves to the push operation position β2. As a result, the first row storage unit 3
Plastic bottles B in each row of the first to fourth row storage portions 34
Is a first infeed mechanism 60A of the infeed section 60.
Are stored in the storage units of each row. That is, the plastic bottles B in each row are suspended and supported by the neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R of the first infeed mechanism 60A. The group of plastic bottles B in each row stops when the leading plastic bottle B comes into contact with the stopper plate 84a of the first infeed mechanism 60A.

As described above, at the same time as the plastic bottles B in each row of the first row storage section 31 to the fourth row storage section 34 are carried out, the drive motor 52 of the second pusher mechanism 50B shown in FIG. Then, the pusher bar 59 located at the push operation position β2 moves to the standby position β1.

Thereafter, when the drive motor 41 is driven in the reverse direction to the above, the magazine section moving mechanism 40 is operated in the direction opposite to the Y direction, and the fourth movement is performed with respect to the gate section G of the transfer device 10.
After the moving frame 39 is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction opposite to the Y direction so that the row storage sections 32 face each other, the moving frame 39 is stopped.

Thereafter, the opening / closing stopper 12 of the gate portion G of the transfer device 10 is opened, and the plastic bottles B conveyed in a single row are removed from the gate portion G in the same manner as in the fifth row storage section 35. And stored in the fourth row storage section 34 through the storage section. Thereafter, when the plastic bottle B is stored in the fourth row storage portion 32 in a predetermined capacity in a similar manner, the opening / closing stopper 12 is closed, and the stopper device 24 is opened.

Thereafter, similarly, when the plastic bottle B is completely stored in the previous row storage section, the moving frame 39 is moved in the opposite Y direction by the operation of the magazine moving mechanism 40, and the third row storage section is moved. Part 33, the second row storage part 32, and the first
The plastic bottle B is also stored in the row storage section 31.

Then, when the movable frame 39 is located at the farthest Y-side position α2, that is, when the first row storage section 35 faces the gate section G of the transport device 10, the second row storage sections 32 to The suspended neck of the plastic bottle B stored in the fifth row storage section 35 is positioned on the movement trajectory line of each pusher bar 59 of the second pusher mechanism 50B.

At this time, the second infeed mechanism 60B of the infeed section 60 is located at the ascending position γ1, and the two neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R corresponding to each row of the second infeed mechanism 60B are connected. It is located at the gripping position.

Thereafter, the second pusher mechanism 50 shown in FIG.
The drive motor 52 of B is rotated forward, and the pusher bar 59 located at the standby position β1 moves to the push operation position β2. As a result, the second row storage section 32 to the fifth row storage section 3
The plastic bottles B in each row of No. 5
The second infeed mechanism 60B is stored in the storage section of each row. That is, the plastic bottles B in each row are suspended and supported by the neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R of the second infeed mechanism 60B. The group of plastic bottles B in each row stops when the leading plastic bottle B comes into contact with the stopper plate 84a of the second infeed mechanism 60B.

As described above, at the same time as the plastic bottles B in each row of the second to fifth row storage sections 32 to 35 are carried out, the drive motor 52 of the first pusher mechanism 50A shown in FIG. Then, the pusher bar 59 located at the push operation position β2 moves to the standby position β1.

As described above, one cycle of the quantitative section 20 and the pusher section 50 is completed. (Operation of Infeed Unit 60) Next, during the operation of the fixed amount unit 20 and the pusher unit 50 for one cycle as described above, the operation of the infeed unit 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG.

Now, when the plastic bottle B extruded by the first pusher mechanism 50A of the pusher section 50 as described above is stored in the storage section of each row of the first infeed mechanism 60A (FIG. 8 ( a)), and then put the plastic bottle B in the storage section of each row of the first infeed mechanism 60b.
Wait until is stored.

Next, the plastic bottle B extruded by the second pusher mechanism 50B of the pusher section 50 is stored in the storage section of each row of the second infeed mechanism 60B (see FIG. 8B).

When the plastic bottle B is stored in each row storage portion of the two infeed mechanisms 60A and 60B, the open / close hanger mechanism 73 located at the raised position γ1 of the two infeed mechanisms 60A and 60B is driven by the drive motor 63. By operating, it is moved to the lowering position γ2 (see FIG. 8C).

The two infeed mechanisms 60A, 60A
When the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 of B is located at the lowering position γ2, the cylinder rods of the pneumatic cylinders 74L, 74R are extended, and the neck hanger pieces 81L, 81R are located at the release positions. As a result, both neck hanger pieces 81
The plastic bottle B held by L, 81R is released. Therefore, both infeed mechanisms 60A, 60A
The four rows of plastic bottles B respectively released (released) from B are moved in the Y direction by the operation of the accumulate conveyor 95 and are carried out to an unillustrated accumulate area (see FIG. 8D).

