JP4699777B2 - Method and apparatus for distributing / reversing articles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sorting and inverting articles used in packaging lines and the like.

  Various types of seed distribution techniques have been known. For example, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 1 as one of them. This is because the position detector detects the position of an article moving on the inflow line on the supply conveyor, and the rotation lever is rotated by controlling the motor with a control device based on the position signal detected by the position detector. This sorts the goods to the discharge line.

  Conventionally, various reversal techniques such as simple guide reversal and a method utilizing a speed difference of the conveyor belt are known. For example, there is one disclosed in Patent Document 2. This is provided on the side of the transfer means that travels in the transfer direction and transfers the product, and the product whose lower surface is supported by the transfer means by the transfer guide that travels in the same direction as the transfer means from the center in the width direction. After supporting the side and standing, it is laid down by reversing means that moves in a direction crossing the transfer direction.

JP 2004-284720 A JP 2004-043099 A

  As described above, there are a number of sorting and reversal techniques in the past. However, since they are handled by different devices, there is a problem that about twice as much space and cost are required.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an article sorting / reversing method and apparatus capable of saving space and cost by using both sorting and reversing functions in a single apparatus. To do.

In order to achieve such an object, the method of allocating and inverting articles according to the present invention is as follows:
A cylindrical member that is rotatably supported by penetrating up and down on a pedestal arranged on one side of a conveyer that conveys articles, and is rotatably supported by penetrating in the cylindrical axis direction within the cylindrical member. A first rotating shaft, a first rotating member fixed to the upper end portion of the cylindrical member and horizontally rotatable above the conveyor, and the first rotating member connected to the lower end portion of the cylindrical member to rotate the first rotating member. First driving means, a second rotating shaft that is rotatably supported by penetrating the tip end portion of the first rotating member , and a lower end portion of the second rotating shaft. A second rotating member that is horizontally rotatable above, a winding transmission device interposed between an upper end portion of the first rotating shaft and an upper end portion of the second rotating shaft, and a lower end portion of the first rotating shaft in tandem and a second driving means for rotationally driving the second rotating member,
The position of the article on the conveyor is detected, and the amount of rotation of the second rotating member is changed while the first rotating member is rotated horizontally, so that the second rotating member contacts the second rotating member. The posture of the article is controlled and the article is distributed or reversely conveyed.

In order to achieve such an object, an article sorting / reversing device according to the present invention includes:
A cylindrical member that is rotatably supported by penetrating in a vertical direction on a gantry arranged on one side of a transport conveyor for transporting articles ;
A first rotating shaft that is rotatably supported through the cylindrical member in the direction of the cylindrical axis;
A first rotating member fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical member and horizontally rotatable above the conveyor;
First driving means connected to the lower end of the cylindrical member to rotate the first rotating member;
A second rotating shaft that is rotatably supported by penetrating in a vertical direction at a tip portion of the first rotating member ;
A second rotating member fixed to the lower end of the second rotating shaft and horizontally rotatable above the conveyor;
A winding transmission provided between an upper end of the first rotating shaft and an upper end of the second rotating shaft;
Second driving means connected to the lower end portion of the first rotating shaft to rotationally drive the second rotating member;
Article position detecting means for detecting the position of the article on the conveyor;
On the transport conveyor that controls the driving of the first driving means and the second driving means in accordance with the detection signal of the article position detecting means, and changes the amount of rotation of the second rotating member to contact the second rotating member. Control means for controlling the posture of the article to distribute or reversely convey the article;
It is provided with.

  Further, one second rotating member is provided at a position where the rotational center of the first rotating member is point-symmetric.

  Further, the control means drives the second driving means to rotate the second rotating member so as to be parallel to the article conveying direction when the article is distributed and conveyed, and then the second driving means. Is stopped.

  Further, the control means drives the second driving means to rotate the second rotating member in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member that rotates along the article conveying direction when reversing and conveying the article. After rotating the article to reverse it, the second driving means is driven in reverse to rotate the second rotating member in the same direction as the first rotating member.

