JP2001233443A - Case stacking device, case palletizer and stacking method of case - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a case stacking device, a case palletizer and a stacking method for cases for increasing degree of freedom in a stacking pattern of cases and capable of coping with high-speed loading. SOLUTION: A length direction to a transferring direction of a case C is switched to a longitudinal direction or a short side direction with a direction selector switch 21 on the basis of a designated control signal. Corresponding to proceeding position of the case C to be controlled, the transferring direction of the case C is switched to the same transferring direction as a transfer conveyor 31 or a direction having an orthogonal direction component to this transferring direction with a case sorting and distributing device 22 on the basis of the designated control signal. Then, the designated number of the cases C transferred from the case sorting and distributing device 22 are decelerated or stopped to be aligned in a designated pattern with a pattern forming device 23. The degree of freedom in a stacking pattern for the cases is thereby increased and handling capacity for pattern forming is improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a case stacking apparatus, a case palletizer, and a case stacking method for forming cases conveyed in a single row into a predetermined stacking pattern.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 14, a case palletizer 501 for stacking rectangular parallelepiped cases C on a pallet P.
The following are known. That is, the case C conveyed in a single row by the conveyor 502 is sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case sorting device 503, and the case C to be changed in direction is turned by the direction switching device 504. Then, each time a predetermined number of cases C oriented to form a predetermined stacking pattern on the downstream side of the direction switching device 504 accumulate, a single-stage stacking pattern is formed by the pusher device 505 and stacked on the pallet P. . By repeating this a plurality of times, a predetermined number of case C groups are stacked on the pallet P.

[0003]

In recent years, with the speeding up of the production line, it has become necessary to sort the cases C even more quickly and accurately. However, the conventional case distribution device 503 includes a plurality of drive rollers (not shown).
, The case C placed on the slide member 506 is sorted into a predetermined number of rows by sliding a slide member 506 slidably provided. For this reason, there is a limit to the improvement of the sliding speed of the slide member 506, that is, the improvement of the sorting speed of the case C.

In order to solve this problem, a case distribution device 601 as shown in FIG. 15 has been conventionally proposed. This case distribution device 601 switches the direction of the plurality of drive rollers R to change the case C in FIG.
Are arranged in the directions indicated by arrows L, M, and N, and the direction is changed on the downstream side. According to this configuration, since only the roller direction is switched, the distribution speed of the case C can be easily improved.

However, the case sorting device 601
In FIG. 15, the number of sorting columns in case C (3 in FIG. 15)
Column), that is, the traveling locus of case C is set in advance,
The roller conveyors 602 to 604 were provided in accordance with the above. For this reason, the case C could not be integrated in a pattern having a number of columns equal to or greater than the preset number of distribution columns. That is, the integration pattern of Case C is limited, and it is difficult to significantly improve the degree of freedom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom of a case stacking pattern and to cope with high-speed stacking, a case stacker, a case palletizer, and a case stacker. An object of the present invention is to provide a case stacking method.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction of a case, which are sent by a conveying conveyor, with respect to a conveying direction of a case are determined based on a predetermined control signal. Between the direction switching device to selectively switch between, according to the advancing position of the case to be controlled among the cases sent from the direction switching device,
A case sorting device for selectively switching the transport direction of the case based on a predetermined control signal between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a direction having a component orthogonal to the transport direction. And a pattern forming device for decelerating or stopping a predetermined number of cases sent from the case distribution device and aligning them in a predetermined pattern.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the case sorting device is disposed at a most upstream portion of the case sorting device, and has the same conveying direction as the conveying conveyor. A drive roller group capable of switching the case conveyance direction between a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance direction, and a drive roller group disposed downstream of the drive roller group at the most upstream portion, and the same as the conveyance conveyor. A drive roller group in which the carrying direction of the case is fixed in the carrying direction, and a direction arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the carrying direction of the carrying conveyor, disposed so as to be adjacent to the driving roller group in which the carrying direction is fixed, The gist of the present invention is to provide a drive roller group capable of switching the case conveyance direction between the conveyance conveyor and the same conveyance direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, the case sorting device includes a guide for correcting a positional shift in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. The gist is that a mechanism is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a case palletizer in which a plurality of cases are arranged in a predetermined pattern to form one stage, and the cases for one stage are sequentially stacked on a pallet. The gist of the present invention is to provide a case integration device according to at least one of the third aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the direction of the length of the case, which is sent by the transfer conveyor, with respect to the transfer direction of the case,
By the direction switching device, based on a predetermined control signal, selectively switch between the longitudinal direction and the short direction, according to the traveling position of the case to be controlled among the cases sent from the direction switching device. The transport direction of the case is selected by the case sorting device between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a direction having a component orthogonal to the transport direction based on a predetermined control signal. The predetermined number of cases sent from the case distribution device are decelerated or stopped by the pattern forming device and aligned in a predetermined pattern, and are aligned in the predetermined pattern by the pattern forming device. The gist is to stack the case groups on a pallet by a stacking device.

[0012]

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the case sent by the conveyor is set such that the length of the case with respect to the conveyance direction is changed between the lengthwise direction and the widthwise direction based on a predetermined control signal. Can be selectively switched. The transport direction of the case to be controlled among the cases is based on a predetermined control signal, and has the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a component orthogonal to the transport direction, in accordance with the traveling position. It is selectively switched between the directions and transported downstream. A predetermined number of cases sent are decelerated or stopped and aligned in a predetermined pattern. For this reason, the accumulation pattern of the case can be changed by controlling the switching between the long and short directions with respect to the transport direction and the transport direction. Further, the processing capability of forming an integrated pattern is improved.

