JP2017065883A - Container supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a container supply device capable of supplying a plurality of containers to all accommodation parts of a pallet, and capable of improving manufacturing efficiency.SOLUTION: A container supply device 3 includes: a downstream side pallet conveyor 364 for conveying a dummy pallet DP along a predetermined direction; a CCD camera 374 for detecting an empty accommodation part to which a containers is not supplied, out of accommodation parts of the dummy pallet DP carried by the downstream side pallet conveyor 364; a temporary placing base 375 disposed vertically above from the downstream side pallet conveyor 364, and having a plurality of temporary placing parts 375A on which the plurality of containers are temporarily placed; and an arm robot 377 for replenishment for replenishing the container temporarily placed in the temporary placing parts 375A of the temporary placing base 375 with respect to the empty accommodation part detected by the CCD camera 374.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  The present invention relates to a container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of storage portions formed on an upper surface of a pallet.

  Conventionally, a manufacturing apparatus that intermittently manufactures a plurality of capsules as a unit is known. For example, an apparatus for manufacturing a capsule-containing product (capsule) described in Patent Document 1 is supplied by fitting a capsule to each of 50 capsule holding portions formed on the upper surface of a capsule conveying pallet (main pallet). Each capsule is filled with cosmetic powder. And this manufacturing apparatus has sealed the cosmetic powder to each capsule by sticking the cover material made from an aluminum film to the opening of each capsule. In other words, this manufacturing apparatus manufactures 50 capsules as a unit intermittently for each pallet for capsule transport.

In this manufacturing apparatus, as a preparatory work before filling the cosmetic powder into the capsules, first, the capsules are manually placed on each of the plurality of capsule holding parts formed on the upper surface of the auxiliary pallet (dummy pallet) by the operator's manual work. It is supplied by fitting. Next, the manufacturing apparatus sucks the plurality of capsules supplied to the auxiliary pallet and holds them by the suction head, and then transfers them to the capsule transporting pallet. And the manufacturing apparatus has filled the powder for cosmetics into the capsule transferred to the pallet for capsule conveyance.
On the other hand, the container supply device described in Patent Document 2 supplies a plurality of containers (capsules) toward the top surface of the pallet (dummy pallet), thereby forming a plurality of storage portions formed on the top surface of the pallet. Automatically feeding each of them.

JP-A-6-191593 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-098347

  However, since the container supply apparatus described in Patent Document 2 supplies a plurality of containers to the pallet by dropping the plurality of containers on the top surface of the pallet, the container cannot be supplied to all of the plurality of storage units. In some cases, there is a problem that manufacturing efficiency is lowered.

  The objective of this invention is providing the container supply apparatus which can supply a some container to all the accommodating parts of a pallet, and can improve manufacturing efficiency.

  A container supply device according to the present invention is a container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of accommodating portions formed on an upper surface of a pallet, and includes a pallet conveyance unit that conveys the pallet along a predetermined direction, and a pallet conveyance unit Among the pallet storage parts transported at, the empty storage part detection means for detecting an empty storage part to which no containers are supplied, and the pallet transport means are disposed vertically above, and a plurality of containers are temporarily installed. A container temporary placement means having a plurality of temporary placement sections to be placed, and a container for replenishing the container temporarily placed in the temporary placement section of the container temporary placement means with respect to the empty storage section detected by the empty storage section detection means And a replenishing means.

  According to such a configuration, the container supply device replenishes the container temporarily placed in the temporary placement part of the container temporary placement means with respect to the empty storage part detected by the empty storage part detection means. Since a plurality of containers can be supplied to all the accommodating parts of the pallet, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the container temporary placement means is disposed vertically above the pallet transport means, the container replenishment means is disposed along the transport direction of the pallet transport means from the temporary placement portion of the container temporary placement means. The container may be moved to the empty storage section detected in step 1. For example, the moving distance can be shortened as compared with the case where the container temporary placing means is disposed on the side of the pallet conveying means. As a result, the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device can be improved.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the arrangement | positioning and shape of the temporary placement part of a container temporary placement means are the same as the arrangement | sequence and shape of the accommodating part of a pallet.

  According to such a configuration, since the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement portion of the container temporary placement means are the same as the arrangement and shape of the storage portion of the pallet, the container replenishment means can be used without changing the posture of the container. It is only necessary to move the container from the temporary placement portion of the temporary container placement means to the empty accommodation portion detected by the empty accommodation portion detection means along the conveyance direction of the pallet conveyance means, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device. be able to.

  In this invention, it is preferable to provide the temporary transfer means for transferring the container supplied to the storage part of the pallet conveyed by the pallet transfer means to the temporary setting part of the container temporary setting means.

  According to such a configuration, the temporary transfer means transfers the container supplied to the pallet container transported by the pallet transport means to the temporary storage part of the container temporary storage means. Without newly preparing, it can transfer to the temporary placement part of a container temporary placement means, and the manufacturing efficiency of a container supply apparatus can be improved.

  In the present invention, it is provided with a posture correcting means for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the accommodating portion of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means, and the empty container detecting means corrects the posture of the container by the posture correcting means. Thereafter, it is preferable to detect an empty storage part of the pallet.

  According to such a configuration, since the empty container detection unit detects the empty container part of the pallet after correcting the attitude of the container by the attitude correction unit, it suppresses erroneous detection of the empty container part of the pallet. It is possible to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device.

  In the present invention, it is provided with an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in the posture of the container supplied to the housing portion of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means, and the posture correcting means detects an abnormality in the posture of the container by the abnormality detecting means. It is preferable to correct the attitude of the container supplied to the detected pallet container.

  According to such a configuration, since the posture correcting means corrects the posture of the container supplied to the pallet housing part in which the abnormality of the container is detected by the abnormality detecting means, the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device is further increased. Can be improved.

  In the present invention, the pallet has a plurality of storage portions formed penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface, and the posture correcting means determines the posture of the container supplied to the pallet storage portion from the upper surface side of the pallet. Preferably, a rod-like body is inserted into the pallet housing portion from the lower surface side and brought into contact with the bottom surface of the container for correction.

  According to such a configuration, the posture correcting means inserts the rod-like body into the pallet housing portion from the lower surface side of the pallet and makes it contact the bottom surface of the container, thereby causing the posture of the container supplied to the pallet housing portion. Therefore, the configuration of the posture correcting means can be simplified.

  In the present invention, the container supply control means includes a holding means for holding a plurality of containers, and a container supply control means for controlling the entire container supply device, the container supply control means being arranged above the arrangement position of the pallet. When the pallet is arranged at the pallet arrangement position, the plurality of containers held by the holding means are supplied toward the upper surface of the pallet, so that the containers are respectively placed in the plurality of receiving portions formed on the upper surface of the pallet. Preferably, the empty storage unit detecting unit detects the empty storage unit of the pallet after supplying the plurality of containers held by the holding unit toward the upper surface of the pallet.

  According to such a configuration, the container supply control means supplies the plurality of containers held by the holding means toward the upper surface of the pallet when the pallet is arranged at the pallet arrangement position. Since the container is supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions formed on the upper surface, the plurality of containers dropped on the upper surface of the pallet enter the respective accommodating portions of the pallet while rolling. In addition, the empty container detection unit detects the empty container part of the pallet after supplying the plurality of containers held by the holding unit toward the upper surface of the pallet. A plurality of containers can be supplied to the housing portion, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

Perspective view showing capsule Diagram showing capsule manufacturing equipment Top view of main pallet used for main conveyor Diagram showing main conveyor The top view and sectional drawing of a dummy pallet used for the container supply apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Top view of a container supply device that supplies multiple containers to a dummy pallet Side view of container supply device Side view enlarging the vicinity of the container supply hopper An enlarged top view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper A further enlarged view of the container supply hopper The figure which shows the relationship between the accommodating part of a dummy pallet, and a guide member Side view showing container storage tank and container transport means The schematic diagram which shows the state which looked at the periphery of the container supply arrangement | positioning stand of a container supply apparatus from upper direction Enlarged view showing the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor Enlarged view showing the periphery of the downstream pallet conveyor Top view and side view of container replenishment mechanism of container supply device Schematic diagram showing the state of posture correction means viewed from the side The figure which shows the state which is correcting the attitude | position of a container with attitude | position correction means The figure which shows the state which has temporarily placed the container on the temporary table by the temporary arm robot The figure which shows the state which is refilling the empty accommodating part with the replenishment arm robot Functional block diagram showing schematic configuration of container supply device The figure which shows the state which has thrown in several containers inside the bucket The figure which shows the state which raised the bucket The figure which shows the state which rotated the guide member to the container holding position The figure which shows the state which moved the main-body part of the hopper for container supply along the rail member Schematic diagram showing the state where the dummy pallet is transported from the unloading standby position of the dummy pallet Schematic diagram showing a state where the dummy pallet is pushed out toward the container supply placement table Schematic diagram showing the state in which the dummy pallet is pulled out from the container supply placement table The figure which shows the flowchart of the container conveyance supply process performed with a container supply apparatus. The figure which shows the flowchart of the pallet conveyance process performed with a container supply apparatus. The figure which shows the flowchart of the container replenishment process performed with a container supply apparatus. Top view and side view of container cleaning device Top view and side view of container transfer device Top view and side view of circulating pallet conveyor Side view showing a state in which the cleaning head is lowered Side view showing a state in which the cleaning head is slid Top view of filling device Side view of filling device Cross-sectional schematic diagram of metering and filling mechanism and filling hopper The figure which shows the state which closed the shutter of the measurement unit. The figure which shows the state which has filled the measuring hole of the measuring plate with the granular material The figure which shows the state which has filled the granular material in the container Schematic diagram showing the filling check device Side view of film supply device, film die cutting device, and film transfer device Top view of film supply device, film die cutting device, and film transfer device The figure which shows the film cut with the film die-cutting device Sectional view showing the main part of the suction head Side view of sealing device Side view of film separator Enlarged sectional view showing the through hole of the bending plate Top view of film separator Schematic diagram showing the shape of the transfer head of the capsule transfer mechanism Side view of scrap discharging device Perspective view showing the appearance of the scrap holder Top view of capsule sorting device Perspective view showing capsule and case The perspective view which shows the base for cases holding a case Top view of case conveyor Schematic view of the case vibration means seen from the side Side view of capsule sorting device Functional block diagram showing schematic configuration of capsule sorting device The figure which shows the flowchart of a capsule sorting process The figure which shows the state determined with the 1st accommodation determination part having accommodated the capsule in the case The figure which shows the state which is carrying out the 1st case with a case conveyance conveyor The figure which shows the state which is transferring the 1st case from the 2nd lane to the 3rd lane The figure which shows the state which determined with the 2nd accommodation determination part having accommodated the capsule in the case The figure which shows the state which is carrying out the 2nd case with a case conveyance conveyor. The figure which shows the state which is transferring the 1st case and the 2nd case from the 2nd lane to the 3rd lane

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
A capsule manufacturing apparatus to which a container supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied is a method of filling powder into a container and attaching a film-like lid material to the opening of the container. It is an apparatus for producing capsules in which granules are sealed in a container.
Hereinafter, each component of the capsule manufacturing apparatus will be described in order, and the container supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail later. First, the aforementioned capsule will be described.
In the present embodiment, the capsule manufacturing apparatus fills the container with powder particles, but may be configured to fill the container with other contents such as powder or liquid.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a capsule.
As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule C includes a container C1 filled with the granular material P, and a film-like lid member C2 that seals the granular material P by being attached to the opening of the container C1. ing.
The container C1 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top toward the bottom, and a flange C12 formed at the top. ing.
The lid member C2 has a hexagonal base C21 that covers the opening of the container C1 and rectangular ears C22 formed on each of two opposing sides of the base C21.

  In the present embodiment, the container C1 has the body C11 having a hexagonal cross section, but may have a body having another cross sectional shape such as a square cross section. Moreover, although the container C1 has the flange C12, it does not need to have this. Furthermore, the lid member C2 has two rectangular ears C22, but may have one, three or more ears, or may not have ears. . In short, in the present invention, the container and the lid member may have any shape.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a capsule manufacturing apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 as viewed from vertically above. In FIG. 2, a description is given assuming that the vertically upward direction is the + Z-axis direction, and two axes orthogonal to the Z-axis are the X and Y axes. The same applies to the following drawings.
As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a main conveyor 2 that transports a plurality of containers C1 by transporting a main pallet MP containing a plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X axis direction). ing.

The capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a container supply device 3, a container cleaning device 4, a container transfer device 5, a filling device 6, a filling check device 7, a film supply device 8, and a film die cutting device 9. , A film transfer device 10, a seal device 11, a film separation device 12, a scrap discharge device 13, and a capsule sorting device 14, and these devices are directed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main conveyor 2. It is arranged.
In addition, the main conveyor 2 and each apparatus 3-14 are accommodated in the inside of the area | region sealed with the flame | frame FL in which the glass plate was inserted. The operator can perform maintenance of the main conveyor 2 and each of the devices 3 to 14 by opening the doors disposed in the vicinity of the main conveyor 2 and each of the devices 3 to 14, respectively.

The container supply device 3 supplies a plurality of containers C1 to a dummy pallet DP formed in a shape substantially similar to that of the main pallet MP. The container supply device 3 and the dummy pallet DP will be described in detail later.
The container cleaning device 4 removes foreign matters such as dust adhering to the container C1 by cleaning the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3. The container cleaning device 4 will be described in detail later.
The container transfer device 5 transfers a plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 and stores them in the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP transferred with a plurality of containers C1 by the container transfer device 5 is conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
The filling device 6 fills the container P1 accommodated in the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 with the powder P.
The filling check device 7 confirms whether or not the powder P is filled in the container C1 by the filling device 6.

The film supply device 8 supplies a film for cutting out the cover material C <b> 2 to the film die cutting device 9.
The film die cutting device 9 forms a perforation for cutting out the cover material C2 in the film supplied by the film supply device 8, and cuts the film into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP.
The film transfer device 10 transfers the film cut by the film die cutting device 9 to the main pallet MP that has been conveyed by the main conveyor 2. At this time, the film transfer device 10 transfers the film so that the position of the lid member C2 formed on the film matches the position of the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP.

The sealing device 11 seals and bonds the lid C2 formed on the film transferred to the main pallet MP by the film transfer device 10 and the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. The powder P is sealed in the capsule C.
The film separating device 12 seals and bonds the lid C2 formed on the film and the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP with the sealing device 11, and then separates the lid C2 from the film. .

The scrap discharge device 13 collects and discharges the remaining film (scrap) after the cover material C2 is separated by the film separation device 12 from the main pallet MP.
The capsule sorting device 14 takes out the capsules C after the lid material C2 is separated by the film separating device 12 from the main pallet MP, sorts them into a predetermined number, and stores them in a case. The capsule sorting device 14 will be described in detail later.
Thus, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 intermittently manufactures each main pallet MP with a plurality of capsules C as a unit.
Hereafter, each apparatus which comprises the manufacturing apparatus 1 of a capsule is demonstrated in order.

[Main conveyor]
FIG. 3 is a top view of a main pallet used for the main conveyor.
The main conveyor 2 conveys the plurality of containers C1 by conveying the main pallet MP containing the plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X-axis direction). First, the main pallet MP used for the main conveyor 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the main pallet MP is a metal pallet formed in a rectangular plate shape. The main pallet MP is formed through the upper and lower surfaces, and has a plurality of hexagonal-shaped storage portions MP1 for inserting and storing the containers C1 from the upper surface side. In other words, the accommodating part MP1 is a hole formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the body C11 of the container C1, and can accommodate one container C1 inside.

Specifically, the main pallet MP has 10 accommodating portions MP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction) and 5 at equal intervals along the short direction (column direction). The accommodating parts MP1 are arranged. In other words, the main pallet MP has 50 accommodating portions MP1 in a lattice point shape.
In the present embodiment, the main pallet MP has 50 accommodating portions MP1 in a lattice point shape, but may have two or more accommodating portions different from 50. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the accommodating part is arranged in the shape of a lattice point, it does not need to be arranged in the shape of a lattice point, and the arrangement method may not have regularity.

Here, the outer diameter of the body C11 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing portion MP1. Further, the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the accommodating portion MP1.
Therefore, when the container C1 is accommodated inside the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP, the flange C12 protrudes outside the accommodating part MP1, and the body C11 is accommodated inside the accommodating part MP1. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion MP1 so that the top portion is positioned on the vertically upper side and the bottom portion is positioned on the vertically lower side, and is accommodated in the accommodating portion MP1. Thus, it is not accommodated in accommodating part MP1.
As described above, the container C1 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and has the body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top toward the bottom. It is easy to enter the accommodating part MP1.

  Further, the main pallet MP is formed at each of the end portions in the longitudinal direction, and is provided with two columnar pins MP2 projecting upward, and at each of the end portions on the lower left side in FIG. 3 and the upper right side in FIG. It has two through holes MP3 having a circular cross section formed through the upper and lower surfaces, and two disk-shaped urethane rubbers MP4 attached to the side surface on the −X axis direction side. These parts will be described in detail later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the main conveyor 2 viewed from the vertically upper side.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main conveyor 2 conveys a main pallet MP containing a plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X axis direction), thereby conveying a plurality of containers C1 and a forward path conveyor 21. The main pallet MP is disposed upstream of the forward conveyor 21 by being transported in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (−X axis direction) while being disposed in parallel with the conveyor 21 and collecting a plurality of containers C1. And a return path conveyor 22 for conveying to the side.

  The forward conveyor 21 includes a plurality of rollers 21A provided so as to be in contact with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP, and a motor 21B that rotates each roller 21A. The forward conveyor 21 conveys the main pallet MP placed on each roller 21A in the + X-axis direction by rotating each roller 21A with a motor 21B.

  The return path conveyor 22 includes a plurality of rollers 22A provided so as to be in contact with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP, and a motor 22B that rotates each roller 22A. The return path conveyor 22 conveys the main pallet MP placed on each roller 22A in the −X-axis direction by rotating each roller 22A with a motor 22B.

  The return path conveyor 22 is provided in the middle of conveying the main pallet MP, and includes a pallet cleaning mechanism 22C for cleaning the main pallet MP. The pallet cleaning mechanism 22C includes a pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1 (only the pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1 on the upper vertical side) provided at two locations on the vertical upper side and the lower vertical side of the main pallet MP so as to sandwich the main pallet MP. Are attached to the inside of each pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1 and are rotated by a motor (not shown) to rub the powder P and foreign matter adhering to the upper and lower surfaces of the main pallet MP. A brush (not shown) for dropping is provided. Then, the pallet cleaning mechanism 22C scrapes off the granular material P, foreign matters, etc. adhering to the upper and lower surfaces of the main pallet MP conveyed by the return path conveyor 22 with a brush, and sends them to each pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1. The main pallet MP is cleaned by suction and removal.

  In addition, the main conveyor 2 is configured to return the main pallet MP, which has been transported to the upstream side of the forward conveyor 21 by the backward conveyor 22, and the forward delivery mechanism 23 that sends the main pallet MP to the forward conveyor 21. A return path delivery mechanism 24 that feeds the main pallet MP conveyed to the upstream side of the conveyor 22 to the return path conveyor 22 is provided.

  The forward delivery mechanism 23 is provided so as to be rotatable around the X axis, and contacts a plurality of rollers 23A provided so as to contact the center of the main pallet MP, and a side surface on the + Y axis direction side of the main pallet MP. The contacting delivery plate 23B, the moving mechanism 23C for moving the delivery plate 23B along the Y-axis direction, the container detection means 23D provided in the middle of conveying the main pallet MP, and the end point position of the outbound delivery mechanism 23 And the static electricity removing means 23E. The forward path delivery mechanism 23 sends the main pallet MP placed on each roller 23A to the forward path conveyor 21 by moving the delivery plate 23B in the -Y-axis direction by the moving mechanism 23C.

  The container detection means 23D is provided along the short direction of the main pallet MP, and includes five sensors 23D1 that detect the presence or absence of the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP. Each sensor 23D1 is arranged vertically above the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP, and is arranged at a position corresponding to each row of containers C1 accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP. It is installed. In the present embodiment, each sensor 23D1 employs a transmissive laser sensor.

  The static electricity removing means 23E is disposed vertically above the main pallet MP sent to the forward path conveyor 21 by the forward path delivery mechanism 23 and removes static electricity from the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. To do. In the present embodiment, the static eliminator 23E employs a blower type static eliminator.

  The return path delivery mechanism 24 is provided so as to be rotatable around the X-axis, and is provided with a plurality of rollers 24A provided so as to be in contact with the central portion of the main pallet MP, and a side surface on the −Y-axis direction side of the main pallet MP. A feeding plate 24B that abuts and a moving mechanism 24C that moves the sending plate 24B along the Y-axis direction are provided. The return path delivery mechanism 24 sends the main pallet MP placed on each roller 24A to the return path conveyor 22 by moving the delivery plate 24B in the + Y-axis direction by the moving mechanism 24C.

  Therefore, the main conveyor 2 transports the main pallet MP in the + X-axis direction by the forward path conveyor 21, then sends it to the backward path conveyor 22 by the backward path delivery mechanism 24, and in the −X-axis direction by the backward path conveyor 22. After being transported, it is sent again to the outbound conveyor 21 by the outbound delivery mechanism 23, so that the main pallet MP is circulated so as to rotate around the Z axis.

