JP5891532B1 - Separation / conveyance device and separation / conveying method for packaging container - Google Patents

Abstract

In an apparatus and method for separating and transporting a lowermost packaging container from a packaging container group in which the packaging containers are stacked, reduction of separation error and high-precision positioning operation such as high-speed separation and stopping of the packaging container. Realized and not only improved the operating rate, but also made it easy to handle various types of packaging containers. A holding unit for expanding and contracting toward a lowermost packaging container of a packaging container group in which packaging containers having a gripping part on an upper edge are stacked and holding a rear surface of the gripping part of the lowermost packaging container, and a lowermost stage It is composed of a separating portion arranged on the left and right sides having a packaging container-side tip that extends and contracts toward the gap between the outer edge of the packaging container and the outer edge of the uppermost packaging container on the lowest stage. The holding unit and the separation unit are driven by a servo motor. The packaging container side tips of the left and right separation parts are inserted point-symmetrically with respect to the center in the plan view of the packaging container. The packaging container holding side of the holding unit main body has a substantially concave shape corresponding to the outer shape of various packaging containers. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a separating container transporting apparatus and a separating transport method for separating and transporting a lowermost packaging container from another packaging container from a group of packaging containers in which the packaging containers are laminated, The present invention provides an apparatus and method capable of dealing with various types of packaging containers as well as improving the operation rate by realizing high-precision positioning operations such as reduction, high-speed separation of packaging containers, and stopping and holding. .

In factories that manufacture food, such as lunch boxes, noodles, side dishes, etc., the packaging containers are sequentially separated from the packaging container group in which the packaging containers are stacked and supplied to a high-speed conveyance unit such as a belt conveyor. The food product is manufactured by these steps of transporting the product to a predetermined position, filling the food, and sealing the packaging container.
In order to perform these processes all at once or in batches, or for each process, automation is performed by dedicated equipment. In order to improve the operating rate of these dedicated equipment, operation errors are reduced and operation speed is increased. Is required.

For the process of sequentially separating the packaging containers from the packaging container group in which the packaging containers are stacked, the holding part that holds the back surface of the flange (grip part) of the lowermost packaging container is rotated, is in contact with the holding part, and There is means for reliably separating the lowermost packaging container by pushing up the lowermost packaging container by an elastic plate inserted between the packaging container and the lowermost packaging container. (See Patent Document 1).

In addition, for this process, there is also means for holding the packaging container with a tapered portion that matches the outer shape of the lowermost packaging container and supplying the held packaging container to the transfer table (conveying section to the next process) by the lifting device. is there. This means uses an air cylinder to drive the tapered portion and the lifting device (see Patent Document 2).

Although it is an example of a boxing machine, there is means for performing drive control in accordance with the type and properties of the packaged goods by using a servo motor for driving each operation unit and controlling it (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2011-219163 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-37235 JP-A-6-99905

As described above, the manufacturing process of food, that is, the packaging containers are sequentially separated from the packaging container group in which the packaging containers are stacked, supplied to a high-speed conveyance unit such as a belt conveyor, and the separated packaging containers are conveyed to a predetermined position. Dedicated equipment for filling food, sealing packaging containers, performing these processes in batches or in batches, or for each process, reducing operational errors and speeding up operations to improve availability Is required. In addition, it is also required to deal with various types of packaging containers such as different external structures other than the gripping parts and different shapes of the gripping parts.

The means described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed to reliably separate the lowermost packaging container. However, the elasticity of the elastic plate deteriorates due to use, and the uppermost packaging container is moved upward. There is a problem that it cannot be pushed up. There is also a problem that the number of parts is large because two parts, that is, a rotatable holding portion and an elastic plate are used. Further, there is a problem that the separation time is limited because of the rotation.

The means described in Patent Document 2 has also been proposed to reliably separate the lowermost packaging container, but there is a problem that the operation takes time because an air cylinder is used for driving. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to perform a positioning operation such as a stop with high accuracy. Further, there is a problem that the stroke (drive width) of the air cylinder cannot be arbitrarily set with high accuracy.

The means described in Patent Document 3 is proposed to separate, supply, and transport the packaging container according to the properties of the food to be filled in the packaging container and the user's request, but the apparatus becomes large. There's a problem.
In particular, the suction cup connected to the vacuum suction source not only complicates the apparatus, but also involves the lifting and lowering operation of the suction cup, so that it cannot cope with high speed and it is difficult to cope with a packaging container having a complicated bottom surface. .

As described above, in the separation container transport apparatus and separation transport method for separating and transporting the lowermost packaging container from the other packaging container from the packaging container group in which the packaging containers are stacked, reduction of the packaging container separation error, packaging It is an object to provide an apparatus and a method capable of dealing with various types of packaging containers as well as improving the operation rate by realizing high-precision positioning operations such as high-speed container separation and stop-holding.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the packaging container separating and conveying apparatus and the separating and conveying method according to the present invention include the following means.

