JP2020001929A - Container supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

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.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a plurality of capsules as one unit intermittently is known. For example, the capsule-containing product (capsule) manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 supplies a capsule by fitting each of the 50 capsule holding units formed on the upper surface of a capsule transport pallet (main pallet). Then, each capsule is filled with cosmetic powder. In this manufacturing apparatus, a cosmetic powder is sealed in each capsule by attaching a lid made of an aluminum film to the opening of each capsule. In other words, this manufacturing apparatus intermittently manufactures 50 capsules as one unit for each capsule transport pallet.

In this manufacturing apparatus, as a preparatory operation before filling cosmetic powder into capsules, first, a capsule is manually placed on each of a plurality of capsule holding portions formed on the upper surface of an auxiliary pallet (dummy pallet) by an operator. It is supplied by fitting. Next, the manufacturing apparatus sucks the plurality of capsules supplied to the auxiliary pallet, holds the capsule with a suction head, and transfers the capsule to a capsule transport pallet. The manufacturing apparatus fills the capsules transferred to the capsule transport pallet with cosmetic powder.
On the other hand, the container supply device described in Patent Literature 2 supplies a plurality of containers (capsules) toward the upper surface of a pallet (dummy pallet) to thereby provide a plurality of storage sections formed on the upper surface of the pallet. Automatically supplies to each of them.

JP-A-6-191593 JP-A-2005-098347

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

  An object of the present invention is to provide a container supply device capable of supplying a plurality of containers to all the storage portions of a pallet and improving manufacturing efficiency.

  The container supply device of the present invention is a container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of storage units formed on an upper surface of a pallet, wherein the pallet transportation unit transports the pallet along a predetermined direction, Empty container detecting means for detecting an empty container to which no containers are supplied among the containers of the pallets conveyed by the pallet, and a plurality of containers tentatively disposed vertically above the pallet conveying means. Container temporary placement means having a plurality of temporary placement portions to be placed, and a container for replenishing the containers temporarily placed in the temporary placement portion of the container temporary placement means with respect to the empty storage portion detected by the empty storage portion detection means And replenishing means.

  According to such a configuration, the container supply device is a container replenishing unit that replenishes the empty storage unit detected by the empty storage unit detection unit with the container temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit of the container temporary storage unit. Is provided, a plurality of containers can be supplied to all the accommodating portions of the pallet, and the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, since the container temporary placing means is disposed vertically above the pallet transporting means, the container replenishing means moves from the temporary placing section of the container temporary placing means to the empty storage section detecting means along the transport direction of the pallet transporting means. What is necessary is just to move the container to the empty storage part detected in the above, for example, compared with the case where the container temporary placement means is arranged on the side of the pallet conveyance means, the moving distance can be shortened. Thus, the production efficiency of the container supply device can be improved.

  In the present invention, the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement section of the container temporary placement means are preferably the same as the arrangement and shape of the pallet storage section.

  According to such a configuration, the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement section of the container temporary placement means are the same as the arrangement and shape of the pallet storage section, so that the container replenishment means does not change the orientation of the container, What is necessary is just to move a container along the conveyance direction of a pallet conveyance means from the temporary storage part of a container temporary storage means to the empty accommodation part detected by the empty accommodation part detection means, and to improve the manufacturing efficiency of a container supply device. be able to.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to include a temporary placement transfer unit that transfers the container supplied to the storage unit of the pallet transported by the pallet transport unit to the temporary storage unit of the container temporary storage unit.

  According to such a configuration, the temporary placement transfer unit transfers the container supplied to the storage unit of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveyance unit to the temporary placement unit of the container temporary placement unit. The container can be transferred to the temporary placement section of the container temporary placement means without newly preparing, and the production efficiency of the container supply device can be improved.

  In the present invention, the container provided with the posture correction unit for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the storage unit of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveyance unit, the empty container detection unit corrected the posture of the container by the posture correction unit Thereafter, it is preferable to detect an empty storage portion of the pallet.

  According to such a configuration, the empty container detecting unit detects the empty container of the pallet after correcting the posture of the container by the posture correcting unit, thereby suppressing erroneous detection of the empty container of the pallet. The manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device can be improved.

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

  According to such a configuration, the posture correcting unit corrects the posture of the container supplied to the storage portion of the pallet in which the abnormality of the container is detected by the abnormality detecting unit, so that the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device is further improved. Can be improved.

  In the present invention, the pallet has a plurality of storage portions formed so as to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface, and the posture correcting means changes the posture of the container supplied from the upper surface side of the pallet to the storage portion of the pallet. It is preferable that the rod-shaped body is inserted into the storage portion of the pallet from the lower surface side to make contact with the bottom surface of the container for correction.

  According to such a configuration, the posture correcting means inserts the rod-shaped body into the pallet accommodating portion from the lower surface side of the pallet and abuts against the bottom surface of the container to thereby adjust the posture of the container supplied to the pallet accommodating portion. Is corrected, the configuration of the posture correcting means can be simplified.

  In the present invention, the container supply device is provided above the pallet arrangement position, and includes a holding unit that holds a plurality of containers, and a container supply control unit that controls the entire container supply device. When the pallet is arranged at the position where the pallet is arranged, the plurality of containers held by the holding means are supplied toward the upper surface of the pallet, whereby the containers are respectively supplied to the plurality of storage portions formed on the upper surface of the pallet. It is preferable that the supplying and empty container detecting unit detects the empty container 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, when the pallet is arranged at the position where the pallet is arranged, the container supply control means causes the plurality of containers held by the holding means to be supplied toward the upper surface of the pallet. Since containers are supplied to each of the plurality of storage portions formed on the upper surface, the plurality of containers dropped on the upper surface of the pallet enter the respective storage portions of the pallet while rolling. Further, the empty container detection unit detects the empty container 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 storage section, and the production efficiency can be improved.

Perspective view showing a capsule Diagram showing capsule manufacturing equipment Top view of main pallet used for main conveyor Diagram showing main conveyor Top view and sectional view of a dummy pallet used for the container supply device according to one embodiment of the present 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 Top view enlarged near the container supply hopper View of the container supply hopper further enlarged The figure which shows the relationship between the accommodation part of a dummy pallet, and a guide member Side view showing the container storage tank and the container transport means The schematic diagram which shows the state which looked at the periphery of the container supply arrangement table of the container supply apparatus from above. Enlarged view showing the area around the upstream pallet conveyor Enlarged view showing the area around the downstream pallet conveyor Top view and side view of the container refill mechanism of the container supply device Schematic diagram showing the state of the posture correction means viewed from the side The figure which shows the state which corrects the attitude | position of a container by attitude correction means. The figure which shows the state where the container is temporarily placed on the temporary placement table by the temporary placement arm robot. Diagram showing a state in which containers are being refilled into empty storage units by the replenishing arm robot Functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a container supply device Diagram showing a state where a plurality of containers are put inside the bucket Diagram showing a state where the bucket is raised 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 container supply hopper along the rail member. Schematic diagram showing a state where a dummy pallet has been transported from the dummy pallet carry-out standby position Schematic diagram showing a state where a dummy pallet is extruded toward the container supply placement table Schematic diagram showing a state where 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 by a container supply apparatus. The figure which shows the flowchart of the pallet conveyance process performed by a container supply apparatus. The figure which shows the flowchart of the container replenishment process performed by a container supply apparatus. Top view and side view of container cleaning device Top view and side view of container transfer device Top and side views of the 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 the metering and filling mechanism and the filling hopper Diagram showing the shutter of the weighing unit closed Diagram showing the state where the powder is filled in the measuring hole of the measuring plate Diagram showing a state in which a container is filled with powdered granules 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 Diagram showing a film cut by a film die-cutting device Sectional view showing main parts of a suction head Side view of sealing device Side view of film separator Enlarged cross-sectional view showing through-holes in bent plate Top view of film separator Schematic diagram showing the shape of the transfer head of the capsule transfer mechanism Side view of scrap discharger A perspective view showing the appearance of a scrap holder. Top view of capsule sorting device Perspective view showing capsule and case A perspective view showing a case base for holding the case. Top view of case conveyor Schematic diagram of the case vibration means viewed from the side Side view of capsule sorting device Functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule sorting device The figure which shows the flowchart of a capsule sorting process The figure which shows the state which determined that the capsule was stored in the case by the 1st storage determination part. The figure which shows the state which unloads the 1st case by a case conveyance conveyor. The figure which shows the state which transfers the 1st case from the 2nd lane to the 3rd lane. The figure which shows the state which determined that the capsule was stored in the case by the 2nd storage determination part. The figure which shows the state which unloads the 2nd case by a case conveyance conveyor. The figure which shows the state which transfers 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.
The capsule manufacturing apparatus to which the container supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied is configured such that a container is filled with a powdery material as a content, and a film-like lid material is attached to an opening of the container, so that powder can be obtained. This is an apparatus for manufacturing capsules in which granules are sealed in a container.
Hereinafter, each component of the capsule manufacturing device will be described in order, and the container supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described later in detail. First, the capsule described above will be described.
In the present embodiment, the capsule manufacturing apparatus fills the container with the granular material, but may be configured to fill the container with other contents such as powder and liquid.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a capsule.
As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule C includes a container C1 for filling the granular material P, and a film-like lid member C2 for sealing the granular material P by being attached to an 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 so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to 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 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 section such as a square cross section. Although the container C1 has the flange C12, the container C1 does not have to have the flange C12. Furthermore, although the lid C2 has two rectangular ears C22, it may have one, three or more ears, or may not have the ears. . In short, in the present invention, the container and the lid member may have any shape.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a capsule manufacturing apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 as viewed from a vertically upper side. In FIG. 2, a description will be given assuming that a vertically upward direction is a + Z axis direction, and two axes orthogonal to the Z axis are 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 that accommodates the plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X axis direction). ing.

The capsule manufacturing device 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, a film die cutting device 9, , A film transfer device 10, a sealing device 11, a film separating device 12, a scrap discharging device 13, and a capsule sorting device 14. These devices are arranged from the upstream side of the main conveyor 2 to the downstream side. It is arranged.
In addition, the main conveyor 2 and each of the devices 3 to 14 are housed in an area sealed by a frame FL in which a glass plate is fitted. The operator can perform maintenance and the like of the main conveyor 2 and each of the devices 3 to 14 by opening doors provided near the main conveyor 2 and each of the devices 3 to 14.

The container supply device 3 supplies a plurality of containers C1 to a dummy pallet DP formed in substantially the same shape as the main pallet MP. The container supply device 3 and the dummy pallet DP will be described later in detail.
The container cleaning device 4 removes foreign matter 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 later in detail.
The container transfer device 5 transfers the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3, and stores the plurality of containers C1 in the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP on which the plurality of containers C1 are transferred by the container transfer device 5 is conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
The filling device 6 fills the granular material P into the container C1 stored in the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2.
The filling check device 7 confirms whether or not the container P1 is filled with the granular material P by the filling device 6.

The film supply device 8 supplies the film die cutting device 9 with a film for cutting out the lid material C2.
The film die cutting device 9 forms a perforation for cutting out the cover material C2 from 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 transported by the main conveyor 2. At this time, the film transfer device 10 transfers the film such that the position of the lid member C2 formed on the film matches the position of the opening of the container C1 stored in the main pallet MP.

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

The scrap discharging device 13 collects and discharges the remaining film (scrap) from the main pallet MP after the lid C2 is separated by the film separating device 12.
The capsule sorting device 14 takes out the capsules C from the main pallet MP from which the lid material C2 has been separated by the film separating device 12, sorts the capsules C by a predetermined number, and stores them in a case. The capsule sorting device 14 will be described later in detail.
As described above, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 intermittently manufactures the plurality of capsules C as one unit for each main pallet MP.
Hereinafter, each device constituting the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described in order.

[Main conveyor]
FIG. 3 is a top view of a main pallet used for the main conveyor.
The main conveyor 2 transports the plurality of containers C1 by transporting 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.
The main pallet MP is a metal pallet formed in a rectangular plate shape as shown in FIG. The main pallet MP is formed so as to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces, and has a plurality of hexagonal cross-section housing portions MP1 for inserting and housing the container C1 from the upper surface side. In other words, the accommodation 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 ten receiving portions MP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction) and five at regular intervals along the short direction (column direction). Are arranged. In other words, the main pallet MP has fifty accommodation portions MP1 in a lattice point shape.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the main pallet MP has 50 accommodation portions MP1 in a lattice point shape, but it is sufficient that the main pallet MP has two or more accommodation portions different from 50. Further, in the present embodiment, the housing portions are arranged in a lattice point shape, but may not be arranged in a lattice point shape, and the arrangement may not be regular.

Here, the outer diameter of the body C11 of the container C1 is formed slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing part MP1. Further, the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1 is formed slightly larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion MP1.
Therefore, when the container C1 is stored inside the storage part MP1 of the main pallet MP, the flange C12 protrudes outside the storage part MP1, and the body C11 is stored inside the storage part MP1. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodating part MP1 in such a manner that the top is located vertically upward and the bottom is oriented vertically downward, and the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodation part MP1. Thus, it is not accommodated in the accommodation section MP1.
As described above, the container C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. , Into the housing part MP1.

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

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the main conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the main conveyor 2 as viewed from a vertically upper side.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main conveyor 2 conveys the main pallet MP accommodating the plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X-axis direction), so that the outward conveyor 21 which transports the plurality of containers C1, The main pallet MP is disposed in parallel with the conveyor 21 and is transported in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (-X axis direction) in which the plurality of containers C1 are collected, so that the main pallet MP is upstream of the forward conveyor 21. And a return conveyor 22 to be transported to the side.

  The outward 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 for rotating each roller 21A. The forward path conveyor 21 conveys the main pallet MP placed on each roller 21A in the + X axis direction by rotating each roller 21A by the motor 21B.

  The return 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 for rotating each roller 22A. The return 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 conveyor 22 is provided in the middle of transporting 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 device 22C1 (only the pallet cleaning suction device 22C1 on the vertically upper side) provided at two locations vertically above and below the main pallet MP so as to sandwich the main pallet MP. (Not shown) and attached to the inside of each pallet cleaning suction device 22C1 and rotated by a motor (not shown) to rub the powder P and foreign substances and the like adhered to the upper and lower surfaces of the main pallet MP. A dropping brush (not shown). Then, the pallet cleaning mechanism 22C rubs off the powders P and foreign substances adhered to the upper and lower surfaces of the main pallet MP conveyed by the return conveyor 22 with a brush, and applies the pallet cleaning suction device 22C1 to each pallet cleaning suction device 22C1. The main pallet MP is cleaned by suction and removal.

  Further, the main conveyor 2 includes a forward delivery mechanism 23 for sending out the main pallet MP, which has been conveyed to the upstream side of the forward conveyor 21 by the return conveyor 22, to the forward conveyor 21; A return delivery mechanism 24 is provided for sending the main pallet MP conveyed to the upstream side of the conveyor 22 to the return conveyor 22.

  The forward path delivery mechanism 23 is rotatably provided around the X axis, and a plurality of rollers 23A provided so as to abut on the central portion of the main pallet MP, and contacts the side surface of the main pallet MP on the + Y axis direction side. A contacting delivery plate 23B, a moving mechanism 23C for moving the delivery plate 23B along the Y-axis direction, a container detecting means 23D provided on the way of transporting the main pallet MP, and an end point position of the forward delivery mechanism 23 And a static eliminator 23E provided in the printer. The forward delivery mechanism 23 sends out the main pallet MP placed on each roller 23A to the forward conveyor 21 by moving the delivery plate 23B in the −Y axis direction by the moving mechanism 23C.

  The container detecting means 23D is provided along the short direction of the main pallet MP, and includes five sensors 23D1 for detecting the presence or absence of the container C1 stored in the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Each sensor 23D1 is arranged vertically above the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and is arranged at a position corresponding to each row of containers C1 accommodated in the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Is established. In this embodiment, each sensor 23D1 employs a transmission type laser sensor.

  The static electricity removing means 23E is disposed vertically above the main pallet MP sent out to the outward conveyor 21 by the outward transport mechanism 23, and removes static electricity from the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. I do. In the present embodiment, the static electricity removing unit 23E employs a blower type static electricity removing device.