[0013] In the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the case sent by the transfer conveyor is moved by the case sorting device in the same transfer direction as the transfer conveyor. Alternatively, it is sent out in a direction making a predetermined angle with respect to the transport direction of the transport conveyor. The case sent in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor is directly sent in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor. Further, the case sent in a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor is conveyed to the downstream side at a predetermined angle as it is, and follows a predetermined trajectory of the case according to the traveling position of the case. In this way, the traveling direction is changed, and the paper is conveyed in the same conveyance direction as the conveyor. Therefore, depending on whether the case transport direction of each drive roller group is switched, the traveling position of each case can be controlled, and the number of sorting rows can be increased or decreased. Therefore, it is possible to correspond to various integrated patterns having different numbers of case columns,
The degree of freedom of the integrated pattern is improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the operation of the first or second aspect, the case conveyed by the case sorting device is orthogonal to the conveying direction. Of the case stacking device, that is, the position of the case stacking device in the width direction is corrected. For this reason, the case is formed in an accurate integrated pattern.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the case groups formed in a predetermined pattern are stacked on a pallet. By using a case integration device having a large degree of freedom in the case integration pattern and a high integration processing ability, the degree of freedom and the processing ability of the case integration pattern by the palletizer are also improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the case sent by the conveyor is configured such that the longitudinal direction with respect to the transport direction is selectively switched between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction based on a predetermined control signal. Can be switched to The transport direction of the case to be controlled among the cases is based on a predetermined control signal, and has the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a component orthogonal to the transport direction, in accordance with the traveling position. It is selectively switched between the directions and transported downstream. A predetermined number of cases sent are decelerated or stopped and aligned in a predetermined pattern. Cases arranged in a predetermined pattern are stacked on a pallet. That is, the transport direction is switched after the longitudinal direction of the case is switched. For this reason, only one device for switching the case in the longitudinal direction is required irrespective of the number of rows for distributing cases, and the line configuration is simplified. Also,
The degree of freedom of the case arrangement is significantly increased.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a case palletizer for stacking cases on a pallet will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case palletizer 11 includes a case accumulating device 12 and a stacking device 13. The case stacking device 12 is a device for arranging the rectangular parallelepiped cases C sent in one row from the upstream in a predetermined stacking pattern. The stacking device 13 is a device for stacking the group of cases C sent from the case stacking device 12 on the pallet P. (Case accumulating device) The case accumulating device 12 includes a direction switching device 21, a case distributing device 22,
And a pattern forming device 23.

(Direction Switching Device) The Direction Switching Device 21
Is a device that changes the direction of the rectangular parallelepiped cases C sent in a line vertically from the conveyor 31 arranged on the upstream side in accordance with the accumulation pattern when the cases C are stacked on the pallet P. . As shown in FIG. 1, the direction switching device 2
1 comprises two rows of roller conveyors 32,32. The case C sent from the transport conveyor 31 is transported while straddling both roller conveyors 32, 32. The direction switching device 21 turns the case C to be turned while conveying the case C by giving a difference in the conveying speed between the two roller conveyors 32, 32. When the case C is not conveyed, and when the case C does not need to be turned even if it is conveyed, both roller conveyors 32, 32 are maintained at the same conveying speed. The case C that has passed through the direction switching device 21 is carried into the case distribution device 22.

(Case sorting device) The case sorting device 2
2 is the case C sent from the direction switching device 21
Are arranged in a predetermined number of rows in accordance with the accumulation pattern when the sheets are stacked on the pallet P. The case C sorted by the case sorting device 22 is carried into the pattern forming device 23 on the downstream side. Case sorting device 22
The detailed configuration will be described later.

(Pattern Forming Apparatus) The pattern forming apparatus 23 sequentially accumulates the cases C sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case sorting apparatus 22, and forms an integrated pattern for one stage when stacked on the pallet P. The device to form. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Includes a roller conveyor 41, a deceleration stopper mechanism 42, a side guide mechanism 43, and a stay stopper mechanism 44. In FIG. 2, the side guide mechanism 43 is omitted for convenience of explanation.

(Roller Conveyor) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the roller conveyor 41 includes a plurality of driving rollers 41.
a are arranged in parallel, and transport the cases C that have been sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case sorting device 22 in the same direction as the transport conveyor 31. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, only a few driving rollers 41 a are shown at the center, and the upstream and downstream driving rollers 41 a are omitted.

(Deceleration Stopper Mechanism) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 is provided at each of the four inner corners of a pair of support members 51 opposed to each other on the upper part of the machine frame W. A sprocket wheel 52,
It has a pair of annular chains 53 wound between each sprocket wheel 52. A pair of bar-shaped stopper members 54a and 54b are fixed between the two chains 53 so as to be integrally movable. As shown in FIG. 2, the two stopper members 54a and 54b are positioned diagonally to each other, that is, when one stopper member 54a is on the upstream side of the descending portion of the chain 53, the other stopper member 54b is
Is provided on the downstream side of the ascending section.

When both stopper members 54a and 54b are at the lower row of the chain 53, they can be engaged with the downstream side surface of the case C sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case sorting device 22. . Both stopper members 54a, 54
b moves leftward in FIG. 2 at a constant speed lower than the case transport speed of the roller conveyor 41 by driving a motor (not shown) operatively connected to each of the sprocket wheels 52. Then, the case C group of a predetermined number of rows sent from the case sorting device 22 includes the stopper members 54a, 54b located at the lower row of the chain 53.
Are stopped in sequence while being decelerated by either of the above.

