JP2015013720A - Separation supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a separation supply device which prevents falling of a product regardless of the number of products on a transportation conveyor device.SOLUTION: A separation supply device includes first and second side guides 13, 16 which are disposed on both left and right sides of a transportation surface 12a of a transportation conveyor device 12, for regulating lateral movement of a product, an end stopper 15 which contacts to a product moving on the transportation conveyor device, to temporarily stop forward moving, and a side stopper 17 which is disposed on an upper stream side than the end stopper, for laterally pressing the product. Between the first and second side guides, a third side guide 21 is provided which includes a tapered surface that expands outways as advances to an upper stream side. When the product hits the end stopper to cause impact force and the impact force is propagated to a following product, that following product is allowed to move laterally in a region having been expanded by the third side guide, which generates a component of the impact force that is propagated in lateral direction as well, suppressing falling.

Description

  The present invention relates to a separation and supply device, for example, a device that separates a predetermined number of products that are conveyed in a line from the front and back and supplies them to a downstream device.

  There are various types of separation and supply devices for separating the products conveyed in a line in the front-rear direction and separating them from the subsequent products and supplying them to downstream devices. FIG. 1 shows an example of such a separation and supply apparatus. As shown to Fig.1 (a), a separation supply apparatus is provided with the conveyance conveyor apparatus 1 which conveys the product 2 in the state put in order. Side guides 4 are arranged over substantially the entire length on the left and right sides of the transport surface of the transport conveyor device 1. The distance between the pair of left and right side guides 4 substantially coincides with the lateral width of the product 2 and restricts the lateral movement of the product 2.

  A predetermined section on the front end side in the transport direction of the transport conveyor device 1 is a product carry-out area. The side guide 4 is arranged up to the vicinity of the product carry-out area. The product carry-out area has a length corresponding to the number of products to be separated and taken out, and is provided with lower guides 3 on both the left and right sides of the product carry-out area. The lower guide 3 moves up and down, comes into contact with the product 2 at the raised position, and restricts movement in the lateral direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the product 2. When the lower guide 3 reaches the lowered position, the carry-out port of the product carry-out area opens, and the product 2 can be carried out from the carry-out port.

  Moreover, the end stopper 5 is arrange | positioned on the conveyance surface of the conveyance conveyor apparatus 1 vicinity in the conveyance direction front end. As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the end stopper 5 includes a standby position located slightly upstream from the front end position of the conveyor device 1, and a conveyor device as shown in FIGS. 1 (b) and 1 (c). It reciprocates between the separation operation positions located at the front end position of 1. For example, when a large number of products 2 are transported in a single row on the conveyor device 1 with the end stopper 5 in the standby position, as shown in FIG. When the product 2 is touched, the product 2 is prevented from being further advanced, and the subsequent product 2 is also temporarily stopped in contact with the front and back.

  A side stopper 6 is arranged on the upstream side immediately adjacent to the product carry-out area of the conveyor device 1. The side stopper 6 reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport conveyor device 1. The side stopper 6 is positioned outside the side guide 4 as shown in FIG. 1 (a), and is in a non-contact standby position with the product, as shown in FIGS. 1 (b) and 1 (c). It contacts the side surface, urges toward the side guide 4 on the opposite side, and reciprocates between the side guide 4 and the operation position where the product 2 is sandwiched and held between the side guide 4 and the side stopper 6.

  Further, a carry-out conveyor device 8 is installed in the vicinity of the product carry-out area. In the carry-out conveyor device 8, the conveyance direction is set in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor device 1. The lateral width of the transport surface of the carry-out conveyor device 8 is substantially matched with the length of the product carry-out area. A pusher 7 that reciprocates across the product carry-out area is provided. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pusher 7 waits at a standby position that is not in contact with the product 2 on the outer side opposite to the arrangement direction of the carry-out conveyor device 8.

  The separation supply apparatus having the above-described configuration operates as follows. First, a large number of products 2 move the transport conveyor device 1 in a state where they are in contact with each other. As shown in FIG. 1A, when the head of the series of products 2 comes into contact with the end stopper 5 with the end stopper 5 in the standby position, the conveyance of the product 2 on the conveyor device 1 is temporarily stopped. .