As a first means, in a separating and conveying apparatus for a packaging container that separates and conveys a lowermost packaging container from another packaging container from a packaging container group in which packaging containers having a gripping portion on the upper edge are laminated, To the packaging container, move forward or backward by expansion and contraction, open and close, hold the back of the gripping part of the lowermost packaging container, and toward the gap between the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container and the outer edge of the uppermost packaging container It is composed of a separating part which is disposed on the left and right sides with a packaging container side tip inserted by expansion and contraction, and the holding part and the separating part are driven quickly and accurately by a servo motor.

As a second means, the separating sections arranged on the left and right sides of the packaging container have a virtual straight line that connects the positions where the tips of the packaging containers are inserted into the gaps between the horizontal center line and the vertical center line. It is characterized by going through an intersection.

As a third means, the packaging container holding side of the holding part main body has a substantially concave shape corresponding to the outer shape of various packaging containers.

As a fourth means, the packaging container side tip is substantially mountain-shaped.

As a fifth means, in a method for separating and transporting a packaging container in which the lowermost packaging container is separated from another packaging container and transported from the packaging container group in which the packaging containers having gripping portions on the upper edge are laminated, The holding part that holds the back of the gripping part of the lowermost packaging container is moved quickly and accurately by the servo motor and placed on the packaging container side by expanding and contracting toward the packaging container, and the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container And the separation part which has the packaging container side tip inserted by expansion and contraction toward the gap at the outer edge of the packaging container on the lowermost one stage is quickly and accurately driven by the servo motor to the packaging container side. The lowermost packaging container is arranged and separated, and the separated lowermost packaging container is placed on the high-speed transport unit by natural fall caused by retraction of the holding unit.

According to the separating and conveying apparatus for a packaging container according to claim 1 of the present invention, the leading end of the separating container on the packaging container side is in the left and right directions in the space between the outermost edge of the lowermost packaging container and the lowermost packaging container. Therefore, the lowermost packaging container can be reliably separated, and a reduction in separation errors can be realized.
And unlike the complicated structure with many number of parts like patent document 1, reliable separation of the lowermost packaging container is attained with a simple structure.
In addition, by driving the holding part and separation part with a servo motor, it is possible to increase the accuracy of positioning operations such as high-speed separation and stop-holding of the lowermost packaging container, reducing the separation error of the lowermost packaging container, and Improves operating rate.

According to the packaging container separating and conveying apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, the packaging container side tips of the left and right separating portions are inserted point-symmetrically with respect to the center in the plan view of the packaging container, so that the packaging container is inclined. Even in the case where they are stacked, it is possible to reliably separate them without mistakes. Therefore, it is possible to realize further reduction in the separation error of the lowermost packaging container as compared with the packaging container separating and conveying apparatus according to claim 1.

According to the separating and conveying apparatus for a packaging container according to claim 3 of the present invention, the packaging container holding side of the holding part main body has a substantially concave shape having a vertex cut most deeply in the vicinity of the center, thereby holding the substantially circular shape. Therefore, it is possible to cope with various outer shape of the packaging container. In addition, in the case of a substantially perfect circle shape, it is possible to cope with changes in the size of the diameter.
That is, the opening is provided so that the outer periphery of the opening has a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially oval shape, etc., and the gripping portion makes one round of the outer periphery of the opening. It is possible to hold even various types of packaging containers such as packaging containers having different gripper shapes such as being not provided to make one round of the outer periphery.
Therefore, in addition to the packaging container separating and conveying apparatus according to the first or second aspect, it is possible to realize various types of packaging containers.

According to the separating and conveying apparatus for a packaging container according to claim 4 of the present invention, even when the dimension in the height direction of the gap is small and narrow due to the top of the substantially mountain shape at the tip of the separating container on the side of the packaging container and the inclination toward the top. It becomes possible to reliably separate the packaging containers without mistakes. Therefore, it is possible to realize further reduction in the separation error of the lowermost packaging container as compared with the packaging container separating and conveying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

According to the separating and conveying method of the packaging container according to claim 5 of the present invention, the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container and the lowermost packaging container as in the packaging container separating and conveying apparatus according to claim 1. Since the leading end of the separation container side of the separation portion is inserted into the gap from the left and right directions, the bottommost packaging container can be reliably separated with a simple structure, and a reduction in separation errors can be realized.
And unlike the complicated structure with many number of parts like patent document 1, reliable separation of the lowermost packaging container is attained with a simple structure.
In addition, by driving the holding part and separation part with a servo motor, it is possible to increase the accuracy of positioning operations such as high-speed separation and stop-holding of the lowermost packaging container, reducing the separation error of the lowermost packaging container, and Improves operating rate.
In addition, since high-speed separation is possible, the servo motor operates instantaneously when the holding unit is retracted, so that the lowermost packaging container can be instantly placed on the high-speed transport unit in a short time by natural fall. . Therefore, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the apparatus.

