JP4730931B2 - Sorting conveyor device and transport system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Technical field to which the invention belongs]
The present invention relates to a sorting conveyor device and a transport system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, the PTP (Press Through Packaging) package is a packaging form in which the contents are pushed out from the container (pocket part) side to break the upper lid and the contents are taken out. It is often used for capsule packaging. And the PTP packaging machine which manufactures such a PTP package body draws and conveys a resin container film continuously from a raw fabric roll, heats the container film in the middle of the conveyance, and then has a concave shape at a predetermined position of the container film. Forming a pocket (container), supplying a packaged object such as a tablet in the pocket, and then covering the container film with a lid film, and then heat-sealing and sealing both films to cut in place. According to this, a PTP package is manufactured.
[0003]
Such a PTP package is usually made into a set of two, and one side is inverted and the pocket portions are faced to each other, and the pocket portions are combined so that the pocket portions do not interfere with each other. And in the state which laminated | stacked the thing of such a structure for a predetermined number of sets, it is sealed in a package body by pillow packaging. Further, the package is stored in the box.
[0004]
Usually, the series of systems from the manufacture of the PTP package described above to the final storage in the box is continuously performed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the entire system includes a PTP wrapping machine 1 on which a carry-out conveyor 2 is arranged on the carry-out side, and two or three PTP packages are arranged in a horizontal row from the carry-out conveyor 2. It is unloaded (adjacent PTP packages are close to each other).
[0005]
The sorting conveyor device 3 is disposed on the downstream side of the carry-out conveyor 2, and the adjacent PTP packages are separated from each other. That is, it has a bucket that moves forward while moving in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction, and by supplying each PTP package to the bucket, each PTP package moves forward while moving away from each other. Moving. Note that the number of buckets arranged in a horizontal row is matched to the number of PTP packages that are carried out from the carry-out conveyor 2.
[0006]
And the inversion apparatus 4 is provided in the downstream of this distribution conveyor apparatus 3 for every line, for example, the PTP packaging body conveyed by each row | line | column is alternately reversed, and the PTP packaging bodies before and behind are laminated | stacked. Thereby, it becomes a set of two pieces as described above. Further, on the downstream side of the reversing device 4, there is disposed a transport device 7 that changes the course of the set of stacked PTP packaging bodies and supplies it to the next-stage pillow packaging machine 6. There may be a case where a plurality of sets of PTP packages are further stacked on the transport device 7.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional system described above has the following problems. That is, what is shown in FIG. 1 is a type in which the PTP package is carried out in three rows from the PTP packaging machine 1, but as is apparent from the figure, the sorting conveyor device 3, the reversing device 4 It is also necessary to form various devices such as those corresponding to the type (number of rows to be carried out) of the PTP packaging machine 1.
[0008]
That is, the number of lines that matches the number of PTP packages to be carried out in a horizontal row is required. Therefore, in the case of the three rows shown in FIG. 1, it is necessary to arrange three sorting conveyor device buckets in one horizontal row, and three reversing devices 4 are also required. Therefore, in the case where the PTP packaging machine 1 is a type that carries out two in a horizontal row, it is necessary to form a series of systems using an apparatus in which each part is arranged in two lines.
[0009]
As a result, for example, if the PTP packaging machine 1 is replaced with a different type, the entire system including various devices on the downstream side of the PTP packaging machine 1 is replaced, which can be said to be a waste of resources.
[0010]
On the other hand, recently, there has been developed a device that can selectively set either two or three by changing the number of PTP packages to be carried out from the PTP packaging machine 1 (unloading conveyor device 2). . When such a device is used, as described above, since the devices subsequent to the sorting conveyor device 3 are configured separately for two lines and for three lines and cannot be applied to other devices, for example, these two lines It is necessary to construct a system corresponding to each of the devices for use in the case of preparing a PTP packaging machine 1 and changing the setting of the PTP packaging machine 1.
[0011]
Further, once the system including the PTP packaging machine 1 is installed, even if the system continues to be used as it is (the number of carry-outs from the PTP packaging machine 1 is the same), the manufacturer separates it for other PTP packaging machines 1. This system is not only complicated but also expensive.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described background. The object of the present invention is to cope with the same apparatus even when the number of columns on the supply side of the conveyed object (article) is different. An object of the present invention is to provide a sorting conveyor device and a transport system that can be sorted and carried out to a position.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, a sorting conveyor apparatus according to the present invention includes three or more rows of buckets that are conveyed synchronously, and at least one row of buckets is configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the carrying direction. Device. And, among the three or more rows of buckets, one or more rows of buckets are composed of a plurality of bucket portions that can be divided in the orthogonal direction, and the plurality of bucket portions are separated and integrated with other adjacent buckets. Can be transported.