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

  Therefore, the main conveyor 2 conveys the main pallet MP in the + X-axis direction on the forward conveyor 21 and then sends it out to the return conveyor 22 by the return delivery mechanism 24, and in the −X-axis direction on the return conveyor 22. After being conveyed, the paper is sent out again to the outbound conveyor 21 by the outbound transportation mechanism 23, so that the main pallet MP is circulated and rotated 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 accommodation sections of the dummy pallet DP, and can improve manufacturing efficiency. In addition, the container supply device 3 of the present invention can shorten the moving distance when refilling the empty storage unit with the container C1, and thus can improve the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device 3.
Hereinafter, the container supply device 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a top view and a sectional view of a dummy pallet used in the container supply device according to one 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 in 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 chamfered four corners, and a stainless steel plate DPL screwed and mounted on the upper surface of the base DPB. Have. The upper surface of the plate DPL is subjected to a surface treatment for smoothing the surface. Therefore, in this 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 any other surface treatment for smoothing the surface is adopted. 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 may not be subjected to the surface treatment.

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

Specifically, the base DPB has ten housing portions DP1 arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction), and five at regular intervals along the lateral direction (column direction). The accommodation sections DP1 are arranged. In other words, the base DPB has fifty accommodation portions DP1 in a lattice point shape.
In the present embodiment, the base DPB has fifty housing parts DP1 in a lattice point shape, but it is sufficient that the base DPB has two or more housing parts different from 50. Further, in the present embodiment, the housing portions are arranged in a lattice point shape, but may not be arranged in a lattice point shape, and the arrangement may not be regular.

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 slightly larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion DP1.
Therefore, when the container C1 is housed inside the housing part DP1 of the base DPB, the flange C12 protrudes outside the housing part DP1, and the body C11 is housed inside the housing part DP1. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion DP1 in such a manner that the top portion is located vertically upward and the bottom portion is located vertically downward, and the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodating portion DP1. Thus, it is not housed in the housing part DP1.
Further, as described above, the container C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. , Into the housing part DP1.

The plate DPL has through-holes DP2 having a circular cross section formed at positions corresponding to the housing portions 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.
Therefore, the accommodation 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 of the dummy pallet DP.
In the present embodiment, the accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP has 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 may not be formed so as to expand the diameter.

  The dummy pallet DP has two through-holes DP3 each having a circular cross section that are formed at the respective ends in the longitudinal direction and penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the base DPB and the plate DPL. These parts will be described later in detail.

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 viewed 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 a container C1 is provided 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 for supplying the pallets, and pallet transfer means 36 disposed so as to surround the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B, and for loading / unloading the dummy pallets DP with respect to the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B. And a container replenishing mechanism 37 for replenishing the empty container DP1 in which the container C1 could not be supplied by the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B with the container C1.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the container supply device. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a view 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, a container supply arrangement table 31 for arranging the dummy pallets DP, and by vibrating the container supply arrangement table 31, A small electromagnetic feeder 32 as a pallet vibrating means for vibrating the dummy pallet DP, and a container supply unit which is disposed above the container supply arrangement table 31 (position where the dummy pallet DP is arranged) and holds a plurality of containers C1. A hopper 33 is provided.

  In the following description, the container supply arrangement base 31 of the container supply mechanism 3A is a container supply arrangement base 31A, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is a small electromagnetic feeder 32A, and the container supply hopper 33 is a container supply hopper 33A. I do. Further, the container supply arrangement base 31 of the container supply mechanism 3B is a container supply arrangement base 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, and include a container storage tank 34 as storage means for storing the plurality of containers C1, and a plurality of containers stored in the container storage tank 34. Container transport means 35 for transporting C1 to be held by the container supply hopper 33 is provided.
In this embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is used as the pallet vibrating means, but a vibration generator of another type different from the electromagnetic type may be used. In short, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the pallet vibrating means can 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 (left side in the drawing), and arranges two dummy pallets DP along the short direction. .

Specifically, each dummy pallet DP is arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 with the longitudinal direction of the paper surface as the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the paper surface as the lateral 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. The configuration may be such that three or more dummy pallets DP are arranged.

Here, the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B are provided adjacent to each other 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 The table 31A and the container supply table 31B are arranged adjacent to each other along the adjacent direction.
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. In addition, the adjacent direction refers to a direction in which two members are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the adjacent direction of the container supply placement table 31A and the container supply placement table 31 is the Y-axis direction.

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

Further, 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 as to be capable of moving up and down. A partition plate 3C is provided as a restricting means for restricting the movement of the container C1.
The partition plate 3C descends when supplying the container C1 to each of the plurality of storage sections DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and is disposed on each of the container supply placement table 31A and the container supply placement table 31B. The movement of the plurality of containers C1 is restricted by contacting the ends of the dummy pallets DP. Further, the partition plate 3C rises when the dummy pallet DP is carried in / out of the container supply mechanisms 3A, 3B, and the dummy pallets placed on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B, respectively. Move away from the end of 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 arranged in parallel with the short direction of the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31, and is inclined in the same manner as the container supply arrangement table 31 for inclination. It is attached to a rail member 33R 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 33R are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B, respectively. I have. The rail member 33R is attached to an upper end portion (right end portion on the paper surface) and discharges air toward the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31. It has.

  The compressor 33C drops the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging air to the container storage tank 34 side (left side in the drawing) along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A. By discharging air to the container storage tank 34 side (left side in the drawing) along the upper surface of the compressor 33CA as a first air discharge unit to be made and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B, a plurality of air is discharged. A compressor 33CB is provided as a second air discharge unit for dropping the container C1 into the container storage tank. 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. Are each 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 intensity of the air discharged from each of the discharge ports 33D is configured to be adjustable, but may not be configured to be adjustable.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the container supply hopper.
As shown in FIG. 10, the container supply hopper 33 includes a slider 331 provided to be able to advance and retreat along a rail member 33R, a main body 332 attached to the slider 331 and holding a plurality of containers C1, 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 the driving force of a motor (not shown) provided therein. The main body 332 moves along the rail member 33R with the movement of the slider 331. Therefore, the rail member 33R and the slider 331 function as a container supply moving unit of the present invention that moves the container supply hopper 33 in a predetermined direction (the short direction of the dummy pallet DP).
In addition, in this embodiment, although the container supply device 3 is provided with the container supply moving means, it does not have to be provided.

The main body 332 includes a hopper conveyor 332A forming a bottom surface and a cover 332B forming three side surfaces excluding the right side surface of the main body portion 332 on the paper surface. Holds a plurality of containers C1.
The hopper conveyor 332A moves the conveyance path from the upstream side (left side in the drawing) to the downstream side (right side in the drawing) of the main body 332 by the driving force of the motor 332A1 attached to the main body 332. As a result, the plurality of containers C1 housed in the main body 332 move from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main body 332.
Here, since the cover 332B does not constitute the downstream side surface of the main body 332, when the conveyance path of the hopper conveyor 332A is moved from the upstream side of the main body 332 to the downstream side, the plurality of containers C1 After being conveyed by the hopper conveyor 332A, it falls from the downstream side of the main body 332.

The guide member 333 is attached to the main body 332 so as to be rotatable around an axis in the front and back direction of the drawing, and is rotated by a driving force of a cylinder (not shown) provided in the main body 332. Specifically, the guide member 333 is provided in 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 downward (solid line in the figure). Crab turns and stops.
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.

At the container holding position, the guide member 333 is inclined so as to rise toward the distal end 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 of the main body 332. In other words, when the guide member 333 is turned to the container holding position and stopped, the guide member 333 forms a downstream side surface of the main body 332.
At the guide position, the guide member 333 is inclined so as to descend toward the distal end side, so that the plurality of containers C1 are conveyed by the hopper conveyor 332A, and then slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 to form the main body. It will fall from the downstream side of the part 332.

  In the present embodiment, the guide member 333 can be stopped by rotating to one of two positions, a container holding position where the tip is located upward, and a guide position where the tip is located downward. Although it is configured to be able to rotate, it does not need to be configured to be able to rotate. In this case, the guide member 333 only needs to be fixed at the guide position.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the accommodation portion of the dummy pallet and the guide member. Specifically, FIG. 11A is a diagram of the dummy pallet DP and the guide member 333 viewed from above, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating the guide member along the left-right direction of FIG. 11A. It is a figure showing the section which cut 333. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state in which 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 attached to the main body 332 toward the tip end on the dummy pallet DP side. It has three rail portions 333A, and each rail portion 333A is integrally formed as one member.

  Each rail section 333A is provided in correspondence with ten accommodation sections DP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP. Each rail 333A has a V-shaped groove 333A1 that slides and guides the container C1 toward the center of each storage 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 accommodation portion DP1. (A chain line in the figure). Therefore, the guide member 333 guides the container C1 to drop toward the center of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

  In the present embodiment, the guide member 333 is formed in a rail shape that is inclined so as to descend from the base end attached to the main body 332 toward the tip end on the dummy pallet DP side, and the dummy pallet is formed. It has a V-shaped groove 333A1 for guiding the container C1 by sliding it toward the center of each accommodation part DP1 of the DP, but may be formed in another shape such as a tunnel shape. In short, in the present invention, the guide member may guide the container to drop toward the center of the storage portion of the dummy pallet.

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

In the present embodiment, the interval between the pair of protruding pieces 333A2 increases toward the front end on the dummy pallet DP side, but may be constant from the base end to the front end.
Further, in the present embodiment, the guide member 333 includes the pair of projecting pieces 333A2. However, the guide member 333 may not include the pair of projecting pieces 333A2.

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 has a storage cover 341 that covers an opening formed vertically above for charging the container C1, and is dropped on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply hopper 33. A collection port 342 for collecting the plurality of containers C1 that are not stored in the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP among the plurality of containers C1 formed therein, and are formed below the collection port 342 and stored therein. And a carry-out port 343 for carrying out the container C1.

The container transporting means 35 is provided on the right side of the paper of the container storage tank 34, and transports the plurality of containers C <b> 1 stored in the container storage tank 34 to be held by the container supply hopper 33. And a belt conveyor 352 for transporting the plurality of containers C1 from the storage tank 34 to the bucket mechanism 351.
In the present embodiment, the container transporting unit 35 includes the bucket mechanism 351 and the belt conveyor 352, but may have a different configuration. In short, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the container transport means can transport the plurality of containers stored in the storage means and hold the containers by the first holding means and the second holding means.

The bucket mechanism 351 includes a bucket 351A, an elevator 351B, and a holding conveyor 351C.
The bucket 351A is formed in a bottomed square cylindrical shape having a bottom portion 351A1 that is inclined so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34 and that can be opened and closed. The bucket 351A stores the plurality of containers C1 therein by closing the bottom surface portion 351A1, and sends out the plurality of containers C1 stored therein by opening the bottom surface. 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 in the vertical direction, so that the opening at the height position of the container storage tank 34 (specifically, the upper opening of the bucket 351A from the upper surface of the transport path of the belt conveyor 352 is closed. (A lower position) and the height position of the container supply hopper 33. Here, FIG. 12 shows a state where the bucket 351A is raised to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 by the elevator 351B.

The holding conveyor 351C places the plurality of containers C1 sent out by the bucket 351A on the transport path 351C1, and moves the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side (right side of the paper) to the downstream side (left side of the paper) by the motor 351C2. And transports the plurality of containers C <b> 1 so that the containers C <b> 1 are held by the container supply hopper 33. Specifically, the plurality of containers C1 placed on the transport path 351C1 drop from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C toward the container supply hopper 33.
In the present embodiment, the bucket mechanism 351 includes the holding conveyor 351C, and the holding conveyor 351C transports the plurality of containers C1 to be held by the container supply hopper 33. On the other hand, the bucket mechanism 351 may be held in the container supply hopper 33 by another mechanism such as, for example, pushing out the plurality of containers C1.

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

The gate 351C3 is attached to the holding conveyor 351C by inserting a pin 351C4 into the upper end thereof along the Y-axis direction, so that the gate 351C3 can swing around the Y-axis. Therefore, the lower end of the gate 351C3 can swing when passing through the plurality of containers C1.
In the present embodiment, the gate 351C3 is attached to the holding conveyor 351C so that the lower end can be swung when the plurality of containers C1 pass, but the lower end can be swung. It does not have to be attached.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating 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 placement tables 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 for transferring the dummy pallets DP into and out of the container supply placement table 31. The pallet conveying means 36 is disposed on the upstream pallet conveyor 361 and the pusher 362 disposed on the + Y axis direction side of the container supply placement table 31 and on the −Y axis direction side of the container supply placement table 31. The container includes a puller 363 and a downstream pallet conveyor 364, and a circulating pallet conveyor 365 disposed on the + X-axis direction side of the container supply placement table 31.

The upstream pallet conveyor 361 conveys the dummy pallet DP to the dummy pallet DP loading standby position W1 provided adjacent to the container supply placement table 31A and provided on the + Y axis direction side.
The pusher 362 pushes the dummy pallet DP transported to the dummy pallet DP carry-in standby position W1 on 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 carry-out standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP provided adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31B on the −Y axis direction side. .

The downstream pallet conveyor 364 conveys the dummy pallets DP from the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2 to the circulation pallet conveyor 365.
The circulating pallet conveyor 365 circulates the dummy pallets DP by transporting the dummy pallets DP arriving at the end point of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to the starting point 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 carrying means may carry in / out the dummy pallet with respect to the arrangement position of the dummy pallet by a manual operation of an operator. In short, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the pallet carrying means can carry in / out the dummy pallet with respect to the arrangement position.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor. More specifically, FIG. 14A is a view of the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 as viewed from the + Z axis direction side, and FIG. 14B is a view of the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 along the + Y axis direction. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the upstream pallet conveyor 361 has a transport path 361A that moves toward the carry-in standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP (toward the -X axis direction), and a moving direction of the transport path 361A. And a pair of guide rails 361B provided on both sides of the transport 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 transport path 361A is inclined similarly to the container supply placement 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 moves the contact portion 362A forward and backward along the Y-axis direction. The pusher 362 causes the abutting portion 362A to advance toward the −Y-axis direction by the advancing / retreating mechanism 362B, so that the dummy pallet DP conveyed to the dummy pallet DP carry-in standby position W1 on the upstream pallet conveyor 361. Is pushed out toward the container supply arrangement base 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 a 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, among two through holes DP3 (see FIG. 5) formed in the dummy pallet DP, a pin 363A inserted into the through hole DP3 formed on the −Y axis direction side, A reciprocating mechanism 363B for reciprocating the pin 363A along the Y-axis direction. The puller 363 causes the pin 363A to advance toward the + Y axis direction by the advance / retreat mechanism 363B, and then inserts the pin 363A into the through hole DP3 of the dummy pallet DP, and causes the pin 363A to move toward the −Y axis direction by the advance / retreat mechanism 363B. By retreating toward the position, the two dummy pallets DP placed on the container supply placing table 31B are pulled out to the dummy pallet DP carry-out standby position W2.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the downstream pallet conveyor 364 includes a transport path 364A that moves from the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2 toward the right side of the drawing, and a puller 363 that unloads the dummy pallet DP. It includes a pusher 364B for pushing the dummy pallet DP drawn out to W2 toward the transport path 364A, and a pair of guide rails 364C provided parallel to the moving direction of the transport path 364A and provided on both sides of the transport path 364A. ing. The interval 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 similarly to the container supply placement table 31 (see FIG. 15B).

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

  As shown in FIG. 13, the circulating pallet conveyor 365 places the dummy pallet DP and moves in the + Y-axis direction, so that the starting point of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 is shifted from the end point of the downstream pallet conveyor 364. A plate 365B that abuts the side surface on the + X axis direction side of the dummy pallet DP arriving at the end position of the conveyance path 365A, and a reciprocating mechanism 365C that moves the plate 365B forward and backward along the X axis direction. Have. The circulation pallet conveyor 365 sends out the dummy pallet DP arriving at the start point 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 reciprocating mechanism 365C.

FIG. 16 is a top view and a side view of the container replenishing mechanism of the container supply device. Specifically, FIG. 16A is a top view of the container replenishing mechanism 37 viewed from the + Z axis direction side, and FIG. 16B is a side view of the container replenishing mechanism 37 viewed from the −Y axis direction side. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 16, the container supply device 3 refills the empty storage portion DP1 that does not store the container C1 in the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 with the container C1. The above-described container replenishment mechanism 37 is provided.

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

The container replenishment mechanism 37 includes a first abnormality detection sensor 371 and a second abnormality detection sensor 372, a posture correcting unit 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 positions of the dummy pallets DP located on the −X axis direction side of the temporary table 375 are referred to as DPS1 and DPS2, and the stop positions of the dummy pallets DP located on the + X axis direction side of the temporary table 375 are referred to as DPS3.

  In FIG. 16 (A), the illustration of the posture correction means 373 and the CCD camera 374 is omitted, and in FIG. 16 (B), the first abnormality detection sensor 371, the second abnormality detection sensor 372, and the temporary arm robot 376 are shown. The illustration of the replenishing arm robot 377 is omitted. The temporary arm robot 376 and the replenishing arm robot 377 are also illustrated in FIG.