It is a top view of the separation conveyance apparatus of the packaging container concerning the present invention. It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. It is a top view showing the state in the middle where the holding | maintenance part hold | maintains the lowest packaging container and the packaging container side front-end | tip of a isolation | separation part is extending. It is CC sectional drawing in FIG. 3, and is an enlarged view of the B section. It is an enlarged view of the B section showing the state where the separation part is inserted into the gap between the gripping part of the lowermost packaging container and the gripping part of the packaging container on the first lowermost stage. It is an enlarged view of the B section showing the state where the lowermost packaging container was separated from the lowermost packaging container and placed on the belt conveyor. It is a top view showing the state in which the holding | maintenance part hold | maintained the packaging container of another shape. It is a top view showing the state in which the holding | maintenance part hold | maintained the packaging container of another shape. It is a top view showing the state in which the holding | maintenance part hold | maintained the packaging container of another shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a separation / conveying device and a separation / conveying method for a packaging container according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In addition, this description is an example which showed the claim, and does not mean limiting a claim to this description.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a packaging container separating and conveying apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging container 11 is formed with a substantially rectangular opening portion 11 </ b> A, a bottom surface 11 </ b> C, an outer periphery, and the opening portion 11 in which the horizontal direction (X direction) is longer than the vertical direction (Y direction). The cross section in the front direction has a substantially trapezoidal shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the opening 11A is longer than that of the bottom surface 11C.

The packaging container 11 has a gripping part 11D for gripping the packaging container 11 at the upper edge, and the gripping part 11D projects in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction) and is the outer periphery of the opening part 11A. Is provided to make one round.
The grip portion 11D includes a grip portion ceiling surface 11D1 that is a ceiling surface, a grip portion inner periphery 11D2 that is an inner periphery, a grip portion outer periphery 11D4 that is an outer periphery, and a grip portion rear surface 11D6 that is a rear surface.
The gripper inner periphery 11D2 and the gripper outer periphery 11D4 are chamfered in an arc shape in the vicinity of the gripper inner peripheral corner 11D3 and the gripper outer peripheral corner 11D5, which are the intersections of the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction). Yes.

The thickness of the grip portion 11D, the outer peripheral surface 11B, and the bottom surface 11C is about 0.3 mm or more, but is not limited thereto.
The packaging container 11 is not limited to the description of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the front cross-section has a substantially rectangular shape in which the length of the opening 11 </ b> A in the horizontal direction (X direction) is the same as that of the bottom surface 11 </ b> C. The vicinity of the inner peripheral corner 11D3 and the gripper outer peripheral corner 11D5 may be any one that is not chamfered in an arc shape, or the outer edge of the gripper 11D is bent downward in the vertical direction (Z direction).

As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging container 11 is sequentially stacked in the vertical direction (Z direction) like the lowermost packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container 23, and the uppermost packaging container 24. The packaging container group 21 stacked up to is configured.

A gap 25 exists between the gripper ceiling surface 11D1 which is the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container 22 and the gripper back surface 11D6 which is the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container 23.
The length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is about 2 mm or more, but is not limited thereto.
Note that the gap 25 does not exist only between the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container 22 and the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container 23, but the outermost edge and the outermost edge of the lowermost packaging container 23. It exists also between the outer edges of the lower two packaging containers (not labeled), and exists between all the stages from the lowermost packaging container 22 to the uppermost packaging container 24.

The separating and conveying apparatus for a packaging container that separates and conveys the lowermost packaging container 22 from the other packaging containers from the packaging container group 21 according to the present invention includes a holding unit 1 that holds the lowermost packaging container 22, and the lowermost stage. The separation container 2 separates the packaging container 22 and the packaging container 23 on the lowermost stage.

The holding unit 1 includes a holding unit main body 1A that holds the gripping part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22, a servo motor 1B that drives the holding unit main body 1A quickly and accurately, a servo motor 1B, and a holding unit main body 1A. Consists of a pair of stretchable parts 1C that are connected and extend and contract toward the lowermost packaging container 22, and move forward and backward or open and close by expanding and contracting toward the lowermost packaging container 22 to hold the gripping part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22 To do.