[0014]
The number of rows of the buckets can be various. For example, there are three rows, and at least a central row of buckets can be constituted by the plurality of bucket portions.
[0015]
In addition, a guide roller is provided on the lower surface of the bucket, and a guide rail that matches the guide roller is provided. The bucket is conveyed along the guide rail, and is aligned with at least the guide rollers of the plurality of bucket portions. A part of the guide rail is movable in the orthogonal direction, and a part of the guide rail is moved in the orthogonal direction, so that the plurality of bucket parts are separated and transported integrally with other adjacent buckets. Can be possible.
[0016]
According to the present invention, by separating a plurality of bucket portions constituting one bucket and carrying them together with an adjacent bucket, the number of rows (number of lines) of buckets to be carried in synchronization can be reduced. . Therefore, even if the number of rows on the supply side of articles (articles) to be conveyed is different (at least two types) by adding a plurality of bucket parts connected to form one row of buckets, the same apparatus can handle Can do.
[0017]
On the other hand, in the transport system according to the present invention, the sorting conveyor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an article transported from the sorting conveyor device are arranged on the carry-out side of the sorting conveyor device. A transport device (corresponding to “direction changing conveyor device 13a” in the embodiment) that transports in a single row in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sorting conveyor device, and the transport device that is disposed on the unloading side of the transport device. The apparatus can be configured to include means for extruding a predetermined number of articles conveyed on the apparatus (corresponding to “pusher apparatus 13b” in the embodiment). Thereby, regardless of the number of rows corresponding to the sorting conveyor device, the articles can be carried out from the transport device by the same number of rows by the extrusion device.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 2 shows a part of a packaging system for continuously carrying out a PTP package to which the present invention is applied from production to boxing. As shown in the figure, the PTP package manufactured and carried out by the PTP packaging machine 10 installed on the upstream side is carried out in two or three rows through the carry-out conveyor device 11. Which of the two columns and three columns is set in advance is not changed during operation of the system.
[0019]
The sorting conveyor device 12 of the present invention is arranged on the downstream side (the carry-out end side) of the carry-out conveyor device 11. In this sorter conveyor device 12, as will be described later, by moving the PTP package in the lateral direction (in the direction orthogonal to the traveling direction) while moving the PTP package, the PTP packages arranged on the left and right are gradually separated from the center. Try to keep them apart.
[0020]
And in this Embodiment, the distribution conveyor apparatus 12 can respond | correspond to both for 2 lines and 3 lines. That is, according to the setting (2/3 line) of the carry-out conveyor device 11 and the PTP packaging machine on the upstream side, the sorting conveyor device 12 is also set for either 2 lines or 3 lines.
[0021]
The lines L1 to L3 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure are the transport trajectories of the PTP package that can be placed on the sorting conveyor device 12, and when set for three lines, all three lines L1 to L3 are used. When it is set for two lines, two lines L1 and L3 on both sides are used. Therefore, even if it sets for any line, the carrying-out position of each line L1 to L3 is equal. In addition, although it is a locus | trajectory of the lines L1 and L3 which are shared by 2/3 lines, it may be fixed or may be changed as appropriate. However, even when changing, it is preferable to fix at least the position on the downstream side (the carry-out end side) in consideration of the supply to the next-stage reduction device 13 (direction changing conveyor device 13a).
[0022]
Further, on the carry-out side of the sorting conveyor device 12, a reducing device 13 including a direction changing conveyor device 13a that is 90 ° different from the sorting conveyor device 12 and that is intermittently transported in a single column is arranged. That is, this reduction device 13 is provided with a pusher device 13b on the downstream side, and pushes out two pieces from the top of the PTP package conveyed on the direction changing conveyor device 13a to the processing device 15 at the next stage. Yes.
[0023]
The direction changing conveyor device 13a is a device (bucket conveyor in the present embodiment) having a fixed transfer pitch such as a finger conveyor or a bucket conveyor, and the front and rear pitches are on the carry-out side of each of the lines L1 to L3 described above. It is matched with the interval between adjacent lines. Therefore, when the sorting conveyor apparatus 12 is operating for three lines, the three PTP packagings carried out from the three lines L1 to L3 are directly adjacent to the front and rear of the direction changing conveyor apparatus 13a. Supplied between the fingers (in the bucket). Further, when the sorting conveyor device 12 is operating for two lines, two PTP packages carried out from the two lines L1 and L3 are placed one by one before and after the direction changing conveyor device 13a. Between the fingers arranged in the bucket (in the bucket).