The first abnormality detection sensor 371 is disposed on the −X-axis direction side of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 as shown in FIG. The first abnormality detection sensor 371 emits light in the + Y-axis direction along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, so that the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS1 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped there. Floating of the container C1 supplied to the section DP1 is detected.
The second abnormality detection sensor 372 is disposed on the + X-axis direction side of the first abnormality detection sensor 371. The second abnormality detection sensor 372, like the first abnormality detection sensor 371, emits light along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP in the + Y-axis direction, so that the downstream pallet conveyor 364 reaches the stop position DPS2. Floating of the container C1 supplied to the accommodating portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported and stopped is detected.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the posture correction unit 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 storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS1 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. It includes a plate 373A having a plurality of rods 373A1 that come into contact with and push up the container C1 stored in the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and a cylinder 373B that moves the plate 373A up and down. This posture correcting means 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage section 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 being 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 rods 373A1 into contact with the container C1 stored in the storage 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 lower than 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 373A1 does not protrude from the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

Thereafter, the posture correcting means 373 lowers the plate 373A with the cylinder 373B as shown in FIG. 18B (see a downward arrow in the figure). Here, as described above, the container C1 has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross-section, which is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the posture correcting means 373 can correct the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP by lowering the plate 373A.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the posture correcting unit 373 adjusts the posture of the container C1 supplied from the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and the storage portion of the dummy pallet DP from the lower surface side of the dummy pallet DP. The rod-shaped body 373A1 is inserted into DP1 and brought into contact with the bottom surface of the container C1 for correction.

  The CCD camera 374 is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364, as shown in FIG. The CCD camera 374 picks up an image of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS2 and stopped by the downstream pallet conveyor 364, thereby forming an empty portion of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP not containing the container C1. It functions as an empty container detection unit that detects the container DP1.

As shown in FIG. 16, the temporary mounting table 375 is located on the + X axis direction side of the CCD camera 374, is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364, and has a plurality of temporary storages for temporarily storing the plurality of containers C1. 375A. Note that the dummy pallet DP passes below the temporary placement table 375 vertically.
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the temporary placing table 375 is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and functions as a container temporary placing means having a plurality of temporary placing portions 375A for temporarily placing the plurality of containers C1. .

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

Here, the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375 are formed to be the same as the arrangement and shape of the storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.
Therefore, when the container C1 is accommodated inside the temporary placement part 375A of the temporary placement base 375, the flange C12 protrudes outside the temporary placement part 375A, and the body C11 is accommodated inside the temporary placement part 375A. In other words, the container C1 is housed in the temporary placement part 375A such that the top is positioned vertically upward and the bottom is positioned vertically vertically, and is held in the temporary placement part 375A. It is not stored in the temporary placement section 375A.
Further, as described above, the container C1 is formed in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. And the temporary placement part 375A.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 16A, the temporary placement arm robot 376 includes a robot body 376A and a head 376B provided at the tip of the robot body 376A. It is arranged in.
The robot body 376A moves the stop position DPS2 of the dummy pallet DP and the temporary placing 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 has been moved to the stop position DPS2 of the dummy pallet DP, and FIG. 19B is a diagram in which the head 376B has been moved to the temporary table 375. It is a figure showing a state. In FIG. 19, the container C1 is hatched.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the temporary arm robot 376 transfers the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, which has been transported to the stop position DPS2 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped, to the head 376B. Suction and hold with suction cup. Then, as shown in FIG. 19B, the temporary placement arm robot 376 transfers the head 376B to the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375 (see the rightward arrow in the figure). Therefore, the temporary placement arm robot 376 functions as temporary placement transfer means.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 16A, the replenishing arm robot 377 has a robot main body 377A and a tip end of the robot main body 377A for holding the container C1 accommodated in the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375. A hand 377B (see FIG. 20) is provided, and is disposed on the + X axis direction side of the temporary arm robot 376.
By moving the hand 377B, the robot body 377A moves each of the temporary placement sections 375A of the temporary placement table 375 and the storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS3 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. And come and go.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a state in which containers are being refilled into empty storage units by the replenishing arm robot. Specifically, FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the hand 377B is moved to the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state where the DPS 3 has been moved. In FIG. 20, the container C1 is hatched.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the replenishing arm robot 377 holds the container C1 accommodated in the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375 with the hand 377B. Then, as shown in FIG. 20B, the replenishing arm robot 377 moves the hand 377B to move the hand 377B to the stop position DPS3 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to stop the dummy pallet DP accommodating portion DP1. Of these, the empty storage section DP1 not storing the container C1 is refilled (see the right-pointing arrow in the 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 for controlling the entire container supply device 3.
The container supply control means 38 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 container supply control means 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 input unit 381A, an input stop unit 381B, and a container moving unit 381C, and controls the container transport unit 35 to transport a plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34. Thereby, the container supply hopper 33 holds the container.
Hereinafter, the functions of the units 381A to 381C configuring the container transport unit 381 will be described in detail.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a plurality of containers are put in the bucket.
After moving the bucket 351A to the height position of the container storage tank 34 (downward arrow in the figure), the container insertion unit 381A closes the bottom surface 351A1 of the bucket 351A, as shown in FIG. Then, the container loading section 381A loads the plurality of containers C1 transported by the belt conveyor 352 into the bucket 351A by causing the belt conveyor 352 to start moving on the transport path (arrows pointing right in the drawing).
Here, since the belt conveyor 352 has an entrance having a predetermined area (a carry-out port 343 of the container storage tank 34) for introducing the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34, the belt conveyor 352 is put into the bucket 351A. The number of containers C1 per unit time can be made constant.

The charging stop unit 381B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving on the transport path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the belt conveyor 352 has started moving on the transport path. In other words, when a certain amount of the plurality of containers C1 is charged into the bucket 351A, the charging stop unit 381B stops the movement of the transport path on the belt conveyor 352, so that the plurality of containers C1 are moved to the bucket 351A. Stop feeding.
Here, after stopping charging of the plurality of containers C1 to the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3B, the charging stop unit 381B stops charging of the plurality of containers C1 to the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3A. In other words, the number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3A is larger than the number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the bucket 351A of the container supply mechanism 3B.

  In the present embodiment, the charging 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 started moving the conveyance path. The charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A has been stopped. On the other hand, for example, after detecting that the plurality of containers C1 have contacted the floor surface of the bucket 351A by the sensor, the charging stop unit transmits the conveyor path to the belt conveyor 352 when a 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 loading stop unit measures the weight of the plurality of containers put into the bucket, and when the weight reaches a predetermined weight, causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving the transport path, thereby causing the plurality of containers C1 to move. May be stopped. In short, in the present invention, the charging stop unit stops the charging of the plurality of containers into the bucket by stopping the movement of the conveying path on the belt conveyor when the fixed amount of the plurality of containers is charged into the bucket. 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 by the elevator 351B to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 as shown in FIG. (Up arrow in the figure).

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the container moving unit 381C places the plurality of containers C1 stored in the bucket 351A on the transport path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C by opening the bottom surface 351A1 of the bucket 351A. .
The container moving unit 381C drives the motor 351C2 to move the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side to the downstream side to transport the plurality of containers C1, thereby transferring the plurality of containers C1 to the container supply hopper. 33.
As described above, 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. The number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by 33A is larger than the number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B.

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

  As described above, the container transport unit 381 controls the container transport unit 35 to transport the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34, thereby causing the container supply hopper 33 to hold the containers C1. Further, in the present embodiment, the container conveying means 35 causes the container supply hopper 33 to hold a fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1.

As shown in FIG. 23, the container supply section 382 includes a hopper drive section 382A, a pallet vibrating section 382B, and an air discharge section 382C, and controls the small electromagnetic feeder 32 and the container supply hopper 33 to control the dummy pallet DP. The container C1 is supplied to each of the plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the container C1.
Hereinafter, the functions of the units 382A to 382C constituting the container supply unit 382 will be described in detail.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a state where 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 be moved from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C. Are held by the container supply hopper 33.
Then, the hopper drive unit 382A rotates the guide member 333 from the container holding position to the guide position as shown in FIG. 8, and moves the conveyance path of the hopper conveyor 332A (see FIG. 10) from the upper end side of the main body unit 332. Move toward the lower end. As a result, the plurality of containers C1 slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 and fall from the lower end of the main body 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 being dropped from the lower end side of the main body 332, so that 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 regulated 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 arranging base 31, the dummy pallet DP is divided into the main body portion by the rail member 33R and the slider 331. It has a plurality of housing portions DP1 formed so as to be arranged in a direction in which the 332 is moved (predetermined direction).
The hopper drive unit 382A supplies the plurality of containers C1 held by the main body 332 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP while the main body 332 is being moved by the rail member 33R and the slider 331. I have.

The pallet vibrating unit 382B is configured to vibrate the container supply placement 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 unit 332 by the hopper driving unit 382A. The pallet DP is vibrated.
Accordingly, 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 with a first vibration intensity for vibrating the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 and weaker than the first vibration intensity. And a second vibration intensity for vibrating the dummy pallet DP.
Further, the first vibration intensity of the small electromagnetic feeder 32B is weaker than the first vibration intensity of the small electromagnetic feeder 32A, and the second vibration intensity of the small electromagnetic feeder 32B is the second vibration intensity of the small electromagnetic feeder 32A. Weaker than.

  When the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, the pallet vibrating unit 382B changes the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration intensity to the second Switch to vibration intensity. In other words, the pallet vibrating unit 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 intensity and a second vibration intensity that vibrates the dummy pallet DP that is weaker than the first vibration intensity and that is disposed on the container supply placement table 31. The pallet vibrating unit 382B moves the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration intensity when the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Although the vibration intensity is switched to 2, the switching need not be performed in this manner.

The plurality of containers C1 dropped on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 382 enter each of the storage units DP1 of the dummy pallet DP while rolling by the vibration of the dummy pallet DP.
On the other hand, since the container supply placement table 31 is inclined so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34, the plurality of containers dropped on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 382. The plurality of containers C1 that are not stored in the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP among the C1 will fall freely into the container storage tank. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the container supply arrangement table 31 is configured to drop the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by inclining the dummy pallet DP so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34. Functions as a means.

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 unit 332 by the hopper drive unit 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 not stored in the storage unit DP1 of the dummy pallet DP are blown away 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 in advance for each part of the dummy pallet DP and optimized. For example, the intensity 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 easily blows the container C1. It is like adjusting the strength of the air to be weaker.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the compressor 33C functions as a drop unit that drops the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging air to the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

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

  Then, the pallet vibrating unit 382B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration intensity to the third vibration intensity when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped into the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C. In other words, the pallet vibrating unit 382B further reduces 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 vibrates the dummy pallet DP that is weaker than the second vibration intensity and that is disposed on the container supply placement table 31. The pallet vibrating unit 382B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration intensity to the third vibration intensity when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped into the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C. It is not necessary to switch in this way.

  In the present embodiment, the container pallet 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, A compressor 33C that drops the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging air to the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the pallet DP is employed as a dropping unit. May be adopted. Further, the drop unit may drop the plurality of containers into the storage unit by, for example, vibrating a dummy pallet. In short, according to the present invention, of the plurality of containers supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet by the first holding unit and the second holding unit, the dropping unit does not include the plurality of containers that are not stored in the storage portion of the dummy pallet. It is only necessary that the container can be dropped into the storage means.

As described above, the container supply control means 38 causes the container conveyance means 35 to hold the plurality of containers C1 in the container supply hopper 33, and thereafter, transfers the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 to the dummy pallet. The plurality of containers C1 are circulated and reused by being supplied toward the upper surface of the DP and dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by the dropping means.
Further, as described above, since the container transporting unit 35 holds the fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1 in the container supply hopper 33, the container supply hopper 33 is used in one cycle of circulating the plurality of containers C1. Holds a certain amount of the plurality of containers C1.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the container transporting unit 35 causes the container supply hopper 33 to hold a fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1 in one cycle of circulating the plurality of containers C1, but a fixed amount of the plurality of containers C1. It is not necessary to hold the container C1.

As shown in FIG. 21, the pallet transport section 383 includes a pallet unloading section 383A, a pallet extruding section 383B, a pallet pull-out section 383C, and a pallet loading section 383D. , The dummy pallet DP is carried in / out of the container supply arrangement table 31.
Hereinafter, the functions of the units 383A to 383D constituting the pallet conveyance unit 383 will be described in detail.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the dummy pallet has been transported from the dummy pallet carry-out standby position.
When the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2, the pallet discharge unit 383A pushes the dummy pallet DP toward the transport path 364A with the pusher 364B as shown in FIG. Two dummy pallets DP are placed on the transport path 364A. Then, when the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 364A of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet unloading section 383A causes the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to transport the dummy pallet DP (arrow to the right in the figure).
The downstream pallet conveyor 364 guides the dummy pallet DP with the guide rail 364C so that the short direction of the dummy pallet DP is parallel to the moving direction of the transport path 364A. Transport.

  Thereafter, when the dummy pallet DP is arranged at the end position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet discharge section 383A transports the dummy pallet DP to the start point of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by the circulation pallet conveyor 365, and When the dummy pallet DP is arranged 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 where the dummy pallet is pushed out toward the container supply arrangement table.
The pallet push-out unit 383B pushes the two dummy pallets DP conveyed to the carry-in standby position W1 on the upstream pallet conveyor 361 toward the container supply placement table 31A with the pusher 362, as shown in FIG. Thereby, two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A. The pallet push-out unit 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 with the pusher 362, and pushes the dummy pallet DP for container supply. It is sent to the placement table 31B.

  Therefore, the pusher 362 carries the dummy pallet DP into the container supply arrangement base 31A by moving the dummy pallet DP along the direction (Y-axis direction) adjacent to the container supply arrangement base 31A and the container supply arrangement base 31B. Function as pallet loading means. Further, the pusher 362 moves the dummy pallet DP placed on the container supply placement table 31A along the direction (Y-axis direction) adjacent to the container supply placement table 31A and the container supply placement table 31B. It functions as pallet sending means for sending to the pallet 31B.

In the present embodiment, the pusher 362 is employed as the pallet loading 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 along the direction adjacent to the first area and the second area.
Further, in the present 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 in the direction adjacent to the first area and the second area.
Further, in the present embodiment, the pusher 362 has the functions of the pallet carrying means and the pallet sending means, and is configured integrally. However, the pallet carrying means and the pallet sending means may be configured separately.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the dummy pallet is pulled out from the container supply arrangement table.
As shown in FIG. 28, the pallet drawer 383C pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply placement table 31B with the puller 363, and thereby moves the dummy pallets DP to the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2. Place.
Therefore, the puller 363 is carried out by moving the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B along the direction (Y-axis direction) adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. Functions as pallet unloading means.
In the present embodiment, the puller 363 is used as the pallet carrying-out means, but other configurations may be used. In short, the pallet carrying-out means only needs to be able to carry out the pallet arranged in the second region by moving the pallet along the direction adjacent to the first region and the second region.

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 transfers the dummy pallet DP to the upstream pallet conveyor 361 as shown in FIG. The dummy pallet DP is transported 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 direction of the dummy pallet DP is parallel to the moving direction of the transport path 361A. 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 replenishment execution unit 384C, and controls the container replenishment mechanism 37 to control the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B. The container C1 is replenished to the empty storage section DP1 to which the container C1 could not be supplied.
Hereinafter, the functions of the units 384A to 384C that constitute the container replenishing unit 384 will be described in detail.

  When the first abnormality detection sensor 371 detects the floating of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS1 and stopped by the downstream pallet conveyor 364, As shown in FIG. 18, the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is corrected by the posture correcting means 373.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first abnormality detection sensor 371 functions as abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP conveyed by the downstream pallet conveyor 364. I do. Further, in the present embodiment, the posture correcting unit 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage 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.
In the present embodiment, the posture correction unit 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage 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. However, the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage portions DP1 of all the dummy pallets DP may be corrected. In this case, the container replenishment mechanism 37 may not include the first abnormality detection sensor 371.