As shown in FIG. 1, the holding portions 1 are arranged in pairs (arranged vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction)) so as to advance or retreat with respect to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11).
Each holding part 1 is driven and the holding part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22 is held by the packaging container holding side 1D of the holding part main body 1A. The details of driving the holding unit 1 will be described later.
Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the uppermost packaging container 24 to the uppermost packaging container 24 are collectively held by the collective holding unit.

The separation part 2 is a packaging container that is inserted into the gap 25 between the gripping part ceiling surface 11D1 that is the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container 22 and the gripping part rear surface 11D6 that is the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container 23 The side tip 2A, the servo motor 2B for driving the packaging container side tip 2A quickly and accurately, the servo motor 2B, and the expansion / contraction part 2C connected to the packaging container side tip 2A and extending and contracting toward the gap 25 are formed. It is inserted by extension and contraction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the separation unit 2 is arranged on the left and right in the horizontal direction (X direction) with respect to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11).
Each separation part 2 is driven, and the lowermost packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container 23 are separated by the packaging container side tip 2A. The details of driving the separation unit 2 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lowermost separated packaging container 22 is placed under the vertical direction (Z direction) of the packaging container group 21 and transported to the next processing unit for filling foods and the like. A high-speed conveyance unit is provided. The high-speed transport unit includes, for example, a belt conveyor 3, but is not limited thereto. The details of the operation of placing the separated lowermost packaging container 22 on the belt conveyor 3 will be described later.

Next, details of driving the holding unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, holding of each holding portion 1 arranged in a pair (up and down in the vertical direction (Y direction)) so as to advance / retreat or open / close with respect to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11). The main part 1A takes in an output signal of a position measuring sensor (not shown) of the holding part main body 1A into a control device (not shown), and servos according to the distance from the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11). By controlling the motor 1B to an optimum speed, the motor 1B is driven quickly and accurately toward the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11).
By using the servo motor 1B, the holding body 1A can be stopped with respect to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) more accurately than when the air cylinder is used.
Therefore, it becomes possible for holding part main body 1A to hold holding part back surface 11D6 of packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) correctly, and to realize reduction of separation mistake and improvement in operating rate of the apparatus.

By using the servo motor 1B, even if the stroke of the expansion / contraction part 1C (length extending from the start to the end of driving) is very short, it is possible to achieve a driving time equivalent to or longer than that when using an air cylinder. When the stroke is not very short, the driving time can be made shorter than when the air cylinder is used.

From the above, by using the servo motor 1B, it is possible to drive the holding unit main body 1A to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) at high speed, and to improve the operating rate of the apparatus.

The holding part main body 1A holds the grip part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) on the packaging container holding side 1D.
As shown in FIG. 1, the packaging container holding side 1D has a substantially concave shape including a packaging container holding side vertical part 1D1 and a packaging container holding side cut-in part 1D2.
The packaging container holding side vertical portion 1D1 has a shape parallel to a portion extending vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction) in the gripper inner periphery 11D2 of the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11).
The packaging container holding-side cut-in part 1D2 is connected to the packaging container holding-side vertical part 1D1, and the holding part main body 1A is placed on a direction (vertical direction (Y direction)) opposite to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11). If the holding part 1 is arranged, it is connected to the left packaging container holding side vertical part 1D1 in the direction (horizontal direction (X direction)) and the direction toward the center in the horizontal direction (X direction). In this case, the shape is cut to the right).
Since the substantially concave shape has a vertex cut most deeply in the vicinity of the center, it is suitable for holding a substantially perfect circle shape, and thus can correspond to various outer edge shapes of packaging containers.
That is, the opening 11A has a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially perfect circle shape, a substantially elliptical shape, or the like, but the packaging container 11 having a different external structure other than the gripping portion 11D, or the gripping portion 11D makes one round of the outer periphery of the opening portion 11A. Thus, it is possible to hold various types of packaging containers 11 such as packaging containers 11 having different shapes of gripping portions 11D that are provided so as to be not provided so as to make one round of the outer periphery. Details will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the holding unit 1 holds the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11). The vertical direction (existing in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 exists in two places (the X direction) The distance D1 between the portions extending vertically in the Y direction) is the same as or substantially the same as the distance D2 between the packaging container holding side vertical portions 1D1 existing at the two left and right in the horizontal direction (X direction).
When the holding unit main body 1A is driven toward the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11), the distance D1 and the distance D2 are the same or substantially the same. It contacts each of the parts extending vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the inner circumference 11D2.
As a result, the holder main body 1A can hold the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11).
Extends vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 at the tip of the packaging container holding side vertical portion 1D1 (tip in the direction facing the lowest packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) in the vertical direction (Y direction)). The stop position to the part can be arbitrarily set by a control device (not shown) because the servo motor 1B is used.
For example, when it is desired to ensure the holding, it may be brought close to the center of the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11). In this case, the stroke of the extendable part 1C becomes long. Further, when it is desired to shorten the driving time, it is only necessary to approach the grip portion inner peripheral corner 11D3. In this case, the stroke of the extendable portion 1C is shortened.