  Next, the side stopper 6 in the standby state moves to the operating position, and the product 2 facing the side stopper 6 is sandwiched between the side guides 4 and fixed. Thereafter, when the end stopper 5 moves forward, a plurality (in this example, five) of products 2 positioned in front of the products 2 sandwiched by the side stoppers 6 move forward on the conveyor device 1 and are fixed as described above. The product 2 is separated (FIG. 1 (b)). Then, the lower guide 3 is moved downward and the pusher 7 at the standby position is moved forward to push and separate and convey a plurality of products 2 located in the product carry-out area to the carry-out conveyor device 8 (FIG. 1 (c)). .

Thereafter, the pusher 7 moves backward to return to the standby position, and the end stopper 5 is moved forward and the lower guide 3 is raised. When the side stopper 6 is returned to the standby position and the product 2 is released from being fixed, the product 2 on the conveyor device 1 moves forward, and temporarily when the leading product 2 comes into contact with the end stopper 5 at the front standby position. Stop. By repeating these processes, a predetermined number (here, 5) of the products 2 that have been transported in a single column are separated, and separated and supplied to the carry-out conveyor device 8 in a horizontal row.
Although different from the separation supply apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, there is an apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 as an example of a conventional separation supply apparatus.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-43779

  When the side stopper 6 is released and the subsequent product 2 resumes forward movement, and the leading product 2 hits the end stopper 5, an impact force is applied to the product 2. This impact force propagates to the subsequent product 2. When the leading product 2 hits the end stopper 5, the subsequent series of products 2 moving on the conveyor device 1 come into contact with each other to form a group of products, so the impact force of the product 2 is It is proportional to the weight of the entire group of product groups. Therefore, the impact force increases in proportion to the number on the conveyor device 1.

  The direction of the impact force is opposite to the product moving direction. Therefore, since the products 2 move in a state where they are aligned in a vertical row, the direction of the impact force is opposite to the conveyance direction of the products 2 as indicated by arrows in each product 2 in FIG. The direction will be aligned. Then, the impact force is sequentially propagated to the subsequent products 2, and the impact is attenuated as the number of products 2 increases. Therefore, as the number of products 2 stored on the conveyor device 1 is larger, the impact on the products is reduced.

  In this way, the product is most impacted at the place where the two opposing forces intersect, and thus tends to fall easily. That is, the force applied to the product tends to gradually increase (because individual conveying force is added) and then gradually decrease (because the impact is absorbed by the elasticity of the product). Although the number varies depending on the nature of the product, the number most likely to collapse occurs at a position that is, for example, about 2 to 3 times the number of separated supplies. Under such circumstances, for example, as shown in FIG. There is a risk that.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), in a normal operation in which the number of products on the conveyor device 1 can be controlled to some extent, a relatively large number of products 2 can be supplied. In situations such as when the number of products gradually decreases, it is inevitable that the product will easily fall over.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the separation and supply apparatus according to the present invention includes (1) a downstream apparatus in which a predetermined number of products moving in a line on the transport conveyor apparatus are separated from the head by separating a predetermined number from the head. And a side guide disposed on the left and right sides of the transport surface of the transport conveyor device, and for contacting the product moving on the transport conveyor device. And an end stopper that temporarily stops forward movement, and a side stopper that is disposed on the upstream side of the end stopper and presses the product from the lateral direction, and at least one side guide of the left and right side guides, A taper surface that extends to the upstream side is provided, and when the impact force generated when the product hits the end stopper is transmitted to the subsequent product, Product was movable in the transverse direction in widened area by the tapered surface. The movement in the lateral direction includes both a lateral movement orthogonal to the transport direction and an oblique lateral movement.

  The downstream apparatus corresponds to the carry-out conveyor apparatus 19 in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the tapered surface corresponds to the inclined surface, the tapered portion 26a, or the like. Since the taper surface is provided on a part of the side guide and spreads, when the product in this part is subjected to impact and pressure from the front, the force spreading to the side and outside acts on the product, the force is dispersed, The product will not fall easily. In addition, for example, an effect of preventing a fall due to a frictional force generated between the tapered surface and the product by the outside force can be expected.