When the plastic bottle B is released, the lifting mechanism 61 of both the infeed mechanisms 60A and 60B is driven again by the drive motor 63 to move to the ascending position γ1 again. During this upward movement, the pneumatic cylinder 74
The neck hanger pieces 81L, 81R are returned to the gripping positions by extending and retracting the L, 74R.

The accumulation rate conveyor 95 conveys the four rows of plastic bottles B released from the respective infeed mechanisms 60A and 60B in the Y direction, and feeds them in a frame (wagon) (not shown) on the conveyor 95. Carry in. In addition, this frame can accommodate containers of a capacity (number) that can be placed on one pallet (not shown) (referred to as the number of pieces placed on one tier). Then, after reaching the number of one stage to be placed in the frame, the frame is moved toward the pallet by a moving mechanism (not shown).

Next, effects of the embodiment configured as described above will be described below. (1) In the present embodiment, the first row storage section 3 of the fixed quantity section 20
The first to fifth row storage sections 35 are provided with a neck hanger 36 for gripping and suspending the neck of the plastic bottle B, and the infeed section 60 is provided with a plastic extruded from the fixed quantity section 20 by the pusher section 50. Neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R that hold the neck of the bottle B by suspending and supporting it were formed. As a result, the fixed-quantity section 20 to the in-feed section 6
The plastic bottle B conveyed to zero can be reliably transported from the metering unit 20 to the infeed unit 60 without falling down. Therefore, since the plastic bottle B does not fall, the speed can be increased.

(2) In this embodiment, the fixed amount section 20 is provided with the first row storage section 31 to the fifth row storage section 35, and the number of rows pushed out by the pusher bar 59 of the pusher section 50. Did more than For this reason, even while the pusher unit 50 is operating to push out the plastic bottles B in the number of rows, the container row storage unit that has not been pushed out by the pusher bar 59 at that time is transported by the transport device 10 to the plastic row. The bottle B is carried in, and the efficiency of the operation of storing the plastic bottle B in the metering unit 20 can be improved.

(3) In this embodiment, the pusher unit 50
Are a first pusher mechanism 50A and a second pusher mechanism 50A.
B, and the relative movement of the moving frame 39 with respect to the transport device 10 by the operation of the magazine moving mechanism 40,
Each time a predetermined number of rows of row storage sections correspond to each of the pusher mechanisms 50A and 50B, each pusher mechanism 50A and 50B pushes out a predetermined number of rows of plastic bottles B downstream. As a result, by alternately operating the first pusher mechanism 50A and the second pusher mechanism 50B, a predetermined number of rows of plastic bottles B can be sent to the in-feed unit 60 in each case.

(4) In the present embodiment, the infeed section 60 has a first infeed mechanism 60A and a second infeed mechanism 60B opposed to the pusher mechanisms 50A and 50B. As a result, each infeed mechanism 60
A and 60B are provided corresponding to the respective pusher mechanisms of the metering unit 20, so that it is possible to receive the plastic bottle B group of four rows individually sent from the metering unit 20, and this infeed mechanism By the individual operations of 60A and 60B, a plurality of rows of plastic bottles B can be placed on the accumulate conveyor 95, respectively, and the speed can be increased.

(5) In this embodiment, the pusher unit 50
The pusher bar 59 presses the upper part of the plastic bottle B. As a result, plastic bottle B
Is suspended and supported by the flange Ba at the upper part of the neck, so that the plastic bottle B is pressed at a portion close to the supporting point. Can move the plastic bottle B group.

(6) In the present embodiment, the infeed section 60 is provided with a lifting mechanism 61 for lifting and lowering the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73.
The opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 includes a pair of neck hanger pieces 81L, 81R that open and close between a gripping position for gripping the plastic bottle B extruded by the pusher bar 59 of the pusher unit 50 and a release position for releasing the container. Pneumatic cylinders 74L and 74R, which are driving means for driving the neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R between the two positions, are provided.

As a result, both neck hanger pieces 81L, 8
When gripping the plastic bottle B with 1R, it is positioned at the gripping position and is positioned at the release position,
Accumulate conveyor 95 for plastic bottle B
Can be placed on

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be implemented as follows. (1) In the above-described embodiment, the transport device 10 transports the plastic bottles b in a single row and sends them out to the metering unit 20, but may have two or more rows. In this case, the quantification unit 20
The magazine section 30 is not limited to the four-row storage section, but may have five or six rows.

