JP2002265039A - Distributor and boxing system having the distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for simultaneously attaining distribution and accurate alignment of articles. SOLUTION: Two sucking pads 102 and 102 are installed on an arm 62 for turning and lifting with a shaft 66 as the center. When one pad 102 exists at a bag holding point H of a carrying-in conveyor 5, the other pad 102 exists at a bag releasing point R of a carrying-out conveyor 65. The pads 102 are carried to the releasing point R from the holding point H by lifting bags X, and are placed on and distributed to the conveyor 65. The bags X can accurately be placed on the releasing point R in a correct attitude. The bags X are not damaged by friction and impact. When intermittently driving the conveyor 65 by a prescribed distance while the pads 102 go and get the next bag X, the distributed bags X can be aligned in a prescribed shape such as 'a cross-in- square shape' and 'a sliced fish shape' suitable for boxing work of a succeeding process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention belongs to the technical field of sorting and boxing articles.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Bagged snacks such as potato chips are packed in a case such as a cardboard box and shipped. In order to make the case compact, the edges of the bags are abutted against each other and sometimes overlapped, and packed in a plurality of rows and columns and a plurality of heights with as little space as possible. In order for the packing machine of the production line to pack many bags efficiently in such a form, instead of supplying bags one by one to the packing machine, the condition when a plurality of bags are packed in advance. Is to supply them in a state close to Then, the boxing device only has to catch the sent thing as it is and put it in the case. For example, when one stage is 4 × 2 × 2, two bags are connected vertically without any gap (so-called “field”), or the edges of the bags are slightly overlapped. If you send two pieces of stuff (the same "sashimi") to the boxing device, the boxing device captures them one row at a time and makes them 2x2, and transports them to the case for one stage. Can be packed all at once. For this reason, the production line has a sorting device that sorts articles conveyed in a single row from the upstream into multiple rows, aligns the side edges of the articles, and packs the articles into boxes, such as “Tanji” and “Sashimi”. An aligning machine or the like for aligning in a predetermined state suitable for the apparatus is provided upstream of the boxing device.

Here, a conventional sorting device will be described with reference to the drawings. For example, the thing shown in FIG. 17 pushes the articles x... X conveyed in the direction a from the side in the direction c perpendicular to the conveying path by the pusher b and sorts them by hitting the guide d on the side. Also, in the one shown in FIG. 18, the conveyor e for transporting the articles x... X in the g direction intersects with the conveyor f for transporting the articles x. By reciprocating on the downstream conveyor f, the articles x discharged from the upstream conveyor e are sorted in the width direction on the downstream conveyor f.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-313412 discloses an arrangement in which eccentric pulleys m, m rotating around axes k, k are arranged between feed rollers j, j, as shown in FIG. Proposed. The feed roller j conveys the article x in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal direction. When the pulleys m and m rotate, for example, in the direction of o, the belt n wound between the pulleys m and m protrudes and retracts from the conveying surface of the roller j, and throws the article x sideways as indicated by the symbol p. At that time, a presser plate q for restricting excessive lifting of the article x is provided above so that a sufficiently large horizontal force acts on the article x.

[0005]

However, all of these conventional sorting devices drag the article to the side, drop it from above, or throw it by applying force from below. Rubbing, rolling on the transfer surface, or colliding with the transfer surface. Then, because of such physical influence, it is not possible to accurately control the position and orientation of the sorted articles. Furthermore, it is difficult to connect a plurality of sorted articles in a "field" without gaps or to overlap the edges of the articles little by little with "sashimi". In the formula, it is almost impossible because the articles abut and interfere with each other. As a result, before the articles are supplied to the box packing apparatus, an aligning machine for correcting the scattered attitude of the articles and aligning the side edges is necessarily required, and the line becomes longer and more complicated. in addition,
At the time of sorting, there is also a problem that the article is damaged or damaged by friction or impact with the conveying surface, and the printing on the surface is blurred. On the other hand, since the aligning machine alone merely aligns the articles, a separate sorting device must be provided to increase the number of rows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and accurately distributes articles to predetermined positions in a predetermined posture without damaging the articles, thereby simultaneously realizing the sorting and alignment of the articles. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device capable of performing such operations.

Further, in the conveyor drive system shown in FIG. 18, a space is required because the two conveyors e and f cross each other, and the installation layout is not flexible. In addition, when the upstream conveyor e moves, there is a possibility that the articles x...

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to cope with the space saving and high speed of the sorting device. Less than,
The present invention will be described in detail including other problems.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting apparatus for sorting articles conveyed in one row from an upstream into a plurality of rows. Loading means for loading articles, article holding means having a plurality of suction means for sucking the articles on the loading means from above, and such that the article holding means sorts the articles on the loading means using the suction means. Moving means for moving the article holding means up and down and turning horizontally, or moving up and down and linearly moving horizontally, and a plurality of articles on which the articles sorted by the article holding means are placed and unloaded. Storage and unloading means, and holding and release of the articles by the suction means, driving of the moving means, and storage and unloading means so that the articles placed on the storage and unloading means are aligned in a predetermined state. Characterized in that it comprises a control means for interlocking the drive.

[0010] According to this, when the article holding means moves up and down and turns horizontally, or moves up and down and moves straight, the articles carried in one row from the upstream are adsorbed from above by the adsorbing means, and a plurality of storages are carried out. Sorted and placed on the unloading means. Therefore, the article is lifted and moved at the time of sorting (floating in the air and moving in the air), during which the article rubs with the transport surface, rolls on the transport surface, or collides with the transport surface. Never do. As a result, the sorted articles can be accurately placed at a predetermined position in a predetermined posture without being physically affected by the transport surface. In addition, it is possible to avoid damage to the articles due to friction or impact with the conveying surface.

In addition, the driving of the suction means and the moving means,
That is, since the distributing operation of the article and the driving of the storage and unloading means, that is, the unloading operation of the article downstream, are linked, for example,
By intermittently driving the storage and unloading means by a predetermined distance while the suction means is picking up the next article, the sorted multiple articles can be used for post-packing operations such as "taji" and "sashimi". It is possible to align them in a suitable predetermined state. This was not possible simply because the sorting operation and the unloading operation were controlled in association with each other, but the articles were lowered from above during the sorting and placed to eliminate the contact and interference between the articles. It became possible together with that. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an aligning machine or the like separately from the sorting device, and it is possible to effectively prevent the production line from becoming large and complicated.

[0012] Here, when the suction means turns horizontally at the time of sorting, the release point can be arranged downstream of the article holding point in the transport direction, so that the upstream loading means and the downstream storage / discharge means are separated. Without interfering, a plurality of storage and unloading means can be arranged in close proximity to each other, and the width of the entire apparatus is reduced,
The installation layout of the device is improved. In addition, since the article moves so as to escape in the downstream direction along an arc trajectory from the holding point, the carrying-in means can carry in the next article at an early timing, which contributes to high-speed processing of the line. Note that the turning movement includes any of a reciprocating turning movement within a certain range and a one-turn turning movement that makes a round in one direction.