  (2) The section where the tapered surface is provided may be a section where the product that has received the impact force is likely to fall. In this way, it is possible to efficiently prevent the product from overturning. At the time of forward movement for transporting the product, which is a basic function of the transport conveyor device, it is in a state of being aligned in a line in contact with the front and rear. Therefore, for example, when the product is about to be laterally displaced, it contacts the side guide and moves straight. On the other hand, in the installation section of the tapered surface, a space extending outward is formed on the transport surface, and the function of the side guide does not occur during forward movement. Therefore, by providing a tapered surface in the section where the product is likely to fall, it is possible to prevent the product from falling over when it hits the end stopper while ensuring appropriate guidance by the side guide during forward movement.

  (3) It is preferable that the material of the tapered surface has a larger surface resistance than the surface of the side guide not provided with the tapered surface. This is preferable because the effect of preventing the fall due to the frictional force generated between the tapered surface and the product by the external force is improved. Since the side guide provides a smooth guide during forward movement, for example, one having a small surface resistance can be used.

  (4) The tapered surfaces may be provided on both the left and right side guides, and the interval between the opposed tapered surfaces may be gradually increased toward the upstream side. The present invention is realized by the first embodiment. The tapered surface corresponds to the third side guide 21. By providing tapered surfaces on both the left and right sides, the impact force when there is a product on the end stopper is transmitted to the subsequent product, and the force transmitted to the product located in the section where the tapered surface is installed is the force in the left or right direction. And it is the composition of the force that goes directly behind. Therefore, there are products that proceed to the left taper surface and products that proceed to the right taper surface, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the products from falling on both sides. In addition, since it spreads outward in both the left and right sides, for example, if a certain distance necessary to prevent a fall is required as a separation distance from the facing surface of the tapered surface, the spread of the tapered surface on one side is kept small. be able to. For example, as shown in (5) below, if the portion facing the taper surface is linear, it is necessary that one taper surface be separated by the above-mentioned fixed distance, and the upstream end of the taper surface and The step in the lateral direction with the adjacent upstream side guide increases, but in the present invention, such a step can be reduced. In the first embodiment, the third side guide 21 is made symmetrical with respect to the center line in the conveyance direction and the taper surfaces arranged on the left and right are made equal to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the width is increased. The angle may be different on the left and right.

  (5) The tapered surface may be provided on one of the left and right side guides, and the other side guide facing the tapered surface may be formed linearly. This invention is realized by the second embodiment. The tapered surface corresponds to the third side guide 21. This is preferable because only one side of the side guide needs to be inclined, which can be realized with a simple structure.

  (6) A linear guide portion parallel to the product conveyance direction is provided on the upstream side of the tapered surface, and the upstream end portion of the tapered surface and the downstream end portion of the guide portion are close to or in contact with each other. Arrangement is good. The present invention is realized by the sixth embodiment and the like. The tapered surface corresponds to the third side guide 21. The straight guide portion corresponds to the sixth side guide 28. According to the present invention, for example, even when there are many products on the conveyor device and excessive force is generated at the front part, the product spreads laterally at the linear guide portion with the wide width, and the product The contact resistance to the guide increases. Therefore, the pressure generated on the tip side can be relieved.

  (7) It is good to arrange the reverse taper surface which goes to the center of the conveyance direction of the said product in the upstream of the said taper surface. (8) A plurality of sets of the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface may be repeatedly provided along the transport direction, and the plurality of sets of the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface may be provided on both the left and right side guides. For example, it is possible to prevent the product from falling down by receiving the product that is about to fall on the reverse tapered surface. This invention is implement | achieved by 3rd embodiment-5th embodiment.

  (9) The plurality of sets of the tapered surfaces and the reverse tapered surfaces provided on both the left and right side guides may be arranged so that the tapered surfaces and the reverse tapered surfaces face each other. The present invention is realized by the third embodiment. If it does in this way, a conveyance path will become zigzag, a product can be received directly in the corner part comprised by a taper surface and a reverse taper surface, and it will become more difficult to fall down.

  (10) The plurality of sets of the tapered surfaces and the reverse tapered surfaces provided on both the left and right side guides may be arranged so that the tapered surfaces and the reverse tapered surfaces face each other. The present invention is realized by the fifth embodiment. In this way, the product receives the force propagating from the front, and randomly escapes to the left or right, and receives the product directly at the corner portion composed of the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface in the escape direction. Can be more difficult to fall.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the product from falling over regardless of the number of products on the conveyor device.

