JP6286159B2 - Alignment method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alignment method and apparatus for uniformizing a group of articles conveyed from a previous process.

  In a roll bread production line in a bakery factory, processing is performed in a baking process, a conveying process, and a packaging process. In the baking process, the dough placed on the iron plate by about 20 to 30 pieces is baked in an oven. In the transport process, the rolls baked in the oven are transported toward the packaging machine while being aligned in a row. In the packaging process, roll bread is packaged one by one or a predetermined number.

  In the transporting process, for example, an aligning device described in Patent Document 1 is employed to align the roll pans in one row. The alignment apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a recirculation bed that returns articles arranged side by side on the conveyance surface from downstream to upstream. The recirculation bed always returns the product upstream as long as the articles are laid out on the transport surface. Thereby, articles can be aligned in one row.

JP 2000-118687 A

  However, since the alignment apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a recirculation bed or the like, the arrangement becomes large. And since a recirculation bed returns articles | goods upstream, the first-in first-out of articles | goods cannot be performed reliably.

  Such a problem is not limited to the case of rolls, but may be common when other foods such as cookies and chocolates, or daily goods and other non-foods are used as articles.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an alignment method and apparatus capable of reliably performing first-in first-out of articles without increasing the size.

  (1) The present invention is characterized in that after the group of articles being conveyed is separated into a plurality of small article groups, one small article group is joined to another small article group by shifting the position in the conveyance direction. It is an alignment method. In the present application document, the meaning of “merge” includes transferring other small article groups between the small article groups so that the small article groups do not interfere with each other.

(2) The present invention also includes a sorting unit that divides a group of articles to be supplied into a plurality of rows while dividing the group of articles into a plurality of rows, and a plurality of transport units that are provided for each row, and serves as a reference. The small article group that has passed through another conveying means is joined to a means, and the position of the small article group of the reference conveying means and the joined small article group is shifted while being shifted. The alignment apparatus is characterized in that at least one of the reference conveying means and the other conveying means includes an intermittent conveying mechanism that intermittently conveys the small article group, and the intermittent conveying mechanism includes a conveying path. This is an alignment apparatus characterized in that the length of each is variable .

According to the present invention, it is possible to level the group of articles that are sequentially supplied. Thereby, the processing apparatus (for example, packaging machine) of a post process can be stably operated continuously. And a buffer (accumulation) device is unnecessary. For this reason, it can prevent that the length of a manufacturing line becomes long. Moreover, the first-in first-out of the article can be reliably performed without increasing the size.
Moreover, according to the said invention, even if it is a case where the quantity of the articles | goods group supplied sequentially changes by changing the length of the conveyance path | route of an intermittent conveyance mechanism, the said articles | goods group can be leveled reliably. it can.

  (3) The present invention is also characterized by comprising guide means that abuts the small article group and guides the small article group of another conveying means to the reference conveying means. The alignment apparatus according to (2) above.

  (4) The present invention is also characterized in that the position is shifted by increasing / decreasing the conveyance speed or temporarily stopping at least one of the reference conveyance unit and the other conveyance unit. Or it is the alignment apparatus as described in (3).

  The present invention is also characterized in that the position is shifted by another conveying means taking a longer conveying path than the reference conveying means, as described in (2) or (3) above Alignment device.

(8) The present invention also includes a measurement unit that measures the length of the small article group in the conveyance direction in another conveyance unit and the interval between the small article groups in the reference conveyance unit. Based on the measured value, the small article group of another conveying means is joined to the reference conveying means so that the center of the length of the small article group is located at the center of the interval. The alignment apparatus according to any one of the above .

According to any one of the above alignment methods and apparatuses of the present invention, first-in first-out of articles can be reliably performed without increasing the size.

1 is a schematic view of an alignment apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A)-(D) is the schematic explaining operation | movement of the alignment apparatus shown by FIG. (E)-(H) are the schematic diagrams explaining operation | movement of the alignment apparatus shown by FIG. 1, and show the continuation of FIG. It is the schematic of the alignment apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the alignment apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the alignment apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (B) is a front view of the conveyance means shown by FIG.