As shown in FIG. 19, the container temporary storage section 384B transfers the container C1 supplied to the storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS2 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped, and temporarily arm the robot 376. Is transferred to the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375.
The container replenishment execution unit 384C transfers the empty storage unit DP1 that does not store the container C1 among the storage units DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS2 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to the CCD camera 374. 20, when the dummy pallet DP is conveyed to the stop position DPS3 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped, as shown in FIG. 20, the container C1 stored in the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375 is removed. The replenishing arm robot 377 replenishes the empty accommodation part DP1.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the replenishing arm robot 377 refills the empty container DP1 detected by the CCD camera 374 with the container C1 temporarily stored in the temporary storage part 375A of the temporary storage 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 further, the posture correction unit 373 sets the posture of the container C1. Is corrected, the empty storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is detected.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a container transport / supply process performed 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 performs steps S1 to S4 according to a predetermined program stored in the memory as shown in FIG. Execute
Hereinafter, details of steps S1 to S4 will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 22, the container charging 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 loads the plurality of containers C1 transported by the belt conveyor 352 into the bucket 351A by causing the belt conveyor 352 to start moving in the transport path (arrows pointing right in the drawing). S1: container charging step).
Next, the charging stop unit 381B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop moving along the transport path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the belt conveyor 352 has started moving along the transport path, thereby causing the plurality of containers C1 to move. Is stopped in the bucket 351A (S2: charging 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 by the elevator 351B to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 as shown in FIG. To rise. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the container moving unit 381C places the plurality of containers C1 stored in the bucket 351A on the transport path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C by opening the bottom surface 351A1 of the bucket 351A. .

The container moving unit 381C drives the motor 351C2 to move the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side to the downstream side to transport the plurality of containers C1, thereby transferring 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 drawing) to supply the container from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C. The plurality of containers C1 that have fallen toward the storage hopper 33 are held by the container supply hopper 33.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the hopper drive 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) to the upper end side of the main body 332. To the lower end. As a result, the plurality of containers C1 slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 and fall from the lower end 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 when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped from the lower end side of the main body unit 332, thereby causing the main body unit 382A to move. 332 is moved to the container storage tank 34 side along the rail member 33R.

As described above, 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 vibrating unit 382B uses the small electromagnetic feeder 32 to supply the container supply table 31. By vibrating, the dummy pallet DP is vibrated. Here, the pallet vibrating unit 382B moves the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration intensity to the second when the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Switch to the vibration intensity.
In addition, 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 unit 332 by the hopper drive unit 382A. Here, the pallet vibrating unit 382B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration intensity to the third vibration intensity when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped into the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C.

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

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of a pallet transfer process performed by the container supply device.
When the dummy pallet DP is transported by the pallet transporting means 36 and is carried in / out of the container supply placement table 31, the container supply control means 38 operates according to a 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 arranged at the dummy pallet DP unloading standby position W2, the pallet unloading section 383A pushes the dummy pallet DP toward the transport path 364A with the pusher 364B as shown in FIG. Thus, two dummy pallets DP are placed on the transport path 364A. Thereafter, the pallet discharge section 383A moves the pusher 364B so as to be separated from the transport path 364A and returns the pusher 364B to the original position.
When the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 364A of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet unloading section 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 push-out unit 383B pushes the two dummy pallets DP transported to the carry-in standby position W1 on the upstream pallet conveyor 361 toward the container supply placement table 31A with the pusher 362. By pushing out, the two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A (S12: pallet extrusion step). In addition, the pallet push-out unit 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, and pushes out the container pallet DP. It is sent to the placement table 31B. Thereafter, the pallet push-out unit 383B moves the pusher 362 so as to be separated from the container supply placement table 31A, and returns the pusher 362 to the original position.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 28, the pallet drawer 383C pulls out the two dummy pallets DP placed on the container supply placement table 31B with the puller 363, thereby bringing the dummy pallet DP to the carry-out standby position W2. A dummy pallet DP is arranged (S13: pallet withdrawal step). After that, the pallet drawer 383C moves the puller 363 so as to be separated from the container supply placement table 31B, and returns the puller 363 to the original position.

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

  Thereafter, the container supply control means 38 repeatedly executes steps S11 to S14 by executing step S11 described above again, and conveys the dummy pallet DP by the pallet conveying means 36.

Here, steps S11 to S14 are executed temporally 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 moving step S3 of the next cycle.
Therefore, when the two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A by the pusher 362, and the two sheet pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A by the pusher 362 are different. When the dummy pallet DP is sent to the container supply arranging table 31B, the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 are supplied toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, thereby forming the dummy pallet DP on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. The container C1 is supplied to each of the plurality of storage units DP1.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of the container replenishment process performed by the container supply device.
When the container C1 is replenished by the container replenishment mechanism 37 into the empty storage portion DP1 to which the container C1 could not be supplied by the container supply mechanisms 3A and 3B, the container supply control means 38 stores the predetermined information stored in the memory. In accordance with the program shown in FIG. 31, steps S21 to S26 are executed as shown in FIG.
Hereinafter, the details of steps S21 to S26 will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

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

After executing the container posture correcting step S22, or when the first abnormality detection sensor 371 does not detect the floating of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, the dummy pallet DP is moved to the downstream side. The pallet is transported by the pallet conveyor 364 to the stop position DPS2.
Next, the container temporary storage unit 384B determines whether or not the container C1 is present in the temporary storage unit 375A of the temporary storage table 375 (S23: temporary storage container determination step).

  When the temporary container placement unit 384B determines that there is no container C1 in the temporary storage unit 375A of the temporary storage table 375 in the temporary storage container determination step S23, the container temporary storage unit 384B is transported to the stop position DPS2 by the downstream pallet conveyor 364. Among the storage sections DP1 of the dummy pallet DP stopped and stopped, the storage section DP1 storing the container C1 is detected by the CCD camera 374 and stored in the memory. After that, as shown in FIG. 19, the container temporary storage part 384B temporarily transfers the container C1 supplied to the storage part DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported to the stop position DPS2 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped. The robot 376 transfers the image to the temporary placement section 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 placement arm robot 376 without executing the processing after step S25. The dummy pallet DP after being transferred to the section 375A is transported 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 storage part 375A of the temporary storage table 375 in the temporary storage table determination step S23, the container replenishment execution unit 384C stops the stop position DPS2 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364. Of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP transported and stopped, the empty storage portion DP1 not storing the container C1 is detected by the CCD camera 374, and it is determined whether or not there is an empty storage portion DP1. (S25: empty storage unit determination step).
When the container replenishment execution unit 384C determines that there is an empty storage portion DP1 in the empty storage portion determination step S25, the empty storage portion DP1 is stored in the memory. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 20, when the dummy pallet DP is conveyed to the stop position DPS3 on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and stopped, as shown in FIG. The empty container DP1 is replenished to the empty container DP1 by the replenishing arm robot 377 (S26: container replenishment execution step).

  Note that, in the above-described temporary placement table container determination step S23, the container temporary placement section 384B stores information on the number of containers C1 stored in the storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP stored in the memory in the container temporary placement step S24, Based on the information on the number of containers C1 reduced due to the replenishment of the empty storage portion DP1 in the container replenishment execution step S26, whether or not the container C1 is present in the temporary storage portion 375A of the temporary storage table 375. Is determined.

After executing the container replenishment execution step S26, or when it is determined in the empty storage portion determination step S25 that there is no empty storage portion DP1, 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 steps S21 to S26 by executing the above-described step S21 again, so that the empty container DP1 in which the container supply mechanism 3A, 3B could not supply the container C1. The container C1 is replenished by the container replenishing mechanism 37.

  The container supply control means 38 uses the second abnormality detection sensor 372 to detect the floating of the container C1 supplied to the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP which has been transported to the stop position DPS2 on 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 storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, the container supply control means 38 executes the above-described steps S1 to S4 and steps S11 to S11. The repetition of S14 and steps S21 to S26 is stopped.

  When the stop button (not shown) provided on the container supply device 3 is pressed, the container supply control means 38 repeats the above-described steps S1 to S4, steps S11 to S14, and steps S21 to S26. To stop. When a reset button (not shown) provided on the container supply device 3 is depressed, the container supply control means 38 supplies 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.

Further, in the present embodiment, the container supply device 3 includes the small electromagnetic feeder 32 as pallet vibrating means for vibrating the dummy pallet DP. However, this may not be provided.
In the present embodiment, the container supply device 3 includes a container storage tank 34, a container transporting unit 35, and a dropping unit. After the plurality of containers C1 are held by the container supply hopper 33, the container supply unit 3 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 dropping means. Although reused, it is not necessary to reuse.

[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 diagram of the container cleaning device 4 viewed from the + Z axis direction side, and FIG. 32B is a diagram of the container cleaning device 4 viewed from the + X axis direction side. .
The container cleaning device 4 removes foreign matter 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 removes the drop prevention means 41 disposed vertically above the dummy pallet DP and a plurality of containers C1 stored in the dummy pallet DP via the drop prevention means 41. A cleaning head 42 as cleaning means for cleaning, a vertical moving mechanism 43 for vertically moving the cleaning head 42 in the vertical direction, and a horizontal moving mechanism 44 for horizontally moving the vertical moving mechanism 43 are provided. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vertical moving mechanism 43 and the horizontal moving mechanism 44 function as a cleaning moving 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 the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3, and stores the plurality of containers C1 in the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP on which the plurality of containers C1 are transferred 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 for transferring the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 to the main pallet MP, and a container transfer head 51. A vertical movement mechanism 52 for moving the mounting head 51 in the vertical direction, and a horizontal movement mechanism 53 for moving 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 moving 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 has a plurality of suction cups for sucking and holding the plurality of containers C1. 51A.
The horizontal movement mechanism 53 moves the vertical movement mechanism 52 in the horizontal direction to move vertically above the container supply device 3 and vertically above the main conveyor 2.

FIG. 34 is a top view and a side view of the circulation pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 34A is a diagram of the circulation pallet conveyor 365 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 34B is a diagram of the circulation pallet conveyor 365 viewed from the + X-axis direction side. .
The circulating pallet conveyor 365 is provided at the starting point of the upstream pallet conveyor 361, as shown in FIG. 34, and is used for a dummy for arranging the dummy pallet DP, as shown in FIG. An arrangement table 365D is provided. In addition, the circulation pallet conveyor 365 includes the above-described drop-off preventing means 41 disposed vertically above the transport path 365A.

The transport path 365A includes a belt conveyor having an abutting portion 365A1 that abuts on a side surface of the dummy pallet DP on the −Y axis direction side, and repeatedly moves and stops the belt conveyor at a distance of one dummy pallet DP. By intermittently moving the dummy pallet DP, the dummy pallet DP is intermittently conveyed toward the + Y-axis direction.
The dummy placement table 365D includes two pins 365D1 to be inserted into through holes DP3 (see FIG. 5) formed at respective ends of the dummy pallet DP in the longitudinal direction, and a cylinder 365D2 that raises and lowers each of the pins 365D1. I have.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, the falling-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 transported by the circulating pallet conveyor 365. And a lifting mechanism 41B for raising and lowering the plate 41A.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drop-out preventing means 41 is a rail extending along the direction (column direction) where the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is smaller, of the row direction and the column direction of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. It is formed in a shape.

In the case where the numbers of the pallet storage sections in the row direction and the column direction are the same, the falling-off preventing means may be a rail extending along any one of the row direction and the column direction of the pallet storage section. What is necessary is just to be formed in a shape.
Further, in the present embodiment, the falling-off prevention means 41 is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is smaller, of the row direction and the column direction of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. However, it may be formed in the shape of a rail extending along the direction in which the accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is large.

The plate 41A is disposed at a position vertically away from the upper end of the container C1 stored in the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. The rails 41A1 are arranged at predetermined intervals 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 closer to the dummy pallet DP by lowering the plate 41A. In other words, the falling-off preventing means 41 can hold down the opening edges of the plurality of containers C1 stored in the dummy pallet DP by lowering the plate 41A by the elevating mechanism 41B, and prevent the plurality of containers C1 from falling off. Can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 32, the cleaning head 42 includes two cleaning covers 421 that cover the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges have been pressed by the falling-off preventing means 41, and a plate 422 that holds each cleaning cover 421. A nozzle 423 that is housed inside each cleaning cover 421 and blows air onto each of the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are pressed by the drop-off prevention means 41, and a plurality of nozzles 423 that are covered with the cleaning cover 421. And a container cleaning suction device 424 for sucking the container C1. The cleaning head 42 cleans the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges have been pressed by the falling-off prevention means 41.
FIG. 32 illustrates the inside of the cleaning cover 421 by removing a side surface (a 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. I have.

Here, the two cleaning covers 421 are held on the plate 422 so as to be separated from each other so as to sandwich the four rows of containers C1 therebetween.
Hereinafter, the functions of the container cleaning device 4 and the container transfer device 5 will be sequentially described.

  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 conveyed vertically below the drop-off preventing means 41 on the circulation pallet conveyor 365 and stopped, as shown in FIG. 35, the plate 41A is lowered by the elevating mechanism 41B, The cleaning cover 421 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the falling-off prevention means 41 by bringing the cleaning head 42 down by the vertical movement mechanism 43 while approaching the dummy pallet DP (see the downward arrow in the figure).

Next, the container cleaning device 4 sprays air with the nozzle 423 on each of the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges have been pressed by the drop-off preventing means 41, and also includes the plurality of containers C1 covered with the cleaning cover 421. Is suctioned by the container cleaning suction device 424 to remove foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container C1.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the container pallet DP is stationary when the cleaning head 42 cleans the plurality of containers C1.

FIG. 36 is a side view showing a state where the cleaning head is slid.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 36, the container cleaning device 4 slides the cleaning head 42 by the horizontal moving mechanism 44 toward the −Y axis direction side by a distance corresponding to one line of the container C1 (in FIG. 36). Air is blown by the nozzle 423 to each of the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges have been pressed by the falling-off prevention means 41, and the plurality of containers C1 covered by the cleaning cover 421 are container-cleaned. The foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container C1 is removed by suction with the suction device 424 for use.

Then, the container cleaning device 4 repeats the sliding of the cleaning head 42 by the horizontal moving mechanism 44 and the removal of foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container C1, and the dust adhering to all the containers C1. After removing the foreign matter, the vertical moving mechanism 43 raises the cleaning head 42 to separate the cleaning cover 421 from the upper surface of the falling-off preventing means 41 and raise the plate 41A by the lifting mechanism 41B. To separate from the dummy pallet DP.
Thereafter, the dummy pallet DP is transported by the circulation pallet conveyor 365 toward the dummy placement table 365D.

Next, the function of the container transfer device 5 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The container transfer device 5 is positioned vertically above the dummy placement table 365D by moving the container transfer head 51 by the horizontal movement mechanism 53.
Here, when the dummy pallet DP is conveyed to the dummy placement table 365D by the circulating pallet conveyor 365 and stopped, the container supply device 3 raises each pin 365D1 by the cylinder 365D2, and causes each of the through holes DP3 of the dummy pallet DP to rise. , 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 able to be inserted into and removed from a plurality of holes (through holes DP3) of the dummy pallet DP, and each of the pins 365D1 is connected to the dummy pallet. The dummy pallet DP is positioned by inserting the dummy pallet DP into each of the through holes DP3.

  In this embodiment, the dummy pallet DP is raised and positioned by raising the two pins 365D1 in the cylinder 365D2 and inserting the pins 365D1 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 the pins into three or more holes of the dummy pallet. In addition, the dummy placement table 365D may be positioned without raising the dummy pallet DP, and may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a holding 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 causing the dummy pallet DP to move. A plurality of containers C1 housed in the container are sucked and held.
Then, the container transfer device 5 removes the plurality of containers C1 stored 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 placement base 365D to the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by causing the plate 365B to advance in the −X-axis direction by the advance / retreat mechanism 365C.

Next, the container transfer device 5 is moved vertically by the horizontal transfer mechanism 53 to move the container transfer head 51 vertically above the end point position (see FIG. 4) of the return conveyor 22 of the main conveyor 2. .
Here, the main conveyor 2 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes vertically upward, so that the side of the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2 on the conveyance direction side. And two stoppers ST1 (see FIG. 4) for stopping the main pallet MP in contact with the main pallet MP.
When the main conveyor 2 detects a main pallet MP by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side thereof, the main conveyor 2 causes the stopper ST1 of the preceding stage to project vertically upward, thereby causing the main pallet to be moved to the stopper ST1. The MP is brought into abutment and waits at a predetermined position. Then, the main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallets MP one by one at the end position of the return conveyor 22 by making the respective stoppers ST1 cooperate.

  As described above, since the main pallet MP has the two disc-shaped urethane rubbers MP4 attached to the side surface on the −X axis direction side, the main pallet MP comes into contact with the stopper ST1 at the preceding stage and at a predetermined position. The impact at the time of collision between the main pallet MP waiting at the next and the subsequent main pallet MP can be reduced.

Then, after the main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallet MP at the end position of the return conveyor 22, the two pins (not shown) are raised by a cylinder (not shown), and the respective through holes MP3 ( 3), the main pallet MP is raised and positioned similarly to the dummy placement table 365D.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 has a plurality of pins provided to be able to be 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 holes MP3.

