JP2002087584A - Aligning device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an aligning device 21 capable of transferring plural lines of articles 11 received to a transfer means 25 without moving the transfer means 25 up and down. SOLUTION: Plural articles 11 are aligned in plural lines by an aligning means, and plural lines of the articles 11 delivered from the aligning means are received to the transfer means 25 to be supported to be releasable. An elevating part 121 of a receiving means 26 is moved up and down between an upper position where plural lines of the articles 11 released from the transfer means 25 are transferred and a lower position where plural lines of the transferred articles 11 are sent. In transferring the articles 11 from the transfer means 25, the elevating part 121 moves up to the upper position for the articles 11 to be transferred from the transfer means 25, thereby the transfer means 25 need not be moved up and down.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an alignment apparatus for aligning and transferring a plurality of articles in a plurality of rows.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, when storing or transporting containers such as plastic bottles such as PET bottles, bottles, and cans, a plurality of containers are arranged in a plurality of rows to form an aligned state. Containers are stacked in multiple stages on pallets.

[0003] An aligning device used for aligning containers is, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-16577.
The containers are conveyed in a row, the plurality of containers conveyed by the conveying unit are arranged in a predetermined number in a plurality of rows by the aligning unit, the plurality of containers arranged in the aligning unit are dispensed by the dispensing unit, and the containers are arranged by the transfer unit. A plurality of rows of containers discharged from the means are received and transferred on a conveyor, and the plurality of rows of containers transferred by the conveyor are unloaded.

The arranging means has a plurality of rows of arranging lanes arranged in the lane arranging direction, and sequentially moves the arranging lanes to a receiving position for receiving articles from the conveying means in the lane arranging direction. While aligning a plurality of articles on each alignment lane.

The dispensing means is for dispensing a plurality of rows of containers arranged in a plurality of rows of alignment lanes at each position where the alignment means has moved to one and the other in the lane alignment direction. A plurality of rows of containers are alternately dispensed to two dispensing positions along the direction.

[0006] The transfer means is provided for each of two payout positions, and a plurality of transfer lanes for receiving a plurality of rows of containers to be discharged to each payout position from the aligning means.
And a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering these transfer lanes,
After receiving the plurality of rows of containers alternately paid out to the respective payout positions from the aligning means in the plurality of transfer lanes of the transfer means located at the respective payout positions, the transfer lanes are lowered by the elevating mechanism, and the plurality of rows are lowered. The container has been transferred to the conveyor.

[0007]

However, in the conventional aligning apparatus, in order to transfer a plurality of rows of articles received in a plurality of rows of transfer lanes of the transfer means, these transfer lanes are moved up and down by an elevating mechanism. However, the transfer lanes in multiple rows of the transfer means are large and heavy, having a mechanism for gripping and releasing the container and a drive unit therefor, and such a large and heavy. The lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the transfer lane
This requires a strength and driving force that can withstand the weight of the transfer lane, and there is a problem that the lifting mechanism becomes large. In addition, the provision of the elevating mechanism in addition to the transfer lane requires strength for the transfer lane and the frame for supporting the elevating mechanism, which causes a problem of increasing the size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and does not require the large and heavy transfer means to be moved up and down when transferring a plurality of rows of articles received by the transfer means. An object of the present invention is to provide an alignment device that does not require an elevating mechanism of the loading means and can reduce the size and weight of the loading means.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aligning device for aligning and discharging a plurality of articles in a plurality of rows and receiving and releasing the plurality of rows of articles discharged from the aligning means. A transfer unit for supporting, and a receiving unit having an elevating unit that moves up and down between an ascending position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles released from the transferring unit and a descending position for sending out the transferred plurality of rows of articles; Is provided.

[0010] Since there is provided a receiving means having an elevating part which moves up and down between an ascending position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles released from the transferring means and a descending position for sending out the transferred plurality of rows of articles. When transferring a plurality of rows of articles aligned by the aligning means and received by the transfer means, the elevating section moves up to the ascending position, and the plurality of rows of articles are transferred from the transferring means, and the elevating section moves to the lowering position. And a plurality of rows of articles are sent out. Therefore, there is no need to raise and lower the transfer means, and the lifting mechanism of the transfer means is unnecessary, and the size and weight of the transfer means can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aligning device for transporting a plurality of articles in at least one row, an aligning means for aligning a plurality of articles transported by the transport means in a plurality of rows, and the aligning means. Dispensing means for dispensing a plurality of rows of articles from the apparatus, transfer means for receiving and releasably supporting the plurality of rows of articles dispensed from the alignment means, and transferring the plurality of rows of articles released from the transferring means. Receiving means having an elevating unit which moves up and down between an ascending position at which a plurality of rows of articles are transferred and a descending position at which the transferred articles are sent out.

[0012] Since there is provided a receiving means having an elevating part which moves up and down between an ascending position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles released from the transferring means and a descending position for sending out the transferred plurality of rows of articles. When the plurality of articles conveyed in at least one row state by the conveying means are arranged in a plurality of rows by the aligning means and the plurality of rows of articles delivered from the aligning means are received by the transferring means and transferred, the elevating unit is A plurality of rows of articles are transferred from the transfer unit by ascending to the ascending position, and the elevating unit is lowered to the descending position to send out a plurality of rows of articles. for that reason,
It is not necessary to raise and lower the large and heavy transfer means, and the lifting mechanism of the transfer means is unnecessary, and the transfer means can be reduced in size and weight.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the aligning apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the receiving means is a link mechanism for vertically moving the elevating section, and drives the elevating section up and down via the link mechanism. It has a lifting drive means.

The lifting unit is driven up and down by the lifting drive means via a link mechanism for raising and lowering the lifting unit in parallel, so that the lifting unit can be raised and lowered in parallel with a simple configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the alignment apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the elevating unit is an elevating table on which an article is placed on an upper surface.

The elevating section is a lifting table on which articles are placed on the upper surface, so that even articles that can easily fall down can be reliably placed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alignment apparatus according to the fourth aspect, further comprising a rotating body at both ends and an endless body wrapped around these rotating bodies, and is sent out from a lifting table at a lowered position. A conveyor for receiving and transporting the articles, wherein the end of the lifting table facing the rotating body of the conveyor is located in an upper region between the upper side and the end side of the peripheral surface of the rotating body. Things.