On the other hand, when the suction means moves horizontally and straight at the time of sorting, the moving peripheral area of the suction means becomes small,
From that point, the installation layout of the apparatus is improved. Also,
The linear movement of the suction means can be realized with a simple configuration. Note that the linear movement includes a reciprocating linear movement within a certain range.

Next, according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the storage and unloading means is parallel to a transport path of the loading means and from an extension of the transport path. It is characterized by being displaced.

According to this, for example, when a defective product is carried in from the upstream, the defective device can be naturally removed from the line because the suction means does not hold it.

Next, according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the above first or second aspect, the adsorbing means comprises:
The article holding means is rotatably provided in a substantially horizontal plane.

According to this, the posture of the article can be changed at the time of sorting. In this case, in the linear movement, the posture of the article is changed by rotating the suction means. In the turning movement, the posture of the article is naturally determined by turning (revolving) without rotating (rotating) the suction means. Changes. The article can be kept in the same posture before and after sorting by rotating the suction means so as to cancel the revolution.

Next, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the suction means is provided on the article holding means so as to be changeable in position. It is characterized by.

According to this, it is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the arrangement positions of the upstream carrying means and the downstream carrying means and their mutual positional relationship.

Next, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article detecting means for detecting an article on the carry-in means, and a detection of the article detecting means. And a part detecting means for detecting a predetermined part of the article based on a result, wherein the control means controls the suction means to hold the article at the predetermined part based on a detection result of the part detecting means. It is characterized by doing.

According to this, since the suction means always sucks and holds the article at the same site (predetermined site), as long as the suction means releases the article at the same position and in the same direction, the article is always at the same position, They are sorted in the same posture and placed on the carrying-out means. Therefore, the positions and postures of the articles after the sorting are unified, and, for example, the side edges of the plurality of articles after the sorting can be finely aligned.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the predetermined portion of the article is substantially at the center of the plane of the article.

According to this, the detection of the predetermined portion becomes easy. In other words, the approximate center (plane center) of the plane of the article is located at the center of the length in the transport direction of the article and at the center of the length in the transport width direction. Therefore, even when an article is carried in in a straight posture, or when carried in obliquely in a horizontal plane, a predetermined portion can be detected for each article by the same processing method.

Next, the invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 5, the predetermined portion of the article is a center of mass of the article.

According to this, since the adsorbing means holds the article at the center of mass, the held article is stable, and is prevented from wobbling during movement, and the position or posture of the article after sorting is shifted. Can be avoided. That is, in the present invention, as described above, the article is adsorbed, floats in the air, and moves in the air.
Therefore, if it is adsorbed and moved off the center of mass,
There is a possibility that a force such as a swinging force or a moment is applied to the suction-held portion and the article is released from the suction-hold and dropped. Therefore, such a problem can be prevented in the present invention.

Next, according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means changes the number of articles to be distributed to the storage / unloading means. It is characterized by being able to.

According to this, it is possible to arbitrarily change the number of articles added to the row, that is, the vertical number in one row. As a result, it is possible to realize various types of packing such as one, two, three, etc. with one machine.

Next, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the control means controls the distribution of articles to all storage and unloading means, It is characterized in that it is possible to switch between the distribution of the articles to the storage and delivery means.

According to this, the number of columns, that is, the number of rows in one stage can be arbitrarily changed. For example, if there are three carrying-out means, and if articles are sorted to all of them, three rows are formed. On the other hand, if articles are sorted to two of them, two rows are formed. As a result, various boxes can be realized with one machine, such as one, two, three or the like.

In particular, by combining this change in the number of rows and the change in the number of columns as in the invention of claim 8, the arrangement and number of articles in one stage can be made with a high degree of freedom. It can be changed, and one machine can support various packing styles.

Further, for example, when the unloading means breaks down,
By not distributing the articles to the failed carrying-out means, it is possible to distribute the articles without waste.

Next, according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means is configured to distribute two or more articles to two or more storage / unloading means. The method is characterized in that articles are alternately sorted to each storage and unloading means.

According to this, the articles are sorted to each storage and unloading means in order, and therefore as uniformly as possible. As a result, the sorting work of each row is completed at the same timing, so that the packing in the post-process can be performed. In the work, all the rows can be packed almost efficiently at the same time without waiting for completion of other rows for a long time, which contributes to high-speed processing.

Next, according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the article holding means includes a plurality of support members extending horizontally from a center of rotation. Means, wherein the control means comprises:
And rotating the plurality of support members in the horizontal direction such that when a predetermined suction unit of the plurality of suction units is on the loading unit, another predetermined suction unit is on the storage and unloading unit. It is characterized by.

According to this, a configuration is realized in which the articles are swirled and distributed to the carrying-out means. In addition, since the suction of the article on the carrying-in means and the release of the article on the carrying-out means are performed at the same time, while the sorting is completed on one side, the preparation for sorting can be completed on the other side. Significantly contributes to

Next, according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the article holding means comprises a single support member extending horizontally in a moving direction. The control means is configured to control the unit so that when a predetermined one of a plurality of suction means is on the carrying-in means, another predetermined suction means is on the storage and unloading means. It is characterized in that one support member is moved linearly in the horizontal direction.

According to this, a configuration is realized in which the articles are moved linearly and sorted on the carrying-out means. Further, as in the case of the eleventh aspect, the suction of the article on the carrying-in means and the release of the article on the carrying-out means are simultaneously performed, which also contributes significantly to the high-speed processing.

Next, a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is based on the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, wherein the extending direction of the support member is changeable.

According to this, the turning angle can be changed in the case of the turning movement, and the moving direction can be changed in the case of the linear movement. It is possible to flexibly cope with a change in the arrangement position of the carry-in means on the side and the carry-out means on the downstream side, and a change in their mutual positional relationship.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a boxing system for packing articles conveyed from an upstream, wherein the sorting apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects and the apparatus. And a container control means for controlling the sorting device and the storage means.

According to this, a system for boxing articles in cooperation with the sorting device described in each of the above claims is provided. In this case, the articles sorted in a plurality of rows are conveyed in a predetermined state suitable for box packing by the storage and unloading means of the sorting apparatus, so that box packing is efficiently performed without any trouble. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through embodiments of the present invention.

[0042]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Overall Configuration of Production Line] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the production line shown in FIG. This line is for continuously producing packaging bags X ... X filled with potato chips or the like and packing them in boxes. In the line, in order from the upstream side along the transport direction of the packaging bag X, the bag making and packaging machine 1, the first relay conveyor 2,
An interval adjusting device 3, a seal checker 4, a second relay conveyor 5, a sorting device 6, and a box packing device 7 are arranged.