(Side Guide Mechanism) As shown in FIG.
The side guide mechanism 43 includes the two support members 51, 5.
A pair of guide conveyors 61 disposed opposite to each other
a, 61b. Both guide conveyors 61a, 6
1b penetrates both support members 51, 51, respectively, and
Are provided at the inner ends of a plurality of support shafts 62 fixed to the upper part of the robot, and are arranged so that the distance between them becomes narrower toward the downstream side. Both guide conveyors 61a, 61b
Is composed of a plurality of drive rollers 63 each having a rotation axis standing upright with respect to a horizontal plane, and each drive roller 63 rotates in a direction of sending the case C to the downstream side. The case C group of a predetermined number of rows sent from the case sorting device 22 is collected at the center of the roller conveyor 41, that is, the pattern forming device 23, while being guided by the two guide conveyors 61a and 61b.

(Retention Stopper Mechanism) As shown in FIG.
The stay stopper mechanism 44 is provided near the carry-out port of the roller conveyor 41. The stagnation stopper mechanism 44 is operated by an air cylinder 71 provided below the roller conveyor 41 to operate the roller conveyor 41.
The roller member 41 includes a stopper member 72 that moves between a raised position that engages with the downstream side surface of the group of cases C and a lowered position that does not interfere with the group of cases C on the roller conveyor 41. The group of cases C aligned in a predetermined pattern by the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 includes a stopper member 72 at the raised position.
Then, the stopper member 72 is lowered at a predetermined timing, and the transport of the case C group is restarted. That is, the stay stopper mechanism 44 adjusts the timing of carrying the case C group into the stacking device 13 described below. (Stacking Device) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stacking device 13 includes a shutter conveyor 81, a stacking stopper device 91, a position correcting device 101, and an elevating device 110.

(Shutter Conveyor) FIGS. 9 and 10
(A) and (b), as shown in FIG.
1 is a pair of chains 8 wound between a plurality of sprocket wheels 82 provided on both sides of the machine frame W, respectively.
3 and a plurality of connecting shafts 84 connected between the two chains 83
Rollers 8 rotatably mounted with respect to
5 is provided. Each of the rollers 85 is a chain 83
Is provided over a predetermined section in the circumferential direction of
10 is driven by a forward / reverse rotation of a motor (not shown) operatively connected to one sprocket wheel 82.
It moves between the position shown in FIG. 10A and the position shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, a belt 86 comes into contact with a roller 85 in the ascending portion of both chains 83, and the rotation of the belt 86 causes each roller 8 to rotate.
5 rotates around each connecting shaft 84.

(Stack Stopper Mechanism) As shown in FIG. 2, the stacking stopper device 91 has two stacking stopper mechanisms 92 and 93. The double stacking stopper mechanisms 92 and 93 include downstream arms 92a and 93a and upstream arms 92b and 93b, respectively. The downstream arm 92a of the downstream stopper mechanism 92 is fixed to be able to engage with the downstream side surface of the case C group. The remaining arms 92b, 93a, 93b are provided so as to be movable between an engagement position shown by a solid line in FIG. 2 and a non-engagement position shown by a two-dot chain line by the operation of an air cylinder (not shown). The engagement position is a position where the arms 92b and 93b can be engaged with the upstream side surface of the case C group, and the arm 93a can be engaged with the downstream side surface of the case C group.
The non-engagement position is a position where each of the arms 92b, 93a, 93b does not interfere with the case C group.

(Position Correction Apparatus) As shown in FIG. 1, the position correction apparatus 101 includes two pressing mechanisms 101a and 101.
b. Each of the pressing mechanisms 101a and 101b includes a pair of pressing members 103a and 103b that move in directions approaching and moving away from each other by operation of an air cylinder 102 fixed to an upper portion of the machine frame W. The case C group located between the two pressing members 103a and 103b is moved in the width direction of the case C group, that is, the conveying direction of the case C group, by the side surfaces opposite to each other being pressed from outside by the two pressing members 103a and 103b. Is corrected in the direction orthogonal to the array.

(Elevating Device) As shown in FIG. 2, the elevating device 110 has two elevating mechanisms 111a and 111b. The two lifting mechanisms 111a and 111b each have an empty pallet P placed thereon and a lifting table 112 that moves up and down with respect to the machine frame W by forward and reverse rotation driving of a lifting motor (not shown).
a, 112b. Both lifting mechanisms 111a, 11
1b lowers the elevator every time a case C group of one stage is stacked on the empty pallet P or on the uppermost case C group of the stacked case C group, and is always the uppermost case C It is of a well-known configuration in which the groups are at a fixed height.

(Case Distributing Apparatus) Next, a detailed configuration of the case distributing apparatus 22 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the case sorting device 22 includes an introduction roller conveyor 201, a fixed roller conveyor 202, and two guide roller conveyors 203 and 204. The introduction roller conveyor 201 is arranged at the most upstream portion of the case sorting device 22. The fixed roller conveyor 202 is disposed downstream of the introduction roller conveyor 201, and becomes wider toward the downstream side. Double induction roller conveyor 2
Numerals 03 and 204 are arranged so as to be adjacent to the introduction roller conveyor 201 and the fixed roller conveyor 202, and expand toward the downstream side.

The introduction roller conveyor 201 has a drive roller group R 201a. Fixed roller conveyor 20
2 has a fixed drive roller group R 202a. One guide roller conveyor 203 has two sets of drive rollers R group 20.
3a and 203b. The other guide roller conveyor 204 has two sets of rollers R 204a and 204b. Further, each drive roller R group 201a, 203a,
Each of 203b, 204a, and 204b is configured by arranging a plurality of drive rollers R in two rows.
The fixed drive roller group 202a is configured by arranging a plurality of drive rollers R in a single row.