When a conveyer having a rotating body at both ends and an endless body wrapped around these rotating bodies receives and conveys the articles sent from the lifting table at the lowered position, the lifting table facing the rotating body of the conveyor is used. Since the end is located in the upper region between the upper side and the end of the rotating body, the step between the elevating table and the conveyor is reduced, and even articles that can easily fall down can be reliably placed on the conveyor from the elevating table. Can be sent to

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the aligning apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the article is a container having a neck portion, and the transfer means suspends the container via the neck portion. I support it.

Further, even in the case of the container suspended and supported by the transfer means via the neck portion, the elevating part moves to the ascending position, so that the container can be reliably transferred.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 7, the articles handled by the aligning apparatus are, for example, a container 11 such as a plastic bottle including a plastic bottle for beverages. The container 11 has a bottomed container body 12 having a mouth at an upper end, and The container body 12 has a neck portion 13 protruding in a ring shape around the mouth.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the aligning device 21 comprises:
A plurality of containers 11 are arranged in a plurality of rows so as to be loaded on a pallet (not shown).
Means 22 for supplying and conveying in a row,
Alignment means 23 for receiving a plurality of containers 11 conveyed in a plurality and arranging the plurality of containers 11 in a plurality of rows, dispensing means 24 for dispensing a plurality of rows of containers 11 arranged by the alignment means 23, and a plurality of dispensed from the alignment means 23 Transfer means 25 for receiving and transferring the rows of containers 11, a plurality of rows of containers 11 transferred by the transfer means 25
Receiving means 26, receiving means 26, sending means 27 as a sending device for sending out the plurality of rows of containers 11 received by the receiving means 26,
And a frame 28 in which these components are arranged.

The direction in which the container 11 is transported by the transport means 22 is the transport direction A, and the aligning means 23 is a direction intersecting the transport direction A.
And the direction in which the containers 11 are sent out by the sending means 27 is referred to as a sending direction C.

The transfer means 22 transfers the plurality of containers 11 in the transfer direction A
Is transported in a single row along, for example, by combining a suction conveyor that transports while suctioning the bottom of the container 11 and an air conditioner that transports the container 11 by blowing air in the transport direction A, A large line pressure is applied to the container 11 so as to obtain a smooth acceleration.

At the end of the conveying means 22 facing the aligning means 23,
A stopper means 31 for stopping the feeding of the container 11 to the alignment means 23 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the aligning means 23 includes a plurality of rows arranged in a lane juxtaposition direction B which is a direction intersecting the transport direction A, in this embodiment, eight rows.
It has a row of alignment lanes 35, and each of these alignment lanes 35 is formed on an alignment moving section 36 that can move in the lane juxtaposition direction B. On the alignment moving section 36, each alignment lane 35
A support plate 38 having a neck guide 37 at the upper end and a guide plate 39 are respectively disposed corresponding to both side positions in the lane juxtaposition direction B, between the neck guides 37 on both sides and between the guide plates 39 on both sides. An alignment lane 35 is formed to receive and align a predetermined number of containers 11 sent from the transport means 22. In each alignment lane 35, the neck guides 37 on both sides
The container 11 is suspended and supported via the neck portion 13 of the container 11, and both sides of the container body 12 are guided by the guide plates 39 on both sides.
The distance between the neck guides 37 and the distance between the guide plates 39 of each alignment lane 35 can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the type of the container 11.

The alignment moving section 36 is arranged movably in the lane juxtaposition direction B along a plurality of guide rails 41 arranged along the lane juxtaposition direction B on the base 40 attached to the frame 28. Has been established. An alignment driving means 42 for moving the alignment moving unit 36 in the lane juxtaposition direction B is provided on the base 40,
The alignment driving means 42 includes a pulley 43 rotatably disposed near both ends in the lane direction B, a pulley 44 rotatably disposed near the lower side of one pulley 43, and one pulley 43.
And a drive pulley 46 attached to a drive shaft of the motor 45, an endless belt 47 stretched over the pulleys 43 and 44, and the drive pulley 46. ing. Then, the belt 47 is rotated by the drive of the motor 45, and the alignment moving unit 36 connected to the belt 47 is moved in the lane juxtaposition direction B.

The position facing the transfer means 22 is a receiving position a for receiving the containers 11 from the transfer means 22 into the alignment lane 35, and a catcher 48 capable of moving forward and backward in the alignment lane 35 is arranged corresponding to the reception position a. A predetermined number of containers 11 received in the alignment lane 35 from the transporting means 22 by the catcher 48 are stopped at a predetermined stop position.

Then, in the alignment means 23, each alignment lane 35 is sequentially moved to the receiving position a by the movement of the alignment moving section 36 from one end to the other end in the lane juxtaposition direction B or from the other end to the one end. At the same time, a predetermined number of containers 11 sent from the conveying means 22 to each of the alignment lanes 35 are received and aligned.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the payout means 24 are installed on the frame 28 independently on both sides in the lane juxtaposition direction B around the receiving position a.
At each movement position where the alignment moving unit 36 moves to one end or the other end in the lane juxtaposition direction B, and the alignment lane 35 at the one end or the other end in the lane juxtaposition direction B is located at the receiving position a, The containers 11 in the respective alignment lanes 35 other than the alignment lane 35 at the receiving position a can be delivered to the transfer means 25 side along the transport direction (delivery direction) A. On the transfer means 25 side where the containers 11 are dispensed, the positions at which the containers 11 are dispensed from the positions at which the alignment moving unit 36 has moved to one end or the other end in the lane juxtaposition direction B are the dispensing positions b1 and b2, respectively. Have been.

Each dispensing means 24 has a dispensing moving section 51 which can move in the transport direction A above the aligning means 21, and the dispensing moving section 51 is provided on a guide frame 52 attached to the frame 28. It is movably supported by the guide rail 53 along the transport direction A. The payout moving unit 51 supports a plurality of payout units 54 that enter each alignment lane 35 and pay out the containers 11. The dispensing portions 54 are integrally swingably supported between the dispensing portion 51 and the retreat position where the dispensing portion 54 enters the alignment lane 35 and retreats above the alignment lane 35. Swings between the approach position and the retreat position. The number of the payout portions 54 can be collectively paid out of the containers 11 in the respective alignment lanes 35 other than the alignment lane 35 at the receiving position a at each moving position where the alignment lane 35 at the end is located at the receiving position a. In this embodiment, the number of the alignment lanes 35 is one less than the number of the alignment lanes 35.