It is a figure which shows an example of the conventional separation supply apparatus, (a) is a top view, (b), (c) is a figure explaining an effect | action, (d) is a figure explaining the conventional problem. It is a figure which shows 1st embodiment of the separation supply apparatus which concerns on this invention, (a) is a top view, (b), (c) is a figure explaining an effect | action. It is a top view which shows 2nd embodiment of the separation supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which shows 3rd embodiment of the separation supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which shows 4th embodiment of the separation supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which shows 5th embodiment of the separation supply apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a top view which shows 6th embodiment of the separation supply apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. These drawings are used to explain technical features that can be adopted by the present invention. The configuration of the apparatus described is not intended to be limited to that, but merely an illustrative example.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 2 shows a preferred first embodiment of the separation and supply apparatus according to the present invention. The separation supply device 10 of the present embodiment separates the products 11 conveyed in a line in the front-rear direction from the following and supplies them to a downstream device. The product 11 is relatively light and small, such as an eye drop container. The product 11 has a configuration in which a slightly small-diameter cap 11b is mounted on an upper portion of a substantially cylindrical container body 11a.

  The separation supply device 10 includes a transport conveyor device 12 that transports the products 11 in a state where the products 11 are arranged in the front and rear direction. The transport conveyor device 12 is composed of a plastic chain conveyor. On the upstream side of the conveyance conveyor device 12 (not shown), the products 11 are sequentially supplied onto the conveyance surface of the plastic chain conveyor. The product 11 placed on the transport surface 12a moves forward by receiving a transport force from the endless belt that rotates. On the left and right sides of the transport surface 12a of the transport conveyor device 12, the first side guides 13 are disposed on the upstream side. The distance between the pair of left and right first side guides 13 is substantially equal to the lateral width (here, the diameter) of the product 11 and restricts the lateral movement of the product 11. Therefore, in the installation area of the first side guide 13, the product 11 comes in contact with the front and rear and is conveyed in a vertically aligned state in a straight line.

  A predetermined area on the front end side in the transport direction of the transport conveyor device 12 is a product carry-out area. The product carry-out area has a length corresponding to the number of products to be separated and taken out (5 in this embodiment). Lower guides 14 are provided on the left and right sides of the product carry-out area. The distance between the pair of lower guides 14 substantially coincides with the lateral width (here, the diameter) of the product 11. The lower guide 14 moves up and down, and can come into contact with the lower part of the product 11 at the raised position, and restricts the movement in the lateral direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the product 2. Therefore, in the product carry-out area of the conveyer device 12, the product 11 contacts the front and rear and is conveyed in a vertically aligned state in a straight line. Further, when the lower guide 14 reaches the lowered position, the carry-out port of the product carry-out area is opened, and the product 11 can be carried out from the carry-out port. The left and right lower guides 14 may be moved up and down at least on the carry-out side (in this embodiment, the right side in the conveyance direction).

  Further, an end stopper 15 is disposed on the transport surface near the front end in the transport direction of the transport conveyor device 12. The end stopper 15 receives a driving force from a driving source (not shown) and reciprocates linearly along the transport direction. The drive source may be realized with a simple configuration by using, for example, a cylinder. The end stopper 15 includes a standby position slightly upstream from the front end position of the conveyor device 12 as shown in FIG. 2A, and a conveyor device as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. It moves reciprocally between the separation operation positions located at the 12 front end positions.

  The second side guides 16 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the transport surface 12a on the upstream side of the transport conveyor device 12 in the immediate vicinity of the product carry-out area. The pair of left and right second side guides 16 are arranged in parallel, and the interval thereof substantially coincides with the lateral width (here, the diameter) of the product 11 and restricts the lateral movement of the product 11. Therefore, in the installation area of the second side guide 16, the product 11 comes in contact with the front and rear and is conveyed in a vertically aligned state in a straight line.

  A side stopper 17 is disposed on one side of the pair of left and right second side guides 16 (on the left side in the conveyance direction in the present embodiment). The side stopper 17 is disposed in parallel with the second side guide 16 and reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport conveyor device 12. The side stopper 17 is located outside the second side guide 16 as shown in FIG. 2 (a), and is in a non-contact standby position with the product 11, and as shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (c). An operating position for contacting the side surface of the product 11, urging the product 11 toward the second side guide 16 on the opposite side, and sandwiching and holding the product 11 between the second side guide 16 and the side stopper 17; Reciprocate between.