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

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return conveyor 22 are determined by the container transfer for arranging the dummy pallets DP and the main pallets MP along the short direction of the dummy pallets DP and the main pallets MP. Function as a work placement table. Then, 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 lower ends of the plurality of containers C1 to about half of the body C11 by lowering the container transfer head 51 by the vertical moving mechanism 52 so that each of the storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP is moved. Then, the plurality of containers C1 are dropped and stopped by the container transfer head 51 to release the plurality of containers C1, and the plurality of containers C1 are stored and transferred to the main pallet MP.

Here, as described above, the container C1 has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross-section, which is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to 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 storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is set to be larger than the size of the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 5 can easily accommodate the lower end portion of the container C1 when accommodating the lower end portion in the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.
In addition, the container transfer device 5 stores the lower end portions of the plurality of containers C1 to about half of the body C11 in each of the storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP, and stops the suction of the plurality of containers C1 by the container transfer head 51. Since the release is performed, the breakage of the plurality of containers C1 can be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the container C1 is formed so as to decrease in diameter from the upper end toward the lower end, but may be formed in a different shape.
Further, in the present embodiment, the size of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is set to be larger than the size of the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. It may be the same, and may be smaller than the size of the accommodation part MP1 of the 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, thereby setting the dummy placement table 365D. And put it back vertically.

(Filling device)
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 diagram of the filling device 6 viewed from the + Z axis direction side, and FIG. 38 is a diagram of the filling device 6 viewed from the −Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the filling device 6 includes a weighing 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 / retracting mechanism 63 for swinging the advancing and retracting 62 along the transport direction of the main conveyor 2 and two filling suction devices 64 provided on both sides of the filling hopper 62 in the advancing / retreating direction are provided. The filling device 6 fills the powdered material P into the container C1 stored in the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2.

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

  The weighing and filling mechanism 61 includes a weighing unit 66 disposed above the main pallet MP, and an extrusion unit 67 disposed above the weighing unit 66 and disposed adjacent to the filling hopper 62. And

  The measuring unit 66 has a rectangular plate-shaped measuring plate 661 fixed below the extrusion unit 67 and a rectangular plate-shaped shutter 662 mounted below the measuring plate 661 and slid by a driving force of a motor (not shown). And a rectangular plate-shaped guide plate 663 attached below the shutter 662.

The weighing plate 661 has a plurality of weighing holes 661A formed so as to correspond to each of the storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP.
The shutter 662 is slidably attached in a direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the direction of conveyance of the outward conveyor 21 of the main conveyor 2. The shutter 662 has through holes 662A formed 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 a through hole 663A formed to correspond to each of the 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. The weighing unit 66 slides the shutter 662 to open and close the shutter 662, thereby switching between a state in which the weighing holes 661A communicate with the through holes 662A and 663A and a state in which they are not communicated. be able to.

  The extruding unit 67 includes an elevating plate 671 provided to be able to move up and down with respect to the weighing plate 661, a plurality of extruding pins 672 provided on the elevating plate 671 so as to correspond to each of the weighing holes 661A of the weighing plate 661, An extruding cylinder 673 for elevating the elevating plate 671. The extrusion unit 67 can lower each extrusion pin 672 to a position penetrating each measurement hole 661A of the measurement unit 66 by lowering the elevating plate 671 by the extrusion cylinder 673.

  As shown in FIGS. 37 to 39, the filling hopper 62 is slidably mounted on the upper surface of the weighing plate 661, and has a rectangular cylindrical storage tank 621 for storing the powders P therein. A cylindrical bottomed charging tank 622 having an opening vertically above the storage tank 621 and having an opening for charging the granular material P on the vertically upper side, and a vertically upper side of the filling hopper 62. And a filling cover 623 provided. 37 and 38 do not show the filling cover 623.

The charging tank 622 has a lower cylinder 622A with a bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape formed vertically below, and an upper cylinder 622B formed vertically above the lower cylinder 622A and having an opening above. The charging tank 622 is made of an acrylic resin, and is transparent so that the powder P 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 protruding toward the inside of the storage tank 621 (see FIGS. 37 and 39).

Specifically, the lower cylinder 622A has five holes 622A1 arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction, and two holes 622A1 arranged at regular intervals along the lateral direction. I have. In other words, the lower cylinder 622A has ten holes 622A1 in a lattice point shape.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charging tank 622 includes the ten holes 622A1 formed on the bottom surface and the cylindrical protrusions 622A2 that communicate with the holes 622A1 and protrude toward the inside of the storage tank 621. have.

  In the present embodiment, the lower cylinder 622A has ten holes 622A1 in a lattice point shape, but may have a number of holes different from ten. In short, it is only necessary that the charging tank has 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 may not be regular. Further, in the present embodiment, the charging tank 622 has the protrusion 622A2, and the protrusion 622A2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the charging tank does not need to have the protruding portion, and the protruding portion may be formed in a tubular shape having another cross-sectional shape such as a rectangular tubular shape.

The upper cylinder 622B is formed so as to become wider in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the outward conveyor 21 of the main conveyor 2 as going upward in the vertical direction.
Here, as described above, the filling device 6 includes the advance / retreat mechanism 63 that swings the filling hopper 62 by moving the filling hopper 62 along the conveying direction of the main conveyor 2, so that the opening of the filling hopper 62 is The filling hopper 62 is formed so as to become wider in the swinging direction 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 swinging direction of the filling hopper 62 toward the vertically upper side. 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 protruding part 622A2. On the other hand, the filling hopper may be constituted by one tank, and may not have the hole and the protrusion. In short, the filling hopper only needs to be able to store the granular material inside.

As shown in FIG. 39, the filling cover 623 is provided 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 swung by the advance / retreat mechanism 63, and includes an input port 623A into which the powder P is charged. ing.
In the present embodiment, the filling cover 623 is a glass plate fitted into the above-described frame FL (see FIG. 2). The input port 623A has a lid (not shown) for closing the opening. By removing the lid, the operator can throw the powder P into the filling hopper 62 through the inlet 623A.

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the reciprocating mechanism 63 slidably supports the base 631 on which the filling hopper 62 and the extruding unit 67 are mounted, and moves the base 631 along the conveying 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 / retreats the filling hopper 62 and the extrusion unit 67 placed on the base 631 along the transport direction of the main conveyor 2 by moving the base 631 along the rail 632.

The filling suction device 64 is provided on both sides (the + X axis direction side and the −X axis direction side) of the filling hopper 62 and the extruding unit 67 in the reciprocating direction, respectively. And so on.
In the present embodiment, the filling device 6 is provided with two filling suction machines 64, but may be provided with one filling suction machine, and may be provided with three or more plural filling suction machines. May be. Further, the filling device may not include the filling suction device.

As shown in FIG. 39, the positioning mechanism 65 includes two pins 651 inserted into each through-hole MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP, and a cylinder that raises and lowers a plate supporting each pin 651. 652. The positioning mechanism 65 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes vertically upward, so that the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2 is provided on the side surface in the conveyance direction. The main pallet MP is provided with two stoppers ST2 (see FIG. 4) which come into contact with each other to 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 pins 651 with the cylinder 652 and raises the lifting plate 671 with the cylinder for extrusion 673 to raise the plurality of extrusion pins 672 to an initial state. In this initial state, the filling device 6 moves the extrusion unit 67 vertically above the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 by moving the base 631 forward and backward by the moving 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) arranged on the side of the main conveyor 2, the filling device 6 causes the stopper ST2 of the preceding stage to protrude vertically upward. Then, the main pallet MP is brought into contact with the stopper ST2, and the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2 is made to stand by at a predetermined position. The main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallets MP one by one vertically above the positioning mechanism 65 by cooperating the stoppers ST2.

  When the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts on the stopper ST2 at the subsequent stage and is disposed vertically above the positioning mechanism 65, the filling device 6 uses the cylinder 652 to pin the main pallet MP as shown in FIG. The main pallet MP is lifted and positioned by inserting it into each of the through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP (upward arrow in the figure). Thereby, the openings of the plurality of containers C1 stored in the main pallet MP are close to the through holes 663A of the guide plate 663.

Next, the filling device 6 slides the shutter 662 to close the shutter 662, thereby switching the measurement holes 661A and the through holes 662A and 663A to a state where they are not communicated with each other. Here, the concave space defined by each of the measuring holes 661A and the shutter 662 corresponds to the internal volume of the granular material P to be filled in the capsule C.
Thereafter, the filling device 6 moves the filling hopper 62 vertically above the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 by moving the base 631 forward and backward by the moving mechanism 63 (rightward arrow in the figure). As a result, the granular material P stored in the storage tank 621 of the filling 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 a portion to be filled.

Therefore, the granular material P stored in the storage tank 621 is reduced by being filled in the measuring hole 661A. Then, the storage tank 621 stores the granular material P inside by the granular material P input into the charging tank 622 dropping through the hole 622A1 and the protruding portion 622A2. Here, the horizontal position at which 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 portion to be filled in the storage tank.
In the present 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 is the same. It may be a position.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a state where the powdery material is filled in the measurement holes 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 forward and backward by the moving mechanism 63 (leftward in the figure). Arrow). As a result, the granular material P filled in the measuring holes 661A of the measuring plate 661 is frayed at the lower end of the storage tank 621 of the filling hopper 62, so that the filling device 6 includes the measuring holes 661A and the shutter 662. Thus, a certain amount of the granular material P can be filled in the concave space partitioned by the above.
Here, the filling device 6 causes the filling suction devices 64 to suck the powder P that has leaked without being filled in the measuring holes 661A when the powder P is dropped from the filling hopper 62 (FIG. 37 and FIG. 38).

  As described above, the advance / retreat mechanism 63 functions as a swinging unit that swings the filling hopper 62 along the horizontal direction, and when the powder P is dropped from the storage tank 621 and filled into the measuring hole 661A, the filling hopper is used. Swing 62.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing 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 communicated by sliding the shutter 662 to open the shutter 662. As a result, the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 falls and is filled in the plurality of containers C1 stored in the main pallet MP.
Furthermore, the filling device 6 lowers the elevating plate 671 with the extrusion cylinder 673, and stores the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 with the plurality of extrusion pins 672 in the main pallet MP. (See arrow in the figure).

  In the present embodiment, the filling device 6 extrudes the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 with the 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 oscillates the plurality of extruding pins 672 so that the granular material P can be easily dropped into the plurality of containers C1 and filled. May be.

  Thereafter, the filling device 6 causes the main pallet MP to be conveyed to the main conveyor 2 by lowering the pin 651 with the cylinder 652 and immersing the stopper ST2 vertically downward. Next, the filling device 6 raises the lifting / lowering plate 671 with the extrusion cylinder 673, thereby raising the plurality of extrusion pins 672 to return to the initial state.

[Filling check device]
FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram showing a filling check device. Specifically, FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram 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 the same mechanism as the positioning mechanism 65 of the filling device 6 described above. Specifically, the filling check device 7 raises and lowers 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). The filling check device 7 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes vertically upward, so that the side of the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2 on the side of the conveyance direction. A stopper (not shown) for resting the main pallet MP in contact with the main pallet MP.

  The filling check device 7 causes the stopper to project vertically upward when a main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) arranged on the side of the main conveyor 2. 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 with a cylinder to move the main pallet MP to the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

The filling check device 7 causes the CCD camera 71 to take an image of the upper surface of the main pallet MP, and performs a predetermined process on the image taken by the CCD camera 71, so that the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP has powder. It is confirmed whether or not the granules P are filled.
Thereafter, the filling check device 7 causes the main pallet MP to be conveyed to the main conveyor 2 by lowering the pins with the cylinder and immersing the stoppers 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 viewed from the −X axis direction, and FIG. 45 is a film supply device viewed from the + Z axis direction. FIG. 8 is a view of a film die cutting device 9 and a film transfer device 10.
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.

As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, the film supply device 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. The film supply device 8 supplies the film SR1 for cutting out the lid material C2 to the film die cutting device 9.
Each guide roller 82 is arranged in order from the holder 81 to 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 wound around and guided by guide rollers 821 to 826 in this order.

  As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, the film die cut device 9 includes a film table 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 table 91. And an air hand 94 for pulling out the film SR1 supplied from the film supply device 8 from the film supply device 8.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing a film cut by the 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 from 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 formed at the longitudinal ends of the main pallet MP. Then, the film die cutting device 9 cuts the film SR1 into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP by cutting the cut line SR13 along the short direction.

  The press head 92 includes a die cut blade for forming a perforation SR11, a punch for forming a punched hole SR12, and a cutter for cutting a cut line SR13 (not shown). As shown in FIGS. By pressing the film SR1 placed on the table 91, perforations SR11 and punch holes 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 table 91 by lowering the press head 92.
The air hands 94 are provided on both sides in the short direction (X-axis direction) of the film SR1, respectively. A pair of holding portions 941 for holding the film SR1 and the holding portions 941 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the film SR1. And a moving mechanism 942 that moves on the rails.
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 table 91. Specifically, the film die cutting device 9 pulls out 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 holding portion 941 at a predetermined speed to a position just before the end point. Thereafter, the moving mechanism 942 moves each of the holding portions 941 to the end point at a speed lower than the speed up to the position just before the end point. In other words, the moving mechanism 942 moves each holding portion 941 at a lower speed near the end point than before. According to this, the moving mechanism 942 can easily perform the alignment between the film SR1 and the film table 91.

  Next, the film die cutting apparatus 9 presses the press head 92 against the film SR1 placed on the film table 91 by lowering the press head 92 with the elevator 93. Thus, the film die cutting device 9 forms the perforations SR11 and the punch holes SR12 in the film SR1, and cuts the cut line SR13 of the film SR1.

  Here, the film SR1 pulled out from the film table 91 by the pair of holding portions 941 of the air hand 94 is cut into a length corresponding to one 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). The cut film CF already has the perforations SR11 and the punch holes SR12 formed in the previous step.

  Then, the film die cutting device 9 releases the film SR1 to the pair of holding portions 941 of the air hand 94, raises the press head 92 by the elevator 93, and moves each holding portion 941 to the film SR1 by the moving mechanism 942. It is moved to the vicinity of the film table 91 along the longitudinal direction and returned to the original position.

[Film transfer device]
As shown in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45, the film transfer apparatus 10 suctions the film (cut film CF) cut by the film die cutting apparatus 9 and holds the suction head 101 in the vertical direction. And a moving mechanism 102 for moving in a horizontal direction.

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the suction head. Specifically, FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the suction head 101 cut along the YZ plane.
As shown in FIG. 47, the suction head 101 is inserted into the hole 101A provided at a position corresponding to the two pins MP2 formed at the longitudinal ends of the main pallet MP, respectively, and the hole 101A. In addition, a projection 101B is provided to project from the surface for sucking the cut film CF, and a spring 101C that is housed inside the hole 101A and urges the projection 101B vertically downward.
The protruding portion 101B has such a length that the tip thereof can be sunk against the surface of the suction head 101 for sucking the cut film CF by pushing the projecting portion 101B against the biasing force of the spring 101C toward the hole 101A. Is set.
Hereinafter, the function of the film transfer device 10 will be described in detail.

  First, the film transfer device 10 moves the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 to position it above the cut film CF, lowers the suction head 101, and then starts the suction by the suction head 101 to cut the film. The film CF is held. At this time, since the protruding portions 101B are inserted into the respective punch holes SR12 formed in the cut film CF, the suction head 101 can hold the cut film CF at a predetermined position.

Next, the film transfer device 10 moves the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 to position the suction head 101 vertically above the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2.
Here, the film transfer device 10 has the same mechanism as the positioning mechanism 65 of the filling device 6 described above. Specifically, the film transfer device 10 raises and lowers 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. (Not shown). Further, the film transfer device 10 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes vertically upward, so that the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2 in the conveyance direction side. A stopper ST3 (see FIG. 4) for resting the main pallet MP in contact with the side surface is provided.

  The film transfer device 10 causes the stopper ST3 to project vertically upward when a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2 detects the main pallet MP. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts on the stopper ST3 and is disposed vertically below the suction head 101, the film transfer device 10 raises the pin with 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.

  Then, the film transfer device 10 causes the protruding portion 101B to abut on each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP by lowering the suction head 101. Thereafter, the film transfer apparatus 10 pushes each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP into the hole 101A by further lowering the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 (downward arrow in the figure).