The guide frame 53 is provided with a payout driving means 56 for moving the payout moving section 51 along the transport direction A.
The discharging drive means 56 includes a pulley 57 rotatably disposed near both ends of the guide frame 53, a pulley 58 rotatably disposed near the lower side of one pulley 57, and one pulley 57.
And a drive pulley 60 attached to the drive shaft of the motor 59, an endless belt 61 stretched over the pulleys 57 and 58, and the drive pulley 60. ing. Then, the belt 61 is rotated by the drive of the motor 59, and the payout moving unit 51 connected to the belt 61 is moved in the transport direction A.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 8, the transfer means 25 can be moved to the payout positions b1 and b2 along the lane juxtaposition direction (shuttle movement direction) B. Receiving means which receives a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 to be dispensed from the aligning means 23 at each of the dispensing positions b1 and b2, and which is a predetermined transfer place.
Transfer to 26.

The shuttle 71 includes a shuttle main body 72 that moves in the lane juxtaposition direction B and a shuttle main body 72 that is juxtaposed below the shuttle main body 72 in the lane juxtaposition direction so that
It has a plurality of rows of transfer lanes 73 for receiving the containers 11 and allowing the received containers 11 to be released. Transfer Lane 73
Is the same as the maximum number of rows to be paid out to the payout positions b1 and b2 by each payout means 24, and is 7 in this embodiment.

Above the shuttle 71, a plurality of guide frames 74 are disposed on the frame 28 along the lane juxtaposition direction B.
A guide rail 75 is provided, which is movably supported along the lane juxtaposition direction B.

The shuttle main body 72 has a support plate 77 having a slide portion 76 that moves along each guide rail 75, a connecting portion 78 attached to the lower surface of the support plate 77, and a lower portion of the connecting portion 78. Frame portion 79.

On the frame 28, shuttle driving means 81 for moving the shuttle 71 along the lane juxtaposition direction B is arranged. The shuttle driving means 81 rotates on the frame 28 in one of the lane juxtaposition directions B. A pulley 82 disposed freely, a motor 83 disposed on the other side, a drive pulley 84 attached to a drive shaft of the motor 83, and a belt 85 stretched between these pulleys 82 and the drive pulley 84 are provided. Have. Then, the belt 85 is rotated by the driving of the motor 83, and the shuttle 71 connected to the belt 85 is moved in the lane juxtaposition direction B, and is moved to each of the payout positions b1 and b2.

Each transfer lane 73 has a grip portion 87 for releasably gripping the neck portion 13 of the container 11 and guide members 88 for guiding both sides of the container 11 suspended and supported by the grip portion 87. I have.

The gripping portions 87 have neck guides 89 on both sides which are arranged along both sides of each transfer lane 73 and support the neck portion 13 of the container 11 from both sides. It is supported by a mechanism 90 so that it can be opened and closed. Each link mechanism 90 has a link base 92 attached to the lower side of the frame portion 79 via an attachment portion 91, and one end of a first link 93 and a second link 94 at both ends of the link base 92. Are rotatably connected to each other, and each of these links 9
The other end of each of the third and fourth links 94 is rotatably connected to each other via a third link 95, and one end of each of the second links 94 is rotatably connected to one end of a fourth link 96. With
The other ends of the fourth links 96 are rotatably connected to each other. A neck guide 89 is fixedly connected to the third link 95. Then, in the link mechanism 90, the second links 94 on both sides rotate interlockingly via the fourth link 96, and
Link 93 and the third link via the second link 94
95 moves substantially parallel in the lane juxtaposition direction B, that is, the opening / closing direction of the neck guide 89, and the neck guides 89 on both sides are opened / closed with each other.

Neck guide opening / closing driving means 97 for opening / closing neck guides 89 on both sides of each transfer lane 73 are provided on the frame portion 79 of the shuttle main body 72. The neck guide opening / closing driving means 97 is provided with a motor 98 provided on the frame 79.
The sliding portion 100 is screwed to a screw shaft 99 rotated by the motor 98, and the sliding portion 100 is moved along the lane juxtaposition direction B by the guide rail 101 disposed on the frame portion 79. I do. A connecting portion 102 hanging down from the frame portion 79 is connected to the slide portion 100, one end of an interlocking link 103 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the connecting portion 102, and the other end of the interlocking link 103 is most One end of one of the second links 94 of each link mechanism 90 of the transfer lane 73 located at the end (a connection portion with the fourth link 96) is rotatably connected, and
One end of one second link 94 of each link mechanism 90 of the adjacent transfer lane 73 is sequentially connected by each link 103. Then, the slide unit 10 is driven by the drive of the motor 98.
0 moves in the lane juxtaposition direction B, the second link 94 of the link mechanism 90 of each transfer lane 73 is rotated via the interlocking link, and the neck guides 89 on both sides of each transfer lane 73 are integrated. Is opened and closed.

The guide body 88 has guide plates 104 on both sides which are arranged along both sides of each transfer lane 73 and guide the side surface of the container body 12 of the container 11, and these guide plates 104 are a guide plate support mechanism. It is supported by 105 so that the interval can be adjusted. The guide plate support mechanism 105 has a plurality of arm bases 106 attached to the lower side of the frame portion 36 along both sides of each transfer lane 73.
Are rotatably supported in a suspended state, and the lower ends of these arms 107 are formed in a substantially U-shape, and the ends thereof rotate on the outer surface of the guide plate 104 (the surface opposite to the surface guiding the container 11). It is connected as possible. The arms 107 are integrally and rotatably connected by an interlocking link 108.

Two adjustment handles 109 and 110 are rotatably provided at one end of the frame portion 36 in the lane juxtaposition direction B. One adjustment handle 109 is connected to the guide plate on one side via an interlocking mechanism 111. The other adjustment handle connected to the interlocking link 108 of 104
The link 110 is connected to the link 108 of the guide plate 104 on the other side via a link mechanism 112. And each adjustment handle 1
By rotating 09, 110, each interlocking mechanism 111, 112
Each arm 107 rotates via the interlocking link 108, and each guide plate 104 moves in the lane juxtaposition direction B, and the distance between the guide plates 104 on both sides corresponding to the width of the container body 12 of the container 11 to be handled. Is adjusted.