The bag making and packaging machine 1 is, for example, a vertical pillow type packaging machine. The contents measured to the target weight by the combination weighing device A are filled in a packaging bag, and the bag X is discharged to the relay conveyor 2. The relay conveyor 2 conveys the packaging bag X to the seal checker 4 while raising the packaging bag X and transporting the packaging bag X to the interval adjusting device 3 while adjusting the interval between the front and rear bags X, X to a constant pitch. The seal checker 4 presses the packaging bag X with the pressing plate while transporting it, and inspects the seal of the bag X based on the behavior of the pressing plate at that time. The second relay conveyor 5 conveys the packaging bags X... X after the seal inspection in one row to the downstream, and the sorting device 6 only the packaging bags X. Are supplied to the box packing device 7 in two rows. Then, the box packing device 7 captures the sorted packaging bags X and stores them in a cardboard box.

[Mechanical Configuration of Distributing Apparatus] In the following description and drawings, the reference numerals are suffixed (a, b...
Even if there is, there is no need to distinguish between them, and the subscript is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sorting device 6 is
A distribution arm 62 and an arm 6
A swivel moving mechanism 63 for horizontally moving the 2 in a horizontal direction, an up and down moving mechanism 64 for vertically moving, and unloading conveyors 65 on which the sorted packaging bags X are placed are assembled. The machine frame 61 is shared with the downstream packaging device 7.

<Distributing Arm> The distributing arm 62 is formed in the shape of a square in a plan view (see FIG. 3). That is, the two support plates 101a and 101b extend horizontally in different directions from a pivot center formed by the axis of a center shaft 66 described later. Each support plate 101a, 1
01b are approximately the same length and make an angle of 120 ° with each other.

<Suction Pad> Support plates 101a, 101b
Are provided with suction pads 102a and 102b at the tip of the. Each pad 102 is provided rotatably in a horizontal plane via a rod 103. Each pad 102 is connected to a negative pressure source (not shown) by a flexible pipe 104, and when a negative pressure is supplied through the pipe 104, the pad 102 absorbs the packaging bag X carried in by the second relay conveyor 5 from above. When the supply of the negative pressure is stopped, the suction of the packaging bag X is stopped and released.

<Turning Movement Mechanism> Mechanisms for turning and vertically moving the distribution arm 62 as described above are well known, and any of them may be employed. For example, in the distribution device 6, the turning movement mechanism 63 includes a center shaft 66 extending vertically. The shaft 66 is rotatably supported by a frame 61 a provided on the machine frame 61. A distribution arm 62 is attached to the lower end. The frame 61a is also provided with a turning drive motor 105. A timing belt 108 is wound around a pulley 106 attached to the output shaft of the motor 105 and a pulley 107 attached to the center shaft 66, and the rotation of the motor 105 is performed via the timing belt 108. Is the shaft 66 and the arm 6
2 is transmitted. The pulley 1 of the center shaft 66
07 rotates integrally with the shaft 66.
Are provided so as to be slidable along.

The turning drive motor 105 is, for example, a servo motor, and the drive speed and the drive amount can be freely changed for each control cycle. That is, the distribution arm 62
It is possible to control the turning speed, turning distance, and the like in various patterns.

<Up-Down Moving Mechanism> The up-down moving mechanism 64 includes a vertically extending screw shaft 111 rotatably supported by the frame 61a and a lifting drive motor 112. Screw shaft 11
1 is provided with a bracket 116 by screwing. The bracket 116 is prevented from rotating in a horizontal plane. Pulley 11 attached to the output shaft of motor 112
The timing belt 115 is wound around the pulley 3 and the pulley 114 attached to the screw shaft 111, and the rotation of the motor 112 is transmitted to the screw shaft 111 via the timing belt 115. Then, the bracket 116 moves up and down along the screw shaft 111 by the rotation of the screw shaft 111.

A cylindrical boss 117 is formed on the bracket 116. The boss 117 is provided at the center shaft 6
6 is loosely fitted. The center shaft 66 is rotatable with respect to the boss 117, but moves up and down integrally with the boss 117. That is, when the bracket 116 moves up and down, the center shaft 66 and the turning arm 62 move up and down together. The lifting drive motor 112 is also a servo motor, for example, and can control the vertical movement speed and vertical movement distance of the distribution arm 62 in various patterns.

<Position Holding Mechanism> On the outer peripheral surface of the boss 117, two teeth 122, 122 are formed vertically. A timing belt 123 is wound around each tooth 122 and a pulley 121 attached to the rod 103 of each suction pad 102. Here, the boss portion 117 is assembled and fixed to the bracket 116. Therefore, even if the distribution arm 62 turns, the suction pads 102 connected to the boss portion 117 by the timing belt 123 maintain their orientation without being affected by the turning (revolution). That is, while the distribution arm 62 is turning, the suction pad 102 is relatively rotated (rotated) with respect to the arm 62 so as to cancel the revolution, and the posture of the sucked bag X is kept the same before and after the distribution.

<Unloading Conveyor> Unloading Conveyors 65, 65
Has not only a storage function in which the sorted bags XX are placed, but also an unloading function of supplying the bags XX to the downstream packing device 7 by traveling. Unloading conveyor 65,
The transfer surface 65 is located at substantially the same height as the transfer surface of the second relay conveyor, that is, the carry-in conveyor 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the unloading conveyors 65, 65 are located on the downstream side of the infeed conveyor 5 in a direction parallel to the transport path of the infeed conveyor 5 and across the extension of the transport path (in the transport direction). Downstream).

Here, the one suction pad 102a reciprocates along an arc locus between the end of the carry-in conveyor 5 (bag holding point H) and the start of the left carry-out conveyor 65a (bag release point R1). The other suction pad 102b reciprocates along an arc locus between the end of the carry-in conveyor 5 and the start end (bag release point R2) of the right carry-out conveyor 65b. Then, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 3, when the left pad 102a is located at the release point R1 on the left conveyor 65a, the right pad 102b is located at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5, and conversely, 3, when the right pad 102b is located at the release point R2 on the right conveyor 65b, the left pad 102a is located at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5. That is, one holding point H and two release points R1 and R2 are allocated at intervals of 120 ° on the circumference around the center shaft 66 in plan view.

<Photo Sensor> The carry-in conveyor 5 has a bag X
Is provided. The sensor 130 has a light projecting unit 130a and a light receiving unit 130b arranged so as to sandwich the carrying path of the bag X on the left and right. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 130a to the light receiving unit 130b is shown in FIG.
As shown by a broken line in FIG. The photo sensor 130 is, as shown in FIG.
A bag detection signal is output from time t1 when the leading end of the bag is detected to time t2 when the rear end of the bag X is detected.