Next, in a state where the cut film CF and the main pallet MP are brought close to each other, the film transfer device 10 causes the suction head 101 to stop suction and release the cut film CF. As a result, the film transfer device 10 transfers the cut film CF to the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2.
After that, the film transfer device 10 causes the main pallet MP to be conveyed to the main conveyor 2 by lowering the pins with the cylinder and immersing the stopper ST3 vertically downward.
Therefore, the film transfer device 10 transfers the cut film CF such that the position of the lid C2 formed on the cut film CF and the position of the opening of the container C1 stored in the main pallet MP are aligned. 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 cover member 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 stored in the main pallet MP. And a push-up mechanism 112 for positioning the main pallet MP at a predetermined position on the main conveyor 2 and pushing up the container C1 stored in the storage section MP1 of the main pallet MP, The powder P is sealed in the capsule C.
In FIG. 48, illustration of each pin MP2 and the cut film CF of the main pallet MP is omitted for simplification of the drawing.

The seal mechanism 111 includes a seal head 111A having a hot plate 111A1 whose lower surface is kept at a high temperature in order to seal and adhere the lid member C2 to the opening of the container C1, and a fluororesin sheet covering the lower surface of the hot plate 111A1. There is provided an elevator 111C for elevating and lowering the seal head 111A.
The sheet 111B is provided with a pair of reels 111B1 for winding both ends thereof, and by winding from one of the reels 111B1 to the other of the reels 111B1, a portion that covers the lower surface of the hot plate 111A1 can be renewed.
The elevator 111C includes a slide shaft 111C1 that slidably supports the seal head 111A in the vertical direction and an air cylinder 111C2 that slides the seal head 111A up and down along the slide shaft 111C1.

The lifting mechanism 112 is provided in correspondence with each of the two pins 112A inserted into each through hole MP3 formed in the main pallet MP and the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and is provided in the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. On the other hand, by inserting from the lower surface side, a plurality of rods 112B that come into contact with and push up the container C1 stored in the container MP1 of the main pallet MP, and a plate that supports each pin 112A and each rod 112B. And a cylinder 112C that moves up and down. The push-up mechanism 112 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes vertically upward, so that the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 is provided on a side surface in the conveyance direction. A stopper ST4 (see FIG. 4) for resting the main pallet MP in contact therewith is provided.
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-shaped body 112B with the cylinder 112C. Then, the seal device 11 raises the seal head 111A by the elevator 111C to bring it into 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 project vertically upward. When the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts on the stopper ST4 and is disposed vertically above the push-up mechanism 112, the sealing device 11 raises each pin 112A by the cylinder 112C and moves the main By inserting each of the through holes MP3 of the pallet MP, the main pallet MP is raised and positioned, and at the same time, the rods 112B are raised to push up the containers C1 stored in the respective storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP. .

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 112 is provided below the main pallet MP, and is a seal that pushes up the container C1 by inserting the rod-shaped body 112B into the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP from the lower surface side. Function as a push-up mechanism.
Further, in the present embodiment, the lifting mechanism 112 has a plurality of pins 112A that can be 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 the present embodiment, the lifting mechanism 112 raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins 112A by the cylinder 112C and inserting the pins 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 the pins into three or more holes of the main pallet. Further, the lifting mechanism 112 may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, or the main pallet MP may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for stopping the main pallet MP.

  Here, as described above, since each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP is inserted into each punch hole SR12 formed in the cut film CF, 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 regulating mechanism that regulates the movement of the cut film CF placed on the main pallet MP.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing device 11 employs the pins MP2 of the main pallet MP as the sealing regulating mechanism. However, for example, a frame body that presses the peripheral portion of the cut film CF toward the main pallet MP, or the like. May be adopted as a seal regulating mechanism. In short, the seal regulating mechanism only needs to be able to regulate the movement of the film placed on the pallet, and may be provided on at least one of the pallet and the sealing device. Further, in the present embodiment, the sealing device 11 includes the sealing regulating mechanism, but may not include the sealing regulating mechanism.

  Next, the sealing device 11 causes the opening of the container C1 and the hot plate 111A1 to be in close contact with each other via the cover member C2 by lowering the seal head 111A with the elevator 111C. Thereby, the sealing device 11 seals and adheres the lid 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 hot-melt adhesive applied to the lower surface of the cut film CF at a high temperature of the hot plate 111A1. And glue.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the container C1 is pushed up by the push-up mechanism 112, the hot plate 111A1 is lowered by the seal mechanism 111, thereby sealing the lid C2 at the opening of the container C1. Glued.

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

[Film separation device]
FIG. 49 is a side view of the film separation device. Specifically, FIG. 49 is a diagram of the film separating device 12 viewed from the + X axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 49, the film separation device 12 separates the lid material C2 sealed by the sealing device 11 from the cut film CF, and sucks and holds the capsule C. Is transferred from the main pallet MP and transferred to the capsule sorting device 14.
In FIG. 49, illustration of each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP and the cut film CF is omitted to simplify the drawing.

The film separation mechanism 121 is provided vertically above the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2, and is provided with a bending plate 121 </ b> A (see FIG. 4) that bends the ears C <b> 22 of the cover member C <b> 2, and the main conveyor 2. There is provided a push-up mechanism 121B that positions the main pallet MP at a predetermined position, pushes up the capsule C stored in the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and separates the lid C2 from the cut film CF.
The bending plate 121A has a plurality of through holes 121A1 formed to correspond to each of the capsules C stored in the main pallet MP.

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

  As shown in FIG. 49, the push-up mechanism 121B is provided corresponding to each of the two pins 121B1 inserted into each through hole MP3 formed in the main pallet MP and the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. A plurality of rods 121B2, which are pushed into contact with the container C1 accommodated in the accommodating section MP1 of the main pallet MP by being inserted into the accommodating section MP1 of the pallet MP, and the pins 121B1 and the respective rods 121B2. And a cylinder 121B3 that raises and lowers the plate supporting the. The push-up mechanism 121B is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and protrudes vertically upward, so that the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 is provided on the side surface in the conveyance direction. A stopper ST5 (see FIG. 4) for resting the main pallet MP in contact therewith is provided.

FIG. 51 is a top view of the film separation device. Specifically, FIG. 51 is a diagram of the film separating device 12 viewed from the + Z axis direction side.
The capsule transfer mechanism 122 is provided so as to correspond to each of the capsules C stored in the main pallet MP, as shown in FIGS. 49 and 51, and is provided on the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. A plurality of suction cups 122A that suck and hold the accommodated capsules C, a plurality of transfer heads 122B that support the plurality of suction cups 122A, and a plurality of transfer heads 122B are arranged 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 close to and separable from each other, a vertical moving mechanism 122D that moves the head holding mechanism 122C in the vertical direction, and a vertically upper part of the main conveyor 2 by moving the head holding mechanism 122C in the horizontal direction. Horizontal moving mechanism 1 that moves vertically above and below capsule sorter 14 And a 2E.

FIG. 52 is a schematic view showing the shape of the transfer head of the capsule transfer mechanism. Specifically, FIG. 52 is a diagram of the plurality of transfer heads 122B 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 respective 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, three transfer heads 122B1-3 supporting suction cups 122A for sucking and holding 16 capsules C, and a suction cup 122A for sucking and holding two capsules C are supported. And one transfer head 122B4.

The plurality of transfer heads 122B are brought close to each other by a head holding mechanism 122C as shown in FIG. It can correspond to each.
Further, as shown in FIG. 52B, 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. It is divided into two groups and transferred to the capsule sorting apparatus 14.
Hereinafter, the function of the film separation device 12 will be described in detail.

  First, the film separation device 12 lowers the pin 121B1 with the cylinder 121B3. Then, the film separating device 12 moves the plurality of transfer heads 122B closer to each other by the head holding mechanism 122C and moves the plurality of transfer heads 122B in the horizontal direction by the horizontal moving mechanism 122E, thereby moving the head holding mechanism 122C vertically to the bending plate 121A. Move it upwards to the 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 film separation device 12 causes the stopper ST5 to protrude vertically upward. When the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 comes into contact with the stopper ST5 and is disposed vertically above the push-up mechanism 121B, the film separating device 12 raises the pin 121B1 with the cylinder 121B3 to move the main pallet MP upward. By inserting each of the through holes MP3 of the pallet MP, the main pallet MP is raised and positioned, and at the same time, the rod-shaped body 121B2 is raised to push up the capsule C stored in the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B has a plurality of pins 121B1 provided so as to be able to be 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 the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins 121B1 with the cylinder 121B3 and inserting the pins 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 the pins into three or more holes of the main pallet. Further, the lifting mechanism 121B may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, or the main pallet MP may be positioned by employing another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for stopping the main pallet MP.

Further, the film separation device 12 pushes up each capsule C by the push-up mechanism 121B and at the same time causes each suction cup 122A to start suction, thereby allowing the suction cup 122A to pass through the through-hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A and to the plurality of transfer heads 122B. To hold each capsule C. Thereby, the film separating device 12 separates the lid material C2 sealed by the sealing device 11 from the cut film CF.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lifting mechanism 121B is provided below the main pallet MP, and pushes up the container C1 by inserting the rod-shaped body 121B2 from the lower surface side into the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. It functions as a separation push-up mechanism for separating the lid member C2 from the cut film CF.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending plate 121A is provided above the main pallet MP, and presses a portion of the cut film CF that is different from the lid C2 to restrict the cut film CF from rising. Functions as a mechanism.
In the present embodiment, the separation regulating mechanism employs the bending plate 121A, but a different mechanism may be employed. For example, the separation regulating mechanism may regulate the rise of the film by pressing the four corners of the film. In short, it is only necessary that the separation regulating mechanism be provided above the pallet and be able to regulate the rise of the film by pressing a portion of the film different from the lid member.

Further, in this 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, thereby transferring the capsule C from the main pallet MP. Functions as a pulling up mechanism.
In the present embodiment, the transfer head 122B is provided above the bending plate 121A, but may be provided at a different position. In other words, the transfer head 122B pushes up each capsule C by the push-up mechanism 121B and at the same time starts suctioning each suction cup 122A, thereby passing each through-hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A and holding each capsule C. However, each suction cup 122A does not have to start suction 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 is formed by the edge portion C22 of the lid C2 at the inclined portion 121A2. Is bent and passes through the through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A.
Therefore, in this embodiment, the bending plate 121A has the through-hole 121A1 for bending the lid C2 along the capsule C by passing the capsule C pulled up by the transfer head 122B.
In the present embodiment, the bending plate 121A has the through-hole 121A1 for bending the lid C2 along the capsule C. However, the bending plate 121A may not have such a through-hole 121A1.

Next, the film separation device 12 moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above by the vertical movement mechanism 122D, and then moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above the capsule sorting device 14 by the horizontal movement mechanism 122E.
Then, the film separating device 12 separates 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 moving mechanism 122D. By stopping the suction, each capsule C is released and transferred to the capsule sorting device 14.

  Thereafter, the film separating device 12 causes the main pallet MP to be transported to the main conveyor 2 by lowering the pin 121B1 and the rod-shaped body 121B2 with the cylinder 121B3 and immersing the stopper ST5 vertically downward. Next, the film separation device 12 moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above 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, and again. Initial state.

[Scrap discharge device]
FIG. 53 is a side view of the scrap discharging device. Specifically, FIG. 53 is a diagram of the scrap discharging device 13 viewed from the −Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 53, the scrap discharge 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 131. The apparatus includes a moving mechanism 132 for moving the 131 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a scrap holding table 133 for holding the scrap SC sucked by the suction plate 131.

The suction plate 131 has four suction pads 131A attached so as to correspond to each of the four corners of the scrap SC.
The moving mechanism 132 moves vertically between the main conveyor 2 and vertically above the scrap holding table 133 by moving the suction plate 131 in the horizontal direction and the lift cylinder 132A that moves the suction plate 131 in the vertical direction. And a rodless cylinder 132B. In FIG. 53, the illustration of the main conveyor 2 is omitted.

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 protruding vertically upward. The scrap holding table 133 holds the scrap SC by inserting each pole 133A into a hole SC1 formed in the scrap SC sucked by the suction plate 131.
Hereinafter, the function of the scrap discharging device 13 will be described in detail.

First, the scrap discharge device 13 is moved in the horizontal direction by the moving mechanism 132, thereby moving the suction plate 131 vertically above the main conveyor 2 to 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. Thus, the main pallet MP is raised and positioned.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 has a plurality of pins provided so as to be able to be 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 holes MP3.

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

  Next, the scrap discharging device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically downward by the moving mechanism 132, thereby positioning the suction plate 131 near the cut film CF and adsorbing the suction pad 131A of the suction plate 131. By starting, the scrap SC after the lid material 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. The suction plate 131 is moved vertically above the scrap holding table 133 by moving the suction plate 131 vertically.

Next, the scrap discharge device 13 stops the suction on the suction pad 131A of the suction plate 131, thereby releasing the scrap SC after the cover material C2 is separated from the cut film CF and causing the scrap holding table 133 to hold the scrap SC.
Thereafter, the scrap discharging device 13 causes the main conveyor 2 to convey the main pallet MP by lowering the pins with the cylinder. Next, the scrap discharging device 13 is moved by the moving mechanism 132 in the horizontal direction, thereby moving the suction plate 131 vertically above the main conveyor 2 to return to the initial state.

[Capsule sorting device]
FIG. 55 is a top view of the capsule sorting device. Specifically, FIG. 55 is a view of the capsule sorting device 14 as viewed from the + Z axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 55, the capsule sorting device 14 includes a capsule dividing conveyor 141 that divides and transports the capsules C transferred by the film separating device 12, and a downstream side in the transport direction of the capsule dividing conveyor 141 (below the paper surface). Side), a case transport conveyor 142 that transports a case CS for storing the capsule C, and a capsule shooter 143 that is provided between the capsule division conveyor 141 and the case transport conveyor 142. The capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C transferred by the film separating device 12 by a predetermined number and stores them in the case CS. Specifically, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 sorts the capsules C into 32 capsules 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 includes a storage section CS1 formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom having an elliptical cross section, an elliptical lid section CS2 for closing an opening of the storage section CS1, and a storage section CS1. A hinge portion CS3 for connecting the lid portion CS2 to be freely opened and closed. As described above, the case CS is formed in 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 portion CSP1 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a concave portion CSP2 formed at a substantially central position of the pedestal portion CSP1. The concave portion CSP2 has the same cross-sectional shape as the bottom surface of the case CS, and is formed to have a slightly larger cross-sectional shape 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 split conveyor 141 places the capsule C and transports the capsule C along a predetermined transport direction (downward in the figure). It includes five provided guide rails 141B1 to 141B5 and a photoelectric sensor 141C provided downstream of the transport path 141A.
When the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separation device 12, the guide rails 141B1 to 141B4 transfer the 16 capsules C held by the transfer heads 122B1 to 122B3. It is provided to have a width large enough to be placed on the transport path 141A.
The guide rail 141B5 holds the two transfer heads 122B4 when the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separation device 12 with respect to the guide rail 141B4. The capsule C is provided to have a width large enough to place the capsule C on the transport path 141A.

Therefore, the capsule division conveyor 141 divides the 50 capsules C corresponding to one main pallet MP by the guide rails 141B1 to 141B5 into 16 groups and 2 groups. Can be transported. In other words, in the present embodiment, the capsule division conveyor 141 divides one unit of capsule C (50 capsules C corresponding to one main pallet MP) into a first group (16 capsules). Of the first group) and a second group (two groups) of different numbers from the first group.
Note that the number of capsules C in one unit, the number of capsules in the first group and the number of capsules in the second group, and the number of capsules C stored in the case CS may be different from those in the present embodiment.

Further, the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separating device 12 has a plurality of parts (transfer heads 122B1 to 122B4) configured to be close to and separable 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 and releasing one unit of capsule C into a plurality of groups, it functions as a sorting holding mechanism for sorting one unit of capsule C by a predetermined number.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the capsule sorting device 14 includes the capsule transfer mechanism 122 of the film separation 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 device 12. It detects whether or not it has been transported. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 141C functions as a capsule detecting unit that detects whether or not one unit of the capsule C has been transported.

FIG. 58 is a top view of the case transport conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 58 is a diagram of the case transport conveyor 142 viewed from the + Z axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 55 and 58, the case transport conveyor 142 places the case CS via the case base CSP and transports the case CS along a predetermined transport direction (+ Y axis direction). And a transport path for transporting the case CS along a predetermined transport direction (−Y-axis direction) while placing the case CS via the case base CSP. 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. Therefore, the case base CSP conveyed in the −Y-axis direction on the third lane 142C is conveyed in the + Y-axis direction on the first lane 142A. In addition, the connecting portion between the first lane 142A and the third lane 143C is covered with a box 142D.