In the frame 79 of the shuttle body 72, on the opposite side of the alignment means 23 of each alignment lane 73, each transfer lane 73
The leading position of the container 11 that is received in the transfer lanes 73 adjacent to each other is alternately changed by approximately half of the width of the container 11, that is, the staggered alignment means 11 that arranges the containers 11 in a staggered manner.
3 are arranged. Note that the staggered arrangement by the staggered arrangement means 113 is performed when the container body 12 of the container 11 has a substantially circular cross section.

In addition, between the aligning means 23 and the transfer means 25, the containers 11 which are aligned in each alignment lane 35 of the aligning means 23 and which are discharged to each of the payout positions b1 and b2 are transferred to the shuttle of the transfer means 25.
A plurality of neck guide bodies 115 to be delivered to 71 are arranged.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 9 to 11, the receiving means 26 is disposed below one of the two payout positions b1 and b2 in the delivery direction C below one of the payout positions b2. An elevating table 121 as an elevating unit and a placing unit, a guide mechanism 122 and a link mechanism 123 for vertically elevating the elevating table 121, and an elevating table via the link mechanism 123.
There is an elevating drive means 124 for driving the elevating and lowering 121.

The lift table 121 has a flat table plate 125 on which a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 transferred from the shuttle 71 are collectively placed. Side plates 126 are provided on both sides in the transport direction A, and an end plate 127 is provided at an end opposite to the sending direction C. An end 128 in the sending direction C is
It is more protruding.

The guide mechanism 122 has a guide portion 129 attached to the end opposite to the feeding direction C on both side plates 126 of the elevating table 121, and the guide portion 129 is provided upright from the frame 28. The elevating table 121 is supported so as to be slidable vertically along the guide rail 131 of the 130, and is configured to restrict horizontal movement of the elevating table 121 during elevating.

The link mechanism 123 has a plurality of rotating shafts 132 arranged in parallel in the sending direction C with the axial direction being the conveying direction A below the elevating table 121, and in the present embodiment, two rotating shafts 132.
Both ends of these rotary shafts 132 are
To be rotatably supported. One end of a link 134 is fixed to both ends of each rotating shaft 132, one end of a link 135 is rotatably connected to the other end of each link 134 by a connecting shaft 136, and the other end of each link 135 is a lifting table. A connecting shaft 137 is rotatably connected to both side plates 126 of the motor 121. Pulleys 138 are fixed to one end of each rotation shaft 132, and these pulleys 138
A belt 139 is stretched over the both shafts, and both rotating shafts 132 are integrally and interlockedly rotated in the same direction. The link 13 connected to each of the rotating shafts 132 is driven by the rotation of the two rotating shafts 132.
The lifting table 121 is moved up and down via 4, 135 while maintaining the parallel state.

The lifting drive means 124 includes a pulley 140 fixed to one rotating shaft 132 and a motor 141 disposed on the frame 28.
And a drive pulley 142 attached to the drive shaft of the motor 141, and a belt 143 stretched between the pulley 140 and the drive pulley 142. Then, by rotating the motor 141 in one direction or the other direction, the two rotating shafts 132
Is rotated, and the lifting table 121 is raised and lowered. The lifting table 121 is in the raised position, and
Receiving position, and a sending position at a lowered position.
The container 11 is raised and lowered at 27 to a delivery position at which the container 11 can be delivered.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the feeding means 27 comprises a pushing means 151 for pushing the container 11 on the elevating table 121 in the feeding direction C at the lowered position of the elevating table 121; Container 11 extruded from table 121
152 on which the sheet is loaded and transported in the sending direction C, the pushing means 1
Holding means 153 for moving the front of the container 11 in the delivery direction C in the delivery direction C and moving onto the conveyor 152 while maintaining an interval for holding the container 11 with the container 51.

The extruding means 151 has an extruding plate 154 having a width substantially equal to the width of the elevating table 121 in the transport direction A. The extruding plate 154 is supported by the tips of a plurality of arms 155. The proximal end of the portion 155 is attached to the push-out moving portion 156. The push-out moving section 156 is provided movably along the sending direction C along a plurality of guide rails 158 provided along the sending direction C on a base 157 attached to the frame 28.

The extruding moving unit 156 is set in the sending direction C
The pull-out driving means 159 is provided to move the pulley 160 rotatably near both ends in the sending direction C, and rotatably near the lower side of one pulley 160. A pulley 161 disposed, a motor 162 disposed below the one pulley 160 on the frame 28, a drive pulley 163 attached to a drive shaft of the motor 162, and tensions over these pulleys 160, 161 and 163. It has an endless belt 164 provided. The belt 164 is rotated by the drive of the motor 162, and the belt 164 is rotated.
The extrusion moving unit 156 connected to the 164 is moved along the lane juxtaposition direction B, and the extrusion plate 154 is retracted from the elevation table 121 in the opposite direction to the sending direction C; And the container 11 on the elevating table 121 is moved to and from the extrusion position where the container 11 is pushed onto the conveyor 152.

As shown in FIG. 12, the conveyor 152 has a conveyor frame 165, and rotators 166 are rotatably supported at both ends of the conveyor frame 165 along the sending direction C. An endless body 167 such as a belt, which is rotated in the sending direction C, is hung.
The rotating body 166 at the end in the sending direction C is rotationally driven by the motor 168, and a portion facing above the endless body 167 is rotated in the sending direction C. The end of the lifting table 121 facing the conveyor 152
128 is positioned so as to overlap the upper region between the upper side and the end side of the peripheral surface of the rotating body 166.

The upstream side in the transport direction C of the upper surface of the conveyor 152 is an alignment section 169 for collectively aligning the containers 11 for one stage loaded on the pallet, and the downstream side is the container 11 aligned by the alignment section 169. And a take-out unit 170 that collectively holds and takes out the pallets by a transfer machine such as a robot hand. Guide side plates on both sides of the alignment portion 169 for restricting and guiding the spread of the container 11 on both sides intersecting the feeding direction C.
A container 171 is disposed downstream of the aligning unit 169 in the delivery direction C to align one stage of containers 11 on the conveyor 152.
1 is provided with a stopper means 172 for stopping
Means 173 for stopping one stage of containers downstream of
Are arranged. The stopper means 172 is capable of switching between a stop position for stopping the container 11 and a retreat position allowing the container 11 to retreat upward and allow the container 11 to move in the delivery direction C. The stopper means 173 is capable of switching between a stop position for stopping the container 11 and a retreat position where the container 11 is retracted in the delivery direction C and allows one stage of the container 11 to be taken out.