(Drive Roller Mounting Structure) Next, each drive roller R group 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 20
The mounting structure of the driving roller R in 4b will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a base frame 211 is disposed above the machine frame W, and a base plate 212 is supported above the base frame 211. A plurality of U-shaped roller support brackets 213 are rotatably supported on the base plate 212 via a support shaft 214 protruding from the bottom surface thereof and a bearing 215 fixed to the base plate 212. Each support shaft 214 passes through the base plate 212 and is rotatably supported by a plurality of plates 216 disposed below the base plate 212 via bearings 217. The drive rollers R are fixed between the side walls of the roller support brackets 213 and are rotatably supported.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, each roller support bracket 213 has a connecting plate 2 on its bottom surface.
18 are connected in a column unit via a shaft 219.
As shown in FIG. 7, at one end of the driving roller R row, the lever 2
The connecting link 222 is rotatably connected between the levers 221 and 221. Also,
At one end of the drive roller R row, one support shaft 214
An operating lever 223 is fixed to a tip end of the air cylinder 224. A cylinder rod of an air cylinder 224 fixed to the base plate 212 is connected to the operating lever 223. FIG. 8 shows each of the roller conveyors 201, 203, and 20.
4 shows a connection state between the roller support brackets 213 and between the support shafts 214.

Accordingly, each drive roller R is connected to each drive roller R group 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 204.
The drive rollers R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 204 are connected via the connection plate 218, the connection link 222, and the roller support brackets 213 by the operation of the air cylinder 224 operatively connected to each of the b.
It swings in conjunction with every b.

Each drive roller R of the drive roller group R 201a
Are the position where the case C is sent in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor 31 (the direction of the arrow L in FIG. 3), and two outer directions (arrow M in FIG. 3) forming a predetermined angle θ with respect to the transport direction of the transport conveyor 31. (In the direction of arrow N). Drive roller R group 20
Each of the driving rollers R of 3a and 203b is a case C
Of the case C in the direction of the arrow L and the position of sending the case C in the direction of the arrow L. Drive roller R group 204
The drive rollers R a and 204b swing between a position for feeding the case C in the direction of the arrow M and a position for feeding the case C in the direction of the arrow L.

In each of the drive rollers R, the position where the case C is fed in the directions of the arrows L, M and N is a position where the rotation direction of the drive roller R is in the directions of the arrows L, M and N. In FIG. 3, each drive roller R group 201a, 203a, 20
The drive rollers R groups 201a and 204a are shown at positions where the case C is sent in the direction of arrow M, and the drive rollers R group 203a are shown at positions where the case C is sent in the direction of arrow N so that the cases 3b, 204a and 204b can be easily distinguished. . The driving roller R
The groups 203b and 204b are shown at positions where the case C is sent in the direction of arrow L.

(Fixed Roller Conveyor) Next, the mounting structure of the driving roller R in the driving roller R group 202a will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, each driving roller R of the driving roller group R 202a includes a plurality of roller support brackets 213 fixed to the upper surfaces of a pair of fixed plates 225a and 225b disposed above the base plate 212, respectively.
It is rotatably supported between them. Drive roller R group 202
Each drive roller R in FIG.
It is fixed at a position to feed in the direction, and becomes longer toward the downstream side.

(Power Transmission Structure) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a drive shaft 231 operatively connected to a drive motor (not shown) is disposed below each drive roller R. Are provided with a plurality of drive pulleys 232. A belt 236 is wound around each pulley 232 and a winding groove at the center of each driving roller R in a state where the belt 236 is twisted by 90 degrees, and each driving roller R is rotated by driving of the driving motor. Even if each roller support bracket 213, that is, each drive roller R swings around the support shaft 214, each drive roller R is rotatable. The case C is transported in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of each drive roller R.

(Movable Side Guide Mechanism) As shown in FIG.
It has. The movable side guide mechanism 237 includes a pair of guide members 2 disposed on both sides of the case distribution device 22 so as to face each other.
37a and 237b. Both guide members 237
a and 237b are formed so as to extend in the same direction as the transfer direction of the transfer conveyor 31 (the direction of the arrow L in FIG. 3), and in a direction approaching or separating from each other by the operation of the air cylinders 238a and 238b. Moving. The case C on the case distribution device 22 is sent downstream while being guided by both guide members 237a and 237b.

(Electrical Configuration) Next, the electrical configuration of the case distribution device 22 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the case sorting device 22 includes the roller conveyors 2.
A distribution controller 241 for switching control of the transport direction of the case C in 01 to 204 is provided. The distribution controller 241 includes a microcomputer 242 and an air cylinder operating circuit 243. The microcomputer 242 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as “CPU”) 244, a memory 245, and a counter 246. The memory 245 stores program data for case distribution processing in advance. The CPU 244 controls the driving of each air cylinder 224 via the air cylinder operation circuit 243 based on the program data stored in the memory 245.

A passage sensor 247 is connected to the CPU 244. The passage sensor 247 is provided at a boundary between the direction switching device 21 and the case distribution device 22 and detects a case C carried into the case distribution device 22. That is, the passage sensor 247 is formed of, for example, a photoelectric tube, and detects the case C by blocking the input of the light reflected by the reflector from the case C.

The distribution controller 241 is connected to a main controller 251 for controlling the components of the case palletizer 11 in an integrated manner. The main controller 251 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as “CPU”) 252 and a memory 253. The memory 253 stores a plurality of types of integrated pattern data of case C when stacked on the pallet P, and it is possible to select desired integrated pattern data by operating the selection device 254 connected to the main controller 251. Has become.

The CPU 252 stores data relating to the integrated pattern selected via the selecting device 254 in the memory 25.
3 and creates work data describing the work to be executed by the case sorting device 22 based on the data of the integrated pattern.
The respective work data is transmitted to the PU 244.
The CPU 244 in the distribution controller 241 stores the work data received from the main controller 251 and the memory 24
5, each of the drive roller groups 201a, 203a, 2
The driving of each of the air cylinders 224 operatively connected to each of 03b, 204a, and 204b is controlled.