  Hereinafter, an alignment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  [First Embodiment] First, the configuration of the alignment apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an alignment apparatus 1. In addition, in this figure and each subsequent figure, one part structure is abbreviate | omitted suitably and drawing is simplified.

  The alignment apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used in a line for producing a roll pan XA1. In the line that manufactures the roll pan XA1, processing is performed in a baking process, a conveying process, and a packaging process. In the baking process, the dough placed on the iron plate by about 20 to 30 pieces is baked in an oven. In the transporting process, the roll bread XA1 baked in the oven is transported toward the packaging machine while being aligned in a row by the aligning device 1. In the packaging process, the rolls XA1 are packaged one by one or a predetermined number.

  In this specification, a case where the rolls XA1 are conveyed while being aligned in one row will be described as an example. However, the present invention aligns other foods such as cookies and chocolate, or daily necessities and other non-food items in one row. It can be applied when transporting while moving. Moreover, although this specification demonstrates as an example the case where it conveys toward a packaging machine, this invention is not limited to a packaging machine.

  The alignment apparatus 1 includes a conveyor 10, a sorting unit 11, two transport units 12, 13, a guide unit 14, a sensor or camera (not shown), a control unit (not shown), and the like. ing.

  Each part of the aligning device 1 is centrally controlled by the control unit. That is, each part of the alignment apparatus 1 operates under the control of the control unit, and the operation status is managed by the control unit. As will be described in detail later, the control unit controls the two conveying means 12 and 13 based on the data acquired by the sensor or the camera, and relatively increases the speed, relatively decreases or stops, The positions of the plurality of small article groups ZA2, ZA3 in the transport direction are relatively shifted.

  The sensor or camera functions as a measurement unit that measures the length of the small article group ZA2 conveyed by one conveyance unit 13 in the conveyance direction and the interval between the small article groups ZA3 conveyed by the other conveyance unit 12. To do. This measurement result is used as a basis for control by the control unit. That is, the control unit controls the transport conveyor 10 and the two transport means 12 and 13 also using the measurement result of the sensor or the camera.

  Specifically, the control unit includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and executes various controls. The CPU is a so-called central processing unit, and various programs are executed to realize various functions. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU. The ROM stores a basic OS and programs executed by the CPU.

  The conveyor 10 is a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The conveyor 10 has a servo motor (not shown), and is driven in a steady manner (continuous operation) by being powered by the servo motor. Thereby, the conveyor 10 conveys about 20 to 30 roll pans XA1 sequentially supplied from the oven in the baking process, which is the preceding process, toward the sorting unit 11 as the large article group ZA1.

  The allocating means 11 sequentially sorts the large article group ZA1 that is sequentially supplied into two small article groups into two small article groups ZA2 and ZA3, while the two small article groups ZA2 and ZA3 are grouped together. One by one is supplied to the two conveying means 12 and 13. In the distribution means 11, the number of roll pans XA1 constituting the small article group ZA2 supplied to the conveying means 12 is the same as the number of roll pans XA1 constituting the small article group ZA2 supplied to the conveying means 13. Or it is preferable to set so that it may increase.

  The two conveying means 12 and 13 are provided one by one so as to correspond to each of the plurality of small article groups ZA2 and ZA3 distributed by the distributing means 11. These two transport means 12 and 13 respectively shift the positions of the small article groups ZA2 and ZA3 in the transport direction relative to each other while transporting the corresponding small article groups ZA2 and ZA3.

  Specifically, the conveyance means 12 consists of a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The conveying means 12 has a servo motor (not shown), and is steadily running (continuous operation) by being powered by the servo motor. Thereby, the conveyance means 12 conveys the small article group ZA2 sorted by the distribution means 11 and arranged in one row toward a packaging machine (not shown) in the packaging process.