<Guide> A guide 160 is provided upstream of the photosensor 130. The guide 160 gradually positions the packaging bag X from both sides of the carry-in conveyor 5 toward the center in the width direction, thereby positioning the bag X at the center in the width direction of the carry-in conveyor 5. Also, for example, FIG.
As shown in (1), there is also a function of straightening the posture of the bag X conveyed obliquely in the horizontal plane.

<Control Unit> A control unit (hereinafter referred to as “ECU”) 140 is mounted on the distribution device 6. The ECU 140 has a detection unit (plane center detection unit) 140a at the approximate center G (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the plane of the bag X. The ECU 140 receives the bag detection signal from the photo sensor 130, and receives the turning servomotor 105, the vertical servomotor 11
2. Each drive of the left and right carry-out conveyors 65, 65 and the two distribution suction pads 102, 102 is controlled. That is, the distribution operation of the distribution device 6 is controlled. In addition, ECU1
40 also controls the boxing operation of the boxing device 7. This ECU1
The specific operation of the sorting device 6 and the box packing device 7 by 40 will be described later.

[Packing Device] As shown in FIG. 3, the packing device 7 has a suction unit 150 having a plurality of suction pads. This unit 150 is located downstream of the machine frame 61,
It is provided so as to be vertically movable and horizontally (laterally) movable in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the carry-out conveyors 65 and 65. The suction unit 150 is a suction pad 1 for sorting.
Similarly to 02 and 102, when a negative pressure is supplied from a negative pressure source (not shown), the packing bags X... X on the left conveyor 65a are sucked from above and held by the left half, and
The packaging bags X on the right conveyor 65b are sucked and held from above. Then, when the supply of the negative pressure is stopped, the suction of the bags XX is stopped and released, and the bags XX are collected in a cardboard box B disposed on the right side of the right conveyor 65b. To accommodate.

[Basic Operation] <Distribution> An example of the basic operation of the distribution device 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. The figure shows four packaging bags X1 to X4.
(Subscripts 1 to 4 indicate the order of distribution) in a 2 × 2 “sashimi” state. Time elapses in the order of FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 and returns from the state of FIG. 7 to the state of FIG. In the meantime, the state of FIG. 3 enters. The carry-in conveyor 5 is constantly driven, and the carry-out conveyors 65, 65 are intermittently driven.

In the sorting operation, the suction pads 102,
Supply / discharge of negative pressure to / from the pad 102,
02, the holding operation and the releasing operation of the bag X, and the driving of the two servomotors 105 and 112, that is, the distribution arm 6
2 and the driving of the two unloading conveyors 65a and 65b, that is, the movement of the sorted bags X.

(1) First, in FIG. 4, the left pad 102a is at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5, and the right pad 102a
b is at the release point R2 on the right conveyor 65b. The arm 62 is lowered, and a negative pressure is supplied to the left pad 102a and a negative pressure is not supplied to the right pad 102b.
As a result, the left pad 102a is placed on the bag X on the carry-in conveyor 5.
3 and the right pad 102b holds the bag X
2 is released and placed on the right conveyor 65b.

The conveyors 65a and 65b are stopped. There is only the released bag X2 near the release point R2 of the right conveyor 65b. Therefore, this bag X2 is the front bag among the two bags constituting the right row. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the release point R1 of the left conveyor 65a, the previous bag X1 of the two bags forming the left row is already placed. In addition, the bag X1 has moved downstream by a predetermined distance except for the overlap margin. This predetermined distance (K) corresponds to a length shorter than the length L (see FIG. 11) of the bag X in the transport direction by an overlap margin (M) (K = LM). Then, from this state, the arm 62 rises and turns 120 ° to the left (clockwise in the drawing).

(2) Next, in FIG. 5, the left pad 102a
Is at the release point R1 on the left conveyor 65a, and the right pad 102b is at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5 (FIG. 2).
Also shows this state). The arm 62 has not yet descended, and while the left pad 102a holds the bag X3, the right pad 102b starts to supply a negative pressure and prepares for suction of the next bag X4. Waiting above.

Here, during the transition from the state of FIG. 4 to the state of FIG. 5, the right conveyor 65b travels a little, and the bag X2 moves downstream by a predetermined distance (K) except for the overlap margin.
The left conveyor 65a remains stopped.

In this state, the arm 62 descends, and the supply of the negative pressure to the left pad 102a stops. As a result, the left pad 102a releases the held bag X3 and releases the left conveyor 6.
Place on 5a. At this time, the front edge of the bag X3 after the left row is overlapped on the rear edge of the bag X1 by a predetermined overlap margin (see FIG. 2). On the other hand, the right pad 102b sucks and holds the next bag X4 (chain line) on the carry-in conveyor 5.
Then, from this state, the arm 62 rises and turns 120 ° to the right (counterclockwise in the drawing).

(3) Next, in FIG. 6, as in FIG. 4, the left pad 102a is at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5, and
Release point R2 on right conveyor 65b when right pad 102b is
It is in. The arm 62 has not yet descended and the right pad 1
02b holds the bag X4, and the left pad 102a waits above each point R2, H while the supply of the negative pressure is started and preparation for suction of the previous bag X1 in the next left row is performed.

Here, during the transition from the state of FIG. 5 to the state of FIG. 6, the left conveyor 65a travels largely, and the completed left rows X1 and X3 are located directly below the horizontal movement path of the boxing suction unit 150. Has moved downstream until. The right conveyor 65b remains stopped.

From this state, the arm 62 descends, and the supply of the negative pressure to the right pad 102b stops. As a result, the right pad 102b releases the bag X4 held and releases the right conveyor 6b.
5b. At that time, as in the left column, the front edge of the bag X4 after the right column is overlapped on the rear edge of the previous bag X2 by a predetermined overlap margin. On the other hand, the left pad 102a sucks and holds the bag X1 (chain line) on the carry-in conveyor 5. Then, from this state, the arm 62 rises and turns 120 ° to the left.

(4) Next, in FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 5, the left pad 102a is located at the release point R1 on the left conveyor 65a, and the right pad 102b is located at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5.
It is in. The arm 62 has not yet descended and the left pad 1
02a holds the bag X1, and the right pad 102b waits above the points R1 and H, respectively, while negative pressure supply is started and preparation for suctioning the previous bag X2 in the next right row is performed.

Here, during the transition from the state of FIG. 6 to the state of FIG. 7, the right conveyor 65b travels largely, and the completed right rows X2 and X4 are located directly below the horizontal movement path of the boxing suction unit 150. Has moved downstream until. The left conveyor 65a remains stopped.

