JP2726762B2 - Method and apparatus for stacking cup containers - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for collecting cup containers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional method of stacking cup containers by a corrugated cardboard case will be described with reference to FIG. 10. 1 is a cup container, 2 is a conveyor, 3 is a cardboard box, 4 is a conveyer, A is a sorting step, and D is a sorting step. A stacking process, E is a pushing process, F is a packaging process, and 12 cup containers are placed in an upright state (3 columns-2 rows-2 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).
The case of stacking and packaging in (tier) will be described.

[0003] In Fig. 10, a cup container (a cup container in which foodstuffs such as instant noodles pre-measured in the previous step are sealed) 1 is sent to a sorting step A by a conveyor 2, where it is sorted into three rows and then stacked. D, where the transport is temporarily stopped, the preceding four rows of each sorting column are stacked in two rows (3 columns-2 rows-2 rows), and then the pushing step E is performed. , Is pushed into the cardboard box 3 prepared here. The cardboard box 3 is molded in advance, formed so as to be foldable, and stacked in the state shown in FIG. The cardboard boxes 3 are sent out one by one according to the progress of the cup container 1.
To the (b) position → (c) position, where the cup container 1 extruded from the pushing step E (three columns, two rows, two steps) is received, and then the (d) position → (e) position →
(F) Sent to the location to complete the packaging. In addition to the case where the cup container 1 is assembled as described above (3 columns-2 rows-2 tiers), there are cases where the cup container 1 is assembled in the form of (2 columns-2 rows-2 tiers). Since it is the same as the above example, detailed description is omitted.

[0004]

In the conventional method for stacking cup containers shown in FIG. 10, even when the cup containers 1 are stacked in (3 columns-2 rows-2 rows), (2 columns-2 rows-). 2
Even when stacked in a stack, the cup containers 1 are all in an upright state (they may all be in an inverted state), and the packaging space is widened. And transportation costs increase.

Therefore, when the same number of cup containers 1 are stacked in (4 columns, 3 rows, 2 columns), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cup containers 1 in the upright state and the inverted state are arranged in each column and each row. If the boxes are packed adjacent to each other, the packing space becomes narrower, so that the material cost and shipping cost of the cardboard box 3 can be reduced accordingly. However, conventionally, this stacking is performed manually. There is a problem that the cost is high and the working efficiency is extremely poor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to automate a stacking operation in which cup containers in an upright state and an inverted state are adjacent in each column, each row, and each stage. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for stacking cup containers which can reduce labor costs and improve work efficiency.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a method of stacking cup containers according to the present invention is to guide cup containers that are successively transported in an upright state to a sorting step.
Sorting to the number of sorting rows n + 1, then leading to the reversal process,
Of the cup containers having the number of sorting rows n + 1, the odd-numbered sorting rows or even-numbered sorting rows are inverted, inverted, and then led to the arranging process, and the number of sorting rows n + 1 is changed to the number of sorting rows n. In each of the sorting columns, one in the upright state and one in the inverted state are arranged alternately, and the same row in each of the sorting columns is arranged so that the one in the upright state and the one in the inverted state are adjacent to each other. It is characterized by changing to the next stacking process and stacking in multiple stages.

Further, the cup container stacking device of the present invention comprises a sorting device having a swingable guide member and a sorting multi-point stop cylinder for swinging the guide member, and a transfer of the cup container being transported to the stop rod. A reversing device in which a reversing / inverting system for abutting and reversing and inverting and an erecting system for feeding in an upright state are alternately arranged, and switching means for changing the number of distribution columns to the number of distribution columns reduced by one column; An arrangement device having a movable stopper installed upstream of the switching means in the transport direction, and a stacking device having a movable stopper for temporarily stopping the cup containers in each row and a suction cup for sucking and temporarily raising the preceding one. I have.

[0009]

The method for stacking cup containers according to the present invention is constructed as described above. The cup containers successively transported in an upright state are guided to a sorting step, sorted to the number of sorting rows n + 1, and then inverted. Of the odd-numbered sorting rows or even-numbered sorting rows of the cup rows having the sorting row number n + 1, and then inverting the inverted ones, and then leading to the arranging process, and changing the sorting row number n + 1 to the sorting row number n. In addition, one erect and one inverted state are alternately arranged in each distribution column, and the erect and inverted states are adjacent in the same row of each distribution column. And then lead to the stacking process to stack in multiple stages.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a method and an apparatus for stacking cup containers according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 shows an outline of a method of stacking cup containers and a method of packaging with a corrugated cardboard case. Figs. 2 and 3 show that cup containers 1 in an upright state and an inverted state are arranged adjacent to each other in each column, each row and each stage. FIG. 4 to FIG. 9 show an example of the configuration of the apparatus in each step, the operation status, and the like.

FIG. 1A shows a sorting step, FIG. 1B shows an inverting step, and FIG.
Represents an arrangement step, D represents a stacking step, E represents a pushing step, and F represents a packaging step. In the sorting step A (see FIG. 1), the upright cup containers 1 (the cup containers 1 in which foods such as instant noodles pre-measured in advance are sealed) successively sent by the conveyor 2 are distributed to the sorting device X. (Figure 4,
6)).

FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration of the sorting apparatus X installed in the sorting step A,
(See FIG. 1), the cup containers 1 in the upright state sent one after another are guided into the guide member 15, and then the multi-point stop cylinder 13 for distribution is operated, and the lever 14 and the guide member 15 are centered on the O point. Then, the cup container 1 is moved from the solid line position to five distribution positions (see broken lines), and the
Distribute so that there are 5 rows between. The guide member 15
A counter 16 such as a photoelectric tube is installed near the exit of the container. The number of the cup containers 1 passing through the exit is counted, and whether the cup containers 1 are reliably distributed among the five rows of the passage members 17 is determined. Checking whether or not.

In the next reversing step B (see FIG. 1), the first and third rows of the cup containers 1 in the erect state sent from the sorting step A (the cup containers 1 sorted into five rows) are arranged. The cup containers 1 in the fifth and fifth rows (or the cup containers 1 in the second and fourth rows) are inverted and inverted by the reversing device Y.
8 and 9 show a specific configuration of the reversing device Y installed in the reversing step B. FIG. 8 shows the cup container 1 in the upright state being transferred to the conveyor 2a → the conveyor 2b → the slide 11 → the conveyor 2c. It shows an erecting system that is loaded and sent in an upright state.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the cup container 1 in the upright state is sent from the conveyor 2a to the conveyor 2b and dropped from the downstream end of the conveyor 2b in the conveying direction.
In this state, an inverted / inverted system is shown, in which the inverted / inverted system is placed on the conveyor 2c and inverted / inverted in that state. The inverted / inverted system and the upright system are alternately arranged.

FIG. 4 shows the operation of the reversing device Y.
The third, fifth, and fifth columns are arranged in an inverted state, and the second and fourth columns are arranged in an erect state. In the following arrangement step C (see FIG. 1), the cup container 1 sent from the reversing step B (the first, third, and fifth rows are in an inverted state, and the second and fourth rows are in an inverted state. The cup containers 1) arranged in the upright state are changed from 5 to 4 in the sorting row, and one in the upright state and one in the inverted state are alternately arranged in each sorting row. And in the same row of each distribution column, the ones in the upright state and those in the inverted state are rearranged so as to be adjacent to each other.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement apparatus Z installed in the arrangement step C.
In the figure, one of the movable switching frames 18a and 18b, each accommodating four cup containers 1, is moved to the position shown in FIG.
Of the five movable stoppers 6 arranged immediately before the arrangement device Z, the movable stoppers 6 in the first to fourth rows are retracted,
The cup containers 1 are put into the switching frame 18a from these conveyors 2, and then the four cup containers 1 in the switching frame 18a are moved.
To the four conveyors 2 (the first to fourth rows of conveyors 2) on the downstream side of the arranging apparatus Z via the path indicated by the broken line, and then move the other switching frame 18b to the position shown in FIG. 6, the movable stoppers 6 in the second to fifth rows are retracted, the cup container 1 is put into the switching frame 18b from these conveyors 2, and then the four containers 4 in the switching frame 18b are moved.
The cups 1 are transferred to four conveyors 2 (conveyors 2 in the first to fourth rows) on the downstream side of the arraying device Z via a path indicated by a broken line, and the same operation is repeatedly performed. Decrease the sorting row by one. In addition, the arrangement device Z
In the first row on the downstream side, the cup container 1 is inverted, upright,
・ ・ ・ In the second row, cup container 1 is upright, inverted, upright
・ ・ In the third row, cup container 1 is inverted, upright, inverted.
In the fourth column, the cup containers 1 are arranged in the order of erect, inverted, and erect. In the same row of each column, the inverted cup container 1 and the upright cup container 1 are adjacent to each other.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the arrangement device Z. In this embodiment, a plurality of cylinders 7 arranged in each row are actuated in a contraction direction to form a plurality of cylinders 7 arranged in each row. The switching lever 8 is moved to the position indicated by the solid line, and the plurality of movable stoppers 6 disposed immediately before the arraying device Z are made to protrude and retract to change the number of sorting rows from five to four. The eye (inverted) is placed in the first row on the downstream side of the aligning apparatus Z, and the second row (erect) on the upstream side of the aligning apparatus Z is placed in the second row on the downstream side of the aligning apparatus Z.
The third row (inverted) on the upstream side of the arraying device Z is sent one by one to the third row on the downstream side of the arraying device Z, and then a plurality of cylinders 7 arranged in each row are operated in the extending direction. Then, the plurality of switching levers 8 arranged in each row are moved to the position indicated by the broken line, while the plurality of movable stoppers 6 arranged immediately before the arrangement apparatus Z are made to protrude and retract to change the number of sorting rows from 5 to 4. The second row (erect) on the upstream side of the arraying apparatus Z to the first row on the downstream side of the arraying apparatus Z, the third row (inverted) on the upstream side of the arraying apparatus Z to the second row on the downstream side of the arraying apparatus Z, The fourth row (erect) on the upstream side of the arraying apparatus Z is sent one by one to the third row on the downstream side of the arraying apparatus Z, and the first row from the top is inverted, erect, inverted ..., two rows Eyes upright, inverted, upright ... 3
Rows are inverted, upright, inverted ... the fourth row is upright, inverted,
They are arranged in the order of erect ...