  Furthermore, a carry-out conveyor device 19 that is a downstream device is installed in the vicinity of the product carry-out area. The carry-in end of the carry-out conveyor device 19 is arranged to face the carry-out port in the product carry-out area. In the carry-out conveyor device 19, the conveyance direction is set in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor device 12. The lateral width of the transport surface of the carry-out conveyor device 19 is substantially matched with the length of the product carry-out area. Third side guides 21 are arranged on the left and right sides of the transport surface of the carry-out conveyor device 19.

  A pusher 18 that reciprocates across the product carry-out area is provided. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pusher 18 waits at a standby position that is not in contact with the product 11 on the outer side opposite to the arrangement direction of the carry-out conveyor device 19. The pusher 18 receives a driving force from a driving source such as a cylinder, for example, moves forward from the standby position, crosses the product carry-out area, and moves to the transfer surface of the carry-out conveyor device 19.

  In the present embodiment, the third side guide 21 is disposed between the first side guide 13 and the second side guide 16. The third side guide 21 is disposed on both the left and right sides of the transport surface and has inclined surfaces that are inclined in the horizontal direction. This inclined surface is configured by, for example, arranging a strip-like / straight plate so as to move away from the center in the transport direction toward the upstream side. Thereby, the space | interval of a pair of left and right 3rd side guides 21 becomes wide gradually as it goes upstream. Further, the downstream end of the third side guide 21 is brought close to the upstream end of the second side guide 16. Therefore, the inner side surface of the third side guide 21 to the inner side surface of the second side guide 16 are continuous, and a smooth guide of the product 11 is performed.

  The maximum distance d between the pair of third side guides 21 is about 1.5 times the lateral width (diameter) of the product 11. The third side guide 21 is installed at a place where the product 11 is most likely to fall down due to an impact force when the product 11 hits the end stopper 15. In this example, the place where the product easily falls is a portion corresponding to three times the number of products 11 (in this case, 5) that are located in the product carry-out area and taken out collectively. The third side guide 21 has a length corresponding to the number of products to be taken out collectively. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the installation area of the third side guide 21, the 11th to 15th from the top when the top product 11 hits the end stopper 15. Five products are located.

  The separation supply apparatus having the above-described configuration operates as follows. First, a large number of products 11 move on the conveyor device 12 in a state where they are in contact with each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the head of the series of products 11 comes into contact with the end stopper 15 in a state where the end stopper 15 is in the standby position, the product 11 is prevented from further advancement, and accordingly the subsequent The product 11 is temporarily stopped in contact with the front and rear.

  The impact force generated when it hits the end stopper 15 propagates sequentially from the leading product 11 to the succeeding product 11. In the present embodiment, since the third side guide 21 is spread outward on the upstream side (backward in the traveling direction), the product 11 in this portion is subjected to a force that spreads laterally when subjected to impact or pressure from the front. . The frictional force generated by the lateral force can prevent the product 11 from falling, and the product 11 is less likely to fall. Since the force to be released laterally on the inclined surface of the third side guide 21 is proportional to the force applied to the product 11, when the number of products 11 on the conveyor device 12 is large, the generated force is released to the separation supply unit. An effect of alleviating such force is also produced.

  Then, the third side guides 21 on both the left and right sides are spread evenly, so that the individual products 11 move to either the left or right, and the moving directions are different or different. Therefore, even if it moves in either the left or right direction, the force is dispersed in the moving direction, and the impact force can be reliably suppressed by the frictional force on the inclined surface of the third side guide 21.

  Thereafter, the side stopper 17 in the standby state moves to the operating position, and the product 11 facing the side stopper 17 is sandwiched between the second side guide 16 and fixed. Thereafter, when the end stopper 15 moves forward, a plurality (in this example, five) of the products 11 positioned in front of the products 11 sandwiched between the side stoppers 17 have a conveying force from the plastic chain conveyor of the conveying conveyor device 1. Upon receipt, it moves forward and separates from the fixed product 11 (FIG. 2B). Then, the lower guide 14 is moved downward, and the pusher 18 at the standby position is moved forward to push and separate and convey the plurality of products 11 located in the product carry-out area to the carry-out conveyor device 19 (FIG. 2 (c)). .