The arm 62 descends from this state, and the supply of the negative pressure to the left pad 102a stops (FIG. 3 shows this state). As a result, the left pad 102a holds the bag X
1 is released and placed on the left conveyor 65a. On the other hand, the right pad 102b sucks and holds the bag X2 (chain line) on the carry-in conveyor 5. Then, from this state, the arm 62 ascends, turns 120 ° to the right, descends, and returns to the state of FIG.
In the meantime, the left conveyor 65a runs a little and the bag X
1 moves downstream by a predetermined distance (K) leaving an overlap margin. The right conveyor 65b remains stopped.

<Packing> During one cycle of the sorting operation as described above, the packing operation by the suction unit 150 is performed once in conjunction with the sorting operation. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, while the sorted bags X... X are still on the upstream side of the carry-out conveyors 65, 65, the suction unit 150 is lowered into the box B and held there. Are stored in the box B. The bags X1 to X4 are overlapped little by little in front and rear and right and left.

After the storage of the bags X1 to X4 is completed, the suction unit 150 is moved laterally and returns to the left conveyor 65a as shown in FIG. And the left column X1, X
3 and the right columns X2 and X4 are subsequently transported as shown in FIG. 7 and, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the left columns X1 and X3 and the right columns X2 and X4 are arranged in this order. Pick it up. At this time, the side edges of the left and right bags are overlapped by a predetermined overlap margin. Then, immediately after moving above the box B and descending, these four bags X as shown in FIG.
1 to X4 (1 stage) are packed in the box B at a time.

[Features of Distributing Apparatus] <Regarding Distributing Operation> (1) Regarding the distributing operation, the distributing arm 62 is moved up and down to
The bag X on the carry-in conveyor 5 is sucked from above with the suction pad 102, lifted up and down, and placed on the right or left carry-out conveyor 65. No physical contact with 5,65,65. That is, the bag X floats in the air and moves in the air. In addition, the bag X is a suction pad 1 from the beginning to the end.
02 and move exactly on the determined route. As a result, the bag X can be prevented from being damaged by friction or impact, and the bag X can be accurately positioned at a predetermined position (the release point R).
1, R2) in a predetermined posture (in the illustrated example, a vertically long posture).

(2) Since the sorted bags X are lowered from above and placed on the carry-out conveyors 65, 65,
Collision or interference between adjacent bags X, X can be avoided, and the displacement of the position or posture can be eliminated. In conjunction with this, the loading operation of the bags X and the running operation of the unloading conveyors 65, 65 are linked, and each time the bags X are loaded on the unloading conveyors 65, 65, the conveyors 65, 65 are moved. The vehicle is caused to travel downstream by a predetermined distance (K) (the bag X2 at the time of transition from FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 and the bag X at the time of transition from FIG. 7 to FIG. 4).
1), a plurality of bags X distributed on the conveyors 65, 65
… “Sashimi” where the edges of X are overlapped with each other
Satisfactorily can be arranged in the form shown in FIG. As a result, the post-packing operation is smoothly and efficiently performed. Further, it is not necessary to provide an aligning machine between the sorting device 6 and the box packing device 7, so that the production line can be prevented from becoming large and complicated.

(3) Bags X... X on carry-in conveyor 5
Since the two conveyors 65 and 65 are alternately distributed, the left and right rows X1, X3 and the right rows X2, X4 are completed almost simultaneously with a slight time lag (the interval between FIGS. 6 and 7). As a result, the time during which the boxing suction unit 150 waits on the left conveyor 65a is reduced, and efficient packing is realized, contributing to high-speed processing of the line. In this case, the suction unit 150 is quickly completed from the left columns X1 and X3 on the opposite side of the arrangement of the box B, and the left conveyor 65
In this case, the suction unit 150 may be linearly moved in one direction from the left end to the right end when packing, so that the lateral movement distance is shortened and the work efficiency is improved.

(4) By the reciprocating rotation of the distribution arm 62,
The two suction pads 102, 102 have the same angle (1
(20 °), and reciprocate between one holding point H and two release points R, R, respectively.
The reciprocating swing motion of the two pads 102, 102 is shifted in phase by exactly one half. As a result, the suction operation (down) of the bag X from above at the holding point H by one pad 102, the lifting operation (up) of the bag X, and the going operation (turning) to the release point R are performed by the other pad 102, respectively. 10
2 completely matches the placing operation of the bag X at the release point R (lowering), the sorting completion operation (up), and the returning operation to the holding point H (turning) at the release point R. And the work in the right column are always achieved at the same time, and the rational and efficient operation significantly contributes to the high-speed processing of the production line. That is, the same operation and the same work time are required to form one row and two rows.

(5) As described above, this sorting device 6
Since the left and right two rows are formed efficiently and simultaneously by the reciprocating rotation of the distribution arm 62, it is particularly effective when the bags XX are packed in a plurality of rows in one row in the box B. . If one of the rows is completed earlier and the other row is completed later, the packing suction unit 1
The waiting time of 50 becomes unnecessarily long, and two pads 10
One of 2,102 is always missed,
High-speed processing of the line is hindered. That is, moving the distribution device 6 in accordance with the above-described basic operation, in order to pack the bags X... X in a plurality of rows, brings out the maximum processing capability of the line.

<Mechanical Configuration> (1) Since the suction pad 102 is swung in a horizontal plane, the bag holding point H is located upstream and the bag release points R1 and R2 are located downstream in the transport direction. Thus, the unloading conveyors 65 can be arranged completely downstream of the infeed conveyor 5 without overlapping with the infeed conveyor 5. As a result, the two unloading conveyors 65, 65 can be arranged close to each other in the width direction, and the overall width of the sorting device 6 indicated by the symbol W in FIG. Contribute to improvement. In addition, the suction pad 10
When the bag 2 is turned in the horizontal plane, the bag X moves so as to retreat downstream from the holding point H along an arc trajectory. As a result, the carry-in conveyor 5 can carry the next bag X to the holding point H at the earliest possible timing. This contributes to high-speed processing of the production line, and the effect that the bags X can be loaded at the earliest possible timing is accumulated and remarkable as the production amount increases.

(2) Since the unloading conveyor 65 is arranged on the extension of the transport path of the in-feed conveyor 5 without leaving the unloading conveyor 65, the in-feed conveyor 5 is defective (for example, the seal checker 4 in the previous process determines that the seal is defective). (For example, maintaining the state of FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7) when the sorting arm 62 is not moved down (for example, maintaining the state of FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 7). Can be dropped and discharged out of the line from the terminal end, and it is possible to sort non-defective products and defective products.