The distribution controller 241 controls each of the drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 20
4b, the rollers R to be switched in the transport direction are sequentially moved downstream in accordance with the movement of the case C. That is,
The distribution controller 241 sets the roller R group on which the case C is directly placed and which is directly involved in changing the transport direction as a control target of the transport direction switching. The transport direction of the roller R group is switched before the case C is placed.

In order to perform such control, it is necessary to recognize the position of the case C on the case distribution device 22. In the present embodiment, the time elapsed since the case C was detected by the passage sensor 247 and the case C
From the transfer speed, the position of the case C, that is, the group of rollers R to be controlled in the transfer direction switching is determined. Further, instead of this method, a plurality of sensors can be installed and controlled. When the transfer direction of the rollers R is not involved in the transfer of the case C to be changed, that is, when the case C is not flowing, or when the case C whose transfer direction is not changed is transferred, the transfer direction of the rollers R is returned to the original direction. It is. (Case distribution) Next, a case where the vertically and horizontally oriented cases C sent to the case distribution device 22 are sent out to positions A to E in FIG. 3 will be described. The two guide members 237a and 237b are located at positions indicated by solid lines in FIG.

When the vertically oriented case C is sent to the position A, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 201a is switched in the direction of the arrow M when the case C moves on to the drive roller R group 201a. Case C is the drive roller R group 201
When the user moves on the line a, the roller direction of the drive roller group R 204a is switched in the direction of arrow M. When the case C advances in the direction of arrow M and moves onto the drive roller R group 204a,
Next to the drive roller R group 204a, the drive roller R group 204
The roller direction b is switched from the arrow M direction to the arrow L direction. At this time, the movement of the case C in the direction of the arrow M is regulated by the guide member 237a. The case C advances in the direction of arrow L while being guided by the guide member 237a, and is sent out to the position A.

When the vertically oriented case C is sent to the position B, the roller direction of the driving roller group R 201a is held in the direction of the arrow L. The case C sent from the upstream side drives the driving roller R groups 201a and 202 without changing the conveyance direction.
It is sent in the direction of arrow L at a, and sent out to position B.

When the vertically oriented case C is sent to the position C, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 201a is switched in the direction of arrow N when the case C moves on to the drive roller group 201a. Case C is the drive roller R group 201
When the vehicle moves on the direction a, the roller direction of the driving roller group R 203a is switched in the direction of the arrow N. When the case C advances in the direction of arrow N and moves onto the driving roller R group 203a,
The roller direction of the drive roller R group 203a and the drive roller R group 203b is switched from the arrow N direction to the arrow L direction. At this time, the movement of the case C in the direction of the arrow N is regulated by the guide member 237b. The case C advances in the direction of arrow L while being guided by the guide member 237b, and is sent out to the position C.

When the horizontal case C is sent to the position D, the driving rollers R groups 201a, 2a are driven at the same timing as when the vertical case C is sent to the position A.
The roller directions of 04a and 204b are sequentially switched.
As a result, the case C is sent out to the position D while being guided by the guide member 237a at the position shown by the solid line in FIG. When the horizontal case C is sent to the position E, at the same timing as when the vertical case C is sent to the position C, the driving rollers R groups 201a, 203a,
The roller direction of 203b is switched. As a result, the case C is positioned at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.
It is sent out to position E while being guided by b.

Further, the number of sorting rows of the case C can be changed on the downstream side of the case sorting device 22 and within the width of the pattern forming device 23. For example, when sending the case C to the position F indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
The guide member 237a is moved from the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 to the position shown by the two-dot chain line. That is, when the case C transfers to the drive roller R group 201a, the drive roller R group 2
The roller direction 01a is switched in the direction of arrow M. When the case C moves onto the drive roller R group 201a, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 204a is switched in the direction of the arrow M. When the case C advances in the direction of arrow M and moves onto the drive roller R group 204a, the drive roller R group 204b
Is switched in the direction of arrow M. Case C
Is moved onto the drive roller group R 204b, the drive roller R
The roller direction of the group 204b is switched from the arrow M direction to the arrow L direction. The movement of the case C in the direction of the arrow M is regulated by the guide member 237a. The case C advances in the direction of the arrow L while being guided by the guide member 237a, and is sent to the position F.

In this way, the traveling trajectory of case C is controlled. Note that each drive roller R group 201a, 203a,
Switching of the transport direction of 203b, 204a, and 204b, that is, the roller direction, and movement of the guide members 237a and 237b are performed according to the stacking pattern when stacking the case C selected in advance. The position of the case C in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction (the direction of the arrow L in FIG. 3), that is, the position of the case stacking device 12 in the width direction is corrected. Therefore, for case C,
Positioning (unloading) at a plurality of positions such as A to F positions is performed accurately. (Operation of Embodiment) Next, the operation of the case palletizer 11 configured as described above will be described. In the case palletizer 11, the main controller 251 controls the direction switching device 21, the case distribution device 22, the case distribution device 22 so that the cases C are formed and stacked in the integrated pattern preselected by the selection device 254. Pattern forming device 23
And the stacking device 13 and the like are controlled. Note that the case C is carried in the orientation switching device 21 in the vertical direction.

(1-1) When an integrated pattern composed of eight cases C shown in FIG. 11 is selected, the integrated patterns having different directions in the case advancing direction are alternately arranged in order to improve the case stability on the pallet P. Form. That is, FIG.
As shown in the figure, case C constituting the first-stage case C group
Among them, the first two cases C are turned by about 90 ° by the direction switching device 21, and then are sorted into two rows by the case sorting device 22. FIG. 11 (b), (c)
As shown in the figure, the remaining six cases C are sent vertically without being turned, and the case
Are sorted into three rows. Such distribution control can be performed by the counter 246 in the distribution controller 241 counting the number of cases C detected by the passage sensor 247 eight times (for one stage). These work contents are determined by the work data received by the distribution controller 241 from the main controller 251.