(2) In the above embodiment, the pusher 5
0 denotes the first pusher mechanism 50A and the second pusher mechanism 5
OB, but may be composed of three or more pusher mechanisms.

(3) In the above embodiment, the transfer device 10
Is constituted by an air conveyor, but may be constituted by another conveyor such as a belt conveyor and a chain conveyor. (4) Instead of the operation of the infeed unit 60 of the above embodiment, the following infeed unit 60 may be operated. In the infeed section 60, the first infeed mechanism 60
A and the second infeed mechanism 60B operate alternately.

That is, when the plastic bottle B extruded by the first pusher mechanism 50A of the pusher section 50 is stored in the storage section of each row of the first infeed mechanism 60A, the plastic bottle B is located at the raised position γ1. Open / close hanger mechanism 73
Is the lowering position γ2 when the drive motor 63 is operated.
(See FIGS. 10A and 10B).

When the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 is located at the lowering position γ2, the cylinder rods of the pneumatic cylinders 74L and 74R are extended, and the neck hanger piece 81 is extended.
L, 81R are located in the release position. As a result, the plastic bottle B held by the two neck hanger pieces 81L, 81R is released. Therefore, the four rows of plastic bottles B released (released) from the first infeed mechanism 60A move in the Y direction by the operation of the accumulate rate conveyor 95, and are carried out to an unillustrated accumulate area (FIG. 10 ( c)).

The first release of the plastic bottle B
The lifting mechanism 61 of the infeed mechanism 60A is
3 is driven in the reverse direction, and is again moved to the ascending position γ1 (see FIG. 10D). During this upward movement, the pneumatic cylinders 74L, 74R are extended and contracted,
The neck hanger pieces 81L and 81R are returned to the gripping positions.

In the second infeed mechanism 60B, the plastic bottle B stored in the storage section is accumulated in a state similar to that of the first infeed mechanism 60A in a state of being out of phase with the operation of the first infeed mechanism 60A. It is placed on the rate conveyor 95.

That is, in FIG. 10A, the plastic bottle B has already been released by the second infeed mechanism 60B, and the opening / closing hanger mechanism 73 has already been moved to the ascending position γ1 by the elevating mechanism 61. It shows a state where it is located.

In FIG. 10B, the released four rows of plastic bottles B are moved in the Y direction by the accumulate conveyor 95 by the second in-feed mechanism 60B, and in FIG. This shows a state in which the plastic bottle B has been received from the metering unit 20.

Then, in FIG. 10D, the lifting mechanism 61
After moving to the lowering position γ2, the received plastic bottle B is released. In this way, the plastic bottle B released by the second infeed mechanism 60B onto the accumulation conveyor 95 does not hinder the operation of the first infeed mechanism 60A (especially at the time of lowering).
Before the lowering operation of the first infeed mechanism 60A, the release of the plastic bottle B by the second infeed mechanism 60B is performed.

Then, the first infeed mechanism 60A and the second infeed mechanism 60B alternately place the four rows of plastic bottles B on the accumulation conveyor 95.

The accumulation rate conveyor 95 conveys the four rows of plastic bottles B in the Y direction, and carries them into a frame (wagon) (not shown) on the conveyor 95. In addition, this frame can accommodate containers of a capacity (number) that can be placed on one pallet (not shown) (referred to as the number of pieces placed on one tier). Then, after reaching the number of one stage to be placed in the frame, the frame is moved toward the pallet by a moving mechanism (not shown).

(5) In the above embodiment, the transfer device 10
The number of rows conveyed by is one (one row), but may be a plurality of rows, for example, two rows or three rows if the fixed quantity unit 20 is smaller than the number of row storage units. In this case, the number of stopper devices 24 provided in
Shall be set to the number corresponding to the number conveyed by.

Next, technical ideas other than the inventions described in the claims, which can be understood from the above embodiments, will be described together with their effects. (1) The lifting mechanism (61) provided in each infeed mechanism (60A, 60B) of the infeed section (60)
The infeed device according to claim 6, wherein each of the second suspension means (81L, 81R) is moved up and down at the same time. By doing so, each infeed mechanism moves up and down at the same time,
The container can be opened at the same time.

[0120]

According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, there is no problem that an inverted bottle occurs, and as a result, the transport speed can be increased.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, while the pusher unit is pushing out a predetermined number of rows of containers,
At this time, the containers are carried into the container row storage portion that has not been extruded by the pusher portion by the transport means, so that the efficiency of the operation of storing the containers in the fixed amount portion can be improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by alternately operating a plurality of pusher mechanisms, a predetermined number of rows of container groups can be respectively sent to the infeed section.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since each infeed mechanism is provided corresponding to each pusher mechanism of the metering section, a predetermined number of rows of containers are individually sent from the metering section. And a plurality of rows of container groups can be placed on the accumulate conveyor by individual operations of the in-feed mechanism, and high-speed operation can be achieved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the container is suspended and supported at the upper portion, the container is pressed at a portion close to the supporting portion of the container. Can move the container.