[Container supply device]
The container supply device 3 of the present invention can supply a plurality of containers C1 to all the accommodating parts of the dummy pallet DP, and can improve manufacturing efficiency. Moreover, the container supply apparatus 3 of this invention can shorten the movement distance at the time of replenishing the container C1 with respect to an empty accommodating part, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply apparatus 3 by extension.
Hereinafter, the container supply apparatus 3 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

FIG. 5 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of a dummy pallet used in the container supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5A is a top view of the dummy pallet DP, and FIG. 5B is an AA cross-sectional view of the center of the dummy pallet DP cut along the longitudinal direction.
The container supply device 3 is a device that supplies a plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP. First, the dummy pallet DP used for the container supply device 3 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the dummy pallet DP includes a resin base DPB formed in a rectangular plate shape with four corners chamfered, and a stainless steel plate DPL attached by screwing to the upper surface of the base DPB. Have. The upper surface of the plate DPL is subjected to surface treatment for smoothing the surface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP is subjected to a surface treatment for smoothing the surface.

Here, as the surface treatment for smoothing the surface, for example, Nidax (registered trademark) treatment can be adopted, but other treatments are adopted as long as the surface treatment is for smoothing the surface. May be.
In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP is subjected to a surface treatment for smoothing the surface, but the surface treatment may not be performed.

  The base DPB is formed so as to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces, and has a plurality of hexagonal housing parts DP1 for inserting and housing the container C1 from the upper surface side. In other words, the accommodating portion DP1 is a hole formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the body C11 of the container C1, and can accommodate one container C1 inside.

Specifically, the base DPB has ten accommodating portions DP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction), and five at equal intervals along the short direction (column direction). The accommodating portions DP1 are arranged. In other words, the base DPB has 50 accommodating portions DP1 in a lattice point shape.
In the present embodiment, the base DPB has 50 accommodating portions DP1 in a lattice point shape. However, the base DPB may have two or more accommodating portions different from 50. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the accommodating part is arranged in the shape of a lattice point, it does not need to be arranged in the shape of a lattice point, and the arrangement method may not have regularity.

Here, the outer diameter of the body C11 of the container C1 is formed slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing portion DP1. Further, the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion DP1.
Therefore, when the container C1 is accommodated inside the accommodating portion DP1 of the base DPB, the flange C12 protrudes outside the accommodating portion DP1, and the body C11 is accommodated inside the accommodating portion DP1. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion DP1 so that the top portion is positioned on the vertically upper side and the bottom portion is positioned on the vertically lower side so that the container C1 is positioned in the accommodating portion DP1. Thus, it is not accommodated in accommodating part DP1.
Further, as described above, the container C1 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and has the body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top toward the bottom. It is easy to enter the housing portion DP1.

The plate DPL has a through-hole DP2 having a circular cross section formed at a position corresponding to the housing portion DP1 of the base DPB. Each through hole DP2 is formed so as to increase in diameter from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP.
Accordingly, the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP includes the through hole DP2, and the through hole DP2 functions as an expanding portion that expands toward the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP.
In the present embodiment, the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP includes a through hole DP2, and the through hole DP2 is formed so as to increase in diameter from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP. However, it does not need to be formed so as to expand the diameter.

  Further, the dummy pallet DP is formed at each of the end portions in the longitudinal direction, and has two through-holes DP3 having a circular cross section passing through the upper and lower surfaces of the base DPB and the plate DPL. These parts will be described in detail later.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a container supply device that supplies a plurality of containers to a dummy pallet. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a view of the container supply device 3 as seen from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 6, the container supply device 3 is disposed so as to be parallel to each other along the X-axis direction, and the container C1 is disposed in each of the plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B, and pallet conveying means 36 for carrying the dummy pallet DP into and out of the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B. And a container replenishing mechanism 37 for replenishing the container C1 to the empty housing portion DP1 that could not supply the container C1 by the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the container supply device. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram of the container supply device 3 viewed from the −Y axis direction side.
The container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B have the same configuration, and as shown in FIG. 7, by vibrating the container supply arrangement table 31 for arranging the dummy pallet DP and the container supply arrangement table 31, A small electromagnetic feeder 32 serving as a pallet vibrating means for vibrating the dummy pallet DP and a container supply container 31 that holds the plurality of containers C1 and is disposed above the container supply placement table 31 (position of the dummy pallet DP). And a hopper 33.

  In the following description, the container supply arrangement table 31 of the container supply mechanism 3A is the container supply arrangement table 31A, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is the small electromagnetic feeder 32A, and the container supply hopper 33 is the container supply hopper 33A. To do. The container supply arrangement table 31 of the container supply mechanism 3B is a container supply arrangement table 31B, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is a small electromagnetic feeder 32B, and the container supply hopper 33 is a container supply hopper 33B.

The container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B are provided below the container supply hopper 33, a container storage tank 34 as storage means for storing a plurality of containers C1, and a plurality of containers stored in the container storage tank 34. By transporting C1, the container transporting means 35 is provided which is held by the container supply hopper 33.
In the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is employed as the pallet vibration means, but a vibration generator of another method different from the electromagnetic method may be employed. In short, in the present invention, the pallet vibrating means only needs to vibrate the dummy pallet.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper. FIG. 9 is an enlarged top view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper. Specifically, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper 33 from the −Y axis direction side, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper 33 from the + Z axis direction side. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the container supply arrangement table 31 is inclined so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34 side (left side of the paper), and the two dummy pallets DP are arranged along the short direction. .

Specifically, each dummy pallet DP is arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 with the front and back direction of the paper as the long direction and the left and right direction of the paper as the short direction.
In the present embodiment, the container supply arrangement table 31 is configured to arrange two dummy pallets DP, but may be configured to arrange one dummy pallet DP, Three or more dummy pallets DP may be arranged.

Here, the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B are provided adjacently along the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. In other words, the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A as the first area and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B as the second area are used for container supply. It arrange | positions adjacently along the adjacent direction of 31 A of arrangement | positioning bases, and the arrangement | positioning base 31B for container supply.
In the present embodiment, the term “adjacent” refers to a state in which two members are adjacent to each other, and includes a state in which the two members are not in contact with each other. The adjacent direction refers to a direction in which two members are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the adjacent direction of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31 is the Y-axis direction.

  In the present embodiment, the container supply hopper 33A is disposed above the container supply arrangement base 31A and functions as a first holding unit that holds the plurality of containers C1. In the present embodiment, the container supply hopper 33B is disposed above the container supply arrangement base 31B and functions as a second holding unit that holds the plurality of containers C1.

In addition, the container supply device 3 is provided between the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B so that the container supply device 3 can move up and down. A partition plate 3C is provided as a restricting means for restricting movement of the container C1.
The partition plate 3C descends when the container C1 is supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and is arranged on each of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. The movement of the plurality of containers C1 is restricted by contacting the end of the dummy pallet DP. Further, the partition plate 3C rises when the dummy pallet DP is carried into and out of the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B, and the dummy pallet disposed on each of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. Separate from the end of the DP.

As shown in FIG. 8, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is arranged below the container supply arrangement table 31 and vibrates two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31.
The container supply hopper 33 is disposed in parallel with the lateral direction of the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply arrangement table 31 and is inclined in the same manner as the inclination of the container supply arrangement table 31 for container supply. It is attached to a rail member 33 </ b> R disposed above the placement table 31. The container supply hopper 33 drops the plurality of containers C1 toward the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rail members 33 </ b> R are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 </ b> A and the container supply arrangement table 31 </ b> B, respectively. Yes. In addition, the rail member 33R is attached to the upper end portion (right end portion on the paper surface), and discharges air to the container storage tank 34 side along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement base 31. It has.

  The compressor 33 </ b> C drops a plurality of containers C <b> 1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging air to the container storage tank 34 side (left side of the paper) along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement base 31 </ b> A. By discharging air to the container storage tank 34 side (left side of the paper) along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B and the compressor 33CA as the first air discharge unit to be A compressor 33CB is provided as a second air discharge unit for dropping the container C1 into the container storage tank 34. Here, the air discharged from the compressor 33CB is set to be weaker than the air discharged from the compressor 33CA.

The compressor 33CA and the compressor 33CB have four discharge ports 33D branched so as to discharge air toward the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and the strength of the air discharged from each discharge port 33D. Each is configured to be adjustable.
In the present embodiment, the compressor 33CA and the compressor 33CB have four discharge ports 33D, but may have a different number of discharge ports. Further, in the present embodiment, the strength of the air discharged from each discharge port 33D is configured to be adjustable, but may not be configured to be adjustable.

FIG. 10 is a further enlarged view of the container supply hopper.
As shown in FIG. 10, the container supply hopper 33 includes a slider 331 provided so as to be able to advance and retract along the rail member 33R, a main body 332 attached to the slider 331, and holding a plurality of containers C1, and a main body. And a guide member 333 attached to the portion 332.

The slider 331 includes a wheel (not shown) that rolls on the upper surface of the rail member 33R, and moves along the rail member 33R by rotating the wheel by a driving force of a motor (not shown) provided therein. The main body portion 332 moves along the rail member 33R as the slider 331 moves. Accordingly, the rail member 33R and the slider 331 function as the container supply moving means of the present invention that moves the container supply hopper 33 along the predetermined direction (the short direction of the dummy pallet DP).
In the present embodiment, the container supply device 3 includes the container supply moving means, but may not include this.

The main body portion 332 includes a hopper conveyor 332A that forms the bottom surface and a cover 332B that forms three side surfaces excluding the right side surface of the main body portion 332, and is in a space formed by the hopper conveyor 332A and the cover 332B. A plurality of containers C1 are held.
The hopper conveyor 332 </ b> A moves the conveyance path from the upstream side (left side on the paper surface) to the downstream side (right side on the paper surface) of the main body portion 332 by the driving force of the motor 332 </ b> A <b> 1 attached to the main body portion 332. Accordingly, the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main body portion 332 move from the upstream side of the main body portion 332 toward the downstream side.
Here, since the cover 332B does not constitute the downstream side surface of the main body portion 332, when the transport path of the hopper conveyor 332A is moved from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main body portion 332, the plurality of containers C1 are Then, after being conveyed by the hopper conveyor 332A, it falls from the downstream side of the main body portion 332.

The guide member 333 is attached to the main body 332 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the front and back direction of the paper surface, and is rotated by a driving force of a cylinder (not shown) provided in the main body 332. Specifically, the guide member 333 has one of two positions: a container holding position where the tip is positioned upward (two-dot chain line in the figure) and a guide position where the tip is positioned below (solid line in the figure). Rotate to stop.
In the present embodiment, the container supply hopper 33 includes the guide member 333, but may not include the guide member 333. In short, in the present invention, the holding means only needs to be able to supply a plurality of containers toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet.

In the container holding position, the guide member 333 is inclined so as to rise toward the tip side, so that a bottomed cylindrical space is formed by cooperating with the hopper conveyor 332A and the cover 332B. The container C1 is prevented from dropping from the lower end side of the main body portion 332. In other words, in a state where the guide member 333 is rotated to the container holding position and stopped, the guide member 333 constitutes the downstream side surface of the main body portion 332.
At the guide position, the guide member 333 is inclined so as to descend toward the front end side, and thus the plurality of containers C1 are slid on the upper surface of the guide member 333 after being transported by the hopper conveyor 332A. It falls from the downstream side of the part 332.

  In the present embodiment, the guide member 333 rotates and stops at one of two positions: a container holding position with the tip positioned upward and a guide position with the tip positioned downward. Although it is comprised so that it can do, it does not need to be comprised so that it can rotate. In this case, the guide member 333 may be fixed at the guide position.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the housing portion of the dummy pallet and the guide member. Specifically, FIG. 11A is a view of the dummy pallet DP and the guide member 333 as viewed from above, and FIG. 11B is a guide member along the left-right direction in FIG. 11A. It is a figure which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected 333. FIG. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state where the guide member 333 is rotated to the guide position and stopped.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the guide member 333 is formed in a rail shape that is inclined so as to descend from the base end portion attached to the main body portion 332 toward the tip end portion on the dummy pallet DP side. Each rail portion 333A is provided, and each rail portion 333A is integrally formed as one member.

  Each rail portion 333A is provided so as to correspond to ten accommodating portions DP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP. Each rail portion 333A has a V-shaped groove portion 333A1 that slides and guides the container C1 toward the center of each accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. Specifically, each rail portion 333A is provided along a direction parallel to the short direction of the dummy pallet DP, and the groove portion 333A1 has its deepest portion positioned vertically above the center of the housing portion DP1. (The chain line in the figure). Therefore, the guide member 333 guides the container C1 to drop toward the center of the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

  In this embodiment, the guide member 333 is formed in a rail shape that is inclined so as to descend from the base end portion attached to the main body portion 332 toward the tip end portion on the dummy pallet DP side, and the dummy pallet. Although it has V-shaped groove part 333A1 which slides and guides container C1 toward the center of each accommodating part DP1 of DP, for example, it may be formed in other shapes such as a tunnel shape. In short, in the present invention, the guide member may be guided so as to drop the container toward the center of the housing portion of the dummy pallet.

  Each rail portion 333A is provided so as to protrude from the tip on the dummy pallet DP side along the direction in which the container C1 is guided, and includes a pair of protruding pieces 333A2 provided on both sides of the groove portion 333A1. The distance between the pair of protruding pieces 333A2 becomes wider toward the tip on the dummy pallet DP side. And the space | interval of the front-end | tip is wider than the outer diameter of the trunk | drum C11 of the container C1, and is narrower than the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1.

In the present embodiment, the distance between the pair of protruding pieces 333A2 increases toward the front end on the dummy pallet DP side, but may be a constant distance from the base end to the front end.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the guide member 333 is provided with a pair of protrusion pieces 333A2, it does not need to be provided with this.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the container storage tank and the container transport means. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a view of the container storage tank 34 and the container transport means 35 as viewed from the −Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 12, the container storage tank 34 is dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by a storage cover 341 that covers an opening formed on the vertically upper side for introducing the container C <b> 1 and a container supply hopper 33. Among the plurality of containers C1, a recovery port 342 for recovering a plurality of containers C1 that have not been accommodated in the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and a lower part of the recovery port 342 are formed and stored therein. And a carry-out port 343 for carrying out the container C1.

The container transport means 35 is provided on the right side of the container storage tank 34 and also has a bucket mechanism 351 for holding the container supply hopper 33 by transporting a plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34, and a container A belt conveyor 352 that conveys a plurality of containers C1 from the storage tank 34 to the bucket mechanism 351 is provided.
In this embodiment, the container transport unit 35 includes the bucket mechanism 351 and the belt conveyor 352, but may have a different configuration. In short, in the present invention, the container transport unit only needs to be able to be held by the first holding unit and the second holding unit by transporting a plurality of containers stored in the storage unit.

The bucket mechanism 351 includes a bucket 351A, an elevator 351B, and a holding conveyor 351C.
The bucket 351A is formed in a bottomed rectangular tube shape having a bottom surface portion 351A1 configured to be openable and closable while being inclined so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34 side. The bucket 351 </ b> A closes the bottom surface portion 351 </ b> A <b> 1 to store a plurality of containers C <b> 1 therein, and opens the bottom surface to deliver the plurality of containers C <b> 1 stored therein. Here, FIG. 12 shows a state where the bottom surface portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A is opened.

  The elevator 351B raises and lowers the bucket 351A along the vertical vertical direction, so that the height position of the container storage tank 34 (specifically, the opening above the bucket 351A above the upper surface of the conveyance path of the belt conveyor 352 is opened). It moves back and forth between the lower position) and the height position of the container supply hopper 33. Here, FIG. 12 shows a state in which the bucket 351A is raised to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 by the elevator 351B.

The holding conveyor 351C places a plurality of containers C1 delivered by the bucket 351A on the conveyance path 351C1, and moves the conveyance path 351C1 from the upstream side (right side on the paper surface) to the downstream side (left side on the paper surface) by the motor 351C2. The container supply hopper 33 holds the container C1 by transporting the plurality of containers C1. Specifically, the plurality of containers C1 placed on the transport path 351C1 fall toward the container supply hopper 33 from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C.
In this embodiment, the bucket mechanism 351 includes a holding conveyor 351C, and the holding conveyor 351C is held by the container supply hopper 33 by conveying a plurality of containers C1. On the other hand, the bucket mechanism 351 may be held in the container supply hopper 33 by another mechanism such as pushing out a plurality of containers C1.

The holding conveyor 351C includes a rectangular plate-like gate 351C3 provided at a predetermined interval on the vertically upper side of the transport path 351C1. The gate 351C3 is disposed over the entire width of the transport path 351C1. In other words, the holding conveyor 351C has an entrance with a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1.
In the present embodiment, the holding conveyor 351C includes the rectangular plate-shaped gate 351C3, but may not include this.

The gate 351C3 is attached to the holding conveyor 351C by inserting a pin 351C4 along the Y-axis direction at the upper end portion thereof, so that the gate 351C3 can swing around the Y-axis. Therefore, the gate 351C3 can swing its lower end when the plurality of containers C1 pass.
In this embodiment, the gate 351C3 is attached to the holding conveyor 351C so that the lower ends thereof can be swung when the plurality of containers C1 pass, but the lower ends can be swung. It may not be attached.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the periphery of the container supply arrangement table of the container supply device is viewed from above. Specifically, FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the periphery of the container supply arrangement bases 31A and 31B of the container supply device is viewed from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 13, the container supply device 3 includes the above-described pallet transfer means 36 that loads and unloads the dummy pallet DP with respect to the container supply placement table 31. The pallet conveying means 36 is arranged on the upstream side pallet conveyor 361 and pusher 362 arranged on the + Y axis direction side of the container supply arrangement table 31 and on the −Y axis direction side of the container supply arrangement table 31. A puller 363 and a downstream pallet conveyor 364, and a circulation pallet conveyor 365 disposed on the + X axis direction side of the container supply arrangement table 31 are provided.

The upstream pallet conveyor 361 conveys the dummy pallet DP to a loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP provided adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31A and on the + Y axis direction side.
The pusher 362 pushes the dummy pallet DP conveyed to the carry-in standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 toward the container supply placement table 31A.
The puller 363 pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B to the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP provided on the −Y axis direction side adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31B. .

The downstream pallet conveyor 364 conveys the dummy pallet DP from the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2 to the circulation pallet conveyor 365.
The circulation pallet conveyor 365 circulates the dummy pallet DP by conveying the dummy pallet DP that has arrived at the end point position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to the start point position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361.

  The pallet conveying means 36 may have a configuration different from the above-described configuration including the upstream pallet conveyor 361, the pusher 362, the puller 363, the downstream pallet conveyor 364, and the circulation pallet conveyor 365. . For example, the pallet conveying means may carry the dummy pallet into and out of the dummy pallet placement position manually by the operator. In short, in the present invention, the pallet conveying means only needs to be able to carry in / out the dummy pallet placement position.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 14A is a view of the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 viewed from the + Z axis direction side, and FIG. 14B is the + Y axis direction side of the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor 361. It is the figure seen from.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the upstream pallet conveyor 361 includes a transport path 361A that moves toward the loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP (toward the −X axis direction), and the movement direction of the transport path 361A. And a pair of guide rails 361B provided on both sides of the conveyance path 361A. The interval between the pair of guide rails 361B is set slightly longer than the length of the dummy pallet DP in the longitudinal direction. Here, at the carry-in standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP, the conveyance path 361A is inclined in the same manner as the container supply arrangement table 31 (see FIG. 14B).

  As shown in FIG. 14, the pusher 362 includes a contact portion 362A that contacts the side surface of the dummy pallet DP, and an advance / retreat mechanism 362B that advances and retracts the contact portion 362A along the Y-axis direction. The pusher 362 moves the contact portion 362A toward the −Y-axis direction side by the advance / retreat mechanism 362B, so that the dummy pallet DP transported to the standby waiting position W1 of the dummy pallet DP by the upstream pallet conveyor 361. Is pushed out toward the container supply placement table 31A.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the downstream pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 15A is a view of the periphery of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 as viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 15B is the view of the periphery of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 in the −Y-axis direction. It is the figure seen from the side.
As shown in FIG. 15, the puller 363 includes a pin 363 </ b> A that is inserted into the through hole DP <b> 3 formed on the −Y axis direction side among the two through holes DP <b> 3 (see FIG. 5) formed in the dummy pallet DP, And an advancing / retracting mechanism 363B for advancing and retracting the pin 363A along the Y-axis direction. In the puller 363, the pin 363A is advanced toward the + Y-axis direction side by the advance / retreat mechanism 363B, and then inserted into the through hole DP3 of the dummy pallet DP. By moving backward, the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement base 31B are pulled out to the carry-out standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the downstream pallet conveyor 364 includes a conveyance path 364 </ b> A that moves from the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W <b> 2 toward the right side of the sheet, and a pull-out position of the dummy pallet DP at the puller 363. A pusher 364B that pushes the dummy pallet DP pulled out to W2 toward the transport path 364A, and a pair of guide rails 364C that are provided in parallel with the moving direction of the transport path 364A and provided on both sides of the transport path 364A. ing. The distance between the pair of guide rails 364C is set slightly longer than the length of the dummy pallet DP in the longitudinal direction. Here, at the carry-out standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, the transport path 364A is inclined in the same manner as the container supply arrangement table 31 (see FIG. 15B).

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the downstream pallet conveyor 364 switches between a state in which the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2 is inclined in the same manner as the container supply arrangement table 31 and a horizontal state. A mechanism 364D is provided.
The switching mechanism 364D includes a pedestal 364D1 having a carry-out standby position W2 for the dummy pallet DP, and a pedestal support portion 364D2 that supports the pedestal 364D1 so as to be rotatable about the Y axis. This switching mechanism 364D tilts the state of the dummy pallet DP carry-out standby position W2 in the same manner as the container supply placement table 31 by rotating the base 364D1 around the Y axis by the driving force of a motor (not shown). Switch between the normal state and the horizontal state.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the circulating pallet conveyor 365 is placed with the dummy pallet DP and moved toward the + Y-axis direction, thereby moving the starting position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 from the end position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364. A transport path 365A that transports the plate 365B, a plate 365B that contacts the side surface on the + X-axis direction side of the dummy pallet DP that has arrived at the end position of the transport path 365A, and an advance / retreat mechanism 365C that moves the plate 365B back and forth along the X-axis direction. I have. The circulating pallet conveyor 365 feeds the dummy pallet DP that has arrived at the start position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 to the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by causing the plate 365B to advance in the −X axis direction by the advance / retreat mechanism 365C.