(1-2) Next, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the case C sent from the case distribution device 22 is placed on the roller conveyor 41 of the pattern forming device 23. , That is, when the downstream side surface of the case C is about to exceed the position X1 in FIG. 11, the motor (not shown) of the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 is driven. Then, the stopper member 54a located on the upstream side of the descending portion of the chain 53 moves downstream at a constant speed lower than the case conveyance speed of the roller conveyor 41, and the case C is sequentially blocked by the stopper member 54a. Thereafter, the case C moves downstream at the same speed as the stopper member 54a. Unlike the case where the stopper member 54a is stopped,
The relative speed of the transported case C with respect to the stopper member 54a decreases, and the case C
a, and the impact when hitting 54b is reduced. The case C on the roller conveyor 41 is collected at the center by the two guide conveyors 61a and 61b. Therefore, the case C group is formed in a predetermined integrated pattern.

Further, as described above, the case C is connected to the direction switching device 21 and the case C so that the case C for the next stage can be formed even when the case C for one stage is integrated. The direction is changed and distributed by the distribution device 22.

(1-3) Then, as shown in FIG. 11D, when the case C of the next stage attempts to move onto the roller conveyor 41 of the pattern forming apparatus 23, that is, the downstream side surface of the case C When it is desired to exceed the position X1 in FIG. 11, the stopper member 54b of the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 is provided between the case C group for the next stage and the case C group for the preceding stage.
Intervenes. That is, the stopper member 54b moves upstream of the descending portion of the chain 53, and
4a moves downstream of the ascending portion of the chain 53. The case C group for the next stage is blocked by the stopper member 54b sequentially in the same manner as the case C group for the preceding stage. At this time, FIG.
As shown in (e), the former case C group is sent downstream by the roller conveyor 41, but is once blocked by the stopper member 72 at the ascending position to the position X2 in FIG.

(1-4) As shown in FIG. 11 (f), when the stopper member 72 is lowered at a predetermined timing and disengaged from the case C group of the preceding stage, the case C group Is sent downstream. The shutter conveyor 81
Moves downstream while receiving the case C group sent from the pattern forming apparatus 23 by forward rotation of the motor (not shown). At this time, the upstream arm 93b of the stacking stopper mechanism 93 is at a non-engagement position where it does not interfere with the case C, and the downstream arm 93a is at an engagement position where it engages with the case C. As shown in FIG. 11 (g), almost simultaneously with the case C group of the previous stage being dammed to the position X3 in FIG. 11 by the downstream arm 93a, the case C group of the next stage is connected to the stopper member. At 72, it is blocked at the X2 position in FIG.

(1-5) Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (h), the downstream arm 93a and the stopper member 72 are opened at a predetermined timing, and the case C group for the previous stage and the next stage is separated. It is sent downstream. At this time, the upstream arm 92b of the downstream stacking stopper mechanism 92 is at the non-engagement position. When the group of cases C for the previous stage passes through the stacking stopper mechanism 93 on the upstream side, the downstream arm 93a of the stacking stopper mechanism 93 on the upstream side is moved from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. Then, the case C groups of the former stage and the next stage are almost simultaneously driven by the downstream arms 92a and 93a as shown in FIG.
It is dammed at the 4 position and the X3 position, respectively.

(1-6) Thereafter, the upstream arm 92b of the downstream stacking stopper mechanism 92 is moved from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. Further, the downstream pressing mechanism 10
By the operation of 1a, the case C group pushes the pressing members 103a, 1a.
At 03b, the opposite side surfaces are pressed from the outside, and the arrangement disorder in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the case C group is corrected. Thereafter, the shutter conveyor 8
The shutter conveyor 81 is pulled out upstream until the leading end of the shutter conveyor 1 reaches the position X3 in FIG. Case C for the previous stage
The group is restricted from moving upstream by engaging with the upstream arm 92b. As a result, the cases C of the former stage fall and are stacked on the pallet P or on the upper surface of the uppermost case group C. Each time the case C group for one stage is stacked, the elevator 112a is lowered, and the case C group for the next stage can be stacked. The case C group for the next stage is the downstream arm 93a.
At the position X3 in FIG.

Thereafter, the above operations (1-5) and (1-6) are repeated until a predetermined number of case C groups are stacked on the pallet P on the downstream side. (1-7) When a predetermined number of case C groups are stacked on the pallet P placed on the lifting platform 112a on the downstream side,
This case C group is carried out. During this time, the stacking of the group of cases C on the pallet P on the elevating platform 112b on the upstream side is started. That is, the stacking stopper mechanism 93 on the upstream side
Is moved from the non-engaged position to the engaged position. Further, by the operation of the upstream pressing mechanism 101b, the side surfaces of the case C group opposite to each other are pressed from outside by the pressing members 103a and 103b, and the case C group is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the case C group. The disturbance is corrected. When the pallet P is switched, the accumulation pattern and the number of stacking stages may be changed.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 (i), the shutter conveyor 81 is pulled out to the upstream side until the tip of the shutter conveyor 81 reaches the position X2 in FIG. The case C group on the shutter conveyor 81 is restricted from moving upstream by engaging with the upstream arm 93b. As a result, the case C group blocked by the downstream arm 93a is changed to the upstream lift 112b.
Are stacked on a pallet P placed on the pallet. Each time the case C group for one stage is stacked, the elevator 112b is lowered, and the case C group for the next stage can be stacked.