[0024]
Accordingly, when the direction changing conveyor device 13a that is intermittently driven corresponds to the sorting conveyor device 12 set for three lines, three PTP packaging bodies are supplied back and forth at a time. After receiving the signal, it is driven by the pitch of three pieces, then temporarily stopped, and waiting for the next supply.
[0025]
Further, in the case of corresponding to the distribution conveyor device 12 set for two lines, since the distribution conveyor device 12 supplies the PTP package every other one on the front and back, one piece after receiving such supply After driving for a minute pitch, pause and wait for the next supply. Then, since the fingers (buckets) that were not supplied in the previous supply are positioned on the extended lines of the lines L1 and L3, the PTP package is supplied to the part that was not supplied last time.
[0026]
Accordingly, the direction change conveyor device 13a is intermittently driven at least twice, so that the PTP package is arranged in the front and rear directions in both cases of 2 lines / 3 lines. And each PTP package is conveyed intermittently with the state. And since the direction change conveyor apparatus 13a is what conveys by 1 row | longitudinal formation, the PTP package body carried out by 3 rows or 2 rows is deducted to 1 row.
[0027]
On the other hand, the pusher device 13b arranged on the downstream side of the direction changing conveyor device 13a pushes out two PTP packages from the head of the direction changing conveyor device 13a. As a result, regardless of whether the sorting conveyor device 12 is for two lines or for three lines, the reduction device 13 is supplied to the processing device 15 side in two rows.
[0028]
In the case of 2 lines, as described above, every other line is supplied from the sorting conveyor device 12 onto the direction changing conveyor device 13a. May be temporarily stopped by being driven by a pitch corresponding to three during the period from supply to supply. If it does in this way, on the direction change conveyor apparatus 13a, two PTP packaging bodies will be arrange | positioned forward and backward, and the state which becomes one empty will be repeated.
[0029]
The pusher device 13b pushes out the PTP package when the two PTP packages arranged side by side are positioned in front of the pusher device 13b. In order to perform such processing, the direction changing conveyor device 13a may be intermittently driven by one pitch.
[0030]
In addition, as the processing apparatus 15, the pillow packaging machine is included, and the apparatus which inverts or laminates | stacks a PTP packaging body in the front | former stage is provided. Since the structure which is conventionally known can be used, the detailed description is omitted.
[0031]
Next, the structure of the distribution conveyor apparatus 12 corresponding to 2 lines / 3 lines will be described. First, the outline of the sorting conveyor device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The distribution conveyor device 12 has a large number of buckets for receiving and transporting the PTP package 20. That is, the first bucket 21, the second bucket 22, and the third bucket 23 are arranged in a horizontal row, and a plurality of these first to third buckets 21 to 23 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction. Each of the buckets 21 to 23 has a guide roller 24 attached to the lower surface thereof aligned with a guide rail (not shown), and the corresponding first to third buckets 21 to 23 are traced along the lines L1 to L3. Move. That is, the central second bucket 22 goes straight along the line L2, and the first and third buckets 21 and 23 on both sides move away from the center as they advance along the lines L1 and L3. Moving. This operation is the same as that of the conventional three lines.
[0032]
Here, in the present embodiment, the second bucket 22 is divided into left and right two parts, and is configured by a left bucket part 22a and a right bucket part 22b. The left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b are each provided with a guide roller 24 and can move independently of each other along a predetermined locus (regulated by a guide rail).
[0033]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when operating for three lines, the second bucket 22 is configured by connecting the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b and operating them integrally.
[0034]
On the other hand, when used for two lines, as shown in FIG. 4, the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b are separated and connected to the first and third buckets 21 and 23, respectively. That is, the left bucket portion 22a and the first bucket 21 are integrated and moved along the line L1, and the right bucket portion 22b and the third bucket 23 are integrated and moved along the line L3. As a result, two buckets are formed in one horizontal row, so that it functions for two lines.
[0035]
In this way, by configuring at least one (in the present embodiment, the central second bucket 22) with a plurality of bucket parts that can be divided, the original bucket is configured by integrating the plurality of bucket parts. On the other hand, by dividing and integrating with another adjacent bucket, the total number of buckets arranged in a horizontal row can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to configure the sorting conveyor device 12 that can cope with different numbers of lines.
[0036]
A specific mechanism for realizing the above-described apparatus (concept) is as follows. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, rotary shafts 32, 32 are provided at both ends in the front-rear direction of the machine frame 30 via bearings 31, and endless chains 34 are attached to sprockets 33 attached to both ends of the rotary shaft 32. I'm hanging over. A pulley 36 is connected to one end of the downstream rotary shaft 32, and receives a rotational force from a drive motor (not shown) via the pulley 36. Accordingly, endless chains 34 that rotate in synchronization with each other on both sides in the transport direction are arranged.