FIG. 16 is a top view and a side view of a container replenishing mechanism of the container supply device. Specifically, FIG. 16A is a top view of the container replenishment mechanism 37 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 16B is a side view of the container replenishment mechanism 37 viewed from the −Y-axis direction side. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, the container supply device 3 replenishes the empty container part DP1 that does not contain the container C1 among the container parts DP1 of the dummy pallet DP conveyed by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 with the container C1. The aforementioned container replenishment mechanism 37 is provided.

  The downstream pallet conveyor 364 includes a pin (not shown) that is inserted into the through hole DP3 of the dummy pallet DP, and a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves the pin toward the + X axis direction side. The downstream pallet conveyor 364 carries the dummy pallet DP by inserting a pin into the through hole DP3 of the dummy pallet DP and moving the pin by a moving mechanism. Specifically, the downstream pallet conveyor 364 moves the dummy pallet DP toward the + X-axis direction side by repeatedly moving and stopping the pins every distance of one dummy pallet DP. Transport intermittently.

The container replenishment mechanism 37 includes a first abnormality detection sensor 371 and a second abnormality detection sensor 372, a posture correction means 373, a CCD camera 374, a temporary placement table 375, a temporary placement arm robot 376, and a replenishment arm robot 377. And.
Hereinafter, the stop position of the dummy pallet DP located on the −X axis direction side of the temporary placement table 375 is referred to as DPS1 and DPS2, and the stop position of the dummy pallet DP located on the + X axis direction side of the temporary placement table 375 is referred to as DPS3.

  In FIG. 16A, the posture correcting means 373 and the CCD camera 374 are not shown. In FIG. 16B, the first abnormality detection sensor 371, the second abnormality detection sensor 372, and the temporary arm robot 376 are placed. The illustration of the replenishment arm robot 377 is omitted. Further, the temporary arm robot 376 and the replenishment arm robot 377 are also illustrated in FIG. 6 described above.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the first abnormality detection sensor 371 is disposed on the −X axis direction side of the downstream pallet conveyor 364. The first abnormality detection sensor 371 accommodates the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS1 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped by emitting light toward the + Y-axis direction along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. The floating of the container C1 supplied to the part DP1 is detected.
The second abnormality detection sensor 372 is disposed on the + X axis direction side of the first abnormality detection sensor 371. Similar to the first abnormality detection sensor 371, the second abnormality detection sensor 372 emits light toward the + Y-axis direction along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, so that the downstream pallet conveyor 364 moves to the stop position DPS2. The floating of the container C1 supplied to the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported and stopped is detected.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the posture correcting means is viewed from the side.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the posture correcting means 373 is inserted from the lower surface side into the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS1 and stopped by the downstream pallet conveyor 364. It includes a plate 373A having a plurality of rod-like bodies 373A1 that abut against the container C1 housed in the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP and a cylinder 373B that lifts and lowers the plate 373A. This posture correcting means 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP conveyed by the downstream pallet conveyor 364.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the posture of the container is corrected by the posture correcting means. Specifically, FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating a state where the plate 373A is raised, and FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating a state where the plate 373A is lowered.
As shown in FIG. 18A, the posture correcting means 373 raises the plate 373A with the cylinder 373B, thereby bringing the plurality of rod-like bodies 373A1 into contact with the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. And push it up (see the upward arrow in the figure). At this time, the cylinder 373B raises the plate 373A so that the upper surface of the rod-shaped body 373A1 is positioned vertically downward with respect to the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. In other words, the cylinder 373B raises the plate 373A to such an extent that the rod-shaped body 373A1 does not protrude from the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

Thereafter, the posture correcting means 373 lowers the plate 373A by the cylinder 373B as shown in FIG. Here, as described above, the container C1 has a cylindrical body with a hexagonal cross section that is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and has a diameter that is slightly reduced from the top toward the bottom. Therefore, the posture correcting means 373 can correct the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP by lowering the plate 373A.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the posture correcting means 373 determines the posture of the container C1 supplied from the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and the housing portion of the dummy pallet DP from the lower surface side of the dummy pallet DP. The rod-like body 373A1 is inserted into DP1 and brought into contact with the bottom surface of the container C1 to be corrected.

  The CCD camera 374 is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364 as shown in FIG. The CCD camera 374 captures an image of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS2 and stopped by the downstream pallet conveyor 364, so that an empty container C1 is not housed in the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. It functions as an empty container detection means for detecting the container DP1.

As shown in FIG. 16, the temporary placement table 375 is positioned on the + X axis direction side of the CCD camera 374, and is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364, and includes a plurality of temporary placement tables for temporarily placing a plurality of containers C1. It has a placement portion 375A. The dummy pallet DP passes vertically below the temporary table 375.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the temporary placement table 375 functions as a container temporary placement means that is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and has a plurality of temporary placement portions 375A for temporarily placing a plurality of containers C1. .

Specifically, the temporary placement table 375 has ten temporary placement portions 375A arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction) and 5 at equal intervals along the short direction (column direction). The temporary placement portions 375A are arranged. In other words, the temporary placement table 375 has 50 temporary placement portions 375A in a lattice point shape.
In the present embodiment, the temporary placement table 375 has 50 temporary placement portions 375A in a lattice point shape, but may have two or more temporary placement portions different from 50. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the temporary placement part is arranged in a lattice point shape, it may not be arranged in a lattice point shape, and the arrangement method may not have regularity.

Here, the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement portion 375A of the temporary placement table 375 are formed to be the same as the arrangement and shape of the accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.
Accordingly, when the container C1 is accommodated inside the temporary placement portion 375A of the temporary placement table 375, the flange C12 protrudes outside the temporary placement portion 375A, and the body C11 is accommodated inside the temporary placement portion 375A. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the temporary placement portion 375A so as to take a certain posture in which the top portion is positioned on the vertically upper side and the bottom portion is positioned on the vertically lower side, and has a posture opposite to this. It is not accommodated in the temporary placement portion 375A.
Further, as described above, the container C1 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and has the body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top toward the bottom. , It is easy to enter the temporary placement portion 375A.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 16A, the temporary arm robot 376 includes a robot main body 376A and a head 376B provided at the tip of the robot main body 376A, and the −Y axis direction side of the temporary mounting table 375. It is arranged.
The robot body 376A moves between the stop position DPS2 of the dummy pallet DP and the temporary table 375 by moving the head 376B along the transport direction of the downstream pallet conveyor 364.
The head 376B is provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3, and a plurality of suction cups (not shown) for sucking and holding the plurality of containers C1. have.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a state where the container is temporarily placed on the temporary placement table by the temporary placement arm robot. Specifically, FIG. 19A is a diagram showing a state in which the head 376B is moved to the stop position DPS2 of the dummy pallet DP, and FIG. 19B is a diagram in which the head 376B is moved to the temporary table 375. It is a figure which shows a state. In FIG. 19, the container C1 is illustrated with hatching.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the temporary arm robot 376 moves the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. Aspirate and hold with a suction cup. Then, as shown in FIG. 19B, the temporary arm robot 376 is transferred to the temporary placement part 375A of the temporary placement table 375 by moving the head 376B (see the right arrow in the figure). Accordingly, the temporary arm robot 376 functions as temporary transfer means.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 16A, the replenishment arm robot 377 is attached to the tip of the robot main body 377A to hold the robot main body 377A and the container C1 accommodated in the temporary placement portion 375A of the temporary placement table 375. The hand 377B (see FIG. 20) is provided, and is disposed on the + X axis direction side of the temporary arm robot 376.
The robot body 377A moves the hand 377B to move each of the temporary placement units 375A of the temporary placement table 375 and each of the accommodation units DP1 of the dummy pallets DP that are transported to the stop position DPS3 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. Go back and forth.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state where a container is being refilled into an empty storage unit by the refill arm robot. Specifically, FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the hand 377B is moved to the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375, and FIG. 20B is a position where the hand 377B is stopped at the dummy pallet DP. It is a figure which shows the state moved to DPS3. In FIG. 20, the container C1 is illustrated with hatching.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the replenishment arm robot 377 holds the container C1 accommodated in the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375 with the hand 377B. Then, as shown in FIG. 20 (B), the replenishment arm robot 377 moves the hand 377B, so that it is transported to the stop position DPS3 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. Among these, it replenishes empty accommodation part DP1 which has not accommodated container C1 (refer the right arrow in a figure).

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the container supply device.
Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the container supply device 3 includes a container supply control means 38 that controls the entire container supply device 3.
The container supply control means 38 is constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like, and executes information processing according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. The container supply control unit 38 includes a container transport unit 381, a container supply unit 382, a pallet transport unit 383, and a container replenishment unit 384.

The container transport unit 381 includes a container charging unit 381A, a charging stop unit 381B, and a container moving unit 381C, and controls the container transporting unit 35 to transport a plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34. To hold the container supply hopper 33.
Hereinafter, the function of each part 381A-381C which comprises the container conveyance part 381 is demonstrated in detail.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of containers are put into the bucket.
As shown in FIG. 22, the container loading unit 381A moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container storage tank 34 (downward arrow in the figure), and then closes the bottom surface 351A1 of the bucket 351A. Then, the container loading unit 381A causes the belt conveyor 352 to start moving the conveyance path (right arrow in the drawing), thereby loading a plurality of containers C1 conveyed by the belt conveyor 352 into the bucket 351A.
Here, since the belt conveyor 352 has an inlet of a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34 (the outlet 343 of the container storage tank 34), the belt conveyor 352 is charged into the bucket 351A. The quantity of containers C1 per unit time can be made constant.

The input stop unit 381B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving the conveyance path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the belt conveyor 352 starts moving the conveyance path. In other words, the charging stop unit 381B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving the conveyance path when the fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1 is charged inside the bucket 351A, thereby moving the bucket 351A to the buckets 351A of the plurality of containers C1. Stops charging.
Here, the charging stop unit 381B stops the charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3A after stopping the charging of the containers C1 into the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3B. In other words, the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 put into the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3A is larger than the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 put into the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3B.

  In the present embodiment, the input stopping unit 381B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving the conveyance path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the belt conveyor 352 starts moving the conveyance path. The charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A was stopped. On the other hand, for example, the charging stop unit detects that the plurality of containers C1 have contacted the floor of the bucket 351A with a sensor, and then when the predetermined time has elapsed, By stopping the movement, the charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A may be stopped. Further, for example, the charging stop unit measures the weights of the plurality of containers charged into the bucket, and when the predetermined weight is reached, causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving the conveyance path, thereby causing the plurality of containers C1 to stop. May be stopped. In short, in the present invention, when a plurality of containers of a certain amount are charged inside the bucket, the loading stop unit stops the loading of the plurality of containers into the bucket by causing the belt conveyor to stop moving the conveyance path. do it.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a state where the bucket is raised.
After stopping the charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A by the charging stop unit 381B, the container moving unit 381C moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 by the elevator 351B as shown in FIG. (Upward arrow in the figure).

Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the container moving unit 381C opens the bottom surface portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A to place the plurality of containers C1 stored in the bucket 351A on the conveyance path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C. .
Further, the container moving unit 381C drives the motor 351C2 to move the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side toward the downstream side to transport the plurality of containers C1, thereby transporting the plurality of containers C1 to the container supply hopper. 33.
As described above, since the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 charged into the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3A is larger than the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 charged into the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3B, the container supply hopper The quantity of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by 33A is larger than the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B.

Here, since the holding conveyor 351C includes an inlet (gate 351C3) having a predetermined area for introducing a plurality of containers C1, the quantity of the containers C1 per unit time falling on the container supply hopper 33 is made constant. be able to.
In addition, since the gate 351C3 is disposed so that the lower ends thereof can be swung when the plurality of containers C1 pass, the deformation of the plurality of containers C1 can be suppressed.

  In this way, the container transport unit 381 controls the container transport means 35 to transport the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34, thereby holding them in the container supply hopper 33. In the present embodiment, the container transport means 35 holds a plurality of containers C1 in a certain amount in the container supply hopper 33.

As shown in FIG. 23, the container supply unit 382 includes a hopper drive unit 382A, a pallet vibration unit 382B, and an air discharge unit 382C. The container C1 is supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the container.
Hereinafter, the function of each part 382A-382C which comprises the container supply part 382 is demonstrated in detail.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the guide member is rotated to the container holding position.
As shown in FIG. 24, the hopper driving unit 382A rotates the guide member 333 from the guide position to the container holding position (upward arrow in the figure), thereby causing the container supply hopper 33 to move from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C. A plurality of containers C <b> 1 that have dropped toward the container are held in the container supply hopper 33.
Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the hopper driving unit 382A rotates the guide member 333 from the container holding position to the guide position, and moves the conveyance path of the hopper conveyor 332A (see FIG. 10) from the upper end side of the main body 332. Move toward the lower end. As a result, the plurality of containers C <b> 1 slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 and drop from the lower end side of the main body portion 332.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a state where the main body of the container supply hopper is moved along the rail member.
Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the hopper driving unit 382A moves the slider 331 along the rail member 33R when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped from the lower end side of the main body 332, whereby the main body 332 is moved to the container storage tank 34 side along the rail member 33R.
At this time, the movement of the container C1 between the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B is restricted by the partition plate 3C described above. ing.

Here, since the rail member 33R is arranged in parallel with the short direction of the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31, the dummy pallet DP is made up of the main body portion by the rail member 33R and the slider 331. It has a plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed so as to be aligned along a direction (predetermined direction) in which 332 is moved.
The hopper driving unit 382A supplies the plurality of containers C1 held by the main body part 332 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP when the main body part 332 is moved by the rail member 33R and the slider 331. Yes.

The pallet vibration unit 382B is configured to vibrate the container supply arrangement table 31 with the small electromagnetic feeder 32 when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped from the lower end side of the main body 332 by the hopper driving unit 382A. The pallet DP is vibrated.
Therefore, when the dummy pallet DP is vibrated by the small electromagnetic feeder 32, the container supply unit 382 supplies the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

Here, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 which is weaker than the first vibration intensity for vibrating the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 and the first vibration intensity. And a second vibration intensity for vibrating the dummy pallet DP.
The first vibration strength of the small electromagnetic feeder 32B is weaker than the first vibration strength of the small electromagnetic feeder 32A, and the second vibration strength of the small electromagnetic feeder 32B is the second vibration strength of the small electromagnetic feeder 32A. Weaker than.

  The pallet vibration unit 382B moves the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration intensity to the second when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Switch to vibration intensity. In other words, the pallet vibration part 382B weakens the vibration of the small electromagnetic feeder 32 when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

  In the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 has a first vibration strength and a second vibration strength that is weaker than the first vibration strength and vibrates the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement base 31. The pallet vibrating section 382B moves the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration strength when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Although it switched to the vibration intensity of 2, it does not need to switch in this way.

The plurality of containers C1 dropped on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 382 will enter each housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP while rolling by the vibration of the dummy pallet DP.
On the other hand, since the container supply arrangement table 31 is inclined so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34, a plurality of containers dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 382. Among the C1, the plurality of containers C1 that are not accommodated in the accommodating part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP will freely fall into the container storage tank 34. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the container supply placement table 31 drops the plurality of containers C1 to the container storage tank 34 by inclining the dummy pallet DP so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34 side. Acts as a means.

The air discharge part 382C causes the compressor 33C to discharge air after dropping a plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body part 332 by the hopper driving part 382A. According to this, among the plurality of containers C1 dropped on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 382, the plurality of containers C1 that are not housed in the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP are blown off and stored in the container. It will fall into the tank 34.
The strength of the air discharged from each discharge port 33D of the compressor 33C is adjusted and optimized in advance for each part of the dummy pallet DP. For example, the strength of the air discharged from the discharge port 33D corresponding to the portion of the dummy pallet DP that is difficult to blow off the container C1 is strongly adjusted, and the air is discharged from the discharge port 33D corresponding to the portion of the dummy pallet DP that is easy to blow off the container C1. It is like adjusting the strength of the air to be weak.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the compressor 33C functions as a dropping unit that drops a plurality of containers C1 onto the container storage tank 34 by discharging air toward the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

Here, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 has a third vibration strength that is weaker than the second vibration strength and vibrates the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement base 31.
Further, the third vibration strength of the small electromagnetic feeder 32B is weaker than the third vibration strength of the small electromagnetic feeder 32A.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32A functions as a first pallet vibration unit that vibrates the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement base 31A, and the small electromagnetic feeder 32B serves as a container supply. The dummy pallet DP arranged on the arrangement table 31B functions as second pallet vibration means for vibrating weakly than the small electromagnetic feeder 32A.

  The pallet vibration unit 382B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration strength to the third vibration strength when the compressor 33C causes the plurality of containers C1 to drop into the container storage tank 34. In other words, the pallet vibration unit 382B further weakens the vibration of the small electromagnetic feeder 32 when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped into the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C.

  In the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 has a second vibration intensity, and a third vibration intensity that is weaker than the second vibration intensity and vibrates the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31. The pallet vibration unit 382B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration intensity to the third vibration intensity when the compressor 33C drops the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34. It is not necessary to switch in this way.

  In the present embodiment, the container supply placement table 31 for dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by tilting the dummy pallet DP so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34 side, and the dummy A compressor 33C that drops a plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging air toward the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the pallet DP is employed as the dropping means. It may be adopted. The dropping means may drop the plurality of containers onto the storage means, for example, by vibrating a dummy pallet. In short, in the present invention, the dropping means includes a plurality of containers that are not accommodated in the dummy pallet accommodating portion among the plurality of containers supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet by the first holding means and the second holding means. It is only necessary that the container can be dropped into the storage means.

In this way, the container supply control means 38 holds the plurality of containers C1 in the container supply hopper 33 by the container transport means 35, and then sets the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 to the dummy pallet. While being supplied toward the upper surface of the DP, the plurality of containers C1 are circulated and reused by dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by the dropping means.
Further, as described above, since the container transport means 35 holds the container supply hopper 33 with a certain amount of the plurality of containers C1, the container supply hopper 33 is used in one cycle of circulating the plurality of containers C1. A fixed amount of a plurality of containers C1 is held.
In the present embodiment, the container transport means 35 holds the container supply hopper 33 with a fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1 in one cycle of circulating the plurality of containers C1, but the fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1. The container C1 may not be held.

As shown in FIG. 21, the pallet transport section 383 includes a pallet unloading section 383A, a pallet push-out section 383B, a pallet pull-out section 383C, and a pallet carry-in section 383D. The pallet transport section 383 controls the dummy pallet DP , The dummy pallet DP is carried into and out of the container supply arrangement table 31.
Hereinafter, the function of each part 383A-383D which comprises the pallet conveyance part 383 is demonstrated in detail.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the dummy pallet is conveyed from the dummy pallet unloading standby position.
When the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, the pallet unloading unit 383A pushes the dummy pallet DP toward the conveyance path 364A by the pusher 364B as shown in FIG. Two dummy pallets DP are placed on the conveyance path 364A. When the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 364A of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet unloading unit 383A causes the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to transport the dummy pallet DP (right arrow in the figure).
The downstream pallet conveyor 364 guides the dummy pallet DP with the guide rail 364C, so that the short side direction of the dummy pallet DP and the moving direction of the transport path 364A are parallel to each other. Transport.

  Thereafter, when the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the end point position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet unloading section 383A conveys the dummy pallet DP to the start point position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by the circulation pallet conveyor 365, and When the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the start position of the side pallet conveyor 361, the dummy pallet DP is sent out toward the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by the plate 365B.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the dummy pallet is pushed out toward the container supply placement table.
As shown in FIG. 27, the pallet pusher 383B pushes the two dummy pallets DP transported to the loading standby position W1 by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 toward the container supply placement table 31A by the pusher 362. Thus, the two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A. The pallet pusher 383B pushes the dummy pallet DP previously placed on the container supply placement table 31A by carrying the dummy pallet DP into the container supply placement table 31A by the pusher 362, thereby supplying the container. The data is sent to the arrangement table 31B.

  Accordingly, the pusher 362 carries the dummy pallet DP into the container supply arrangement table 31A by moving the dummy pallet DP along the adjacent direction (Y-axis direction) of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. Functions as a pallet loading means. The pusher 362 supplies the container by moving the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A along the adjacent direction (Y-axis direction) of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. It functions as a pallet sending means for sending to the arrangement table 31B.

In this embodiment, the pusher 362 is employed as the pallet carrying means, but other configurations may be employed. In short, the pallet carrying means only needs to be able to carry the pallet into the first area by moving the pallet carrying means along the adjacent direction of the first area and the second area.
Further, in this embodiment, the pusher 362 is employed as the pallet sending means, but other configurations may be employed. In short, the pallet sending means only needs to be able to send the pallet arranged in the first area to the second area by moving the pallet along the adjacent direction of the first area and the second area.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pusher 362 has the functions of the pallet carry-in means and the pallet feed-out means and is configured integrally, but the pallet carry-in means and the pallet feed-out means may be separately configured.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is pulled out from the container supply placement table.
As shown in FIG. 28, the pallet drawer portion 383C pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement base 31B by the puller 363, thereby bringing the dummy pallet DP into the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP. Place.
Therefore, the puller 363 is carried out by moving the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B along the adjacent direction (Y-axis direction) of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. Functions as a pallet unloading means.
In this embodiment, the puller 363 is employed as the pallet unloading means. However, other configurations may be employed. In short, the pallet unloading means only needs to be able to unload the pallet disposed in the second area by moving it along the adjacent direction of the first area and the second area.