(1-8) Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 (j), the case C group is not sent to the downstream stacking position, but is sent to the downstream arm 93a of the upstream stacking stopper mechanism 93. Can be blocked. And the elevator 1 on the upstream side
A predetermined number of cases C on the pallet P placed on the
Until the groups are stacked, the above (1-8) and (1-9)
Is repeated. As described above, since the stacking on the next pallet P is started while the pallet P is being carried out after the stacking is completed, it is efficient.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the case stacking device 12, the direction switching device 21 that switches the direction of the case C, the case sorting device 22 that sorts the case C into a predetermined number of columns, and the pattern forming device 23 that forms a predetermined stacking pattern are upstream. It was arranged in this order from the side to the downstream side. That is, the direction of the case C is switched based on the pre-selected integration pattern, and thereafter, the case C is sorted into a predetermined number of columns.
Then, the sorted case C is blocked on the downstream side so that a predetermined integrated pattern is formed. For this reason, unlike a case where a predetermined number of cases C oriented to form a predetermined integrated pattern are densely packed by a pusher device or the like, it is possible to greatly improve the processing capability of forming an integrated pattern and to cope with high-speed stacking. it can. In addition, since the pusher device and the like are not required, the configuration of the case integration device 12 can be simplified.

(2) The case sorting device 22 includes an introduction roller conveyor 201, a fixed roller conveyor 202, and guide roller conveyors 203 and 204, and a plurality of drives each capable of swinging the roller conveyors 201, 203 and 204. The roller R group was used. In addition, the transport direction of the case C is linked to each of the driving rollers R so as to be switchable. For this reason, unlike the case where the case C is distributed in multiple rows by the conventional channelizer, the distribution speed of the case C can be improved. Further, the number of sorting rows of the case C can be set within a range not exceeding the width on the downstream side of the case sorting device 22, and the degree of freedom of an integrated pattern is improved.

(3) The case distribution device 22 is provided with a movable side guide mechanism 237. The case C conveyed by the case distribution device 22 includes two guide members 237a and 237.
It is transported while being guided by b. That is, the displacement of the position of the case stacking device 12 in the width direction is corrected. Therefore, the positioning of the case C at a plurality of positions such as the positions A to F is accurately performed, and the case C group can be formed in an accurate integrated pattern.

(4) The case accumulating device 12 was used for the case palletizer 11. By improving the processing capacity of case accumulation, the stacking processing capacity of case C by the case palletizer 11 is improved. Therefore, the required case C
Can be handled even if the number of stacking processes per unit time increases.

(5) The direction switching device 21 and the case distribution device 22 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the direction of the case C is switched, and then the case C is distributed to a predetermined number of rows. For this reason, unlike the past, regardless of the increase or decrease in the number of case distribution columns due to the change in the integration pattern,
It is sufficient to provide only one direction switching device 21. Therefore, the configuration of the case integration device 12, and thus the line configuration, can be simplified and the product cost can be reduced.

(6) Large enough to be placed between the two rows of roller conveyors 32 in the direction switching device 21 and between the two rows of drive rollers R in each of the roller conveyors 201, 203, 204. As long as the case C has any size, the direction can be switched and sorted in any size of the case C. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the target case C is improved.

(7) The group of cases C sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case
a, and gradually dammed while decelerating by 54b. For this reason, it is possible to form a predetermined integrated pattern without giving an impact to the case C itself and the products contained in the case C. (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
It will be described according to. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the case distribution device 22.

As shown in FIG. 13, the case sorting device 30
An introduction roller conveyor 302 is disposed at the most upstream portion of the first roller. A fixed roller conveyor 303 is arranged on the downstream side of the introduction roller conveyor 302, and becomes wider in one direction toward the downstream side. On one side of the introduction roller conveyor 302 and the fixed roller conveyor 303, an induction roller conveyor 304 is arranged so as to be along.
The introduction roller conveyor 302 has two sets of roller R groups 302.
a, 302b. Induction roller conveyor 304
Has four roller R groups 304a to 304d.

Each roller R group 302a, 302b, 304
The plurality of drive rollers R forming the first to third drive rollers a to 304d are similar to the first embodiment, and each roller R group 302a, 302
b, swings in conjunction with each of 304a to 304d. Also,
Each roller R group 302a, 302b, 304a to 304d
Of these, the rollers R that are directly involved in directly changing the transport direction of the case C are subjected to the control of the transport direction switching, and the controlled rollers R are switched in the transport direction before the case C is mounted. Can be

The drive roller R groups 302a and 302b are moved in the same conveyance direction (the direction of the arrow L in FIG. 13) as the conveyance conveyor 31 and in a direction forming a predetermined angle θ with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor 31 (FIG. 13). (The direction of arrow M) is switched.
Each of the drive roller R groups 304a to 304d switches the transport direction of the case C between the arrow M direction and the arrow L direction. In FIG. 13, each roller R group 302
a, 302b, 304a-304d, the rollers R groups 302b, 304b, 304d are moved to the position for feeding the case C in the direction of the arrow L, and the rollers R groups 302a, 304a, 304c are moved in the direction of the arrow L. Case C
Is indicated at the sending position.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) of the first embodiment, the guide roller conveyor 304 is arranged only on one side of the introduction roller conveyor 302 and the fixed roller conveyor 303. By doing
The configuration and control of the case distribution device can be simplified.

The above embodiments may be modified as follows. In the first embodiment, the guide roller conveyor 20
3, 204 each having two driving roller groups R 203 a,
Although they are divided into 203b, 204a, and 204b, they may be each divided into three or more. Further, the introduction roller conveyor 201 may be divided into two or more drive rollers R groups. By doing so, the case C can be more accurately sorted.