  The transport means 13 relatively delays the position of the small article group ZA3 in the transport direction. Specifically, the conveying means 13 is composed of two conveying conveyors 13a and 13b arranged in succession.

  The conveyor 13a is a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The conveyor 13a has a servo motor (not shown), and is intermittently driven (intermittent operation) by being powered by the servo motor. Thereby, the conveyance conveyor 13a receives the small article group ZA3 which is sorted by the sorting means 11 and arranged in one row. The transport conveyor 13a stops, thereby shifting the position in the transport direction of the received small article group ZA3 relative to the position in the transport direction of the small article group ZA2 transported by the transport means 12 during the stop. And the conveyance conveyor 13a conveys the received small article group ZA3, and supplies it to the conveyance conveyor 13b. Thus, the conveyance conveyor 13a functions as an intermittent conveyance mechanism that intermittently conveys the small article group ZA3.

  The conveyor 13b is a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The conveyor 13b has a servo motor (not shown), and is steadily running (continuous operation) when powered by the servo motor. Thereby, the conveyance conveyor 13b conveys the small article group ZA3 supplied from the conveyance conveyor 13a toward the guide means 14.

  The guide means 14 joins two small article groups ZA2, ZA3 whose positions in the transport direction are relatively shifted. The guide means 14 includes a side guide (reference numeral omitted) that obliquely crosses the upper side of the transport conveyor 13b, and the small article group ZA3 transported by the transport conveyor 13b is transported by the power of the transport conveyor 13b. 12 joins the small article group ZA2 conveyed. Specifically, the guide means 14 has the center position in the transport direction of the small article group ZA3 transported by one transport means 13 at the center between the small article groups ZA2 transported by the other transport means 12. A plurality of small article groups ZA2, ZA3 are joined so as to be positioned.

  Next, the operation of the alignment apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIGS. 2A to 2D and FIGS. 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of the alignment apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the plurality of large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals from each other, and sequentially supplied to the sorting means 11. The large article group ZA1 supplied to the distribution means 11 is distributed by the distribution means 11 into two small article groups ZA2 and ZA3. The small article group ZA2 sorted by the sorting unit 11 is supplied to the transport unit 12. The small article group ZA3 sorted by the sorting unit 11 is supplied to the transport conveyor 13a of the transport unit 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the small article group ZA2 supplied to the transport unit 12 is transported by the transport unit 12. The small article group ZA3 supplied to the transport conveyor 13a is transported by the transport conveyor 13a. At the same time, a plurality of subsequent large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the small article group ZA2 on the transport unit 12 continues to be transported by the transport unit 12. The small article group ZA3 on the transport conveyor 13a is relatively delayed in position in the transport direction relative to the transport direction position of the small article group ZA2 transported by the transport means 12 due to the stop of the transport conveyor 13a. At the same time, a plurality of subsequent large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals from each other, and sequentially supplied to the sorting means 11. The large article group ZA1 supplied to the distribution means 11 is distributed by the distribution means 11 into two small article groups ZA2 and ZA3.