The case transport conveyor 142 includes a stopper 144A provided downstream of the first lane 142A, a stopper 144B provided downstream of the second lane 142B, and a case pedestal mounted 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 pedestal CSP placed on the second lane 142B to the third lane 142C, and a first lane 142A. A stopper 147 for stopping the case pedestal CSP conveyed at the position before the case transfer mechanism 145, and a case vibration for vibrating the case pedestal CSP placed on the first lane 142A in the vertical direction. Means 148 (see FIG. 59).
Here, the case transport conveyor 142 is disposed vertically below the capsule division conveyor 141 at a predetermined interval, and transports the case CS along a direction orthogonal to the transportation direction of the capsule division conveyor 141. It is arranged in.

  The stopper 144A is located downstream of the first lane 142A and is fixed to the case transport conveyor 142. The stopper 144A comes into contact with 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 on the first lane 142A after the case pedestal CSP abuts on the case pedestal CSP and stops in order 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 pedestals CSP at the end point 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 point of the second lane 142B against the movement of the conveyance path of the second lane 142B. . The case pedestal CSP conveyed in the second lane 142B after the case pedestal CSP abuts on the case pedestal CSP and stops in order against the movement of the conveyance path of the second lane 142B. Will go.

  In this embodiment, the case transport conveyor 142 includes a stopper 144A for stopping the case base CSP at a predetermined position on the first lane 142A and a stopper for stopping the case base CSP at a predetermined position on the second lane 142B. 144B, but the case base CSP may be stopped at a predetermined position by another method such as stopping the transfer path of the case transfer conveyor 142, for example.

The case transfer mechanism 145 includes two pushers 145A disposed so as to be able 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 is referred to as a pusher 145A1, and the pusher 145A provided on the downstream side of the first lane 142A is referred to as a pusher 145A2.

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

  The case transfer mechanism 146 includes a plate 146A that is disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat along the X-axis direction. The plate 146A is attached to four case pedestals CSP that are stopped at the end point of the second lane 142B by the stopper 144B. It is transferred to the third lane 142C by abutting and extruding.

  The stopper 147 is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat along the X-axis direction. The stopper 147 pushes out the case pedestal CSP with each pusher 145A, then retreats toward the −X-axis direction, and carries the case pedestal CSP to the end position of the first lane 142A. In addition, the stopper 147 carries the four case pedestals CSP to the end point position of the first lane 142A, then advances toward the + X-axis direction, and stops the case pedestal CSP before the case transfer mechanism 145.

FIG. 59 is a schematic view of the case vibration means viewed from the side. Specifically, FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram 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 able to move up and down along the vertical up and down direction. And a vibrator 148B mounted inside the vibration mechanism 148A and vibrating the vibration mechanism 148A.
The vibration mechanism 148A includes a pin 148A1 that contacts the bottom surface of the case pedestal CSP via a gap between rollers forming 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 in the vertical direction, but may be configured to vibrate in the horizontal direction. Good. The case vibration means 148 includes the vibration mechanism 148A and the vibrator 148B, but may include only one of them. If the case base CSP can be vibrated, other mechanical elements are used. May be provided. Further, the case transport conveyor 142 includes the case vibration means 148, but may not include the case vibration means 148 if the case base CSP does not need to be vibrated.

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

  Each guide 143A corresponds to three guides 143A1 provided corresponding to each of the first group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141, and corresponds to the second group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141. And a single guide portion 143A2 provided as such.

Each guide portion 143A1 is a rectangular tube-shaped member formed such that the cross-sectional area decreases from the base end toward the distal end. Each of the guide portions 143A1 has an opening area at the front end of the case CS so that the capsule C is inserted into the opening of the storage portion CS1 of the case CS placed via the case pedestal CSP on the transport path of the first lane 142A. It is set to be smaller than the opening area.
As shown in FIGS. 55 and 58, each guide portion 143A1 is disposed adjacent to the case transport conveyor 142 along the transport direction and is stopped by a stopper 144A of the case transport conveyor 142. It is arranged at a position corresponding to the three cases CS on the upstream side. Further, the tip of each guide portion 143A1 and the opening of the case CS are arranged at a distance smaller than the size of the capsule C.

The guide portion 143A2 is a rectangular tubular member formed to have the same sectional area from the base end to the tip. Each guide portion 143A2 has an opening area from a base end to a tip end thereof for inserting a capsule C into an opening of the storage portion CS1 of the case CS placed via the case base CSP on the transport path of the first lane 142A. Is set to be smaller than the opening area of the case CS.
The guide portion 143A2 is disposed at a position corresponding to one downstream case CS stopped by the stopper 144A of the case transport conveyor 142. Further, the distal end of the guide portion 143A2 and the opening of the case CS are arranged at a distance smaller than the size of the capsule C.

  In the present embodiment, the distal end of each guide portion 143A and the opening of the case CS are arranged at an interval smaller than the size of the capsule C, but are arranged at an interval larger than this. May be.

Therefore, the first group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141 slides down the capsule shooter 143 and falls, and passes through the tip of each guide portion 143A1 set to an opening area smaller than the opening area of the case CS. Then, it is dropped and stored in the three upstream cases CS placed on the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142.
The second group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141 slides down the capsule shooter 143 and falls, 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 downstream case CS placed on the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the capsule shooter 143 functions as a guide unit that guides each group transported by the capsule division conveyor 141 to the case CS transported by the case transport conveyor 142.
In the present embodiment, the capsule sorting device 14 includes the capsule shooter 143. However, the guide means may have a different configuration. In short, the guide means only needs to be provided between the divided transport means and the case transport conveyor, and can guide each group transported by the divided transport means to the case transported by the case transport conveyor. In addition, the sorting device may not include the guide unit.

FIG. 61 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule sorting device.
As shown in FIG. 61, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 includes sorting control means 149 for controlling the entire capsule sorting apparatus 14 in addition to the capsule dividing conveyor 141, the case transport conveyor 142, and the capsule shooter 143. .
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, an unloading 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) 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) of the capsules C has been transported, and determines whether or not the number has reached two. 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) stopped at the end point 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 has detected that one unit (50) of the capsules C has been transported, and determines whether the number has reached 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 the capsules C has been transported. Although it is determined whether or not 32 capsules C are stored in the case CS, for example, by measuring the total weight of the capsule C and the case CS, 32 capsules C are stored in 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 only need to be able to determine whether a predetermined number of capsules are stored in the case transported by the case transport conveyor.

  The unloading execution unit 149C causes the pusher 145A1 and the guide rail 145B to cooperate with each other 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 transport path of 142A via the case base CSP is transferred to the second lane 142B. In addition, when the second storage determination 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 transport path of the one 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 on the bottom surface of the case base CSP, and vibrates the vibration mechanism 148A with the vibrator 148B.
When detecting that one unit (50) of capsules C has been transported by the photoelectric sensor 141C, the vibration execution unit 149D vibrates the case base CSP in the vertical direction by the vibration mechanism 148A. .

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vibration mechanism 148A vibrates the case base CSP along the vertical direction after the plurality of capsules C are put into the case CS by the capsule sorting device 14. Further, in the present embodiment, the vibrator 148B puts the plurality of capsules C into the case CS by the capsule sorting device 14 and throws the plurality of capsules C into the case CS by the capsule sorting device 14. 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 diagram showing a flowchart of the capsule sorting process.
When the capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C by a predetermined number and stores them in the case CS, the sorting control means 149 performs the steps shown in FIG. Steps S31 to S36 are executed.
Hereinafter, steps S31 to S36 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, the sorting control means 149 retreats each pusher 145A in the −X axis direction and retreats the stopper 147 in the −X axis direction to the initial state, and conveys the case CS in the first lane 142A.
The case base CSP transported in the first lane 142A abuts on the stopper 144A and stops at the end point of the first lane 142A.

When the four case pedestals CSP stop at the end point of the first lane 142A at the stopper 144A, the sorting control means 149 causes the stopper 147 to move forward in the + X-axis direction, thereby causing the subsequent case pedestal CSP to move forward. 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 for accommodating the respective groups sorted by the capsule transfer mechanism 122, and moves the plurality of cases CS along a predetermined transport direction. It functions as a carry-in path for moving and carrying in.

  When the four case bases CSP are stopped at the end point of the first lane 142A by the stopper 144A, the vibration execution unit 149D causes the pin 148A1 of the vibration mechanism 148A to abut on the bottom surface of the case base CSP and vibrate. The mechanism 148A is vibrated by the vibrator 148B.

  Thereafter, each group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141 slides down the capsule shooter 143, falls, is guided by the guide section 143A, and falls into the first case CS10 placed on the first lane 142A. Stored. Specifically, the first group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141 slides down the capsule shooter 143, falls, is guided by the guide portion 143A1, and is placed on the first lane 142A. It is dropped and stored in one case CS10. The second group conveyed by the capsule division conveyor 141 slides down the capsule shooter 143, falls, is guided by the guide section 143A2, and enters the second case CS20 placed on the first lane 142A. It falls and is 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 storing the first group can be carried out.

FIG. 63 is a diagram illustrating a state where the first storage determination unit determines that the capsule is stored in the case.
When the first storage determination unit 149A determines that 32 capsules C have been stored in the first case CS10, the unloading execution unit 149C advances the pusher 145A1 in the + X-axis direction as illustrated 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 where the first case is being carried out by the case transport conveyor.
Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 64, the unloading execution unit 149C retreats the pusher 145A1 toward the −X-axis direction, and unloads the first case CS10 placed on the second lane 142B (S32: first). Case unloading execution step). In other words, when the unloading execution unit 149C conveys one unit of the capsule C twice on the capsule division conveyor 141 (conveys the 16 first groups twice and transfers the 32 capsules C to the first group). Then, the first case CS10 is carried out.
Further, after transferring the first case CS10 to the second lane 142B, the unloading execution unit 149C retreats the stopper 147 in the −X-axis direction side so that the first case CS10 moves to the end point position of the first lane 142A. The CS 10 is newly stopped.

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

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 transport direction to carry out the cases. 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. However, the first lane 142A and the second lane 142B may move the plurality of cases CS along different transport directions. Good.

  Next, the second storage determination unit 149B determines whether 32 capsules C have been 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 storing the second group can be carried out.

FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second storage determination unit determines that the capsule is stored in the case.
When the second storage determination unit 149B determines that 32 capsules C have been stored in the second case CS20, the unloading execution unit 149C advances the pusher 145A2 in the + X-axis direction, as illustrated 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 illustrated in FIG. 67, the unloading execution unit 149C retreats the pusher 145A2 toward the −X-axis direction, and unloads the second case CS20 placed on the second lane 142B (S34: second). Case unloading execution step). In other words, when the unloading execution unit 149C conveys one unit of the capsule C by the capsule division conveyor 141 16 times (conveys the two second groups 16 times and transfers the 32 capsules C to the second Then, the second case CS20 is carried out.
Further, after transferring the second case CS20 to the second lane 142B, the unloading execution unit 149C retreats the stopper 147 in the −X-axis direction side so that the second case CS20 moves to the end point position of the first lane 142A. The CS 20 is newly stopped.

  Note that, as described above, the unloading execution unit 149C unloads the first case CS10 storing the first group when the capsule C of the unit is transported twice by the capsule dividing conveyor 141. When the second case CS20 containing the first group is carried out, the first case CS10 containing the first group is simultaneously carried out.

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

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

  Then, when determining that the photoelectric sensor 141C has detected that one unit (50 capsules) C has been transported, the vibration execution unit 149D moves the case base CSP along the vertical direction by the vibration mechanism 148A. The first case CS10 and the second case CS20 are vibrated by vibrating them (S36: vibration execution step). In other words, the vibration execution unit 149D conveys one unit of the capsule C on the capsule division conveyor 141 and stores the capsule C in the first case CS10 and the second case CS20 each time the capsule C is stored in 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) of the capsules C has been transported, the first case CS10 and the second case CS10 are determined. CS20 was vibrating. On the other hand, the vibration execution unit may vibrate the case in a case different from this.

After that, the sorting control unit 149 repeatedly executes steps S31 to S36 by executing step S31 described above again, sorts capsules C by a predetermined number, and stores the capsules C in the case CS.
When the stop button (not shown) provided on the capsule sorting device 14 is pressed, the sorting control means 149 stops the repetition of steps S31 to S36 described above. When the reset button (not shown) provided on the capsule sorting device 14 is pressed, the sorting control means 149 returns the stopper 147 and the pushers 145A and 145B to the initial state.

According to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
(1) When the dummy pallet DP is carried into the container supply arranging table 31A by the pusher 362, the container supply control means 38 applies the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33A to the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. , The container C1 can be supplied to each of the plurality of storage sections DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Further, when the dummy pallet DP is sent out to the container supply placement table 31B by the pusher 362, the container supply control means 38 places the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33B on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. By supplying the container C1 toward the plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, the container C1 can be supplied. Thereafter, the container supply control means 38 can carry out the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B by the puller 363. According to this, the container supply device 3 can drop the plurality of containers C1 twice on the upper surface of the same dummy pallet DP. In comparison, the plurality of containers C1 can be easily inserted into the storage 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 can improve manufacturing efficiency.

(2) Since the pusher 362 and the puller 363 move the dummy pallet DP in the direction adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B, the dummy pallet DP is moved by a distance corresponding to one dummy pallet DP. , The steps of loading, sending, and unloading the dummy pallet DP can be executed. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can shorten the cycle of supplying the plurality of containers C1, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(3) The dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31A and the dummy pallets DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31B extend along the direction adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B. And the dummy pallets DP can be arranged without gaps. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can suppress the container C1 from dropping from the dummy pallet DP to the container supply arrangement table 31A and the container supply arrangement table 31B.
(4) The pusher 362 carries out the dummy pallet DP into the container supply arrangement table 31A, thereby pushing out the dummy pallet DP previously disposed on the container supply arrangement table 31A and sending it to the container supply arrangement table 31B. Therefore, the steps of loading and sending out the dummy pallet DP can be shortened and executed. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can shorten the cycle of supplying the plurality of containers C1, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(5) Since the number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33A is greater than the number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33B, the container supply arrangement by the pusher 362. When the dummy pallet DP is loaded into the table 31A, in other words, when the containers C1 are not supplied at all to the plurality of storage portions DP1, a large number of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33A are dummy. The container C1 can be supplied to each of the plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by supplying the upper surface of the pallet DP. Then, when the pusher 362 sends the dummy pallet DP to the container supply arranging table 31B, in other words, the container supply hopper 33A supplies the containers C1 to the plurality of storage sections DP1, and then supplies the container hoppers. 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 storage 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 number of the plurality of containers C1 supplied by the container supply hopper 33A and the number 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) The container supply device 3 includes a container storage tank 34, a container transport means 35, a container supply hopper 33, and a dropping means, and circulates and reuses the plurality of containers C1, so that the dummy pallet DP Of the plurality of containers C1 that have fallen on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, the container C1 that has not entered the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP will repeatedly fall on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and will eventually fall into the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. You will get into it. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can automatically supply the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP, and can improve manufacturing efficiency.

(8) Since the container conveying means 35 includes the holding conveyor 351C for holding the container supply hopper 33 by mounting and conveying the plurality of containers C1 on the conveying path 351C1, the conveying path of the holding conveyor 351C is provided. By adjusting the amount of movement of the 351C1, the number 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 entrance having a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1, the transport amount of the plurality of containers C1 per unit time can be made constant. Accordingly, the holding conveyor 351C can reliably adjust the number of the plurality of containers C1 to be 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 small electromagnetic feeder 32 vibrates the dummy pallet DP. Therefore, the plurality of containers C1 that have fallen on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP enter each of the storage portions 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 storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

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

(13) The compressor 33CA can drop a large amount of the plurality 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. Accordingly, the compressor 33C can efficiently drop the plurality of containers into the container storage tank.
(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. Therefore, the compressor 33C can efficiently drop the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank.
(15) The accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP has a through-hole DP2, and the through-hole DP2 is expanded toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, so that the plurality of containers C1 can be further easily inserted. be able to.

(16) The container supply device 3 includes a replenishing arm robot 377 that replenishes the empty container DP1 detected by the CCD camera 374 with the container C1 temporarily stored in the temporary storage part 375A of the temporary storage table 375. Therefore, a plurality of containers C1 can be supplied to all the accommodating portions DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and the production efficiency can be improved.
(17) Since the temporary placing table 375 is disposed vertically above the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the replenishing arm robot 377 moves the temporary placing section 375A of the temporary placing table 375 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. The distance can be reduced, and the production efficiency of the container supply device 3 can be improved.