In addition, although the holding | maintenance part main body 1A hold | maintained the holding | grip part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11), if it can hold | maintain, it will not be limited to this.

Next, details of driving the separation unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging container side tips 2A of the separating portions 2 arranged on the left and right in the horizontal direction (X direction) with respect to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) are on the packaging container side. The output signal of the position measurement sensor (not shown) of the tip 2A is taken into a control device (not shown), and the servo motor 2B is controlled to an optimum speed according to the distance from the gap 25, thereby lowermost packaging. It is quickly and accurately driven so as to be inserted into the gap 25 between the gripping part ceiling surface 11D1 which is the outer edge of the container 22 and the gripping part back surface 11D6 which is the outer edge of the packaging container 23 on the lowermost stage.
FIG. 3 shows a state in which the packaging container side tip 2A is being extended.

When the packaging container side tip 2A is inserted into the gap 25, the lowermost packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container 23 are separated.
The length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is at least about 2 mm as described above, and the packaging container-side tip 2A has a tip (vertical) as shown in FIG. The length of the direction (Y direction) is a wedge shape that is longer than the rear end (portion connected to the stretchable part 2C). However, the shape is not limited to this as long as the shape can be easily inserted.

By using the servo motor 2B, the packaging container-side tip 2A can be inserted into the gap 25 and stopped more accurately than when the air cylinder is used.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging container side tip 2A is inserted into the gap 25 from the left and right sides, and the control device (not shown) uses the servo motor 2B to control the left and right packaging container side tips 2A. Since the timing of inserting into the gap 25 can be set at the same time, it becomes possible to accurately separate the lowermost packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container 23 from each other. Can improve the operating rate.

The stroke of the expansion / contraction part 2C (length extending from the start to the end of driving) is also very short like the stroke of the expansion / contraction part 1C of the holding part 1, but even if the stroke is very short by using the servo motor 2B, the air It becomes possible to make the driving time equal to or longer than when a cylinder is used. When the stroke is not very short, the driving time can be made shorter than when the air cylinder is used.

From the above, by using the servo motor 2B, it is possible to drive the packaging container side front end 2A into the gap 25 at high speed, thereby improving the operating rate of the apparatus.

Next, details of driving the separation unit 2 will be further described with reference to FIGS.
4 to 6 are all enlarged views of a portion B in FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion B in FIG. 3 showing a state in the middle of extension of the packaging container side tip 2A.
The holding part main body 1A holds the gripping part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22, and the packaging container side tip 2A of the separating part 2 is not inserted into the gap 25.
By using the servo motors 1B and 2B, the holding unit main body 1A holds the gripping part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22 by a control device (not shown), and then the gap is formed in the gap 25 of the packaging container side tip 2A. It is possible to arbitrarily set the time (including simultaneous) until the insertion is completed.
Therefore, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the insertion of the packaging container side front end 2A is completed, and the operating rate of the apparatus can be improved.

As described above, the minimum length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is about 2 mm. After the gap 25 is inserted into the narrow gap 25, the length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is widened. In order to more reliably separate the lower packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container 23 from each other, the packaging container-side tip 2A has a substantially mountain shape (no symbol).
The substantially mountain shape means a portion protruding upward (in the direction toward the lowermost packaging container 23) or lower (in the direction toward the lowermost packaging container 22) or above and below in the vertical direction (Z direction). Represents a shape having Most preferably, it has a portion protruding upward and downward, and FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6 show this case.
The position in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the top of the protruding portion (maximum position in the vertical direction (Z direction) and in the downward direction) (unsigned) in the horizontal direction (X direction) in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
The slope from the rear end to the top (not indicated) and the slope from the top to the tip are linear or arcuate so that the cross section in the vertical direction (Z direction) has a wedge shape. 2 and 4 to 6 show the case of a linear shape.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the packaging container side tip 2A is inserted into the gap 25 between the gripping part ceiling surface 11D1 of the lowermost packaging container 22 and the gripping part back surface 11D6 of the packaging container 23 on the lowermost stage. FIG.
Since the packaging container-side tip 2A is inserted into the gap 25, the gripping portion back surface 11D6 of the packaging container 23 on the uppermost level (not indicated) and the ceiling of the gripping section of the lowermost packaging container 22 are provided. The top of the substantially mountain shape (not indicated) is in contact with the surface 11D1 and proceeds to the right in the horizontal direction (X direction) so that the rear end of the packaging container side front end 2A (the portion connected to the expansion / contraction part 2C) goes to the top. Due to the inclination (no sign), the gripping part back surface 11D6 of the packaging container 23 on the lowermost level is pushed up in the vertical direction (Z direction), and the gripping part ceiling surface 11D1 of the lowermost level packaging container 22 is pushed in the vertical direction. Press down (Z direction).
Thus, the length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) can be increased, and the lowermost packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container 23 can be reliably separated.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B showing a state in which the lowermost packaging container 22 is separated from the lowermost packaging container 23 and placed on the belt conveyor 3.
The holding unit main body 1A indicated by the broken line has moved backward from the front of the drawing (from the state in which the lowermost packaging container 22 is held in FIG. 3 to the position before driving in FIG. The holding part back surface 11D6 of the lowermost packaging container 22 is held open. Similarly, the packaging container-side tip 2A also indicates that the retractable portion 2C has returned to the position before driving due to the contraction.