  As shown in FIG. 2D, the small article group ZA2 on the transport unit 12 continues to be transported by the transport unit 12. The small article group ZA3 on the conveyance conveyor 13a is conveyed so as to follow the small article group ZA2 on the conveyance means 12 by resuming traveling of the conveyance conveyor 13a, and is supplied to the conveyance conveyor 13b. At the same time, the subsequent small article group ZA2 sorted by the sorting unit 11 is supplied to the transport unit 12. The subsequent small article group ZA3 sorted by the sorting means 11 is supplied to the transport conveyor 13a of the transport means 13. Further, a plurality of subsequent large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the small article group ZA2 on the transport unit 12 is continuously transported by the transport unit 12. The small article group ZA3 supplied to the transfer conveyor 13b is transferred by the transfer conveyor 13b and supplied to the guide means 14. At the same time, the succeeding small article group ZA2 supplied to the conveying means 12 is conveyed by the conveying means 12 with a space between the preceding small article group ZA2. The succeeding small article group ZA3 supplied to the transport conveyor 13a is transported by the transport conveyor 13a at an interval from the preceding small article group ZA3. Further, a plurality of subsequent large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the plurality of small article groups ZA <b> 2 on the transport unit 12 continues to be transported by the transport unit 12. The small article group ZA3 supplied to the guide means 14 is merged between the plurality of small article groups ZA2 on the conveying means 12 by the guide means 14. At the same time, the small article group ZA3 on the transport conveyor 13a is relatively delayed in position in the transport direction from the transport direction position of the small article group ZA2 transported by the transport means 12 due to the stop of the transport conveyor 13a. Sway. Further, a plurality of subsequent large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals from each other, and sequentially supplied to the sorting means 11. The large article group ZA1 supplied to the distribution means 11 is distributed by the distribution means 11 into two small article groups ZA2 and ZA3.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the plurality of small article groups ZA2 on the conveying means 12 are continuously conveyed by the conveying means 12 with the small article group ZA3 positioned therebetween. The small article group ZA3 merged between the plurality of small article groups ZA2 by the guide means 14 is conveyed by the conveying means 12 in a state aligned with the plurality of small article groups ZA2. At the same time, the small article group ZA3 on the transport conveyor 13a is transported so as to follow the small article group ZA2 on the transport means 12 by resuming traveling of the transport conveyor 13a, and is supplied to the transport conveyor 13b. Further, the succeeding small article group ZA2 sorted by the sorting unit 11 is supplied to the transport unit 12. The further subsequent small article group ZA3 sorted by the sorting unit 11 is supplied to the transport conveyor 13a of the transport unit 13.

  As shown in FIG. 3D, the plurality of small article groups ZA2 and ZA3 on the transport unit 12 are continuously transported by the transport unit 12 in a state of being aligned in one row. At the same time, the small article group ZA3 supplied to the transfer conveyor 13b is transferred by the transfer conveyor 13b and supplied to the guide means 14. Further, the subsequent small article group ZA2 supplied to the conveying means 12 is conveyed by the conveying means 12 with a space between the preceding small article group ZA2. The succeeding small article group ZA3 supplied to the transport conveyor 13a is transported by the transport conveyor 13a at an interval from the preceding small article group ZA3. Further, a plurality of subsequent large article groups ZA1 are transported by the transport conveyor 10 at intervals.

  Thus, according to the alignment apparatus 1, the article group ZA1 supplied sequentially can be leveled. Thereby, the packaging machine of a post process can be stably operated continuously. And a buffer (accumulation) device is unnecessary. For this reason, it can prevent that the length of a manufacturing line becomes long. In addition, unlike the alignment apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-118687, first-in first-out of the roll pan XA1 can be reliably performed without increasing the size.

  [Second Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the alignment apparatus 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the alignment apparatus 2. Here, only the features of the alignment device 2 will be described, and description of the same configuration, operation, and effect as the alignment device 1 will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, only the characteristic portions will be described in the embodiments described below.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the alignment device 2 includes a transport conveyor 10, a sorting unit 11, two transport units 12 and 23, a sensor or camera (not shown), a control unit (not shown), Etc. That is, when the aligning device 2 is compared with the aligning device 1, the aligning device 2 includes a transport unit 23 instead of the transport unit 13 and does not include the guide unit 14.

  The two conveying means 12 and 23 are relatively different in the length of the conveying path. The length of the path transported by the transport means 23 is longer than the length of the path transported by the transport means 12. That is, the small article groups ZA2 and ZA3 are relatively different in the length of the transported path. The length of the path through which the small article group ZA3 is conveyed is longer than the length of the path through which the small article group ZA2 is conveyed.

  Specifically, the transport unit 23 relatively delays the position of the small article group ZA3 in the transport direction. Specifically, the transport means 23 is a roller conveyor. The transport means 23 has a servo motor (not shown), and is steadily traveling at the same speed as the transport means 12 by being powered by the servo motor. Thereby, the conveyance means 23 receives the small article group Z3 sorted by the sorting means 11 and arranged in one row.