When the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 361A of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by the circulation pallet conveyor 365, the pallet carry-in section 383D receives the dummy pallet DP on the upstream pallet conveyor 361 as shown in FIG. The dummy pallet DP is conveyed to the loading standby position W1.
The upstream pallet conveyor 361 guides the dummy pallet DP with the guide rail 361B, so that the short side direction of the dummy pallet DP and the moving direction of the transport path 361A are parallel to each other. Transport.

As shown in FIG. 21, the container replenishing unit 384 includes a container posture correcting unit 384A, a container temporary placement unit 384B, and a container replenishing execution unit 384C, and controls the container replenishing mechanism 37 to control the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B. The container C1 is replenished to the empty housing portion DP1 that could not supply the container C1.
Hereinafter, the function of each part 384A-384C which comprises the container replenishment part 384 is demonstrated in detail.

  When the container abnormality correction unit 384A detects the float of the container C1 supplied to the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS1 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped, As shown in FIG. 18, the posture correcting means 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first abnormality detection sensor 371 functions as an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP conveyed by the downstream pallet conveyor 364. To do. In the present embodiment, the posture correcting means 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP in which the first abnormality detection sensor 371 detects an abnormality in the posture of the container C1.
In the present embodiment, the posture correcting means 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP in which the first abnormality detection sensor 371 detects an abnormality in the posture of the container C1. However, you may correct the attitude | position of the container C1 supplied to accommodating part DP1 of all the dummy pallets DP. In this case, the container replenishment mechanism 37 may not include the first abnormality detection sensor 371.

As shown in FIG. 19, the temporary container placement unit 384 </ b> B transfers the container C <b> 1 supplied to the storage unit DP <b> 1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS <b> 2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped temporarily. To the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375.
The container replenishment execution unit 384C transfers, to the CCD camera 374, an empty storage unit DP1 that does not store the container C1 among the storage units DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that is transported to the stop position DPS2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. As shown in FIG. 20, when the dummy pallet DP is conveyed to the stop position DPS3 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped, the container C1 stored in the temporary placement portion 375A of the temporary placement table 375 is removed. The empty housing part DP1 is replenished by the replenishment arm robot 377.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the replenishment arm robot 377 replenishes the empty container part DP1 detected by the CCD camera 374 with the container C1 temporarily placed in the temporary placement part 375A of the temporary placement table 375. Functions as a means. In the present embodiment, the CCD camera 374 supplies the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and then the attitude of the container C1 by the attitude correction means 373. Is corrected, the empty housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is detected.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the container transport and supply process executed by the container supply device.
When the container supply device 3 supplies a plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP, the container supply control means 38 follows steps S1 to S4 as shown in FIG. 29 according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. Execute.
Hereinafter, the details of steps S1 to S4 will be described with reference to the drawings described above.

First, as shown in FIG. 22, the container loading unit 381A moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container storage tank 34, and then closes the bottom surface 351A1 of the bucket 351A. Then, the container loading unit 381A causes the belt conveyor 352 to start moving the conveyance path (right arrow in the figure), thereby loading a plurality of containers C1 conveyed by the belt conveyor 352 into the bucket 351A ( S1: Container loading step).
Next, the charging stop unit 381B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop the movement of the conveyance path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the belt conveyor 352 starts the movement of the conveyance path. Is stopped to the bucket 351A (S2: input stop step).

  After stopping the charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A by the charging stop unit 381B, the container moving unit 381C moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 by the elevator 351B as shown in FIG. To rise. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12, the container moving unit 381C opens the bottom surface portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A to place the plurality of containers C1 stored in the bucket 351A on the conveyance path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C. .

Further, the container moving unit 381C drives the motor 351C2 to move the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side toward the downstream side to transport the plurality of containers C1, thereby transporting the plurality of containers C1 to the container supply hopper. 33 (S3: container moving step).
At this time, as shown in FIG. 24, the hopper driving unit 382A rotates the guide member 333 from the guide position to the container holding position (upward arrow in the figure), thereby supplying the container from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C. The plurality of containers C <b> 1 that have dropped toward the hopper 33 for use are held by the hopper 33 for supply of containers.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the hopper driving unit 382A rotates the guide member 333 from the container holding position to the guide position, and the hopper conveyor 332A (see FIG. 10) feeds the conveyance path to the upper end side of the main body 332. Move toward the lower end side. Accordingly, the plurality of containers C1 slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 and drop from the lower end side of the main body 332 (S4: container supply step).
Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the hopper driving unit 382A moves the slider 331 along the rail member 33R while dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body 332, thereby 332 is moved to the container storage tank 34 side along the rail member 33R.

As described above, the pallet vibration unit 382B uses the small electromagnetic feeder 32 to place the container supply arrangement table 31 when the hopper driving unit 382A drops the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body 332. , The dummy pallet DP is vibrated. Here, the pallet vibrator 382B moves the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration strength to the second when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Switch to the vibration intensity.
Further, as described above, the air discharge unit 382C causes the compressor 33C to discharge air after dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body 332 by the hopper driving unit 382A. Here, the pallet vibration unit 382B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration intensity to the third vibration intensity when the compressor 33C causes the plurality of containers C1 to drop into the container storage tank 34.

Finally, the hopper driving unit 382A stops the movement of the transport path of the hopper conveyor 332A and moves the slider 331 along the rail member 33R, thereby moving the main body 332 along the rail member 33R to the bucket mechanism 351 side. Move to to restore.
Thereafter, the container supply control means 38 repeatedly executes the above-described step S1, thereby repeatedly executing steps S1 to S4, and the container supply device 3 supplies the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a pallet transport process executed in the container supply device.
When the dummy pallet DP is transported by the pallet transporting means 36 to carry in / out the container supply placement table 31, the container supply control means 38 follows the predetermined program stored in the memory. As shown in FIG. 30, steps S11 to S14 are executed.
Hereinafter, the details of steps S11 to S14 will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

First, when the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, the pallet unloading unit 383A pushes the dummy pallet DP toward the conveyance path 364A by the pusher 364B as shown in FIG. Thus, two dummy pallets DP are placed on the transport path 364A. Thereafter, the pallet unloading section 383A moves the pusher 364B away from the transport path 364A and returns it to the original state.
When the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 364A of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet unloading unit 383A causes the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to transport the dummy pallet DP (S11: pallet unloading step).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27, the pallet extruding unit 383B moves the two dummy pallets DP conveyed by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 to the loading standby position W1 toward the container supply arrangement table 31A by the pusher 362. By pushing out, two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A (S12: pallet pushing step). The pallet pusher 383B pushes the dummy pallet DP previously placed on the container supply placement table 31A by carrying the dummy pallet DP into the container supply placement table 31A by the pusher 362, thereby supplying the container. The data is sent to the arrangement table 31B. Thereafter, the pallet pusher 383 </ b> B moves the pusher 362 away from the container supply placement base 31 </ b> A to return it to its original state.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 28, the pallet drawer portion 383C pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement base 31B by the puller 363, thereby bringing the dummy pallet DP into the unloading standby position W2. A dummy pallet DP is arranged (S13: pallet drawing step). Thereafter, the pallet drawer 383 </ b> C moves the puller 363 away from the container supply placement base 31 </ b> B and returns it to the original state.

  When the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 361A of the upstream pallet conveyor 361, the pallet carry-in unit 383D places the dummy pallet DP on standby position W1 on the upstream pallet conveyor 361 as shown in FIG. The dummy pallet DP is transported until (S14: pallet loading step).

  Thereafter, the container supply control means 38 repeats Steps S11 to S14 by executing Step S11 described above again, and the pallet conveying means 36 conveys the dummy pallet DP.

Here, steps S11 to S14 are executed in parallel with steps S1 to S4 described above.
Specifically, steps S11 to S14 are executed at a timing after executing the container supply step S4 and before executing the container movement step S3 of the next cycle.
Accordingly, the container supply control means 38 has two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A by the pusher 362 and two sheets arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A by the pusher 362. Formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by supplying the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP when the dummy pallet DP is sent to the container supply arrangement table 31B. The container C1 is supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of container replenishment processing executed in the container supply device.
When the container replenishing mechanism 37 replenishes the empty container portion DP1 for which the container C1 could not be resupplied by the container replenishing mechanisms 3A and 3B, the container replenishing control means 38 has a predetermined memory stored in the memory. As shown in FIG. 31, steps S21 to S26 are executed according to the program.
Hereinafter, details of steps S21 to S26 will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

First, the container posture correcting unit 384A detects, by the first abnormality detection sensor 371, the floating of the container C1 supplied to the storage unit DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been conveyed to the stop position DPS1 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. (S21: first abnormality detection step).
Then, when the container abnormality correction unit 384A detects the floating of the container C1 supplied to the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP by the first abnormality detection sensor 371, as shown in FIG. The posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 is corrected by the posture correcting means 373 (S22: container posture correcting step).

After executing the container posture correction step S22 or when the first abnormality detection sensor 371 does not detect the floating of the container C1 supplied to the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, the dummy pallet DP It is transported to the stop position DPS2 by the pallet conveyor 364.
Next, the container temporary placement unit 384B determines whether or not the container C1 is present in the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement base 375 (S23: temporary placement base container determination step).

  The container temporary placement unit 384B is transported to the stop position DPS2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 when it is determined in the temporary placement container determination step S23 that there is no container C1 in the temporary placement part 375A of the temporary placement table 375. Among the storage parts DP1 of the dummy pallet DP stopped, the storage part DP1 that stores the container C1 is detected by the CCD camera 374 and stored in the memory. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 19, the temporary container placement unit 384 </ b> B transfers the container C <b> 1 supplied to the storage unit DP <b> 1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been conveyed to the stop position DPS <b> 2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped The robot 376 transfers the sample to the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375 (S24: container temporary placement step).

  When the container temporary placement step S24 is executed, the container supply control means 38 temporarily places the container C1 on the temporary placement table 375 by the temporary arm robot 376 without executing the processing after step S25. The dummy pallet DP after being transferred to the section 375A is conveyed to the circulation pallet conveyor 365 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the container C1 is present in the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375 in the temporary placement container determination step S23, the container replenishment execution unit 384C uses the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to stop the position DPS2. Among the housing parts DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that have been transported and stopped, the CCD camera 374 detects an empty housing part DP1 that does not contain the container C1, and determines whether or not there is an empty housing part DP1. (S25: Empty accommodation part determination step).
Then, if the container replenishment execution unit 384C determines that there is an empty storage unit DP1 in the empty storage unit determination step S25, the empty storage unit DP1 is stored in the memory. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20, the container replenishment execution unit 384C accommodates the dummy pallet DP in the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375 when the dummy pallet DP is transported to the stop position DPS3 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. The container C1 thus filled is replenished to the empty housing part DP1 by the refill arm robot 377 (S26: container refill execution step).

  In the temporary placement container determination step S23 described above, the temporary container placement unit 384B includes information on the number of containers C1 stored in the storage unit DP1 of the dummy pallet DP stored in the memory in the temporary container placement step S24, and Whether or not the container C1 is present in the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375 based on the information related to the number of containers C1 decreased due to the replenishment of the empty storage portion DP1 in the container refill execution step S26. Is judged.

After executing the container replenishment execution step S26, or when it is determined that there is no empty storage portion DP1 in the empty storage portion determination step S25, the container supply control means 38 transfers the dummy pallet DP to the downstream pallet conveyor. At 364, it is conveyed to the circulating pallet conveyor 365.
Thereafter, the container supply control means 38 repeatedly executes the above-described step S21, thereby repeatedly executing steps S21 to S26, and the empty container portion DP1 in which the container C1 cannot be supplied by the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B. The container C1 is replenished by the container replenishment mechanism 37.

  The container supply control means 38 uses the second abnormality detection sensor 372 to lift the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP that has been transported to the stop position DPS2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. To detect. Further, when the second abnormality detection sensor 372 detects the floating of the container C1 supplied to the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, the container supply control means 38 performs the above-described steps S1 to S4 and steps S11 to S11. The repetition of S14 and steps S21 to S26 is stopped.

  The container supply control means 38 repeats the above-described steps S1 to S4, steps S11 to S14, and steps S21 to S26 when a stop button (not shown) provided in the container supply device 3 is pressed. To stop. Further, the container supply control means 38, when a reset button (not shown) provided in the container supply device 3 is pressed, the container supply hopper 33, the container transfer means 35, the pallet transfer means 36, and the container replenishment The mechanism 37 is returned to the initial state.

Moreover, in this embodiment, although the container supply apparatus 3 was equipped with the small electromagnetic feeder 32 as a pallet vibration means to vibrate the dummy pallet DP, it does not need to be equipped with this.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the container supply apparatus 3 is provided with the container storage tank 34, the container conveyance means 35, and the dropping means, and after holding | maintaining the several container C1 in the container supply hopper 33, it is for container supply. The plurality of containers C1 held by the hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and the plurality of containers C1 are circulated by dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by the dropping means. Although it was reused, it does not have to be reused.

[Container cleaning device and container transfer device]
FIG. 32 is a top view and a side view of the container cleaning device. Specifically, FIG. 32A is a view of the container cleaning device 4 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 32B is a view of the container cleaning device 4 viewed from the + X-axis direction side. .
The container cleaning device 4 removes foreign matters such as dust adhering to the container C1 by cleaning the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3.

As shown in FIG. 32, the container cleaning device 4 includes a drop prevention means 41 disposed vertically above the dummy pallet DP, and a plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the dummy pallet DP via the drop prevention means 41. A cleaning head 42 as cleaning means for cleaning, a vertical movement mechanism 43 that moves the cleaning head 42 in the vertical vertical direction, and a horizontal movement mechanism 44 that moves the vertical movement mechanism 43 in the horizontal direction are provided. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 43 and the horizontal movement mechanism 44 function as a cleaning movement mechanism that moves the cleaning head 42.
FIG. 33 is a top view and a side view of the container transfer device. Specifically, FIG. 33A is a view of the container transfer device 5 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 33B is a view of the container transfer device 5 viewed from the −Y-axis direction side. FIG.
The container transfer device 5 transfers a plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 and stores them in the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP transferred with a plurality of containers C1 by the container transfer device 5 is conveyed by the main conveyor 2 as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the container transfer device 5 includes a container transfer head 51 that transfers a plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 to the main pallet MP, and the container transfer head. A vertical movement mechanism 52 that moves the mounting head 51 in the vertical vertical direction and a horizontal movement mechanism 53 that moves the vertical movement mechanism 52 in the horizontal direction are provided. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 52 and the horizontal movement mechanism 53 function as a container transfer movement mechanism that moves the container transfer head 51.

The container transfer head 51 is provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3, and a plurality of suction cups for sucking and holding the plurality of containers C1. 51A.
The horizontal movement mechanism 53 moves between the vertical upper side of the container supply device 3 and the vertical upper side of the main conveyor 2 by moving the vertical movement mechanism 52 in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 34 is a top view and a side view of the circulating pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 34A is a view of the circulating pallet conveyor 365 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 34B is a view of the circulating pallet conveyor 365 viewed from the + X-axis direction side. .
As shown in FIG. 34, the circulating pallet conveyor 365 is provided at the start position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 as well as the transport path 365A, the plate 365B, and the advance / retreat mechanism 365C described above, and is used for a dummy for arranging the dummy pallet DP. An arrangement table 365D is provided. Further, the circulating pallet conveyor 365 is provided with the above-described drop-off prevention means 41 disposed vertically above the transport path 365A.

The transport path 365A includes a belt conveyor having an abutting portion 365A1 that abuts the side surface of the dummy pallet DP on the −Y axis direction side, and this belt conveyor is repeatedly moved and stopped for each distance of the dummy pallet DP. As a result, the dummy pallet DP is intermittently conveyed toward the + Y axis direction side.
The dummy placement table 365D includes two pins 365D1 that are inserted into through holes DP3 (see FIG. 5) respectively formed at the longitudinal ends of the dummy pallet DP, and a cylinder 365D2 that raises and lowers each pin 365D1. Yes.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, the drop-off prevention means 41 includes nine rail portions 41A1 extending along a direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the dummy pallet DP is conveyed by the circulating pallet conveyor 365. A plate 41A having a rectangular frame shape and an elevating mechanism 41B that elevates and lowers the plate 41A.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drop-off prevention means 41 is a rail that extends along the direction (row direction) in which the dummy pallet DP accommodating portion DP1 is small, out of the row direction and the column direction of the dummy pallet DP accommodating portion DP1. It is formed in a shape.

In addition, when the number of the pallet accommodating portions in the row direction and the column direction is the same, the drop-off preventing means is a rail extending along any one of the row direction and the column direction of the pallet accommodating portions. What is necessary is just to be formed in the shape.
Further, in the present embodiment, the drop-off prevention means 41 is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is small in the row direction and the column direction of the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. However, it may be formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is large.

The plate 41A is disposed at a position spaced vertically upward from the upper end of the container C1 housed in the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. Each rail portion 41A1 is disposed at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP, and the interval is set to be substantially the same as the interval between the openings of the container C1.
The elevating mechanism 41B can be separated from the dummy pallet DP by raising the plate 41A, and can be brought close to the dummy pallet DP by lowering the plate 41A. In other words, the drop-off prevention means 41 can hold down the opening edges of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the dummy pallet DP by lowering the plate 41A by the lifting mechanism 41B, and the drop-out of the plurality of containers C1 is prevented. Can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 32, the cleaning head 42 includes two cleaning covers 421 that cover a plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are pressed by the drop-off prevention means 41, and a plate 422 that holds each cleaning cover 421. The nozzles 423 for blowing air to each of the plurality of containers C1 which are housed in the respective cleaning covers 421 and whose opening edges are held down by the drop-off prevention means 41, and the plurality covered by the cleaning covers 421 A container cleaning suction device 424 for sucking the container C1. The cleaning head 42 cleans a plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are pressed by the drop-off preventing means 41.
In FIG. 32, the inside of the cleaning cover 421 is illustrated by removing the side surface (the side surface on the + X axis direction side) of the cleaning cover 421 on the −Y axis direction side of the two cleaning covers 421. Yes.

Here, the two cleaning covers 421 are held by the plate 422 so as to be spaced apart so as to sandwich the four rows of containers C1 therebetween.
Hereinafter, functions of the container cleaning device 4 and the container transfer device 5 will be described in order.

  First, the function of the container cleaning device 4 will be described with the state of the container cleaning device 4 shown in FIG. 32 as an initial state.

FIG. 35 is a side view showing a state where the cleaning head is lowered.
As shown in FIG. 35, when the dummy pallet DP is transported vertically below the drop-off prevention means 41 by the circulation pallet conveyor 365 and stopped, the container cleaning device 4 lowers the plate 41A by the lifting mechanism 41B. The cleaning cover 421 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the drop-off prevention means 41 by bringing the cleaning head 42 downward by the vertical movement mechanism 43 while being brought close to the dummy pallet DP (see the downward arrow in the figure).

Next, the container cleaning device 4 blows air to each of the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are held down by the drop-off preventing means 41, and the plurality of containers C1 covered with the cleaning cover 421. Is sucked by the container cleaning suction device 424 to remove foreign matters such as dust adhering to the container C1.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the container cleaning device 4 stops the dummy pallet DP when cleaning the plurality of containers C1 with the cleaning head 42.

FIG. 36 is a side view showing a state in which the cleaning head is slid.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 36, the container cleaning device 4 slides the cleaning head 42 toward the −Y axis direction side by a distance corresponding to one row of the containers C1 by the horizontal movement mechanism 44 (in the drawing). The air is blown by the nozzle 423 to each of the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are pressed by the drop prevention means 41, and the containers C1 covered by the cleaning cover 421 are cleaned. Foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container C1 is removed by suctioning with the suction machine 424.

The container cleaning device 4 then repeats the sliding of the cleaning head 42 by the horizontal movement mechanism 44 and the removal of foreign matters such as dust adhering to the container C1, and the dust adhering to all the containers C1. After removing the foreign matter, the cleaning head 421 is lifted by the vertical movement mechanism 43 to separate the cleaning cover 421 from the upper surface of the drop-off prevention means 41 and the plate 41A is lifted by the lifting mechanism 41B. To move away from the dummy pallet DP.
Thereafter, the dummy pallet DP is conveyed by the circulating pallet conveyor 365 toward the dummy placement table 365D.

Next, the function of the container transfer device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 33 and FIG.
The container transfer device 5 is positioned vertically above the dummy arrangement table 365D by moving the container transfer head 51 by the horizontal movement mechanism 53.
Here, when the dummy pallet DP is transported to the dummy placement table 365D by the circulation pallet conveyor 365 and stopped, the container supply device 3 raises the respective pins 365D1 by the cylinder 365D2 so that each through-hole DP3 of the dummy pallet DP. By inserting into the dummy pallet DP, the dummy pallet DP is raised and positioned.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the dummy placement table 365D has a plurality of pins 365D1 provided so as to be freely inserted into and removed from the plurality of holes (through holes DP3) of the dummy pallet DP, and each pin 365D1 is disposed on the dummy pallet. The dummy pallet DP is positioned by being inserted into each through hole DP3 of the DP.

  In this embodiment, the dummy placement table 365D is positioned by raising the dummy pallet DP by raising the two pins 365D1 in the cylinder 365D2 and inserting them into the two through holes DP3 of the dummy pallet DP. However, the dummy pallet may be raised and positioned by raising three or more pins and inserting them into three or more holes of the dummy pallet. Further, the dummy placement table 365D may be positioned without raising the dummy pallet DP, and the dummy pallet DP may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a clamping mechanism for stopping the dummy pallet DP. Good.