[Other Alignment States] <Regarding the Position of the Bag> In the example described above, the timing belt 123 (posture holding mechanism) is used for the suction pad 10.
The direction of No. 2 does not change with respect to the transport direction of the bag X, and the posture of the bag X is maintained before and after the distribution (vertical posture to vertical posture or horizontal posture to horizontal posture). However, in place of the posture holding mechanism, a means (posture control means: for example, a servomotor or the like) that can freely control the rotation of the suction pad 102 in the horizontal plane is provided. May be changed.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, a bag X carried in a vertical position is placed in a horizontal position at the time of sorting.
In this case, it is preferable to unify the directions (top and bottom, picture, etc.) of the bags XX in each row 65a, 65b. That is, even in the same horizontal posture, the top and bottom and the pattern of the bag X are displayed in the rows 65a, 65a.
This is because the appearance at the time of opening the box B is deteriorated if it is different every 5b (the direction is different, the direction is different, etc.). In particular, in recent years, products are often displayed and sold in boxes at stores, and therefore, it is often demanded that the bags XX are arranged neatly and the directions are unified in a boxed state. ing. of course,
It is also possible to intentionally change the direction of the bag X for each row 65a, 65b, or for each bag X... X.

Also, attention should be paid to the amount of rotation (the amount of rotation) of the suction pad 102. That is, since the bag X has already been naturally rotated (revolved) by the rotation of the arm 62, the pad 102 is rotated in a direction in which the amount of rotation is as small as possible in consideration of the revolved portion. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is advantageous to rotate the pad 102 in the direction indicated by the solid arrow rather than in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in each of the rows 65a and 65b because the amount of rotation of the pad 102 is reduced. According to the above, the bag X carried in the horizontal position can be sorted to the vertical position.

<Regarding the Form of Alignment> In the above example,
Predetermined distance (K) for intermittent drive of unloading conveyors 65, 65
Is shorter than the length L of the bag X by the overlap margin (M),
X was arranged in the form of “sashimi”, but by making the predetermined distance (K) equal to the length L of the bag X (K = L), the bags X. It is possible to align the edges in the form of a "cross-shaped" where the edges abut each other. Then, by variously combining the postures of the bags X... X and the form of alignment, various alignment states are realized, and it is possible to cope with various packaging styles.

<Alignment State and Suction Site> By the way, each incoming bag X is positioned at the center of the carry-in conveyor 5 in the width direction (transport width direction) by the guide 160 on the carry-in conveyor 5. As a result, the suction pad 102 holds the bag X on the carry-in conveyor 5 at the bag holding point H at the center in the width direction of the bag X in the vertical position, and in the vertical direction of the bag X in the horizontal position. Adsorb at the part. If the function of the guide 160 is not fulfilled and the position of the bag X in the conveyance width direction varies, if the posture is maintained from vertical to vertical or from side to side, the bags X.. About)
Are not aligned. Further, when the posture changes from vertical to horizontal or from horizontal to vertical, the interval or overlapping margin between the front and rear bags X, X after sorting is not constant.

This is not the only problem with the guide 160 for positioning the bag X in the conveying width direction. The lowering timing of the distribution arm 62 varies, and the suction pad 102
When the suction timing varies, the same problem occurs because the suction portion of the bag X by the pad 102 varies in the transport direction. For example, as shown in FIG.
When the posture of X is maintained, the interval or the overlap between the front and rear bags X, X after the sorting is not constant. As a result, in the case of "sashimi", the character "" becomes "" or vice versa, or there is a space between the front and rear bags X, X. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, when the posture of the bags X... X changes before and after the distribution, the bags X.
The left and right side edges (referred to in the transport direction) of X are not aligned. As a result, the bag X protrudes from the carry-out conveyor 65 and hits the machine frame 61 or an object outside the machine. In any case, a clear alignment state cannot be obtained, and smooth packing is hindered. Therefore, in the distributing device 6, a measure is taken for the suction pad 102 to suck and hold the bags X... Next, the suction operation of the suction pad 102 will be described.

[Suction Operation Selection] <Selection of Suction Site> As described above, if the bags X... X carried in by the carry-in conveyor 5 are always sucked at the same predetermined site, the holding point H and the release points R, R Since they are fixed, a plurality of bags X... X can be unified and distributed to the same position and the same posture at all times, and a clean alignment state can be realized. Therefore, any part of the bag X can be selected as the adsorption part. In this case, if the mass center of gravity of the bag X is particularly selected as the suction site, even when the bag X is lifted and moved by the suction pad 102,
The bag X is stable without being shaken, and as a result, when the bag X is placed, no positional displacement or positional displacement occurs, which is preferable.

<Position of Plane Center-Mass Center of Gravity> In this production line, the contents of the bag X are evenly distributed when the bag X passes through the interval adjusting device 3 in the preceding process, so that the weight distribution is uniform. . Therefore, the center of mass of the bag X coincides with the plane center of the bag X, particularly the plane center G. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the plane center G of the bag X is located at the center of the length L of the bag X also in the transport direction, and is also located at the center of the length of the bag X in the transport width direction. The same applies to the case where the bag X is carried in a straight posture and the case where the bag X is carried obliquely as shown in FIG. The positioning of the bag X in the transport width direction is performed by the guide 160 as described above, and whether or not the central portion of the length L of the bag X in the transport direction can be suctioned is determined by the distribution arm 62 or the suction arm. This depends on the timing of the lowering operation of the pad 102.

<Detection of Center of Plane and Lowering of Pad> (When Bag Length L is Unknown) As shown in FIG. 11, the leading end of the bag X carried in by the carry-in conveyor 5 is moved at time t1.
And the rear end of the photosensor 130 at time t2.
, The transfer speed V of the carry-in conveyor 5
From (known), the length L of the bag X in the transport direction can be calculated (L = V (t2−t1)). At that moment (time t2)
The position G2 of the center of the plane at can be detected. That is,
The plane center G2 is the arrangement position Gs of the photosensor 130.
It is located at a position downstream of (known) by (L / 2).

On the other hand, at time t4 when the plane center G of the bag X reaches the holding point H, the suction pad 102 comes into contact with the upper surface of the bag X and sucks. Assuming that the time required for the suction pad 102 to descend so far is Δt, the pad 102 starts descending at time t3 earlier than the arrival time t4 by the above-mentioned required time Δt. The required descent time Δt is equal to the pad 10
2 is set based on the standby height, the descending speed, and the thickness of the bag X (all known). Therefore, based on the required descent time Δt, the transport speed V of the conveyor 5, and the position G4 (= H: known) of the plane center at the arrival time t4, the pad 102
The position G3 of the center of the plane at the descent start time t3 can be calculated in advance (G3 = G4−V · Δt).

Therefore, at time t2 when the length L of the bag X is known and the position G2 of the plane center G is known, the remaining time ΔT until the pad 102 starts to descend can be known (ΔT = t3-t2 =
(G3-G2) / V). If the lowering of the pad 102 is started at the time t3 when the remaining time ΔT has elapsed from the time t2 when the rear end of the bag X is detected, the pad 10
2 attracts the plane center G of the bag X.

Here, as is apparent, the plane center position G
2 must not be downstream of the plane center position G3. That is, the arrangement position Gs of the photosensor 130 is determined such that the plane center position G2 is located upstream of the plane center position G3 in any case according to the length L of the bag X.