(18) Since the arrangement and shape of the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375 are the same as the arrangement and shape of the storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, the replenishing arm robot 377 does not change the attitude of the container C1. Then, the container C1 may be moved from the temporary storage portion 375A of the temporary storage table 375 to the empty storage portion 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 storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP conveyed on the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375. The C1 can be transferred to the temporary placement section 375A of the temporary placement table 375 without newly preparing, and the production efficiency of the container supply device 3 can be improved.

(20) After correcting the attitude of the container C1 by the attitude correcting means 373, the CCD camera 374 detects the empty storage section DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. Thus, the production efficiency of the container supply device 3 can be improved.
(21) The posture correcting unit 373 corrects the posture of the container C1 supplied to the storage 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. Can be further improved in production efficiency.

(22) The posture correcting means 373 inserts the rod-shaped body 373A1 into the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP from the lower surface side of the dummy pallet DP and abuts against the bottom surface of the container C1 to thereby make the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. Since the attitude of the supplied container C1 is corrected, the configuration of the attitude correcting means 373 can be simplified.
(23) 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 detects the empty storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. The supply device 3 can supply the plurality of containers C1 to all the storage portions DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and can improve manufacturing efficiency.

(24) The container cleaning device 4 includes the drop-off preventing means 41 for preventing the plurality of containers C1 from dropping, and cleans the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges have been pressed by the drop-off preventing means 41. Foreign matter can be reliably removed without dropping the accommodated container C1.
(25) Since the falling-off preventing means 41 is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is smaller, of the row direction and the column direction of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, The plurality of containers C1 can be efficiently cleaned as compared with the case where the dummy pallet DP is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction in which the housing 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 plurality of containers C1 is more efficiently used than when the dummy pallet DP is not stopped. Can be cleaned well.
(27) The capsule manufacturing device 1 is a system in which a container supply device 3 for intermittently conveying pallets and a main conveyor 2 for continuously conveying pallets are mixed. It is incorporated in the circulation 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) The cleaning head 42 blows air on the plurality of containers C1 with the nozzle 423 and suctions the plurality of containers C1 with the suction device 424 for container cleaning. Foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container C1 can be removed, and the foreign matter can be sucked by the container cleaning suction device 424.
(29) The container cleaning suction device 424 suctions the plurality of containers C1 covered by the cleaning cover 421, and the nozzle 423 is housed inside the cleaning cover 421. In addition, the foreign matter can be reliably removed without scattering to the outside.

(30) The container transfer device 5 stores the lower end portions of the plurality of containers C1 in each of the storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP to about half of the body C11, and causes the container transfer head 51 to release the plurality of containers C1. Thereby, since the plurality of containers C1 are dropped and stored in the main pallet MP, it is possible to suppress the container C1 from contacting the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 5 can suppress the deformation of the container C1, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.
(31) Since each of the plurality of containers C1 is formed so as to decrease in diameter from the upper end side toward the lower end side, the container transfer device 5 sets the lower ends of the plurality of containers C1 to the main pallet. It becomes easier to accommodate the MP when accommodating it in each accommodation section MP1. Therefore, the container transfer device 5 can further prevent the container C1 from coming into contact with the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.

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

(33) The dummy pallet 365D and the main pallet MP are positioned at the end points of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP by inserting a plurality of pins into a 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 stand 365D and the return conveyor 22 are raised by inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of holes of the dummy pallet DP and the plurality of holes of the main pallet MP, respectively. Therefore, the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP are supported only by the 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 storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is larger than the size of the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, the container supply device 3 has a plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. The supply can be facilitated when the container C1 is fitted to each and supplied. Therefore, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 can improve manufacturing efficiency.

(36) The main conveyor 2 includes container detecting means 23D for detecting the presence or absence of the container C1 stored in the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and whether the plurality of containers C1 cleaned by the cleaning head 42 have fallen off. Can be confirmed, so that the plurality of containers C1 stored in the main pallet MP can be reliably prevented from falling off.
(37) The main conveyor 2 includes static electricity removing means 23E for removing static electricity of the plurality of containers C1 stored in the main pallet MP, and can remove static electricity of the plurality of containers C1 stored in the main pallet MP. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign substances 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. The powder P can be put into the filling hopper 62 through the charging port 623A of the filling cover 623 without stopping the swing of the powder P.
(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 vertically upward, the filling device 6 uses the advance / retreat mechanism 63 to set the measuring holes 661A. The filling hopper 62 can be oscillated larger than the width of the region in which the hopper exists. Therefore, the filling device 6 can improve design flexibility.

(40) The filling device 6 is capable of sucking, using the filling suction device 64, the granular material P that has leaked without being filled in each of the measuring holes 661A when the granular material P is dropped from the filling hopper 62. Since it is possible, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of the granular material P around each measuring hole 661A.
(41) The storage tank 621 stores the granular material P therein by dropping the granular material P charged into the charging tank 622 through the hole 622A1, so that each of the measuring holes 661A is filled. The reduced granular material P is always replenished to the storage tank 621 by the granular material P charged into the charging tank 622 dropping through the hole 622A1. Therefore, the filling device 6 can always keep the bulk of the granular material P stored in the storage tank 621 constant, so that the filling pressure of the granular material P can be constant, and The powder P can be filled in each measuring hole 661A.

(42) The sealing device 11 pushes up the container C1 by the push-up mechanism 112 against the own weight of the cut film CF, so that the wrinkles of the lid C2 formed on the cut film CF can be extended. After that, the sealing device 11 lowers the hot plate 111A1 by the sealing mechanism 111 to seal and adhere the lid C2 to the opening of the container C1, so that the wrinkles of the lid C2 are extended to open the container C1. Part can be sealed.
(43) Since the main pallet MP includes the pins MP2, the sealing device 11 sends the push-up mechanism 112 to the pins MP2 that regulate the movement of the cut film CF placed on the main pallet MP. By pushing up the container C1 in this manner, the wrinkles of the lid C2 formed on the cut film CF can be lengthened. Therefore, the sealing device 11 can further seal the opening of the container C1 by further extending the wrinkles of the lid member 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, 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, 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 has an accommodating portion MP1 for accommodating and accommodating the container C1 from the upper surface side. Since it includes the bending plate 121A and the push-up mechanism 121B for pushing up the container C1 and separating the lid C2 from the cut film CF, the structure of the main pallet MP can be simplified, and the lid C2 is separated from the cut film CF. can do.

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

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

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

(51) Since the first lane 142A and the second lane 142B mount the case CS via the case pedestal CSP holding the case CS, the first lane 142A and the second lane 142B make 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 manufactures a plurality of capsules as one unit intermittently.

(52) Since the capsule sorting device 14 includes the case vibrating means 148 for vibrating the case base CSP along the vertical direction, the plurality of capsules C housed in the case CS can be leveled. Therefore, the capsule sorting device 14 can efficiently store the plurality of capsules C in the case CS.
(53) Since the case vibration means 148 vibrates the case base CSP in the vertical and vertical directions, the case CS is less likely to fall as compared with the case where the case base CSP is vibrated in the horizontal and horizontal directions. can do. Therefore, the case vibration means 148 can apply a large vibration to the case CS and the capsule C housed therein, so that it is possible to confirm the leakage of the granular material P due to the peeling of the cover material C2. It is possible to easily find a defect of the capsule C.

(54) The case vibrating means 148 includes a vibrating mechanism 148A for vibrating the case base CSP along the vertical direction and a vibrator 148B for vibrating the vibrating mechanism 148A as a whole. The obtained plurality of capsules C can be efficiently leveled. Therefore, the capsule sorting device 14 can further efficiently store the plurality of capsules C in the case CS.
(55) The case vibrating means 148 can vibrate the case CS to a small degree only by the vibrator 148B when the capsule sorting device 14 is putting 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 plurality of capsules C are put into the case CS by the capsule sorting device 14. Therefore, the case vibration means 148 can make it difficult for the capsule C to leak out of the case CS when the plurality of capsules C are put into the case CS by the capsule sorting device 14. After the plurality of capsules C are put into the case CS, the plurality of capsules C stored in the case CS can be reliably leveled.

[Modification of Embodiment]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.
For example, in the above embodiment, the container supply device 3 is used in the capsule manufacturing device 1 that manufactures the capsules C intermittently as one unit, but may be adopted in other manufacturing devices. .

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention can be suitably used in a container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of storage units formed on the upper surface of a pallet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule manufacturing apparatus 2 Main conveyor 3 Container supply apparatus 3C Partition plate (regulator)
Reference Signs List 4 Container cleaning device 5 Container transfer device 6 Filling device 7 Filling check device 8 Film supply device 9 Film die cutting device 10 Film transfer device 11 Sealing device 12 Film separation device 13 Scrap discharge device 14 Capsule sorting device 23D Container detection means 23E Static electricity Removal means 31 Container supply arrangement table 31A Container supply arrangement table (first area)
31B Container supply placement table (second area)
32 small electromagnetic feeder 32A small electromagnetic feeder (first pallet vibrating means)
32B small electromagnetic feeder (second pallet vibrating means)
33 hopper for container supply 33A hopper for container supply (first holding means)
33B Container supply hopper (second holding means)
33C compressor (fall means)
33CA compressor (first air discharge unit)
33CB compressor (second air discharge unit)
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 off 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 hopper for filling 63 forward and backward mechanism (oscillation means)
64 Filling suction machine 65 Positioning mechanism 111 Seal mechanism 112 Push-up mechanism 112A Pin 112B Rod 121 Film separation mechanism 121A Bending plate 121A1 Through-hole 121B Push-up mechanism 121B1 Pin 121B2 Rod 122 Capsule transfer mechanism 122B Transfer head (holding for sorting) mechanism)
141 Capsule split conveyor 142 Case transport conveyor 142A 1st lane (loading path)
142B 2nd lane (export road)
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 Conveyor for holding 351D Distributing section 361 Upstream pallet Conveyor 362 Pusher (pallet loading means)
363 puller (pallet unloading means)
364 Downstream Pallet Conveyor 365D Dummy Placement Placement (Container Transfer Placement Placement)
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 Posture correction means 373A1 Rod 374 CCD camera (empty container detection means)
375 Temporary placement table (Container temporary placement means)
375A Temporary placement part 376 Temporary placement arm robot (Temporary placement transfer means)
377 Replenishment arm robot (container replenishment means)
421 Cleaning cover 423 Nozzle 424 Container cleaning suction machine C Capsule C1 Container C2 Cover material CF Cut film CS Case CSP Case base DP Dummy pallet DP1 Housing unit MP Main pallet MP1 Housing unit MP2 Pin (regulation mechanism for seal)
MP3 through hole

The container supply device of the present invention is a container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of storage units formed on an upper surface of a pallet, and a pallet transport unit that transports the pallet along a predetermined direction, and a pallet transport unit. Empty container detecting means for detecting an empty container to which no containers are supplied among the containers of the pallets conveyed by the pallet, and a plurality of containers provided temporarily above the pallet conveying means. Container temporary placement means having a plurality of temporary placement portions to be placed, and a container for replenishing the container temporarily placed in the temporary placement portion of the container temporary placement means for the empty storage portion detected by the empty storage portion detection means The replenishing means , the posture correcting means for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the housing part of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means, and the empty housing part detecting means, after correcting the posture of the container by the posture correcting means An empty pallet Detecting containers section includes an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in the attitude of the vessel supplied to the housing portion of the pallet to be conveyed by the pallet transport means, the attitude correction means, the vessel at the abnormality detecting means posture characterized that you correct the orientation of the supply containers to the receiving portion of the detected pallet abnormalities.

According to such a configuration, the container supply device is a container replenishing unit that replenishes the empty storage unit detected by the empty storage unit detection unit with the container temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit of the container temporary storage unit. Is provided, a plurality of containers can be supplied to all the accommodating portions of the pallet, and the production efficiency can be improved. Further, since the container temporary placing means is disposed vertically above the pallet transporting means, the container replenishing means moves from the temporary placing portion of the container temporary placing means to the empty storage section detecting means along the transport direction of the pallet transporting means. What is necessary is just to move the container to the empty storage part detected in, for example, compared with the case where the container temporary placement means is arranged on the side of the pallet conveyance means, the movement distance can be shortened. Thus, the production efficiency of the container supply device can be improved.
Further, the pallet carrying means provided with a posture correcting means for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the container of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means, the empty container detecting means, after correcting the posture of the container by the posture correcting means, Preferably, empty pallets are detected.
Furthermore, since the attitude correcting means corrects the attitude of the container supplied to the container of the pallet in which the abnormality detecting means has detected an abnormality in the attitude of the container, the manufacturing efficiency of the container supply device can be further improved. .

The container supply device of the present invention is a container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of storage units formed on an upper surface of a pallet, and a pallet transport unit that transports the pallet along a predetermined direction, and a pallet transport unit. Empty container detecting means for detecting an empty container to which no containers are supplied among the containers of the pallets conveyed by the pallet, and a plurality of containers provided temporarily above the pallet conveying means. Container temporary placement means having a plurality of temporary placement portions to be placed, and a container for replenishing the container temporarily placed in the temporary placement portion of the container temporary placement means for the empty storage portion detected by the empty storage portion detection means Replenishing means, and posture correcting means for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the container 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. After the pallet Detecting an empty housing unit, the pallet has a plurality of accommodating portions formed through from the upper surface to the lower surface position correction means, the containers supplied from the upper side of the pallet in the housing portion of the pallet position Is modified by inserting a rod from the lower surface side of the pallet into the storage portion of the pallet and abutting the bottom surface of the container .

According to such a configuration, the container supply device is a container replenishing unit that replenishes the empty storage unit detected by the empty storage unit detection unit with the container temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit of the container temporary storage unit. Is provided, a plurality of containers can be supplied to all the accommodating portions of the pallet, and the production efficiency can be improved. Further, since the container temporary placing means is disposed vertically above the pallet transporting means, the container replenishing means moves from the temporary placing portion of the container temporary placing means to the empty storage section detecting means along the transport direction of the pallet transporting means. What is necessary is just to move the container to the empty storage part detected in, for example, compared with the case where the container temporary placement means is arranged on the side of the pallet conveyance means, the movement distance can be shortened. Thus, the production efficiency of the container supply device can be improved.
Further, the pallet carrying means provided with a posture correcting means for correcting the posture of the container supplied to the container of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveying means, the empty container detecting means, after correcting the posture of the container by the posture correcting means, Preferably, empty pallets are detected.
Furthermore, since the attitude correcting means corrects the attitude of the container supplied to the pallet storage section by inserting the rod-shaped body into the pallet storage section from the lower surface side of the pallet and abutting against the bottom surface of the container, The configuration of the posture correcting means can be simplified.

Claims (7)

A container supply device that supplies a container to each of a plurality of storage units formed on an upper surface of a pallet,
Pallet conveying means for conveying the pallet along a predetermined direction,
Of the storage units of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveyance unit, an empty storage unit detection unit that detects an empty storage unit that is not supplied with a container,
Container temporary placement means disposed vertically above the pallet transport 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 storage unit of the container temporary storage unit with respect to the empty storage unit detected by the empty storage unit detection unit. . The container supply device according to claim 1,
The arrangement and the shape of the temporary placement part of the container temporary placement means are the same as the arrangement and the shape of the storage part of the pallet. The container supply device according to claim 2,
A container supply device, comprising: a temporary placement transfer unit that transfers a container supplied to a storage unit of the pallet transported by the pallet transportation 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,
Posture correction means for correcting the attitude of the container supplied to the storage portion of the pallet carried by the pallet carrying means,
The container supply device, wherein the empty container detecting unit detects an empty container of the pallet after correcting the position of the container by the position correcting unit. The container supply device according to claim 4,
An abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality in the posture of the container supplied to the storage unit of the pallet conveyed by the pallet conveyance unit,
The container supply device, wherein the posture correcting means corrects the posture of the container supplied to the storage portion of the pallet in which the abnormality detection means has detected an abnormality in the posture of the container. In the container supply device according to claim 4 or 5,
The pallet has a plurality of storage portions formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface,
The attitude correcting means may adjust the attitude of the container supplied from the upper surface of the pallet to the container of the pallet by inserting a rod into the container of the pallet from the lower surface of the pallet and abutting on the bottom of the container. A container supply device, wherein the container is supplied and corrected. In the container supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Holding means arranged above the pallet arrangement position and holding the plurality of containers,
Comprising a container supply control means for controlling the entire container supply device,
The container supply control means, when the pallet is arranged at the position where the pallet is arranged, supplies the plurality of containers held by the holding means toward the upper surface of the pallet, whereby the upper surface of the pallet is Supplying a container to each of the plurality of storage units formed in
The container supply device, wherein the empty container detection unit detects the empty container of the pallet after supplying the plurality of containers held by the holding unit toward an upper surface of the pallet. .

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