The lowermost packaging container 22 separated by inserting the packaging container side tip 2A into the gap 25 is freed from the bottom surface 11C due to natural fall by releasing the holding part back surface 11D6 by retreating the holding part body 1A. Is placed on the belt conveyor 3 so as to be in contact with each other.
When an air cylinder is used to place the separated lowermost packaging container 22 on the belt conveyor 3, the lowermost packaging container of the air cylinder can be used even if the drive time of the drive unit 1 and the separation unit 2 is shortened. Since the holding position of 22 and the reciprocation time of the belt conveyor 3 (which often takes about 2 seconds or more) become a cause of the stagnation, the apparatus operating rate is not improved.
On the other hand, by placing the lowermost packaging container 22 separated on the belt conveyor 3 as a natural drop, the driving time of the driving unit 1 and the separating unit 2 and the conveying time of the belt conveyor 3 (food filling, etc.) The operation rate of the apparatus can be improved only by shortening the time for transporting to the next processing unit.

Next, the detailed arrangement of the separation unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As described above, the separation unit 2 is disposed on the left and right in the horizontal direction (X direction) with respect to the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11), and the packaging container side tip 2A is inserted into the gap 25 from the left and right. It becomes possible to separate the lowermost packaging container 22 from the lowermost packaging container 23.
FIG. 2 shows that the packaging containers 11 of all the stages are stacked in an orderly manner, but may be stacked at an inclination.
When tilted and stacked, the length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) differs depending on where the left packaging container side tip 2A is inserted and where the right packaging container side tip 2A is inserted. Or when the length of the gap 25 in the vertical direction (Z direction) is different between a location close to the table in FIG. 2 and a location close to the back (location near the bottom in the vertical direction (Y direction) and location near the top in FIG. 1). Etc.
Even when the lowermost packaging container 23 (packaging container 11) is tilted and stacked, the left and right separation portions 2 are arranged as follows in order to reliably separate the lowermost packaging container 22.

In FIG. 1, a virtual straight line 103 in the horizontal direction (X direction) represents the center of the left separation unit 2 in the vertical direction (Y direction). Similarly, the imaginary straight line 104 in the horizontal direction (X direction) represents the center in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the right separator 2. The left and right packaging container-side tips 2A are driven so as to be inserted into the gap 25 along the imaginary straight lines 103 and 104 in the horizontal direction (X direction).
The center 11E in the plan view of the packaging container 11 is represented by the intersection of the center line 101 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the center line 102 in the vertical direction (Y direction), and imaginary straight lines 103 and 104 in the horizontal direction (X direction). The connecting virtual line 105 passes through the center 11E in the plan view.

This is because the imaginary straight line 105 connecting the positions where the left and right packaging container side tips 2A are inserted into the gap 25 is the intersection of the center line 101 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the center line 102 in the vertical direction (Y direction). The right and left separation parts 2 are arranged so as to pass through the center 11E in a certain plan view.
That is, since the virtual straight line 105 connecting the virtual straight lines 103 and 104 in the horizontal direction (X direction) passes through the center 11E in the plan view, the left and right packaging container side tips 2A are point-symmetric with respect to the center 11E in the plan view. It represents that it is arranged.

As a result, the left and right packaging container-side tips 2A are inserted into the gap 25 in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the center of gravity of the lowermost packaging container 23 (packaging container 11). Even if the container 23 (packaging container 11) is inclined and stacked, the gripping part back surface 11D6 is surely pushed up in the vertical direction (Z direction), so the lowermost packaging container 22 and the lowermost packaging container on the first stage 23 can be reliably separated.