Next, the container transfer device 5 lowers the container transfer head 51 by the vertical movement mechanism 52 and then causes the container transfer head 51 to start sucking the plurality of containers C1, thereby enabling the dummy pallet DP. A plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the container are sucked and held.
And the container transfer apparatus 5 removes the several container C1 accommodated in the dummy pallet DP from the dummy pallet DP by raising the container transfer head 51 by the vertical moving mechanism 52.
Here, the container supply device 3 sends out the dummy pallet DP arranged on the dummy arrangement table 365D to the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by advancing the plate 365B in the −X axis direction by the advance / retreat mechanism 365C.

Next, the container transfer device 5 moves the container transfer head 51 by the horizontal movement mechanism 53 to be positioned vertically above the end point position (see FIG. 4) of the return path conveyor 22 of the main conveyor 2. .
Here, the main conveyor 2 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and is protruded toward the vertically upper side, whereby the side surface on the conveyance direction side of the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2. Are provided with two stoppers ST1 (see FIG. 4) for stopping the main pallet MP.
The main conveyor 2 projects the stopper ST1 at the front stage toward the vertically upper side when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) arranged on the side of the main conveyor 2, thereby causing the main pallet to protrude to the stopper ST1. The MP is brought into contact with it and waits at a predetermined position. Then, the main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallets MP one by one at the end point position of the return path conveyor 22 by cooperating the stoppers ST1.

  Note that, as described above, the main pallet MP has the two disc-shaped urethane rubbers MP4 attached to the side surface on the −X axis direction side. The impact at the time of collision between the main pallet MP waiting and the subsequent main pallet MP can be reduced.

The main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallet MP at the end point position of the return path conveyor 22, and then raises two pins (not shown) by a cylinder (not shown) to each through hole MP3 ( 3), the main pallet MP is raised and positioned in the same manner as the dummy placement table 365D.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the main conveyor 2 has a plurality of pins provided so as to be freely inserted into and removed from a plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and each pin passes through the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by being inserted into the holes MP3.

  In the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising two pins in the cylinder and inserting them into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. The main pallet may be raised and positioned by raising three or more pins and inserting them into three or more holes in the main pallet. Further, the main conveyor 2 may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, and the main pallet MP may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a clamping mechanism for stopping the main pallet MP.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return path conveyor 22 are the container transfer in which the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP are arranged side by side along the short direction of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP. It functions as a placement table. The vertical movement mechanism 52 and the horizontal movement mechanism 53 move the container transfer head 51 along the short direction of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP.

  Next, the container transfer device 5 lowers the container transfer head 51 by the vertical movement mechanism 52, thereby lowering the lower ends of the plurality of containers C1 to about half of the body C11. The container transfer head 51 stops the suction of the plurality of containers C1 and releases them, thereby dropping the plurality of containers C1 and storing and transferring the plurality of containers C1 to the main pallet MP.

Here, as described above, the container C1 has a cylindrical body with a hexagonal cross section that is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and has a diameter that is slightly reduced from the top toward the bottom. Therefore, it is formed so that the diameter is reduced from the upper end side toward the lower end side. Further, the size of the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is set to be larger than the size of the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 5 is easily accommodated when the lower end portion of the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.
Further, the container transfer device 5 stores the lower ends of the plurality of containers C1 in the respective storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP up to about half of the body C11, and stops the suction of the plurality of containers C1 by the container transfer head 51. Since it is made to release, damage to the some container C1 can be suppressed.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the container C1 is formed so that it may reduce in diameter as it goes to the lower end part side from an upper end part side, it may be formed in the shape different from this.
In the present embodiment, the size of the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is set to be larger than the size of the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. The same may be sufficient and it may be smaller than the magnitude | size of accommodating part MP1 of main pallet MP.

  Thereafter, the container transfer device 5 raises the container transfer head 51 by the vertical movement mechanism 52, and then moves the container transfer head 51 by the horizontal movement mechanism 53, whereby the dummy arrangement table 365D. Position it vertically above and restore it.

[Filling equipment]
FIG. 37 is a top view of the filling device. FIG. 38 is a side view of the filling device. Specifically, FIG. 37 is a view of the filling device 6 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 38 is a view of the filling device 6 viewed from the −Y-axis direction side.
37 and 38, the filling device 6 includes a metering and filling mechanism 61 provided on the downstream side of the main conveyor 2, a filling hopper 62 provided on the upstream side of the main conveyor 2, and a filling hopper. An advancing / retreating mechanism 63 that swings 62 by advancing and retreating along the conveying direction of the main conveyor 2 and two filling suction machines 64 provided on both sides in the advancing / retreating direction of the filling hopper 62 are provided. The filling device 6 fills the container P1 accommodated in the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 with the granular material P.

FIG. 39 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a metering and filling mechanism and a filling hopper. Specifically, FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the metering and filling mechanism 61 and the filling hopper 62 along the XZ plane.
As shown in FIG. 39, the filling device 6 is provided on the vertically lower side of the metering and filling mechanism 61 and includes a positioning mechanism 65 that positions the main pallet MP at a predetermined position of the main conveyor 2.

  The metering and filling mechanism 61 is disposed above the main pallet MP, the metering unit 66 is disposed above the metering unit 66, and the extrusion unit 67 is disposed adjacent to the filling hopper 62. And.

  The weighing unit 66 is a rectangular plate-like weighing plate 661 fixed below the push-out unit 67, and a rectangular plate-like shutter 662 that is attached below the weighing plate 661 and slides by the driving force of a motor (not shown). And a rectangular plate-like guide plate 663 attached below the shutter 662.

The measuring plate 661 has a plurality of measuring holes 661A formed so as to correspond to each of the accommodating portions MP1 of the main pallet MP.
The shutter 662 is slidably attached along a direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the conveying direction of the forward conveyor 21 of the main conveyor 2. The shutter 662 has through-holes 662A formed so as to correspond to the respective measurement holes 661A of the measurement plate 661. The inner diameter of the through hole 662A is larger than the inner diameter of the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661.
The guide plate 663 has through holes 663A formed so as to correspond to the respective measurement holes 661A of the measurement plate 661. The inner diameter of the through hole 663A is substantially the same as the through hole 662A of the shutter 662.

  Therefore, the weighing unit 66 is configured by overlapping the weighing plate 661, the shutter 662, and the guide plate 663. In addition, the weighing unit 66 slides the shutter 662 to open and close the shutter 662, thereby switching between a state in which the respective measurement holes 661A are in communication with the through holes 662A and 663A and a state in which the measurement holes are not in communication. be able to.

  The push-out unit 67 includes a lift plate 671 provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the measurement plate 661, and a plurality of push pins 672 provided in the lift plate 671 so as to correspond to the measurement holes 661A of the measurement plate 661, respectively. And an extrusion cylinder 673 for raising and lowering the elevating plate 671. In the push-out unit 67, the push-out plate 671 is lowered by the push-out cylinder 673, whereby each push-out pin 672 can be lowered to a position penetrating each measurement hole 661A of the measurement unit 66.

  As shown in FIGS. 37 to 39, the filling hopper 62 is slidably mounted on the upper surface of the measuring plate 661 and has a rectangular tubular storage tank 621 for storing the powder P therein. It is arranged on the vertical upper side of the storage tank 621 and is disposed on the vertical upper side of the bottomed cylindrical charging tank 622 having an opening for charging the granular material P on the vertical upper side and the filling hopper 62. And a filling cover 623 provided. 37 and 38, the filling cover 623 is not shown.

The charging tank 622 has a bottomed square cylindrical lower cylinder 622A formed on the vertically lower side, and an upper cylinder 622B formed on the vertically upper side of the lower cylinder 622A and having an opening upward. The charging tank 622 is made of an acrylic resin and is transparent so that the granular material P charged therein can be visually recognized.
The lower cylinder 622A has a plurality of circular holes 622A1 on the bottom surface. Each hole 622A1 has a cylindrical protrusion 622A2 that protrudes toward the inside of the storage tank 621 (see FIGS. 37 and 39).

Specifically, the lower cylinder 622A has five holes 622A1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, and two holes 622A1 arranged at equal intervals along the short direction. Yes. In other words, the lower cylinder 622A has ten holes 622A1 in a lattice point shape.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the charging tank 622 communicates with the ten holes 622A1 formed on the bottom surface and the holes 622A1, and the cylindrical protrusion 622A2 that protrudes toward the inside of the storage tank 621. have.

  In the present embodiment, the lower cylinder 622A has ten hole portions 622A1 in a lattice point shape, but may have a number of holes different from ten. In short, the charging tank only needs to have at least one hole formed in the bottom surface. Further, in the present embodiment, the holes are arranged in the form of lattice points. However, the holes may not be arranged in the form of lattice points, and the arrangement thereof may not have regularity. Further, in the present embodiment, the charging tank 622 has a protrusion 622A2, and the protrusion 622A2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the charging tank may not have a protrusion, and the protrusion may be formed in a cylindrical shape having another cross-sectional shape such as a rectangular tube shape.

The upper cylinder 622B is formed to become wider in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the forward conveyor 21 of the main conveyor 2 as it goes vertically upward.
Here, as described above, the filling device 6 includes the advance / retreat mechanism 63 that swings the filling hopper 62 by advancing and retreating along the conveyance direction of the main conveyor 2, so that the opening of the filling hopper 62 is It forms so that it may become wide in the peristaltic direction of the filling hopper 62 as it goes vertically upward.

In the present embodiment, the opening of the filling hopper 62 is formed so as to become wider in the peristaltic direction of the filling hopper 62 as it goes vertically upward. Good.
In the present embodiment, the filling hopper 62 is configured by stacking two tanks, a storage tank 621 and a charging tank 622, and the charging tank 622 has a hole 622A1 and a protrusion 622A2. On the other hand, the filling hopper may be composed of one tank, and may not have a hole and a protrusion. In short, the filling hopper only needs to be able to store the powder particles inside.

As shown in FIG. 39, the filling cover 623 is disposed so as to cover the opening of the upper cylinder 622B. The filling cover 623 is provided at a position that is always in communication with the opening of the filling hopper 62 when the filling hopper 62 is slid by the advance / retreat mechanism 63, and is provided with an inlet 623 </ b> A through which the powder P is introduced. ing.
In the present embodiment, the filling cover 623 is a glass plate fitted in the frame FL (see FIG. 2) described above. The insertion port 623A has a lid (not shown) for closing the opening. The operator can put the granular material P into the filling hopper 62 through the charging port 623A by removing the lid.

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the advancing / retracting mechanism 63 supports the base 631 on which the filling hopper 62 and the extrusion unit 67 are placed, the base 631 slidably supported, and along the conveyance direction of the main conveyor 2. The base 631 is advanced and retracted along the rail 632 by a driving force of a motor (not shown).
Therefore, the advance / retreat mechanism 63 advances and retracts the base 631 along the rail 632, thereby causing the filling hopper 62 and the extrusion unit 67 placed on the base 631 to advance and retract along the transport direction of the main conveyor 2.

The filling suction machine 64 is provided on both sides (+ X-axis direction side and −X-axis direction side) of the filling hopper 62 and the extrusion unit 67 in the forward and backward directions, and the granular material P leaked to the upper surface of the measuring plate 661. Aspirate.
In the present embodiment, the filling device 6 includes two filling suction machines 64, but may include one filling suction machine, and may include three or more multiple suction suction machines. It may be. Further, the filling device may not include a filling suction machine.

As shown in FIG. 39, the positioning mechanism 65 includes two pins 651 to be inserted into each through hole MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP, and a cylinder that moves up and down the plate supporting each pin 651. 652. Further, the positioning mechanism 65 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes upward in the vertical direction, so that the positioning mechanism 65 is provided on the side surface on the conveyance direction side of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. Two stoppers ST2 (refer to FIG. 4) are provided which come into contact with each other and stop the main pallet MP.
Hereinafter, the function of the filling device 6 will be described in detail with the state of the filling device 6 shown in FIG. 39 as an initial state.

  First, the filling device 6 lowers the pin 651 by the cylinder 652 and raises the lifting plate 671 by the pushing cylinder 673 to raise the plurality of pushing pins 672 to an initial state. Further, in this initial state, the filling device 6 moves the push-out unit 67 vertically above the measurement hole 661A of the measurement plate 661 by moving the base 631 back and forth by the advance / retreat mechanism 63.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a state where the shutter of the weighing unit is closed.
Next, when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2, the filling device 6 projects the stopper ST <b> 2 at the previous stage toward the vertically upper side. Then, the main pallet MP is brought into contact with the stopper ST2, and the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 is put on standby at a predetermined position. Then, the main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallets MP one by one above the positioning mechanism 65 by causing the stoppers ST2 to cooperate.

  When the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 comes into contact with the stopper ST2 at the rear stage and is arranged vertically above the positioning mechanism 65, the filling device 6 is pinned by a cylinder 652, as shown in FIG. The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by raising the 651 and inserting it into each of the through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP (upward arrow in the figure). Accordingly, the openings of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP are close to the through hole 663A of the guide plate 663.

Next, the filling device 6 switches the measurement holes 661A and the through holes 662A and 663A to not communicate with each other by sliding the shutter 662 and closing the shutter 662. Here, the concave space partitioned by each measuring hole 661A and the shutter 662 corresponds to the internal volume of the powder P to be filled in the capsule C.
Thereafter, the filling device 6 moves the base 631 by the advance / retreat mechanism 63 to move the filling hopper 62 vertically above the measurement hole 661A of the measurement plate 661 (right arrow in the figure). As a result, the granular material P stored in the storage tank 621 of the charging hopper 62 is filled in the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661. Specifically, the filling device 6 drops the granular material P from the storage tank 621 and fills the measuring hole 661A as the filled portion.

Therefore, the granular material P stored in the storage tank 621 is reduced by filling the measuring hole 661A. And the storage tank 621 stores the granular material P inside when the granular material P thrown into the charging tank 622 falls through hole part 622A1 and protrusion part 622A2. Here, the horizontal position where the granular material P charged into the charging tank 622 falls into the storage tank 621 is different from the horizontal position of the measuring hole 661A. In other words, the horizontal position at which the granular material charged into the charging tank falls into the storage tank is different from the horizontal position at which the granular material is filled into the filled portion in the storage tank.
In this embodiment, the horizontal position at which the granular material charged into the charging tank falls into the storage tank is different from the horizontal position at which the granular material is filled into the filled portion in the storage tank, but the same. It may be a position.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a state in which powder particles are filled in the measurement hole of the measurement plate.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 41, the filling device 6 moves the extrusion unit 67 again vertically above the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 by moving the base 631 back and forth by the advance / retreat mechanism 63 (leftward in the figure). Arrow). As a result, the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 is scraped off at the lower end of the storage tank 621 of the filling hopper 62. A certain amount of the granular material P can be filled into the concave space partitioned by.
Here, the filling device 6 causes the respective suction units 64 to suck the granular material P leaked without being filled into the respective measurement holes 661A when the granular material P is dropped from the filling hopper 62 (see FIG. 37 and FIG. 38).

  Thus, the advancing / retreating mechanism 63 functions as a swinging means for swinging the filling hopper 62 along the horizontal direction, and when the powder P is dropped from the storage tank 621 and filled into the measurement hole 661A, the filling hopper 62 is moved.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the container is filled with the granular material.
Next, as shown in FIG. 42, the filling device 6 switches the state in which each measuring hole 661A and each through-hole 662A, 663A are in communication with each other by sliding the shutter 662 and opening the shutter 662. Thereby, the granular material P filled in the measurement hole 661A of the measurement plate 661 drops and is filled in the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP.
Further, the filling device 6 lowers the elevating plate 671 by the extrusion cylinder 673 so that the granular material P filled in the measurement holes 661A of the measurement plate 661 by the plurality of extrusion pins 672 is accommodated in the main pallet MP. Extruded into a plurality of containers C1 (downward arrow in the figure).

  In the present embodiment, the filling device 6 extrudes the granular material P filled in the measurement hole 661A of the measurement plate 661 with a plurality of extrusion pins 672. On the other hand, for example, when the particle size of the granular material P is large, the filling device 6 may drop and fill the granular material P into the plurality of containers C1 only by opening and closing the shutter 662. . In addition, for example, when the particle size of the granular material P is small, the filling device 6 makes it easy to drop the granular material P into the plurality of containers C1 by vibrating the plurality of extrusion pins 672. May be.

  Thereafter, the filling device 6 causes the main conveyor 2 to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pin 651 by the cylinder 652 and immersing the stopper ST2 downward in the vertical direction. Next, the filling device 6 raises the lifting plate 671 by the pushing cylinder 673 to raise the plurality of pushing pins 672 to be in the initial state again.

[Filling check device]
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram showing a filling check device. Specifically, FIG. 43 is a schematic view of the filling check device 7 as viewed from the + X-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 43, the filling check device 7 includes a CCD camera 71 that images the upper surface of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2.

  The filling check device 7 has a mechanism similar to the positioning mechanism 65 of the filling device 6 described above. Specifically, the filling check device 7 moves up and down two pins (not shown) inserted into each through hole MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP and a plate supporting each pin. A cylinder (not shown). Further, the filling check device 7 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes upward in the vertical direction, whereby the side surface on the conveyance direction side of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. Is provided with a stopper (not shown) for resting the main pallet MP.

  The filling check device 7 causes the stopper to protrude vertically upward when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 comes into contact with the stopper and is disposed vertically below the CCD camera 71, the filling check device 7 raises the pin by the cylinder and moves the main pallet MP The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

Then, the filling check device 7 causes the CCD camera 71 to image the upper surface of the main pallet MP, and applies predetermined processing to the image captured by the CCD camera 71, thereby causing the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP to powder. It is confirmed whether or not the granules P are filled.
Thereafter, the filling check device 7 causes the main conveyor 2 to convey the main pallet MP by lowering the pin by the cylinder and immersing the stopper vertically downward.

[Film supply device]
FIG. 44 is a side view of the film supply device, the film die cutting device, and the film transfer device. FIG. 45 is a top view of the film supply device, the film die cutting device, and the film transfer device. Specifically, FIG. 44 is a view of the film supply device 8, the film die cutting device 9, and the film transfer device 10 as viewed from the −X axis direction, and FIG. 45 is the film supply device from the + Z axis direction. 8 is a view of the film die cutting device 9 and the film transfer device 10 as viewed.
44 and 45 are also referred to in the description of the film die cutting device 9 and the film transfer device 10 described later.

44 and 45, the film supply apparatus 8 includes a holder 81 for holding a sheet roll SR in which a sheet-like film (aluminum film) SR1 is wound around a paper tube, and a film SR1 drawn from the sheet roll SR. And a plurality of guide rollers 82 for guiding by turning around. The film supply device 8 supplies a film SR1 for cutting out the cover material C2 to the film die cutting device 9.
Each guide roller 82 is sequentially arranged from the holder 81 toward the film die cutting device 9 to guide the film SR1. Specifically, the film SR1 of the sheet roll SR held by the holder 81 is supplied to the film die cutting device 9 by being guided in the order of guide rollers 821 to 826.

  44 and 45, the film die cutting device 9 includes a film base 91 on which the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8 is placed, and a press head 92 provided vertically above the film base 91. , An elevator 93 that raises and lowers the press head 92 and an air hand 94 that draws the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8 from the film supply device 8.

FIG. 46 is a view showing a film cut by a film die cutting apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 46, the film die cutting device 9 forms a perforation SR11 for cutting out the cover material C2 on the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8. Further, the film die cutting device 9 forms punch holes SR12 at positions corresponding to the two pins MP2 respectively formed at the longitudinal end portions of the main pallet MP. Then, the film die cutting device 9 cuts the cut line SR13 along the short direction of the film SR1 to cut it into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP.

  The press head 92 includes a die-cutting blade for forming the perforation SR11, a punch for forming the punch hole SR12, and a cutter for cutting the cut line SR13 (not shown). As shown in FIGS. By pressing the film SR1 placed on the table 91, a perforation SR11 and a punch hole SR12 are formed in the film SR1, and the film SR1 is cut into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP.

The elevator 93 presses the press head 92 against the film SR1 placed on the film base 91 by lowering the press head 92.
The air hand 94 is provided on both sides of the film SR1 in the short direction (X-axis direction), and a pair of sandwiching portions 941 that sandwich the film SR1 and the sandwiching portions 941 are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the film SR1. And a moving mechanism 942 for moving on the rail.
Hereinafter, the function of the film die cutting apparatus 9 will be described in detail.

  First, the film die cutting device 9 holds the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8 between the pair of holding portions 941 of the air hand 94, and then moves each holding portion 941 in the longitudinal direction of the film SR1 by the moving mechanism 942. By moving it along, the film SR1 is pulled out and placed on the film base 91. Specifically, the film die cutting device 9 extracts the length of one main pallet MP (the length in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP).

  Here, the moving mechanism 942 moves each clamping part 941 at a predetermined speed to a position before the end point. Thereafter, the moving mechanism 942 moves each clamping portion 941 to the end point at a speed slower than the speed to the position before the end point. In other words, the moving mechanism 942 moves each clamping part 941 at a lower speed than before in the vicinity of the end point. Accordingly, the moving mechanism 942 can easily align the film SR1 and the film base 91.

  Next, the film die cutting device 9 presses the press head 92 against the film SR <b> 1 placed on the film base 91 by lowering the press head 92 with the elevator 93. Thereby, the film die cutting apparatus 9 forms the perforation SR11 and the punch hole SR12 in the film SR1, and cuts the cut line SR13 of the film SR1.

  Here, the film SR1 drawn from the film base 91 by the pair of sandwiching portions 941 of the air hand 94 is cut into a length corresponding to one sheet of the main pallet MP by cutting the cut line SR13. (Hereinafter, the film SR1 processed in this state is referred to as a cut film CF). Note that the cut film CF already has the perforation SR11 and the punch hole SR12 formed in the previous step.