In the next stacking step D, of the cup containers 1 in each sorting row sent from the arranging step C, the one in the preceding row is raised, and the one in the succeeding row below it. Stack up. FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the stacking device W provided in the stacking process D, in which the cylinder 10 is operated in the extending direction, the movable stopper 9 is raised, and the arrangement process C is performed.
Is temporarily stopped, and then the suction cup 5 is lowered and raised, so that the cup containers 1 for the three rows from the top of each column, that is, those on the a-th row and those on the b-th row When,
The sucker 5 sucks the one in the c-th row and raises it. Then, the cup containers 1 in the following three rows, that is, the one in the d-th row, the one in the e-th row, and the one in the f-th row are removed. , And send it under it, and then lower the suction cup 5 so that the adsorbed a,
The items on the b and c rows are stacked on the items on the d, e and f lines.

Thus, the cup containers 1 in the upright state and the inverted state are automatically rearranged into the adjacent state in each column, each row, and each stage. In the next pushing step E, the cup containers 1 sent from the stacking step D are pushed into the cardboard box 3 by pushing means (not shown). The cardboard box 3 is molded in advance, formed so as to be foldable, and stacked in the state shown in FIG. Then, the cardboard boxes 3 are sent out one by one according to the progress of the cup container 1 and sent from the position (b) to the position (c) by the conveyer 4, where they are extruded from the pushing step E (4 rows-3). (2 rows) Cup container 1 is received, then (d) position → (e) position →
(F) Sent to the location to complete the packaging.

[0020]

According to the method of stacking cup containers of the present invention, the cup containers successively transported in the upright state are guided to the sorting step, distributed to the number n + 1 of sorting rows, and then led to the reversing step. Of the cup containers having the number n + 1 of sorting rows, the cup containers of the odd-numbered sorting row or the even-numbered sorting rows are inverted and inverted, and then the arrangement process is performed to change the number n + 1 of sorting rows to the number n of sorting rows. So that, in each distribution column, one in the upright state and one in the inverted state are alternately arranged, and the same row in each distribution column is adjacent to the one in the upright state and the inverted state. Rearranging and then leading to the stacking process and stacking in multiple stages, so that the stacking work in which the upright and inverted cup containers are adjacent in each column, each row, and each stage can be automated, and labor costs can be reduced. , To improve work efficiency There can be effectively.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a method and an apparatus for stacking cup containers according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the cup container of the present invention in a boxed state.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the cup container of the present invention in a boxed state.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a sorting device, a reversing device, and an array device.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the arrangement device.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a sorting device.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the stacking device.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing an erecting system of the reversing device.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing an inverted system of the reversing device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a conventional cup container stacking method.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a conventional cup container in a boxed state.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing a conventional cup container in a boxed state.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List A sorting process B reversing process C arranging process D stacking process E pushing process F packaging process X sorting device Y reversing device Z arranging device W stacking device 1 cup container 2 transport conveyor 3 cardboard box 4 delivery conveyor 5 suction cup of stacking device W 6 The movable stopper of the arrangement device Z 7 The cylinder of the arrangement device Z 8 The switching lever of the arrangement device Z 9 The movable stopper of the stacking device W 10 The cylinder of the stacking device W 11 The slide of the erecting system of the inversion process B 12 The inversion / inversion of the inversion process B System stop rod 13 Multi-point stop cylinder for sorting of sorting device A 15 Guide member of sorting device A 17 Passage member of sorting device A 18a Switching frame of arraying device Z 18b Switching frame of arraying device Z

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cup container which is successively transported in an upright state is led to a sorting step, sorted to the number n + 1 of sorting rows, and then led to a reversing step to sort an odd number of cup containers having the number n + 1 of sorting rows. Invert and invert the cup container in the row or the even row, and then lead to the arranging process, change the number n + 1 of the allocated rows to the number n of the allocated rows, and replace each of the allocated rows with one in the upright state. Rearrange one so that the ones in the inverted state are alternately lined up and the ones in the upright state and the ones in the inverted state are adjacent to each other in the same row of each distribution column, and then the stacking process is performed, and the stacking process is performed. A method for stacking cup containers, characterized by stacking. 2. A distributing device having a swingable guide member and a distributing multi-point stop cylinder for oscillating the guide member, and a reversing device for bringing a cup container being transported into contact with a stop rod to invert and invert it. .A reversing device in which an inverted system and an erecting system are sent alternately, switching means for changing the number of sorting rows to one less than the number of sorting rows, and an upstream side in the transport direction of the switching means. A cup container comprising: an arraying device having a movable stopper installed therein; and a stacking device having a movable stopper for temporarily stopping the cup containers in each row and a suction cup for sucking and temporarily raising a preceding one. Integrated device.