[0037]
Further, a plurality of pairs of slide rails 35 are connected between the endless chains 34 at a predetermined interval. The pair of slide rails 35 are two elongated rectangular bars arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, and move forward together as the endless chain 34 rotates. The first to third buckets 21 to 23 are movably connected to the set of slide rails 35. That is, the first to third buckets 21 to 23 can move in the direction in which the gap between the pair of slide rails extends (direction orthogonal to the transport direction).
[0038]
Accordingly, the first to third buckets 21 to 23 follow the slide rail 35 that moves forward in accordance with the rotation of the endless chain 34 and transports (moves forward). At this time, the first to third buckets 21 to 23 can move along the slide rail 35 in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction.
[0039]
And the movement of the said orthogonal direction is controlled by the guide rail 37 arrange | positioned under the conveyance surface (slide rail 35). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide rail 37 includes an upstream rail portion 37a, an intermediate rail portion 37b, and a downstream rail portion 37c that are sequentially arranged from the carry-in side. And the upstream rail part 37a and the downstream rail part 37c are arrange | positioned in parallel with the advancing direction (conveyance direction), and the intermediate rail part 37b is inclined according to the positional relationship of the upstream and downstream rail parts 37a and 37c. There is also.
[0040]
Further, the three rail portions 37a to 37c each include two rod-shaped rail elements 37a ', 37b', and 37c 'arranged at a predetermined interval, and a space formed between the pair of rail elements. 37a ″, 37b ″, 37c ″ are continuous along the transport direction. Of course, the widths of the spaces 37a ″ to 37c ″ are equal. The guide rollers 24 provided on the lower surfaces of the first to third buckets 21 to 23 coincide (see FIGS. 9 to 12).
[0041]
The guide rail 37 is provided with a total of four left and right bucket portions 22 a and 22 b constituting the first bucket 21, the third bucket 23, and the second bucket 22.
[0042]
Thereby, as the first to third buckets 21 to 23 move forward by the propulsive force from the endless chain 34 and consequently the slide rail 35, the spaces 37 a ″ to 37 c ″ of the guide rails 37 that are aligned with the guide rails 24. Along the direction of travel and perpendicular to the direction of travel. Since the mechanism itself is the same as the conventional one, its detailed description is omitted.
[0043]
Here, in the present embodiment, the upstream rail portion 37a and the downstream rail portion 37c are movable in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. That is, a screw shaft in which a male screw (a reverse screw is formed from the center toward both sides) is formed on the outer peripheral surface by rotating the handle 38 provided so as to protrude outside the machine frame 30 in the forward and reverse directions. 39 rotates forward and backward, and a predetermined rail having a female screw connected to the screw shaft 39 approaches and separates from the center line P as a reference.
[0044]
As a result, in the case of three lines as shown in the region A in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upstream rails 37a for the first and third buckets 21 and 23 are moved outward, and the second bucket The upstream and downstream rail portions 37a and 37c for the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b constituting the portion 22 move so as to approach the center line P side. Therefore, the guide rails 37 for the second bucket 22 are arranged linearly along the center line P, and the guide rails 37 for the first and third buckets 21 and 23 have the intermediate rail portion 37b going downstream. According to the inclination to spread outward.
[0045]
In this case, the states of the buckets 21 to 23 near the upstream rail portion 37a are as shown in FIG. 9, and the states of the buckets 21 to 23 near the downstream rail portion 37c are as shown in FIG. Become. As is apparent from the drawing, the guide rail 37 for the second bucket 22 (left and right bucket portions 22a, 22b) is in contact with the upstream rail portion 37a and the downstream rail portion 37c, and the left and right bucket portions 22a, 22b are connected. Is done. Further, the guide rails 37 for the first and third buckets 21 and 23 are separated from the central rail portions where the upstream rail portion 37a and the downstream rail portion 37c are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the first to third buckets 21 to 23 are arranged at predetermined intervals, respectively.
[0046]
On the other hand, in the case of two lines as shown in the area B in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upstream rail portions 37a for the first and third buckets 21 and 23 move inward, and the left and right bucket portions 22a. , 22b, the upstream rail portion 37a moves slightly outward. Further, the downstream rail portions 37c for the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b also move outward from the center line P. Therefore, the guide rail 37 for the left bucket portion 22a is disposed along the guide rail for the adjacent first bucket 21, and the guide rail 37 for the right bucket portion 22b is the guide rail for the adjacent third bucket 21. It will be arranged along.