  The first driving means and the second driving means are both servomotors.

  According to the method and apparatus for sorting and reversing articles according to the present invention, both the functions of sorting and reversing can be used properly in a single device, and space and cost can be saved. Further, the number of articles flowing in and the change in the shape of the articles can be dealt with by appropriately adjusting the driving amounts of the first driving means and the second driving means, and the control is easy.

  In addition, one second rotating member is provided at a position where the rotational center of the first rotating member is point-symmetric, so that two articles per one rotation of the first rotating member are distributed or inverted at the same time interval. Can be transported and speeded up. In addition, the control means drives the second driving means to drive the second driving means after driving the second driving means to rotate the second rotating member so as to be parallel to the conveying direction of the article. By stopping the control, the drive means can be easily controlled. In addition, when the article is reversed and conveyed, the control means drives the second driving means to rotate the second rotating member in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member that rotates along the article conveying direction. After reversing the article, the second driving means is driven in reverse to rotate the second rotating member in the same direction as the first rotating member, so that the article can be quickly separated from the article after being reversed. , Interference with the article is avoided. Further, since both the first driving means and the second driving means are servo motors, the first rotating member and the second rotating member can be driven to rotate with high accuracy in response to a control signal from the control means.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an article sorting / reversing method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 is a front sectional view of a main part of a sorting / reversing device showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view, FIG. 3 is a left side view, FIG. 4 is a right side view of the main part, FIG. FIG. 6 is a control block diagram, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the principle during sorting and conveyance, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the principle during reverse conveyance.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, for example, an article in which three so-called cup-shaped products with a dry surface or the like built in a container are joined together in two rows and two stages. A sorting / reversing device 2 is disposed on one side of a conveyor (conveying means) 1 that sequentially conveys W at a predetermined interval. The sorting / reversing device 2 is provided at a transition portion of the conveyor 1 from the narrow line 1a to the large line 1b, and distributes the articles W supplied from the narrow line 1a to the large line 1b in two rows and discharges them. The so-called reversal conveyance (see the chain line in FIG. 2) in which the minute conveyance and the article W supplied from the narrow line 1a are reversed and discharged to the large line 1b can be selectively performed.

  In the sorting / reversing device 2, a frame body 5 with a top plate 4 is placed on a gantry 3 whose height can be adjusted, and a case body 6 with an open bottom surface is assembled on the frame body 5. A lid member 7 with a handle extends from the upper surface of the case body 6 to the upper side of the conveyor 1, and the lid member 7 can be folded onto the upper surface of the case body 6 when necessary to open the upper side of the conveyor 1. (See the chain line in FIG. 3).

An outer cylinder 8 is vertically passed through and fixed to the top plate 4, and an inner cylinder (cylindrical member) 9 protrudes from the outer cylinder 8 in the outer cylinder 8 and can be rotated by a bearing 10. It is supported by. A rotating shaft (first rotating shaft) 11 is supported in the inner cylinder 9 by a bearing 12 so that both upper and lower ends protrude from the inner cylinder 9. Of course, the inner cylinder 9 cannot be pulled out downward with respect to the outer cylinder 8, and the rotary shaft 11 cannot be pulled out downward with respect to the inner cylinder 9.

A pulley 13a is fitted to the lower end portion of the inner cylinder 9 with a bolt or the like, and a pulley 13b around which the belt 14 is wound in a pair with the pulley 13a is suspended downward from the top plate 4 by a servo motor ( The first drive means) is fitted on the output shaft of M ₁ via the friction joint 15. On the other hand, an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of a rotating lever (first rotating member) 16 extending in the horizontal direction is fitted to the upper end portion of the inner cylinder 9 with a bolt or the like. Guide cylinders 17a and 17b are vertically fixed to both ends of the rotation lever 16, and rotating shafts (second rotation axes) 18a and 18b are provided in the guide cylinders 17a and 17b. The portions protrude from the guide cylinders 17a and 17b, and are rotatably supported by bearings 19, respectively.