As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 13, the holding means 153 has a holding / moving section 181 as a moving section capable of moving along the sending direction C above the conveyor 152. The holding / moving portion 181 has a frame portion 182 and a plurality of lateral connecting portions 183 provided inside the frame portion 182 along the delivery direction C, and extends along the delivery direction C on both sides crossing the delivery direction C. Each guide frame arranged on the frame 28
184 guide rails 185 are provided so as to be movable in the sending direction C.

On the frame 28, holding driving means 186 for moving the holding / moving section 181 in the sending direction C is provided. The holding driving means 186 rotates on the frame 28 in the direction opposite to the sending direction C. A pulley 187 disposed freely, a motor 188 disposed on the side in the sending direction C, a drive pulley 189 mounted on a drive shaft of the motor 188, and a pulley 1
A belt 190 is stretched between the drive pulley 187 and the drive pulley 189. Then, the belt 190 is rotated by the driving of the motor 188, and the holding and moving unit 181 connected to the belt 190 is moved in the sending direction C.

Below the holding and moving unit 181, there is a holding and moving unit 181.
The elevating part 191 which is raised and lowered with respect to is supported. The elevating unit 191 is formed in a frame shape, and one end of each of the plurality of parallel links 192 is rotatably supported on both sides, and the other end of the parallel link 192 is rotated by the horizontal connecting unit 183 of the holding moving unit 181. It is supported so as to be able to ascend and descend through these parallel links 192 while keeping the elevating unit 191 substantially horizontal.
A cylinder body 194 of a cylinder 193 is rotatably supported by the holding and moving unit 181, and a tip of a rod 195 that advances and retreats from the cylinder body 194 is rotatably supported by the elevating unit 191. By operating the cylinder 193, the height of the elevating unit 191 is adjusted according to the type of the container 11, such as the size.

An end of the elevating unit 191 protrudes from the end of the holding / moving unit 181 facing the elevating table 121 toward the elevating table 121, and a holding unit 196 is swingably attached to the end of the elevating unit 191. ing.

The holding portion 196 has a holding plate 197, and this holding plate 197 is supported by a plurality of support portions 198.
8 are rotatably supported on both sides of the end of the elevating section 191. One end of a link 199 is rotatably supported at the center of the support shaft portion 198, and the other end of the link 199 is slidably connected to the side surface of the elevating portion 191 along the sending direction C. Link 19
The cylinder body 201 of the cylinder 200 is connected to the intermediate portion of the cylinder 9, and the tip of a rod 202 that advances and retreats from the cylinder body 201 is rotatably supported on the side surface of the elevating unit 191. The operation of the cylinder 200 causes the holding plate 197 to move
The holding position, which hangs down from 1 and enters the downstream side of the container 11 in the sending direction C, and the container 11
To the retreat position retreating from the downstream side in the sending direction C.

Then, the holding plate 197 of the holding means 153 is set to a holding standby position near the container 11 on the front side in the feeding direction C on the elevating table 121,
11 is pushed out, the container 11 on the front side in the sending direction C is
Control is performed so that the movement of the holding plate 197 in the sending direction C is started in accordance with the timing of reaching 7. The movement of the holding plate 197 in the sending direction C is controlled to be substantially the same as the moving speed of the pushing plate 154 of the pushing means 151. Further, after the container 11 on the elevating table 121 has been transferred onto the conveyor 152,
While continuing to transport the container 11 on the conveyor 152, the holding plate 1
The control is performed such that the container 97 is retracted from the transport area of the container 11 while escaping from the container 11 in the delivery direction C.

Each operation of the alignment device 21 is controlled by control means (not shown).

Next, the operation of the alignment device 21 will be described.

The transport means 22 transports the containers 11 in a line along the transport direction A, and the aligning means located at the receiving position a.
Send to 23 alignment lane 35. The container 11 fed into the alignment lane 35 is stopped at a predetermined stop position in the alignment lane 35 by the catcher 48.

The alignment means 23 receives the container 11 in the alignment lane 35, for example, with the alignment lane 35 at one end positioned at the receiving position a. Alignment lane at receiving position a
When a predetermined number of containers 11 are fed into 35, stopper means 31
The feeding of the container 11 is temporarily stopped, and the alignment lane 35 adjacent to the alignment lane 35 that has received the container 11 is moved to the receiving position a by moving to the one of the alignment moving parts 36, and the stopper means 31 is opened to receive the container 11. The feeding of the container 11 to the alignment lane 35 moved to the position a is restarted. During the movement of the alignment moving section 36, the catcher 48 retreats outside the alignment lane 35,
After the movement is completed, the container 11 enters the alignment lane 35 and stops the container 11 at a predetermined stop position.

As described above, every time a predetermined number of containers 11 are sent to the alignment lane 35 at the receiving position a, the alignment lanes 35 adjacent to the alignment lane 35 that has received the containers 11 are sequentially moved to the receiving position a. The containers 11 are sequentially aligned in the alignment lane 35.

One of the alignment lanes in which the alignment of the container 11 is started.
The alignment of the containers 11 is completed up to just before the alignment lane 35 located at the other end opposite to 35, for example, as shown in FIG.
When the alignment lane 35 at the other end is moved to the receiving position a, a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 aligned in each of the remaining alignment lanes 35 excluding the alignment lane 35 at the other end are discharged to one of the dispensing means. At 24, it pays out to the payout position b1 at once. That is, the respective payout portions 54 of the payout means 24 enter the upstream side in the transport direction A of the alignment lane 35, and in this state, the payout moving portion 51 is moved downstream in the transport direction A. A predetermined number of containers 11 in 35 are collectively paid out to one payout position b1.

The shuttle 71 of the transfer means 25 is in standby at the payout position b1 in advance, and receives the containers 11 paid out from the respective alignment lanes 35 in the respective transfer lanes 73 of the shuttle 71.
When the containers 11 received in each transfer lane 73 are substantially circular in cross section, the containers 11 are staggered between adjacent transfer lanes 73 by the staggered alignment means 113, and when the cross section is substantially square, the containers 11 are staggered. 113 aligns parallel instead of staggered.