  Since the length of the transport path of the transport unit 23 is longer than that of the transport unit 12, the position of the received small article group ZA3 in the transport direction is set in the transport direction of the small article group ZA2 transported by the transport unit 12. Shift relative to the position. Then, the transport unit 23 transports the small article group ZA3 and supplies it to the transport unit 12. Accordingly, the small article group ZA3 is conveyed by the conveying unit 12 in a state of being aligned with the plurality of small article groups ZA2 so as to be positioned between the plurality of small article groups ZA2.

  The transport unit 23 is not limited to a circle as long as the transport unit 23 joins the transport unit 12 at a position where the transport distance is longer than that of the transport unit 12. For example, the transport unit 23 may be a combination of a plurality of linear transport conveyors.

  [Third Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the alignment apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the alignment apparatus 3.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the aligning device 3 includes a transport conveyor 10, a sorting unit 11, two transport units 12 and 33, a sensor or camera (not shown), a control unit (not shown), Etc. That is, when the aligning device 3 is compared with the aligning device 1, the aligning device 3 includes a transport unit 33 instead of the transport unit 13 and does not include the guide unit 14.

  The transport means 33 relatively delays the position of the small article group ZA3 in the transport direction. Specifically, the conveying means 33 is composed of a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The transport means 33 has a servo motor (not shown), and travels while being appropriately accelerated or decelerated by being powered by the servo motor. Thereby, the conveyance means 33 receives the small article group ZA3 that is sorted by the sorting means 11 and arranged in one row.

  Since the transport unit 33 travels while appropriately accelerating, decelerating, or stopping, the position of the received small article group ZA3 in the transport direction is set to the position of the small article group ZA2 transported by the transport unit 12 in the transport direction. Shift relatively. Then, the transport unit 33 transports the small article group ZA3 and supplies it to the transport unit 12. Accordingly, the small article group ZA3 is conveyed by the conveying unit 12 in a state of being aligned with the plurality of small article groups ZA2 so as to be positioned between the plurality of small article groups ZA2.

  [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the alignment apparatus 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the alignment device 4. 7A and 7B are front views of the conveying unit 43. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the aligning device 4 includes a transport conveyor 10, a sorting unit 11, two transport units 12 and 43, a guide unit 14, a sensor or camera (not shown), a control unit ( (Not shown). That is, when the aligning device 4 is compared with the aligning device 1, the aligning device 4 includes a transport unit 43 instead of the transport unit 13.

  The conveyance means 43 relatively delays the position of the small article group ZA3 in the conveyance direction. Specifically, the transport means 43 is a so-called shuttle conveyor.

  As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 (A) and FIG. 7 (B), the transport means 43 includes two transport conveyors 43a and 43b arranged in succession and transport of these two transport conveyors 43a and 43b. A length changing mechanism 43c for changing the length in the direction, and the like.

  The transport conveyor 43a is a belt conveyor. The transport conveyor 43a transports the small article group ZA3 on the transport surface (reference numeral omitted). The transport conveyor 43a is configured so that the length in the transport direction is variable. That is, the length of the transport conveyor 43a is changed as necessary by the length changing mechanism 43c. Specifically, the transport conveyor 43a includes a driving roller 44, driven rollers 45, 46, 47, and 48, an annular belt 49 that runs over these rollers 44 to 48 and travels intermittently, A servo motor (not shown) serving as a power source is provided.

  The driving roller 44 rotates intermittently by driving the servo motor. The driven rollers 45 to 48 are intermittently rotated in conjunction with the driving roller 44 by the intermittent running of the belt 49. The belt 49 travels intermittently (intermittent operation) so as to circulate by intermittent rotation of the driving roller 44.