Base ends of rotary plates (second rotary members) 20a and 20b extending in the horizontal direction are fixed to the lower ends of the rotary shafts 18a and 18b by splitting, respectively. On the other hand, pulleys 21a and 22a are fitted to the upper ends of the rotary shafts 18a and 18b via friction joints 23a and 23b, respectively, and are paired with the pulleys 21a and 22a (winding transmission device) to form a belt 24a. , 24b (winding transmission device) are wound around pulleys 21b, 22b (winding transmission device) , which are fitted in two stages on the upper end of the rotary shaft 11 via friction joints 25, respectively. Yes.

A pulley 26a is fitted to the lower end portion of the rotary shaft 11 via a friction joint 27, and a pulley 26b around which the belt 28 is hung in a pair with the pulley 26a is suspended upward from the top plate 4. A reversible servo motor (second drive means) M ₂ is fitted on the output shaft via a friction joint 29.

Therefore, by the servo motor M ₁ is driven, the pulley 13a, 13b and the belt 14 to rotate the inner cylinder 9, for example, in a counterclockwise direction via the rotation lever 16 and the guide tube 17a Accordingly, via 17b The rotary plates 20a and 20b supported on the rotary shafts 18a and 18b also rotate counterclockwise around the outer cylinder 8. That is, the rotary plates 20a and 20b revolve counterclockwise around the outer cylinder 8.

In this state, when the turn servo motor M ₂ is driven, the pulley 26a, to rotate the rotating shaft 11, for example in a clockwise direction through the 26b and the belt 28, via a pulley 21a, 21b and a belt 24a Along with this The rotary shaft 18a rotates clockwise and the rotary shaft 18b rotates clockwise via the pulleys 22a and 22b and the belt 24b. The rotary plates 20a and 20b fixed to the rotary shafts 18a and 18b are guided by the guide cylinder 17a. , 17b and rotate clockwise. That is, the rotating plates 20a and 20b rotate in the clockwise direction around the guide cylinders 17a and 17b while revolving in the counterclockwise direction around the outer cylinder 8. Of course, by rotating the servo motor M ₂ in the reverse direction, the rotary plates 20a and 20b can be rotated counterclockwise around the guide tubes 17a and 17b.

  In the figure, 30A is a lever origin position detector composed of a proximity sensor for detecting the origin position when the rotary lever 16 is rotated, and 30B is a proximity sensor for detecting the origin position when the rotating plates 20a and 20b are rotated. These detection signals are detection signals from an article position detector (article position detection means) 31 that is provided on the side of the conveyor 1 and includes a proximity sensor that detects the position of the article W. At the same time, it is input to a distribution / inversion control device (control means) 33 comprising a microcomputer or the like shown in FIG. The sorting / reversing control device 33 is also supplied with a switching signal of a sorting / reversing switching switch 32 that is provided on an operation panel (not shown) and is manually operated.

The distribution / inversion control device 33 drives and controls the servo motor M ₁ and the servo motor M ₂ in accordance with the switching signal and the detection signal described above, and changes the rotation amount of the rotary plates 20a and 20b. The sorting conveyance and the reverse conveyance are used properly.

For example, at the time of sorting and conveying, as shown in FIG. 6, the servo motor M ₂ is driven to rotate the rotating plates 20a and 20b so as to be parallel to the conveying direction of the article W, and then the servo motor M ₂ is driven. To stop. Thereafter, the operation timing of the rotary plates 20a and 20b with respect to the article W moving on the narrow line 1a of the conveyor 1 is determined by detection signals from the lever origin position detector 30A, the plate origin position detector 30B and the article position detector 31. Then, the servo motor M ₁ is driven to rotate the rotary lever 16 counterclockwise at a predetermined rotational speed.

  As a result, the rotating plates 20a and 20b also rotate (revolve) counterclockwise around the outer cylinder 8, and eventually come into contact with the side surface of the article W, and then the angle (an angle parallel to the conveying direction of the article W) is set. Since the above-mentioned revolution is continued while being held, the article W is pushed from the narrow line 1a to the position where the large line 1b is offset laterally from the narrow line 1a, as can be seen from the movement trajectory in FIG. By performing every other operation on the articles W supplied by the conveyor 1, the articles W supplied in one row are distributed and conveyed in two rows.