In the first and second embodiments, each roller conveyor 201, 203, 204, 302, 30
4 is composed of two rows of drive rollers R, but may be composed of a single row or three or more rows of drive rollers R.
Further, the fixed roller conveyors 202 and 303 may be composed of a plurality of rows of drive rollers R. Even if you do this,
By switching the transport direction of the case C, the case C can be sorted in multiple rows.

In the first and second embodiments, the case accumulating device 12 is used for the case palletizer 11, but may be used for other than the case palletizer 11. For example, it may be used for stacking cases C in a predetermined pattern for purposes other than stacking on a pallet P.

In the first and second embodiments, the drive roller R may be replaced with a motor roller or the like having a built-in motor and speed reduction mechanism. Even in this case, case C
Can be sorted.

In the first embodiment, both guide members 23 are actuated by the operation of both air cylinders 238a and 238b.
Although 7a and 237b are moved, they may be moved as follows. That is, the guide members 237a and 237b may be operatively connected to, for example, a servomotor, and the drive of the servomotor may cause the guide members 237a and 237b to move toward or away from each other. Even in this case, it is possible to correct the displacement of the case C in the width direction of the case accumulation device 12.

[0080]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the degree of freedom in forming an integrated pattern is improved, and it is possible to cope with high-speed stacking.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), the degree of freedom of the integrated pattern can be improved by making it possible to cope with various integrated patterns with different numbers of case columns more finely.

According to the invention described in claim 3, according to claim 1
Alternatively, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, by correcting the displacement of the case stacking device in the width direction, the case can be formed in an accurate stacking pattern.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by using the case accumulating apparatus having a high case processing capacity, the case processing performance of the case palletizer can be improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the line configuration can be simplified because only one device for switching the longitudinal direction of the case is required regardless of the number of rows of the case.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a case palletizer.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a case palletizer.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a case sorting device.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a case sorting device.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an attached state of a driving roller.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting state of a driving roller.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part showing a mounted state of a driving roller.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing an interlocking relationship of a driving roller.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of a roller of the shutter conveyor.

FIG. 10A is a front view illustrating a transport state of a shutter conveyor. (B) is a front view showing the retracted state of the shutter conveyor.

FIGS. 11A to 11J are schematic plan views showing a process of stacking cases.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the distribution device.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a case sorting device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a conventional case palletizer.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a conventional case distribution device.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: Case palletizer, 12: Case integration device, 13
... Stacking device, 21 ... Direction switching device, 22 ... Case sorting device, 23 ... Pattern forming device, 31 ... Transport conveyor,
101: Position correcting device, 201: Introduction roller conveyor (drive roller R group), 202: Fixed roller conveyor (drive roller R group), 203, 204: Guide roller conveyor (drive roller R group), 237: Movable side guide mechanism (Guide mechanism), C: case, P: pallet.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kobayashi 520 Nakasone-cho, Ogaki-shi, Gifu F-term (reference) 3F029 AA02 AA04 AA09 BA01 CA24 DA01 EA05 3F081 AA01 BA02 BC04 BD05 BD07 BD11 BD15 BD16 BE04 BE08 CA35 CB01 CC01 CC12 CC15 CE13 DA02 DA08 DA12 EA09 EA10 EA15 FB01 FB06 FB08

Claims (5)

[Claims] A longitudinal direction with respect to a transport direction of a case (C) sent by a transport conveyor (31) is selectively switched between a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction based on a predetermined control signal. A direction switching device (21), and a case (C) sent from the direction switching device (21), in accordance with the traveling position of the case (C) to be controlled, A case sorting device (22) for selectively switching between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor (31) and a direction having a component orthogonal to the transport direction based on a predetermined control signal; And a pattern forming device (23) for decelerating or stopping a predetermined number of cases (C) sent from the case distribution device (22) to align them in a predetermined pattern. 2. The case sorting device (22) is disposed at the most upstream part of the case sorting device (22), and has a same conveying direction as the conveying conveyor (31) and a predetermined direction with respect to this conveying direction. A drive roller group (201) capable of switching the direction of conveyance of the case (C) between the direction forming an angle and a downstream side of the drive roller group (201) at the most upstream portion; And a drive roller group (202) having a case fixed in the same transfer direction as the case (31), and a drive roller group (202) fixed in the transfer direction adjacent to the drive roller group (202). )
A drive roller group (203, 204) capable of switching the transport direction of the case (C) between a direction forming a predetermined angle with respect to the transport direction of the case (C) and the same transport direction as the transport conveyor (31). The case integration device according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The case sorting device (22) according to claim 1, wherein the case sorting device (22) is provided with a guide mechanism (237) for correcting a positional shift in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Case integration device. 4. A case palletizer in which a plurality of cases (C) are arranged in a predetermined pattern to form one stage, and the one stage of cases (C) is sequentially stacked on a pallet (P). A case palletizer comprising a case integration device (12) according to at least one of the preceding claims. 5. A longitudinal direction and a transversal direction of a case (C) sent by a conveyor (31) with respect to a conveying direction of the case (C) based on a predetermined control signal by a direction switching device (21). The case (C) sent from the direction switching device (21) is selectively switched according to the traveling position of the case (C) to be controlled among the cases (C) sent from the direction switching device (21). A case sorting device (22) for selectively selecting, based on a predetermined control signal, the same conveying direction as the conveying conveyor (31) and a direction having a component orthogonal to the conveying direction. The pattern forming device (23) decelerates or stops the predetermined number of cases (C) sent from the case distribution device (22) and aligns them in a predetermined pattern. A case stacking method for stacking cases (C) arranged in a predetermined pattern by the device (23) on a pallet (P) by the stacking device (13).