  Thereafter, the pusher 18 moves backward to return to the standby position, and the end stopper 15 is moved forward and the lower guide 14 is raised. Then, when the side stopper 17 is returned to the standby position and the product 11 is released, the product 11 on the conveyor device 12 moves forward, and temporarily when the leading product 11 contacts the end stopper 15 at the front standby position. Stop. By repeating these processes, a predetermined number (here, 5) of the products 11 transported in one row of columns is separated, and separated and supplied to the carry-out conveyor device 19 in a horizontal row.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the third side guide 21 having the inclined surface that is inclined in the horizontal direction is based on the first embodiment described above, and the left and right sides of the transfer direction of the transfer conveyor device 12 Provided. In the present embodiment, the inclined third side guide 21 is provided on the right side in the transport direction. Along with this, a linear side guide 22 is provided on the left side in the transport direction over almost the entire length. In this example, the side guides 22 are formed continuously. However, for example, the first side guides 13 and the second side guides 16 may be divided as in the first embodiment. In that case, the side guide that follows the third side guide 21 may be parallel to the transport direction and positioned in the same straight line as the first side guide 13 and the second side guide 16.

  The third side guide 21 disposed on the right side in the transport direction has an inclined surface that is inclined in the horizontal direction. This inclined surface is configured by, for example, arranging a strip-like / straight plate so as to move away from the center in the transport direction toward the upstream side. Thereby, the space | interval of the right side 3rd side guide 21 and the left side guide 22 facing it becomes large gradually as it goes upstream. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the angle and inclination angle which the 3rd side guide 21 and the conveyance direction of the product 11 make are made into 2 times of 1st embodiment. As a result, the maximum distance d between the third side guide 21 and the side guide 22 is about 1.5 times the lateral width (diameter) of the product 11 as in the first embodiment.

  Further, the downstream end of the third side guide 21 is brought close to the upstream end of the second side guide 16. Therefore, the inner side surface of the third side guide 21 to the inner side surface of the second side guide 16 are continuous, and a smooth guide of the product 11 is performed.

  Since the third side guide 21 is configured to spread outward as it goes upstream, the impact force propagates to the product 11 when the product 11 hits the end stopper 15, but the impact force is transmitted to the third side guide 21. When it is transmitted to the product 11 located at, a force that spreads to the side works when receiving an impact or pressure from the front. The frictional force generated by the lateral force can prevent the product 11 from falling, and the product 11 is less likely to fall. In the present embodiment, the oblique third side guide 21 only needs to be arranged on one side, and the structure is simple. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding members, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a fourth side guide 24 is provided in place of the third side guide 21 which is based on the first embodiment and gradually goes outward toward the upstream side and gradually increases the distance from the facing surface. . That is, the fourth side guide 24 is provided between the first side guide 13 and the second side guide 16. The fourth side guide 24 is configured in a zigzag shape in which tapered portions 24a spreading outward from the center in the transport direction toward the upstream side and reverse tapered portions 24b facing the center in the transport direction toward the upstream side are alternately arranged. Is done. The distance between the pair of left and right fourth side guides 24 is substantially constant over the entire width in accordance with the width of the product 11.

  Thus, in the portion of the fourth side guide 24, the conveyance path is zigzag along the tapered portion 24a and the reverse tapered portion 24b. Therefore, the product 11 that moves while contacting the front and rear on the conveyor device 12 moves in a zigzag manner in the installation area of the fourth side guide 24. Therefore, since the products 11 on the transport conveyor device 12 when the products 11 contact the end stopper 15 are not aligned in a straight line, the propagation direction of the impact force generated when the product 11 hits the end stopper 15 is also the fourth side. In the installation area of the guide 24, it faces diagonally outward.