On the other hand, at the time of reverse conveyance, as shown in FIG. 7, from the same initial state of the rotating plates 20a and 20b as at the time of distribution conveyance, the lever origin position detector 30A and the plate origin position detector are the same as at the time of distribution conveyance. 30B and the article rotating plate 20a to an article W to move slightly line 1a of conveyor 1 by the detection signal from the position detector 31, 20b counterclockwise rotation lever 16 by driving the servo motor M ₁ aim to operation timing of the Rotate in the direction at a predetermined rotational speed. At the same time, the rotational plate 20a and drives the servo motor M _2, is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed and 20b in a clockwise direction.

As a result, the rotating plates 20a and 20b rotate (revolve) counterclockwise around the outer cylinder 8 and rotate (rotate) clockwise around the rotating shafts 18a and 18b, and eventually come into contact with the side surface of the article W. Then, since the revolution and rotation continue, the article W starts to be raised from the front side and reversed at the end, as can be seen from the movement locus in FIG. After this reversal, the driving of the servo motor M ₂ is reversed, the rotation plate 20a, 20b do not interfere the rotation shaft 18a, rotates counterclockwise around the 18b (rotation) to subsequent article W. By continuously performing this operation on the articles W supplied by the conveyor 1, all the articles W supplied are reversed and conveyed.

In this way, in this embodiment, the single sorting / reversing device 2 can use both the sorting and reversing functions of the article W, so that these functions can be compared with the case where each function is handled by different devices. This saves space and costs. Further, the amount of inflow of the article W and the change in the shape of the article can be dealt with by appropriately adjusting the drive amounts of the servo motor M ₁ and the servo motor M ₂ , and the control is easy.

Further, since each of the rotating plates 20a and 20b is provided at a position that is point-symmetric with respect to the rotation center of the rotating lever 16, two articles W per rotation of the rotating lever 16 are distributed or reversely conveyed at the same time interval. Yes, you can speed up. Further, the distribution-reverse controller 33, when the sorting conveying articles W, after rotating the rotation plate 20a and drives the servo motor M _2, and 20b so as to be parallel to the conveying direction of the article W Since the drive of the servo motor M ₂ is stopped, the control of the servo motor M ₂ becomes easy. Further, the distribution-reverse controller 33, when the reverse conveying the articles W, the rotation plate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating lever 16 which rotates along the conveying direction of the article W by driving the servo motor M ₂ 20a, after 20b to rotate by inverting the article W, by rotating the rotation plate 20a and driven in the reverse direction by the same servo motor M _2, 20b of the rotating lever 16 in the same direction, after inverting the article W The article W can be quickly separated from the article W, and interference with the article W is avoided. Further, since the two drive means are both servomotors, the rotary lever 16 and the rotary plates 20a and 20b can be rotationally driven with high accuracy in response to a control signal from the distribution / reverse control device 33.

Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the number of rotating plates 20a and 20b is not limited to two, but may be one or more. Further, the driving of the rotating plates 20a and 20b is not limited to the above-described embodiment by the belt and pulley, and other driving means may be used as long as the rotating plate 16 can be reversible independently of the rotating lever 16 on the rotating lever 16. Further, the distribution-reverse controller 33, when the sorting conveying articles W, after rotating the rotation plate 20a and drives the servo motor M _2, and 20b so as to be parallel to the conveying direction of the article W , but so as to stop the driving of the servo motor M _2, the inversion in the same manner as in the transport, or to change the amount of rotation in succession, so as to be parallel to the conveying direction of the article W after rotation is the rotation amount rotate the may then be stopped the drive of the servo motor M _2.