  Then, the film die cutting device 9 releases the film SR1 to the pair of sandwiching portions 941 of the air hand 94 and raises the press head 92 by the elevator 93, and then moves each sandwiching portion 941 of the film SR1 by the moving mechanism 942. The film is moved back to the vicinity of the film base 91 along the longitudinal direction.

[Film transfer equipment]
44 and 45, the film transfer apparatus 10 sucks and holds the film (cut film CF) cut by the film die cutting apparatus 9, and the suction head 101 in the vertical direction. And a moving mechanism 102 that moves in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the suction head. Specifically, FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the suction head 101 cut along the YZ plane.
As shown in FIG. 47, the suction head 101 is inserted into a hole 101 </ b> A provided at a position corresponding to two pins MP <b> 2 formed at the end in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP, and the hole 101 </ b> A. At the same time, a protrusion 101B that protrudes from the surface that sucks the cut film CF and a spring 101C that is housed in the hole 101A and biases the protrusion 101B vertically downward are provided.
The protrusion 101B has a length that allows its tip to sink into the surface of the suction head 101 that sucks the cut film CF by being pushed toward the hole 101A against the biasing force of the spring 101C. Is set.
Hereinafter, the function of the film transfer apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

  First, the film transfer device 10 moves the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 so as to be positioned above the cut film CF, lowers the suction head 101, and then starts the suction to start suction. Hold film CF. At this time, since the protruding portion 101B is inserted into each punch hole SR12 formed in the cut film CF, the suction head 101 can hold the cut film CF in a predetermined position.

Next, the film transfer apparatus 10 moves the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 and positions it vertically above the main pallet MP that has been conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
Here, the film transfer apparatus 10 has a mechanism similar to the positioning mechanism 65 of the filling apparatus 6 described above. Specifically, the film transfer apparatus 10 moves up and down two pins (not shown) to be inserted into each through hole MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP and a plate supporting each pin. And a cylinder (not shown). Further, the film transfer device 10 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and by projecting toward the upper side in the vertical direction, the film transfer device 10 on the transport direction side of the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2 is provided. A stopper ST3 (see FIG. 4) is provided which comes into contact with the side surface and stops the main pallet MP.

  The film transfer device 10 causes the stopper ST3 to protrude upward in the vertical direction when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts against the stopper ST3 and is disposed vertically below the suction head 101, the film transfer apparatus 10 raises the pin by the cylinder to raise the main pallet. The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3 of the MP.

  And the film transfer apparatus 10 makes the protrusion part 101B contact | abut to each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP by dropping the suction head 101. FIG. Thereafter, the film transfer device 10 further lowers the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 (downward arrow in the figure), thereby pushing each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP into the hole 101A.

Next, in the state where the cut film CF and the main pallet MP are brought close to each other, the film transfer device 10 stops the suction by the suction head 101 and releases the cut film CF. As a result, the film transfer device 10 transfers the cut film CF to the main pallet MP that has been conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
Thereafter, the film transfer device 10 causes the main conveyor 2 to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pin by the cylinder and immersing the stopper ST3 in the vertically downward direction.
Therefore, the film transfer apparatus 10 transfers the cut film CF so that the position of the lid C2 formed on the cut film CF and the position of the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP are matched. be able to.

[Seal device]
FIG. 48 is a side view of the sealing device. Specifically, FIG. 48 is a view of the sealing device 11 as viewed from the + X-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 48, the sealing device 11 includes a lid C2 formed on the cut film CF transferred to the main pallet MP by the film transfer device 10 and an opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. A sealing mechanism 111 that seals and bonds the parts, and a push-up mechanism 112 that positions the main pallet MP at a predetermined position of the main conveyor 2 and pushes up the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP, The granular material P is sealed in the capsule C.
In FIG. 48, the illustration of the pins MP2 and the cut film CF of the main pallet MP is omitted to simplify the drawing.

The sealing mechanism 111 includes a sealing head 111A having a hot plate 111A1 whose lower surface is kept at a high temperature so as to seal and bond the lid C2 to the opening of the container C1, and a fluororesin sheet covering the lower surface of the hot plate 111A1. 111B and an elevator 111C that raises and lowers the seal head 111A.
The sheet 111 </ b> B includes a pair of reels 111 </ b> B <b> 1 that winds both ends of the sheet 111 </ b> B.
The elevator 111C includes a slide shaft 111C1 that slidably supports the seal head 111A along the vertical vertical direction, and an air cylinder 111C2 that slides the seal head 111A along the slide shaft 111C1 to move up and down.

The push-up mechanism 112 is provided corresponding to each of the two pins 112A to be inserted into each through hole MP3 formed in the main pallet MP and the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP, and is provided in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP. On the other hand, by inserting from the lower surface side, a plurality of rod-like bodies 112B that abut against the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP and push up the plates 112A and the plates supporting the rod-like bodies 112B. And a cylinder 112C that moves up and down. Further, the push-up mechanism 112 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes upward in the vertical direction, so that the push-up mechanism 112 is provided on the side surface on the transport direction side of the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2. A stopper ST4 (see FIG. 4) is provided which comes into contact with and stops the main pallet MP.
Hereinafter, the function of the sealing device 11 will be described in detail.

First, the sealing device 11 lowers each pin 112A and each rod-like body 112B by the cylinder 112C. And the sealing apparatus 11 raises the seal head 111A with the elevator 111C, and makes it an initial state.
Next, when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2, the sealing device 11 causes the stopper ST4 to protrude upward in the vertical direction. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 comes into contact with the stopper ST4 and is arranged vertically above the push-up mechanism 112, the sealing device 11 raises each pin 112A by the cylinder 112C. By inserting into each through hole MP3 of the pallet MP, the main pallet MP is raised and positioned, and the rods 112B are raised to push up the containers C1 accommodated in the accommodating portions MP1 of the main pallet MP. .

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 112 is provided on the lower side of the main pallet MP, and a seal that pushes up the container C1 by inserting the rod-like body 112B from the lower surface side into the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. It functions as a lifting mechanism.
In the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 112 has a plurality of pins 112A provided so as to be freely inserted into and removed from a plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

  In this embodiment, the push-up mechanism 112 raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins 112A by the cylinder 112C and inserting them into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. However, the main pallet may be raised and positioned by raising three or more pins and inserting them into three or more holes in the main pallet. Further, the push-up mechanism 112 may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, and the main pallet MP may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a clamping mechanism that stops the main pallet MP.

  Here, as described above, each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP is inserted into each punch hole SR12 formed in the cut film CF, so that the movement of the cut film CF can be restricted. In other words, in the present embodiment, each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP functions as a sealing restriction mechanism that restricts the movement of the cut film CF placed on the main pallet MP.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing device 11 employs each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP as a sealing regulating mechanism. However, for example, a frame body that presses the peripheral edge of the cut film CF toward the main pallet MP. May be adopted as a sealing regulating mechanism. In short, the sealing restricting mechanism only needs to be able to restrict the movement of the film placed on the pallet, and may be provided in at least one of the pallet and the sealing device. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the sealing apparatus 11 is provided with the control mechanism for sealing, it does not need to be provided with this.

  Next, the sealing device 11 causes the opening of the container C1 and the hot plate 111A1 to closely contact each other via the lid member C2 by lowering the seal head 111A with the elevator 111C. Thus, the sealing device 11 seals and bonds the lid material C2 to the opening of the container C1. Specifically, the sealing device 11 seals the lid C2 at the opening of the container C1 by melting the heat-meltable adhesive applied to the lower surface of the cut film CF at the high temperature of the hot plate 111A1. And glue.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the sealing device 11 pushes up the container C1 by the push-up mechanism 112 and then lowers the hot plate 111A1 by the seal mechanism 111, thereby sealing the lid C2 to the opening of the container C1. Are attached.

  Thereafter, the sealing device 11 causes the main conveyor 2 to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pin 112A and the rod-like body 112B with the cylinder 112C and immersing the stopper ST4 vertically downward. Next, the sealing device 11 raises the seal head 111A with the elevator 111C to return to the initial state.

[Film separator]
FIG. 49 is a side view of the film separating apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 49 is a view of the film separating apparatus 12 as viewed from the + X-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 49, the film separating apparatus 12 has a film separating mechanism 121 that separates the cover material C2 sealed by the sealing apparatus 11 from the cut film CF and a capsule C by sucking and holding the capsule C. And a capsule transfer mechanism 122 that transfers the sample from the main pallet MP to the capsule sorting device 14.
In FIG. 49, the illustration of the pins MP2 and the cut film CF of the main pallet MP is omitted in order to simplify the drawing.

The film separation mechanism 121 is provided on the vertical upper side of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2, a folding plate 121 </ b> A (see FIG. 4) that bends the ear part C <b> 22 of the cover material C <b> 2, and the main conveyor 2. A main pallet MP is positioned at a predetermined position, and a push-up mechanism 121B that pushes up the capsule C accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP and separates the cover material C2 from the cut film CF is provided.
The bending plate 121A has a plurality of through holes 121A1 formed so as to correspond to the capsules C accommodated in the main pallet MP.

FIG. 50 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a through hole of the bending plate. Specifically, FIG. 50 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A cut along the YZ plane.
The through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A is formed in a hexagonal shape similar to the opening of the container C1. Further, as shown in FIG. 50, the through-hole 121A1 has an inclined portion 121A2 that increases in diameter toward the capsule C side, and has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the opening of the container C1. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 49, the push-up mechanism 121B is provided corresponding to each of the two pins 121B1 to be inserted into each through hole MP3 formed in the main pallet MP and the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. By inserting the container MP1 of the pallet MP from the lower surface side, a plurality of rod-shaped bodies 121B2 that push up against the container C1 accommodated in the container MP1 of the main pallet MP, the pins 121B1, and the rod-shaped bodies 121B2 And a cylinder 121B3 for raising and lowering the plate supporting the cylinder. Further, the push-up mechanism 121B is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes upward in the vertical direction, so that the push-up mechanism 121B is formed on the side surface on the conveyance direction side of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. A stopper ST5 (see FIG. 4) is provided that comes into contact with and stops the main pallet MP.

FIG. 51 is a top view of the film separating apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 51 is a diagram of the film separating apparatus 12 as viewed from the + Z-axis direction side.
49 and 51, the capsule transfer mechanism 122 is provided so as to correspond to each of the capsules C accommodated in the main pallet MP, and is provided on the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. A plurality of suction cups 122A for sucking and holding the accommodated capsule C, a plurality of transfer heads 122B for supporting the plurality of suction cups 122A, and a plurality of transfer heads 122B along the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP. A head holding mechanism 122C that holds the head holding mechanism 122C so as to be separable from each other, a vertical movement mechanism 122D that moves the head holding mechanism 122C in the vertical direction, and a vertical movement of the main conveyor 2 by moving the head holding mechanism 122C in the horizontal direction, Horizontal movement mechanism 1 that travels vertically above capsule sorting device 14 And a 2E.

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the transfer head of the capsule transfer mechanism. Specifically, FIG. 52 is a view of the plurality of transfer heads 122B as viewed from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 52, the plurality of transfer heads 122B are provided so as to correspond to the capsules C accommodated in the main pallet MP, and are accommodated in the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. Among the capsules C, the three transfer heads 122B1 to 122B3 that support the suction cups 122A for sucking and holding the 16 capsules C and the suction cups 122A for sucking and holding the two capsules C are supported. One transfer head 122B4 is provided.

Then, as shown in FIG. 52A, the plurality of transfer heads 122B are brought close to each other by the head holding mechanism 122C, whereby the positions of the plurality of suction cups 122A of the capsule C accommodated in the main pallet MP are stored. It can correspond to each.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 52 (B), the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by a head holding mechanism 122C (see the arrow in the figure), so that 50 capsules C are grouped into 16 groups, Divided into two groups and transferred to the capsule sorting apparatus 14.
Hereinafter, the function of the film separating apparatus 12 will be described in detail.

  First, the film separating apparatus 12 lowers the pin 121B1 with the cylinder 121B3. The film separating apparatus 12 moves the plurality of transfer heads 122B close to each other by the head holding mechanism 122C and moves the head holding mechanism 122C in the vertical direction of the bending plate 121A by moving it horizontally by the horizontal movement mechanism 122E. Move upward to make it the initial state.

  Next, the film separating apparatus 12 causes the stopper ST5 to protrude upward in the vertical direction when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 comes into contact with the stopper ST5 and is arranged vertically above the push-up mechanism 121B, the film separating device 12 raises the pin 121B1 by the cylinder 121B3 and moves the main pallet MP upward. By inserting into each through hole MP3 of the pallet MP, the main pallet MP is raised and positioned, and the rod-shaped body 121B2 is raised to push up the capsule C housed in the housing part MP1 of the main pallet MP.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B has a plurality of pins 121B1 that are detachably provided in a plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and each pin 121B1 is connected to the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

  In the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins 121B1 in the cylinder 121B3 and inserting them into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. However, the main pallet may be raised and positioned by raising three or more pins and inserting them into three or more holes in the main pallet. Further, the push-up mechanism 121B may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, and the main pallet MP may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism that stops the main pallet MP.

Further, the film separating apparatus 12 pushes up each capsule C by the push-up mechanism 121B and simultaneously starts suction to each suction cup 122A, thereby allowing the plurality of transfer heads 122B to pass through the through holes 121A1 of the folding plate 121A. Hold each capsule C. Thereby, the film separating apparatus 12 separates the cover material C2 sealed by the sealing apparatus 11 from the cut film CF.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B is provided on the lower side of the main pallet MP, and pushes up the container C1 by inserting the rod-shaped body 121B2 from the lower surface side into the housing part MP1 of the main pallet MP. It functions as a lifting mechanism for separating the cover material C2 from the cut film CF.

In the present embodiment, the folding plate 121A is provided on the upper side of the main pallet MP, and a separation regulation that regulates the rise of the cut film CF by pressing a portion different from the cover material C2 of the cut film CF. Acts as a mechanism.
In this embodiment, the separation regulating mechanism employs the bending plate 121A, but a mechanism different from this may be employed. For example, the separation regulating mechanism may regulate the rising of the film by pressing the four corners of the film. In short, the separation regulating mechanism is provided on the upper side of the pallet, and only needs to be able to regulate the rise of the film by pressing a portion different from the film lid.

Further, in the present embodiment, the transfer head 122B is provided above the bending plate 121A, and sucks and holds the capsule C pushed up by the push-up mechanism 121B, so that the capsule C is taken from the main pallet MP. It functions as a pulling mechanism that pulls up.
In the present embodiment, the transfer head 122B is provided above the bending plate 121A, but may be provided at a position different from this. In other words, the transfer head 122B holds each capsule C through the through-hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A by pushing up each capsule C by the push-up mechanism 121B and simultaneously starting suction by each suction cup 122A. However, it is not necessary to start suction to each suction cup 122A at the same time as each capsule C is pushed up by the push-up mechanism 121B.

Here, since the through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A has an inclined portion 121A2 whose diameter increases toward the capsule C side, each capsule C has an ear portion C22 of the lid member C2 at the inclined portion 121A2. Is passed through the through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the bending plate 121A has a through hole 121A1 that bends the lid member C2 along the capsule C by allowing the capsule C pulled up by the transfer head 122B to pass therethrough.
In the present embodiment, the folding plate 121A has the through hole 121A1 that bends the lid member C2 along the capsule C, but may not have such a through hole 121A1.

Next, the film separating apparatus 12 moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically upward by the vertical movement mechanism 122D, and then moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above the capsule sorting apparatus 14 by the horizontal movement mechanism 122E.
Then, the film separating apparatus 12 isolates the plurality of transfer heads 122B from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C and moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically downward by the vertical movement mechanism 122D, and then moves the suction cup 122A to each suction cup 122A. By stopping the suction, each capsule C is released and transferred to the capsule sorting device 14.

  Thereafter, the film separating apparatus 12 causes the main conveyor 2 to convey the main pallet MP by lowering the pins 121B1 and the rod-shaped body 121B2 with the cylinder 121B3 and immersing the stopper ST5 downward in the vertical direction. Next, the film separating apparatus 12 moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically upward by the vertical movement mechanism 122D, and then moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above the bending plate 121A by the horizontal movement mechanism 122E. Set to the initial state.

[Scrap discharge device]
FIG. 53 is a side view of the scrap discharging apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 53 is a view of the scrap discharging device 13 as viewed from the −Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 53, the scrap discharging device 13 includes an adsorption plate 131 that adsorbs the scrap SC (see FIG. 46) after separating the cover material C2 sealed by the sealing device 11 from the cut film CF, and an adsorption plate. A moving mechanism 132 that moves 131 in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and a scrap holding base 133 that holds the scrap SC sucked by the suction plate 131 are provided.

The suction plate 131 has four suction pads 131A attached so as to correspond to the four corners of the scrap SC.
The moving mechanism 132 moves between the lift cylinder 132A that moves the suction plate 131 in the vertical direction, and the vertical direction of the main conveyor 2 and the vertical direction of the scrap holding table 133 by moving the suction plate 131 in the horizontal direction. Rodless cylinder 132B. In addition, illustration of the main conveyor 2 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the scrap holding table.
As shown in FIG. 54, the scrap holding table 133 includes two poles 133A that protrude upward in the vertical direction. The scrap holding table 133 holds the scrap SC by inserting each pole 133A into the hole SC1 formed in the scrap SC sucked by the suction plate 131.
Hereinafter, the function of the scrap discharging apparatus 13 will be described in detail.

First, the scrap discharging device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically above the main conveyor 2 by moving it in the horizontal direction by the moving mechanism 132 to obtain an initial state.
Here, after the main conveyor 2 is disposed vertically below the suction plate 131, two pins (not shown) are raised by a cylinder (not shown) and inserted into each of the through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. As a result, the main pallet MP is raised and positioned.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the main conveyor 2 has a plurality of pins provided so as to be freely inserted into and removed from a plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and each pin passes through the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by being inserted into each of the holes MP3.

  In the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising two pins in the cylinder and inserting them into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. The main pallet may be raised and positioned by raising three or more pins and inserting them into three or more holes in the main pallet. Further, the main conveyor 2 may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, and the main pallet MP may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a clamping mechanism for stopping the main pallet MP.

  Next, the scrap discharge device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically downward by the moving mechanism 132, thereby positioning the suction plate 131 in the vicinity of the cut film CF and suctioning the suction pad 131A of the suction plate 131. By starting, the scrap SC after the lid member C2 is separated from the cut film CF is held. Then, the scrap discharge device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically upward by the moving mechanism 132 to separate the scrap SC held by the suction plate 131 from the main pallet MP, and then moves the scrap mechanism 131 to the moving mechanism 132. By moving the suction plate 131 in the horizontal direction, the suction plate 131 is moved vertically above the scrap holding table 133.

Next, the scrap discharging device 13 stops the suction to the suction pad 131 </ b> A of the suction plate 131, thereby releasing the scrap SC after separating the cover material C <b> 2 from the cut film CF and holding the scrap SC on the scrap holding table 133.
Thereafter, the scrap discharging device 13 causes the main conveyor 2 to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pin with a cylinder. Next, the scrap discharging device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically above the main conveyor 2 by moving it in the horizontal direction by the moving mechanism 132 to make it the initial state again.

[Capsule sorting equipment]
FIG. 55 is a top view of the capsule sorting apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 55 is a view of the capsule sorting device 14 as seen from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 55, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 divides the capsule C transferred by the film separating apparatus 12 and conveys it, and the capsule dividing conveyor 141 on the downstream side (under the plane of paper) And a capsule shooter 143 provided between the capsule dividing conveyor 141 and the case transporting conveyor 142, and a case transporting conveyor 142 for transporting the case CS for storing the capsules C. The capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C transferred by the film separating device 12 into a predetermined number and stores them in a case CS. Specifically, the capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C into 32 pieces and stores them in the case CS.
In FIG. 55, the case CS is illustrated with hatching. The same applies to the following drawings.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view showing a capsule and a case.
As shown in FIG. 56, the case CS has a storage portion CS1 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an elliptical cross section, an elliptical lid portion CS2 that closes the opening of the storage portion CS1, and the storage portion CS1. And a hinge portion CS3 for connecting the lid portion CS2 so as to be freely opened and closed. As described above, the case CS is formed to have a size that can accommodate the 32 capsules C and close the lid CS2.

FIG. 57 is a perspective view showing a case base for holding the case.
As shown in FIG. 57, the case pedestal CSP includes a pedestal part CSP1 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a recessed part CSP2 formed at a substantially central position of the pedestal part CSP1. The recess CSP2 has the same cross-sectional shape as the bottom surface of the case CS, and is formed in a cross-sectional shape slightly larger than the bottom surface of the case CS. The depth of the recess CSP2 is set so that about half of the case CS can be inserted.
Therefore, the case base CSP can hold the case CS by inserting the case CS into the recess CSP2 from the bottom surface side.

As shown in FIG. 55, the capsule dividing conveyor 141 places the capsule C and conveys the capsule C along a predetermined conveying direction (downward in the figure), along the conveying direction. It includes five guide rails 141B1 to 141B5 provided and a photoelectric sensor 141C provided on the downstream side of the conveyance path 141A.
The guide rails 141B1 to 141B4 hold the 16 capsules C held by the transfer heads 122B1 to 122B3 when the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separating apparatus 12. It is provided so as to have a width that can be placed on the conveyance path 141A.
Further, the guide rail 141B5 has two pieces held by the transfer head 122B4 when the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separating apparatus 12 with respect to the guide rail 141B4. The capsule C is provided to have a width that allows the capsule C to be placed on the transport path 141A.