  As a result, the transfer conveyor 43a receives the small article group ZA3 arranged in one row distributed by the distribution means 11. The transport conveyor 43a stops and shifts the position of the received small article group ZA3 in the transport direction relative to the position of the small article group ZA2 transported by the transport means 12 during the stop. The transport conveyor 43a transports the received small article group ZA3 and supplies it to the transport conveyor 43b. Thus, the conveyance conveyor 43a functions as an intermittent conveyance mechanism that intermittently conveys the small article group ZA3.

  The conveyance conveyor 43b consists of a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. The transport conveyor 43b transports the small article group ZA3 on the transport surface (reference number omitted). The transport conveyor 43b is configured so that the length in the transport direction is variable. That is, the length of the transport conveyor 43b is changed as necessary by the length changing mechanism 43c. Specifically, the transport conveyor 43b includes a driving roller 50, driven rollers 51, 52, 53, and 54, and an annular belt 55 that runs continuously between the rollers 50 to 54, and A servo motor (not shown) serving as a power source is provided.

  The driving roller 50 is continuously rotated by the drive of the servo motor. The driven rollers 51 to 54 are continuously rotated in conjunction with the driving roller 50 as the belt 55 continuously travels. The belt 55 continuously travels (steady travel) so as to circulate by continuous rotation of the driving roller 50.

  Thereby, the conveyance conveyor 43b conveys the small article group ZA3 supplied from the conveyance conveyor 43a toward the guide means 14.

  The length changing mechanism 43c is driven as necessary to change the lengths of the two conveyors 43a and 43b and adjust the position of the connecting portion of the conveyors 43a and 43b. Specifically, the length changing mechanism 43c includes a driving sprocket 56, a driven sprocket 57, an annular chain 58 that runs over the sprockets 56 and 57, and is attached to the chain 58. Two moving holders 59 and 60, a servo motor (not shown) as a power source, and the like are provided.

  The drive sprocket 56 is rotated by the drive of the servo motor. The driven sprocket 57 rotates in conjunction with the driving sprocket 56 as the chain 58 travels. The chain 58 travels so as to circulate by the rotation of the driving sprocket 56.

  The moving holder 59 is attached with a follower roller 48 constituting the transport conveyor 43a and a follower roller 51 constituting the transport conveyor 43b. The moving holder 60 is attached with a follower roller 46 constituting the transport conveyor 43a and a follower roller 53 constituting the transport conveyor 43b. The plurality of moving holders 59 and 60 move together with the chain 58 as the chain 58 travels.

  When the moving holder 59 moves in the downstream direction (right direction in the drawing), the follower roller 48 constituting the transport conveyor 43a and the follower roller 51 constituting the transport conveyor 43b are in the downstream direction. Moving. Thereby, while the length of the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor 43a becomes long, the length of the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor 43b becomes short. When the moving holder 59 moves in the downstream direction, the moving holder 60 moves in the upstream direction (left direction in the drawing).

  When the moving holder 59 moves in the upstream direction (left direction in the drawing), the driven roller 46 constituting the transport conveyor 43a and the driven roller 53 constituting the transport conveyor 43b are in the upstream direction. Moving. This shortens the length of the transport conveyor 43a in the transport direction and increases the length of the transport conveyor 43b in the transport direction. When the moving holder 59 moves in the upstream direction, the moving holder 60 moves in the downstream direction.

  The length changing mechanism 43c may detect the length of the small article group ZA3 in the conveyance direction with a sensor or a camera (not shown), and automatically drive the length changing mechanism 43c. You may make it drive based on the signal from input interfaces, such as a button.

  And it is preferable that the arrangement | positioning of the guide means 14 can be changed in connection with the drive of the length change mechanism 43c, or separately from the drive of the length change mechanism 43c.

  As described above, according to the aligning device 4, even if the amount of the large article group ZA1 sequentially supplied is changed by changing the length of the transport path of the transport conveyor 43a that functions as an intermittent transport mechanism. The large article group ZA1 can be leveled reliably.