  In the above-described first embodiment, etc., the third side guide 21 is provided with a tapered portion that spreads outward as it goes to the upstream side, and the lateral frictional force generated by increasing the width toward the upstream side is used. The product 11 is prevented from falling over. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the fourth side guide 24 is zigzag, facing the corner portion of the guide formed by the tapered portion 24a and the reverse tapered portion 24b, the propagation direction of the impact force, and in the direction of blocking the propagation force. The product 11 can be directly received by receiving the propagation force by the reverse tapered portion 24b positioned. Therefore, the product 11 becomes more difficult to fall. According to the first embodiment, the fall prevention force gradually increases as it goes upstream in proportion to the width of the opposing surface of the third side guide. The fall prevention effect in the side guide 24 is the same from the beginning. Further, in the present embodiment, the product 11 moves in a zigzag shape along the side guide 24 and is not arranged in a straight line, so that the line pressure when the product 11 hits the end stopper 15 is reduced. In addition, since another structure and an effect are the same as that of each embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding member and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the shape of the fourth side guide 24 is varied based on the third embodiment. That is, the fourth side guide 24 of the third embodiment is bent in the same way on the left and right sides, and the distance between both is made equal over the entire length, but in this embodiment, the patterns are different on the left and right sides. Thereby, the space | interval of the 4th side guide 24 on either side changes widely according to a place.

  Also in this embodiment, the product 11 is received by the corner portion of the fourth side guide 24 and the reverse tapered portion 24b, and is prevented from falling down. Further, as in the third embodiment, the product 11 moves in a zigzag shape along the side guides 24 and is not arranged in a straight line, so that the line pressure when the product 11 hits the end stopper 15 is reduced. The In addition, since another structure and an effect are the same as that of each embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding member and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Fifth embodiment]
FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fifth side guide 26 is provided instead of the third side guide 21 and the fourth side guide 24 based on the above-described embodiments. That is, the fifth side guide 26 is provided between the first side guide 13 and the second side guide 16. In the fifth side guide 26, the taper portion 26a spreading outward from the center in the transport direction toward the upstream side and the reverse taper portion 26b heading toward the center in the transport direction toward the upstream side are alternately arranged. Although it is the same as that of 3 embodiment, the left and right 5th side guide 26 is arrange | positioned line-symmetrically on the basis of the centerline of the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor apparatus 12. FIG. Furthermore, the taper part 26a and reverse taper part 26b which adjoin front and back are made into 1 set, and the length of the 1 set of conveyance direction is match | combined with the pitch of the product 11. FIG. Thereby, the distance between the left and right fifth side guides 26 gradually increases from the downstream end toward the upstream side, reaches the maximum width at a position corresponding to ½ pitch of the product 11, and then gradually decreases. It repeats that it becomes the same as the width of the product 11 of the minimum width in 1 pitch of 11.

  In the present embodiment, the product 11 in the installation section of the fifth side guide 26 is randomly pressed against the left or right fifth side guide 26 by the impact force and the pressing force transmitted from the front. Accordingly, the propagation of the impact force is directed to the side, and the product is received at the corner portion by the tapered portion 26a and the reverse tapered portion 26b as in the third and fourth embodiments, and the fall is prevented. In addition, since another structure and an effect are the same as that of each embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding member and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Sixth embodiment]
FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, based on the first embodiment, a pair of sixth side guides 28 are arranged between the third side guide 21 and the first side guide 13 along the transport direction. The pair of left and right sixth side guides 28 are arranged in parallel, and the interval thereof is matched with the interval of the upstream end of the third side guide 21.

  If it does in this way, the product 11 located in the installation area of the 6th side guide 28 will receive propagation of the impact force produced when the top product 11 hits the end stopper 15, and the force which spreads sideways will work. Therefore, the contact resistance of the product 11 with respect to the sixth side guide 28 increases. Thereby, for example, even when there are many products on the conveyor device 12 and an excessive force is generated in the front, the product 11 located in the installation section of the sixth side guide 28 has a contact resistance against the sixth side guide 28. Thus, the pressure at the tip can be relaxed. In addition, since another structure and an effect are the same as that of each embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding member and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Modification]
The materials of the third side guide 21, the fourth side guide 24, the fifth side guide 26, and the sixth side guide 28 may be the same as or different from those of the first side guide 13 and the second side guide 16. When different, it is preferable to have a large surface resistance. If it does in this way, the contact resistance at the time of the product 11 contacting a side guide will increase, the force of the support in the side guide of the product 11 will become large, and the product 11 becomes difficult to fall down, and is preferable. When making the surface resistance high, the entire side guide may be made of a material that satisfies the requirements, or at least the portion of the inclined surface that contacts the inner product 11 should have a high surface resistance.