It is to be noted that each payout portion 54 of the payout means 24 is also provided with a staggered alignment means, so that the staggered alignment means 113 of the transfer means 25 is provided.
The containers 11 can be surely arranged in a staggered manner between them.

When the payout by one payout means 24 is completed, each payout section 54 is retracted above each alignment lane 35, and in this state, the payout moving section 51 is moved to the upstream side in the transport direction A, and the next payout is performed. Wait for operation.

During the dispensing operation by the dispensing means 24, the feeding of the containers 11 to the alignment lane 35 at the other end located at the receiving position a is executed in parallel.

When the dispensing operation by the dispensing means 24 is completed and a predetermined number of containers 11 are received in the alignment lane 35 at the other end, contrary to the above-described alignment operation, the alignment moving unit 36
Is moved to the other side, and the alignment lane 35 adjacent to the alignment lane 35 that has received the container 11 is moved to the receiving position a by the movement of the alignment moving section 36 to the other side, and the receiving position a
Each time a predetermined number of containers 11 are sent to the alignment lane 35,
Alignment lane adjacent to alignment lane 35 that received container 11
The containers 11 are sequentially moved to the receiving position a, and the containers 11 are sequentially arranged in the respective alignment lanes 35.

The other alignment lane where the alignment of the container 11 has started
When the alignment of the containers 11 is completed up to the position before the alignment lane 35 located at one end opposite to the one end 35 and the alignment lane 35 at one end is moved to the receiving position a, the alignment of one end is completed. A predetermined number of rows of containers 11 aligned in the remaining alignment lanes 35 excluding the lane 35 are collectively paid out to the payout position b2 by the other payout means 24. The payout operation by the other payout means 24 is the same as the payout operation by the one payout means 24 described above.

The shuttle 71 of the transfer means 25 is in standby at the payout position b2 in advance, and receives the containers 11 to be paid out from the respective alignment lanes 35 in the respective transfer lanes 73 of the shuttle 71.

As described above, the alignment means 23 includes the alignment moving section 36
Are moved from one side to the other, or from the other side to one side, the containers 11 are aligned in the respective alignment lanes 35, and the respective payout positions b1, b2
, A predetermined number of rows of containers 11 aligned alternately are paid out, moved to the respective payout positions b1 and b2 in advance, and delivered to the shuttle 71 which is on standby.

The number of rows in which the containers 11 are arranged is determined by the loading pattern on the pallet. For example, 500
In the case of a pattern of 23 rows / row * 18 rows in a mL square bottle, a pattern for one stage is generated by forming an aggregate of 6 rows each three times, and in a 500 mL round bottle, 19 pieces / row * In the case of a pattern of 17 columns, a pattern for one stage is generated by an aggregate of 6 columns + 6 columns + 5 columns.

Next, the transfer operation by the transfer means 25 and the sending operation by the sending means 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the shuttle 71 of the transfer means 25 receives the container 11 on the shuttle 71 at the dispensing position b1, the shuttle 71 moves to a position above the elevating table 121 which is a predetermined transfer place, that is, the dispensing position b2, and transfers the container 11. The loading operation and the sending operation by the sending means 27 are performed, and after the transfer operation is completed, the container 11 is waited at the payout position b2 to receive the container 11 to be paid out to the payout position b2, and the transfer operation of the container 11 is performed at the payout position b2. The sending operation by the sending means 27 is performed, and after the transfer operation is completed, the transfer unit 27 moves to the payout position b1 and receives the container 11 paid out to the payout position b1. Therefore, the shuttle 71 alternately moves to the payout positions b1 and b2, receives the containers 11 to be paid out to the payout positions b1 and b2, and performs the transfer operation at the payout position b2.

The transfer operation from the shuttle 71 is performed at the payout position b1.
After the shuttle 71 that has received the container 11 at the dispensing position b2 or after the container 11 has been received by the shuttle 71 at the dispensing position b2, the lift table that was located at the lower delivery position
The elevator 121 is raised and stopped at the receiving position where the upper surface of the elevating table 121 contacts or approaches the bottom surface of the container 11 suspended and supported by each transfer lane 73 of the shuttle 71. In this state, the neck guides 89 on both sides of each transfer lane 73 are opened to release the support of the containers 11, and the containers 11 in a predetermined number of rows are transferred onto the elevating table 121. The elevating table 121 on which the predetermined number of rows of containers 11 are placed is lowered to the delivery position.

Further, the lifting table 12 lowered to the sending position
As shown in FIG. 15, the feeding operation of the containers 11 in a predetermined number of rows from 1 is performed by moving the pushing plate 154 of the pushing means 151 in the sending direction C and moving the containers 11 on the lifting table 121 in the sending direction C. By pushing the containers 11 in a row, the containers 11 in a predetermined number of rows are collectively aligned and arranged on the conveyor 152 while the containers 11 are collectively aligned one by one from the row opposite to the sending direction C. .

At the time of the sending operation, the holding plate 197 of the holding means 153 is previously suspended from the elevating portion 191 and is positioned at the holding position where it enters the downstream side of the container 11 in the sending direction C.
The elevating table 121 is located at a holding standby position near the container 11 on the front side in the sending direction C. When pushing out the containers 11 on the elevating table 121 by the pushing means 151, a predetermined number of rows of the containers 11 are integrally gathered and aligned by the pushing movement of the pushing plate 154, and the frontmost row of the containers 11 in the sending direction C is arranged. Is pushed and reaches the holding plate 197, that is, the pushing plate 1
In accordance with the timing of holding a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 integrally gathered and aligned between 54 and the holding plate 197, the movement of the holding moving unit 181 to the downstream side in the sending direction C is started, and The holding plate 197 is moved in the sending direction C.

The extruding plate 154 and the holding plate 197 move at the same speed, and while the extruding plate 154 and the holding plate 197 hold a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 integrally assembled and aligned, the lifting plate is moved up and down. It is transferred onto the conveyor 152 from the table 121. The conveyor 152 rotates in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the container 11 is received from above the elevating table 121.
And the same speed as the holding plate 197.

Therefore, by holding the container 11 by the pushing plate 154 and the holding plate 197 and rotating the conveyor 152, it is possible to send out the container 11 which can easily fall down at a high speed without falling down.