  Even if the length of the large article group ZA1 on the conveyor 10 is changed by changing the transfer position and the product guide position of the shuttle conveyor (conveying means 43) at the time of product switching, The group ZA3 can be supplied between the other sorted small article groups ZA2.

  As described above, the alignment method according to the present invention separates a group of articles being conveyed (for example, large article group ZA1) into a plurality of small article groups (for example, small article groups ZA2 and ZA3), and then The alignment method is characterized in that the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3) is joined to the other small article group (for example, the small article group ZA2) by shifting the position in the transport direction.

  Alternatively, the alignment apparatus according to the present invention distributes the supplied article group (for example, the large article group ZA1) into the small article groups (for example, the small article groups ZA2 and ZA3) and distributes them into a plurality of rows (for example, Distribution means 11) and a plurality of conveyance means (for example, conveyance means 12, 13, 23, 33, 43) provided for each row, and the reference conveyance means (for example, conveyance means) 12) joins the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3) via another conveying means (for example, 13, 23, 33, 43), so that the reference conveying means (for example, conveyance) In the aligning device, the position of the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA2) of the means 12) and the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3) joined together is shifted while being shifted. is there.

  Then, the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3) of another conveying means (for example, the conveying means 13, 43) is brought into contact with the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3) as a reference. You may comprise so that the guide means (for example, guide means 14) which guides to a conveyance means (for example, conveyance means 12) may be provided.

  Further, at least one of the reference transport means (for example, the transport means 12) and another transport means (for example, 13, 23, 33, 43), the speed is increased or decreased or temporarily stopped. You may comprise so that it may shift.

  Further, at least one of the reference transporting unit (for example, the transporting unit 12) and another transporting unit (for example, the transporting units 13 and 43) intermittently moves the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3). You may comprise so that the intermittent conveyance mechanism (for example, conveyance conveyor 13a, 43a) to convey may be provided.

  The intermittent transport mechanism (for example, the transport conveyor 43a) may be configured such that the length of the transport path is variable.

  In addition, another transport unit (for example, the transport unit 23) may be configured to shift the position by taking a transport path that is longer than the reference transport unit (for example, the transport unit 12). Good.

  Furthermore, the length in the transport direction of the small article group (for example, small article group ZA3) in another transport means (for example, the transport means 13, 23, 33, 43) and the reference transport means (for example, transport means) 12) measuring means for measuring the interval between the small article groups (for example, the small article group ZA2), and based on the measurement value of the measuring means, the small article group (for example, the small article group ZA3) Based on the small article group (for example, small article group ZA3) of another conveying means (for example, conveying means 13, 23, 33, 43) so that the center of the length is located at the center of the interval. You may comprise so that it may join to the said conveyance means (for example, conveyance means 12).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof.

  That is, in each of the above embodiments, the position, size, length, shape, material, orientation, and the like of each component can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of conveying means is not limited to two and may be three or more.

  Or you may apply the component of said each embodiment to other embodiment in the possible range.

  Alternatively, in each of the above embodiments, three or more transport conveyors may be connected to the transport conveyor 10.

  Alternatively, in each of the above embodiments, the plurality of transporting units 12, 13, 23, 33, and 43 are arranged side by side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of transporting units are arranged vertically. May be.

  Or in each said embodiment, you may make it employ | adopt a side belt conveyor as a product guide of the conveying means 12,13,23,33,43.

  Or in the said 1st Embodiment, the conveyance means 13 may connect 3 or more belt conveyors in series.

  Alternatively, in each of the above-described embodiments, when another small article group ZA3 is transferred between the small article groups ZA2 of the transport means 12 serving as a reference, most of the roll pans XA1 of the other small article group ZA3 are It is only necessary to be transferred between the small article groups ZA2 of the transport means 12 serving as a reference, and a roll pan XA1 of the small article group ZA2 of the transport means 12 serving as a reference is a part of the roll pan XA1 of another small article group ZA3. It does not matter if it interferes with.