It is a principal part sectional drawing of the distribution and inversion apparatus which shows one Example of this invention. It is also a plan view. Similarly, it is a left side view. It is a principal part right side view similarly. It is also a control block diagram. It is principle explanatory drawing at the time of sorting conveyance. It is principle explanatory drawing at the time of reverse conveyance.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Conveyor 1a Narrow line 1b Large line 2 Sorting / reversing device 3 Base 4 Top plate 5 Frame 6 Case body 7 Lid member 8 Outer cylinder 9 Inner cylinder 10 Bearing 11 Rotating shaft 12 Bearing 13a, 13b Pulley 14 Belt 15 Friction Joint 16 Rotating lever 17a, 17b Guide cylinder 18a, 18b Rotating shaft 19 Bearing 20a, 20b Rotating plate 21a, 21b Pulley 22a, 22b Pulley 23a, 23b Friction joint 24a, 24b Belt 25 Friction joint 26a, 26b Pulley 27 Friction joint 28 Belt 29 friction joint 30A lever home position detector 30B plate home position detector 31 item position detector 32 sorting, reverse selector switch 33 the distribution-reverse controller M _1, M ₂ servomotors

Claims (6)

A cylindrical member that is rotatably supported by penetrating up and down on a pedestal arranged on one side of a conveyer that conveys articles, and is rotatably supported by penetrating in the cylindrical axis direction within the cylindrical member. A first rotating shaft, a first rotating member fixed to the upper end portion of the cylindrical member and horizontally rotatable above the conveyor, and the first rotating member connected to the lower end portion of the cylindrical member to rotate the first rotating member. First driving means, a second rotating shaft that is rotatably supported by penetrating the tip end portion of the first rotating member , and a lower end portion of the second rotating shaft. A second rotating member that is horizontally rotatable above, a winding transmission device interposed between an upper end portion of the first rotating shaft and an upper end portion of the second rotating shaft, and a lower end portion of the first rotating shaft in tandem and a second driving means for rotationally driving the second rotating member,
The position of the article on the conveyor is detected, and the amount of rotation of the second rotating member is changed while the first rotating member is rotated horizontally, so that the second rotating member contacts the second rotating member. An article sorting / reversing method characterized by controlling the posture of the article and distributing or reversing the article. A cylindrical member that is rotatably supported by penetrating in a vertical direction on a gantry arranged on one side of a transport conveyor for transporting articles ;
A first rotating shaft that is rotatably supported through the cylindrical member in the direction of the cylindrical axis;
A first rotating member fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical member and horizontally rotatable above the conveyor;
First driving means connected to the lower end of the cylindrical member to rotate the first rotating member;
A second rotating shaft that is rotatably supported by penetrating in a vertical direction at a tip portion of the first rotating member ;
A second rotating member fixed to the lower end of the second rotating shaft and horizontally rotatable above the conveyor;
A winding transmission provided between an upper end of the first rotating shaft and an upper end of the second rotating shaft;
Second driving means connected to the lower end portion of the first rotating shaft to rotationally drive the second rotating member;
Article position detecting means for detecting the position of the article on the conveyor;
On the transport conveyor that controls the driving of the first driving means and the second driving means in accordance with the detection signal of the article position detecting means, and changes the amount of rotation of the second rotating member to contact the second rotating member. Control means for controlling the posture of the article to distribute or reversely convey the article;
An article sorting / reversing device characterized by comprising:   3. The article sorting / reversing device according to claim 2, wherein one second rotating member is provided at a position where the rotational center of the first rotating member is point-symmetric.   The control unit drives the second driving unit to drive the second driving unit after driving the second driving unit to rotate the second rotating member so as to be parallel to the conveying direction of the article. The apparatus for sorting and inverting articles according to claim 2 or 3, wherein   The control means rotates the second rotating member in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating member that drives the second driving means to rotate along the article conveying direction when the article is conveyed in reverse. 5. The article vibration according to claim 2, wherein after the article is reversed, the second driving means is driven in reverse to rotate the second rotating member in the same direction as the first rotating member. Minute / reversing device.   6. The article sorting / reversing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein both of the first driving means and the second driving means are servo motors.

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