After a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 on the elevating table 121 have been transferred onto the conveyor 152, the containers 11 on the conveyor 152
While the conveyance is continued, the holding plate 197 is retracted from the conveyance area of the container 11 while moving the holding plate 197 in the sending direction C with respect to the container 11. After the holding plate 197 is retracted, the holding / moving unit 181 is moved to the upstream side in the sending direction C to return to the initial position, and waits for the next holding operation. Further, the holding plate 197 is moved to the upstream side in the sending direction C to return to the initial position, and waits for the next pushing operation.

Also, a predetermined number of containers 11 on the conveyor 152
Is transported to the area of the alignment section 169 on the downstream side in the sending direction C by the conveyor 152, stopped by the stopper means 172, and then combined with the predetermined number of rows of containers 11 to be aligned and sent out. Thus, the containers 11 for one stage to be transferred to the pallet are aligned. When the containers 11 for one stage are aligned, the stopper means 172 is escaped, the containers 11 for one stage are sent out to the area of the take-out part 170 on the downstream side in the sending direction C, and stopped by the stopper means 173. Is transferred to a pallet by a transfer machine (not shown).

As described above, when transferring a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 to be paid out from the alignment means 23 to the plurality of payout positions b1 and b2 along the lane juxtaposition direction B, the shuttle of the transfer means 25 is used.
71 can be moved to each of the payout positions b1 and b2 in the lane juxtaposition direction B, and a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 to be paid out from the alignment means 23 at each of the payout positions b1 and b2 are received by the shuttle 71 at the predetermined transfer location. Since it is transferred onto a certain lifting table 121, it can be handled by only one shuttle 71, the operation efficiency is good, and the simplification and downsizing can be achieved.

When a predetermined number of rows of containers 11 transferred from the shuttle 71 to the elevating table 121 are sent out by the sending means 27 in one of the lane juxtaposition directions B, that is, in the sending direction C,
In the shuttle 71, the containers 11 are transferred to the elevating table 121 installed below the payout position b2 closer to the sending direction C, so that the transferred containers 11 can be sent out in the sending direction C at a high speed. Moreover, by setting the transfer position of the container 11 from the shuttle 71 to one position below the payout position b2, the payout position b1
A space is created below the space, and this space is used to push out the pushing means 151.
Can be installed, and the alignment device 21 can be downsized.

From the shuttle 71, the container 1
Since 1 is transferred, the shuttle 71 may be configured to be movable to each of the payout positions b1 and b2, so that the structure can be simplified and downsized.

The shuttle 71 is provided with a gripping portion 8 for releasably gripping the neck portion 13 of the container 11 corresponding to each row of the container 11.
7 and a guide body 88 for guiding both sides of the container 11 suspended and supported by the grip portion 87, so that the neck portion 13
Even if the shuttle 71 moves while the container 11 is suspended and supported via the container, the container 11 can be prevented from swinging or falling off.

Receiving means having an elevating table 121 which moves up and down between a rising position for transferring a plurality of rows of containers 11 released from the transferring means 25 and a lowering position for sending out the transferred rows of containers 11. 26, when transferring the plurality of rows of containers 11 that have been aligned and received by the transfer unit 25 by the aligning unit 23, the lifting table 121 is raised to the raised position and the transfer unit 25
Can move a plurality of rows of containers 11 from above, the elevating table 121 can be lowered to the lowered position and the plurality of rows of containers 11 can be sent out, and there is no need to raise and lower the large and heavy transfer means 25. The lifting mechanism of the means 25 is unnecessary, and the transfer means 25 can be reduced in size and weight.

The lifting / lowering table 121 is
The lifting table 121 is driven up and down by the lifting drive means 124 via the link mechanism 123 for raising and lowering the table in parallel, so that the lifting table 121 can be raised and lowered in parallel with a simple configuration.

When a conveyor 152 having rotating bodies 166 at both ends and an endless body 167 looped around these rotating bodies 166 receives and transports the container 11 sent out from the elevating table 121 at the lowered position, the rotating body of the conveyor 152 is used. Since the end of the lifting table 121 facing the 166 is located in an upper region between the upper side and the end of the peripheral surface of the rotating body 166, the step between the lifting table 121 and the conveyor 152 can be reduced, and it is easy to fall down. Container 11
However, it is possible to reliably send the product from the elevating table 121 onto the conveyor 152.

[0093] Even with the container 11 suspended and supported by the transfer means 25 via the neck portion 13, the lifting table 121 can be moved to the ascending position and can be reliably transferred, and by using the lifting table 121 as the lifting section. The container 11 that can easily fall down can be reliably placed.

When the pushing means 151 pushes the container 11 on the elevating table 121 in the sending direction C by the pushing means 151, the holding means 153 keeps an interval for holding the container 11 between the pushing means 151 and the pushing means 151. Since the container 11 moves forward in the sending direction C in the sending direction C, the container 11 that can easily fall down can be quickly sent out without falling down, and the processing ability to send out the container 11 can be improved. Therefore, the containers 11 arranged in a plurality of rows can be moved to the elevating table 12 without waiting for the completion of the feeding of the containers 11 from the elevating table 121 or with a short waiting time.
The container 11 can be transferred and sent out, and the processing ability for aligning the containers 11 can be improved.

When the container 11 on the lifting table 121 is transferred onto the conveyor 152 when the container 11 is sent out, the holding means is held on the container 11 while the conveyance of the container 11 by the conveyor 152 is continued.
Since the 153 escapes from the transport area of the container 11 while escaping in the sending direction C, it is possible to prevent the container 11 that is released from being held from falling without stopping the transport of the container 11.

The holding and moving unit 18 that moves along the sending direction C
The holding unit 196 is connected to the container 1
By swinging to the holding position that enters the downstream side in the sending direction C of 1, the front side of the container 11 in the sending direction C can be securely held by the holding means 153, and By swinging the container 196 to the retracted position where the container 11 is retracted from the downstream side in the sending direction of the container 11, the container 11 can be sent out to the downstream side, and the lifting unit 191 can be moved up and down with respect to the holding and moving unit 181 Thereby, the height of the holding section 196 can be adjusted according to the type of the container 11.

An end of the elevating part 191 protrudes from the end of the holding and moving part 181 facing the elevating table 121 toward the elevating table 121,
Since the holding section 196 is provided at the end of the elevating section 191, the container 11
Only the holding portion 196 necessary to hold the front side in the sending direction C can be made to enter above the elevating table 121,
Even when the upper region of the lifting table 121 is used separately, the container 11 can be held without interference.