According to the invention of claim 6, when the container is gripped by the pair of gripping members, the container can be placed on the accumulation conveyor by being positioned at the gripping position and at the release position. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an infeed device embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view similarly.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the metering unit.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an infeed unit.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the in-feed unit.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the opening / closing hanger mechanism.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the opening / closing hanger mechanism.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are explanatory views showing the operation of an infeed portion.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a magazine section of the metering section.

FIGS. 10A to 10D are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of an infeed unit according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a conventional infeed device.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a conveyor.

13 (a) to 13 (d) are explanatory views showing the operation of the sorting device.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the infeed section.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Conveying apparatus (constituting a conveyance means), 20 ... Quantitative part, 30 ... Magazine part, 31-35 ... First row storage part-fifth row storage part (constituting a container row storage part), 36 ... Neck hanger (constituting first suspension means), 40... Magazine section moving mechanism, 50... Pusher section (constituting pusher means) 50A... First pusher section, 50B. Infeed section, 60A: first infeed mechanism, 60B: second infeed mechanism, 61: elevating mechanism, 73: opening / closing hanger mechanism, 74L, 74R: pneumatic cylinders (constituting drive means), 81L, 81R
... Neck hanger pieces (constituting a second suspension means and a gripping member), 90... Storage part, B... Plastic bottle (constituting a container).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI theme coat ゛ (reference) B65G 47/91 B65G 47/91 A 3F081 F term (reference) 3E054 AA15 CA08 DD01 DD16 EA02 FA05 FA07 FE02 GA01 GB01 GB06 GC03 HA04 HA07 3F015 AA08 FA02 GA01 3F017 AA08 BA13 3F044 AA07 AB06 AB10 AB11 BB02 CA04 CD04 CD11 3F072 AA07 AA08 GC03 GF04 KA03 KA06 KE01 3F081 AA18 AA19 BA02 BD07 BD21 BF23 CC22

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A transport means (10) for transporting a group of containers (B) in a small number of rows, and a transport means (10) is disposed so as to be relatively movable with respect to the transport means (10) in a direction transverse to a container transport direction of the transport means (10). When a predetermined number of containers (B) conveyed by the conveying means (10) are arranged in rows, a plurality of container row storage sections (31 to 35) for storing a plurality of rows of containers (B). ), And when the container rows are arranged in a predetermined number of rows by the quantitative section (20), a pusher means (手段) for pushing out the containers (B) group of the predetermined number of rows downstream. An accumulator (95) for receiving a predetermined number of rows of containers (B) extruded by the pusher means (50) and carrying out the number of rows of containers (B) to the accumulation area; ) And an infeed portion (60) placed on the In the feed device, the container row storage units (31 to 35) of the fixed amount unit (20) include first suspension means (36) for holding and suspending and supporting the neck of the container, 60) includes a second suspending means (81L, 81L) which grasps and suspends and supports the neck of the container (B) extruded by the pusher means (50) from the metering section (20).
R). An infeed device comprising: 2. A container row storage section (3) of said fixed quantity section (20).
1 to 35) are provided in more than a predetermined number of rows extruded by the pusher means (50), and even while the pusher means (50) extrudes a predetermined number of rows of container groups,
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container (B) is carried into the other container row storage portion that has not been pushed out by the pusher means (50) at that time by the transport means (10). Infeed device. 3. The pusher means (50) is provided with a plurality of pusher mechanisms (50A, 50B), and each of the pusher mechanisms (50A, 50B) is moved by the relative movement of the fixed amount section (20) with respect to the transport means (10). 3. The pusher mechanism (50A, 50B) pushes out a predetermined number of rows of container groups downstream each time a predetermined number of rows of container storage units (31-35) correspond to the number of rows. Infeed device. 4. A plurality of infeed portions (60) are provided opposite to each pusher mechanism (50A, 50B).
The infeed device according to claim 3, further comprising an infeed mechanism (60A, 60B). 5. The infeed device according to claim 1, wherein the pusher means (50) presses an upper part of the container. 6. The infeed section (60) includes an elevating mechanism (61) for elevating and lowering the second suspending means (81L, 81R), and the second suspending means is extruded by a pusher means (50). A pair of gripping members (81L, 8L) that open and close between a gripping position for gripping the container (B) and a release position for releasing the container.
1R) and driving means (74L, 74R) for driving the gripping member between the two positions.
The in-feed device according to claim 5.