Therefore, the capsule dividing conveyor 141 is divided into 16 groups and 2 groups by dividing 50 capsules C corresponding to one main pallet MP by the guide rails 141B1 to 141B5. Can be transported. In other words, in the present embodiment, the capsule dividing conveyor 141 divides one unit of capsule C (50 capsules C corresponding to one sheet of the main pallet MP), thereby dividing the first group (16 pieces). ) And a second transport unit that transports the first group separately into a second group (two groups) having a different number.
Note that the number of capsules C per unit, the number of capsules in the first group and the second group, and the number of capsules C stored in the case CS may be different from those in the present embodiment.

The head holding mechanism 122C of the film separating apparatus 12 has a plurality of parts (transfer heads 122B1 to 122B4) configured to be close to and away from each other, and holds one unit of capsule C by bringing the plurality of parts close to each other. At the same time, by separating a plurality of parts and dividing one unit of capsules C into a plurality of groups and releasing them, it functions as a sorting holding mechanism for sorting one unit of capsules C into a predetermined number.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the capsule sorting device 14 includes the capsule transfer mechanism 122 of the film separating device 12.

  The photoelectric sensor 141C detects 50 capsules C corresponding to one sheet of the main pallet MP by detecting the capsules C in the first row among the capsules C transferred by the film separating apparatus 12. It is detected whether or not it has been transported. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 141C functions as a capsule detection unit that detects whether or not one unit of the capsule C has been conveyed.

FIG. 58 is a top view of the case transport conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 58 is a view of the case transport conveyor 142 as seen from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 55 and 58, the case transporting conveyor 142 places the case CS via the case base CSP and transports the case CS along a predetermined transporting direction (+ Y-axis direction). The first lane 142A and the second lane 142B having a case, and the case CS is placed via the case pedestal CSP, and the conveyance path for conveying the case CS along a predetermined conveyance direction (−Y axis direction) is provided. And a third lane 142C.

  In the present embodiment, the upstream side of the first lane 142A and the downstream side of the third lane 142C are connected to each other. Accordingly, the case base CSP that has been transported in the −Y-axis direction in the third lane 142C is transported in the + Y-axis direction as it is in the first lane 142A. Further, the connecting portion of the first lane 142A and the third lane 143C is covered with a box 142D.

The case conveyor 142 includes a stopper 144A provided on the downstream side of the first lane 142A, a stopper 144B provided on the downstream side of the second lane 142B, and a case pedestal placed on the first lane 142A. A case transfer mechanism 145 for transferring the CSP to the second lane 142B, a case transfer mechanism 146 for transferring the case base CSP placed on the second lane 142B to the third lane 142C, and the first lane 142A. A stopper 147 that stops the case pedestal CSP conveyed in step 145 before the case transfer mechanism 145, and a case vibration that vibrates the case pedestal CSP placed on the first lane 142A along the vertical vertical direction. Means 148 (see FIG. 59).
Here, the case transporting conveyor 142 is disposed vertically below the capsule dividing conveyor 141 at a predetermined interval, and transports the case CS along a direction orthogonal to the transporting direction of the capsule dividing conveyor 141. It is arranged.

  The stopper 144A is located on the downstream side of the first lane 142A and is fixed to the case transport conveyor 142. The stopper 144A abuts on the case pedestal CSP conveyed in the first lane 142A, and stops the case pedestal CSP at the end position of the first lane 142A against the movement of the conveyance path of the first lane 142A. . The case pedestal CSP conveyed in the first lane 142A after the case pedestal CSP comes into contact with the case pedestal CSP and rests in turn against the movement of the conveyance path of the first lane 142A. Will go. In this embodiment, the stopper 144A stops a total of four case bases CSP at the end point position of the first lane 142A against the movement of the transport path of the first lane 142A.

  The stopper 144B is located on the downstream side of the second lane 142B and is fixed to the case transport conveyor 142. The stopper 144B abuts on the case pedestal CSP conveyed in the second lane 142B, and stops the case pedestal CSP at the end position of the second lane 142B against the movement of the conveyance path of the second lane 142B. . Further, the case pedestal CSP conveyed in the second lane 142B after the case pedestal CSP comes into contact with the case pedestal CSP and rests in turn against the movement of the conveyance path of the second lane 142B. Will go.

  In the present embodiment, the case transporting conveyor 142 includes a stopper 144A that stops the case base CSP at a predetermined position in the first lane 142A, and a stopper that stops the case base CSP at a predetermined position in the second lane 142B. 144B, but the case base CSP may be stopped at a predetermined position by other methods such as stopping the conveyance path of the case conveyance conveyor 142, for example.

The case transfer mechanism 145 includes two pushers 145A disposed so as to protrude and retract along the X-axis direction, and a guide rail 145B disposed on the opposite side of the pusher 145A across the first lane 142A. ing.
In the present embodiment, the pusher 145A provided on the upstream side of the first lane 142A will be described as the pusher 145A1, and the pusher 145A provided on the downstream side of the first lane 142A will be described as the pusher 145A2.

The pusher 145A1 pushes the upstream three case bases CSP out of the four case bases CSP stationary at the end position of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A toward the second lane 142B. Transfer to lane 142B.
The pusher 145A2 pushes one case base CSP on the downstream side out of the four case bases CSP stationary at the end point position of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A toward the second lane 142B. Transfer to lane 142B.
The guide rail 145B is disposed so as to protrude and retract along the Z-axis direction. The guide rail 145B is lowered when the case base CSP is pushed out by each pusher 145A, and is raised at other times.

  The case transfer mechanism 146 includes a plate 146A disposed so as to be movable back and forth along the X-axis direction. The plate 146A is fixed to four case bases CSP that are stopped at the end point position of the second lane 142B by a stopper 144B. By pushing and abutting, it is transferred to the third lane 142C.

  The stopper 147 is disposed so as to advance and retract along the X-axis direction. The stopper 147 pushes out the case base CSP with each pusher 145A and then retreats toward the −X axis direction side, and carries the case base CSP into the end point position of the first lane 142A. Further, the stopper 147 advances the four pedestal CSPs toward the + X-axis direction side after carrying the four pedestal CSPs to the end point position of the first lane 142A, and stops the case pedestal CSP in front of the case transfer mechanism 145.

FIG. 59 is a schematic view of the case vibration means viewed from the side surface side. Specifically, FIG. 59 is a schematic view of the case vibration means viewed from the + X-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 59, the case vibration means 148 is provided so as to be movable up and down along the vertical vertical direction, and moves up and down in contact with the bottom surface of the case base CSP to move the case base CSP in the vertical vertical direction. 148A and a vibrator 148B that is attached to the inside of the vibration mechanism 148A and vibrates the vibration mechanism 148A.
The vibration mechanism 148A includes a pin 148A1 that comes into contact with the bottom surface of the case base CSP through a gap between rollers constituting the first lane 142A, and an elevator (not shown) that moves the pin 148A1 up and down.

  In the present embodiment, the case vibration means 148 is configured to vibrate the case base CSP along the vertical vertical direction, but may be configured to vibrate along the horizontal horizontal direction. Good. The case vibration means 148 includes the vibration mechanism 148A and the vibrator 148B. However, the case vibration means 148 may include only one of them, and any other mechanical element can be used as long as the case base CSP can be vibrated. May be provided. Further, the case conveyor 142 includes the case vibration means 148. However, when the case base CSP does not need to be vibrated, the case vibration means 148 may not be provided.

FIG. 60 is a side view of the capsule sorting apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 60 is a diagram of the capsule sorting device 14 as seen from the −Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 55 and 60, the capsule shooter 143 is attached to the capsule dividing conveyor 141 so as to incline vertically downward toward the distal end side. The capsule shooter 143 includes guide portions 143A provided corresponding to the respective groups conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 (see FIG. 55).

  Each guide portion 143A corresponds to the three guide portions 143A1 provided corresponding to each of the first group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 and the second group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141. And one guide portion 143A2 provided.

Each guide portion 143A1 is a rectangular tube-shaped member formed such that the cross-sectional area decreases from the proximal end toward the distal end. Each guide portion 143A1 has an opening area at the tip of the case CS in order to insert the capsule C into the opening of the storage portion CS1 of the case CS placed on the transport path of the first lane 142A via the case base CSP. It is set to be smaller than the opening area.
As shown in FIGS. 55 and 58, each guide portion 143 </ b> A <b> 1 is disposed adjacently along the transport direction of the case transport conveyor 142 and is stopped by a stopper 144 </ b> A of the case transport conveyor 142. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the three cases CS on the upstream side. In addition, the tip of each guide portion 143A1 and the opening of the case CS are arranged with an interval smaller than the size of the capsule C.

The guide portion 143A2 is a rectangular tube-like member formed so as to have the same cross-sectional area from the base end to the tip end. Each guide portion 143A2 has an opening area from its proximal end to its distal end so that the capsule C can be put into the opening of the storage portion CS1 of the case CS placed on the transport path of the first lane 142A via the case base CSP. Is set to be smaller than the opening area of the case CS.
Guide part 143A2 is arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to one case CS of the downstream side made still by the stopper 144A of the case conveyance conveyor 142. FIG. Further, the distal end of the guide portion 143A2 and the opening of the case CS are arranged with a space smaller than the size of the capsule C.

  In the present embodiment, the tip of each guide portion 143A and the opening of the case CS are arranged with an interval smaller than the size of the capsule C, but are arranged with an interval larger than this. It may be.

Therefore, the first group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 falls while sliding on the capsule shooter 143, and passes through the tip of each guide portion 143A1 set to an opening area smaller than the opening area of the case CS. The three cases CS on the upstream side placed on the conveyance path of the case conveyance conveyor 142 are dropped and stored.
Further, the second group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 falls while sliding on the capsule shooter 143, and passes through the tip of the guide portion 143A2 set to an opening area smaller than the opening area of the case CS. It is dropped and stored in one case CS on the downstream side placed on the conveyance path of the case conveyance conveyor 142.

Thus, in this embodiment, the capsule shooter 143 functions as a guide unit that guides each group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 to the case CS conveyed by the case conveying conveyor 142.
In the present embodiment, the capsule sorting device 14 includes the capsule shooter 143, but the guide means may have a different configuration. In short, the guiding means may be provided between the divided conveying means and the case conveying conveyor, and only needs to be able to guide each group conveyed by the divided conveying means to the case conveyed by the case conveying conveyor. Further, the sorting apparatus may not include the guiding means.

FIG. 61 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule sorting apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 61, the capsule sorting device 14 includes a sorting control unit 149 for controlling the entire capsule sorting device 14, in addition to the capsule dividing conveyor 141, the case transporting conveyor 142, and the capsule shooter 143 described above. .
The sorting control unit 149 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like, and executes information processing according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. The sorting control unit 149 includes a first storage determination unit 149A, a second storage determination unit 149B, a carry-out execution unit 149C, and a vibration execution unit 149D.

The first storage determination unit 149A stores 32 capsules C in the three upstream cases CS (hereinafter referred to as the first case CS10) that are stopped at the end position of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the first storage determination unit 149A counts the number of times that the photoelectric sensor 141C detects that one unit (50 pieces) of capsules C has been conveyed, and determines whether or not the number is two times. Thus, it is determined whether or not 32 capsules C are accommodated in the case CS.
The second storage determination unit 149B stores 32 capsules C in one downstream case CS (hereinafter referred to as a second case CS20) that is stopped at the end point position of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A. It is determined whether or not. Specifically, the second storage determination unit 149B counts the number of times that the photoelectric sensor 141C detects that one unit (50) of capsules C has been conveyed, and determines whether or not the number is 16 times. Thus, it is determined whether or not 32 capsules C are accommodated in the case CS.

  In the present embodiment, the first storage determination unit 149A and the second storage determination unit 149B count the number of times that the photoelectric sensor 141C detects that one unit (50) of capsules C has been conveyed, Although it is determined whether or not 32 capsules C are stored in the case CS, for example, the capsules 32 and 32 capsules can be stored in the case CS by other methods such as measuring the weight of the capsule C and the case CS. It may be determined whether or not C is stored. In short, the first storage determination unit and the second storage determination unit need only be able to determine whether or not a predetermined number of capsules are stored in the case transported by the case transport conveyor.

  The carry-out execution unit 149C causes the first lane by cooperating the pusher 145A1 and the guide rail 145B when the first storage determination unit 149A determines that 32 capsules C are stored in the first case CS10. The first case CS10 placed on the conveyance path 142A via the case base CSP is transferred to the second lane 142B. When the second storage determining unit 149B determines that 32 capsules C are stored in the second case CS20, the unloading execution unit 149C causes the pusher 145A2 and the guide rail 145B to cooperate with each other. The second case CS20 placed on the conveyance path of the first lane 142A via the case pedestal CSP is transferred to the second lane 142B.

The vibration execution unit 149D causes the pin 148A1 of the vibration mechanism 148A to abut against the bottom surface of the case base CSP and causes the vibration mechanism 148A to vibrate with the vibrator 148B.
Further, when the vibration execution unit 149D detects that the photoelectric sensor 141C has transported one unit (50 pieces) of capsules C, the vibration base CSP is vibrated along the vertical vertical direction by the vibration mechanism 148A. .

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the vibration mechanism 148A causes the case CSP to vibrate along the vertical vertical direction after the capsule sorting device 14 puts the plurality of capsules C into the case CS. Further, in the present embodiment, the vibrator 148 </ b> B throws a plurality of capsules C into the case CS with the capsule sorting device 14 when the capsules sort device 14 puts the plurality of capsules C into the case CS. Thereafter, the vibration mechanism 148A is vibrated.
Hereinafter, the function of the capsule sorting device 14 will be described in detail.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of the capsule sorting process.
When the capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C into a predetermined number and stores them in the case CS, the sorting control unit 149 performs the steps as shown in FIG. 62 according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. S31 to S36 are executed.
Hereinafter, details of steps S31 to S36 will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the sorting control unit 149 moves the pushers 145A back in the −X axis direction and moves the stopper 147 back in the −X axis direction to an initial state, and transports the case CS in the first lane 142A.
The case pedestal CSP conveyed in the first lane 142A comes into contact with the stopper 144A and stops at the end point position of the first lane 142A.

Then, when the four case bases CSP are stopped at the end point position of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A, the sorting control unit 149 advances the stopper 147 toward the + X-axis direction side, thereby succeeding the case base CSP. Is stopped before the case transfer mechanism 145 (see FIG. 58).
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first lane 142A places a plurality of cases CS that store the groups sorted by the capsule transfer mechanism 122, and places the plurality of cases CS along a predetermined transport direction. It functions as a carry-in route that is moved and carried.

  In addition, when the four case bases CSP are stopped at the end point position of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A, the vibration execution unit 149D abuts the pin 148A1 of the vibration mechanism 148A on the bottom surface of the case base CSP and vibrates. The mechanism 148A is vibrated by a vibrator 148B.

  Thereafter, each group transported by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 falls while sliding on the capsule shooter 143, is guided to the guide portion 143A, and falls into the first case CS10 placed on the first lane 142A. Stored. Specifically, the first group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 falls while sliding on the capsule shooter 143, is guided to the guide portion 143A1, and is placed on the first lane 142A. 1 case CS10 is dropped and stored. The second group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 falls while sliding on the capsule shooter 143, and is guided to the guide portion 143A2 and placed on the second case CS20 placed on the first lane 142A. Dropped and stored.

  Next, the first storage determination unit 149A determines whether or not 32 capsules C are stored in the first case CS10 (S31: first storage determination step). In other words, the first storage determination unit 149A determines whether or not the first case CS10 that stores the first group can be carried out.

FIG. 63 is a diagram illustrating a state where the first storage determining unit determines that the capsule is stored in the case.
When the carry-out execution unit 149C determines that the first storage determination unit 149A has stored 32 capsules C in the first case CS10, as shown in FIG. At the same time, by lowering the guide rail 145B, the first case CS10 placed on the first lane 142A is transferred to the second lane 142B.

FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first case is being carried out by the case transport conveyor.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 64, the carry-out execution unit 149C moves the pusher 145A1 backward in the −X-axis direction side and carries out the first case CS10 placed on the second lane 142B (S32: first Case unloading execution step). In other words, the carry-out execution unit 149C transports one unit of capsule C twice on the capsule dividing conveyor 141 (transports 16 first groups twice and transfers 32 capsules C to the first The first case CS10 is carried out (when stored in the case CS10).
The carry-out execution unit 149C transfers the first case CS10 to the second lane 142B, and then moves the first case at the end position of the first lane 142A by retracting the stopper 147 toward the −X-axis direction. CS10 is newly stopped.

FIG. 65 is a diagram showing a state where the first case is transferred from the second lane to the third lane.
As shown in FIG. 65, the sorting control means 149 pushes the plate 146A against the case pedestal CSP and pushes it when the case pedestal CSP stops at the end position of the second lane 142B by the stopper 144B. The case pedestal CSP placed on the second lane 142B is transferred to the third lane 142C. Then, the sorting control unit 149 conveys the case base CSP placed on the third lane 142C.
When the case base CSP stops at the end position of the second lane 142B by the stopper 144B, the operator takes out the first case CS10 stored in the case base CSP and visually inspects it. To send.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second lane 142B places the plurality of cases CS carried in via the first lane 142A and moves the plurality of cases CS along a predetermined conveyance direction to carry them out. Functions as a carry-out path.
In the present embodiment, the first lane 142A and the second lane 142B move the plurality of cases CS along the same transport direction, but may move the plurality of cases along different transport directions. Good.

  Next, the second storage determination unit 149B determines whether or not 32 capsules C are stored in the second case CS20 (S33: second storage determination step). In other words, the second storage determination unit 149B determines whether or not the second case CS20 that stores the second group can be carried out.

FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating a state where the second storage determining unit determines that the capsule is stored in the case.
When the carry-out execution unit 149C determines that 32 capsules C have been stored in the second case CS20 by the second storage determination unit 149B, the pusher 145A2 is advanced to the + X-axis direction side as shown in FIG. At the same time, by lowering the guide rail 145B, the second case CS20 placed on the first lane 142A is transferred to the second lane 142B.

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second case is being carried out by the case transport conveyor.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 67, the carry-out execution unit 149C moves the pusher 145A2 backward in the −X-axis direction side and carries out the second case CS20 placed on the second lane 142B (S34: second). Case unloading execution step). In other words, the carry-out execution unit 149C transports one unit of capsule C 16 times on the capsule dividing conveyor 141 (transports two second groups 16 times and transfers 32 capsules C to the second The second case CS20 is carried out (when stored in the case CS20).
The carry-out execution unit 149C transfers the second case CS20 to the second lane 142B, and then moves the second case to the end position of the first lane 142A by retracting the stopper 147 toward the −X axis direction. CS20 is newly stopped.

  As described above, the carry-out execution unit 149C carries out the first case CS10 containing the first group when carrying one unit of capsule C twice on the capsule dividing conveyor 141, so that the second When carrying out the second case CS20 containing the first group, the first case CS10 containing the first group is carried out at the same time.

FIG. 68 is a diagram showing a state where the first case and the second case are transferred from the second lane to the third lane.
As shown in FIG. 68, the sorting control unit 149 pushes the plate 146A against the case pedestal CSP and pushes it when the case pedestal CSP stops at the end position of the second lane 142B by the stopper 144B. The case pedestal CSP placed on the second lane 142B is transferred to the third lane 142C. Then, the sorting control unit 149 conveys the case base CSP placed on the third lane 142C.
When the case base CSP stops at the end position of the second lane 142B by the stopper 144B, the operator takes out the first case CS10 and the second case CS20 stored in the case base CSP and visually inspects them. After that, it is sent to a later process.

  When it is determined in the second storage determining step S33 that the 32 capsules C are not stored in the second case CS20, or after executing the second case unloading execution step S34, the vibration executing unit 149D It is determined whether or not the sensor 141C has detected that one unit (50) of capsules C has been conveyed (S35: capsule detection step).

  When the vibration execution unit 149D determines that the photoelectric sensor 141C has detected that one unit (50) of capsules C has been conveyed, the vibration executor 148D moves the case base CSP along the vertical vertical direction using the vibration mechanism 148A. The first case CS10 and the second case CS20 are vibrated (S36: vibration execution step). In other words, the vibration execution unit 149D transports one unit of capsule C by the capsule dividing conveyor 141, and each time it is stored in the first case CS10 and the second case CS20, the first case CS10 and the second case CS20. The second case CS20 is vibrated.

  In the present embodiment, when the vibration execution unit 149D determines that the photoelectric sensor 141C has detected that one unit (50 pieces) of the capsule C has been transported, the first case CS10 and the second case CS10. CS20 was vibrating. On the other hand, the vibration execution unit may vibrate the case when different from this.

Thereafter, the sorting control unit 149 repeatedly executes the above-described step S31, thereby repeatedly executing steps S31 to S36, and sorts the capsules C into a predetermined number and stores them in the case CS.
The sorting control unit 149 stops the repetition of steps S31 to S36 described above when a stop button (not shown) provided in the capsule sorting device 14 is pressed. Further, the sorting control means 149 returns the stopper 147 and the pushers 145A and 145B to the initial state when a reset button (not shown) provided in the capsule sorting device 14 is pressed.