From the above, the virtual straight line 105 connecting the positions where the left and right packaging container side tips 2A are inserted into the gap 25 is the intersection of the center line 101 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the center line 102 in the vertical direction (Y direction). By arranging the left and right separation parts 2 so as to pass through the center 11E in a certain plan view, even when the packaging container 23 on the lowermost level is inclined and stacked, it is ensured without mistakes that It becomes possible to separate the lower packaging container 22 from the lowermost packaging container 23, and to improve the operating rate of the apparatus.

Next, the packaging container holding side 1D of the holding part main body 1A will be described with reference to FIGS.
Although the configuration, operation, and effect of the packaging container holding side 1D have been described above with reference to FIG. 3, FIGS. 7 to 9 differ in the external structure other than the packaging container 11 and the gripping part 11D in FIG. 3 or the shape of the gripping part 11D. Shows the case.

FIG. 7 shows a case where the opening 11A has a substantially square shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (X direction) is the same as or substantially the same as that in the vertical direction (Y direction), unlike FIG.
And unlike FIG. 3, the distance D1 between the two parts extending vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction) existing at the two left and right positions in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 is the two left and right positions in the horizontal direction (X direction). The case where it is shorter than the distance D2 between the packaging container holding | maintenance side perpendicular | vertical parts 1D1 which exist in FIG.
When the holding unit main body 1A is driven toward the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11), the distance D1 is shorter than the distance D2, so that each of the left and right packaging container holding side vertical parts 1D1 is perpendicular to the gripper inner periphery 11D2 ( Continue driving without touching each of the portions extending vertically in the Y direction). Since the holding unit main body 1A that has continued to drive is in contact with the corresponding gripper inner peripheral corner 11D3 of the left and right packaging container holding side cutouts 1D2, the lowermost packaging container 22 is placed at the left and right packaging container holding side cutouts 1D2. It becomes possible to hold (packaging container 11).

FIG. 8 shows a case where the gripping portion 11D is different from FIG. 3 and is not provided so as to make one round of the outer periphery that protrudes only to the left and right in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the outer periphery of the opening 11A.
Note that the distance D1 between the portions extending vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction) existing at the two left and right positions in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 exists at the two left and right positions in the horizontal direction (X direction). It is the same as or substantially the same as the distance D2 between the packaging container holding side vertical parts 1D1, and is the same as FIG. Therefore, the holder main body 1A is in contact with each of the portions extending vertically in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 to which the packaging container holding side vertical portion 1D1 corresponds, whereby the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11 ), The action and effect are the same as in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a case where the opening 11A is different from FIG. 3 and has a substantially circular shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (X direction) is the same as or substantially the same as that in the vertical direction (Y direction).
Also, unlike FIG. 3, the distance D3 between both ends in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 is longer than the distance D2 between the packaging container holding side vertical parts 1D1 present at the two left and right sides in the horizontal direction (X direction). Shows the case.
When the holding unit main body 1A is driven toward the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11), the distance D3 is longer than the distance D2, and therefore the leading ends (vertical direction (Y direction) of the left and right packaging container holding side vertical parts 1D1. Since the lowermost packaging container 22 (tip in the direction facing the packaging container 11) is in contact with two points of the corresponding gripper inner periphery 11D2, the lowermost packaging container 22 at the left and right packaging container holding side vertical portions 1D1. It becomes possible to hold (packaging container 11).
Although not shown, depending on the difference between the distance 2 and the distance 3, the left and right packaging container holding-side cut portions 1D2 are in contact with the corresponding gripping portion inner periphery 11D2. Also in this case, the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) can be held by the left and right packaging container holding-side cut portions 1D2.
Therefore, even when the opening 11A has a substantially elliptical shape in which the length in the horizontal direction (X direction) is different from the vertical direction (Y direction) in the horizontal direction (X direction) or the vertical direction (Y direction), The tip of the packaging container holding side vertical part 1D1 (tip in the direction facing the lowest packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) in the vertical direction (Y direction)) or the packaging container holding side cut part 1D2 corresponds to the inner periphery 11D2 of the corresponding gripping part. Although not shown, it is obvious that the lowermost packaging container 22 (packaging container 11) can be held by contacting the two points.

From the above, the packaging container holding side 1D has a substantially concave shape composed of the packaging container holding side vertical portion 1D1 and the packaging container holding side cut portion 1D2, and the substantially concave shape has a vertex cut most deeply near the center. Since it is suitable for holding a substantially perfect circle shape, it is possible to deal with various outer edge shapes of packaging containers. In addition, in the case of a substantially perfect circle shape, it is possible to cope with a change in diameter.
That is, the opening 11A has a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially perfect circle shape, a substantially elliptical shape, or the like, but the packaging container 11 having a different external structure other than the gripping portion 11D, or the gripping portion 11D makes one round of the outer periphery of the opening portion 11A. Thus, it is possible to hold various types of packaging containers 11 such as packaging containers 11 having different shapes of gripping portions 11D that are provided so as to be not provided so as to make one round of the outer periphery.