(When the bag length L is known) Bag X length L
Is known, the position G1 of the center of the plane can be detected at time t1 when the tip of the bag X is detected by the photosensor 130. That is, the plane center G1 is at a position (L / 2) upstream of the arrangement position Gs of the photosensor 130. Therefore, the plane center position G1 and the plane center position G3
The remaining time ΔT is obtained from (known) (ΔT = t3−t
1 = (G3-G1) / V).

In this case, since the plane center position G1 upstream of the plane center position G2 only needs to be upstream of the plane center position G3 at the descent start time t3, the arrangement position Gs of the photosensor 130 is largely shifted to the downstream side. It is possible,
The length of the carry-in conveyor 5, and thus the length of the entire line, can be reduced.

Even if the product is constant and the length L of the bag X is known, the length L of the bag X actually carried in may become longer depending on the time of filling of the contents. The center position G of the plane may change as a result. Therefore, even if the length L of the bag X is known, it is preferable to actually detect the length L of each of the loaded bags X using the photosensor 130 as described above.

<Characteristics of Suction of Bag at Center of Plane> (1) As described above (FIG. 12), even when bag X is conveyed obliquely in a horizontal plane, the center G of plane is in the conveying direction. And the position of the center G of the plane can be detected by the same process as when the bag X is transported straight, and the timing for lowering the pad 102 is good. Can be controlled. Of course, when the bag X is oblique, the rotation amount of the pad 102 at the time of distribution is controlled thereafter to correct the posture of the bag X. Whether or not the attitude of the bag X is distorted can be determined by, for example, the magnitude of the passage time of the sensor 130. Further, an image pickup means is provided on the conveyor 5, and the bag X
, The top and bottom of the bag X, and the pattern may be detected. Similarly, the height (thickness) of the bag X may be detected by the imaging unit.

(2) Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, even when the product is switched and the length L of the bag X changes, the time ts (the plane center G of the bag X is
0), plane center position G at t3, t4
Since s, G3 and G4 do not change, the plane center position G ...
As long as control is performed based on G, the suction timing of the pad 102 is not affected by the length L of the bag X. That is, it is not necessary to adjust the timing of the lowering operation of the suction pad 102 or the like.

(3) As shown in FIG. 14, even when the thickness of the bags X and X 'is changed, for example, when the product is switched, the plane center positions Gs and G at times ts and t4 are changed.
4 does not change. .. G can be detected in the same manner as described above. However, since the thicknesses of the bags X and X 'have changed, the required descent time Δt changes accordingly, the pad descent start times t3 and t3' change, and the plane center position G3 at the times t3 and t3 'changes. , G3 'change. Obviously, as the thickness increases, the required descent time Δt becomes shorter, the pad descent start time t3 ′ becomes later, and the plane center position G3 ′ at the time t3 ′ shifts to the downstream side. That is, it is only necessary to slightly adjust the timing of the lowering operation of the suction pad 102 and the like.

[Other Embodiments] (1) In the example described above, the distribution arm 62 is set at 120 °.
Is reciprocated within the allocation angle range of, but it is needless to say that the invention is not limited to this. For example, the allocation angle between the holding point H and the release point R can be 60 °, 90 °, 150 °, or the like. Further, it is also possible to configure so that the bags XX are distributed by the pads 102 while rotating the arm 62 clockwise or counterclockwise. further,
The number of carry-out conveyors 65, that is, the number of rows after sorting is not limited to two, and may be more.

(2) FIG. 15 shows an example of a sorting device which sorts bags X... X by moving the sorting arm 62 vertically and linearly in the horizontal direction. The arm 62 has a single support plate 101 extending in the horizontal movement direction. The carry-in conveyor 5 is disposed between the left and right carry-out conveyors 65a and 65b. The holding point H and the release points R1 and R2 are arranged immediately below the support plate 101 at equal intervals.
The left row pad 102a and the right row pad 102b are arranged on the support plate 101 at the same intervals as above.

The left pad 102a reciprocates along a linear trajectory between the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5 and the release point R1 on the left carry-out conveyor 65a, and the right pad 102b moves between the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5 and It reciprocates along a linear locus with the release point R2 on the right carry-out conveyor 65b. Then, as shown by the solid line, the left pad 102a is connected to the left conveyor 65a.
When located at the upper release point R1, the right pad 102b
Is located at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5, and conversely, as shown by the chain line, the right pad 102b is
When located at the upper release point R2, the left pad 102a
Is located at the holding point H on the carry-in conveyor 5. And
The pads 102, 102 move up and down at the respective points H, R1, R2, and receive and discharge a negative pressure to perform suction holding and release of the bags XX.

In the sorting device in which the pads 102, 102 move horizontally and straight, the postures of the bags XX do not change unless the pads 102, 102 are rotated. Further, the moving peripheral area S of the pads 102, 102 can be smaller than that of the revolving type (see FIG. 7), and in that respect, the installation layout of the apparatus is improved. The linear movement of the pads 102, 102 can be realized with a simple configuration.

(3) Suction pad 10 in arm 62
2 can be changed, the arrangement of the upstream carry-in conveyor 5 and the downstream carry-out conveyors 65, 65, the setting change of the holding point H and the release points R, R, and the change of their mutual positional relationship, etc. It becomes possible to respond flexibly.

(4) The support plate 101 of the arm 62,
Even if the mounting angle of 101 can be changed, the arrangement of each conveyor 5, 65, 65 can be changed, and the points H, R, R
Can be flexibly coped with the setting change of the above and the change of the mutual positional relationship. In this case, in the linear movement type shown in FIG. 15, the support plate 101 and the
The angle of intersection with 5, 65 changes. As a result, it is possible to cope with the position change of each point H, R, R to the upstream side or the downstream side in the transport direction. On the other hand, in the turning movement type, the angle between the plurality of support members 101 changes. As a result, it is possible to cope with a change in the allocation angle of each point H, R, R.

(5) If it is possible to change (switch) the number of bags X to be delivered to each carry-out conveyor 65, the number of bags X... X participating in each row after sorting, that is, one stage in box packing It is possible to freely change the number of vertical bags X in. As a result, one machine can realize various numbers of vertical bags X, and can cope with various boxing styles.

(6) Similarly, if it is possible to change (switch) the number of unloading conveyors 65 for distributing bags X... X, the number of rows after sorting, that is, the number of horizontal bags X in one stage at the time of packing. The number can be changed freely. That is, even if four unloading conveyors 65 are provided, if only two bags X are distributed without distributing the bags X to all of them, the number of lateral bags X is four in one machine. It is possible to selectively realize two types, and it is possible to cope with various boxing styles. In particular, in combination with the change in the number of the vertical bags X as described above, it is possible to change the shape and the number of the single-packed boxes with a higher degree of freedom. Further, the bags X can be prevented from being distributed to the failed carry-out conveyor 65, and the bags X can be distributed without waste.