  Alternatively, in the present invention, after the roll pans XA1 of the large article group ZA1 are densely packed, the small article group is separated and the position in the transport direction is shifted, and then the small article group is moved to the roll pan of the large article group ZA1. You may make it make it join the place where XA1 is scattered.

  Alternatively, in each of the embodiments described above, the case where a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor is provided as the conveying means has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a robot supply device may be provided as the conveying means. . Specifically, the robot supply apparatus includes a holding unit capable of holding a plurality of roll pans XA1 constituting the small article group. The holding means may be a suction means, a gripping means, or an arm supported belt conveyor. The belt conveyor supported by the arm can be freely moved in three dimensions by the movement of the arm, and the inclination of the belt conveyor can be changed by the movement of the arm. The belt conveyor supported by the arm intermittently travels in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 10 or in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport conveyor 10 (the orthogonal direction of the transport conveyor 10).

  The belt conveyor supported by this arm is arranged to be continuous downstream of the conveyor 10 and takes over the plurality of roll pans XA1 supplied from the conveyor 10. Alternatively, the belt conveyor supported by the arm is disposed on the side of the transport conveyor 10 in a direction that runs in an orthogonal direction, and moves so as to enter the transport conveyor 10 while being opposite to the moving direction. It accepts so that a plurality of roll breads XA1 may be sucked. As a result, the belt conveyor supported by the arm takes over the plurality of roll pans XA1 from the conveyor 10.

  The belt conveyor supported by the arm moves a plurality of roll pans XA1 from the conveyor 10 and then moves to a desired position, and then drives the belt at a desired timing so that the plurality of roll pans XA1 are moved. Merge to the original transport means.

  Specifically, when the belt conveyor supported by the arm intermittently travels in the orthogonal direction of the transport conveyor 10, the arm is moved in the orthogonal direction while the arm is moved in the orthogonal direction of the transport conveyor 10. Alternatively, by moving the belt conveyor in both directions, the plurality of roll pans XA1 on the belt conveyor can be transferred to the original conveying means. As a result, the plurality of roll breads XA1 join the original conveying means.

  Also, in the case where the belt conveyor supported by the arm intermittently travels in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 10, the arm is moved in the transport direction of the transport conveyor 10, the orthogonal direction, or while the belt conveyor is traveled in the transport direction. By moving the belt conveyor in both directions, the plurality of roll pans XA1 on the belt conveyor can be transferred to the original conveying means. As a result, the plurality of roll breads XA1 join the original conveying means.

1, 2, 3, 4 Alignment device 11 Distributing means 12, 13, 23, 33, 43 Conveying means 13a, 43a Conveying conveyor (intermittent conveying mechanism)
14 Guide means ZA1 Large article group (article group)
ZA2, ZA3 group of small articles

Claims (5)

A distribution means for distributing the supplied group of goods into a plurality of rows while dividing the group of small articles ;
A plurality of conveying means provided for each row,
By shifting the small article group that has passed through another conveying means to the reference conveying means, the position of the small article group that has joined the small article group of the reference conveying means is shifted. An aligning device for reducing a row,
At least one of the reference conveying means and the other conveying means includes an intermittent conveying mechanism that intermittently conveys the small article group,
The intermittent transport mechanism is configured such that the length of the transport path is variable .
Alignment device. In contact with the small article groups, characterized in that it comprises guide means for guiding to said conveying means and said small items products group reference of another of said conveying means,
The alignment apparatus according to claim 1 . In at least one of the reference transport unit and another transport unit, the position is shifted by increasing or decreasing the transport speed or temporarily stopping the transport speed.
The alignment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The another transporting unit shifts the position by taking a long transport path compared to the reference transporting unit ,
The alignment apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . Measuring means for measuring the length in the transport direction of the small article group in another transport means and the interval between the small article groups in the reference transport means;
Based on the measurement value of the measuring means, the small article group of another conveying means is joined to the reference conveying means so that the center of the length of the small article group is located at the center of the interval. It is characterized by
The alignment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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