Finally, a method for separating and conveying a packaging container according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Although FIGS. 1-9 is drawing which shows the separation conveyance apparatus of a packaging container, it is also possible to provide the separation conveyance method of a packaging container by the above-mentioned description content based on drawing.
That is, in a method of separating and transporting a packaging container in which a lowermost packaging container is separated from another packaging container and transported from a packaging container group in which packaging containers having a gripping portion at the upper edge are laminated, the directing toward the lowermost packaging container The holding part that holds the back of the gripping part of the lowermost packaging container is moved quickly and accurately by the servo motor, and is placed on the packaging container side by extending and retracting by expansion and contraction, and the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container and the lowermost packaging container The separation part placed on the left and right side with the tip of the packaging container inserted by expansion and contraction toward the outer edge of the upper packaging container is quickly and accurately driven by the servo motor and placed on the packaging container side. It is possible to provide a method for separating and transporting a packaging container, characterized in that the lower packaging container is separated and the separated lowermost packaging container is placed on the high-speed transport unit by natural fall due to retraction of the holding unit. .
Since the structure, operation, and effect of the method for separating and transporting the packaging container are the same only by replacing the apparatus with the method, the description is omitted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Holding part 1A Holding part main body 1B Servo motor 1C Telescopic part 1D Packaging container holding side 1D1 Packaging container holding side vertical part 1D2 Packaging container holding side notch part 2 Separating part 2A Packaging container side front end 2B Servo motor 2C Extending part 3 Belt conveyor 11 Packaging container 11A Opening portion 11B Outer peripheral surface 11C Bottom surface 11D Grip portion 11D1 Grip portion ceiling surface 11D2 Grip portion inner circumference 11D3 Grip portion inner circumference corner 11D4 Grip portion outer circumference 11D5 Grip portion outer circumference corner 11D6 Grip portion rear surface 11E Center 21 in plan view Packaging container group 22 Lowermost packaging container 23 Lowermost packaging container 24 Uppermost packaging container 25 Air gap 101 Horizontal direction (X direction) center line 102 Vertical direction (Y direction) center line 103 Horizontal direction (X direction) Virtual straight line 104 horizontal direction (X direction) virtual straight line 105 horizontal direction (X direction) virtual straight line 1 Virtual straight line D1 connecting 03 and 104 The distance D2 between the vertical portions (Y direction) extending vertically in the two horizontal directions (X direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2 D2 in the horizontal direction (X direction) The distance D3 between the packaging container holding side vertical parts 1D1 existing in two places The distance between both ends in the horizontal direction (X direction) of the gripper inner periphery 11D2

Claims (4)

From the packaging container group in which packaging containers having gripping portions on the upper edge are stacked , the lowermost packaging container is used by using the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container and the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container. In a separating and transporting device for a packaging container that is transported separately from the packaging container,
The holding side of the packaging container holding side has a generally concave holding part body that corresponds to the outer shape of various packaging containers. Holding part to
Consists separation portion disposed on the left and right have the packaging container side tip that is inserted by the expansion and contraction toward the outer edge of the gap of the outer edge and the packaging containers of the lowermost 1 level upper of the lowermost package, further the right and left Separating and disposing the packaging container, wherein the separating unit is disposed at different positions in the horizontal direction, and the holding unit and the separating unit are driven quickly and accurately by a servo motor. In the separation parts arranged on the left and right sides, the virtual straight line connecting the positions where the respective leading ends of the packaging containers are inserted into the gaps passes through the intersection of the horizontal center line and the vertical center line of the packaging container. The separating / conveying device for a packaging container according to claim 1, wherein The packaging container separating and conveying device according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the packaging container side tip of the separating portion has a substantially mountain shape. From the packaging container group in which packaging containers having gripping portions on the upper edge are stacked , the lowermost packaging container is used by using the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container and the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container. In the method of separating and transporting a packaging container that is separated from the packaging container and transported,
The holding side of the packaging container holding side has a generally concave holding part body corresponding to the outer shape of various packaging containers. The holding part to be driven is quickly and accurately driven by a servo motor and placed on the packaging container side,
It is arranged on the left and right with the packaging container side tip inserted by expansion and contraction toward the gap between the outer edge of the lowermost packaging container and the outer edge of the uppermost packaging container on the lowermost stage , and arranged at different positions in the horizontal direction. The separation part is driven quickly and accurately by a servo motor and placed on the packaging container side to separate the bottom packaging container,
A method for separating and transporting a packaging container, wherein the separated lowermost packaging container is placed on a high-speed transport unit by natural fall caused by retraction of a holding unit.

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