  In the embodiment described above, the transport conveyor device 12 is a plastic chain conveyor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a belt conveyor (preferably using a slippery belt), a roller conveyor, or the like is used. It may be used.

  A carry-out conveyor device 19 is arranged at the front end of the conveyor device 12 so as to extend in the lateral direction, and the product 11 in the product carry-out area of the carrier conveyor device 12 is separated and supplied by being pushed out by the pusher 18. The present invention is not limited to this, and the transfer of the product 11 from the transport conveyor device 12 to the carry-out conveyor device 19 may use, for example, a robot or other devices. Furthermore, the pusher 18 may be used, and the transport surfaces of the transport conveyor device 12 and the carry-out conveyor device 19 are arranged on substantially the same plane, but may be arranged shifted in the vertical direction. Furthermore, although the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor apparatus 12 and the carrying-out conveyor apparatus 19 is orthogonally crossed, you may make it cross | intersect at arbitrary angles, and it is good also as parallel or the same direction.

  The end stopper 15 is moved in the front-rear direction. For example, the end stopper 15 is moved up and down or rotationally moved to contact the product 11 on the conveyor device 12 and temporarily stopped, and the side stopper 17 or the like. You may make it isolate | separate from subsequent by opening the end stopper 15 in the state which stopped the subsequent product 11, and allowing the product 11 to pass through.

  Each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in combination as appropriate. For example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are combined, and a tapered surface is provided at a predetermined position of the side guide on one side in the conveyance direction, and a tapered surface portion is provided on the other side facing the tapered surface. And a straight portion along the conveying surface. Moreover, you may combine 2nd embodiment and 3rd embodiment, and may combine 3 or more embodiment suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Separation supply apparatus 11 Product 12 Conveyor apparatus 12a Conveying surface 13 First side guide 14 Lower guide 15 End stopper 16 Second side guide 17 Side stopper 18 Pusher 19 Unloading conveyor apparatus 21 Third side guide 22 Side guide 24 Fourth side Guide 24a Taper portion 24b Reverse taper portion 26 Fifth side guide 26a Taper portion 26b Reverse taper portion 28 Sixth side guide d Maximum spacing

Claims (10)

A separation and supply device that separates a predetermined number of products from the head and moves to a downstream device by moving the products moving in a line side by side on the transport conveyor device,
Side guides that are arranged on the left and right sides of the conveying surface of the conveyor device and regulate lateral movement of the product;
An end stopper that comes into contact with the product moving on the conveyor device and pauses forward movement;
A side stopper disposed upstream of the end stopper and holding the product from a lateral direction;
With
At least one side guide of the left and right side guides is provided with a tapered surface that extends to the upstream side, and when the impact force generated by the product hitting the end stopper is transmitted to the subsequent product, the subsequent The separation and supply device is characterized in that the product can be moved in the lateral direction within an area widened by the tapered surface.   The separation supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the section in which the tapered surface is provided is a section in which the product that has received the impact force is likely to fall.   The separation supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a material of the tapered surface is higher in surface resistance than a surface of the side guide not provided with the tapered surface.   The taper surface is provided on both the left and right side guides, and the interval between the opposing taper surfaces gradually increases toward the upstream side. The separation supply device according to any one of the above.   5. The separation according to claim 1, wherein the taper surface is provided on one of the left and right side guides, and the other side guide facing the taper surface is formed in a straight line. Feeding device. On the upstream side of the tapered surface, a linear guide portion parallel to the conveying direction of the product is provided,
The separation supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an upstream end portion of the tapered surface and a downstream end portion of the guide portion are arranged close to or in contact with each other.   The separation supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a reverse taper surface toward a center in a conveyance direction of the product is disposed upstream of the taper surface. A plurality of sets of the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface are repeatedly provided along the conveying direction,
The separation supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of sets of the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface are provided on both the left and right side guides.   9. The plurality of sets of the tapered surfaces and the reverse tapered surfaces provided on both the left and right side guides are arranged so that the tapered surfaces and the reverse tapered surfaces face each other. Separation supply device according to.   The plurality of sets of the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface provided on both the left and right side guides are arranged so that the tapered surface and the reverse tapered surface are opposed to each other. Separation supply device.

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