(7) When the bag X is to be loaded in the vertical position but is loaded in the horizontal position, or vice versa, the abnormality can be determined based on the signal output time of the sensor 130. When the posture of the bag X is abnormal, the pad 1
In step 02, the pad 102 may be removed from the line without suction, or the suction pad 102 may be rotated to correct the posture and added to the sorted row.

(8) An example of a method for directly detecting the mass center of gravity of the bag X instead of assuming that the center of gravity of the bag X is substantially at the center G of the horizontal plane of the bag X is shown in FIG. That is, 2
The weighing conveyor 50 having a length shorter than the length of the bag X (the length L in the transport direction) between the two carry-in conveyors 501 and 502.
Place 3. The weighing conveyor 503 is connected to a load cell (L / C) as a load detecting means to form a weighing unit. The entire weight of the bag X does not act on the weighing unit, and the weighing signal of the load cell shows a peak when the mass center of gravity of the bag X passes as the bag X is transported. Therefore, the location of the center of mass of the bag X can be detected from the time when the peak appears.

(9) Alternatively, for example, a detector using X-rays may be arranged in a previous process of the production line to detect the deviation of the contents of the bag X based on the transmitted image. Can be directly detected.

(10) Suction unit 150 of box packing device 7
In this case, a predetermined portion (for example, a plane center or a center of gravity) of each row (each bag X... X) may be detected to control the suction portion. Like the suction pad 102 in the sorting operation,
It is possible to adjust the degree of overlap between the rows of "fields" or "sashimi", to achieve a clean alignment state, and to avoid dropping and displacement due to no swinging force acting during air movement.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, according to the present invention, the sorting of articles based on the previous process, the sorting of articles into a plurality of rows for the subsequent process, and the alignment of articles in a predetermined state can be performed by one machine. Can be performed satisfactorily, and an increase in the length of the production line can be avoided. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is widely and preferably applicable to a manufacturing site for bag-packed snacks and the like.

[0112]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a production line incorporating a sorting device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side view showing a main configuration of the distribution device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the operation of the distribution device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a basic operation of the distribution device.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state next to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state next to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state next to FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a basic operation when the posture of an article changes before and after distribution.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a problem when the suction site varies when the posture of the article is maintained before and after distribution.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a problem that occurs when an adsorption portion varies when the posture of an article changes before and after distribution.

FIG. 11 is a time chart for explaining an operation of detecting the center (plane center) of a plane of an article.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plane center detection operation when an article is conveyed while being inclined obliquely.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plane center detection operation when the length of an article changes.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plane center detection operation when the thickness of an article changes.

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a distribution device that moves a single support plate vertically and horizontally and linearly.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of a means for detecting a mass center of gravity of an article.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a conventional distribution device.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a conventional distribution device.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a conventional distribution device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 5 relay conveyor (loading means) 6 sorting device 7 boxing device 62 sorting arm (article holding means) 63 revolving moving mechanism (moving means) 64 vertical moving mechanism (moving means) 65 unloading conveyor (storage and unloading means) 101 support Plate (supporting member) 102 Suction pad (suction unit) 130 Photosensor (article detection unit) 140 Control unit (control unit) 140a Plane center detection unit (part detection unit) 150 Suction unit (storage unit) G Plan center (mass center of gravity) ) H Hold point R Release point X Packaging bag (article)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kiyosaku Iwasa 959 Shimogaku, Ritto-cho, Kurita-gun, Shiga Prefecture F-term in Ishida Shiga Works (Reference) 3E054 AA13 CA08 DC02 DC13 EA01 EA02 FA04 FC04 FC09 FC12 FC12 FE02 GA01 GA06 GB01 GB09 GC02 GC03 HA04 HA07 3F070 AA12 BA10 BC02 BC07 BD02 BE03 EA24 EB05 EB08 EB20 3F072 AA30 GA10 GB07 GB10 GC04 GD01 GE03 GG04 KA01 KC12 KD03 KD12 KD19 KD23 KD28

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A sorting apparatus for sorting articles conveyed in one row from an upstream into a plurality of rows, comprising a plurality of loading means for loading the articles, and a plurality of suction means for sucking the articles on the loading means from above. The article holding means provided, such that the article holding means sorts the articles on the carry-in means using the suction means, so that the article holding means is moved up and down and pivoted horizontally, or is moved up and down and horizontally A moving unit for linearly moving, a plurality of storage and unloading units on which articles sorted by the article holding unit are mounted, and unloading the articles, and an article mounted on the storage and unloading unit arranged in a predetermined state; Control means for interlocking the holding and release of the article by the suction means, the driving of the moving means, and the driving of the storage / unloading means. apparatus. 2. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the storage and unloading means is arranged in parallel with a transport path of the loading means and off an extension of the transport path. . 3. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the suction unit is rotatably provided on the article holding unit in a substantially horizontal plane. 4. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein the suction means is provided in the article holding means so as to be changeable in position. 5. An article detecting means for detecting an article on the carrying means, and a part detecting means for detecting a predetermined part of the article based on a detection result of the article detecting means, wherein the control means comprises: The sorting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, based on a detection result of the site detecting unit, the suction unit controls to hold the article at the predetermined site. 6. The distribution device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined portion of the article is substantially at the center of a plane of the article. 7. The sorting device according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined portion of the article is a center of mass of the article. 8. The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means can change the number of articles to be distributed to the storage and discharge means. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said control means is capable of switching between distribution of the articles to all the storage and discharge means and distribution of the articles to any of the storage and discharge means. The sorting device according to any one of the above. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means, when distributing the two or more articles to the two or more storage and unloading means, alternately distributes the articles to each of the storage and unloading means. The sorting device as described. 11. The article holding means includes a plurality of support members extending horizontally from a center of rotation, the plurality of support members each including the suction means, and the control means determines that a predetermined one of the plurality of suction means is provided on the loading means. 11. The vibration device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of support members are swiveled in a horizontal direction such that another predetermined suction device is located on the storage and unloading device when the device is in the position. Minute device. 12. The article holding means includes a plurality of suction means on a single support member extending horizontally in a moving direction,
The control unit horizontally moves the single support member so that when a predetermined suction unit of the plurality of suction units is on the carrying-in unit, another predetermined suction unit is on the storage / unloading unit. 2. A linear movement in a direction.
12. The sorting device according to any one of items 1 to 11. 13. The distribution device according to claim 11, wherein the extension direction of the support member is changeable. 14. A box packing system for packing articles conveyed from an upstream, wherein the sorting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the articles sorted by the apparatus are placed in a box. A packaging system, comprising: accommodation means for accommodating, and packaging control means for controlling these sorting devices and accommodation means.