[0047]
In this case, the states of the buckets 21 to 23 near the upstream rail portion 37a are as shown in FIG. 11, and the states of the buckets 21 to 23 near the downstream rail portion 37c are as shown in FIG. Become. As is clear from the figure, the upstream rail portion 37a and the downstream rail portion 37c for the left bucket 22a are close to each other on the upstream side and the downstream side, and the upstream rail portion 37a and the downstream side for the right bucket 22b are close to each other. Since the rail portion 37c is close, the first bucket 21 and the left bucket portion 22a are connected and integrated, and the third bucket 23 and the right bucket portion 22b are connected and integrated accordingly. And since each bucket moves along the guide rail 37, it is conveyed with the above-mentioned integrated state.
[0048]
As a result, as described in the schematic configuration in FIGS. 3 and 4, either the configuration for two lines or the configuration for three lines can be taken alternatively. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, a locking projection 41 or a locking groove 42 is provided on the lower side surface of the first and third buckets 21 and 23 and the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b. When the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b are connected and integrated, or when the first and third buckets 21 and 23 adjacent to the left and right bucket portions 22a and 22b are connected and integrated, the locking protrusion 41 and the locking groove 42 coincide with each other to increase the degree of integration.
[0049]
In the above-described embodiment, the 2-line / 3-line (corresponding) type has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by appropriately setting the position and number of buckets to be divided, A variety of different lines can be accommodated. Furthermore, it can be configured to correspond to three or more types instead of two types.
[0050]
In addition, the sorting conveyor device is not limited to the one that sorts the PTP package, and can of course be used for sorting various packages and other articles.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the sorting conveyor device and the transport system according to the present invention, a plurality of bucket portions that can move by dividing the buckets that constitute at least one row among the buckets that constitute a plurality of rows in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Therefore, even when the number of columns on the supply side of the object to be conveyed is different, it is possible to cope with the same apparatus by adjusting the positions of the plurality of bucket portions, and to distribute and carry out to a predetermined position.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a conventional example.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of an embodiment of a sorting conveyor device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of an embodiment of a sorting conveyor device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an embodiment (for three lines) of a sorting conveyor device according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an embodiment (for two lines) of a sorting conveyor device according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a structure of a guide rail.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a structure of a guide rail.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a linkage structure between a guide rail (upstream rail portion) and a bucket (when three lines are set).
FIG. 10 is a view showing a linkage structure between a guide rail (downstream rail portion) and a bucket (when three lines are set).
FIG. 11 is a view showing a linkage structure between a guide rail (upstream rail portion) and a bucket (when setting for two lines).
FIG. 12 is a view showing a linkage structure between a guide rail (downstream rail portion) and a bucket (when two lines are set).
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 PTP packaging machine 11 Unloading conveyor apparatus 12 Sorting conveyor apparatus 13 Reduction apparatus 13a Direction change conveyor apparatus 13b Pusher apparatus 15 Processing apparatus 20 PTP packaging body 21 1st bucket 22 2nd bucket 22a Left bucket part 22b Right bucket part 23 3rd Bucket 24 Guide roller 30 Machine frame 31 Bearing 32 Rotating shaft 33 Sprocket 34 Endless chain 35 Slide rail 36 Pulley 37 Guide rail 38 Handle 39 Screw shaft 41 Locking protrusion 42 Locking groove

Claims (4)

It is a sorting conveyor device that includes three or more rows of buckets that are transported synchronously, and that at least one row of buckets is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction,
Of the three or more rows of buckets, one or more rows of buckets are configured from a plurality of bucket portions that can be divided in the orthogonal direction,
The sorting conveyor device, wherein the plurality of bucket portions are separated and can be integrally conveyed with adjacent buckets. The number of rows of the bucket is 3,
The sorting conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a central row of buckets includes the plurality of bucket portions. A guide roller is provided on the lower surface of the bucket, a guide rail that matches the guide roller is provided, and the bucket is conveyed along the guide rail,
A part of the guide rail that coincides with at least the guide rollers of the plurality of bucket portions is movable in the orthogonal direction;
3. The guide rail according to claim 1, wherein a part of the guide rail is moved in the orthogonal direction so that the plurality of bucket portions are separated and can be conveyed integrally with other adjacent buckets. Sorting conveyor device. The distribution conveyor apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A transport device that is arranged on the carry-out side of the sorting conveyor device, and transports the articles unloaded from the sort conveyor device in a row in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the sort conveyor device;
A transport system comprising: a unit disposed on a transport side of the transport device and configured to push out a predetermined number of the articles transported on the transport device.

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