According to the present embodiment as described above, the following operations and effects can be achieved.
(1) When the dummy pallet DP is carried into the container supply placement base 31A by the pusher 362, the container supply control means 38 displays the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33A on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. The container C1 can be supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Further, the container supply control means 38 causes the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33B to be placed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP when the dummy pallet DP is sent to the container supply arrangement base 31B by the pusher 362. By supplying toward the container, the container C1 can be supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Thereafter, the container supply control means 38 can carry out the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 </ b> B by the puller 363. According to this, since the container supply device 3 can drop the plurality of containers C1 twice on the upper surface of the same dummy pallet DP, the case where the plurality of containers C1 are dropped once on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP and In comparison, the plurality of containers C1 can be easily entered into the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can sufficiently supply the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

(2) The pusher 362 and the puller 363 move the dummy pallet DP along the adjacent direction of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. By moving the pallet, it is possible to execute the steps of carrying in, sending out and carrying out the dummy pallet DP. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can shorten the cycle for supplying the plurality of containers C1, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(3) The dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B follow the adjacent direction of the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. Therefore, the dummy pallets DP can be arranged without a gap. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can suppress the drop of the container C1 from the dummy pallet DP to the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B.
(4) The pusher 362 carries the dummy pallet DP into the container supply arrangement table 31A, thereby pushing out the dummy pallet DP previously arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and sending it to the container supply arrangement table 31B. Therefore, each process of carrying in and sending out the dummy pallet DP can be shortened and executed. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can shorten the cycle for supplying the plurality of containers C1, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(5) Since the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33A is larger than the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B, the arrangement for supplying the containers by the pusher 362 is provided. When the dummy pallet DP is carried into the table 31A, in other words, when the container C1 is not supplied at all to the plurality of accommodating portions DP1, a large number of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33A are dummy By supplying toward the upper surface of the pallet DP, the container C1 can be supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. When the dummy pallet DP is sent to the container supply placement table 31B by the pusher 362, in other words, after the container C1 is supplied to the plurality of storage portions DP1 by the container supply hopper 33A, the container supply hopper is supplied. By supplying a small amount of the plurality of containers C1 held by 33B toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, the containers C1 can be supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. . Therefore, the container supply device 3 can efficiently supply the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP.

(6) The container supply device 3 regulates the movement of the plurality of containers C1 between the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B. Since the partition plate 3C is provided, mixing of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33A and the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B can be prevented. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can reliably manage the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33A and the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B. Therefore, the plurality of containers C1 can be efficiently supplied to the dummy pallet DP.

(7) Since the container supply device 3 includes the container storage tank 34, the container transport means 35, the container supply hopper 33, and the dropping means, and circulates and reuses the plurality of containers C1, the dummy pallet DP Among the plurality of containers C1 that have fallen on the upper surface, the container C1 that has not entered the dummy pallet DP housing part DP1 repeatedly falls on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and eventually falls into the housing part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. It will go in. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can automatically supply the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(8) Since the container transport means 35 includes the holding conveyor 351C that holds the containers C1 on the transport path 351C1 and holds them in the container supply hopper 33, the transport path of the holding conveyor 351C. By adjusting the movement amount of 351C1, the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 can be adjusted. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can simplify the configuration of the container transport means 35.
(9) Since the holding conveyor 351C has an inlet having a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1, the conveyance amount of the plurality of containers C1 per unit time can be made constant. Therefore, the holding conveyor 351C can reliably adjust the quantity of the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33.

(10) The container supply device 3 supplies the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP when the dummy pallet DP is vibrated by the small electromagnetic feeder 32. Therefore, the plurality of containers C1 that have fallen on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP enter each housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP while rolling by the vibration of the dummy pallet DP. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can make it easier for the plurality of containers C1 to enter the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

(11) The container supply device 3 moves the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration strength to the second when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Therefore, the plurality of containers C1 that have already entered the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP can be made difficult to drop off.
(12) Since the container supply device 3 switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration strength to the third vibration strength when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped into the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C, the dummy pallet DP The plurality of containers C1 that have already entered the housing portion DP1 can be made difficult to drop off.

(13) The compressor 33CA can drop a large number of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33A into the container storage tank 34 by discharging air, and the compressor 33CB is more than the compressor 33CA. By discharging the air weakly, a small amount of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B can be dropped into the container storage tank 34. Therefore, the compressor 33C can efficiently drop a plurality of containers into the container storage tank 34.
(14) The compressor 33CA and the compressor 33CB can adjust the strength of the air discharged from the plurality of discharge ports 33D for each of the plurality of discharge ports 33D. Can be adjusted. Accordingly, the compressor 33C can efficiently drop the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34.
(15) The housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP includes a through hole DP2, and since the through hole DP2 is expanded toward the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP, the plurality of containers C1 are further easily entered. be able to.

(16) The container supply device 3 includes a replenishment arm robot 377 that replenishes the empty container part DP1 detected by the CCD camera 374 with the container C1 temporarily placed in the temporary placement part 375A of the temporary placement table 375. Therefore, a plurality of containers C1 can be supplied to all the housing parts DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.
(17) Since the temporary placement table 375 is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the replenishment arm robot 377 moves along the transport direction of the downstream pallet conveyor 364. The container C1 may be moved to the empty storage part DP1 detected by the CCD camera 374, for example, compared with the case where the temporary placement table 375 is disposed on the side of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 or the like. The distance can be shortened, and as a result, the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device 3 can be improved.

(18) Since the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement portion 375A of the temporary placement table 375 are the same as the arrangement and shape of the accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, the replenishment arm robot 377 does not change the posture of the container C1. The container C1 may be moved from the temporary placement part 375A of the temporary placement table 375 to the empty accommodation part DP1 detected by the CCD camera 374 along the transport direction of the downstream pallet conveyor 364. Efficiency can be improved.
(19) The temporary placement arm robot 376 transfers the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP conveyed by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to the temporary placement portion 375A of the temporary placement table 375. C1 can be transferred to the temporary placement unit 375A of the temporary placement table 375 without newly preparing C1, and the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device 3 can be improved.

(20) Since the CCD camera 374 detects the empty housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP after correcting the posture of the container C1 by the posture correcting means 373, the erroneous detection of the empty housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is detected. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device 3 can be improved.
(21) Since the posture correction means 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP in which the first abnormality detection sensor 371 has detected an abnormality in the posture of the container C1, the container supply device 3 The production efficiency can be further improved.

(22) The posture correcting means 373 inserts the rod-like body 373A1 into the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP from the lower surface side of the dummy pallet DP and makes it come into contact with the bottom surface of the container C1, thereby causing the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP to contact. Since the posture of the supplied container C1 is corrected, the configuration of the posture correcting means 373 can be simplified.
(23) Since the CCD camera 374 detects the empty accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP after supplying the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, The supply device 3 can supply a plurality of containers C1 to all the accommodating portions DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and can improve manufacturing efficiency.

(24) The container cleaning device 4 includes the drop prevention means 41 that prevents the plurality of containers C1 from dropping out, and cleans the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are held by the drop prevention means 41. Foreign substances can be reliably removed without dropping the accommodated container C1.
(25) Since the drop-off prevention means 41 is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is small in the row direction and the column direction of the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, The plurality of containers C1 can be efficiently cleaned as compared to the case where the dummy pallet DP is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the accommodating portions DP1 are large.

(26) Since the container cleaning device 4 stops the dummy pallet DP when cleaning the plurality of containers C1 with the cleaning head 42, the container cleaning device 4 is more efficient than the case where the dummy pallet DP is not stopped. Can be cleaned well.
(27) The capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 is a system in which a container supply apparatus 3 that intermittently conveys pallets and a main conveyor 2 that continuously conveys pallets are mixed, and the container cleaning apparatus 4 It is incorporated in a circulating pallet conveyor 365 of the supply device 3. Therefore, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 can stop the dummy pallet DP when cleaning the plurality of containers C1 with the cleaning head 42 without stopping the main pallet MP of the main conveyor 2.

(28) Since the cleaning head 42 blows air to the plurality of containers C1 with the nozzle 423 and sucks the plurality of containers C1 with the container cleaning suction device 424, by blowing air with the nozzle 423, Foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container C1 can be removed, and these foreign matter can be sucked by the container cleaning suction device 424.
(29) The container cleaning suction device 424 sucks the plurality of containers C1 covered with the cleaning cover 421, and the nozzle 423 is housed inside the cleaning cover 421. The foreign matter can be reliably removed without being scattered outside.

(30) The container transfer device 5 stores the lower ends of the plurality of containers C1 in the respective storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP up to about half of the body C11, and causes the container transfer head 51 to release the plurality of containers C1. Thus, since the plurality of containers C1 are dropped and accommodated in the main pallet MP, the container C1 can be prevented from coming into contact with the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 5 can suppress deformation of the container C1 and can improve manufacturing efficiency.
(31) Since each of the plurality of containers C1 is formed so as to reduce in diameter as it goes from the upper end side toward the lower end part side, the container transfer device 5 places the lower end parts of the plurality of containers C1 on the main pallet. When it accommodates in each accommodating part MP1 of MP, it becomes easy to accommodate. Therefore, the container transfer device 5 can further suppress the container C1 from coming into contact with the housing part MP1 of the main pallet MP.

(32) Since the horizontal movement mechanism 53 moves the container transfer head 51 along the short direction of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP, the container transfer head 51 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP. Compared with the case of moving along the direction, the moving distance can be shortened, and the space required for installing the container transfer device 5 can be reduced.

(33) The end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return path conveyor 22 are determined by positioning the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP by inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of holes of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP, respectively. Therefore, the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP can be reliably positioned.
(34) The end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return path conveyor 22 are raised by inserting the plurality of pins into the plurality of holes of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP, respectively. Therefore, the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP are supported only by a plurality of pins. Therefore, the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP can be reliably positioned at the end points of the dummy placement table 365D and the return path conveyor 22.

(35) Since the size of the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is larger than the size of the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, the plurality of accommodating portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 It is possible to facilitate supply when the containers C1 are fitted and supplied to each. Therefore, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(36) The main conveyor 2 includes container detection means 23D for detecting the presence or absence of the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 of the main pallet MP, and whether or not the plurality of containers C1 cleaned by the cleaning head 42 have dropped out. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the plurality of containers C1 housed in the main pallet MP from dropping out.
(37) The main conveyor 2 includes static electricity removing means 23E that removes static electricity from the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP, and can remove static electricity from the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matters such as dust from adhering to the plurality of containers C1 cleaned by the cleaning head 42 again.

(38) The charging port 623A of the filling cover 623 is provided at a position that always communicates with the opening of the filling hopper 62 when the filling hopper 62 is swung by the advance / retreat mechanism 63. Without stopping the peristaltic movement, the powder P can be put into the filling hopper 62 through the filling port 623A of the filling cover 623.
(39) Since the opening of the filling hopper 62 is formed so as to become wider in the swinging direction of the filling hopper 62 as it goes upward in the vertical direction, the filling device 6 is provided with each measuring hole 661A by the advance / retreat mechanism 63. Thus, the filling hopper 62 can be swung larger than the width of the region where there is. Therefore, the filling device 6 can improve design freedom.

(40) The filling device 6 can suck the granular material P leaked without being filled into each measuring hole 661A when the granular material P is dropped from the filling hopper 62 with the filling suction machine 64. Since it can do, it can suppress that the granular material P accumulates in the circumference | surroundings of each measurement hole 661A.
(41) The storage tank 621 stores the powder P inside when the powder P injected into the input tank 622 falls through the hole 622A1, and therefore fills each measuring hole 661A. The reduced granular material P is always replenished to the storage tank 621 when the granular material P charged into the charging tank 622 falls through the hole 622A1. Therefore, since the filling device 6 can always make the bulk of the powder P stored in the storage tank 621 constant, the filling pressure of the powder P can be made constant, and a certain amount of The granular material P can be filled in each measurement hole 661A.

(42) The sealing device 11 can stretch the lid of the lid C2 formed on the cut film CF by pushing up the container C1 by the push-up mechanism 112 against the dead weight of the cut film CF. Thereafter, the sealing device 11 lowers the hot plate 111A1 with the sealing mechanism 111 to seal and bond the lid C2 to the opening of the container C1, so that the lid of the lid C2 is stretched to open the opening of the container C1. The part can be sealed.
(43) Since the main pallet MP is provided with each pin MP2, the sealing device 11 moves the push-up mechanism 112 against the pins MP2 that restrict the movement of the cut film CF placed on the main pallet MP. By pushing up the container C1, the lid of the cover material C2 formed on the cut film CF can be extended. Accordingly, the sealing device 11 can further seal the lid of the container C1 by further extending the lid of the lid C2.

(44) Since the sealing device 11 positions the main pallet MP by inserting the plurality of pins 112A into the plurality of through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP, respectively, the main pallet MP can be reliably positioned.
(45) Since the sealing device 11 raises the main pallet MP by inserting the plurality of pins 112A into the plurality of through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP, respectively, the main pallet MP is supported only by the plurality of pins 112A. . Therefore, the sealing device 11 can reliably position the main pallet MP.

(46) The main pallet MP is formed so as to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces, and includes a housing part MP1 for inserting and housing the container C1 from the upper surface side, and the film separating apparatus 12 regulates the rise of the cut film CF. Since the folding plate 121A and the push-up mechanism 121B that pushes up the container C1 and separates the lid C2 from the cut film CF are provided, the structure of the main pallet MP can be simplified, and the lid C2 is separated from the cut film CF. can do.

(47) The film separating apparatus 12 can cooperate with the push-up mechanism 121B that pushes up the container C1 and separates the cover material C2 from the cut film CF, and the transfer head 122B that pulls up the container C1 from the main pallet MP. The lid material C2 can be reliably separated from the cut film CF.
(48) The film separating apparatus 12 pushes up the container C1 by the push-up mechanism 121B to separate the lid C2 from the cut film CF, and moves along the container C1 in the process of pulling up the container C1 from the main pallet MP by the transfer head 122B. Since the lid member C2 can be bent, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

(49) The capsule transfer mechanism 122 holds a unit of capsule C by bringing a plurality of parts close to each other, isolates the part and releases the unit of capsules C into a plurality of groups and releases them. One unit of capsule C can be sorted into a predetermined number. Therefore, the capsule sorting device 14 can efficiently sort the capsules C without relying on manpower even when a number different from one unit is collectively stored in the case CS.

(50) When the first storage determination unit 149A determines that the predetermined number of capsules C are stored in the first case CS10, the capsule sorting device 14 stores the first case CS10 that stores the first group. A carry-out execution unit that carries out the second case CS20 that stores the second group when the second storage determination unit 149B determines that a predetermined number of capsules C have been stored in the second case CS20. Since 149C is provided, the first case CS10 that stores the first group and the second case CS20 that stores the second group can be carried out independently. Therefore, the capsule sorting device 14 can carry out the case CS storing the predetermined number of capsules C prior to the case CS not storing the predetermined number of capsules C yet.

(51) Since the first lane 142A and the second lane 142B place the case CS via the case base CSP that holds the case CS, the first lane 142A and the second lane 142B are in contact with the case CS. Can be suppressed. Therefore, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 can suppress the breakage of the case CS, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 that intermittently manufactures a plurality of capsules as one unit.

(52) Since the capsule sorting device 14 includes the case vibrating means 148 that vibrates the case base CSP along the vertical vertical direction, the capsules C accommodated in the case CS can be leveled. Therefore, the capsule sorting device 14 can efficiently store a plurality of capsules C in the case CS.
(53) Since the case vibration means 148 vibrates the case base CSP along the vertical vertical direction, the case CS is more unlikely to fall than when the case base CSP vibrates along the horizontal horizontal direction. can do. Therefore, the case vibration means 148 can give a large vibration to the case CS and the capsule C accommodated therein, so that it is possible to confirm the leakage of the granular material P due to the peeling of the lid C2. It is possible to make it easy to find the defect of the capsule C.

(54) The case vibration means 148 includes the vibration mechanism 148A that vibrates the case base CSP along the vertical vertical direction and the vibrator 148B that vibrates the vibration mechanism 148A as a whole. The plurality of capsules C can be leveled efficiently. Therefore, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 can store the plurality of capsules C in the case CS more efficiently.
(55) The case vibration means 148 can vibrate the case CS smallly only by the vibrator 148B when the capsule sorting device 14 puts a plurality of capsules C into the case CS. Further, the case vibration means 148 can vibrate the case CS greatly by the vibration mechanism 148A and the vibrator 148B after the capsule sorting device 14 puts the plurality of capsules C into the case CS. Therefore, the case vibration means 148 can prevent the capsule C from leaking out of the case CS when the capsule sorting device 14 puts a plurality of capsules C into the case CS. After the plurality of capsules C are put into the case CS, the plurality of capsules C stored in the case CS can be surely leveled.

[Modification of Embodiment]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like within a scope in which the object of the present invention can be achieved are included in the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the container supply device 3 is used in the capsule manufacturing device 1 that intermittently manufactures a plurality of capsules C as a unit, but may be used in other manufacturing devices. .

  As mentioned above, this invention can be utilized suitably for the container supply apparatus which supplies a container to each of the some accommodating part formed in the upper surface of a pallet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule manufacturing apparatus 2 Main conveyor 3 Container supply apparatus 3C Partition plate (regulation means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 Container cleaning apparatus 5 Container transfer apparatus 6 Filling apparatus 7 Fill check apparatus 8 Film supply apparatus 9 Film die-cut apparatus 10 Film transfer apparatus 11 Sealing apparatus 12 Film separation apparatus 13 Scrap discharge apparatus 14 Capsule sorting apparatus 23D Container detection means 23E Static electricity Removal means 31 Container supply arrangement table 31A Container supply arrangement table (first region)
31B Container supply arrangement table (second region)
32 Small electromagnetic feeder 32A Small electromagnetic feeder (first pallet vibration means)
32B Small electromagnetic feeder (second pallet vibration means)
33 Container supply hopper 33A Container supply hopper (first holding means)
33B Container supply hopper (second holding means)
33C Compressor (dropping means)
33CA Compressor (first air discharge part)
33CB compressor (second air discharge part)
33D Discharge port 34 Container storage tank (storage means)
35 Container transport means 36 Pallet transport means 37 Container replenishment mechanism 38 Container supply control means 41 Drop prevention means 42 Cleaning head (cleaning means)
51 container transfer head 52 vertical movement mechanism (container transfer movement mechanism)
53 Horizontal movement mechanism (movement mechanism for container transfer)
61 Weighing and Filling Mechanism 62 Filling Hopper 63 Advance / Retreat Mechanism (Peristaltic)
64 Filling suction device 65 Positioning mechanism 111 Sealing mechanism 112 Push-up mechanism 112A Pin 112B Rod-shaped body 121 Film separation mechanism 121A Bending plate 121A1 Through-hole 121B Push-up mechanism 121B1 Pin 121B2 Rod-shaped body 122 Capsule transfer mechanism 122B Transfer head (holding for sorting) mechanism)
141 Capsule division conveyor 142 Case transport conveyor 142A First lane (loading path)
142B 2nd lane (unloading route)
143 Capsule shooter 148 Case vibration means 148A Vibration mechanism 148B Vibrator 149 Sorting control means 149A First storage determination section 149B Second storage determination section 149C Unloading execution section 149D Vibration execution section 351C Holding conveyor 351D Sorting means 361 Upstream pallet Conveyor 362 pusher (pallet loading means)
363 Puller (pallet unloading means)
364 Downstream pallet conveyor 365D Dummy placement table (container transfer placement table)
621 Storage tank 622 Input tank 622A1 Hole 623A Input port 371 First abnormality detection sensor (abnormality detection means)
372 Second abnormality detection sensor 373 Attitude correction means 373A1 Rod-like body 374 CCD camera (empty accommodation part detection means)
375 Temporary table (container temporary storage means)
375A Temporary placement unit 376 Temporary placement arm robot (temporary placement transfer means)
377 Arm robot for refilling (container refilling means)
421 Cleaning Cover 423 Nozzle 424 Container Cleaning Suction Machine C Capsule C1 Container C2 Lid CF Cut Film CS Case CSP Case Base DP Dummy Pallet DP1 Housing Part MP Main Pallet MP1 Housing Part MP2 Pin (Seal Control Mechanism)
MP3 through hole

Claims (7)

A container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of accommodating portions formed on the upper surface of the pallet,
Pallet conveying means for conveying the pallet along a predetermined direction;
Among the storage parts of the pallet transported by the pallet transport means, an empty storage part detection means for detecting an empty storage part not supplied with a container;
A container temporary placing means disposed vertically above the pallet conveying means and having a plurality of temporary placement portions for temporarily placing the plurality of containers;
A container supply device comprising: a container replenishing unit that replenishes a container temporarily placed in the temporary placement unit of the container temporary placement unit with respect to the empty storage unit detected by the empty storage unit detection unit. . In the container supply apparatus according to claim 1,
The container supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement portion of the container temporary placement means are the same as the arrangement and shape of the storage portion of the pallet. In the container supply device according to claim 2,
A container supply apparatus comprising: a temporary transfer unit that transfers a container supplied to a storage unit of the pallet conveyed by the pallet transfer unit to a temporary storage unit of the container temporary storage unit. In the container supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A posture correcting means for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the accommodating portion of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means;
The empty container detection unit detects an empty container part of the pallet after correcting the attitude of the container by the attitude correction unit. In the container supply device according to claim 4,
Comprising an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in the posture of the container supplied to the accommodating portion of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means;
The said attitude correction means corrects the attitude | position of the container supplied to the accommodating part of the said pallet which detected the abnormality of the attitude | position of the container in the said abnormality detection means, The container supply apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the container supply device according to claim 4 or 5,
The pallet has a plurality of accommodating portions formed penetrating from the upper surface to the lower surface,
The posture correcting means abuts the posture of the container supplied from the upper surface side of the pallet to the housing portion of the pallet, and inserts a rod-like body into the housing portion of the pallet from the lower surface side of the pallet. A container supply device characterized by being corrected. In the container supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A holding means disposed above the pallet arrangement position and holding the plurality of containers;
A container supply control means for controlling the entire container supply device,
The container supply control means is configured to supply the plurality of containers held by the holding means toward the upper surface of the pallet when the pallet is arranged at the arrangement position of the pallet. A container is supplied to each of the plurality of accommodating portions formed in the
The empty container detection unit detects an empty container part of the pallet after supplying the plurality of containers held by the holding unit toward the upper surface of the pallet. .

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