The vicinity of the container 11 on the front side in the feeding direction C on the elevating table 121 is set as a holding standby position of the holding means 153. When the pushing means 151 pushes the container 11 on the elevating table 121, the container on the front side in the sending direction C is pushed out. Since the holding means 153 starts moving in the sending direction C in accordance with the timing at which the holding means 153 reaches the holding means 153, even if the number of containers 11 in the sending direction C and the size of the containers 11 are different, the holding means 153 and the pushing means 151 are held. The container 11 can be reliably held between the container 153 and the means 153.

The aligning means 23 does not move, and the transporting means 22
The container 11 may be distributed to each alignment lane 35 on the side.

The transporting means 22 is not limited to the case where the containers 11 are transported in a single row, but may transport a plurality of rows and send the plurality of rows to the aligning means 23 for alignment.

In the above-described embodiment, containers such as PET bottles are shown as articles. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Containers such as bottles and cans or articles other than containers may be used. Similar functions and effects can be obtained by associating each component of the alignment device with the shape and the like.

[0102]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus moves up and down between a raised position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles released from the transfer means and a lowered position for sending out the transferred plurality of rows of articles. Since the receiving means having the elevating part is provided, when the plurality of rows of articles arranged by the aligning means and received by the transferring means are transferred, the elevating part is raised to the ascending position and the plurality of rows are transferred from the transferring means. Articles can be transferred, the lifting unit can be lowered to the lowered position and a plurality of rows of articles can be sent out, there is no need to raise and lower the transfer means, the lifting mechanism of the transfer means is unnecessary, and the transfer means can be used. The size and weight can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the lifting device which moves up and down between the raising position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles released from the transferring means and the lowering position for sending out the transferred plurality of rows of articles. A plurality of articles conveyed in at least one row by the conveying means are arranged in a plurality of rows by the aligning means, and the plurality of rows of articles discharged from the aligning means are received by the transfer means. When transferring, the elevating unit can be raised to the ascending position to transfer a plurality of rows of articles from the transferring means, and the elevating unit can be lowered to the lowered position to send out a plurality of rows of articles. There is no need to raise and lower the heavy transfer means, and the lifting mechanism of the transfer means is unnecessary, and the transfer means can be reduced in size and weight.

According to the aligning device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the aligning device of the first or second aspect, the elevating unit is moved up and down by the elevating drive means via the link mechanism for moving the elevating unit up and down in parallel. Since it is driven, the lifting unit can be raised and lowered in parallel with a simple configuration.

According to the alignment device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the alignment device of any one of the first to third aspects, the lifting unit is a lifting table on which articles are placed on the upper surface,
Even objects that can easily fall down can be reliably placed.

According to the aligning device of the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the aligning device of the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the aligning device of the fourth aspect, the conveyor having the rotating bodies at both ends and the endless bodies wrapped around these rotating bodies is provided at the lower position. When receiving and transporting articles sent from the lifting table, the end of the lifting table facing the rotating body of the conveyor is located in an upper region between the upper side and the end side of the peripheral surface of the rotating body. Steps between the table and the conveyor can be reduced, and articles that can easily fall down can be reliably sent out from the elevating table onto the conveyor.

According to the alignment device of the sixth aspect, in addition to the effect of the alignment device of any one of the first to fifth aspects, even if the container is suspended and supported by the transfer means via the neck, the lifting unit Can be moved to the ascending position and can be reliably transferred.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a transfer device, a receiving device, and a sending device as viewed from a side opposite to a transport direction, showing an embodiment of an alignment device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the alignment device.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the alignment device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the aligning unit and the payout unit when viewed from a transport direction.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an upper structure of the transfer means.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the transfer means.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the holding unit of the transfer unit as viewed from a side opposite to a transport direction.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a transfer lane of the transfer unit.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the transfer unit, the receiving unit, and the sending unit as viewed from the side opposite to the transport direction.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a transfer unit, a receiving unit, and a sending unit according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the same receiving means.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the conveyor of the same sending means as viewed from a side opposite to a conveying direction.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the holding means of the sending means.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transfer operation in the order of (a) to (j).

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram explaining the sending operation in the order of (a) to (e).

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Container as an article 13 Neck part 21 Alignment device 22 Transport means 23 Alignment means 24 Discharge means 25 Transfer means 26 Receiving means 121 Elevating table as elevating part 123 Link mechanism 124 Elevating driving means 128 End 152 Conveyor 166 Rotating body 167 Endless body

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yu Nakanaka 900 Kouchi, Noguchi-cho, Kakogawa-shi, Hyogo Prefecture F-term in Okura Transport Equipment Co., Ltd. 3F072 AA07 KD01 KD12 KD27 KE04 3F081 AA19 BD05 BD15 BD16 BD17 BD18 CC17 CD23 CE13 CE14 DB04

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. Alignment means for arranging and discharging a plurality of articles in a plurality of rows, transfer means for receiving and releasably supporting a plurality of rows of articles discharged from the alignment means, and releasing from the transfer means And a receiving means having an elevating part which moves up and down between a raised position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles to be transferred and a lowered position for sending out the transferred plurality of rows of articles. 2. A conveying means for conveying a plurality of articles in at least one row, an aligning means for arranging a plurality of articles conveyed by the conveying means in a plurality of rows, and disposing a plurality of rows of articles from the aligning means. Dispensing means for dispensing, transfer means for receiving and releasably supporting a plurality of rows of articles paid out from the alignment means, and a raised position for transferring a plurality of rows of articles released from the transfer means. Receiving means having an elevating part which moves up and down between a lowering position for sending out a plurality of rows of articles. 3. The receiving means has a link mechanism for raising and lowering the raising and lowering part in parallel, and a raising and lowering driving means for raising and lowering the raising and lowering part via the link mechanism. An alignment device as described. 4. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting unit is a lifting table on which an article is placed on an upper surface. 5. A rotating body of the conveyor, comprising: a rotating body at both ends; and a conveyor having an endless body wrapped around the rotating body, for receiving and transporting an article sent out from a lifting table at a lowered position. 5. The alignment device according to claim 4, wherein an end of the lifting table facing the upper surface is located in an upper region between an upper side and an end of a peripheral surface of the rotating body. 6. 6. The aligning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the article is a container having a neck portion, and wherein the transfer means suspends and supports the container via the neck portion.